Abhishek Sharma has emerged as one of India’s most promising young cricketers, showcasing his explosive batting skills in the shortest format of the game. Known for his aggressive stroke play and ability to clear the ropes with ease, Abhishek has steadily made a name for himself in T20 cricket. His recent performances have drawn comparisons with some of India’s finest power hitters, and his fearless approach at the crease has made him a player to watch out for in the future.

Heroics against England in the fifth T20I

Abhishek recently put on a batting masterclass in the fifth T20I against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The left-hander smashed a blistering 37-ball century, the second-fastest by an Indian in T20Is, only behind Rohit Sharma’s 35-ball hundred against Sri Lanka. His knock powered India to a massive total of 247/9, eventually lead??ing to a dominant 150-run victory as India clinched the serie??s 4-1.

Abhishek’s innings was laced with 10 sixes—the most by an Indian in a single T20I innings. His explosive partnership with Tilak Varma, adding 115 runs in ??just 43 balls for the second wicket, further highlighted his imp?act. The innings not only reinforced his reputation as a destructive T20 batter but also showed his ability to handle pressure on the big stage.

Also READ: Top 5 fastest T20I cen??turies by Indian bat??ters ft. Abhishek Sharma

How Brian Lara helped Abhishek perfect his six-hitting

Following his record-breaking century, Abhishek’s father, Raj Kumar Sharma, revealed the key influence behind his son’s incredible batting transformation—West Indies legend Brian Lara. In an interview with NDTV, Raj Kumar credited Lara for fine-tuning Abhishek’s bat swing and helping him master the art of six-hitti??ng.

“The credit for the way Abhishek swings his bat and hits shots goes to Brian Lara. Lara worked on Abhishek’s bat swing and improved his batting by making him play golf,” said Raj Kumar.

He further explained that former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh had ad??vised Ab??hishek to carefully follow Lara’s guidance.

“Yuvraj asked him to note down everything Lara said. Seeing his eagerness to hit sixes, Lara took him to the golf course and said, ‘This game will help you swing your bat,'” he added.

Also READ: Abhishek Sharma’s girlfriend: Star? India opener allegedly dating Laila Fai?sal

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Former West Indies captains Sir Vivian Richards and Carl Hooper recently took aim at Brian Lara, another legendary West Indies batter, over claims made in his recently published autobiography, “Lara: The England Chronicles.”

Viv Richards and Carl Hooper’s deep disappointment over “gross misrepresentations”

Lara’s controversial statement in the book grabbed many eyeballs when he narrated Vivian Richards’s intimidating personality and the dynamics of the dressing room, turning the colleagues’ relationship into an abusive and toxic trade.

He wrote, “Viv used to make me cry every three weeks, but he would make Carl cry once a week. Viv’s tone of voice is intimidating, and if you’re not strong enough, you can take that personally and be affected by it. Me, I was never really affected by it. In a way, I welcomed it because I was so much under his arm that I knew abuse was coming, and I was a strong personality. Carl? I know for a fact that Carl shied away from Viv Richards.”

In a joint statement, Richards and Hooper expressed their “deep disheartenment” over what they termed “gross misrepresentations” in Lara’s book. Their primary concern stemmed from Lara’s assertion that Richards’ leadership style involved harsh treatment of teammates, specifically claiming Richards made Hooper cry “once a week.”

Hooper denies Brian Lara’s claims

Hooper, who played alongside Lara for a longer period than Richards, vehemently denied Lara’s claims. He stated that Richards “never caused emotional distress” and consistently offered “encouraging mentorship and unwavering support.” Hooper described their nearly 40-year relationship as one built on “mutual respect and camaraderie.” The duo further criticized Lara’s portrayal of Richards as “a perpetrator of emotional abuse,” calling it “baseless” and “deeply hurtful.”

The joint statement stated, “Sir Vivian, as Mr Hooper’s first captain, has never caused emotional distress to Mr Hooper. On the contrary, he has always been an encouraging mentor and provided unwavering support. Their nearly 40-year relationship has been founded on mutual respect and camaraderie. The misrepresentation of their interactions in Mr. Lara’s book is a grave disservice to the truth and has caused undue distress to both parties and their families.”

