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The Hindu
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
The icing on the cake while covering a sport
More than a decade ago, my professor at journalism school advised us to always carry a few chocolates or an energy bar while we were on the field. This was to counter the uncertain world of day-to-day reporting, where both availability of food and windows to eat are erratic. However, I took up sports journalism, where a day is more structured. We know of events beforehand, and we usually cover a sport which has designated breaks for lunch and tea, and of late, even dinner. This has given us the opportunity to explore multiple culinary worlds. So much so that the lunch and tea spreads rank second in the list of our curiosities, just below the great sport itself. There are those who consider catering at stadiums as an enabler and not a main event. It helps scribes do their jobs without having to worry about filling their stomachs. It is a complimentary service, not a right. But cricket in India — at least at a majority of the stadiums — has such good arrangements for food that it has become an integral part of our experience. In this, I can say with authority — and can speak for a lot of others too — that Chennai and its iconic venue Chepauk ranks the best. It did when I worked there from 2012 to 2015, and it still did when I went back last year. During IPL 2024, one favourite dish was kalan pattani milagu peratal (mushrooms and green peas cooked in crushed black pepper and onion masala). It was rich and layered, in line with its long name and elaborate explanation. Bengaluru, my home city; Indore, widely regarded as the street food capital of India; and Ahmedabad, which I have visited often in the past two years, offer excellent spreads too. In fact, cricket reporters regularly upload photos of 'today's menu' on social media platforms, and two enthusiastic journalists even started a web portal to document each venue and the food it had to offer. A month ago, I landed in Leeds, United Kingdom, to cover the opening match of the ongoing five-match Test series between England and India. I had, of course, packed my usual set of ready-to-eat meals, but I was very much looking forward to the lunch and tea buffets at the famed cricket ground in Headingley. Mac and cheese and one boiled vegetable welcomed me on day one. With that, my bubble, which had swollen disproportionately because of years of pampering, burst immediately. The local press corps was upset with the cuisine too, and though things got better in the days ahead and the desserts were outstanding throughout, the first afternoon was a rough reminder that catering was indeed a service and not a right. My colleagues from other Indian media houses, who had past experience of covering cricket in England, assured me that I would be better off in Birmingham, the venue for the second Test. The West Midlands city has a significant Asian population and I was desperate to see that rich diversity reflect in my plate. The Industrial Revolution-era megapolis did not disappoint, with the first afternoon offering masala chickpea salad, Indian chopped salad, slow cooked carrots and broccoli, and home-made flavoured bread. To round it off, there was chocolate mint with chocolate mousse and egg custard tart, tickling my taste buds no end. Wimbledon, my last stop of the work tour, was predictable but perfect. From the menu to the chefs to the counter-managers in the media cafeteria, nothing had changed much since my first visit in 2019. The world famous strawberries and cream was inflation-proof from 2010 to 2024 at £2.50, and rose by 20 pennies only this edition. And like a champion tennis player's repeatable technique, the catering at the All England Club delivers every single time. A great service that everyone rightfully enjoys.
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India.com
07-07-2025
- Sport
- India.com
10 Big Players Traded To Mumbai Indians In IPL History: Hardik Pandya, Trent Boult, Parthiv Patel And...
photoDetails english 2928105 Updated:Jul 07, 2025, 11:42 PM IST 1. Hardik Pandya (Traded from Gujarat Titans) 1 / 10 Gujarat Titans traded their title-winning captain Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians for Rs 15 crore in an all-cash deal ahead of the IPL 2024 season. Pandya returned to MI, his original franchise, after leading Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in 2022 and this is considered as one of the biggest trades in league's history. It was a strategic move from Mumbai Indians to reclaim past glory but Hardik didn't have great success as MI captain in the last two IPL seasons. 2. Trent Boult (Traded from Delhi Capitals) 2 / 10 Delhi Capitals traded Trent Boult to Mumbai Indians for Rs 3.2 crore in an all-cash deal ahead of the IPL 2020 season. Boult's inclusion won MI the title in the very first year with the left-arm pacer taking 25 wickets, averaging 18.3 during the IPL 2020 season. 