'When the team is struggling, he is the one who wants to step up and play that important innings.'
India's carefully devised plan to triumph in England seems to be coming undone with injuries to their key bowlers.
Dinesh Karthik's experience got him the nod, says Harish Kotian, but Ambati Rayudu's exclusion is puzzling.
"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.
Featuring Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, V V S Laxman, Mohammad Azharuddin, Sourav Ganguly, Vinod Kambli...
'They are all worried about one thing -- what about tomorrow?'
The big stars who failed to live up to expectations and ended up disappointing not only their IPL franchises but also their fans.
'It is not due to my effort that I am sitting out of the team, it is due to the supply and demand that the team requires.' Ravichandran Ashwin tries to figure out why he is not being considered for the Indian team in ODIs and T20Is.
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.
'Getting used to the lights and the pink ball, especially early on, is the key.'
What are your thoughts on Shastri continuing as Team Director till the World Cup? Should the BCCI retain him?
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.'
What cost India a place in the World Cup final?
Ganguly, only the second Indian captain to take charge as the BCCI chief, sounded a pleased man on his first day at his new office at the BCCI head office
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.
The Master recalls it was his match-winning century on his 25th birthday.
Injuries, confusion over team changes and replacement players have compounded problems for India, who look bereft of a clear strategy and have stumbled after a good start at the World Cup.
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.
As Team India begins its campaign in the Champions Trophy, many await the outcome of the Virat Kohli-Anil Kumble tangle.
'When you looked at him even at that age, you could make out he was special.'
'We have five to six bowlers and everyone is different from each other.' 'Someone has got pace, someone has got swing, someone has got seam... we complement each other well.'
'That was a morning where if I wanted to fly, I would have flown as well.'
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.
'He showed what Test cricket is all about.'< 'It is not about hitting the ball and looking fancy out in the middle, it is about showing grit.'
Should India drop Rohit Sharma and bring in an extra spinner? Or should fast bowler Umesh Yadav make way for Amit Mishra?
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.
More runs from Virat Kohli. India winning the World T20 at home. A controversy-free IPL and more is what Harish Kotian/Rediff.com wants this year.
Harish Kotian evaluates Indian performances in the third Test.
'I believe that God has sent him in this world to just bat.' 'He only has to bat and the rest will follow for him.'
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.
What still motivates Leander Paes? How long does he intend continuing playing at the top level? Harish Kotian attempts to find out.
Harish Kotian evaluates the Indian team's performances in the first Test.
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.
After becoming the first Indian to win a pro title, Vijender Singh said the real journey starts for him now in his quest to become the World champion in the professional circuit.
'The West Indies' pace battery was lethal.' 'Watching Gavaskar, Gaekwad, Amarnath and Vengsarkar play against those bowlers I learnt so much.' 'Everybody was getting hit.' 'Someone got hit on the fingers, someone on the chest, someone on the face, but they all showed guts.'
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.
'I look to make a comeback in the Indian team,' Shanthakumaran Sreesanth tells Rediff.com's Harish Kotian.
Injuries have forced India to make changes to their winning combination. With Murali Vijay and Wriddhiman Saha returning home, the visitors are likely to field a new combination.
'I just want to keep learning and keep getting better.'
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