MS Dhoni retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020. While he had a stellar career for Team India, Dhoni continued to make heads turn by being very grounded as far as his lifestyle is concerned. Not many know that the 40-year-old drove Team India's bus during Australia's 2008 tour of India.

Yes, Dhoni drove the team bus without any qualms and the entire incident was narrated by former Indian Test specialist VVS Laxman. In his autobiography, Laxman revealed the whole episode and was stunned to see the national team's full-time captain drive the team bus during the Nagpur Test between India and Australia in 2008.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-want-to-say-something-to-the-boys-shastri-recalls-dhonis-test-retirement-and-how-it-shocked-team-india-440356">I want to say something to the boys: Shastri recalls Dhoni's Test retirement and how it shocked Team India</a>

“One of my abiding memories is of MS (Dhoni) driving the team bus to the hotel in Nagpur, during my 100th Test. I couldn’t believe my eyes — the captain of the team driving us back from the ground! It was his first Test in charge after Anil’s (Kumble) retirement, and he didn’t seem to have a care in the world. But he was like that, playful and grounded. MS never lost the joy, the playfulness. I have never met anyone quite like him,” Laxman wrote in his autobiography ‘281 and Beyond.’

For the unversed, Dhoni-led India won the Nagpur Test, in 2008, by 172 runs to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home (their first series win over Aussies in eight years) by 2-0. It was the 100th Test for Laxman and the last for Sourav Ganguly. Anil Kumble had retired after the third and penultimate Test, making Dhoni Team India captain in all forms of the game.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/srt-had-more-shots-as-compared-to-kohli-aakash-chopra-weighs-in-on-indian-test-captains-dismissals-442182">SRT had more shots as compared to Kohli: Aakash Chopra weighs-in on Indian Test captain's dismissals</a>

Laxman further also revealed that Dhoni was never someone who would lose his cool even when the national side was under-performing in the purest format, in away series, post the 2011 ODI World Cup win. "MS Dhoni’s calmness and equanimity are legendary. He had seen nothing but success until the tour of England in 2011. We had lost 4–0 in England and had already lost the first three Tests in Australia by the end of that year, and were heading for another whitewash. I was a mess, as were most of the guys, but MS was unbelievably composed. Not once did he lash out, and at no stage did he give the impression that he was frustrated or helpless,” Laxman further wrote.

Under Dhoni, India had been whitewashed in four-match Test series in England as well as in Australia in 2011.&nbsp;

MS Dhoni retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020. While he had a stellar career for Team India, Dhoni continued to make heads turn by being very grounded as far as his lifestyle is concerned.

MS Dhoni retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020. While he had a stellar career for Team India, Dhoni continued to make heads turn by being very grounded as far as his lifestyle is concerned. Not many know that the 40-year-old drove Team India's bus during Australia's 2008 tour of India. Yes, Dhoni drove the team bus without any qualms and the entire incident was narrated by former Indian Test specialist VVS Laxman. In his autobiography, Laxman revealed the whole episode and was stunned to see the national team's full-time captain drive the team bus during the Nagpur Test between India and Australia in 2008. ALSO READ | I want to say something to the boys: Shastri recalls Dhoni's Test retirement and how it shocked Team India “One of my abiding memories is of MS (Dhoni) driving the team bus to the hotel in Nagpur, during my 100th Test. I couldn’t believe my eyes — the captain of the team driving us back from the ground! It was his first Test in charge after Anil’s (Kumble) retirement, and he didn’t seem to have a care in the world. But he was like that, playful and grounded. MS never lost the joy, the playfulness. I have never met anyone quite like him,” Laxman wrote in his autobiography ‘281 and Beyond.’ For the unversed, Dhoni-led India won the Nagpur Test, in 2008, by 172 runs to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home (their first series win over Aussies in eight years) by 2-0. It was the 100th Test for Laxman and the last for Sourav Ganguly. Anil Kumble had retired after the third and penultimate Test, making Dhoni Team India captain in all forms of the game. ALSO READ | SRT had more shots as compared to Kohli: Aakash Chopra weighs-in on Indian Test captain's dismissals Laxman further also revealed that Dhoni was never someone who would lose his cool even when the national side was under-performing in the purest format, in away series, post the 2011 ODI World Cup win. "MS Dhoni’s calmness and equanimity are legendary. He had seen nothing but success until the tour of England in 2011. We had lost 4–0 in England and had already lost the first three Tests in Australia by the end of that year, and were heading for another whitewash. I was a mess, as were most of the guys, but MS was unbelievably composed. Not once did he lash out, and at no stage did he give the impression that he was frustrated or helpless,” Laxman further wrote. Under Dhoni, India had been whitewashed in four-match Test series in England as well as in Australia in 2011.

THROWBACK: When Dhoni drove the team bus after succeeding Kumble to become India's all-format captain

Former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has opened up on Test captain Virat Kohli's mode of dismissals in recent times. For the unversed, the 33-year-old Indian batter hasn't been able to score an international ton since late 2019 and averages only 26.08 in Tests since early 2020.&nbsp;

Hence, Chopra opened up on Kohli's failures, who is out of the ongoing second Test between India and South Africa at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. The 33-year-old Kohli didn't impress even in the series opener of the three-match Tests versus SA, returning with scores of 35 and 18. In addition, his dismissals were identical by flashing away from the off-stump line.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-has-similar-numbers-but-people-arent-questioning-him-nehra-reacts-to-criticism-of-rahane-and-pujara-442162">Kohli has similar numbers but people aren't questioning him: Nehra reacts to criticism of Rahane and Pujara</a>

Thus, Chopra said&nbsp;on the Byju's Cricket Live Show on Star Sports on Day 1 of the J'burg Test on Monday (January 3), "Kohli can show a bit more patience. Remember the new year's Test match, Sydney 2004 when Sachin Tendulkar was getting out driving and then he didn't play a single drive. I'm not saying go down that road because Sachin had more shots as compared to Virat but then, this is the recipe."

"I don't think Kohli has too much of an issue playing the bouncers. It's just about knowing where your off-stump is. Trusting the bounce a little more so you can leave the ball a little more. It doesn't necessarily have to be on line. You don't even need to misread the line; you're not going to get bowled because the ball will be going over the stumps," added Chopra.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/one-of-the-two-have-to-karthik-makes-bold-claim-predicts-who-could-miss-out-on-virat-kohlis-return-442147">'One of the two have to...' - Karthik makes bold claim, predicts who could miss out on Virat Kohli's return</a>

Kohli will be eager to return to full fitness and play the third and final Test against the Dean Elgar-led Proteas. He will also like to start 2022 with a bang by breaking is century-drought.&nbsp;

Former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has opened up on Test captain Virat Kohli's mode of dismissals in recent times. For the unversed, the 33-year-old Indian batter hasn't been able to score an international ton since late 2019 and averages only 26.

