Uncapped batter Simran Shaikh received a grand welcome from her family and locals in Dharavi after she became the most expensive buy at the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 auction. Simran made headlines as Gujarat Giants broke the bank to acquire her for Rs1.9 crore during the WPL 2025 auction, making her the most expensive player of the season. Excited locals gathered on the streets and burst crackers in celebration before the youngster's arrival. Her family members warmly welcomed her with garlands and cheers. Taking to X: Dreams Do Come True In Dharavi!Cricketer Simran Shaikh receives a grand welcome from her family members and locals in Dharavi.… pic.twitter.com/gd3HhirBMg — Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) December 17, 2024 Also Read: Rohit Sharma feels the doors of Indian team are open for this player along with Pujara Earlier in the WPL 2025 auction, a fierce bidding war between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants ensued for the uncapped batter. Starting with a base price of Rs5 lakh, Simran was eventually signed by the Gujarat-based franchise for a staggering Rs1.9 crore. Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Simran shared her aspirations and admiration for Virat Kohli. "My dream is to meet Virat Kohli once. I just want an India jersey, and that's why I'm putting in all this effort," she said. Reflecting on her journey, Simran acknowledged the support of her family and her determination to justify the franchise's faith. "I thank the GG (Gujarat Giants) family. After receiving such a huge amount, it's now my responsibility to perform for them. I thank my parents because, in my community, there isn't much support for such things, but they have always stood by me," she added. Simran, who played for Gujarat Giants in the inaugural season, featured in nine matches. Gujarat Giants' squad for WPL 2025: Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Dayalan Hemalatha, Harleen Deol, Laura Wolvaardt, Shabnam Shakil, Tanuja Kanwer, Phoebe Litchfield, Meghna Singh, Kashvee Gautam, Priya Mishra, Mannat Kashyap, Bharti Fulmali, Sayali Satghare, Deandra Dottin, Simran Shaikh, Danielle Gibson, and Prakashika Naik. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
18 December,2024 05:08 PM IST | Mumbai | ANITeam India skipper Rohit Sharma took to his official social media handle to pen down a joyous note to the country's spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin. "We’ve played together for so many years and created so many memories which I’ll cherish forever. You’ve been a match winner since match 1 & left a lasting impression on all the young bowlers coming through the ranks. I’m sure we’ll have a lot of upcoming young bowlers with the classic Ashwin action. You are a true OG & legend of Indian Cricket & World Cricket and this team will miss having you. Wishing the best to you & your lovely family for what lies ahead. โค๏ธ", wrote Rohit Sharma on Instagram. Taking to Instagram: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rohit Sharma (@rohitsharma45) The veteran made the decision after the third Test match against Australia which ended in a draw. Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin posts a video of his cricket journey Ravichandran Ashwin retired from cricket as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket history. With 537 wickets in 106 matches, he is only behind legendary spinner Anil Kumble who has 619 scalps. The veteran further said that he will continue to play club cricket. "I won't take too much of your time. Today will be the last day for me as an India cricketer," Ravichandran Ashwin said at the end of the drawn third Test here in a joint press conference with captain Rohit Sharma during which he declined to take any questions and left after making the announcement. Ravichandran Ashwin also featured in the day-night Test match in Adelaide in which he ended up taking one wicket. "He was very, very sure of his decision. We should stand by what he wants," said Rohit after Ravichandran Ashwin left the stage. The third Test match between India and Australia ended in a draw as rain yet again played a spoilsport. The five-match Test series between the sides is now levelled at 1-1. Dominating the Test format of the game, Ashwin ended his career with the record of the most number of player of the series awards. He is levelled at the top with Sri Lanka legend Muttiah Muralitharan, who also has 11 awards to his name. India's premier spinner enjoys the top spot on the list of fastest players to complete 350 Test wickets. The veteran took just 66 matches to achieve the milestone.
