Ambati Rayudu gave up his favourite food to play for Team India

Not long ago, having being rejected by the selectors for failing to pass the yo-yo test, Ambati Rayudu has made a strong statement on his comeback journey and, it has now been felt by the Indian captain Virat Kohli that the Hyderabad batsman has solved the problem of No.4 spot in the one-day team.

A brilliant 100 in the 4th ODI against the Windies in Mumbai has taken Rayudu to a new high and status in the Indian team.

It has been a topsy-turvy journey for the 33-year-old this year. He had a wonderful IPL season for the title winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK) where he even slammed his maiden century. Riding on his red-hot form, he was picked for the ODI series in England, but before he could celebrate his selection, there was a shocker of sorts when he could not make the trip as he failed to pass the yo-yo test by a close margin.

However, he stormed back into the Indian team for the 2018 Asian Cup in Dubai. The Hyderabad skipper was one of the architects of Rohit-Sharma-led team which won the title by defeating Bangladesh in the final. It was then when for the first time, Rayudu was given a sense of security by head coach Ravi Shastri and captain Kohli that he would be batting at the top order.

What did Rayudu give up?

Ambati Rayudu, while speaking to the former Indian cricketers – Mohammad Kaif and VVS Laxman on Star Sports, recalled how he transformed his eating habits which helped him drastically in getting extremely fit which has become one of the important criteria to be in Team India these days.

Hailing from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, Rayudu revealed that he loves Biryani a lot and had to give it up in order to play for India again. He also went on to add that he hasn’t tasted Biryani from last three months.

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ICC picks Cricket World Cup Halloween XI

The world is celebrating Halloween today with spooky costumes and makeups that can send cold, fearsome vibes to anyone. It is mainly celebrated to dedicate the day to the dead, including martyrs, saints and all the faithful departed, as per the ancient tradition.

Meanwhile, even the International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken the opportunity to enjoy the day and has picked the Cricket World Cup Halloween XI which includes some fearsome players that have terrorised their oppositions for a long-long time.

The team consists of the players of all the generation with three women cricketers in it as well. The Halloween XI possesses the capability of beating any team in the game on any given day.

Players’ names tweaked

All the player’s name has been tweaked as the ICC Twitter handle came up with a unique idea. Sourav Ganguly and Graeme Smith will form the most dangerous opening partnership who have been named as ‘Sourav Ganghouly’ and ‘Grim Smith’ respectively.

The middle-order consists of South Africa women’s cricketer Laura Wolvaardt, Joe Root and Jacques Kallis with the likes of Kapil Dev, Shahid Afridi and Cameron White following them. In the bowling department, Dale Steyn has made it into the team and he will be assisted by India’s women seamers Jhulan Goswami and Shikha Pandey.

Some of the names in the team have been superbly tweaked on the occasion of Halloween by the ICC. While Kapil Dev has been changed to ‘Kapil Devil’, Afridi has become ‘Shahid Afraidi’. Similarly, Shikha Pandey’s name has been twisted to ‘Shriek-a Pandey’ and like Ganguly, Jhulan has changed to ‘Ghoulan Goswami’ hilariously.

Now that's a fearsome XI! #HappyHalloween pic.twitter.com/N5mYcsBetq

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) October 31, 2018

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Paul Heyman and Star Sports engage in hilarious Twitter banter over Virat Kohli’s tons

India captain Virat Kohli has been taking the world by storm with his consistent batting. He recently became the first Indian to score three consecutive ODI centuries during the ongoing five-match series against the Windies.

Not surprisingly then, his abilities to dazzle and entertain have earned him several admirers the world over: one of them happens to be the legal advisor of one of the most famous WWE stars.

Brock Lesnar’s legal advisor Paul Heyman recently applauded Virat Kohli for his exemplary accomplishments.

In a Twitter banter with Star Sports, the official broadcaster of India vs Windies series, Heyman acknowledged Kohli’s achievements and issued a ‘one-time’ pardon to the sports channel for borrowing his catchphrase.

Star Sports took to Twitter to post about Kohli scoring his third consecutive ODI century in Pune on October 27 using the phrase, “Eat. Sleep. Hit ??s. Repeat!”.

Heyman picked the tweet and had a humbling pardon for the broadcasters.

