<p>Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad has lambasted India team selection and planning after their loss in first Test against South Africa. India lost the match by 30 runs in a chase of 124 runs inside three days at Kolkata's Eden Gardens. India visibly struggled to play spinners on a pitch designed to turn from day 1. They also suffered loss of a batter in Shubman Gill after the skipper picked up neck spasm while batting in first innings and didn't take part in the rest of the match. This is India's fourth loss in six home Tests including losing three-match series 0-3 to New Zealand last year.</p><h2>Prasad questions selection calls after India's loss</h2><p>"While we have been excellent in white- ball cricket. We can't call ourselves a top Test side with such planning. Selections without clarity and over-tactical thinking are backfiring. Poor results over a year in Tests barring a drawn series in England," Venkatesh posted on X.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gill-out-of-hospital-but-still-being-assessed-for-second-test-says-head-coach-gambhir-1763352249698">Gill out of hospital but 'still being assessed' for second Test, says head coach Gambhir</a></p><p>India opted to two pacers in Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj along with Kuldeep Yadav as a specialist spinner. They also had Washington Sundar, who batter at number three, and Axar Patel as two spin all-rounders. The selection meant India were made to sit out a specialist batter in Sai Sudharsan, which eventually came back to haunt them.</p><h2>What next for India?</h2><p>Head coach Gautam Gambhir, after the loss, insisted that the pitch was not 'unplayable' and it was the batters who had to apply themselves more. The second and final Test of the series starts Saturday (Nov 22) in Guwahati and India would be aiming to draw the series. With skipper Gill doubtful for the second Test, Sai Sudharsan or Dev Paddikal could replace him in the playing XI.</p>

India opted to two pacers in Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj along with Kuldeep Yadav as a specialist spinner. They also had Washington Sundar, who batter at number three, and Axar Patel as two spin all-rounders. The selection meant India were made to sit out a specialist batter.

Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad has lambasted India team selection and planning after their loss in first Test against South Africa. India lost the match by 30 runs in a chase of 124 runs inside three days at Kolkata's Eden Gardens. India visibly struggled to play spinners on a pitch designed to turn from day 1. They also suffered loss of a batter in Shubman Gill after the skipper picked up neck spasm while batting in first innings and didn't take part in the rest of the match. This is India's fourth loss in six home Tests including losing three-match series 0-3 to New Zealand last year. Prasad questions selection calls after India's loss "While we have been excellent in white- ball cricket. We can't call ourselves a top Test side with such planning. Selections without clarity and over-tactical thinking are backfiring. Poor results over a year in Tests barring a drawn series in England," Venkatesh posted on X. Also Read - Gill out of hospital but 'still being assessed' for second Test, says head coach Gambhir India opted to two pacers in Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj along with Kuldeep Yadav as a specialist spinner. They also had Washington Sundar, who batter at number three, and Axar Patel as two spin all-rounders. The selection meant India were made to sit out a specialist batter in Sai Sudharsan, which eventually came back to haunt them. What next for India? Head coach Gautam Gambhir, after the loss, insisted that the pitch was not 'unplayable' and it was the batters who had to apply themselves more. The second and final Test of the series starts Saturday (Nov 22) in Guwahati and India would be aiming to draw the series. With skipper Gill doubtful for the second Test, Sai Sudharsan or Dev Paddikal could replace him in the playing XI.

<p>India opted to two pacers in Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj along with Kuldeep Yadav as a specialist spinner. They also had Washington Sundar, who batter at number three, and Axar Patel as two spin all-rounders. The selection meant India were made to sit out a specialist batter.</p>

IND vs SA, 1st Test: Former pacer Venkatesh Prasad calls out 'over-tactical thinking' for loss

