Cricket has shifted completely in the last 10 years. T20 cricket gives the game such a high economic drive that every other format lives in the shadow of it. With that said, people have constantly raised their voices and have made efforts to keep test cricket alive. We’ve seen some great test matches in the last 3 years. One of the biggest problems the game faces right now is scheduling. There’s so much cricket being played all over the world. The majority of it is franchise cricket. Franchise cricket brings the majority of the money to the game and every player wants to be a part of it because of how economically convenient it is. Now, these tournaments take a big window out of the calendar. That leaves very little time for international bilateral series.
South Africa cancelled the one-day international tour to Australia to make sure that all top South African Players are available for CSA’s newly announced T20 franchise league. It seems clear which way the game is heading. Although, we cannot solely blame CSA for choosing franchise cricket over international cricket. If they didn’t make that decision, they could’ve almost been on the verge of being broke. They require investment to kick off their new league and that could’ve only been possible if the investors were sure that the international South African players will be available for the league from the start. Opting out from the Australia series means South Africa might not qualify for the world cup directly and will have to go to the qualifiers first. That’d indeed be something to keep an eye on.
One great issue is the imbalance in international cricket. There are only 3 cricket boards that can sustain their cricket on their own. India, Australia and England. Everyone else is dependent on each other. For example- if India tours West Indies for a test series, West Indies will make so much money that they won’t have to play cricket for the whole year because of how bad their economic situation is. Boards other than the strong 3 find it difficult to ask their players to play for their country rather than their franchises because they cannot offer the kind of money these Franchises do.
Credits- wikipedia
Cricket has reached a tipping point now. With more games being played than ever before. Players retire from a particular format because they cannot see a way to play all formats and sustain. Franchise cricket taking a huge chunk of time out of the calendar. All these things have made a lot of administrators reach to a conclusion. They’ve planned to reduce the number of bilateral series. Especially ODIs. The future for ODI looks rather bleak. Test cricket is not going anywhere and the same goes for the Revolutionary T20 form. ODI format finds itself in a tough position because it seems irrelevant in today’s age. The quality of cricket is not the same anymore. It feels like an extended version of T20 cricket. The most prominent ODIs that we’ll see in the future will be the World Cup. Cricket has truly changed.
We Indians are fond of all things bright and extravagant, then may it be in terms of our festivals or food or celebrations or for that matter movies. Cinema has been the one binding force that possesses the power to unite nations through the guise of entertainment. It holds the string to weave stories and urge emotions and stir in us the latent passion we all possess for sports. Over the past decade, Indian cinema has shrugged off its cape of focusing on cricket and donned that of other, lesser-known sports. The driving force in the cinema of the past decade when it came to sports-centric movies has largely been athlete-driven with biographies and historically relevant sporting achievements being the order of the last ten years.
The Indian Film Industry, better known as Bollywood occupies probably the second spot in the list of most loved things by us Hindustanis. If ever it receives any competition, it is only by another one of the favorites, sports. While cricket is lives in every Indian’s heart, most them have their heart, body and soul dedicated to this game, there are also other games like hockey, tennis, football which an average Indian takes interest in. What happens when these two favorite meet together? Fireworks! Here’s a list of few of the best sports films in India which have enthralled and entertained audiences and made them hoot like crazy or cry with cry with sheer pleasure.
#10 – Mary Kom (2014)
IMDb – 6.8
The film follows the inspiring journey of Mangte Chungeijang as she struggles through the pressure of belonging to the marginalised Manipur state. When Priyanka Chopra donned the gloves to play the role of 6-time World Champion and 2012 London Summer Olympics bronze medalist, Mary Kom, the response was overwhelming. The film follows the inspiring journey of Mangte Chungeijang as she struggles through the pressure of belonging to the marginalised Manipur state. Her struggles are wonderfully portrayed by Chopra and even earned her a nomination for Filmfare Award for Best Actress. Kom’s story is powerful and emotionally poignant, making it an easy winner for the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
#9 – Iqbal (2005)
IMDb – 8.1
Iqbal is a 2005 Indian coming-of-age sports drama film written and directed by Nagesh Kukunoor. Produced by Subhash Ghai, under “Mukta Searchlight Films”, the story follows a cricket-obsessed deaf and mute boy from a remote Indian village as he aims to overcomes difficulties to become a cricketer and fulfill his dream of playing for the Indian national cricket team. The film received the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues. The film was screened retrospective on 18 August 2016 at the Independence Day Film Festival jointly presented by the Indian Directorate of Film Festivals and Ministry of Defense, commemorating 70th Indian Independence Day.
#8 – Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal (2007)
IMDb – 5
Directed by Vivek Agnihotri, this movie released in 2007 and had a star cast of John Abraham, Bipasha Basu and Arshad Warsi. The story was more on patriotic lines, it was about this football club in England which every other British rival club disliked. In spite of in numerous prejudices and other things working against them, this club still managed to win the match as well as hearts of people.