Former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has opened up on Test captain Virat Kohli's mode of dismissals in recent times. For the unversed, the 33-year-old Indian batter hasn't been able to score an international ton since late 2019 and averages only 26.08 in Tests since early 2020. Hence, Chopra opened up on Kohli's failures, who is out of the ongoing second Test between India and South Africa at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. The 33-year-old Kohli didn't impress even in the series opener of the three-match Tests versus SA, returning with scores of 35 and 18. In addition, his dismissals were identical by flashing away from the off-stump line. ALSO READ | Kohli has similar numbers but people aren't questioning him: Nehra reacts to criticism of Rahane and Pujara Thus, Chopra said on the Byju's Cricket Live Show on Star Sports on Day 1 of the J'burg Test on Monday (January 3), "Kohli can show a bit more patience. Remember the new year's Test match, Sydney 2004 when Sachin Tendulkar was getting out driving and then he didn't play a single drive. I'm not saying go down that road because Sachin had more shots as compared to Virat but then, this is the recipe." "I don't think Kohli has too much of an issue playing the bouncers. It's just about knowing where your off-stump is. Trusting the bounce a little more so you can leave the ball a little more. It doesn't necessarily have to be on line. You don't even need to misread the line; you're not going to get bowled because the ball will be going over the stumps," added Chopra. ALSO READ | 'One of the two have to...' - Karthik makes bold claim, predicts who could miss out on Virat Kohli's return Kohli will be eager to return to full fitness and play the third and final Test against the Dean Elgar-led Proteas. He will also like to start 2022 with a bang by breaking is century-drought.

SRT had more shots as compared to Kohli: Aakash Chopra weighs-in on Indian Test captain's dismissals

A lot has been said and written about the struggles of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. The two Test specialists have been under-performing with the bat for quite some time and their low scores in the ongoing second Test's first innings has intensified the talks for the duo's&nbsp;omissions.

Former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra, however, feels the two senior batters need to be persisted with for the entire three-match Test series versus South Africa. Nehra further pointed out that even someone of a stature of Virat Kohli hasn't done well with the bat. Kohli averages 26.08 in Tests since early 2020 whereas the average of likes of Rahane and Pujara also hovers around 25 during the same period.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/one-of-the-two-have-to-karthik-makes-bold-claim-predicts-who-could-miss-out-on-virat-kohlis-return-442147">'One of the two have to...' - Karthik makes bold claim, predicts who could miss out on Virat Kohli's return</a>

"Even Virat Kohli has similar numbers but people are not questioning his place in the team. Obviously, he is the captain and what Kohli has done is on a completely different level from the two batters we are talking about. It is not fair to compare, but Rahane and Pujara have also been second to none at their peak, especially the latter,” Nehra told&nbsp;Cricbuzz.

Nehra further added, "If you have backed a player like Rahane for the 1st Test, it would be better to carry on with him for the rest of the series. Obviously, Rahane was the one who was out (officially due to injury) when Kohli came back for the second Test against New Zealand, though he led the team in the first.

"Agreed, both Pujara and Rahane have been in big trouble of late. But changing players in the middle of an important series is a big decision," he asserted further.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-kinds-of-thoughts-manjrekar-on-kohlis-absence-says-was-absolutely-shocked-to-see-him-miss-out-442120">'All kinds of thoughts...': Manjrekar on Kohli's absence, says 'was absolutely shocked' to see him miss out</a>

For the unversed, Rahane has scored only two half-centuries following his last Test ton in the MCG Test in late 2020. On the other hand, Pujara's last hundred came in early 2019 and, hence, both the cricketers are running against time to hold onto their respective spots in whites.

Needless to say, both Rahane and Pujara will have to score big in India's second innings of the ongoing J'burg Test or will soon perish from the Test line-up.

A lot has been said and written about the struggles of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. The two Test specialists have been under-performing with the bat for quite some time and their low scores in the ongoing second Test's first innings has intensified the talks for the duo's omissions.

A lot has been said and written about the struggles of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. The two Test specialists have been under-performing with the bat for quite some time and their low scores in the ongoing second Test's first innings has intensified the talks for the duo's omissions. Former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra, however, feels the two senior batters need to be persisted with for the entire three-match Test series versus South Africa. Nehra further pointed out that even someone of a stature of Virat Kohli hasn't done well with the bat. Kohli averages 26.08 in Tests since early 2020 whereas the average of likes of Rahane and Pujara also hovers around 25 during the same period. ALSO READ | 'One of the two have to...' - Karthik makes bold claim, predicts who could miss out on Virat Kohli's return "Even Virat Kohli has similar numbers but people are not questioning his place in the team. Obviously, he is the captain and what Kohli has done is on a completely different level from the two batters we are talking about. It is not fair to compare, but Rahane and Pujara have also been second to none at their peak, especially the latter,” Nehra told Cricbuzz. Nehra further added, "If you have backed a player like Rahane for the 1st Test, it would be better to carry on with him for the rest of the series. Obviously, Rahane was the one who was out (officially due to injury) when Kohli came back for the second Test against New Zealand, though he led the team in the first. "Agreed, both Pujara and Rahane have been in big trouble of late. But changing players in the middle of an important series is a big decision," he asserted further. ALSO READ | 'All kinds of thoughts...': Manjrekar on Kohli's absence, says 'was absolutely shocked' to see him miss out For the unversed, Rahane has scored only two half-centuries following his last Test ton in the MCG Test in late 2020. On the other hand, Pujara's last hundred came in early 2019 and, hence, both the cricketers are running against time to hold onto their respective spots in whites. Needless to say, both Rahane and Pujara will have to score big in India's second innings of the ongoing J'burg Test or will soon perish from the Test line-up.

Kohli has similar numbers but people aren't questioning him: Nehra reacts to criticism of Rahane and Pujara

Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka was rusty on her return to action for the first time in four months on Tuesday but still advanced to the second round of the Melbourne Summer Set tournament with a 6-4 3-6 6-3 win over Alize Cornet. Osaka, who last played competitively when she lost to Leylah Fernandez in the third round of the U.S. Open in September, displayed plenty of her trademark power but often lacked accuracy at the Australian Open warm-up event.

The Japanese player struggled with her first serve while committing 57 unforced errors, including eight double faults, as she eventually saw off the former world number 11. "I feel like I probably made a lot of unforced errors today but I kind of expected that because it is the first match," said Osaka. "I was really nervous so I`m just glad that I was able to hold my serve on the last game."

The match was the first since Osaka announced she was taking an indefinite break from tennis following her loss to Fernandez at Flushing Meadows. That decision brought an end to a season that had also seen her withdraw from the French Open citing mental health issues and miss Wimbledon during a mid-season hiatus.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-nick-kyrgios-opts-out-of-warm-up-event-due-to-asthma-442132">Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios opts out of warm-up event due to asthma</a>

Playing on the same Rod Laver Arena court where she has won two Australian Open titles, the former world number one looked relaxed in the opening set in front of a small crowd. "I really love playing here," said Osaka. "I love New York, but this might be my favourite Slam so it feels really good to always be back here. It feels really nice to play in front of people."

The 24-year-old squandered three break points in the fifth game but made amends two games later to take the opener. After an early break in the second set, Osaka looked to be heading for a comfortable win but the loss of four consecutive games saw Cornet pull level. Osaka, who is ranked number 13 in the world, regained her poise early in the third set, winning the first three games before closing out the match.

In the men`s ATP 250 event at the same venue, former world number one Andy Murray suffered a setback in his preparation for the Australian Open as Argentine Facundo Bagnis overcame the Briton 6-3 5-7 6-3 in the round of 32. "To beat him is amazing, I`m really happy. I enjoyed every point in the match," world number 76 Bagnis said. 
Five-times Australian Open finalist Murray, down at 134th in the world rankings after layoffs due to hip surgery, has accepted a wild card to the main draw of the year`s first major, which begins on Jan. 17.

Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka was rusty on her return to action for the first time in four months on Tuesday but still advanced to the second round of the Melbourne Summer Set tournament with a 6-4 3-6 6-3 win over Alize Cornet.

Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka was rusty on her return to action for the first time in four months on Tuesday but still advanced to the second round of the Melbourne Summer Set tournament with a 6-4 3-6 6-3 win over Alize Cornet. Osaka, who last played competitively when she lost to Leylah Fernandez in the third round of the U.S. Open in September, displayed plenty of her trademark power but often lacked accuracy at the Australian Open warm-up event. The Japanese player struggled with her first serve while committing 57 unforced errors, including eight double faults, as she eventually saw off the former world number 11. "I feel like I probably made a lot of unforced errors today but I kind of expected that because it is the first match," said Osaka. "I was really nervous so I`m just glad that I was able to hold my serve on the last game." The match was the first since Osaka announced she was taking an indefinite break from tennis following her loss to Fernandez at Flushing Meadows. That decision brought an end to a season that had also seen her withdraw from the French Open citing mental health issues and miss Wimbledon during a mid-season hiatus. ALSO READ | Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios opts out of warm-up event due to asthma Playing on the same Rod Laver Arena court where she has won two Australian Open titles, the former world number one looked relaxed in the opening set in front of a small crowd. "I really love playing here," said Osaka. "I love New York, but this might be my favourite Slam so it feels really good to always be back here. It feels really nice to play in front of people." The 24-year-old squandered three break points in the fifth game but made amends two games later to take the opener. After an early break in the second set, Osaka looked to be heading for a comfortable win but the loss of four consecutive games saw Cornet pull level. Osaka, who is ranked number 13 in the world, regained her poise early in the third set, winning the first three games before closing out the match. In the men`s ATP 250 event at the same venue, former world number one Andy Murray suffered a setback in his preparation for the Australian Open as Argentine Facundo Bagnis overcame the Briton 6-3 5-7 6-3 in the round of 32. "To beat him is amazing, I`m really happy. I enjoyed every point in the match," world number 76 Bagnis said. Five-times Australian Open finalist Murray, down at 134th in the world rankings after layoffs due to hip surgery, has accepted a wild card to the main draw of the year`s first major, which begins on Jan. 17.

Naomi Osaka advances to second round of Melbourne Summer Set tournament with tight win over Alize Cornet

Virat Kohli didn't walk out for the toss in the opening day of the second Test between India and South Africa at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. In his absence, KL Rahul is leading the side, who will also captain the Men in Blue in the upcoming three ODIs versus the Proteas.

In Kohli's absence, Rahul-led India won the toss and opted to bat first in Johannesburg on Monday (January 3). Barring Rahul's 50 and R Ashwin's 46, Indian batters didn't impress as they fell like nine pins and the visitors managed only a paltry 202 in 63.1 overs. The under-pressure senior pros Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane once again failed to impress as the duo managed only 3 runs among themselves. Pujara fell for 3 whereas Rahane returned with a golden duck. Hence, veteran Indian keeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has made a bold claim and stated that one of the two -- among Rahane and Pujara -- can make way for Kohli for the third and final Test.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-kinds-of-thoughts-manjrekar-on-kohlis-absence-says-was-absolutely-shocked-to-see-him-miss-out-442120">'All kinds of thoughts...': Manjrekar on Kohli's absence, says 'was absolutely shocked' to see him miss out</a>

"At No. 3, in inarguably the world's best cricket team, to find a spot there for three years and not score a hundred - he (Pujara) will know he's got a long, long rope. To a large extent they are playing because of the potential they have, and the performances they have shown, and obviously, they are senior statesmen [in the team] as well. But the long rope they have been given is slowly burning out and you are coming to the end of it. I am very, very sure that they are both aware of it. Also, we have got to see the potential of the players at the back, they have done as well. Now if Virat Kohli returns, you get a feeling that one of the two has to give way," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.

For the unversed, Pujara's last Test ton came in early 2019 whereas Rahane has managed only a handful of half-centuries post his Melbourne Test hundred in the 2020/21 Boxing Day Test versus Australia.

Karthik further added, "When Rahul Dravid was at the fag end of his career, it was actually Pujara who came in and did well at that No. 3 spot, put pressure on him to eventually take his spot... Obviously, that circle comes around... I do think Rahul Dravid will have to make a couple of harsh decisions and if that means dropping one or both of them, he'll be open to it because he knows that they have been given a long rope before... You don't want to set the ground ablaze by making the big decisions right at the outset so I think he's waiting and trying to assess what he can contribute to their careers and if it's not meant to be, it's not meant to be."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/r-ashwin-provides-update-on-mohammed-sirajs-injury-as-pacer-hobbles-off-the-pitch-during-2nd-test-vs-sa-442065">R Ashwin provides update on Mohammed Siraj's injury as pacer hobbles off the pitch during 2nd Test vs SA</a>

With Pujara and Rahane not performing well, India have more options in the form of Shreyas Iyer and Hanuma Vihari (who is part of the J'burg Test). India's second innings in the penultimate Test will surely be a litmus test for Pujara and Rahane as they are running against time to hold onto their respective spots in the Test line-up.

Virat Kohli didn't walk out for the toss in the opening day of the second Test between India and South Africa at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. In his absence, KL Rahul is leading the side, who will also captain the Men in Blue in the upcoming three ODIs versus the Proteas.

Virat Kohli didn't walk out for the toss in the opening day of the second Test between India and South Africa at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. In his absence, KL Rahul is leading the side, who will also captain the Men in Blue in the upcoming three ODIs versus the Proteas. In Kohli's absence, Rahul-led India won the toss and opted to bat first in Johannesburg on Monday (January 3). Barring Rahul's 50 and R Ashwin's 46, Indian batters didn't impress as they fell like nine pins and the visitors managed only a paltry 202 in 63.1 overs. The under-pressure senior pros Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane once again failed to impress as the duo managed only 3 runs among themselves. Pujara fell for 3 whereas Rahane returned with a golden duck. Hence, veteran Indian keeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has made a bold claim and stated that one of the two -- among Rahane and Pujara -- can make way for Kohli for the third and final Test. ALSO READ | 'All kinds of thoughts...': Manjrekar on Kohli's absence, says 'was absolutely shocked' to see him miss out "At No. 3, in inarguably the world's best cricket team, to find a spot there for three years and not score a hundred - he (Pujara) will know he's got a long, long rope. To a large extent they are playing because of the potential they have, and the performances they have shown, and obviously, they are senior statesmen [in the team] as well. But the long rope they have been given is slowly burning out and you are coming to the end of it. I am very, very sure that they are both aware of it. Also, we have got to see the potential of the players at the back, they have done as well. Now if Virat Kohli returns, you get a feeling that one of the two has to give way," Karthik said on Cricbuzz. For the unversed, Pujara's last Test ton came in early 2019 whereas Rahane has managed only a handful of half-centuries post his Melbourne Test hundred in the 2020/21 Boxing Day Test versus Australia. Karthik further added, "When Rahul Dravid was at the fag end of his career, it was actually Pujara who came in and did well at that No. 3 spot, put pressure on him to eventually take his spot... Obviously, that circle comes around... I do think Rahul Dravid will have to make a couple of harsh decisions and if that means dropping one or both of them, he'll be open to it because he knows that they have been given a long rope before... You don't want to set the ground ablaze by making the big decisions right at the outset so I think he's waiting and trying to assess what he can contribute to their careers and if it's not meant to be, it's not meant to be." ALSO READ | R Ashwin provides update on Mohammed Siraj's injury as pacer hobbles off the pitch during 2nd Test vs SA With Pujara and Rahane not performing well, India have more options in the form of Shreyas Iyer and Hanuma Vihari (who is part of the J'burg Test). India's second innings in the penultimate Test will surely be a litmus test for Pujara and Rahane as they are running against time to hold onto their respective spots in the Test line-up.

