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Tag: rohit sharma

  • Sachin Tendulkar Set To Boost Team India’s Spirits At T20 World Cup 2024 Clash Against Pakistan In New York | Cricket News

    The anticipation for the T20 World Cup 2024 is reaching fever pitch, and Indian cricket fans have another reason to celebrate. Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar is expected to be present at India’s highly anticipated match against arch-rivals Pakistan. This epic showdown is scheduled for June 9 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

    Sachin Tendulkar is likely to attend the India vs Pakistan match at New York in the T20I World Cup. [PTI] pic.twitter.com/ihjcVVvLeK — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 28, 2024

    Also Read: Kevin Pietersen Calls Ambati Rayudu A ‘Joker’ After IPL 2024 Final, Video Goes Viral – Watch

    The Master Blaster’s Presence: A Morale Booster

    The confirmation of Tendulkar’s attendance comes from a reliable source close to the International Cricket Council (ICC). The source revealed, “Yes, if all goes well, Sachin will be watching the match in New York and cheering the Indian team.” While it’s still uncertain whether Tendulkar will interact with the players before the match, his presence alone is expected to significantly boost the morale of the Indian team.

    Rohit Sharma and his squad will undoubtedly draw inspiration from seeing one of cricket’s greatest icons in the stands. Tendulkar, who remains the highest run-scorer in both Tests and One-Day Internationals (ODIs), has always been a beacon of excellence and motivation for Indian cricketers. His illustrious career, spanning over two decades, set the benchmark for the sport, and his support could be a pivotal factor in such a crucial game.

    Historic Rivalry Rekindled in a New Arena

    The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is legendary, often transcending the sport to become a cultural phenomenon. Matches between these two teams are always high-stakes affairs, laden with pressure and excitement. This year, the T20 World Cup has added a unique twist by hosting the marquee clash in New York, marking the first time these two teams will face off on American soil in a World Cup match.

    The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, situated on the outskirts of New York, is expected to be filled to capacity. Fans from both nations, along with a vibrant diaspora, will converge to witness this historic match. The electric atmosphere, combined with Tendulkar’s presence, promises an unforgettable experience.

    Standout Performances to Watch

    While Tendulkar’s presence is a major highlight, the players on the field will be the ultimate focus. Captain Rohit Sharma, known for his explosive batting and strategic acumen, will lead the Indian team. Jasprit Bumrah, returning from injury, will spearhead the bowling attack with his lethal pace and precision. Suryakumar Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal are also key players expected to make significant contributions.

    Pakistan, on the other hand, will rely on their own stars to counter India’s challenge. Babar Azam, one of the world’s top batsmen, will be crucial in anchoring his innings. Shaheen Afridi, with his fiery pace and ability to swing the ball, will aim to unsettle the Indian batsmen early on. The match is poised to be a thrilling contest of skill and nerve.

    Tendulkar’s Enduring Legacy

    Sachin Tendulkar’s involvement in cricket extends beyond his playing days. He has frequently been associated with the ICC and other cricketing bodies, often serving as a brand ambassador. His presence at key matches, such as the 2015 and 2023 World Cups, underscores his enduring influence in the sport. Even in retirement, Tendulkar continues to inspire millions. His journey from a young prodigy to a cricketing legend is a testament to his dedication, talent, and passion for the game. His upcoming appearance in New York is not just about watching a cricket match; it symbolizes the connection and respect he maintains with the sport and its global fanbase.

  • Amidst Divorce Rumors With Natasa Stankovic, Hardik Pandya Absent from Team India’s Departure for T20 World Cup 2024 | Cricket News

    India all-rounder and Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has had a difficult time in the last 8 months. He injured his leg while fielding off his own bowling against Bangladesh in the ODI World Cup game after which he was ruled out of the tournament. He missed many series for India as he recovered from the injury. Then, he took a decision which has brought him only hate not just on social media but also on the ground. The decision to come back to MI and then being named as captain has not gone down well with the fans.

    Hardik made his comeback at the IPL and was constantly booed by the crowd. It didn’t stop even at MI’s home pitch Wankhede. Instead, the volume of the booeing only grew. Hardik was terribly out of form throughout the season. The only good things that happened was that he was not dropped from the BCCI’s annual pay contract and was named in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad as well.