Demanding retraction and apology from Brian Lara

Richards and Hooper further did not mince words in condemning Lara’s claims. They accused him of attempting to “profit from such deceit,” finding it “inconceivable” given Lara’s esteemed position in cricket. The statement concluded with a strong demand for a public retraction and a sincere apology from Lara, emphasizing the importance of setting the record straight “for the integrity of public discourse and their personal and professional lives.”

Also READ: West Indies legend Brian Lara picks the most talented cricketer of all-time

Limited overlaps and contrasting views

It’s worth noting that Lara and Richards only played in one international match together, an ODI in 1991. Lara, however, shared the field with Hooper more extensively. He even captained Hooper and played under his leadership throughout his career.

Lara’s book reportedly portrays Richards as intimidating while offering high praise for Hooper’s batting talent. He described Hooper’s elegance at the crease as something even senior players like Richards, Desmond Haynes, and Gordon Greenidge would stop and admire.

Lara wrote, “Man, what a player. The ease with which he batted brought out a kind of awe in us, and in all of us, even the senior players. You felt that when Carl went out to bat, they enjoyed it – Haynes, Richards, Greenidge, all these guys would stop what they were doing just to watch him.”

Also READ: Brian Lara picks the greatest fast bowler ever to play the game; sparks debate

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Brian Lara, often regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, left an indelible mark on the sport with his exceptional batting skills and unmatched elegance. Known for his impeccable technique and ability to score massive runs, Lara’s impact on cricket is monumental. He holds the record for the highest individual score in first-class cricket with an unbeaten 501* and the highest score in Test cricket with 400*. His ability to perform consistently against the best bowlers in the world made him a legend and an inspiration to many aspiring cricketers.

A career amongst greats

Throughout his illustrious career, Brian Lara played with and against some of the most talented players in cricket history. Legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Viv Richards, and Ricky Ponting were his contemporaries, each bringing their own unique style and prowess to the game. Lara’s encounters with these players produced some of the most memorable moments in cricket, highlighting the competitive spirit and camaraderie that defined the era.

Brian Lara names the most talented player of all time

Meanwhile, in a surprising revelation, Lara expressed his admiration for his former teammate Carl Hooper‘s exceptional talent, ranking him above even cricket legends like Tendulkar and himself. Lara highlighted the disparity in Hooper’s performance when playing versus captaining, noting that Hooper’s batting average significantly improved to nearly 50 when he took on the captaincy, indicating he thrived under the added responsibility. Lara found it unfortunate that Hooper only reached his full potential as a player when he was also the team captain, suggesting that his immense talent was not fully realized throughout his entire career.

“Carl was easily one of the best players I’ve ever seen. I would say that not even Tendulkar and myself would come close to that talent. Separate Carl’s career from playing to captaining and his numbers are very different. As a captain he averaged near to 50, so he enjoyed the responsibility. It’s sad that only as a captain did, he fulfil his true potential,” Lara ??wrote in his new book as quoted by ESPNcricinfo?.

Also READ: Brian Lara names two Indian stars who can break his 400-run Tes??t record

Lara unveils a fascinating insight of Caribbean team

Lara also revealed a fascinating insight into the dynamics within the West Indies cricket team, particularly the relationship between Carl ??Hooper and the legendary Vivian?? Richards. According to Lara, Richards had a special affection for Hooper, even more than for Lara himself.

“Now listen, it needs to be said that Viv Richards never cried down on a person because he didn’t want them to be great like him. His sternness was who he was, but he never wanted you not to do well. It was just how he was. And look, Viv loved Carl. Much more than he loved me, that’s for sure. But the way Viv shows love didn’t resonate with Carl,” added Lara.

Also READ: Brian Lara pick??s the greatest fast bowler ever to play the game??; sparks debate

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Brian Lara, celebrated as one of cricket’s greatest batters, has left an indelible mark on the sport with his elegant stroke play and formidable batting prowess. The Trinidadian left-hander’s career spanned over a decade, during which he mesmerized fans and confounded bowlers with his ability to dominate any bowling attack.