18 December,2024 05:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFollowing his retirement from international cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin posted a video on his official social media handle. "The love we give away is the only love we keep. ๐๐๐๐", read the video's caption. Taking to X: The love we give away is the only love we keep. ๐๐๐๐ pic.twitter.com/kfkGjGfNE7 — Ashwin ๐ฎ๐ณ (@ashwinravi99) December 18, 2024 The veteran made the decision after the third Test match against Australia which ended in a draw. Ravichandran Ashwin retired from cricket as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket history. With 537 wickets in 106 matches, he is only behind legendary spinner Anil Kumble who has 619 scalps. Also Read: Rohit Sharma feels the doors of Indian team are open for this player along with Pujara The veteran further said that he will continue to play club cricket. "I won't take too much of your time. Today will be the last day for me as an India cricketer," Ravichandran Ashwin said at the end of the drawn third Test here in a joint press conference with captain Rohit Sharma during which he declined to take any questions and left after making the announcement. Ravichandran Ashwin also featured in the day-night Test match in Adelaide in which he ended up taking one wicket. "He was very, very sure of his decision. We should stand by what he wants," said Rohit after Ravichandran Ashwin left the stage. The third Test match between India and Australia ended in a draw as rain yet again played a spoilsport. The five-match Test series between the sides is now levelled at 1-1. Dominating the Test format of the game, Ashwin ended his career with the record of the most number of player of the series awards. He is levelled at the top with Sri Lanka legend Muttiah Muralitharan, who also has 11 awards to his name. India's premier spinner enjoys the top spot on the list of fastest players to complete 350 Test wickets. The veteran took just 66 matches to achieve the milestone.
18 December,2024 04:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter ending the third Test match against Australia in a draw, Team India skipper Rohit Sharma feels that players like Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara can still make a comeback in the national side of the Test format. The third Test match between India and Australia ended in a draw after the weather conditions made it difficult for the game to push for results. "No, no, absolutely [I will miss them around]. Look, he has so much experience, he has won so many matches for India. So, if you want to look to your left or right and these guys are not there. By the way, Ajinkya Rahane hasn't retired, aap mere ko marwaoge yar [you guys will get me in trouble]," Rohit said in the post-match press conference. Rohit Sharma stated that the doors of Team India are still open for Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara in Test cricket. Also Read: "It made me a bit emotional...": Kohli pens down heart-warming note for Ravichandran Ashwin "I am saying as if all three have retired [chuckles]. Pujara too hasn't announced his retirement. You took the names of all of them together, that's why I was saying. They are not here right now. But I don't know, they can still come back, the door is open for them," the 37-year-old added. Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane were the backbone of the Indian batting lineup in the early 2010s and 2020s. Pujara represented India in 103 Tests, scoring 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, with 19 centuries and 35 fifties in 176 innings. His best score is 206*. Pujara has also played five ODIs for India. Rahane has also played 85 Tests for India, scoring 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, with 12 centuries and 26 fifties in 144 innings. His best score is 188. However, since India's historic win over Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane in January 2021, their statistics have taken a huge nosedive. Since that iconic victory, which also helped India gain an inspirational series win in Australia, Pujara has represented India in 22 Tests further, scoring just 1,084 runs at an underwhelming average of 29.29, with just a century and seven fifties to show in 40 innings. Rahane has also been disappointing since that famous win in Australia. In his later 16 Tests, he scored just 606 runs at a poor average of 22.44, with just four half-centuries in 27 innings. But Rahane had a great IPL 2023 with CSK, scoring 326 runs in 11 innings at an average of 32.60 and a massive strike rate of 172.48. He also scored two explosive half-centuries. Another IPL season like this could help Rahane stick around slightly longer than Pujara, who last played an IPL match back in 2014. Pujara has an incredible first-class record. In 258 matches, he has scored 19,812 runs at an average of 52.00, with 61 centuries and 77 half-centuries in 426 innings. His best score is 352. (With ANI Inputs)