'One of the two have to...' - Karthik makes bold claim, predicts who could miss out on Virat Kohli's return

Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the Melbourne Summer Set ATP 250 event due to asthma, organisers said on Tuesday, leaving him with only one tournament to prepare for the Australian Open later this month. 
 
Kyrgios, a crowd favourite at Melbourne Park, has not played since late September due to knee issues and has slipped to 93rd in the rankings, which ruled him out of contention for the Australian team for the season-opening ATP Cup in Sydney. 
 
The 26-year-old, who played only 15 matches in 2021, winning seven of them, was scheduled to take on Slovakian Alex Molcan at Melbourne Park on Tuesday. Kyrgios will now begin his 2022 season at the Sydney Tennis Classic next week after being handed a wild card for the event.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/teen-sensation-emma-raducanu-pulls-out-of-australian-open-warm-up-event-in-melbourne-441602">Teen sensation Emma Raducanu pulls out of Australian Open warm-up event in Melbourne</a>

"I`m really sorry that I`ve had to pull out from this Melbourne Summer Set event. I`ve been feeling run down and unwell for four days," Kyrgios said in a statement. 
 
"I`ve had several COVID tests over the last few days which all came back negative. I don`t feel 100% so I need to take this week to be ready for Sydney next week. 
 
"I was really looking forward to experiencing the best fans in the world here at home. I can`t wait to get back out there and see you all." 
 
The Australian Open will begin on Jan. 17.

Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the Melbourne Summer Set ATP 250 event due to asthma, organisers said on Tuesday, leaving him with only one tournament to prepare for the Australian Open later this month.

Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the Melbourne Summer Set ATP 250 event due to asthma, organisers said on Tuesday, leaving him with only one tournament to prepare for the Australian Open later this month. Kyrgios, a crowd favourite at Melbourne Park, has not played since late September due to knee issues and has slipped to 93rd in the rankings, which ruled him out of contention for the Australian team for the season-opening ATP Cup in Sydney. The 26-year-old, who played only 15 matches in 2021, winning seven of them, was scheduled to take on Slovakian Alex Molcan at Melbourne Park on Tuesday. Kyrgios will now begin his 2022 season at the Sydney Tennis Classic next week after being handed a wild card for the event. ALSO READ | Teen sensation Emma Raducanu pulls out of Australian Open warm-up event in Melbourne "I`m really sorry that I`ve had to pull out from this Melbourne Summer Set event. I`ve been feeling run down and unwell for four days," Kyrgios said in a statement. "I`ve had several COVID tests over the last few days which all came back negative. I don`t feel 100% so I need to take this week to be ready for Sydney next week. "I was really looking forward to experiencing the best fans in the world here at home. I can`t wait to get back out there and see you all." The Australian Open will begin on Jan. 17.

Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios opts out of warm-up event due to asthma

Bangladesh looked to be closing in on a shock victory over world test champions New Zealand after Ebadot Hossain`s three-wicket burst in the final session of the fourth day reduced the hosts to 147-5 in the opening match in Mount Maunganui on Tuesday. 
 
After four of Bangladesh`s top six batsmen struck fifties to earn them a first-innings lead of 130, Ebadot (4-39) wrecked New Zealand`s top order to put the tourists on the brink of a major upset despite their poor catching on the penultimate day. 
 
Ross Taylor, playing his last test series, was batting on 37 with all-rounder Rachin Ravindra on six at the other end, with New Zealand 17 runs ahead with five wickets remaining. 
 
"We are in a good position but we are not overexcited," Bangladesh wicketkeeper Liton Das told reporters. 
 
"We still have to take five wickets conceding as few runs as possible because batting won`t be easy tomorrow because of the variable bounce." 
 
New Zealand batting coach Luke Ronchi said Taylor and Ravindra could not afford to be negative on the final day. 
 
"Ross and Rachin will have to start the innings off again and play nice and straight," he said. 
 
"Tomorrow we`ve got to play a positive style of cricket, making sure we are scoring a few runs, not just trying to bat the day out." 
 
Earlier, Bangladesh resumed on 401-6 and the lower order batted 20-odd overs before being all out for 458 in the first match of the two-test series. 
 
Number eight batsman Mehidy Hasan made 47 while Trent Boult (4-85) and Neil Wagner (3-101) claimed the bulk of the wickets for the hosts. 
 
Bangladesh returned to claim two wickets in the second session to put New Zealand under pressure. 
 
Leading the side in the absence of the injured Kane Williamson, Tom Latham dragged a delivery from Taskin Ahmed onto his stumps to depart for 14. 
 
Ebadot removed Devon Conway for 13 and it could have been a full-blown crisis for New Zealand had Liton not spilled Will Young, then on 31, after off-spinner Mehidy had produced an edge. 
 
Mehidy suffered more heartbreak when he induced a slog-sweep from Taylor but Shadman Islam floored the catch at square leg. 
 
New Zealand had just erased the deficit when Ebadot dismissed Young (69) and Henry Nicholls for a duck in the same over. 
 
Tom Blundell also went for a duck in Ebadot`s next over as Bangladesh put themselves in the box seat.

Bangladesh looked to be closing in on a shock victory over world test champions New Zealand after Ebadot Hossain`s three-wicket burst in the final session of the fourth day reduced the hosts to 147-5 in the opening match in Mount Maunganui on Tuesday.

Bangladesh looked to be closing in on a shock victory over world test champions New Zealand after Ebadot Hossain`s three-wicket burst in the final session of the fourth day reduced the hosts to 147-5 in the opening match in Mount Maunganui on Tuesday. After four of Bangladesh`s top six batsmen struck fifties to earn them a first-innings lead of 130, Ebadot (4-39) wrecked New Zealand`s top order to put the tourists on the brink of a major upset despite their poor catching on the penultimate day. Ross Taylor, playing his last test series, was batting on 37 with all-rounder Rachin Ravindra on six at the other end, with New Zealand 17 runs ahead with five wickets remaining. "We are in a good position but we are not overexcited," Bangladesh wicketkeeper Liton Das told reporters. "We still have to take five wickets conceding as few runs as possible because batting won`t be easy tomorrow because of the variable bounce." New Zealand batting coach Luke Ronchi said Taylor and Ravindra could not afford to be negative on the final day. "Ross and Rachin will have to start the innings off again and play nice and straight," he said. "Tomorrow we`ve got to play a positive style of cricket, making sure we are scoring a few runs, not just trying to bat the day out." Earlier, Bangladesh resumed on 401-6 and the lower order batted 20-odd overs before being all out for 458 in the first match of the two-test series. Number eight batsman Mehidy Hasan made 47 while Trent Boult (4-85) and Neil Wagner (3-101) claimed the bulk of the wickets for the hosts. Bangladesh returned to claim two wickets in the second session to put New Zealand under pressure. Leading the side in the absence of the injured Kane Williamson, Tom Latham dragged a delivery from Taskin Ahmed onto his stumps to depart for 14. Ebadot removed Devon Conway for 13 and it could have been a full-blown crisis for New Zealand had Liton not spilled Will Young, then on 31, after off-spinner Mehidy had produced an edge. Mehidy suffered more heartbreak when he induced a slog-sweep from Taylor but Shadman Islam floored the catch at square leg. New Zealand had just erased the deficit when Ebadot dismissed Young (69) and Henry Nicholls for a duck in the same over. Tom Blundell also went for a duck in Ebadot`s next over as Bangladesh put themselves in the box seat.