#7 – Lagaan – Once Upon a Time in India (2001)
IMDb – 8.1
This movie which released in 2001 and was directed by Ashutosh Gowariker with Aamir Khan and Gracy Singh as protagonists captured the hearts of one and all. This film is about a drought ridden village which has been suppressed under the burden of land tax for a long time, when one lad comes to the forefront and asks for the waiver of the same. He challenges the British to a game of Cricket which incidentally none of his villagers including him, know how to play. For many this movie brought back memories of the freedom struggle and its underlying plots were received with much acclamation and applaud from all.
#6 – Mukkabbaaz (2017)
IMDb – 8
The film chronicles the story of a boxer, who falls in love with a Brahmin girl. The film then sets out on the journey of the underdog who fights the corrupt system, deep-rooted casteism and societal pressure for his boxing dreams and love. The film chronicles the story of a boxer, who falls in love with a Brahmin girl. Things take a turn when he lands a punch to the head of the boxing federation and politician-gangster, Bhagwan Das.
#5 – Dangal (2016)
IMDb – 8.4
The story of Dangal focusses on the life of Mahavir Singh Phogat, who goes on to break social stigmas to train his girls, more famously, the Phogat sisters for the Commonwealth Games. The Aamir Khan blockbuster film sets a new bar for sports-centered movies in the country owing to the power-packed performance by Khan assisted by a supremely dedicated ensemble cast. The story of Dangal focusses on the life of Mahavir Singh Phogat, who goes on to break social stigmas to train his girls, more famously, the Phogat sisters for the Commonwealth Games. The film discusses important social issues whilst using the backdrop of sports and the politics and stigmas attached to it. Once again, Dangal is a movie that inspires with its sheer power of performance and will inevitably make you feel patriotic by the end of it.
#4 – Paan Singh Tomar (2010)
IMDb – 8.2
Dhulia’s movie was a sleeper hit which also had Nawauddin Siddiqui playing a key role as a police informer. Made on a shoestring budget, Paan Singh Tomar saw Irrfan Khan playing the biographical role of the Army man who won the steeplechase event seven times in a row at the Indian National Games. Gifted in athletics but tormented by circumstances, Tomar resorts to being a dacoit and murdering people for the sake of revenge. Opening to critical acclaim, Dhulia’s movie was a sleeper hit which also had Nawauddin Siddiqui playing a key role as a police informer.
#3 – M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016)
IMDb – 7.9
Through a series of obstacles that befell the highly successful Indian captain’s way, both in his own life and in his cricketing career, make for a true tale of grit and passion that continues to inspire us with every watch. Arguably the ‘coolest’ Captain that the Indian cricket team could have been gifted with, the story of M. S. Dhoni is magnetically powerful. Through a series of obstacles that befell the highly successful Indian captain’s way, both in his own life and in his cricketing career, make for a true tale of grit and passion that continues to inspire us with every watch. Sushant Singh Rajput does a commendable job in portraying the role of the Ranchi lad nursing the dilemma of being a Train Ticket Examiner for his father’s sake or chasing the big dreams of letting his talent unfurl. Gripping and emotional, M. S. Dhoni instills in us the desire to dream and to chase them too.
#2 – Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
IMDb – 8.2
While the initial part of the movie is set in the backdrop of the Indian Partition, it soon takes off to follow the tracks of Singh as he goes to become a legend of Indian athletics. Power-packed performances, a dramatic plot and the perfect lightning pace – all of this stitch together the biographical film on Milkha Singh. Opening to an uproarious response, the Farhan Akhtar-spearheaded film showcases the journey of Milkha Singh from being just another ordinary army recruit to being the ‘Flying Sikh’ at the Olympics. While the initial part of the movie is set in the backdrop of the Indian Partition, it soon takes off to follow the tracks of Singh as he goes to become a legend of Indian athletics.
#1 – Chak De! India (2007)
IMDb – 8.2
Shah Rukh Khan starrer Chak De India’ is undoubtedly one of the best sports film in Bollywood. The film which released in 2007 went on to become the biggest blockbuster of the year, directed by Shimit Amin. The time this movie was released was when India as country could barely remember the fact that it used to be the top hockey-team, which was its national sport. This story is about a tainted former hockey player who becomes the coach of the national women’s hockey team. Kabir Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) related to the team a lot because they are treated with the same disrespect, indifference and ignorance as him. The story of their victory not only made every Indian fall in love with hockey again but also brought back the feeling of Indian-ness amongst all. The 70 minute speech of Shah Rukh Khan before the world championship game is still drawn inspiration from.
The fast bowling all rounder delivered once again and this time at crucial time and at the greatest stage of all The World Test Championship . He took 5 wickets in the first session scored about 20 runs and also took wickets in the second half enabling New Zealand to defeat India . He played a crucial role by taking key wickets of some prominent names like Virat Kohli , Rishab Pant etc . It will not be wrong to say that without him it would have been difficult to defeat the mighty India .