Brian Lara’s monumental record: The 400-run milestone

Among Lara’s illustrious records, his monumental achievement of scoring 400 runs in a single Test innings stands as a testament to his batting genius. Lara achieved this feat against England in 2004, etching his name in cricketing history as the holder of the highest individual score in Test cricket.

Close calls and near misses

Since Lara’s record-breaking innings, quite a few batters have come close to surpassing the 400-run mark in Tests. Players like Virender Sehwag, Chris Gayle, Inzamam-ul-Haq, and Sanath Jayasuriya have flirted with high scores but fell short of Lara’s milestone. The feat of scoring 400 runs remains a pinnacle that few have approached and none have surpassed.

Also READ: Brian Lara ?picks the greatest fast bowler ever to play the game; sparks debate

Lara identifies potential record-breakers

In a recent statement to The Daily Mail, Lara identified two young Indian cricketers who possess the potential to break his record. Lara mentioned Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill as players capable of achieving this monumental milestone in Test cricket. Lara highlighted their aggressive batting styles and suggested that if they find themselves in the right conditions, these talented batsmen could rewrite the record books. Further, the Caribbean legend also picked two English batters �Harry Brook and Zak Crawley �to break his extravagant record.

“How many aggressive players do you have playing today? Especially in the England team. Zak Crawley and Harry Brook. Maybe in the Indian team? Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill. If they find the right situation, the records could be broken â€?both of them,” said Lara.

Also READ: Au??ssie legend Brett Lee reveals the best bowler in the world across all formats

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Cricket fans around the world are buzzing after legendary West Indies batter Brian Lara ignited a fierce debate by declaring James Anderson the “greatest fast bowler ever to have played the game.” This bold statement comes just days before Anderson’s emotional farewell Test against the West Indies, scheduled to begin on July 10 at the hallowed Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Brian Lara’s choice: A master of swing and seam

James Anderson’s career is a testament to relentless dedication and exceptional bowling skills. Over two decades, he has established himself as a true force to be reckoned with. Holding the record for the most wickets by a pace bowler in Test cricket with a staggering 700 scalps, Anderson’s ability to swing the new ball with lethal precision and exploit even the slightest hint of seam movement has made him a nightmare for batsmen of all generations.

Brian Lara, a titan of batting himself and a player who faced numerous bowling greats during his illustrious career, holds Anderson in the highest regard. “He is the greatest fast bowler that has ever played the game,” Lara declared emphatically on Sky Sports. “It’s just his numbers are incredible and he has served England well.” Lara further praised Anderson’s professionalism and gracious acceptance of the decision to retire him from Test cricket, highlighting his unwavering commitment to the sport.

“I know he did not have that in mind (retiring from cricket), but I think he has accepted it. If that is the choice of his captain, coach and selectors, then so be it,” added the former WI skipper.

Also READ: Uncapped duo earn c??all-ups as England announces squad for first two Tests?? against West Indies

A spark for debate

Lara’s bold claim has ignited a passionate debate within the cricketing community. While some fans readily agree, citing Anderson’s longevity and consistently phenomenal bowling, others have pointed to legendary pacers like Sir Richard Hadlee, Glenn McGrath, Dennis Lillee, Wasim Akram and Kapil Dev. Discussions are swirling around eras, playe??r comparisons and the subjective nature of such pronouncements.

A farewell steeped in history

Regardless of the ongoing debate, James Anderson deserves a spectacular send-off for his phenomenal career. The upcoming Test against the West Indies will be a fitting farewell on the historic Lord’s ground, a stage where he has crafted countless match-winning spells. Whether Lara’s claim cements itself as the definitive truth or not, one thing is certain: Anderson’s place among the pantheon of cricketing greats is firmly established. The upcoming encounter will be a chance for fans to witness the final chapter of a legend’s journey and celebrate his remarkable achievements.

Also READ: Rob Key reveals James A??nderson’s new role for England post-retir??ement

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West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara has weighed in on the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, expressing his views on which team between Pakistan and the United States of America (USA) has a better chance of qualifying for t??he Super 8 stage.