“I will give props to #KingKohli for his accomplishments, and therefore issue a one-time pardon to @StarSportsIndia for “borrowing” (ahem) from my catchphrase for @BrockLesnar #EatSleepConquerRepeat. Thou art pardoned by decree of #YourHumbleAdvocate. You are most welcome!” Heyman tweeted.

I will give props to #KingKohli for his accomplishments, and therefore issue a one-time pardon to @StarSportsIndia for "borrowing" (ahem) from my catchphrase for @BrockLesnar #EatSleepConquerRepeat. Thou art pardoned by decree of #YourHumbleAdvocate. You are most welcome! https://t.co/SRSy39heye

— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) October 27, 2018

Star Sports then took the banter up another notch, claiming in their next tweet that 29 year-old Kohli is nothing short of a ‘beast incarnate’ himself.

Some even call #KingKohli the 'beast incarnate'. But, we'll let you have that one!

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 27, 2018

But Heyman was not going to let go of this very easily as he responded back with a clever yet funny message for the Indian captain.

He tweeted, “In order for King Kohli to even consider being billed as The Beast Incarnate (property of @BrockLesnar, reigning defending undisputed greatest athlete in the world), he would have to have Paul Heyman as an Advocate. Star Sports India, I applaud your passion, for I am the GOAT!”

In order for #KingKohli to even consider being billed as The Beast Incarnate (property of @BrockLesnar, reigning defending undisputed greatest athlete in the world), he would have to have #PaulHeyman as an #Advocate. @StarSportsIndia, I applaud your passion, for I am the #GOAT! https://t.co/d4qFUZbN1b

— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) October 27, 2018

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Shikhar Dhawan set to return to Delhi Daredevils after 11 years

Shikhar Dhawan, who played for the Delhi Daredevils in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, is set to return to his home team after 11 years for IPL 2019.

According to a report in ESPNCricinfo, Dhawan, who was not retained by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)in the 2018 IPL auctions, is set to head out to Delhi in a swap deal that will see Vijay Shankar, Shahbaz Nadeem and Abhishek Sharma switch sides. This will be a homecoming for Shankar as he has been earlier been part of SRH. Both Abhishek and Nadeem haven’t played for any other team in IPL. In fact, IPL 11 was Abhishek’s debut season.

SRH bought back Dhawan in last year’s auction using right to match (RTM) card for INR 5.2 crore (approx USD 820,000) and ever since then, there were rumours that the Indian opening batsman was unhappy with the price and that apparently forced the franchise to release him.

Since Daredevils had bought the trio of Shankar (INR 3.2 cr), Nadeem (INR 3.2 cr) and Abhishek (INR 55 lakhs) for a total of INR 6.95 crore, Sunrisers would only need to pay the balance amount in cash.

Dhawan’s debut IPL season in 2008 was his first and last season with Daredevils before he moved to Mumbai for a couple of years and finally arrived to Hyderabad, initially playing for Deccan Chargers for a year before joining Sunrisers in 2013.

Moreover, Dhawan has been the leading run-getter for Sunrisers with 2,768 runs in 91 innings at an average of 35.03 and strike-rate of 125.13. In IPL 2018, he scored 497 runs at an average of 35.50. His strike-rate was 142.82, better than his overall strike-rate of 136.91.

The auctions for the 2019 IPL edition are set to be held on December 16.

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Pakistan, New Zealand squads for 3 T20 internationals

After completing an emphatic whitewash against Australia, Pakistan have further consolidated their position at top of the ICC rankings in T20 internationals. Pakistan are now set to host New Zealand for a full tour with the T20 leg starting October 31.

Ever since Sarfraz Ahmed took over as captain, Pakistan have won 26 of their 30 matches and the hammering of Australia was their tenth straight series win.

“We want to carry forward the winning momentum of the Australia series,” said Sarfraz during a press-conference.

Left-handed opening batsman Fakhar Zaman is still sidelined with the knee problem that forced him to sit out in the last game against Australia.

Sarfraz has admitted that New Zealand is just two points behind Australia in the ICC team rankings and having played three fewer matches, will be a tougher opponent.

“They (New Zealand) have a strong team with ideal batsmen for Twenty20 and a balanced bowling attack so we need to set the tone from the first game by winning it,” said the Pakistani skipper.

On the other hand, New Zealand also have hard hitting all-rounders in their side — Corey Anderson and Colin de Grandhomme, with pace attack spearheaded by Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne.