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Former India cricketer and bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad aimed at Pakistan after they violated the ceasefire treaty on Saturday (May 10). Prasad, taking a dig at Pakistan, said India will teach them a lesson after blackouts, drone sightings and heightened military alerts were noted in the border regions of the country on Saturday evening. This comes despite a ceasefire agreement that was agreed between India and Pakistan and came into effect from 5:00 PM IST.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">That country has three power centers-<br>The Army, The ISI and the Prime Minister. It&rsquo;s virtually impossible for all 3 to agree on a thing even if one of them does.<br>The last three days weren&rsquo;t enough, with this provocation, India will teach Pakistan a lesson of a lifetime</p>
&mdash; Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1921238193929589240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</span></p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><strong>Venkatesh Prasad aims at Pakistan</strong><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">&ldquo;That country has three power centers- The Army, the ISI and the Prime Minister. It&rsquo;s virtually impossible for all 3 to agree on a thing, even if one of them does. The last three days weren&rsquo;t enough, with this provocation, India will teach Pakistan a lesson of a lifetime,&rdquo; Prasad wrote on his X handle.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">On Saturday (May 10) evening, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect, starting at 1700 hrs the same day. While announcing details of the ceasefire, Misri stressed India's "uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations".<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called the Indian DGMO at 15:35 hours earlier this afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from 1700 hours Indian Standard Time. Today, instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The Directors General of Military Operations will talk again on the 12th of May at 1200 hours," announced Misri.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pak-ceasefire-bcci-likely-to-resume-ipl-2025-from-next-week-report-cricket-operation-sindoor-overseas-players-9055897" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">India-Pak ceasefire: BCCI likely to resume IPL 2025 from next week - Report</a></strong><br></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Earlier on Saturday, US President Donald Trump and his team claimed credit for the ceasefire between the two nuclear nations. This is despite US Vice President JD Vance saying a day before that America would not directly "intervene" in the matter as it is "none of America's business.&rdquo;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Trump shared a post on Truth Social announcing that India and Pakistan "have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire" and that "common sense and great intelligence" have prevailed. He congratulated both countries on the ceasefire. The US Department of State, in a statement, called the ceasefire a 'US-brokered.'</span></p>

Former India cricketer and bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad aimed at Pakistan after they violated the ceasefire agreement on Saturday (May 10). India News | Sports

Former India cricketer and bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad aimed at Pakistan after they violated the ceasefire treaty on Saturday (May 10). Prasad, taking a dig at Pakistan, said India will teach them a lesson after blackouts, drone sightings and heightened military alerts were noted in the border regions of the country on Saturday evening. This comes despite a ceasefire agreement that was agreed between India and Pakistan and came into effect from 5:00 PM IST. That country has three power centers- The Army, The ISI and the Prime Minister. It’s virtually impossible for all 3 to agree on a thing even if one of them does. The last three days weren’t enough, with this provocation, India will teach Pakistan a lesson of a lifetime — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) May 10, 2025 Venkatesh Prasad aims at Pakistan “That country has three power centers- The Army, the ISI and the Prime Minister. It’s virtually impossible for all 3 to agree on a thing, even if one of them does. The last three days weren’t enough, with this provocation, India will teach Pakistan a lesson of a lifetime,” Prasad wrote on his X handle. On Saturday (May 10) evening, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire with immediate effect, starting at 1700 hrs the same day. While announcing details of the ceasefire, Misri stressed India's "uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations". Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called the Indian DGMO at 15:35 hours earlier this afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from 1700 hours Indian Standard Time. Today, instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The Directors General of Military Operations will talk again on the 12th of May at 1200 hours," announced Misri. ALSO READ | India-Pak ceasefire: BCCI likely to resume IPL 2025 from next week - Report Earlier on Saturday, US President Donald Trump and his team claimed credit for the ceasefire between the two nuclear nations. This is despite US Vice President JD Vance saying a day before that America would not directly "intervene" in the matter as it is "none of America's business.” Trump shared a post on Truth Social announcing that India and Pakistan "have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire" and that "common sense and great intelligence" have prevailed. He congratulated both countries on the ceasefire. The US Department of State, in a statement, called the ceasefire a 'US-brokered.'