NZ vs BAN, 1st Test: Visitors close in on shock win after pacer Ebadot Hossain rattles NZ on Day 4

Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday.After making a debut on April 3, 2003, against Zimbabwe, the all-rounder has decided to retire after 18 years.Hafeez represented Pakistan in 392 international matches, scoring 12,780 runs and taking 253 wickets, besides also captaining the side in 32 international matches. He was a member of the Pakistan side that won the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 in England and Wales. Overall, Hafeez played in three 50-over World Cups (2007, 2011 and 2019), six 20-over World Cups (2007, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2021) and three ICC Champions Trophies (2006, 2013 and 2017).

"Today I say goodbye to international cricket with pride and satisfaction. In fact, I have earned and accomplished more than I had initially envisaged and for that, I am thankful to all my fellow cricketers, captains, support staff and the Pakistan Cricket Board who helped me out during my career," read Hafeez`s statement in an official Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) release. "And, of course, my family who made big sacrifices to ensure I achieved my aspirations of representing Pakistan at a global stage. I am extremely fortunate, lucky and proud to have been considered worthy of donning the national kit with Pakistan emblem for 18 years. My country and my team have always been at my forefront and therefore, every time I stepped onto the field, I tried to raise their profile and image by playing hard and tough but within the rich traditions of spirit of cricket," he added .PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja lauded praises for Hafeez and wished him luck for his life ahead."Hafeez has been a wholehearted cricketer who worked tirelessly at his game to have a long and fruitful career. His game evolved with time, adjusting to different formats quite intelligently. Later in his career, he became a T20 specialist, where he was never out of touch with modern demands of this testing format. His batsmanship took a sprightly turn, nailing sixes almost at will," said Ramiz Raja.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-cricketer-shahid-afridi-to-become-pakistans-power-hitting-coach-heres-what-he-has-to-say-441819">Former cricketer Shahid Afridi to become Pakistan's power-hitting coach? Here's what he has to say</a>

"He has worn the green blazer with pride for which we at the PCB are thankful. I wish him best of luck for his future life and thank him again for his magnificent contribution to Pakistan cricket," Ramiz added. In the ICC Player Rankings, Hafeez achieved the highest Test rankings of 22nd in batting, 29th in bowling and fifth in all-rounders. In the ODI rankings, Hafeez`s highest ranking was 13th in March 2014, while he topped the bowling and all-rounder charts in August 2012 and January 2013, respectively. Hafeez`s rankings in T20I were equally impressive, peaking to ninth in batting in February 2007, third in bowling in August 2013 and number-one in all-rounders in March 2014.&nbsp;

Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday.After making a debut on April 3, 2003, against Zimbabwe, the all-rounder has decided to retire after 18 years.

Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday.After making a debut on April 3, 2003, against Zimbabwe, the all-rounder has decided to retire after 18 years.Hafeez represented Pakistan in 392 international matches, scoring 12,780 runs and taking 253 wickets, besides also captaining the side in 32 international matches. He was a member of the Pakistan side that won the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 in England and Wales. Overall, Hafeez played in three 50-over World Cups (2007, 2011 and 2019), six 20-over World Cups (2007, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2021) and three ICC Champions Trophies (2006, 2013 and 2017). "Today I say goodbye to international cricket with pride and satisfaction. In fact, I have earned and accomplished more than I had initially envisaged and for that, I am thankful to all my fellow cricketers, captains, support staff and the Pakistan Cricket Board who helped me out during my career," read Hafeez`s statement in an official Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) release. "And, of course, my family who made big sacrifices to ensure I achieved my aspirations of representing Pakistan at a global stage. I am extremely fortunate, lucky and proud to have been considered worthy of donning the national kit with Pakistan emblem for 18 years. My country and my team have always been at my forefront and therefore, every time I stepped onto the field, I tried to raise their profile and image by playing hard and tough but within the rich traditions of spirit of cricket," he added .PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja lauded praises for Hafeez and wished him luck for his life ahead."Hafeez has been a wholehearted cricketer who worked tirelessly at his game to have a long and fruitful career. His game evolved with time, adjusting to different formats quite intelligently. Later in his career, he became a T20 specialist, where he was never out of touch with modern demands of this testing format. His batsmanship took a sprightly turn, nailing sixes almost at will," said Ramiz Raja. ALSO READ | Former cricketer Shahid Afridi to become Pakistan's power-hitting coach? Here's what he has to say "He has worn the green blazer with pride for which we at the PCB are thankful. I wish him best of luck for his future life and thank him again for his magnificent contribution to Pakistan cricket," Ramiz added. In the ICC Player Rankings, Hafeez achieved the highest Test rankings of 22nd in batting, 29th in bowling and fifth in all-rounders. In the ODI rankings, Hafeez`s highest ranking was 13th in March 2014, while he topped the bowling and all-rounder charts in August 2012 and January 2013, respectively. Hafeez`s rankings in T20I were equally impressive, peaking to ninth in batting in February 2007, third in bowling in August 2013 and number-one in all-rounders in March 2014.

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez announces retirement from international cricket

China`s meticulous plans to prevent an Olympics-seeded COVID-19 outbreak by sealing all participants inside a "closed loop" for the upcoming Winter Games will be tested by the emergence of the highly infectious Omicron variant. 
 
The country has reported only a handful of Omicron cases and has largely succeeded in containing COVID-19 since it first emerged in the central city of Wuhan two years ago, thanks to a zero-tolerance policy that includes rigorous contact tracing, strict targeted lockdowns, and travel curbs that have drastically cut international arrivals. 
 
But more than 2,000 international athletes are set to come to China for the Games that start Feb. 4, plus 25,000 other "stakeholders", a large number from overseas. Organisers did not say how many of those people would be in the closed loop. 
 
Organisers believe their measures "can ensure the Winter Olympic Games and the Winter Paralympic Games can be held safely and on schedule," Yan Jiarong, a spokesperson for the organising committee, told a news conference last Thursday. 
 
Restrictions at Games venues in Beijing and Zhangjiakou in neighbouring Hebei province will be much tighter than those during last summer`s Tokyo Olympics. 
 
Core to the planning is the rigidly-enforced closed loop that physically separates Games-related personnel from the local population, with overseas participants flying directly into and out of the bubble, which includes dedicated transport. 
 
In Tokyo, which took place when Delta was surging globally, a bubble was strictly enforced, although local residents such as journalists and volunteers were able to enter and exit at will and some overseas visitors could leave it after being in the country for 14 days and repeatedly testing negative.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-announces-diplomatic-boycott-of-beijing-winter-olympics-due-to-human-rights-abuses-in-china-434742">US announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics due to human rights abuses in China</a>

But Omicron, which appears to be much more transmissible than earlier variants, is now driving global COVID-19 infections to record highs and disrupting the sporting calendar. 
 
North America`s National Hockey League, which has postponed 90 games, announced that it will not send its players to the Olympic ice hockey tournament due to COVID-19-induced scheduling problems. The CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee told a broadcaster on Friday that he is increasingly concerned whether the Games can go ahead as planned. 
 