Kane Williamson says that his team need to be at their best to beat the top team.

“Obviously, Pakistan are a strong side,” said the New Zealand skipper.

He also admitted that opener Martin Guptill, who is out of the tour with a calf strain, will be missed. “He (Guptill) is obviously a world class player for us and a big performer.”

The two teams will also play three Tests and three one-day internationals after the T20I series.

Squads for 3 T20 internationals:

Pakistan:

Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan Shanwari, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Waqas Maqsood, Faheem Ashraf.

New Zealand:

Kane Williamson (captain), Corey Anderson, Mark Chapman, Lockie Ferguson, Colin de Grandhomme, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Seth Rance, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.

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ICC reprimands Khaleel Ahmed for giving a send-off to Marlon Samuels

Sania Mirza, Shoaib Malik blessed with a baby boy

Former Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik has announced the birth of his first child with wife Sania Mirza. He revealed the news on Twitter assuring fans that both the son and mother are doing good.

Excited to announce: Its a boy, and my girl is doing great and keeping strong as usual #Alhumdulilah. Thank you for the wishes and Duas, we are humbled #BabyMirzaMalik”, Malik tweeted.

Excited to announce: Its a boy, and my girl is doing great and keeping strong as usual #Alhumdulilah. Thank you for the wishes and Duas, we are humbled #BabyMirzaMalik

— Shoaib Malik (@realshoaibmalik) October 30, 2018

Sania, who got married to Shoaib in 2010, announced about her pregnancy in April this year.

In an earlier interview, the ace Tennis star had said that she and her cricketer-husband had decided that their child will have the surname ‘Mirza-Malik’.

“Today, I will tell you a secret. My husband and I have spoken about it and we have decided that whenever we have a child, the child will have Mirza-Malik as a surname and not just Malik. So that’s where we stand as a family including my husband. He actually wants a daughter,” Sania said.

Meanwhile, Shoaib recently played in the second and third T20Is against Australia in the UAE. Pakistan completed an emphatic 3-0 whitewash over Aaron Finch’s side on Sunday.

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India A team for the four-day games against New Zealand A announced

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced three India A squads for the tour of New Zealand set to take place alongside the tour of Australia.

The first of the three four-day games will likely serve as a warm-up game for the opening Test against Australia in Adelaide. Under the keen and observant eye of Rahul Dravid, the A side would be looking to adapt their game to the Australian conditions and pick up some tips from the veteran Indian batsman.

Unlike the tour of South Africa and England, where practice matches for the first team players were not a priority, the selectors have named an India A side with Ajinkya Rahane as captain for the first four-day game. Along with Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Murali Vijay and Parthiv Patel, all making a comeback to the Indian Test side, are likely to feature in the game to get accustomed to the Australian conditions. Hanuma Vihari and Prithvi Shaw have also been added.

Karun Nair will lead the side for the remaining two four-day games, with Mayank Agarwal, who has been dropped from the Test side despite not having played a game, also in the mix. Shubman Gill, who was in terrific form in the recently concluded Deodhar Trophy, has also made the cut, rejoining with his coach from the victorious U-19 World Cup campaign earlier this year.

India A Squads:

1st four-day game:

Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Murali Vijay, Prithvi Shaw, Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Rohit Sharma, Parthiv Patel (wicket-keeper), K Gowtham, Shahbaz Nadeem, Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini, Deepak Chahar, Rajneesh Gurbani, Vijay Shankar, KS Bharat (wicket-keeper)

2nd and 3rd four-day game:

Karun Nair (captain), Mayank Agarwal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, R Samarth, Ankit Bawne, Shubman Gill, Vijay Shankar, KS Bharat (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), K Gowtham, Shahbaz Nadeem, Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini, Deepak Chahar, Rajneesh Gurbani

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Twitter Reactions: Rohit Sharma, Ambati Rayudu, Khaleel Ahmed fashion 224-run rout of West Indies

A dominant India thrashed the West Indies by 224 runs in the fourth ODI to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-match series at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, on Monday.

Rohit Sharma and Ambati Rayudu struck centuries for India while young paceman Khaleel Ahmed took three wickets in India’s massive win.

Captain Jason Holder top-scored for the tourists with his unbeaten 54-run knock.

India had won the Guwahati ODI, tied the Vizag match and lost the Pune contest. The final match will be played in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday (November 1).

