Live chat with Harish Kotian at Olympics opening ceremony.
With Lord Ram and Ravan yet to cross paths, Ramayana: Part 1 saves two crucial characters for its closing moments, offering tantalising clues about the epic battles and adventures awaiting us in the sequels.
He informed me that on the first day of any shoot, he always questioned the director on the shot and their taking. If they got intimidated and accepted his suggestion without argument, he would continue offering advice through the making of the film.
Auqib Nabi proved unstoppable with the ball last season -- picking up 60 wickets in 10 matches at an incredible average of 12.56 last season to help J&K script history by winning its first Ranji Trophy title.
'I did not give up on acting; I was always open to it. I just wasn't actively chasing it for a period of time.'
Already, the knives are out for Gautam Gambhir because of his poor record as coach in Test matches, and a potential defeat in Sri Lanka could prove to be the killer blow.
'If I was with the team, I would pick bowlers who I feel can pick wickets and win matches for me with the ball.'
'Saransh is a very keen observer, he wants to keep learning.' 'He has the skills to be a top off-spinner, the way he releases the ball that is very good.' 'He is also mentally tough because he has played so much of domestic cricket.'
'If he had got the support, he would have finished in that legendary group of cricketers who have played 100 Tests for the country.' 'He never complained, but that might have gone against him because sometimes you have to be open and make your point clearly otherwise people take you for granted.'
From Arun Govil and Shobana to Vivek Oberoi and Kajal Aggarwal, meet the sprawling supporting cast bringing Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana to life.
'That has been the big factor behind me coming so far in my career.'
'I wish and pray that for the next 5-6 years he will become a pillar of the Indian team both in T20s and also in ODIs.'
'Mr Bindra stressed the importance of marketing the game which helped Indian cricket massively. Not only have state associations become self sufficient but the cricketers have also benefitted greatly.'
After this snub, it looks difficult for Shubman Gill at this point to make a comeback to the T20 team with plenty of talented young players waiting in the wings.
Clearly, Mahendra Singh Dhoni struggles as captain when it comes to Test matches overseas, as is being witnessed in Australia on the ongoing tour and in England last year.
Harish Kotian glances at the first day's play in the second Test between India and Australia.
'For him, win or defeat never mattered, he always told us to give our best and never worry about the results.'
'If a player who is not being selected after scoring so many runs in the IPL, then there is some other reason for his non-inclusion.'
For spin great Neetu David it was a culmination of a lifelong dream -- to see the India women's team finally end their wait for a World title.
'Just as Cricket Australia manages Mitchell Starc's workload to preserve him for key series and tournaments, the BCCI should ensure that our premier fast bowler is preserved for the most important contests.'
How well will Shubman Gill fit in the T20 team? Is it a gamble by the selectors in order to unite captaincy across formats? asks Harish Kotian.
'He will have no problems playing under any captain, he will still give his 100 percent for the team.'
Mumbai, infamous for its voter apathy, stepped out to exercise its franchise on Wednesday.
'We have done everything in our power to help him take his game to the next level and become a star player.'
'The brain would always react first, he was an intelligent cricketer, a good thinking cricketer.'
'He is one of the most complete cricketers you will ever see.'
'Maybe he got some indication from the team management that he is no longer in the scheme of things.'
'Will any coach think of keeping out Rohit and Kohli from the ODI team? That means there is something going on within the team against the two players.' Manoj Tiwary, who played 12 ODIs and three T20Is for India, said iconic players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli deserve greater respect.
'That is how he developed his concentration and focus.'
A cross-party delegation led by Congress MP Dr Shashi Tharoor is visiting key American nations to rally global support for India's counter-terror stance under Operation Sindoor, spotlighting regional stability and Pakistan-backed cross-border threats.
'It was tough to give up cricket. But I received very good guidance from my mother. She told me to become a nice human being, whether I am a good cricketer or not.'
'At this stage, I want a senior cricketer to take up the captaincy and see the Indian team through this transition phase.'
'When I played against Sindhu didi in China, I am happy I managed to play better than I did last time.'
'As a captain and a player, he never played for a draw, he always wanted to win.'
'I knew the finger was broken but I told the physio that I don't want to take any painkillers.' 'I was in very good rhythm and I just wanted to carry on.'
As hosts Russia and Saudia Arabia kick off the extravaganza, Harish Kotian and Ashish Narsale assemble a fascinating FIFA World Cup quiz.
'He is the best technically sound batsman I have seen till date and that too without a helmet.'
This crushing defeat is a major wake-up call for Team India. They now face the real possibility of losing a home series for the first time in over a decade, warns Harish Kotian.
'Kapil had faith in his team and the team had faith in its captain.'
The captain's missus was mighty impressed with the chocolate eclairs he baked.
