🚨MUST READ 🚨
They lost ODI status. They lost funding. They watched the rest of the world race ahead.
But they never lost hope.
The remarkable story of how Netherlands women's cricket endured decades in the wilderness before earning a long-awaited return to the World Cup @aayushputhran
https://t.co/RIzTmAhacn
📚 NEW BOOK RELEASE - Chasing Like Dhoni
MS Dhoni’s greatest legacy is to make a generation of boys and girls from the hinterlands of the country believe that they can make it big in Indian cricket irrespective of where they hail from. In a society shaped by entrenched inequities, the sport has come to represent a level playing field, where talent seems capable of transcending inherited disadvantage.
With each season of the IPL, new rags-to-riches stories emerge, and hope proliferates for many: no matter what the life circumstances are, cricket will help them find a way out of generational woes.
If Rinku Singh from Aligarh, Yashasvi Jaiswal from Bhadohi and Minnu Mani from Choyimoola can, so can I. Led by this optimism bias, millions enter the race to become the next big star of the country.
Today, kids from Bhilwara to Baramulla, Morena to Mawsynram, Samastipur to Strait Island - barefoot or with Nike boots - are a part of this pursuit.
But in a country where less than 600 men and women have represented the national team in nearly a century, what sustains their drive as they navigate parental pressures, and financial, social and structural challenges to make their way to the top? How do these aspirants make sense of their dreams, struggles and sacrifices in this new IIT/UPSC-like race?
This is the story of the great Indian cricketing dream.
Foreword by @bhogleharsha.
‘Behind the headlights and highlights, the myriad, complicated truths about the subculture that is Indian cricket, told with detail, understanding and empathy.’ - Sharda Ugra
'This saga of Indian cricket from the bottom up teems with unforgettable characters, inspiring and harrowing stories, shrewd and measured observations, and a profound love of the game.' - Gideon Haigh
Club legend Cesar Azpilicueta will retire from football at the end of the season.
Congratulations on a superb career, Azpi, and thank you for everything. 💙
Dear football,
Today, I want to share with you that this season will be my last as a professional footballer. After so many years living my dream, I feel it’s time to start a new chapter in my life.
Being honest, even though I have been preparing myself for this moment, I found it hard to write this letter. After 20 seasons , many people have played an important role in my career.
When I first kicked a ball as a child in Pamplona with my schoolmates, I never imagined the amazing journey ahead. I’m grateful for every moment: the wins, the tough losses, the challenges, and most of all, the people I’ve met and the friendships I’ve made along the way.
To my teammates, coaches, and every staff member at all the clubs I’ve been lucky to be part of, thank you for helping me grow as a person and a player every day. Wearing the shirts of CA Osasuna, Olympique Marseille, Chelsea FC, Atlético de Madrid, Sevilla FC, and representing my country at the biggest stages has been a true privilege. Every moment has meant so much to me…
Punjab Kings opener Prabhsimran Singh has gained around 10kgs in recent weeks. The players have become laxed. They play games till the morning and avoid going to practice sessions. Players are missing flights, losing games. No wonder, they are going through a poor run of form.
#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: When asked if an alliance between the DMK and AIADMK could be formed, DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan says, "I don't know. There's no such idea as of now."
When asked if DMK will try to form the government, he says, "The Governor has given time until the 10th. We'll have to wait and see. If he (Vijay) can't form the government, we'll reconsider, talk to our allies, and decide."
On the possibility of outside support from the AIADMK, he says, "They (TVK) have 112 MLAs. They're trying. Let's see what happens. Only then can we think of an alternative."
Have said it once, i will say it again!
Who i was born to wasn’t my choice, thankfully I was born to parents that are beyond great.
Leadership is feeling empathetic towards another person’s struggles and enabling growth beyond barriers & that’s what my parents & teachers have taught me.
I want to live till the day, we stop talking about lineage or caste 🙏
Naalaiya Theerpu to Netraiya Theerpu!!
Congratulations to Thalapathy and his party for the fabulous result.
Good luck & I would love to go from being your super fan to a leader I would want to follow for what lies ahead.🤝🙏
Tamil Nadu may be heading for a 86% or higher voter turnout. Historic.... Congratulations to all the people of the State. If the final tally is 86% that would mean a clear 5% higher voter turnout than last time.
This usually means big anti-incumbency. Only point is, will the TVK take enough of the anti-incumbency votes to help the DMK retain power?