When somebody asks what comeback means show them the New Zealand team . From crying faces in the World ODI Championship 2019 to winning the World Test Championship in 2021 . We saw crying faces of Martin Guptill and the Caption Kane Williamson . The Kiwis have made a massive population of billions of Indians sad still they have no hatreds at all . The nicest guys of cricket have won the tournament . If anytime India fails to win any Tournament the second country which I wish win the tournament is New Zealand .
Social Media plays an important role in the lives of each and everyone of us . The role and power which the social media possess is immense and cannot be undermined . Just one tweet can change the world . Example : It took Cristiano Ronaldo just thirty seconds to cause a massive damage of crores of amount to the Coca Cola company . Another Example : When one of the greats Naomi Osaka said that she did not wanted to face the press after the game it brought into picture the concern of mental health that the athletes face regularly .
The rain has spoiled the World Cup Finals of cricket which is being played at the birth place of cricket . Hope there will be no rain in the upcoming days of the finals . All the cricket fans were anxiously waiting for the finals but now when it it being played the rain has destroyed the entire match . However the match is going in the favor of the New Zealand side . As most of the experts predicted earlier that the conditions were in the favor of the Kiwis side so what happened . Hope India could make a comeback soon if they do not want to loose the final test .
Cristiano Ronaldo one of the best footballers in the world currently and an all time great has used his social media influence to bring down the image of a big brand Coca Cola . What he did is not unknown to most of us . In just a minute thirty seconds he caused a whooping loss of six billion dollars to such a big brand . He took two bottles of Coca Cola and set it aside . And just said ” ” Drink Water ” . It has caused great damage to the brand name of the company . The power and influence which such big players have is shown to all of us very frequently .
Sir Jadeja who is probably the best all rounder in the world can be a great match winner in the World Test Championship . He can take wickets at crucial time , is currently one of the best fielder in the world ( May be the best ). And can score runs when the team is in need the most . What he has done recently ? He single handedly destroyed the mighty RCB . He scored an astonishing half century against the mighty New Zealand in the Semi Finals against The mighty New Zealand . He scored more than 36 runs in an over against the most wicket taking bowler of the IPL 2021 Harshal Patel . It does not matter how fast you are but you cannot steal runs if the ball is in the hands of Sir Jadeja . There is a reason why even the best players in the world bow down in front of him and even MS Dhoni calls him Sir Jadeja . When nothing goes in your way call him and boy he will deliver every time the team is in need .
Well Well Well How can this guy compare the Great MS Dhoni with this young lad ? What he has done in such a short span of time is really credible and deserves appreciation . He single handedly defeated The Mighty Australia and brought it on its knees . Not just one test but also scored massive runs against England The Best T20 team in the world . These are signs that Indian Cricket is in safe hands for the upcoming years . He is still is great form as he scored a century in the practice match which is a great sign . He can be the key key if India is able to defeat the Mighty New Zealand team in the World Test Championship . He is most probably in the best form of his entire career .
Sports are an integral part of ones life . It is rightly said that ” All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy “. These cannot be excluded from our lives . But during the Covid 19 pandemic we are not able to play outdoor games . We all are scared to go outside our homes . So what we do is that during our free time we play online games like PUBG , Free fire , FIFA , Call Of Duty etc . So that is what we can do before every thing becomes normal .
Sunil Chhetri , the captain of the Indian Football team never ever fails to deliver and scores goals when his team is in need the most . The Indian footballer did it again by scoring two goals against Bangladesh which enabled India to win that match . He also recently broke the World record of Messi and became the second highest International goal scorer in the game . This guy is taking Indian football to next limits . Hope he play more number of matches before his retirement .
Devon Philip Conway the new kiwi player has been outrageous through out the matches that he has played . The kiwi scored a double ton in his first test match and a 87 score in his first T-20 . This player can be The Next Big Thing in the World Test Championship against India . If he can face big players like James Anderson , Mark Wood and Stuart Broad than he must be a class player and can definitely score runs against the big Indian names . So India be prepared for him .
The World test Championship is about to get started in just 9 days . And our wait is to get over very soon . Lets see who will will this time . The good news for India is that the New Zealand Captain has been ruled out from England Test Championship . But they still have Devon Conway the batsman with an astonishing debut . Lets see if Virat Kohli can win at least one ICC Championship in his entire career or not . Pant will be the key player for the Indian side .
A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart.
I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents.
I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents.
I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now.
When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me, that it might be the mirror of my soul, as my soul is the mirror of the infinite God!
O my friend — but it is too much for my strength — I sink under the weight of the splendour of these visions! A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine.
I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents. I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now. When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and
but it is too much for my strength — I sink under the weight of the splendour of these visions!
I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine. I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents.
Track2Training 
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