'India will teach Pakistan a lesson': Former cricketer comes up 'strong' and 'powerful' message after ceasefire violation

<p>In a display of unity and devotion, India's top sporting personalities&nbsp;have descended upon Ayodhya&nbsp;in large numbers&nbsp;to take part in the much-anticipated Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Mandir on Monday (Jan 22). The star-studded guest list includes various sporting icons from the country such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli,Anil Kumble, Venkatesh Prasad and Neeraj Chopra.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | Former cricketer <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sachin_rt</a> arrives in Ayodhya to attend <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RamMandirPranPratishtha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RamMandirPranPratishtha</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AyodhyaRamMandir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AyodhyaRamMandir</a> <a href="https://t.co/tsCzVABlmU">pic.twitter.com/tsCzVABlmU</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1749283601441497267?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sachin Tendulkar has reached Ayodhya🧡<br />
Those who are saying that Virat has arrived, I know this but no proper video has come so there is doubt<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SachinTendulkar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SachinTendulkar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AyodhaRamMandir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AyodhaRamMandir</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/viratkohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#viratkohli</a> <a href="https://t.co/hMim71e9ew">pic.twitter.com/hMim71e9ew</a></p>
— 𝙒𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙣🥂 (@wrogn_edits) <a href="https://twitter.com/wrogn_edits/status/1749287069506273455?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Virat Kohli has reached Ayodhya after the Practice Session 😍❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/viratkohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#viratkohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AyodhaRamMandir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AyodhaRamMandir</a> <a href="https://t.co/adQQyhtfy5">pic.twitter.com/adQQyhtfy5</a></p>
— 𝙒𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙣🥂 (@wrogn_edits) <a href="https://twitter.com/wrogn_edits/status/1749113687250731336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mithali Raj at the Ram Temple ahead of the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Rama. <a href="https://t.co/YJtFs5vfww">pic.twitter.com/YJtFs5vfww</a></p>
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) <a href="https://twitter.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1749297333496664544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Say it , Sing it , Roar it<br />
Jai Shree Ram 🙏🏼 <a href="https://t.co/jY75bVyQT2">pic.twitter.com/jY75bVyQT2</a></p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1749287317884584128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ram-mandir-consecration-ceremony-ranbir-kapoor-alia-bhatt-and-rohit-shetty-jet-off-to-ayodhya-682198">Ram Mandir Consecration ceremony: Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Amitabh Bachchan &amp; more celebs arrive in Ayodhya</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh | Veteran cricketer Anil Kumble says, "It is a wonderful occasion, a very divine occasion. Blessed to be a part of this. It's very historic. Looking forward to seeking blessings from Ram Lalla..." <a href="https://t.co/zKodiqk1bG">pic.twitter.com/zKodiqk1bG</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1749297818052038888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Other sports personalities such as Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, Harmanpreet Kaur, Saina Nehwal, PT Usha, PV Sindhu, Pullela Gopichand, Viswanathan Anand, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Baichung Bhutia, etc. have also been invited and expected to be part of the event.</p>

<p>The Ram Mandir&nbsp;consecration ceremony&nbsp;has been a huge talking point nationwide. It&nbsp;is not only being attended by famous sports personalities but by many big names from various fields. The likes of Amitabh Bachchan, Vicky Kaushal, Katrina Kaif and Ayushman Khurana have also arrived in Ayodhya.</p>

<p>It is to be noted that Ram temple&nbsp;consecration ceremony on Monday&nbsp;in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya will take place&nbsp;exactly four years after the landmark judgement from the Supreme Court of India. The mega event will comprise the 'Pran Pratishtha' of Ram Lalla (idol of infant Lord Ram), with the rituals led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi (who has already arrived at the venue).</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepals-star-cricketer-sandeep-lamichhane-jailed-for-eight-years-for-rape-678703/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The Ram temple has been designed in the traditional Nagara style. The dimensions of the temple is 380 feet in length, 250 feet wide and 161 feet tall. Chandrakant Sompura and his son Ashish designed&nbsp;the new structure ahead of the ceremony.</p>


In a display of unity and devotion, India's top sporting personalities have descended upon Ayodhya in large numbers to take part in the much-anticipated Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Mandir on Monday (Jan 22).