Here is how Twitter reacted to the match:

Clinical performance by India, today. Was good to see the bowlers stepping up as well and was particularly happy to see the spell from young Khaleel after top knocks from Rohit and Rayudu earlier #IndvWI

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 29, 2018

Good win for India. Rohit was a treat to watch , so was Rayudu and good effort from the bowlers. Khaleel Ahmed was very clever today. Now Thiruvanathpuram with the series open #IndvWI

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 29, 2018

A good all-round performance today by India. Khaleel Ahmed was brilliant in that spell and being a left-armer can become the third seamer for the world cup. Rayudu at 4 and Khaleel as third seamer might be few of the gaps that are needed to be filled #IndvWI

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) October 29, 2018

Ek se badhkey do! Congratulations @ImRo45 and @RayuduAmbati , Superb 100's. Keep it coming! #RohitSharma #AmbatiRayudu #INDvsWI

— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) October 29, 2018

Rohit Sharma beats the Windies #INDvsWI

— Gaurav Kapur (@gauravkapur) October 29, 2018

The ease with which you score your hundreds is a delight to watch, @imro45. #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/H9KwuOnkzS

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 29, 2018

Top knock mr sharma @ImRo45 and @RayuduAmbati bhai treat to watch

— Rahul Sharma (@ImRahulSharma3) October 29, 2018

Another Hitman special @ImRo45 n a special hundred by @RayuduAmbati !!#INDvWIN

— Mithun Manhas (@MithunManhas) October 29, 2018

Great knock by #AmbatiRayudu , excellent intent through out the innings, it’s amazing.. what the captain’s backing can do to a player’s confidence #INDvsWI

— subramani badrinath (@s_badrinath) October 29, 2018

1st ODI since 2006 and the Brabourne stadium gets to see a monumental innings from @imro45 and a huge Indian win. Another historic day for the stadium. #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/zlf78GYzOD

— VINOD KAMBLI (@vinodkambli349) October 29, 2018

The defeat had hurt. Collective effort. Well played Team India. Literally. And @ImRo45 was special.

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) October 29, 2018

A team man is one whom the entire team can bank on to 'Do' well and to get them past the line no matter what the situation is. Rayu'Du' as his name suggests has lived up to the reputation and has delivered what was expected of him. A magnificent #INDvWI

— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) October 29, 2018

India takes 2-1 lead in the ODI series with one match to go.#INDvWI #4thODI #WIvIND #TeamIndia #Cricket #TheCricketTimes pic.twitter.com/9UxnbTJh2S

— The Cricket Times (@CricketTimesHQ) October 29, 2018

Biggest wins for India in ODIs: (By runs)

257 v Bermuda, Port of Spain, 2007
256 v Hong Kong, Karachi, 2008
224 v Windies, Mumbai (BS), 2018*
200 v Bangladesh, Dhaka, 2000#INDvWI

— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) October 29, 2018

Congratulation #TeamIndia on defeating #WestIndies by 224 runs in #Mumbai ODI. Special thanks to Rohit Sharma @ImRo45 Ambati Rayudu @RayuduAmbati for scoring tons, & our bowlers Khaleel Ahmed, Kuldeep Yadav @imkuldeep18 #INDvWI

— Rajat Sharma (@RajatSharmaLive) October 29, 2018

Rohit Sharma becomes the first Indian cricketer to outscore the opponent score twice in ODI history….

— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) October 29, 2018

India's…
*third biggest win (by runs) in ODIs.
*biggest win (by runs) at home in ODIs.
*biggest win (by runs) against a Test side in ODIs. #IndvWI

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) October 29, 2018

Biggest wins for India in ODIs: (By runs)

257 v Bermuda, Port of Spain, 2007
256 v Hong Kong, Karachi, 2008
224 v Windies, Mumbai (BS), 2018*
200 v Bangladesh, Dhaka, 2000#INDvWI

— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) October 29, 2018

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Twitter Reactions: Ambati Rayudu scores his 3rd ODI ton; his first batting at No.4

India’s No. 4 batsman, Ambati Rayudu hit a blistering hundred against the West Indies in Mumbai on Monday. The 33-year-old reached his third ODI ton; his first at No. 4 with a single off the fourth ball of the 47th over.

After the departures of Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli, Rayudu added 211 runs for the third wicket with another centurion of the match– Rohit Sharma.

