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India face USA riding on Surya’s infectious positivity

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By K.R. Nayar From Wankhede Stadium Mumbai. Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav walked into the press conference room 45 minutes after the scheduled time. The media waited patiently in the press conference room, with every seat taken. When Surya finally arrived, there was no apology—just a wide, disarming smile. And that was enough. In an instant, the irritation melted away. That’s the effect Surya has on people. Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav addresses the pre-match press conference He answers questions the same way he bats—light on his feet, smiling, often slipping in a cheeky one-liner. Yet, the pre-match press conference ahead of the opening game of the T20 World Cup he is defending was no casual affair. When this reporter asked whether playing so-called weaker teams, barring perhaps Pakistan, was an advantage or a disadvantage, Surya’s response was, “I don't see any weak teams in the competition. All 20 teams are very much capable of playing good cricket in this format. On a ...
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India ready, but uncertainty lingers as Pakistan question dominates captains’ meet

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By K.R. Nayar From Wankhede Stadium Mumbai. In the build-up to every World Cup, press conferences with captains usually follow a familiar script — questions about form, combinations, favourites, and star performers. But at the all-captains’ press conference held at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium on Feb 5, one question towered over all others: Would Pakistan take the field against India. The uncertainty wasn’t new. Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha had already addressed the issue during the captains’ press conference in Colombo, stating: “The India game is not in our control. It’s the government’s and Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision, and we respect that. We will do whatever they decide.” Naturally, when the spotlight shifted to Mumbai, the spotlight followed Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav. Bombarded with questions on the same subject, Yadav struck a calm and composed note. “I feel their decision is not in our control. We have been told to play a game on the 15th. We played...
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India stamp authority in high-octane warm-up against South Africa

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By K.R. Nayar From DY Patil Stadium For cricket fans across the globe, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is just three days away. And what better way to keep up the excitement than a high-octane warm-up clash between two heavyweight contenders? A mouth-watering India–South Africa warm-up at the DY Patil Stadium did exactly that, igniting anticipation and hopes among fans. This was not merely another preparatory fixture; it was a reunion of the finalists from the previous T20 World Cup, a tournament India had conquered in style. In this dress rehearsal too, India stamped their authority, emerging winners by 30 runs. There was no trophy on offer and nothing tangible to pocket, but this warm-up carried far greater significance — a chance to tick every box before the real battle begins. Over 40,000 passionate fans filled the stands, roaring their support. Team India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, walked in brimming with confidence after a commanding 4–1 home series triumph over New Zealand...
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I am honoured to receive the Mother Theresa International Award 2026

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 I am honoured to receive the Mother Theresa International Award 2026 for my contribution to sports on Saturday, Jan 31, in Kolkata. Renowned actor Rajpal Yadav, whom I adore as an actor, presented me the award. Honoured to join the list of past recipients of this award that includes Ajit Wadekar, Baichung Bhutia, Jagmohan Dalmiya, actor Rajesh Khanna, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and many other famous personalities from different fields
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Beyond the scoreboard: A Caravan Cricket Club final steeped in memory and legacy

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By K.R. Nayar  From Thiruvananthapuram A final is usually just a battle for the title. But the third edition final of the Caravan Cricket Club T20 tournament for the Hassan Shah and Ashok Varma Memorial Trophy was far more than a contest for a title. Played at the Kerala Cricket Association’s St Xavier’s Cricket Ground in Thumba, it became a celebration of memory, legacy and the enduring spirit of Kerala cricket. Kerala Cricket Associaton Secretary Vino d  S Nair and former BCCI Secretary S.K. Nair release '318 - Whispers of the Indian Test cap' during the final of the Caravan Cricket Club All Kerala T20 tournament The clash between Little Masters Cricket Club and Muthoot Microfin Cricket Club was intense and absorbing, with Little Masters eventually emerging champions by 45 runs. Yet long after the scoreboard settled, what lingered was the presence of men who once lifted Kerala cricket from obscurity and placed it firmly on India’s cricketing map. Gayatri Varma, wi...
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Gill, Gambhir, Jadeja and Ghavri launch ‘318 Whispers of the Indian Test Cap’ backed by Indian legends and international cricketers

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By K.R. Nayar  It was a book launch rendered unforgettable by the passionate cricket lovers of Rajkot, the city that gave India its very first Test cap holder, Amar Sinh.  The book, 318 Whispers of the Indian Test Cap, authored by me and conceptualised by Gopal Jasapara, was unveiled amid much warmth and reverence. The launch of 318 Whispers of the Indian Test Cap by Shubman Gill, Gautam Gambhir, Ravindra Jadeja and Sitanshu Kotak in the presence of Niranjan Shah, Jaydev Shah, Himanshu Shah and Karan Shah at the Niranjan Shah stadium.  It was an honour to have our book unveiled by Team India captain Shubman Gill, along with coach Gautam Gambhir and Rajkot’s favourite, Ravindra Jadeja, on January 13, 2026. Set against the iconic backdrop of the Niranjan Shah Stadium, on the eve of the second India–New Zealand ODI, the moment was made possible mainly due to the wholehearted support of Saurashtra Cricket Association officials Niranjan Shah and his son Jaydev Shah. Kars...
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