    As soon as the IPL came to an end, the rumours of his alleged divorce with wife Natasa Stankovic began to float on social media. Some of the activities of the two on Instagram have fuelled the rumours. They both have no more comments on each other’s post on Instagram. The ‘likes’ are also missing. Natasa was out in the streets of Mumbai and was quizzed about the divorce rumours and she remained silent.

    On the same night, Team India left for USA to take part in the T20 World Cup. Virat Kohli and Hardik were two big players who were not present at the airport. It is being reported that Virat did not go with the team because of some paperwork issues which will be sorted by the end of the month. But fans are speculating why Hardik was not present.

    There have been reports of rift between Hardik and India captain Rohit Sharma. The rumours of the divorce are already rife. Fans are speculating whether the rumoured divorce is the reason behind Hardik’s absence in Team India’s departure.

    Hardik made it to the 15-man squad for the World Cup on the back of reputation and not form. The selection committee hopes that India’s best fast-bowling all-rounder will come back to form in the mega event.

  • Rohit Sharma Was Reluctance To Include Hardik Pandya In Team India’s T20 World Cup 2024 Squad: Report | cricket news

    The Indian cricketing community has been abuzz with speculation and whispers of an internal rift, specifically between two of its leading stars: Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. This friction surfaced dramatically when the Mumbai Indians (MI) management handed over the captaincy reins to Hardik Pandya ahead of IPL 2024, replacing the seasoned Rohit Sharma. Despite the high expectations, Hardik’s stint as MI captain has been less than stellar, culminating in the team’s early exit from playoff contention.

    Hardik’s Underwhelming Performance

    The statistical narrative of Hardik Pandya’s IPL 2024 season tells a tale of mediocrity. Across 13 matches, Hardik managed to score just 200 runs with a strike rate of 144.93. His bowling figures weren’t much better, securing 11 wickets at an economy rate of 10.59. Such lackluster performances have inevitably fueled debates regarding his selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Americas.

    Selection Controversy: Pressure and Politics

    Reports from Dainik Jagran revealed that neither Rohit Sharma nor the BCCI’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar were in favor of including Hardik in the 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup. The crux of their argument was Hardik’s recent form and fitness levels, which did not justify his place in the team. However, it appears that external pressures played a significant role in his selection, with some sources hinting at top-level influences and the absence of a viable replacement as key factors.

    The Press Conference: Agarkar’s Diplomatic Response

    During a press conference following the squad announcement, Ajit Agarkar was directly questioned about Hardik’s inclusion despite his recent form. Agarkar responded diplomatically, emphasizing the lack of a like-for-like replacement in the current talent pool. This response, however, did little to quell the murmurs of discontent and speculation about underlying political pressures.

    The Bigger Picture: India’s World Cup Prospects

    India’s campaign at the T20 World Cup 2024 will see them facing stiff competition, starting with their high-voltage clash against Pakistan in New York on June 9. The squad, led by Rohit Sharma and with Hardik Pandya as vice-captain, has been under the scanner, with fans and pundits questioning whether internal team dynamics could affect on-field performance.

    Potential Impact on Team Morale

    The internal discord between Rohit and Hardik, if unresolved, could impact team morale. Videos and reports from the IPL season highlighted visible tensions within the MI camp, with players seemingly divided into factions. Such internal strife, if carried into the national team setup, could prove detrimental to India’s World Cup aspirations.

    Rohit’s Possible Retirement

    Adding another layer to this unfolding drama is the speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma’s future in T20 cricket. Reports suggest that Rohit might retire from the format post the World Cup. If true, this could signify a major transition phase for Indian cricket, with potential leadership changes on the horizon.

    Final Thoughts: Navigating Through Turbulence

    As India prepares for the T20 World Cup 2024, the focus should ideally be on strategic preparations and player form. However, the lingering issues between Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya cast a shadow over the team’s prospects. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the team can navigate through these internal challenges and deliver on the world stage.

    India’s T20 World Cup Squad

    Main Squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

    Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan.

  • ‘Rohit Sharma Won’t Be At MI Next Year…’: Wasim Akram Wants Star Batter With Gautam Gambhir At KKR | cricket news

    Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram wants to see Rohit Sharma play for Kolkata Knight Riders in the next Indian Premier League (IPL) season. He feels the India captain won’t be part of the Mumbai Indians (MI) squad next year after handing over his captaincy duties to Hardik Pandya in the IPL 2024.