"It is what I sometimes call a sprinter. It is extremely infectious and it is fast," Irene Petersen, a professor of epidemiology at University College London, said of Omicron. 
 
She said the U.N. climate conference in Glasgow this autumn showed a large-scale international event could keep transmissions to a minimum through lots of testing. 
 
"But that was in the Delta era ... we haven`t seen anything like the Omicron," she said. 
 
FEW CASES AT TEST EVENTS 
 
Games organisers say that test events held earlier this year involving some 2,000 overseas participants had shown Beijing`s COVID-19 measures to be effective. Beijing reported only a handful of cases among athletes during test events. 
 
"The system is developed so that the chances of the Chinese people being exposed to the virus is minimised," said Yanzhong Huang, senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations, a U.S. think tank. 
 
Still, the risk will increase with the Olympics, he said, "not just because the Chinese people are largely quite vulnerable to these outbreaks because most people have not been exposed to the virus, but also because the Chinese vaccine has proved not very effective in preventing new infections". 
 
About 85% of the Chinese population have been vaccinated, mostly with Chinese shots manufactured by Sinopharm and Sinovac. All of the 20,000 or so Chinese volunteers and others who will enter the Olympic closed loop have been vaccinated. Efficacy readings in clinical trials for the Chinese shots ranged between 50% and 83.5% against symptomatic disease, below the 90%-plus figures for shots from Pfizer and Moderna. 
 
Recent studies appear to show antibody responses from vaccines to be weaker against Omicron than earlier strains, but it remains unclear how the variant would affect their overall effectiveness. 
 
BUBBLES AND TESTS 
 
As in Tokyo, no international spectators will be allowed at the Beijing Winter Games, and local attendance at event sites is likely to be curtailed. 
 
Olympic participants must consistently test negative before being allowed to board specially arranged flights to Beijing. On arrival, participants must be vaccinated or face three weeks of quarantine. Everyone will be tested daily. 
 
However, such tests cannot be relied on to detect cases during the virus` incubation period, and organisers have acknowledged that they expect a "certain number" of COVID-19 cases given the large number of international arrivals. 
 
"If you`re going to use tests to exclude people who are infectious you will have to test them on their doorstep," said Petersen of University College London. 
 
Michael Baker, professor of public health at the University of Otago in Wellington, said the combination of travel from multiple countries and the concentration of athletes and staff poses difficulties exacerbated by the higher transmissability and shorter incubation of Delta and Omicron. 
 
"Consequently, it will be difficult to contain outbreaks that occur during the Olympics, with the risk of transmission between Games participants and also into the wider community.”

China`s meticulous plans to prevent an Olympics-seeded COVID-19 outbreak by sealing all participants inside a "closed loop" for the upcoming Winter Games will be tested by the emergence of the highly infectious Omicron variant.

China`s meticulous plans to prevent an Olympics-seeded COVID-19 outbreak by sealing all participants inside a "closed loop" for the upcoming Winter Games will be tested by the emergence of the highly infectious Omicron variant. The country has reported only a handful of Omicron cases and has largely succeeded in containing COVID-19 since it first emerged in the central city of Wuhan two years ago, thanks to a zero-tolerance policy that includes rigorous contact tracing, strict targeted lockdowns, and travel curbs that have drastically cut international arrivals. But more than 2,000 international athletes are set to come to China for the Games that start Feb. 4, plus 25,000 other "stakeholders", a large number from overseas. Organisers did not say how many of those people would be in the closed loop. Organisers believe their measures "can ensure the Winter Olympic Games and the Winter Paralympic Games can be held safely and on schedule," Yan Jiarong, a spokesperson for the organising committee, told a news conference last Thursday. Restrictions at Games venues in Beijing and Zhangjiakou in neighbouring Hebei province will be much tighter than those during last summer`s Tokyo Olympics. Core to the planning is the rigidly-enforced closed loop that physically separates Games-related personnel from the local population, with overseas participants flying directly into and out of the bubble, which includes dedicated transport. In Tokyo, which took place when Delta was surging globally, a bubble was strictly enforced, although local residents such as journalists and volunteers were able to enter and exit at will and some overseas visitors could leave it after being in the country for 14 days and repeatedly testing negative. ALSO READ | US announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics due to human rights abuses in China But Omicron, which appears to be much more transmissible than earlier variants, is now driving global COVID-19 infections to record highs and disrupting the sporting calendar. North America`s National Hockey League, which has postponed 90 games, announced that it will not send its players to the Olympic ice hockey tournament due to COVID-19-induced scheduling problems. The CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee told a broadcaster on Friday that he is increasingly concerned whether the Games can go ahead as planned. "It is what I sometimes call a sprinter. It is extremely infectious and it is fast," Irene Petersen, a professor of epidemiology at University College London, said of Omicron. She said the U.N. climate conference in Glasgow this autumn showed a large-scale international event could keep transmissions to a minimum through lots of testing. "But that was in the Delta era ... we haven`t seen anything like the Omicron," she said. FEW CASES AT TEST EVENTS Games organisers say that test events held earlier this year involving some 2,000 overseas participants had shown Beijing`s COVID-19 measures to be effective. Beijing reported only a handful of cases among athletes during test events. "The system is developed so that the chances of the Chinese people being exposed to the virus is minimised," said Yanzhong Huang, senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations, a U.S. think tank. Still, the risk will increase with the Olympics, he said, "not just because the Chinese people are largely quite vulnerable to these outbreaks because most people have not been exposed to the virus, but also because the Chinese vaccine has proved not very effective in preventing new infections". About 85% of the Chinese population have been vaccinated, mostly with Chinese shots manufactured by Sinopharm and Sinovac. All of the 20,000 or so Chinese volunteers and others who will enter the Olympic closed loop have been vaccinated. Efficacy readings in clinical trials for the Chinese shots ranged between 50% and 83.5% against symptomatic disease, below the 90%-plus figures for shots from Pfizer and Moderna. Recent studies appear to show antibody responses from vaccines to be weaker against Omicron than earlier strains, but it remains unclear how the variant would affect their overall effectiveness. BUBBLES AND TESTS As in Tokyo, no international spectators will be allowed at the Beijing Winter Games, and local attendance at event sites is likely to be curtailed. Olympic participants must consistently test negative before being allowed to board specially arranged flights to Beijing. On arrival, participants must be vaccinated or face three weeks of quarantine. Everyone will be tested daily. However, such tests cannot be relied on to detect cases during the virus` incubation period, and organisers have acknowledged that they expect a "certain number" of COVID-19 cases given the large number of international arrivals. "If you`re going to use tests to exclude people who are infectious you will have to test them on their doorstep," said Petersen of University College London. Michael Baker, professor of public health at the University of Otago in Wellington, said the combination of travel from multiple countries and the concentration of athletes and staff poses difficulties exacerbated by the higher transmissability and shorter incubation of Delta and Omicron. "Consequently, it will be difficult to contain outbreaks that occur during the Olympics, with the risk of transmission between Games participants and also into the wider community.”

Omicron variant, spreading at rapid pace, set to test Beijing Winter Games bubble

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has come out in the support of 7-time national chess champion Malika Handa after the specially-abled athlete lashed out at the Punjab government for failing to fulfill their promises, which included a cash reward and a job opportunity.&nbsp;

For the unversed, the national chess champion Malika came out in the open and expressed her anger at the government via some hard-hitting words on her official Twitter handle.