3. Quinton de Kock (Traded from RCB) 3 / 10 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) traded Quinton de Kock to Mumbai Indians for Rs 2.8 crore in an all-cash deal after his underwhelming 2018 season. De Kock scored 529 runs in 2019 and 503 runs in 2020 and formed a formidable opening pair with Rohit Sharma and contributed to MI's titles in both years, making this trade a masterstroke. 4. Parthiv Patel (Traded from RCB) 4 / 10 Mumbai Indians traded for wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of the IPL 2015 season. The move turned out to be fruitful for Mumbai Indians as Parthiv played a crucial role in MI's title wins in 2015 and 17 by providing the much-needed stability at the top of the order. 5. Dinesh Karthik (Traded from Punjab) 5 / 10 With Mumbai Indians needing a specialist wicket-keeper, the franchise signed Dinesh Karthik in a player-plus-cash deal with Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in exchange for R Sathish ahead of the 2012 season. Karthik's experience and batting prowess played a key role in MI's first IPL title win in 2013, making him a key trade acquisition. Karthik smashed 510 runs in 16 games during IPL 2013 season. 6. Pragyan Ojha (Traded from Deccan Chargers) 6 / 10 Pragyan Ojha was traded from Deccan Chargers to Mumbai before the IPL 2012 season. Ojha filled a critical gap in MI's spin department and made a huge contribution in MI's first IPL title win in 2013 by taking 16 wickets in as many games. 7. Jason Behrendorff (Traded from RCB) 7 / 10 A member of the Mumbai Indians' victorious 2019 IPL winning team, Jason Behrendorff returned back to the franchise in a trade deal with Royal Challengers Bangalore. His impact at MI was immediate with his performances in IPL 2023, as the Aussie pacer claimed 14 wickets in 12 outings as a new-ball specialist. 8. Zaheer Khan (Traded from RCB) 8 / 10 Zaheer Khan was traded to Mumbai Indians from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in exchange for Robin Uthappa ahead of the 2009 season. Zaheer picked six wickets in the 2009 edition and 15 scalps in the 2010 IPL edition, playing a major role in carrying MI to the final. 9. Shikhar Dhawan (Traded from Delhi) 9 / 10 Shikhar Dhawan was traded to Mumbai Indians in a straight-player swap with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) with Ashish Nehra going the other way. Shikhar played for MI for two seasons (2009 and 2010) and registered 345 runs in 19 games across the IPL and the Champions League T20. 10. Jayant Yadav (Traded from Delhi Capitals) 10 / 10 Jayant Yadav was traded to Mumbai Indians from Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2019 IPL season. Yadav played a crucial role for MI in the IPL 2020 final as he picked the wicket of Shikhar Dhawan and was their most economical bowler in the match with just 25 runs conceded as they cantered to a win.
Pink Villa
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
In Pics: Meet 24-year-old Indian cricketer Abhishek Sharma, who can give Bollywood actors a run for their money
He came for the runs and stayed for the hearts. India's cricketing scene has a long history of charming crowd-pullers, though few have exploded onto the scene with as much flair and fanfare as Abhishek Sharma. Once known purely for his skill with the bat, the 24-year-old now finds himself in the rare bracket of sporting celebrities who can give Bollywood's finest a run for their money. With record-breaking knocks, cheeky on-field comebacks, and a social media game on point, Abhishek is quickly becoming the face of India's next generation of sports icons. Abhishek Sharma: How he became SRH's powerhouse Abhishek Sharma's cricket journey began in Amritsar, where his father, a coach himself, trained him. He dominated the Vijay Merchant Under-16 tournament in 2015-16 with 1200 runs, then captained India to a U-19 Asia Cup win. IPL scouts took notice, and in 2018, the Delhi Daredevils signed him a week before India's U-19 World Cup victory. He debuted with a bang—46 off 19 balls—but it was with Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he moved in 2019, that he truly took flight. In IPL 2024, promoted as opener by Pat Cummins, he smashed 484 runs, including a record-breaking 63 off 23 in a 277-run team total. The fireworks continued in IPL 2025, where his 141 off 55 against Punjab Kings became the third-highest individual score in IPL history. He has since made a successful transition to the international stage, scoring a T20I century on debut against Zimbabwe. Charisma beyond the cricket Abhishek Sharma isn't just batting averages and blistering knocks, he's a bona fide heartthrob, with a popularity that rivals that of movie stars. With multiple charming (and now viral) Instagram posts, the All-rounder often has fangirls flooding the comments with heart emojis and love. According to OneCricket, even male fans can't get enough—cheering his every move on and off the pitch. That charm has also sparked dating rumors with fashion designer Laila Faisal, adding more spice to the stardom. His mock reply to Divesh Rathi's 'notebook sendoff' had social media crowning the move the 'coldest replies of the season,' per India Times. At 24, Abhishek Sharma is not just rewriting T20 records; he's rewriting what it means to be a cricket superstar.