In a display of unity and devotion, India's top sporting personalities have descended upon Ayodhya in large numbers to take part in the much-anticipated Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Mandir on Monday (Jan 22). The star-studded guest list includes various sporting icons from the country such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli,Anil Kumble, Venkatesh Prasad and Neeraj Chopra. VIDEO | Former cricketer @sachin_rt arrives in Ayodhya to attend #RamMandirPranPratishtha.#AyodhyaRamMandir pic.twitter.com/tsCzVABlmU — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 22, 2024 × Sachin Tendulkar has reached Ayodhya🧡 Those who are saying that Virat has arrived, I know this but no proper video has come so there is doubt#SachinTendulkar #AyodhaRamMandir #viratkohli pic.twitter.com/hMim71e9ew — 𝙒𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙣🥂 (@wrogn_edits) January 22, 2024 × Virat Kohli has reached Ayodhya after the Practice Session 😍❤️#viratkohli #AyodhaRamMandir pic.twitter.com/adQQyhtfy5 — 𝙒𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙣🥂 (@wrogn_edits) January 21, 2024 × Mithali Raj at the Ram Temple ahead of the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Rama. pic.twitter.com/YJtFs5vfww — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 22, 2024 × Say it , Sing it , Roar it Jai Shree Ram 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/jY75bVyQT2 — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) January 22, 2024 × Also read: Ram Mandir Consecration ceremony: Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Amitabh Bachchan & more celebs arrive in Ayodhya #WATCH | Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh | Veteran cricketer Anil Kumble says, "It is a wonderful occasion, a very divine occasion. Blessed to be a part of this. It's very historic. Looking forward to seeking blessings from Ram Lalla..." pic.twitter.com/zKodiqk1bG — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2024 × Other sports personalities such as Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, Harmanpreet Kaur, Saina Nehwal, PT Usha, PV Sindhu, Pullela Gopichand, Viswanathan Anand, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Baichung Bhutia, etc. have also been invited and expected to be part of the event. The Ram Mandir consecration ceremony has been a huge talking point nationwide. It is not only being attended by famous sports personalities but by many big names from various fields. The likes of Amitabh Bachchan, Vicky Kaushal, Katrina Kaif and Ayushman Khurana have also arrived in Ayodhya. It is to be noted that Ram temple consecration ceremony on Monday in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya will take place exactly four years after the landmark judgement from the Supreme Court of India. The mega event will comprise the 'Pran Pratishtha' of Ram Lalla (idol of infant Lord Ram), with the rituals led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi (who has already arrived at the venue). × The Ram temple has been designed in the traditional Nagara style. The dimensions of the temple is 380 feet in length, 250 feet wide and 161 feet tall. Chandrakant Sompura and his son Ashish designed the new structure ahead of the ceremony.

Ram Mandir ceremony: Tendulkar, Kumble and other sports personalities attend consecration

<p>Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad has lauded KL Rahul for his stellar run in ODIs in 2023. During an interactive session on X, formerly Twitter, Prasad was asked by a fan to comment on&nbsp;Rahul and the former speedster had words of praise for the versatile Indian batter. Rahul ended 2023 with a bang, scoring a majestic 101 during India's big defeat to South Africa in the two-match Test series opener in Centurion.</p>

<p>Rahul had a terrible start to the&nbsp;just-concluded 2023 and got injured during the IPL season, in May. He, however, came back into the Indian setup during the Asia Cup and ended the year with 1,203 runs across formats, including&nbsp;three hundreds and seven fifties. In ODIs, in particular, he was at his best with&nbsp;1,060 runs comprising two centuries (one in Asia Cup and the other in ODI WC). He even impressed in the mega event, in India, with his wicketkeeping skills.</p>