18 December,2024 04:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTeam India stalwart Virat Kohli penned down an emotional note for his fellow teammate and one of the most decorated Indian spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin, who drew curtains on his illustrious international career. Ravichandran Ashwin and Virat Kohli have been playing together for 14 years. The duo has been part of some of Team India's famous victories as well as upsetting results. Ravichandran Ashwin who is with Team India in Brisbane shared a heartwarming moment with Kohli. The anticipation around Ashwin's retirement started to build up when he was captured visibly emotional and was hugged by Kohli on camera. Also Read: "I should be fine": Travis Head opens up on injury which he sustained during the third Test "I've played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you're retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. I've enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match-winning contributions to Indian cricket are second to none and you will always and always be remembered as a legend of Indian cricket," Kohli wrote on his social media handle. Taking to X: I’ve played with you for 14 years and when you told me today you’re retiring, it made me a bit emotional and the flashbacks of all those years playing together came to me. I’ve enjoyed every bit of the journey with you ash, your skill and match winning contributions to Indian… pic.twitter.com/QGQ2Z7pAgc — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) December 18, 2024 "Wish you nothing but the best in your life with your family and everything else that it unfolds for you. With massive respect and lots of love to you and your close ones. Thanks for everything buddy," he concluded. The crafty off-spinner was brief while announcing that Wednesday marked his last day as an international cricketer. "I don't want to make it about myself. This is my last day as an international cricketer. I've had a lot of fun. I have made a lot of memories alongside Rohit [Sharma] and several of my team-mates, even though we've lost some of them [to retirements] over the last few years. We're the last bunch of OGs, we can say that. I will be marking this as my date of having played at this level," Ashwin said in the post-match press conference alongside India skipper Rohit Sharma. With red-ball cricket being his forte, Ravichandran Ashwin featured in 106 Tests, picked up a whopping 537 wickets, including 37 five-wicket hauls, and amassed 3,503 runs. One can even argue that his contributions to Indian cricket are far greater than just what those staggering numbers indicate. (With ANI Inputs)
18 December,2024 02:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter his stunning performance in the first essay of the third Test match against Team India, Australia's swashbuckling batsman Travis Head spoke about his groin injury which he suffered during the match. Travis Head was also awarded the "Player of the Match" award for his stunning knock in the third Test match. The left-hander smashed 152 runs off 160 deliveries which was laced with 18 fours. He batted with an impressive strike rate of 95. "Feels like I batted quite a while ago to be honest. Happy to contribute, nice to get some runs and set us up in the first innings. Challenging wicket, worked through the gears well, pleased I was able to get through and set the team up. Was trying to sum up the conditions, feel like I've done that well in this series so far, very happy with the tempo I'm batting with. Pretty relaxed communication, feel like he (Smith) was in great rhythm, which gives me great confidence when batting with him, was a nice partnership, really enjoyed it. When I first get out there, I try and navigate different challenges, and solve different problems. Just a little sore but I should be fine (before the next game)," Travis Head said in the post-match presentation. Also Read: Mitchell Santner replaces Williamson as NZ white-ball skipper Travis Head's phenomenal knock made him the first batter to record both a King Pair and a century at the same venue within the same calendar year. His dominance against India is further highlighted by his remarkable stats. Head's flawless 152 pushed his Test tally against India past 1,000 runs. In 13 Tests and 22 innings, he has scored 1,107 runs at an average of 52.71, with three centuries and four fifties. Across all formats, in 30 matches