Rayudu’s previous century was an unbeaten 124 against Zimbabwe at Harare in 2015.

On Monday, Rayudu scored 100 off 81 balls at the Brabourne Stadium before getting run-out in the 48th over.

Here is how Twitter reacted:

Crucial knock and a well deserved 100 for @RayuduAmbati #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/WPSdlrbauR

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 29, 2018

Well done @RayuduAmbati top inn.. keep going #INDvsWI

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 29, 2018

Rohit Sharma is class. But feel delighted for Ambati Rayudu. He has a fantastic record and unless something drastic happens, he should be the No.4 that India have been experimenting with, for the World Cup #IndvWI

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) October 29, 2018

Good intent from India today. Nice collective effort with the bat. Rohit Sharma was a treat to watch as he always is when in full flow but a very important 100 for @RayuduAmbati and feel happy for him #IndvWI

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 29, 2018

Stand up and roar whistles for the super century by Bahubali Rayudu! Teaming up with Rohit Sharma and taking the blues to a mammoth 377/5! #WhistlePodu #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/18Uc9abtqc

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) October 29, 2018

Well played, Ambati Rayudu#INDvWI #4thODI #WIvIND #Cricket #TheCricketTimes pic.twitter.com/gleiWgrcmb

— The Cricket Times (@CricketTimesHQ) October 29, 2018

Ambati Rayudu is the great survivor of Indian cricket. Happy to bat anywhere, always contributing. You never write him off. Much to admire in him.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 29, 2018

Well, played HUNDRED by @RayuduAmbati! His third one in ODIs #AmbatiRayudu #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/tKj9hrkktn

— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) October 29, 2018

80 balls 100 for Ambati Rayudu.. Wat an innings it's been.. Superb… India's search for no. 4 batsman almost ends, the opportunity grabbed by Rayudu is truly commendable #INDvWI

— FAN (@manjit435) October 29, 2018

Congratulations to Ambati Rayudu for scoring 3rd ODI century .
By this century and consistency in this series I think the musical chairs which was been played for the 4 th position has been conquered by Rayudu .#INDvWI pic.twitter.com/V3RcEhyo3r

— Telugu Mohan (@mohan_telugu) October 29, 2018

Ambati Rayudu scores his 3rd ODI ton, his first batting at No.4

Rayudu had played a lot of cricket at the Brabourne Stadium when he was with MI. Made his IPL debut here

As a 16-year-old scored 177 for India Under-19 v Eng U-19. Looked classy

Got his due a little late#INDvWI

— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) October 29, 2018

ton for Ambati Rayudu who is the great survivor of Indian cricket. Happy to bat anywhere, always contributing. You never write him off. Much to admire in him. Always play for team a true selfless cricketer
4th odi #indvswindies pic.twitter.com/JsnEyVYdUs

— Anurag Khatkar (@i_m_khatkar) October 29, 2018

What an incredible innings from Ambati Rayudu! This guy is fixed for the no.4 spot. #INDvWI

— Mahalakshmi Krishnan (@imMahaaaVKohli) October 29, 2018

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Twitter Reactions: Rohit Sharma roars in Mumbai with his 21st ODI century

Rohit Sharma is back among the runs and that too with a bang as he slammed his 21st ODI century on Monday to move within one century of former India captain Sourav Ganguly’s record of 22 ODI tons.

The Indian opener in his first international match at the Brabourne Cricket Stadium, played with his trademark elegance and launched the ball in sky several times to reach the three-figure mark.

This is Rohit’s second century of the series and second against the West Indies. He continues to be fourth on the overall list of Indians with ODI centuries to their name. Sachin Tendulkar (49), Virat Kohli (38) and Sourav Ganguly (22) are those who are still ahead of “Hitman”.

The right-hander was finally dismissed after scoring 162 runs off 137 balls. His scintillating knock was laced with 20 fours and 4 boundaries.

Here is how Twitter reacted to the Hitman show:

Top man! HITMAN!!@ImRo45 brings up his 21st ODI ton, second in the series so far  #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/Vfrzz26Uxw

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 29, 2018

The ease with which you score your hundreds is a delight to watch, @imro45. #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/H9KwuOnkzS

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 29, 2018

Cheeky @ImRo45 Sharma #INDvWIN #INDvsWI

— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) October 29, 2018

Top knock @ImRo45 keep up the good work brother #INDvsWI

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 29, 2018

Such a treat to the eye, this innings from Rohit Sharma. Loved his back foot play against spin

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 29, 2018

7th 150 for @ImRo45 #beastmode

— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) October 29, 2018

@ImRo45 reaches another splendid century, and cutting loose as only he can. There!