<p>When being asked about Rahul, Prasad replied to a fan and wrote on X, "He has had a great year in one day cricket and in his comeback test in centurion played a wonderful knock in the first innings. Happy for him. Consistency in Test Cricket and realising his true potential is what he needs to aspire for imho."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He has had a great year in one day cricket and in his comeback test in centurion played a wonderful knock in the first innings. Happy for him. Consistency in Test Cricket and realising his true potential is what he needs to aspire for imho. <a href="https://t.co/gjxLgLr1eU">https://t.co/gjxLgLr1eU</a></p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1741347832219779418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/david-warner-retires-from-odis-ahead-of-farewell-test-keeps-possibility-of-playing-ct-2025-alive-675410">David Warner retires from ODIs ahead of farewell Test, keeps alive possibility of playing CT 2025</a></strong></p>

<p>After ODIs, Rahul has taken up the wicketkeeping duties in the longer format as well during India's Test series versus South Africa, in the African nation. Rahul-starrer India is currently gearing up for the second and final Test versus the Dean Elgar-led Proteas, which gets underway on Jan 3 in Newlands, Cape Town.</p>


Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad has lauded KL Rahul for his stellar run in ODIs in 2023. During an interactive session on X, formerly Twitter, Prasad was asked by a fan to comment on Rahul and the former speedster had words of praise for the versatile Indian batter.

Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad has lauded KL Rahul for his stellar run in ODIs in 2023. During an interactive session on X, formerly Twitter, Prasad was asked by a fan to comment on Rahul and the former speedster had words of praise for the versatile Indian batter. Rahul ended 2023 with a bang, scoring a majestic 101 during India's big defeat to South Africa in the two-match Test series opener in Centurion. Rahul had a terrible start to the just-concluded 2023 and got injured during the IPL season, in May. He, however, came back into the Indian setup during the Asia Cup and ended the year with 1,203 runs across formats, including three hundreds and seven fifties. In ODIs, in particular, he was at his best with 1,060 runs comprising two centuries (one in Asia Cup and the other in ODI WC). He even impressed in the mega event, in India, with his wicketkeeping skills. When being asked about Rahul, Prasad replied to a fan and wrote on X, "He has had a great year in one day cricket and in his comeback test in centurion played a wonderful knock in the first innings. Happy for him. Consistency in Test Cricket and realising his true potential is what he needs to aspire for imho." He has had a great year in one day cricket and in his comeback test in centurion played a wonderful knock in the first innings. Happy for him. Consistency in Test Cricket and realising his true potential is what he needs to aspire for imho. https://t.co/gjxLgLr1eU — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) December 31, 2023 × Also read: David Warner retires from ODIs ahead of farewell Test, keeps alive possibility of playing CT 2025 After ODIs, Rahul has taken up the wicketkeeping duties in the longer format as well during India's Test series versus South Africa, in the African nation. Rahul-starrer India is currently gearing up for the second and final Test versus the Dean Elgar-led Proteas, which gets underway on Jan 3 in Newlands, Cape Town.

KL Rahul had great run in 2023 ODIs: Ex-India pacer Venkatesh Prasad wants batter to 'realise true potential'

<p>India rode on Virat Kohli's 101 not out, captain Rohit Sharma's quickfire 40, Shreyas Iyer's 77, Ravindra Jadeja's 15-ball 29* and 5 for 33 to beat South Africa by 243 runs in match 37 of the home ODI World Cup on Sunday (Nov 5). Batting first, at the Eden Gardens stadium in the east Indian city of Kolkata, Rohit set the tone before Shreyas-Kohli batted with caution. Jadeja provided the final flourish whereas early breakthroughs from Mohammed Shami and Siraj pushed the Proteas on the back foot before Jadeja-Kuldeep Yadav (2 for 7) took over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his unbeaten 101, birthday boy Kohli equaled Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar with most ODI tons (49).</p>