    Many fans were disappointed this year not seeing Rohit Sharma lead the Mumbai Indians and they even suggested that the veteran batter moves to another team for the upcoming IPL seasons. Similarly, Wasim Akram also suggested that Rohit would be a perfect fit for KKR with Gambhir as mentor. (‘Suryakumar Yadav Has To Bat At Number 3 For India In T20 World Cup 2024’, Says Brian Lara)

    “I have a feeling he won’t be at Mumbai Indians next season. I would love to see him at KKR. Imagine him open there, Gauti as a mentor, Iyer as a captain, they will have a very strong batting unit, on That wicket. He bats very well on any wicket, he is that great a player. But it will be good to see him at KKR.

    Former star India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, the ambassador of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, came out in support of skipper Rohit Sharma, backing him to lead his charges to the title in the US and the West Indies.

    Yuvraj, who shared the Indian dressing room with the current captain, watching him rise from a precociously talented youngster to one of the leading lights of Indian cricket and a modern-day batting great, said Rohit’s leadership skills and ability to stay calm under pressure will be the key to India’s chances of ending their prolonged drought in ICC events.

    “Rohit’s presence is going to be very crucial. I think we need a really good captain, a sensible captain who takes decisions well under pressure. And he’s the one to take them. He was the captain when we lost in the (Cricket World Cup 50-over final (in 2023). He has won five IPL trophies as a captain. I think we need somebody like him to captain India,” Yuvraj was quoted as saying in a release by the International Cricket Council (ICC). (After Getting Controversially Out, Now RR captain Sanju Samson Fined 30 Percent Match Fees For Breaching IPL Code Of Conduct)

    India’s trophy drought at ICC events stretches back to the 2011 ODI World Cup, which saw the team lift the world title at home under the inspiring leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

    It has been a case of so near yet so far for India over the last few years in ICC events, with last year’s ODI World Cup bearing the latest illustration of the same. After running down rivals in round-robin and knockout stages, Rohit and his charges fell to an agonizing defeat to five-time champions Australia in the title clash, prolonging their wait for a world title.

    Be it the loss in the semi-final of the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the final of the ICC World Test Championship 2023 and last year’s 50-over World Cup, Indian cricket has suffered many heartbreaks at world events over the last few years. .

    Going into the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, the fans are counting on Rohit and his boys to go all the way, as opposed to falling at the final hurdle. The bond between Yuvraj and Rohit goes back to the Mumbaikar’s early days in the Indian setup. It’s no secret that Yuvi was one of Rohit’s closest friends in the dressing room and still is.

    Yuvraj was one of the stars in the India squad when Rohit made his debut for the country. It was at the fall of the southpaw’s wicket that a young Rohit stepped onto the international cricket scene in 2007, making his first appearance for the team with the willow against Ireland.

    Their cricketing ties came full circle in 2019 when Yuvraj featured in his final Indian Premier League (IPL) season with the Mumbai Indians under Rohit’s captaincy. Thereafter, Yuvraj announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in June 2019.

    Recalling his first impressions of the ‘Hitman’, who came to be a part of the Indian dressing room at the age of 17, Yuvi said he was struck by his humility, camaraderie and leadership qualities both on and off the field.

    “Very poor English. Very funny guy. From the streets of Borivali (in Mumbai), we always tease him. But a great guy at heart,” Yuvi said jokingly.

    “The more success he’s had, he has never changed as a person. That’s the beauty of Rohit Sharma. Fun-loving, always having fun with the guys, A great leader on the park and one of my closest friends from cricket. I really Want to see Rohit Sharma with a World Cup trophy and a World Cup medal,” the former India all-rounder signed off saying.

  • WATCH: Rohit Sharma Can’t Control His Laughter Following Question On Virat Kohli’s Strike-Rate | cricket news

    Team India cricketer Virat Kohli’s strike-rate against spin has been the hot topic of the town for a while now with pundits criticizing for struggling against spinners in the middle-over phase. However, despite the fingers being raised at him, Kohli has managed to score 500 runs so far in the IPL 2024 season with an impressive average of 70. His strike-rate of the season so far is 147.59, which is certainly not slow for the leading run-scorer of the tournament.