On January 2 (Sunday), the 26-year-old Malika had posted a video expressing her frustration and&nbsp;captioned the post, "I m very feeling Hurt 31 dec I met sports minister of Punjab&nbsp;@PargatSOfficial. Now He said punjab Govt can not give job and Not cash award accept to (Deaf sports) because they do not have policy for deaf sports."&nbsp;

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I m very feeling Hurt 
31 dec I met sports minister of Punjab <a href="https://twitter.com/PargatSOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PargatSOfficial</a> 
Now He said punjab Govt can not give job and Not cash award accept to (Deaf sports) because they do not have policy for deaf sports. 
Cc: <a href="https://twitter.com/CHARANJITCHANNI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CHARANJITCHANNI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sherryontopp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sherryontopp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rhythmjit?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rhythmjit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> <a href="https://t.co/DrZ97mtSNH">pic.twitter.com/DrZ97mtSNH</a>
— Malika Handa🇮🇳🥇 (@MalikaHanda) <a href="https://twitter.com/MalikaHanda/status/1477542186732310528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In addition to the clip, the chess champion wrote in her post, "I met Sports Minister Pargat Singh on Dec 31st. He said that the state govt can't provide a job &amp; a cash reward because they don't have a policy for deaf sports.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-may-have-supported-some-bcci-officials-who-didnt-want-me-harbhajan-singh-makes-glaring-remark-441643">MS Dhoni may have supported some BCCI officials who didn't want me: Harbhajan Singh makes glaring remark</a>

"Ex sports minister have announced cash award for me i also have letter of invitation in which i was invited but was cancelled due to covid. This thing when i told to present sports minister @pargat singh he told clearly it was ex minister i did not announced and govt can not do." She added, "Former sports minister had announced a cash reward for me &amp; I also have a letter of invitation in which I was invited but it was canceled due to #COVID19."&nbsp;

Handa didn't mince her words as she felt that she has wasted five years of her life due to the false claims made and questioned why there is no support for deaf sport.&nbsp;"I am only asking why it was announced. My time Waste 5 years on congress govt. They fool me.. not care deaf person sports. District Congress all told me that supports , promised me after 5 years that happen is nothing now. Why why Punjab govt doing this?" she questioned.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tried-to-ask-ms-dhoni-but-got-no-reason-harbhajan-opens-up-on-his-sudden-omission-from-team-india-441226">'Tried to ask MS Dhoni but got no reason ' - Harbhajan opens up on his sudden omission from Team India</a>

Now, Harbhajan, who retired from international cricket on December 24, 2021, has come out in support of Malika. He tweeted saying, "Firstly why is there no policy for the hearing impaired?? Being deaf doesn’t take away talent. Secondly she should get what was promised for her achievement ..I urge sports minister punjab and India to look after this matter&nbsp;@PargatSOfficial @ianuragthakur"

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Firstly why is there no policy for the hearing impaired?? Being deaf doesn’t take away talent. Secondly she should get what was promised for her achievement ..I urge sports minister punjab and India to look after this matter <a href="https://twitter.com/PargatSOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PargatSOfficial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ianuragthakur?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ianuragthakur</a> <a href="https://t.co/9FZAJw2ArQ">https://t.co/9FZAJw2ArQ</a>
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1477707958251180034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Given someone of a stature of Bhajji has joined in, it will be interesting to see if a swift action is taken in the coming days by the senior authorities in the Punjab government to meet the needs of Malika.

Malika has had a stellar career where the youngster has&nbsp;clinched&nbsp;the national championship for as many as seven times and has also returned with six medals at the Asian and World Championships. Thus, the wayward treatment of such a star athlete remains alarming.&nbsp;

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has come out in the support of 7-time national chess champion Malika Handa after the specially-abled athlete lashed out at the Punjab government for failing to fulfill their promises, which included a cash reward and a job opportunity.

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has come out in the support of 7-time national chess champion Malika Handa after the specially-abled athlete lashed out at the Punjab government for failing to fulfill their promises, which included a cash reward and a job opportunity. For the unversed, the national chess champion Malika came out in the open and expressed her anger at the government via some hard-hitting words on her official Twitter handle. On January 2 (Sunday), the 26-year-old Malika had posted a video expressing her frustration and captioned the post, "I m very feeling Hurt 31 dec I met sports minister of Punjab @PargatSOfficial. Now He said punjab Govt can not give job and Not cash award accept to (Deaf sports) because they do not have policy for deaf sports." I m very feeling Hurt 31 dec I met sports minister of Punjab @PargatSOfficial Now He said punjab Govt can not give job and Not cash award accept to (Deaf sports) because they do not have policy for deaf sports. Cc: @CHARANJITCHANNI @sherryontopp @RahulGandhi @rhythmjit @ANI pic.twitter.com/DrZ97mtSNH — Malika Handa🇮🇳🥇 (@MalikaHanda) January 2, 2022 × In addition to the clip, the chess champion wrote in her post, "I met Sports Minister Pargat Singh on Dec 31st. He said that the state govt can't provide a job & a cash reward because they don't have a policy for deaf sports. ALSO READ | MS Dhoni may have supported some BCCI officials who didn't want me: Harbhajan Singh makes glaring remark "Ex sports minister have announced cash award for me i also have letter of invitation in which i was invited but was cancelled due to covid. This thing when i told to present sports minister @pargat singh he told clearly it was ex minister i did not announced and govt can not do." She added, "Former sports minister had announced a cash reward for me & I also have a letter of invitation in which I was invited but it was canceled due to #COVID19." Handa didn't mince her words as she felt that she has wasted five years of her life due to the false claims made and questioned why there is no support for deaf sport. "I am only asking why it was announced. My time Waste 5 years on congress govt. They fool me.. not care deaf person sports. District Congress all told me that supports , promised me after 5 years that happen is nothing now. Why why Punjab govt doing this?" she questioned. ALSO READ | 'Tried to ask MS Dhoni but got no reason ' - Harbhajan opens up on his sudden omission from Team India Now, Harbhajan, who retired from international cricket on December 24, 2021, has come out in support of Malika. He tweeted saying, "Firstly why is there no policy for the hearing impaired?? Being deaf doesn’t take away talent. Secondly she should get what was promised for her achievement ..I urge sports minister punjab and India to look after this matter @PargatSOfficial @ianuragthakur" Firstly why is there no policy for the hearing impaired?? Being deaf doesn’t take away talent. Secondly she should get what was promised for her achievement ..I urge sports minister punjab and India to look after this matter @PargatSOfficial @ianuragthakur https://t.co/9FZAJw2ArQ — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 2, 2022 × Given someone of a stature of Bhajji has joined in, it will be interesting to see if a swift action is taken in the coming days by the senior authorities in the Punjab government to meet the needs of Malika. Malika has had a stellar career where the youngster has clinched the national championship for as many as seven times and has also returned with six medals at the Asian and World Championships. Thus, the wayward treatment of such a star athlete remains alarming.

Harbhajan Singh supports chess champion Malika Handa after she slams Punjab govt for failed promises

A lot of drama unfolded in Sunday's (January 2) encounter between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets. While the match was a topsy-turvy ride which saw Tampa Bay emerge on top by 28-24, Bucs receiver Antonio Brown made heads turn as he removed his jersey and walked away from his team during the clash. Videos of Brown's unceremonious exit left many shocked and the head coach Bruce Arians has revealed that the former's stay at Tampa Bay Buccaneers is now over.&nbsp;

"He is no longer a Buc, alright? That's the end of the story," head coach Bruce Arians said in a postgame interview. 
Bucs quarterback Tom Brady told reporters after the game the incident was "obviously a difficult situation."