<p>Nonetheless, some still slammed the Indian batter for batting slowly in the middle overs, when the ball was holding on and there was spin on offer, and going at a run-a-ball in the limited strike he got during the final 10 overs. Now, former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad has slammed Kohli's critics in style, who labelled him 'selfish'.</p>

<p>Prasad took to X and wrote, “Hearing funny arguments about Virat Kohli being Selfish and obsessed with personal milestone. Yes Kohli is selfish, selfish enough to follow the dream of a billion people, selfish enough to strive for excellence even after achieving so much, selfish enough to set new benchmarks, selfish enough to ensure his team wins. Yes, Kohli is selfish.”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hearing funny arguments about Virat Kohli being Selfish and obsessed with personal milestone.<br />
Yes Kohli is selfish, selfish enough to follow the dream of a billion people, selfish enough to strive for excellence even after achieving so much, selfish enough to set new benchmarks,… <a href="https://t.co/l5RZRf7dNx">pic.twitter.com/l5RZRf7dNx</a></p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1721370783799562247?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/unbeaten-india-equal-unique-odi-world-cup-record-after-243-run-win-over-south-africa-655620">Unbeaten India equal unique ODI World Cup record after 243-run win over South Africa</a></strong></p>

<p>Kohli has been in fine form in the 10-team tournament, with 543 runs (second-most), including two centuries and four fifties.</p>

<p>At times, his critics have taken a shot at him for trying to go for his hundred against Australia, Bangladesh and New Zealand despite the game being very much in India's favour.</p>

<p>At the post-match presentation, Kohli opined on his knock and equalling Tendulkar. He said, "It was a big game, probably playing the toughest team in the tournament. There was a motivation to do well. Because it happened on my birthday, it becomes special and the people made it more special for me. I did wake up with that excitement that today is not just another game. "</p>

<p>He added, "I’m just happy that God has blessed me with that enjoyment. I’m just happy that I’m being able to do what I have done over all these years. (On Sachin's message) It is all too much for me to take in now, to equal my hero’s record is something special for me. He is perfection when it comes to batting. It’s a very emotional moment for me. I know where I come from, I know the days I have watched him on TV. Just to get that appreciation from him means a lot to me."</p>


India rode on Virat Kohli's 101 not out, captain Rohit Sharma's quickfire 40, Shreyas Iyer's 77, Ravindra Jadeja's 15-ball 29* and 5 for 33 to beat South Africa by 243 runs in match 37 of the home ODI World Cup on Sunday (Nov 5).

India rode on Virat Kohli's 101 not out, captain Rohit Sharma's quickfire 40, Shreyas Iyer's 77, Ravindra Jadeja's 15-ball 29* and 5 for 33 to beat South Africa by 243 runs in match 37 of the home ODI World Cup on Sunday (Nov 5). Batting first, at the Eden Gardens stadium in the east Indian city of Kolkata, Rohit set the tone before Shreyas-Kohli batted with caution. Jadeja provided the final flourish whereas early breakthroughs from Mohammed Shami and Siraj pushed the Proteas on the back foot before Jadeja-Kuldeep Yadav (2 for 7) took over. During his unbeaten 101, birthday boy Kohli equaled Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar with most ODI tons (49). Nonetheless, some still slammed the Indian batter for batting slowly in the middle overs, when the ball was holding on and there was spin on offer, and going at a run-a-ball in the limited strike he got during the final 10 overs. Now, former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad has slammed Kohli's critics in style, who labelled him 'selfish'. Prasad took to X and wrote, “Hearing funny arguments about Virat Kohli being Selfish and obsessed with personal milestone. Yes Kohli is selfish, selfish enough to follow the dream of a billion people, selfish enough to strive for excellence even after achieving so much, selfish enough to set new benchmarks, selfish enough to ensure his team wins. Yes, Kohli is selfish.” Hearing funny arguments about Virat Kohli being Selfish and obsessed with personal milestone. Yes Kohli is selfish, selfish enough to follow the dream of a billion people, selfish enough to strive for excellence even after achieving so much, selfish enough to set new benchmarks,… pic.twitter.com/l5RZRf7dNx — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) November 6, 2023 × Also read: Unbeaten India equal unique ODI World Cup record after 243-run win over South Africa Kohli has been in fine form in the 10-team tournament, with 543 runs (second-most), including two centuries and four fifties. At times, his critics have taken a shot at him for trying to go for his hundred against Australia, Bangladesh and New Zealand despite the game being very much in India's favour. At the post-match presentation, Kohli opined on his knock and equalling Tendulkar. He said, "It was a big game, probably playing the toughest team in the tournament. There was a motivation to do well. Because it happened on my birthday, it becomes special and the people made it more special for me. I did wake up with that excitement that today is not just another game. " He added, "I’m just happy that God has blessed me with that enjoyment. I’m just happy that I’m being able to do what I have done over all these years. (On Sachin's message) It is all too much for me to take in now, to equal my hero’s record is something special for me. He is perfection when it comes to batting. It’s a very emotional moment for me. I know where I come from, I know the days I have watched him on TV. Just to get that appreciation from him means a lot to me."