Pakistan’s rollercoaster journey

Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, have had a tumultuous journey in the group stage of the tournament. After losing two out of their three games, Pakistan’s hopes of advancing now rest on the outcomes of other matches. In their opening game, Pakistan faced the USA and suffered a shocking defeat in a super over.

Their second game brought further disappointment as they failed to chase down a modest 120-run target set by arch-rivals India in New York on June 9. However, they revived their chances with a victory over Canada on June 11. The Men in Green are now set to take on Ireland on June 16 in their final group-stage match, needing not only to win but also? to rely on other results going in their favour. Pakistan are third in the Group A point?s table.

Also READ: Ahmed Shehzad rips apart Babar Azam over his poor stats in T20Is; labels Pakistan captain as ‘fake king�/a>

Also WATCH:T20 World Cup 2024: Suryakumar Yadav’s wife and Rohit Sharma display different emotions after the batter narrowly avoids dismissal in IND ??vs USA g??ame

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Team India have successfully secured a spot in the Super 8 stage at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. This achievement came after their victory over co-hosts USA in Match 25 of the 20-team tournament. The Men in Blue have been impressive, winning all three of their matches so far against Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA.

India’s underperforming openers

Despite their overall success, India have faced significant challenges with their batting, particularly the opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. This underperformance has led the team to rely heavily on their strong pace attack. During their 111-run chase against the USA, Rohit was dismissed for three runs off six balls, while Kohli, struggling to find form, was out for a golden duck. The team had to depend on Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube to secure the win.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s performance So far

Rohit started the tournament on a positive note with a half-century against Ireland but has not managed to build on that initial success. Kohli, on the other hand, has been in a rough patch, with scores of 1, 4, and 0 in the tournam??ent so far. The opening pair’s?? lack of form has raised concerns among fans and experts alike, with many calling for changes in the lineup.

Also READ: Fans request Virat Kohli to change his batting order as star batter’s terrible form in T20 World? Cup 2024 continues

Brian Lara gives his opinion

Meanwhile, West Indies legend Brian Lara has weighed in on the ongoing debate about India’s opening pair. Lara suggested that India should continue with Rohit and Kohli as the opening batters, emphasizing that changing the lineup could disrupt the team’s balance.

“Definitely, India had the option to play a left-right opening partnership. They went with two great players, two guys who’ve done a great job for India with the bat for their individual franchise as well in terms of the captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. I think they’ve got to stick with it as you just said if you do make changes on top, Virat Kohli has to come in the order a little bit lower and that’s going to upset things there,” Lara commented on Star Sports.

Lara’s Belief in Continuity

Lara further elaborated on his stance, expressing his belief that India should back their current opening combinatio?n. He acknowledged the challenging batting conditions in the USA but stressed the importance of consistency, especially when the team is winnin??g.

“I believe that the combination India is having and India has to back the two of them. At some point in time, they’re going to come good with conditions, the batting conditions in the USA were not the very best. I don’t believe you start making changes especially if you’re winning,” he added.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2024 – Demolition of Nassau County stadium in New York begins; know the reason behind it

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The T20 World Cup 2024 is set to captivate cricket fans worldwide as it kicks off in June. Hosted by the West Indies and the United States, this? edition of the tournament promises thrilling encounters and unforgettable moments. Teams from across the globe will vie for the coveted trophy, bringing their A-game to the shortest and most exciting format of cricket.

Expectations from fans

Cricket enthusiasts have high expectations for the T20 World Cup 2024. Fans are eagerly awaiting sp??ectacular performances, nail-biting finishes,? and standout displays of skill from their favorite players. The global audience anticipates a tournament filled with excitement, upsets, and the emergence of new cricketing stars. As the tournament approaches, discussions about potential semifinalists have intensified, with legendary cricketers weighing in with their predictions.

Brian Lara’s picks

Cricket icon Brian Lara has recently shared his predictions for the semifinalists of the T20 World Cup 2024. Lara, known for his deep understanding of the game and astute analysis, has chosen India, England, West Indies, and Afghanistan as his top four teams to r??each the semifinals. His selections reflect a mix of traditional powerhouses and emerging forces in T20 cricket.