India.com
06-07-2025
- Sport
- India.com
10 Major Trade Deals For MI, RCB, CSK, LSG, DC, KKR, RR In IPL History: Hardik Pandya To Cameron Green; Check Full List
photoDetails english 2927585 Over the years, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen numerous player trades. These trades, involving player swaps or all-cash deals, have changed the composition and strategies of the teams. Once again, the IPL trading window is open and five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have shown interest in bringing India wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson in their camp before the IPL 2026 season. In the past few weeks, the chatter linking Sanju with Chennai Super Kings has been prominent on social media. Several CSK fan clubs have been discussing the prospects of having Rajasthan Royals' captain Sanju Samson in their franchise during the IPL 2026 trade window. If Sanju indeed joins CSK, it will be one the biggest trade in IPL history after Hardik Pandya's unexpected move to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans. Let's take a look at list of all major trade deals for MI, CSK, RCB and others in IPL history: Updated:Jul 06, 2025, 07:32 PM IST 1. Hardik Pandya (GT To MI) In 2023 1 / 10 Gujarat Titans traded their title-winning captain Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians for Rs 15 crore in an all-cash deal ahead of the IPL 2024 season. This is considered as one of the biggest trades in IPL history. It was a strategic move from Mumbai Indians to reclaim past glory but Hardik didn't have great success as MI captain in the last two IPL seasons. 2. Cameron Green (MI To RCB) In 2023 2 / 10 Mumbai Indians traded Cameron Green to RCB for INR 17.5 crore to free up funds for Hardik Pandya's acquisition ahead of the IPL 2024 season. It was one of the most expensive trades in IPL history. Green's trade turned out to be a blessing for RCB, with the all-rounder scoring 255 runs in the 2024 season and taking 10 wickets at an average of 30.30. 3. Avesh Khan (LSG To RR) In 2024 3 / 10 Ahead of IPL 2024, Avesh Khan was traded to Rajasthan Royals from the Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 10 crore. Avesh picked 19 wickets for Rajasthan Royals during the IPL 2024 season. 4. Shardul Thakur (DC To KKR) In 2022 4 / 10 Kolkata Knight Riders traded for Shardul Thakur from Delhi Capitals for Rs 10.75 crore. Shardul's move to KKR didn't become fruitful as he picked only 7 wickets and scored 113 runs during the 2023 season. 5. Harshal Patel (DC To RCB) In 2021 5 / 10 Ahead of the IPL 2021 season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) traded for Harshal Patel and Daniel Sams from Delhi Capitals. This turned out to be his breakthrough season for Harshal, who took 32 wickets in 2021, equalling the record for most wickets in a season, establishing himself as RCB's lead death bowler. 6. Trent Boult (DC to MI) In 2020 6 / 10 Delhi Capitals traded Trent Boult to Mumbai Indians for Rs 3.2 crore in an all-cash deal ahead of the IPL 2020 season. Boult's inclusion won MI the title in the very first year with the left-arm pacer taking 25 wickets, averaging 18.3 during the IPL 2020 season. 7. Ravichandran Ashwin (PBKS To DC) In 2020 7 / 10 Ahead of the IPL 2025 season, Punjab Kings traded their captain Ravichandran Ashwin to Delhi Capitals for Rs 7.6 crore. Ashwin took 13 wickets and played a key role in DC's run to the 2020 final. 8. Robin Uthappa (RR To CSK) In 2021 8 / 10 Chennai Super Kings (CSK) traded for Robin Uthappa from Rajasthan Royals (RR) in an all-cash deal ahead of the IPL 2021 season. Uthappa played only 4 games during IPL 2021 season but he scored 115 runs and helped CSK win their fourth title. 9. Parthiv Patel (RCB To MI) In 2015 9 / 10 Mumbai Indians traded for wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of the IPL 2025 season. The move turned out to be fruitful for Mumbai Indians as Parthiv played a crucial role in MI's title wins in 2015 and 17 by providing the much-needed stability at the top of the order. 10. Quinton de Kock (RCB To MI) In 2019 10 / 10 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) traded Quinton de Kock to MI for RS 2.8 crore in an all-cash deal after his underwhelming 2018 season. De Kock scored 529 runs in 2019 and 503 runs in 2020 and formed a formidable opening pair with Rohit Sharma and contributed to MI's titles in both years.
The Hindu
05-07-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Yorker specialist T. Natarajan looking to relaunch himself
T. Natarajan was one of TNPL's first big finds. It was his exploits in the inaugural edition (2016), nailing yorkers, that helped him land his maiden IPL contract in 2017. Since then, Natarajan has represented the country in all three formats, establishing himself as one of the best bowlers in the death overs in the IPL. At the same time, the TN pacer has had to deal with his fair share of injuries. Following a successful IPL 2024, when he picked up 19 wickets for Sunrisers Hyderabad, he has had a tough time recovering from a freak shoulder injury. 'I broke a part of my bone near the left collarbone while training during the off-season last year. It is an extremely rare injury, and I was unfortunate,' says Natarajan. 'It could have been career-ending, but thankfully, I was able to overcome it without surgery. However, it took me nearly seven months to start bowling again properly.' The injury meant he bowled in just one game for Delhi Capitals in the recently concluded IPL, after being cleared only for the second half of the tournament. The 34-year-old is almost back to full fitness in the ongoing TNPL and has been key to his side IDream Tiruppur Tamizhans' run to the final, taking nine wickets at an economy rate of 6.35. 'I have become mentally accustomed to injuries. Every time I have a good season, I get injured. It is difficult, but I just work on myself, hoping to bounce back quickly. I am able to do this because of the love I have for the game.' This year in the TNPL, the left-arm pacer is enjoying bowling with the new ball, something he doesn't get to do often in the IPL. 'You gain experience through matches, and every bowler feels pressure in a T20 game. What the TNPL has allowed me to do is try out new things. It's been working out well so far, and I know I can bowl even better up front, but this is just the start,' he explained about his new role. Looking ahead, Natarajan hopes to play for Tamil Nadu in the upcoming white-ball competitions and take it as it comes. 'In whatever cricket is left in me, I want to enjoy and make good memories. I love the TNPL because I get to spend time with all these raw talents from districts and guide them through my experience.'