"We all love him and care about him deeply," Brady said, adding their relationship goes beyond being teammates. "I think everyone should be compassionate and empathetic toward some very difficult things that are happening."

For the unversed, the 33-year-old Brown was visibly upset (details are still not known) and started to remove his jersey and pads even though his teammates urged with him to stay. He was throwing his undershirt into the stands as he made his way into the stadium's tunnel along with waving a peace sign.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-boss-thomas-tuchel-will-meet-dropped-romelu-lukaku-to-discuss-strikers-comments-442016">Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel will meet dropped Romelu Lukaku to discuss striker's comments</a>

The incident comes weeks after the star athlete Brown had revealed that he was suspended in December, 2021&nbsp;for three games without pay. After his remarks, a league investigation pointed out that he had not followed Covid-19 protocols and, thus, had to pay the price.&nbsp;In a news release, the NFL had stated that there were proofs that Brown and two other teammates had "misrepresented their vaccination status." Apart from Brown, the other two players were Buccaneers safety Mike Edwards and free agent wide receiver John Franklin III.

A lot of drama unfolded in Sunday's (January 2) encounter between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets. While the match was a topsy-turvy ride which saw Tampa Bay emerge on top by 28-24, Bucs receiver Antonio Brown made heads turn as he removed his jersey and walked away from his team during the clash.

A lot of drama unfolded in Sunday's (January 2) encounter between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets. While the match was a topsy-turvy ride which saw Tampa Bay emerge on top by 28-24, Bucs receiver Antonio Brown made heads turn as he removed his jersey and walked away from his team during the clash. Videos of Brown's unceremonious exit left many shocked and the head coach Bruce Arians has revealed that the former's stay at Tampa Bay Buccaneers is now over. "He is no longer a Buc, alright? That's the end of the story," head coach Bruce Arians said in a postgame interview. Bucs quarterback Tom Brady told reporters after the game the incident was "obviously a difficult situation." "We all love him and care about him deeply," Brady said, adding their relationship goes beyond being teammates. "I think everyone should be compassionate and empathetic toward some very difficult things that are happening." For the unversed, the 33-year-old Brown was visibly upset (details are still not known) and started to remove his jersey and pads even though his teammates urged with him to stay. He was throwing his undershirt into the stands as he made his way into the stadium's tunnel along with waving a peace sign. ALSO READ | Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel will meet dropped Romelu Lukaku to discuss striker's comments The incident comes weeks after the star athlete Brown had revealed that he was suspended in December, 2021 for three games without pay. After his remarks, a league investigation pointed out that he had not followed Covid-19 protocols and, thus, had to pay the price. In a news release, the NFL had stated that there were proofs that Brown and two other teammates had "misrepresented their vaccination status." Apart from Brown, the other two players were Buccaneers safety Mike Edwards and free agent wide receiver John Franklin III.

Antonio Brown out of Tampa Bay Buccaneers after removing jersey and leaving sideline during New York Jets tie

On Monday (January 3), Indian cricket loyalists were in for a shock when they saw KL Rahul walk out for the coin toss for the second Test between India and South Africa, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. Regular captain Virat Kohli -- who was set to appear in his 99th Test -- missed out due to upper back spasm and Rahul (who was promoted as the vice-captain in Rohit Sharma's absence for the series) took charge of the side.

Winning the toss, Rahul-led India opted to bat first at The Wanderers, J'burg. While the national side started well, at 36 for no loss, they were soon reduced to 49-3. From thereon, it was hardwork for in-form opener Rahul to get to his 13th half-century amid regular fall of wickets. Rahul eventually fell to Marco Jansen's well-executed short-pitched delivery for a well-made 133-ball 50.

Courtesy his knock, the 29-year-old Rahul entered an elite list -- featuring the likes of Kohli, Sunil Gavaskar, Sourav Ganguly, etc. -- to have scored 50 or more runs on captaincy debut. For the unversed,&nbsp;Vijay Hazare, who scored an unbeaten 164 in 1951, tops the list, followed by Sunil Gavaskar (116 runs) and Virat Kohli (115) on the second and third position respectively.&nbsp;Sourav Ganguly (84 runs), Chandu Borde (69), Hemu Adhikari (63) and Nari Contractor are also part of this unique club.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/test-without-him-is-soulless-twitterati-reacts-as-virat-kohli-misses-india-vs-sa-2nd-test-in-jburg-441948">'Test without him is soulless' - Twitterati reacts as Virat Kohli misses India vs SA 2nd Test in J'burg</a>

Meanwhile, Rahul became the fifth Indian captain to surpass the 50-run mark while opening the innings. Little Master Gavaskar (25 times), Contractor (4 times), current head coach Rahul Dravid (2) and Virender Sehwag (2) are also part of the elusive panel.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-is-the-type-of-person-you-want-ex-pak-skipper-all-praise-for-rahul-dravid-for-backing-virat-kohli-441979">'This is the type of person you want...': Ex-Pak skipper all praise for Rahul Dravid for backing Virat Kohli</a>

Following Rahul's 50, Ashwin's 46 and some contributions from Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant and vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah took the team total to 202 all-out in the final session on Day 1 of the second Test.&nbsp;

On Monday (January 3), Indian cricket loyalists were in for a shock when they saw KL Rahul walk out for the coin toss for the second Test between India and South Africa, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.

On Monday (January 3), Indian cricket loyalists were in for a shock when they saw KL Rahul walk out for the coin toss for the second Test between India and South Africa, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. Regular captain Virat Kohli -- who was set to appear in his 99th Test -- missed out due to upper back spasm and Rahul (who was promoted as the vice-captain in Rohit Sharma's absence for the series) took charge of the side. Winning the toss, Rahul-led India opted to bat first at The Wanderers, J'burg. While the national side started well, at 36 for no loss, they were soon reduced to 49-3. From thereon, it was hardwork for in-form opener Rahul to get to his 13th half-century amid regular fall of wickets. Rahul eventually fell to Marco Jansen's well-executed short-pitched delivery for a well-made 133-ball 50. Courtesy his knock, the 29-year-old Rahul entered an elite list -- featuring the likes of Kohli, Sunil Gavaskar, Sourav Ganguly, etc. -- to have scored 50 or more runs on captaincy debut. For the unversed, Vijay Hazare, who scored an unbeaten 164 in 1951, tops the list, followed by Sunil Gavaskar (116 runs) and Virat Kohli (115) on the second and third position respectively. Sourav Ganguly (84 runs), Chandu Borde (69), Hemu Adhikari (63) and Nari Contractor are also part of this unique club. ALSO READ | 'Test without him is soulless' - Twitterati reacts as Virat Kohli misses India vs SA 2nd Test in J'burg Meanwhile, Rahul became the fifth Indian captain to surpass the 50-run mark while opening the innings. Little Master Gavaskar (25 times), Contractor (4 times), current head coach Rahul Dravid (2) and Virender Sehwag (2) are also part of the elusive panel. ALSO READ | 'This is the type of person you want...': Ex-Pak skipper all praise for Rahul Dravid for backing Virat Kohli Following Rahul's 50, Ashwin's 46 and some contributions from Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant and vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah took the team total to 202 all-out in the final session on Day 1 of the second Test.

Ind vs SA, 2nd Test: Rahul joins elite list comprising Virat Kohli and Ganguly after 50 on captaincy debut

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