against India, Head has amassed 1,707 runs at an average of 47.41, including four centuries and six fifties. Travis Head's performances against India have been exceptional. He has scored centuries in the ICC World Test Championship final, the ICC Cricket World Cup final 2023, and the series-levelling pink-ball Test in Adelaide, showcasing his knack for delivering under pressure. In his last 11 innings against India, starting from the WTC final to this Test, Head has scored 880 runs at an average of 80, including four centuries and two fifties, with a top score of 163. Recapping the fifth and final day of the Brisbane Test, India had been set 275 for victory as Australia declared their second innings after just 18 overs to set up a grandstand finish, with the tourists reaching 8/0 in reply before the inclement weather set in. The hosts declared their second innings at 89/7, leaving India with a minimum of 56 overs to chase down the victory target and claim a 2-1 series lead. Earlier, Akash Deep was the last wicket to fall as India was dismissed for 260 in their first innings early on the final day and the Aussies set about scoring some quick runs once the weather cleared and they finally got the chance to chase a positive result. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Deep bowled well to ensure none of Australia's batters got going, with skipper Pat Cummins declaring the hosts' innings shortly after he had been dismissed for a quickfire 22. (With ANI Inputs)
18 December,2024 02:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNew Zealand spin all-rounder Mitchell Santner has been appointed as the new white-ball captain by replacing Kane Williamson from the position. Kane Williamson stepped down from the role after the T20 World Cup 2024 in June. 243 international matches veteran Mitchell Santner will take the mantle of both the formats, ODI and T20I permanently. He has previously led the team in 24 T20s and four ODIs. The 32-year-old will begin his full-time captaincy tenure in the upcoming T20 and ODI series against Sri Lanka in late December and early January. The Sri Lanka marks the beginning of a heavy run of white ball cricket for the side, including an ODI Tri-Series in Pakistan in February, followed by the ICC Champions Trophy and a home T20 and ODI series against Pakistan to conclude the home summer. "It's obviously a huge honour and a privilege to be asked," said Santner in a NZC statement. "When you're a young kid the dream was always to play for New Zealand but to have the opportunity to officially lead my country in two formats is special. "It's a new challenge and I'm excited to get stuck into the important period of white-ball cricket that we have ahead of us." Also Read: Records with which Ravichandran Ashwin bid adieu to international cricket Mitchell Santner who recently led the side in T20Is and ODIs last month against Sri Lanka is just one of the four players who have played over 100 matches for New Zealand. He is also regarded as one of the top white-ball bowlers in world cricket. He first led the side in a T20 against West Indies at Bay Oval in November 2020 and became New Zealand's 24th ODI captain when he led the side in the only ODI against Scotland in Edinburgh in 2022. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said Mitchell Santner was a great fit for the role. "Mitch is a fantastic team man and leads by example in all facets of the game," said Stead. "He's an incredibly calm and collected personality and he has a huge amount of respect in the changing room, which will serve him well. "He's had plenty of experience leading the T20 side and did a good job when he captained the ODI team last month, so he already has a good understanding of what it means to lead the team." Stead further said the decision to hand Santner the mantle for both whiteball teams was one based on the needs of the wider team. "In Tom Latham we have an accomplished and experienced captain who has led the side admirably across all three formats. "Tom's doing a great job as full-time Test captain since taking over in October and we're keen to allow him to focus on that job which requires a considerable amount of time and energy." The three-match T20 series begins at Bay Oval on December 28. (With PTI Inputs)
