News Analysis India

Tag: Saba Karim

  • WATCH: India Cricket Stars Seek Divine Blessings At Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar Temple On Makar Sankranti | cricket news

    After a resounding 2-0 lead in the ongoing IND vs AFG T20I series, the India cricket team stars, including Tilak Verma, Washington Sundar, Jitesh Sharma, and Ravi Bishnoi, embarked on a spiritual journey to seek blessings at the revered Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. The cricketers actively participated in the sacred ‘Bhasma Aarti,’ a ritual performed between 3:30 AM and 5:30 AM at the Mahakaleshwar Temple. Expressing their joy, the players shared with ANI, “It was a pleasure to be here and to take the blessings of Lord Shiva.”

    Tilak, Sundar, Jitesh and Bishnoi attend ‘Bhasma Aarti’ performed at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple in Ujjain.pic.twitter.com/jI7EO0zaNw

    — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 15, 2024 Bhasma Aarti: A Unique Tradition

    The ‘Bhasma Aarti’ involves ash offerings and holds significant religious importance. Conducted during the auspicious Brahma Muhurta, it is believed that the wishes of the devotees who participate in this ritual are fulfilled. The temple priest, Sanjay Sharma, explained the elaborate ceremonies performed, including a holy bath of Lord Mahakal with Panchamrit.

    Cricket Stars’ Testimony

    The cricket players, seated in the temple’s Nandi Hall, expressed their gratitude, stating that it was a pleasure to be present and receive the blessings of Lord Shiva. This spiritual visit came on the heels of their victorious encounter against Afghanistan in Indore.

    Cricket Triumph at Holkar Stadium

    Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube showcased stellar performances as India chased down 173 to secure victory in the IND vs AFG 2nd T20I at Holkar Stadium. Despite an early setback with the dismissal of skipper Rohit Sharma, Jaiswal, along with contributions from Virat Kohli and Dube, led India to a commanding win.

    Bhasma Aarti Goes Viral

    A video capturing the four cricketers, Ravi Bishnoi, Tilak Varma, Washington Sundar, and Jitesh Sharma, participating in the ‘Bhasma Aarti’ went viral on social media. The unique ritual, symbolizing the transient nature of life, resonated with fans.

    Tilak Varma’s Challenge

    While the cricketing stars soaked in the divine vibes, Tilak Varma faced cricketing challenges. Despite a commendable T20I record, competition within the Indian side, including the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, poses a challenge for him to secure a permanent spot in the playing XI.

  • IND vs AFG 2nd T20I: Will Virat Kohli Open With Rohit Sharma In T20Is? Saba Karim, Parthiv Patel Discuss Ideal Batting Position | cricket news

    As the T20 World Cup draws closer, the question of Virat Kohli’s batting position has become a topic of fervent discussion among cricket enthusiasts and former players. The upcoming tournament, set to take place in the West Indies and the USA, poses a unique challenge for the Indian team, especially considering the varied playing conditions they are likely to encounter.

    Also Read | Yuvraj Singh Questions R Ashwin’s Place In India’s ODI And T20I Team, Says ‘What Does He Bring With The Bat?’

    Former Indian cricketer and selector, Saba Karim, has expressed his preference for Virat Kohli to bat at No. 3 during the T20 World Cup, emphasizing the slow wickets that are anticipated during the Super 8s stage in the West Indies. Karim believes that in such conditions, a batsman of Kohli’s caliber can control the entire innings, ensuring stability and adaptability to the challenging surfaces. The strategic move is seen as a means to secure a solid foundation and navigate through the sluggish tracks that might demand a more measured approach.

    On the contrary, another former cricketer, Parthiv Patel, is an advocate for Virat Kohli opening the innings. Patel highlights Kohli’s stellar record as an opener in T20 cricket, underscoring his ability to set the tone for the innings and accumulate substantial runs. Patel argues that if Kohli is given the opportunity to face a significant number of deliveries, he has the potential to capitalize on the situation and post substantial scores, creating a strong foundation for the team.

    The debate gains further traction as India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, is believed to be backing Kohli to take on the role of an anchor at No. 3. Sharma’s support for Kohli in this position suggests a strategic move to stabilize the innings and counter the challenges posed by the slower pitches in the West Indies.

    The upcoming 2nd T20I against Afghanistan will offer a glimpse into India’s strategy, as Kohli is set to return to the playing XI after taking a break from the first match. It remains to be seen whether the team management opts for the No. 3 position for Kohli or continues to leverage his prowess as an opener.

    As India navigates the complexities of the T20 World Cup, the decision regarding Kohli’s batting position becomes a critical factor that could significantly impact the team’s performance. The clash of opinions between Karim and Patel mirrors the broader dilemma facing the Indian team management as they strive to strike the right balance between stability and aggression in their pursuit of T20 glory.

  • Saba Karim dismayed by Rajasthan Royals’ strange selection calls

    By IANS

    MUMBAI: Former India cricketer Saba Karim lambasted the Rajasthan Royals’ team selection, saying they urgently need “at least one quality spinner” in the playing XI, and added that some of their decisions defied logic in their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday.

    On Monday during the post-match press conference, Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson blamed his batters and bowlers for a woeful performance as they slumped to a seven-wicket defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Royals were eyeing a score of closer to 180 with Samson going great guns after scoring his half-century, hitting some powerful shots all around. But they could manage only 18 runs in the last three overs and eventually ended with 164/5 in 20 overs.

    On Tuesday, Saba Karim blamed RR’s dismal performance to team selection, saying, “They have also made some strange team selections. I can’t understand why they would have Rahul Tewatia and Mahipal Lomror as their fifth bowlers.

    “Both of them can only act as your sixth bowler. Their entire strategy of playing only with four quality seamers didn’t quite go well for them,” Karim told cricket.com. After having risen to fifth in the IPL points table, RR have slipped to sixth with eight points from 10 games following the loss at the hands of SRH.

    Karim felt that both Lomror and Tewatia have failed to exert pressure on the rivals, and gave away far too many runs against SRH. The duo gave away 54 runs in six overs on Monday evening. This season, RR spinners have bowled 50 overs and only taken six wickets.

    “You need quality spinners because you can’t always rely on your pacers. They might do well in the powerplay and death overs but you need good spinners at least in the middle overs,” opined Karim.

    Karim was also surprised with the fact that RR could only score 18 runs in the last three overs, and fell way short of the targeted score of 180 despite Samson slamming 82 off 57 deliveries. Yashasvi Jaiswal too chipped in with a 23-ball 36 but Evin Lewis and Liam Livingstone failed miserably, scoring 6 and 4 respectively.

    The Royals managed 164 in their 20 overs, which Hyderabad chased down in 18.3 overs, thanks to fifties from Jason Roy and Kane Williamson.

    “This is so surprising for Rajasthan. I was expecting them to pull this through and try to get into the playoffs and this will hurt them. Although Samson scored runs, the last three overs made a big difference. Sunrisers came back very strongly in the last three overs and gave away just 18 runs. That hurt RR in a big way.

    “Rajasthan not only have to now play up to their potential but even above that. I think they are suffering because some of their big players are not scoring runs. Lewis and Livingstone got out cheaply and the entire responsibility fell on Samson’s shoulders. He batted well but needed a power-hitter at the other end. If that would have happened, RR would have probably got 180 on this decent surface. They are suffering because the middle-order is not contributing,” said Karim.

    “I feel for Rajasthan because they are without three quality players (Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer), but having said that, they do have some freshness in their approach. But nothing can be done if your top players aren’t performing.”