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) October 29, 2018

Champion ton from a Champion man! Gooooooo @ImRo45

His 21st in ODI cricket and the first in Mumbai!!!#CricketMeriJaan #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/H7tlpYFR2z

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) October 29, 2018

#DidYouKnow: Only Rohit and Virat have managed to post a score past 150 twice in 2018 in ODIs

And @ImRo45 is the only batsmen in the world with 7 150+ scores in ODIs #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/LzmOvs7tEV

— cricketnext (@cricketnext) October 29, 2018

Virat Kohli scored a century in Rohit's 300th International game…

Rohit Sharma scored a century in Virat's 350th International game….

— Virat Kohli Virat Kohli (@ViratReal) October 29, 2018

Rohit Sharma becomes the fourth fastest to score 21 Centuries in ODI cricket….

— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) October 29, 2018

Rohit Sharma didn't disappoint his wife Ritika in Mumbai#INDvWI #4thODI #WIvIND #Cricket #TheCricketTimes pic.twitter.com/bX5qtkvrK4

— The Cricket Times (@CricketTimesHQ) October 29, 2018

Power of HITMAN
Love you vaiya @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/YuDeTkHI6U

— Syed Saheb Ali (@imsaheb02) October 29, 2018

100s in nine successive ODI series for ROHIT SHARMA:

1 in Champions Trophy
2 vs SL in SL
1 vs Aus in Ind
1 vs NZ in Ind
1 vs SL in Ind
1 vs SA in SA
1 vs ENG in Eng
1 in Asia Cup
2 vs WI in Ind #INDvsWI

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) October 29, 2018

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IPL 2019: Preity Zinta co-owned Kings XI Punjab appoint Mike Hesson as their head coach

The preparations for the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) have begun. While the IPL Governing Council is still pondering over where to stage the tournament following the general elections in India next year, the franchises have kept themselves busy in the trading window which is open till November 15.

Meanwhile, a major change has been made by Preity Zinta co-owned Kings XI Punjab in the coaching staff. Former Australia international Brad Hodge has been sacked as Punjab’s coach after their team failed to make it to the playoffs last season.

As per the reports in Mumbai Mirror, Mike Hesson will replace Hodge at the helm as the KXIP franchise is looking to make amends for a poor show earlier this year. It also remains to be seen if they release any of their star players for the 2019 IPL auction scheduled to take place in mid-December.

Who is Mike Hesson?

Mike Hesson is the former head coach of the New Zealand cricket team. He also coached Argentina and Kenya, and Otago in NZ domestic cricket. He was appointed head coach of New Zealand on 20 July 2012, taking over from John Wright in August for their tour of India, and later extensions to his contract would have taken him through to the end of 2019 Cricket World Cup, but Hesson announced his resignation in June this year, ending his tenure as one of the most successful coaches in the history of the national side.

Earlier, in May 2018, Hesson was also appointed as a coach representative on the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket Committee.

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Photos: Indian cricketers who celebrated Karva Chauth with their better halves

Karva Chauth is a festival of love where married women fast for their husbands’ safety and longevity. It’s a day-long fast that ends with the sighting of the moon.

The Indian cricketers too were joined by their better halves in celebrating this holy festival and they were all too happy to share the pictures of the time well spent on their respective social media platforms.

Here are a few of those pictures:

1.) Suresh Raina added a photo on Instagram with his lovely wife Priyanka, writing a simple caption, ‘#happycarwachauth’

2.) Bhuvneshwar Kumar was joined by his wife Nupur Nagar in Pune after Team India’s match against the West Indies

3.) Harbhajan Singh celebrated the festival with his wife Geeta Basra, wishing her well on Instagram

4.) After scoring the third consecutive ODI century, Virat Kohli then joined his wife Anushka Sharma in Pune. He had a lovely message for her on his Instagram, writing, “My life. My universe. Karvachauth.”

5.) Virender Sehwag celebrated Karva Chauth with his wife Aarti at their home in Delhi

6.) ‘Sixer King’ Yuvraj Singh enjoyed the day with the love of his life, Hazel Keech

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