18 December,2024 01:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOne of India's best spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin pulled curtains to his glorious international career. The veteran made the decision after the third Test match against Australia which ended in a draw. Ravichandran Ashwin retired from cricket as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket history. With 537 wickets in 106 matches, he is only behind legendary spinner Anil Kumble who has 619 scalps. The veteran further said that he will continue to play club cricket. Also Read: IND vs AUS 3rd Test: Drawn end to rain-interrupted Gabba Test "I won't take too much of your time. Today will be the last day for me as an India cricketer," Ravichandran Ashwin said at the end of the drawn third Test here in a joint press conference with captain Rohit Sharma during which he declined to take any questions and left after making the announcement. Ravichandran Ashwin also featured in the day-night Test match in Adelaide in which he ended up taking one wicket. "He was very, very sure of his decision. We should stand by what he wants," said Rohit after Ashwin left the stage. He was seen sharing an emotional moment with star batter Virat Kohli in the dressing room hours before the announcement. "A name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation," said the BCCI in its tribute post on X. Taking to X: ๐๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ค๐ช ๐ผ๐จ๐๐ฌ๐๐ฃ ๐ซกA name synonymous with mastery, wizardry, brilliance, and innovation ๐๐The ace spinner and #TeamIndia's invaluable all-rounder announces his retirement from international cricket.Congratulations on a legendary career, @ashwinravi99 โค๏ธ pic.twitter.com/swSwcP3QXA — BCCI (@BCCI) December 18, 2024 The third Test match between India and Australia ended in a draw as rain yet again played a spoilsport. The five-match Test series between the sides is now levelled at 1-1. (With PTI Inputs)
18 December,2024 12:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe rain-interrupted IND vs AUS 3rd Test ended in a draw, following which the series is still tied at 1-1. Team India were eight runs for no loss with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul unbeaten on four runs, each. They were supposed to chase a total of 275 runs when bad light and rain forced an early tea. Australia declared in their second innings for 89 runs for the loss of seven wickets. Team India's lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah claimed three wickets for 18 runs in six overs. He was shouldered by Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep who snapped two wickets, each. Also Read: Australian team surprised over India’s reaction to avoiding follow-on, says Nathan Lyon Pat Cummins took everyone by surprise when he declared the innings which left the IND vs AUS 3rd Test match to end in two ways. With more than 50 overs to bowl in the final session, Rohit Sharma-led India were left to chase the target of 275 runs. The IND vs AUS 3rd Test was hit by many rain interruptions throughout all five days. Earlier, India were all out for 260 in response to Australia's 445. Resuming Day 5 of the IND vs AUS 3rd Test at 252 for nine, India added eight runs in 24 balls. Australia gained a 185-run first-innings lead after Akash Deep was stumped off Travis Head's bowling in the 79th over. Australia's swashbuckling batsman Travis Head was named the "Player of the Match" for his stunning knock of 152 runs in the hosts' first essay. Brief Scores: Australia 1st Innings: 445 India 1st innings: 260 all out in 78.5 overs (KL Rahul 84; Ravindra Jadeja 77; Pat Cummins 4/81). Australia 2nd Innings: 89/7; 18 overs (Pat Cummins 22, Alex Carey 19 not out; Jasprit Bumrah 3/18, Mohammed Siraj 2/35, Akash Deep 2/28). India 2nd Innings: 8 for no loss; 2.1 overs. (With PTI Inputs)
18 December,2024 11:30 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAn aggressive Australia lost as many as seven wickets in a frenetic afternoon session before declaring at 89 for seven, setting India a 275-run target on day five of the third Test here on Wednesday. With limited time left in the day to force a result after majority of the morning session was rained out, the Australian batters came out all guns blazing without fearing for their wickets. Australia batted for 18 overs in the afternoon with Alex Carey (20 not out off 20 balls), Pat Cummins (22 off 10 balls) and Travis Head (17 off 19 balls) getting into double digits. A minimum of 54 overs were left in the day after Australia declared. India were eight for no loss in their second innings when rain forced an early tea break. Also Read: Australian team surprised over India’s reaction to avoiding follow-on, says Nathan Lyon Jasprit Bumrah (3/18) was brilliant as usual with Mohammed Siraj (2/36) and Akash Deep (2/28) offering good support. Nathan McSweeney (4) and Marnus Labuschagne (1) went after balls outside the off-stump and perished while Usman Khawaja (8) and Mitchell Marsh (2) fell to good deliveries. Wickets falling in a heap did not impact Australia's approach as they kept going for the big hits. Skipper Cummins chipped in with two sixes