'Badminton at this level is a mental game.' 'Often just one or two points makes the deficit and often it's upstairs on the first floor that these things happen.'
Maharashtra batsman Vijay Zol, who led India to the Asia Cup crown last week, says his under-19 squad will not rest on its laurels and also try and win next month's Junior World Cup in the UAE, starting February 14.
Seniors like Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara came in for a lot of flak for their below-par showing with the bat, while Jasprit Bumrah also failed to live up to expectations.
'My father's dreams for me were connected to cricket.'
'I knew if I did well in cricket, his soul would rest in peace.'
'I am new to Kings XI, so it is going to be how we come together, how the team dynamics work and take it forward.'
Featuring Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, V V S Laxman, Mohammad Azharuddin, Sourav Ganguly, Vinod Kambli...
Harish Kotian offers a quick look at the six former players in the running to be selected for world cricket's most-sought-after job.
At the halfway point, after winning just two games out of seven, CSK are looking set to miss the play-offs for the first time in their history. Harish Kotian tells Captain M S Dhoni and Coach Stephen Fleming how to get CSK back to its winning ways.
Fearing legal trouble after the Bombay high court declared its IPL spot-fixing probe "illegal and unconstitutional", the under-fire Board decided to call off its Working Committee meeting in New Delhi on Friday.
In order to bring about a balance between bat and ball, the game's lawmakers - Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) - has recommended limiting bat size edges and depths. In addition, the MCC's World Cricket Committee, headed by former England captain Mike Brearley that met here for two days ending today, has also come up with the radical suggestion of introducing a football-hockey-like red card as punishment for violent acts on the cricket field.
Should Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan be dropped?
Former batsman Sanjay Manjrekar believes India's main concern at the ICC World Cup, starting next month, is the bowling in the final overs of the innings.
'You should do a detailed study on what exactly you want for the team looking at the season ahead.' 'If you are not clear with your plans, you will get carried away at the auction table,' says Pravin Amre, former talent scout chief at the Delhi Capitals.
Five tribal youngsters from Maharashtra's Dhule district will run the Singapore Marathon this Sunday.
The consistency of India's bowlers throughout the tournament disguised the team's batting problems till they were exposed in the semi-final against Australia.
"His involvement in any form of cricket, affiliated with the BCCI stands suspended till the time the disciplinary committee of the BCCI passes appropriate orders," it added.
Former captain Mohammad Azharuddin believes it is time the Board of Control for Cricket in India starts thinking about a new captain for the Test team following its disastrous showing overseas in the last couple of years.
What still motivates Leander Paes? How long does he intend continuing playing at the top level? Harish Kotian attempts to find out.
'Jay Shah's tenure as BCCI secretary ended in May.' 'Sourav Ganguly's tenure as BCCI president ended on July 26.' 'Why have they not quit?'
Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar believe that the T20 Mumbai League will benefit the youngsters in the city and also them give them an opportunity to catch the attention of the IPL teams.
'Sometimes we arrange a Zoom call just for him to say hello to the players, that's about it.' 'But otherwise, no, no direct talk, it's never happened, even in a normal year.' 'After the game, you win, you lose, SRK is there to encourage the team, give them hugs.'
Why didn't the BCCI CEO mention Pakistan in his letter?
'Athletes get Rs 600 daily for their diet.' 'My kids eat chocolates for Rs 600!'
Proteas captain Faf du Plessis tells Harish Kotian/Rediff.com why they had to take the big call of dropping the experienced Steyn against minnows Afghanistan.
'To destroy an attack like that, the only person in my time that I would put him with is Sir Vivian, because Sir Vivian used to go out there and destroy attacks like that.'
If India can boast of Virat Kohli then the West Indies have a far more dangerous player in Chris Gayle, who has achieved a legendary status in T20 cricket with his ability to win matches on his own on a consistent basis.
Help Virat pick his team. Be the selector, chose your playing 11 for the first Test.
Sachin: A Billion Dreams reveals how Greg Chappell's faulty tactics damaged India's chances in the 2007 World Cup.
Mumbai Indians' third IPL triumph on Sunday was largely down to a stellar contribution with the ball from the young fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.
'He doesn't leave any stone unturned in his preparations.' 'It is a treat to watch the way he pans and prepares for each format of the game.' 'The way he switches from one format to the other is simply unbelievable.'
'Rishabh Pant must have gone through tough times because of the expectations on him.' 'It is not always easy to step into the shoes of a legendary cricketer.'
'I am a private person but over time I have figured there are certain things people want to see, which people want to know.'
South Africa's worst fears were confirmed on Friday when premier fast bowler Dale Steyn was ruled out of the second Test match against India in Bangalore because of injury depleting their already-weakened bowling attack.
'The only issue for me as far as the Indian team is concerned is the batting.' 'When we lost in New Zealand, the batting was the major issue.'
'Everything else runs because of the IPL, there is so much money involved so the IPL definitely needs to happen.'
'... And give him the confidence and freedom to express himself.'
'If we don't win the series, then there could be something radically wrong with the team.'
'It is not that we took the decision out of some vengeance.' ' 'It was not that we dropped someone because we had some enmity with him.'
In an exclusive chat with Harish Kotian/Rediff.com, Sachin Tendulkar explains why he chose to launch the All-Stars League in baseball-crazy America. He also offers advice on the new aggressive attitude of India's up-and-coming young players, saying aggression should be reflected in the way you play the game.
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