    However, the strike-rate of Kohli seems to be of no worry for Team India captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Both laughed off the criticism when a journalist asked them the question on Kohli’s strike-rate ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024.

    “He’s been in great form in the IPL, no concerns there at all,” Agarkar said stressing the need for experience in a World Cup campaign.

    “You’ve got to prepare knowing there’s a gap (between the IPL and a World Cup). That’s where experience does matter a lot. There’s no point over-thinking it.”

    Captain Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar started smiling when the Journalist asked about the Strike Rate of Virat Kohli. pic.twitter.com/QFqN1arkDf The Ajay Cric (@TheCric_AJAY) May 2, 2024

    “If the tournament turns out to be like how the IPL is, where (a score of) 220 plays (against) 220, I think we’ve still got enough in the team, the balance, all the power, then you can match. that,” he added. (ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Pakistan’s Full Schedule Of Matches, Timings, Venues, Dates)

    Over the years, Kohli has faced a lot of criticism over many aspects of his game. He has looked to improve himself every single time and then replying to these critics using the microphone also. He did the same on Sunday evening when he was asked about the numbers he creates and whether he thinks too much about it. Kohli ensured he spoke his mind this time as well.

    Responding to a question by a commentator on his cricketing numbers, Kohli took this opportunity to get back to his critics. Kohli said that he does not really listen to the talk about strike rates and always looks to win the game for his side. Taking a potshot at the critics, especially those with a microphone in their hand, Kohli said that it is easier to sit and talk from the box.

    Here what Kohli said, “All the people who talk about strike-rates and me not playing spin well are the ones talking about the stuff. For me, it’s about winning the games for the team and there’s a reason why you have done it for. 15 years, you have done this day in and day out, you have won games for your teams, I am not quite sure that if you have not been in that situation yourself, to sit and talk about the game from the box. , people can talk about the assumptions day in and day out, but those who have done day and day out, they know what’s happening and it’s a kind of muscle memory for me now.”

  • India’ T20 World Cup 2024 Squad: Who Are The Confirmed Names? Who Are The Contenders Vying For A Spot? , cricket news

    India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad: India’s selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar is going to have some sleepless nights ahead of the squad announcement for the T20 World Cup 2024. Except for a few names, one cannot for sure still say that this is going to. be the squad that will be in USA and West Indies for the mega event. There have been some outstanding performances in IPL 2024 which will make the job of the selectors even more tough. The tournament starts in June and the squad is likely to be announced by the start of May.

    Some of the names who are almost confirmed are veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav and Kuldeep Yadav as the leading wrist spinner. Arshdeep Singh has had a good IPL so far, so he should too make the cut. But there are still nine spots up for grabs.

    Will Hardik Pandya get picked?

    Hardik Pandya, the batting all-rounder, is not in great form either with bat or ball which is a huge concern. However, if he is bowling and batting without any discomfort, Hardik should make the cut. Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh are two names who are fighting for one spot in India playing 11 at the World Cup. But selectors may opt to take both of them to WC as backups for each other. Shivam should easily make it as he can bowl too.

    Three-way battle really for keeper’s slot

    The fight is for the wicketkeeper’s slot. There are six contenders in the form of Ishan Kishan, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Jitesh Sharma, Sanju Samson and Dinesh Karthik. But the real battle mostly should be between Pant, Samson and Rahul. One or maybe two of them could be picked, depending upon what roles they are told to play.

    The bowling department: Tough fight among pacers

    Kuldeep should definitely be the first choice wrist spinner. But India will need another spinner, maybe a wrist or a finger spinner. It could be a battle between Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal who make the cut.

    Then came the pacers. Apart from Bumrah and Arshdeep, India will need 2 more pacers. These two names are very hard to pick. Delhi Capitals’ Khaleel Ahmed, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s T Natarajan, Punjab Kings’ Harshal Patel, and even Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar have become contenders for the spot.

    With no Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj completely out of form, India will have to make a bold choice. Mayank Yadav can be a surprise and bold pick but also a risky one. He has an X-factor which is his extreme pace. But he also lacks experience.