Also READ: India or Pakistan? Kamran Akmal ?predicts the winner of the high-voltage clash at T20 World Cup 2024

Team analysis

India
Team India enter the T20 World Cup 2024 as one of the favorites. With a formidable batting lineup featuring stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and young sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal, India boasts a blend of experience and youth. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and spinners like Yuzvendra Chahal, is capable of restricting even the most aggressive opponents. India’s consistency in T20 cricket? and their depth in both batting and bowling make them a strong contender for the semifinals.

England
England, the current T20 World Cup champions, are determined to defend their title. Known for their aggressive batting style, England’s lineup includes power hitters like Jos Buttler, and Jonny Bairstow. Their versatile bowling attack, with the likes of Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid, a??dds to their strength. England’s dynamic approach to T20 cricket, coupled with their experience in high-pressure s??ituations, makes them a formidable force in the tournament.

West Indies
The West Indies, co-hosts of the tournament, are always a team to watch in T20 cricket. With a legacy of explosive batting and innovative bowling, they have the potential to dominate any opposition. Players like Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, and Andre Russell provide the firepower in the batting order, while bowlers like Gudakesh Motie and Alzarri Joseph off?er variety and skill. The home advantage and passionate fan support further bolster their chance??s of reaching the semifinals.

Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s rise in T20 cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. Their spin-heavy bowling attack, led by Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, can dismantle any batting lineup. The batting, anchored by experienced players like Mohammad Nabi and young talents like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, has shown signific??ant improvement. Afghanistan’s fearless ?approach and ability to punch above their weight make them a dark horse in the competition, capable of causing major upsets and securing a semifinal spot.

Also READ: Top 5 Fastest centuries in the T20 World Cu?p hi?story

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Cricket enthusiasts are expected to be glued to their screens as two of the most popular franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) – Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – face off in a crucial encounter. This match will determine the final team to qualify for the IPL 2024 playoffs. With Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) already securing their playoff spots, the focus is n??ow on this high-voltage game.

A must-win situation

For CSK, currently sitting with 14 points from 13 matches and a net run rate (NRR) of +0.528, the path to the playoffs is slightly less daunting. They can still make it to the playoffs even if they lose, provided their NRR does not fall below that of RCB. On the other hand, RCB, with 12 points from 13 matches and an NRR of +0.387, face a do-or-die situation. A victory is imperative for them to stay in contention f?or the playoffs.

Brian Lara names his choice

Adding to the pre-match excitement, West Indies batting legend Brian Lara has shared his opinion regarding who could be the possible winner of the upcoming clash. The Caribbean legend has thrown his support behind RCB, predicting their victory in this virtual knockout game. Speaking on the team’s prospects, Lara highlighted RCB’s impressive form and the crucial roles played by both seasoned and emerging players.

He pointed out that RCB is currently on a five-match winning streak, a feat unmatched by any other team this season and also noted the pivotal role of Virat Kohli, who is in exceptional form, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

“Well, it is not just form. I mean RCB has a five-match winning streak right now and no other team has done that this year. They have Virat Kohli, who is in hot form. But the most important thing is that other players are also playing their roles well which is important for the team’s success. So I think form is one thing,” said Lara as quoted by NDTV.

Also READ: MS Dhoni’s vintage tweet goes viral ahead of RCB vs CSK virtual kn?ockout in IPL 2024

‘Hunger is a critical motivator’: Lara

Lara spoke about RCB’s intense desire to win their first IPL title, which he sees as a driving force for the team. He believed this hunger is a critical motivator, especially in such a high-stakes match. Lara also highlighted the performances of senior players like Faf du Plessis and Mohammed Siraj, alongside Kohli, as essential components of the team’s success.

“RCB has never won the IPL and they seem to be hungry to win it. This match will help them reach the playoffs. This is a great opportunity, the team’s form is good, there is hunger to win and senior players like Du Plessis, Siraj and Virat are also performing well. Then the younger players are coming in, they will miss one or two, the ones who have left. But I believe RCB’s momentum as we have seen till now, it will keep taking them forward in this tournament. I have seen them playing live, against CSK, they will definitely win,” added Lara.

Also READ: ‘Is this MS Dhoni’s last IPL season?’ answers CSK batting coach Michael Hussey

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