Sports News: Cricket Highlights: Dravid's Coaching Philosophy, Pandya's Journey, Gill's Admission, and More

Rahul Dravid believes in creating a safe, secure, and caring place more than getting results himself while coaching the Indian cricket team. He believes in support for the captain's vision, building of bonds, and a culture that is free with challenging times—Dravid speaking about continuity to avoid instability with good processes leading to success such as preparation on a high level and support for players. According to him, if these things are fixed, winning would automatically follow. His tenure ended high with a T20 World Cup victory.

Starting out his ODI career under the leadership of Rahul Dravid in 2007, Rohit Sharma took 17 long years before he was to lead India to victory at the T20 World Cup—this time, himself at the helm as captain and the latter as head coach. He reflects on Rohit's growth, the player and leader. The dream that Dravid never had as a player was realized as a coach when, in Barbados, he guided India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title. Dravid also likes the ambition and continuous quest for improvement in Virat Kohli.

All the way back in 2007 and 2011, Hardik Pandya would celebrate India's World Cup wins like every other fan; cut to 2024, he would prove an integral part of India's win at the T20 World Cup, turning up with figures of 144 runs and 11 wickets. From the rough patch of IPL 2024, Pandya was cheered by thousands during Team India's victory parade in Mumbai. Reflecting on his journey, Pandya expressed his joy and gratitude for being part of the victorious squad, calling it a dream come true and a memory he will cherish forever.

The inexperienced Zimbabwe pulled off a stunning 13-run victory against the young Indian team in the opening T20I of the 5-match series here in Harare. Though the team did a good job by restricting hosts Zimbabwe to 115 for nine, Indian batting faltered and they were bowled out for 102 in 19.5 overs. Indian skipper Shubman Gill, who scored 31 runs, expressed disappointment in their batting performance and fielding standards. A spirited bowling performance by Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza, turned the game upside down as India suffered a surprising defeat; late efforts from Washington Sundar went in vain.

The new T20I team led by Shubman Gill lost by 13 runs to Zimbabwe in Harare. After restricting the hosts, Zimbabwe, to 115/9, with Ravi Bishnoi returning figures of 4/13 from four overs, India were seen-off for 102. Sikandar Raza and Tendai Chatara traded three wickets each for Zimbabwe. A shy start by the young Indian batters, including the struggling debutant Abhishek Sharma, left India mired at 28/4 during the Powerplay. The 21-run partnership for the ninth wicket between Gill and Dhruv Jurel was a bit of balm, but the Zimbabwe bowlers clamped down on things eventually to take a 1-0 lead in the 5-match series

Forthcoming announcements of the new head coach of India are due to be made by BCCI after the successful stint of the incumbent, which is Rahul Dravid. There have been reports that Gautam Gambhir might actually take up the mantle, but nothing has been confirmed yet. Gambhir recently bid adieu to his association with Kolkata Knight Riders, where he led them to two IPL championships as captain and returned to guide them to the title in 2024 as mentor. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah hinted on Wednesday that the new coach is likely to be in place for India's upcoming Sri Lanka series starting later this month.

After the win in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma spent a much-needed holiday with his wife and daughter. Finally, Rohit did what everybody was entitled to dream of: earn a World Cup win after coming extremely close in ICC tournaments many times in the past. The great reception that their undefeated campaign to the final, where they beat South Africa, ended with in India—one which involved meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a victory parade through Mumbai—was crediting to the great following by the fans. He credited it to the great following the fans gave, speaking of how those were some of those key moments that made it special, like Suryakumar Yadav's catch in the final over.

MS Dhoni turned 43 on Friday and still continues to be regarded as one of the greats in the game due to statesmanship that returned two World Cups for India. In the IPL, he currently represents Chennai Super Kings and recently clinched a record-equalling fifth title as captain before stepping down. His IPL future, however remains a subject of speculation with no official word yet. He recently celebrated India's victory in the T20 World Cup on Instagram, referring to it as a "priceless birthday gift," and thanked Rohit Sharma and the team.