and as many fours before the declaration. In the morning session, lightening and subsequent rain allowed only 24 balls to be bowled. The warning of severe weather was flashed on the digital scoreboard at the Gabba shortly after India were bowled out for 260 in their first innings, handing Australia a lead of 185 runs. Akash Deep (31) was the last man out, stumped off a Travis Head delivery, bringing an end to a 47-run stand with Jasprit Bumrah (10 not out). The duo had done well to avoid the follow-on on day four. Players were asked to remain in the dressing room and fans were requested to take shelter away from the fence after the visitors were all out. Heavy rain followed and no play was possible in the session thereafter. The forecast is largely clear for Brisbane from Thursday onwards but the entire game has been adversely impacted by bad weather with rain forcing multiple stoppages for four out of five days. Only day two of the game was not impacted by weather as Australia coasted to 405 for seven on the back of memorable hundreds from Head and Steve Smith. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
18 December,2024 10:54 AM IST | Brisbane | PTIAustralia's veteran spinner Nathan Lyon said that a few of his teammates were surprised over the reaction of Team India for avoiding the follow-on on Day 4 of the third Test match. Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep's gritty run stand helped India to avoid the follow-on. After Akash Deep's unexpected four in Pat Cummins' over, a joyous reaction was seen amongst Virat Kohli, skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir. “There's a few of us who spoke about (how we're) surprised about their reaction. We have played well and driven the game to where we are. Frustrating but we are still sitting in the changing room 185 in front. I still feel if we bat well, we can push for an Australian win”, Nathan Lyon. “We can't control the weather. What we can control is our process. Especially against Jasprit Bumrah, he's been excellent this series. (India's reaction) looked like their top-order did not want to bat if we enforced the follow-on. Pushing to enforce the follow-on was pretty challenging with Josh out,” said Lyon to broadcasters Fox Sports during the rain break in day five’s play. With fewer overs bowled in the third Test match, Nathan Lyon also opened up about the weather disrupting the proceedings. Additionally, the Australians will miss the services of Josh Hazlewood as the bowler pulled a calf strain following which he could likely miss the remainder of the series. Also Read: IND vs AUS 3rd Test: Australia declare on 89-7, India need 275 to win “It's really frustrating. It's been the trend of the week. I still feel we have a lot of cricket left in the game. We just need the weather to go away.” “Mitch and Pat, they've been brilliant for Australia for a number of years and I'm very privileged to be part of this Australian bowling attack. Their work ethic is excellent. We pride ourselves on our fielding, and we did that watching the Australian guys before us.” Nathan Lyon also spoke about India using three different spinners in the series and he wishes to see Ravichandran Ashwin featuring in the last two Tests. “It's an interesting question. You've got someone sitting (on the bench) with 530-odd Test wickets and I'm walking to the ground, scratching my head saying 'What are you doing?'. He's proven that he is one of the world's best spin bowlers to ever play the game. I'm expecting Ash to play in Melbourne and Sydney.” “(It) more than surprises me. That's the quality of Indian cricketers they have in that squad. You've got Ashwin with 530-odd wickets (536) and then Jadeja over 300 wickets (319). It's pretty remarkable to see the quality of players sitting on the bench. It's a good headache to have.” “Nothing but respect. Just the way Ash has conducted himself on and off the field for a number of years now, and his skill set is incredible. We've got different opinions on different things, there's no right or wrong.” “But to have those conversations with a bowler like Ashwin is amazing. From different variations to different tactics, understanding what he's trying to do. We are both very different. So our conversation this morning was brilliant and I hope we have more through the series and in the future as well.” Nathan Lyon, who debuted in Tests in 2011, signed off by revealing the message he gave to himself before playing his first game for Australia. “Trust yourself. I was very lucky to be in the side I came into, with Michael Clarke as captain and a lot of great players in and around that team, to have that support." (With IANS Inputs)
18 December,2024 10:46 AM IST | Brisbane | IANSADVERTISEMENT