    India’s likely T20 World Cup 2024 squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant/Sanju Samson/KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Two more pacers and one spinner

  • Rohit Sharma Tells Wankhede Fans To Not Boo Hardik Pandya, Video Goes Viral; Watch | cricket news

    Former Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Rohit Sharma was seen calming down the crowd at Wankhede during the IPL 2024 game between home side Mumbai Indians and visitors Rajasthan Royals. The match was won by RR but throughout the game the anti-Hardik Pandya slogans were heard in the stadium. Hardik felt he was playing in an away contest in his homeground in IPL as he was constantly booed at the Wankhede stadiums. It all started at the toss when commentator Sanjay Manjrekar asked the crowd to behave when the booed as soon as Hardik’s name was called.

    Also Read | IPL 2024: Sara Tendulkar Spotted Watching MI vs RR Clash At Wankhede Stadium, See Viral PIC

    But the crowd was relentless in their pursuit to prove that this team was still Rohit Sharma’s. Every time, Hardik’s name was taken in the stadium or he came on the big screen, the fans chanted ‘Rohit, Rohit’. Hardik could be seen visibly disturbed when the crowd booed once again as he dropped a catch.

    Even Rohit could see the hostile nature of the Wankhede crowd which he had not seen before in IPL for their own player. While fielding in the deep, Rohit made a gesture to the fans sitting in that section of the crowd to calm down. The cameras captured him doing this and the video went viral instantly.

    Watch Rohit asking fans not to boo Hardik below:

    Rohit Sharma saying crowd not to boo Hardik Pandya, Just gentleman things. pic.twitter.com/xSm6cRj3BO

    — Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) April 1, 2024

    Coming to the match, Mumbai produced one of the worst performances in years as they were restricted to just 125 for 9 in 20 overs. Trent Boult demolished MI’s top-order, reducing them to 20 for 4 inside four overs. Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya played knocks of 32 and 34 runs respectively to steady the innings but soon they too departed and MI kept on losing wickets from thereon, eventually finishing with just 125 on the board. RR too had a bad start but Riyan Parag played another fine innings of unbeaten 54 runs to see the team through as the visitors registered their third win on the trot.

    IPL 2024 Points Table

    Rajasthan Royals (RR) have jumped to the top of the points table with three consecutive wins to their names. They are looking in solid form. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have dropped to second spot followed by Chennai Super Kings at the third. Gujarat Titans are fourth on the table while Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants are fifth and sixth respectively. The bottom four teams are Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians.

  • Hardik Pandya SLAPS Stadium Tunnel Grill Amid ‘Rohit, Rohit’ Chants After MI Lose To SRH; Watch | cricket news

    In the heart of an electrifying IPL 2024 showdown between SunRisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium witnessed a spectacle that transcended the boundaries of mere sportsmanship. The clash, marked by a blitzkrieg of boundaries and a deluge of runs, left the crowd on the edge of their seats. Yet, amidst the cacophony of cheers and gasps, one moment stood out—a moment of raw emotion that encapsulated the trials and tribulations of professional sport.

    What a speed Pandya __ Faster than the blink _ #RohitSharma_ pic.twitter.com/G83ZjalBvx — Snigdha Sharma (@whySnigdha) March 28, 2024

    Pandya’s Agonizing Fury: A Tumultuous Journey Unfolds

    As the final whistle echoed across the stadium, signaling Mumbai Indians’ defeat, the cameras captured a riveting scene. Hardik Pandya, the newly appointed skipper, marched towards the dressing room, his demeanor reflecting a cocktail of frustration and determination. With each step, the chants reverberated louder—”Rohit, Rohit”—a stark reminder of the colossal shoes he was tasked to fill after Rohit Sharma’s illustrious reign as captain.

    A Captive Audience: The Unveiling of Pandya’s Turbulent Narrative

    The narrative surrounding Pandya’s ascent to captaincy has been nothing short of tumultuous. His transition from the Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians, coupled with the weight of leadership, invited a storm of criticism from fervent fans. The murmurs of discontent crescendoed into a deafening roar as Pandya faced his former team, Gujarat Titans, under the banner of Mumbai Indians. The spotlight intensified, casting a harsh glare on every move he made.

    The Resilience Amidst Adversity: A Glimmer of Hope

    Despite the relentless barrage of scrutiny, Pandya remains resolute in his belief in the team’s capabilities. In the aftermath of the defeat against SunRisers Hyderabad, his impassioned address to the team echoed through the corridors of the dressing room—a rallying cry in the face of adversity. He commended the valiant efforts of the bowlers, embodying the spirit of unity and fortitude that defines Mumbai Indians.

    A Beacon of Hope: The Path Forward for Mumbai Indians

    As Mumbai Indians language at the bottom of the points table, the road ahead appears fraught with challenges. However, amidst the gloom, there shines a glimmer of hope—the impending home fixture against Rajasthan Royals at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. For Pandya and his cohorts, this presents a golden opportunity to reclaim their stride and reignite the fervor of their loyal fan base.

  • Most Sixes In IPL History Record Belongs To T20 World Cup Winner; He Is Not MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard Or AB de Villiers

    MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma have hit 257 and 239 sixes respectively in Indian Premier League. The batter who has smashed the most does not play IPL anymore but he is still sitting comfortably at a distance.

  • 'This Is Clownery..': Social Media Furious After Ben Stokes' Ball To Dismiss Rohit Sharma Hailed By British Media As 'The Best In Series' | cricket news

    Ben Stokes decided it was enough waiting for the first ball in eight months. Wickets were hard to come by in Dharamsala and despite no nod from the team's physio, Stokes felt he needed to lead from the front and bowl a few overs. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill's partnership had already pushed England on back foot on day 2 of the fifth and last Test. England were desperate for a breakthrough and not many had expected that Stokes would provide that so soon.

    Also Read | After Rohit Sharma's 2nd Test Hundred Vs England, Geoffrey Boycott's Controversial Statement Is Viral Again

    The first delivery in 251 days from Stokes landed outside off at good length. It held its line before shaping away ever-so-slightly to hit the off. Rohit could not do much about it. That was a peach from one of cricket's greatest all-rounders. Rohit had a smile on his face as he walked back. He knew he had been done by an excellent delivery and he needed not regret the dismissal.

    Stokes was happy but he stopped himself from celebrating it in an animated way. However, his teammates were maybe impressed. Mark Wood had his hand off his head and a big shock on his face. Stokes bowled the first ball in 251 days and it worked. It cleaned up a batter who had faced over 160 deliveries and never looked like getting out.

    The social media was soon abuzz with reactions to Stokes. While many hailed Stokes for being a great leader and risking his injury to come and deliver the goods, many went on to call the delivery the best in the series. BCC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew went on to compare Stokes first-ball wicket to that Ian Botham's first-ball wicket after he came back from 63-day drugs suspension.

    “Ben Stokes provided an Ian Botham moment of scene-stealing drama to announce his return…,” wrote Telegraph's Nick Hoult.

    Stokes, who is going through a lean patch as batsman, began to get massive praise for this one ball. This was not appreciated by many Indian fans on social media, who reminded the world that Bumrah had bowled a screamer to Ollie Pope not long ago. Another Twitter user and a fan said that sports website talkSport called Stokes' delivery to Rohit as the ball of the series. That user ranted, “Last piece of rant for today..TalkSport called Stokes ball as the best ball of the series. I mean..Bumrah literally had stokes cleaned up in Hyderabad and then Pope in Vizag. These are just two of so many I can put across here. This is beyond delusion..this is clownery.”

    Check some reactions to Stokes receiving praise for this delivery to Rohit below:

    Last piece of rant for today..TalkSport called Stokes ball as the best ball of the series.

    I mean..Bumrah literally had stokes cleaned up in Hyderabad and then Pope in Vizag. These are just two of so many I can put across here.

    This is beyond delusion..this is clownery — Anuj Nitin Prabhu (@APTalksCricket) March 8, 2024

    IND bowler delivers a world class spell, runs through the middle of the ENG order Press: Bazball blah blah blah

    Ben Stokes bowls 5 Ok overs and gets one ball to misbehave off the pitch

    Press: THE GREATEST BALL OF THE SERIES! WHO WRITES HIS SCRIPTS!

    — cricketingview (@cricketingview) March 8, 2024

    Man for this insane PR Ben Stokes deserves the National Creator award Modiji… https://t.co/PUDigPjc5n — Varun (@wizardrincewind) March 9, 2024

    India are in a commanding position in the fifth Test, leading by over 255 runs on the morning of Day 3. The hosts are already leading 3-1 in the series and a 4-1 result looks almost certain now.