Ind vs SA, CWC: 'Yes Virat Kohli is selfish enough to...' - Venkatesh Prasad silences Indian batter's critics

<p>Following an array of drama concerning Cricket World Cup ticketing, schedule and the host nation’s way of managing the event, fans and pundits took to social media to express their displeasure over the whole episode, with former Team India manager and bowler Venkatesh Prasad also venting his ire. Known to be vocal about unsettling scenarios mostly related to Indian Cricket, Prasad took to X (previously known as Twitter) to expose the mismanagement behind hosting the marquee event.</p>

<p>On X, Prasad posted, writing, “It takes one corrupt, arrogant guy to take away the hardwork of an otherwise non-corrupt organisation and spoil the reputation of an entire organisation &amp; the impact isn’t just micro but at a macro level. This is true in every field, be it politics, sports, journalism, corporate.”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It takes one corrupt, arrogant guy to take away the hardwork of an otherwise non-corrupt organisation and spoil the reputation of an entire organisation &amp; the impact isn’t just micro but at a macro level. This is true in every field, be it politics,sports, journalistm, corporate.</p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1700702155664232510?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Although he claims he didn’t target any individual through his words and instead exposed the system, not necessarily in cricket, Prasad insisted this is his observation of how top players across sectors operate in this part of the world. When approached to clear his stance on his recent outbreak on social media, Prasad clarified to PTI, saying, “Nothing personal, just observation.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-cup-hca-writes-to-bcci-to-reschedule-warm-up-game-on-september-29-due-to-security-concerns-634506">Cricket World Cup: HCA writes to BCCI to reschedule warm-up game on September 29 due to security concerns</a></strong></p>

<p>When asked if his words are misinterpreted, the former bowler said,&nbsp;“100 per cent. That (corrupt) I meant generally in all aspects of life. Be it airline industry, banking industry, even IPL franchises have been banned as well. Since in my other tweets, I had tweeted about tickets, it looked mixed up. My criticism for BCCI was clear about the ticketing and scheduling.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, since the World Cup ticketing episode didn’t sit well with the fans, the Indian Cricket Board reissued more than 400,000 tickets in the second leg. Commenting on the same, Prasad posted on X, saying there was an unreasonable delay in the schedule in the first place and then the drama, which unfolded while booking tickets.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There is no debate and doubt on the fact that we have messed up the lead up to the World Cup. Unreasonable delay in schedule in the first place and if that wasn’t enough changing the schedule hampering 5 matches in the process, if that wasn’t enough a completely non-transparent…</p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1700460772953096365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>When asked if his outbursts meant pointing fingers at the BCCI since he doesn’t work with them anymore, Prasad said, “Not at all. I have, in fact, been offered positions but not ready for it.” &nbsp;</p>

<p>Opening further on it, Prasad said, “Nothing personal. Just a clear observation and many people have expressed displeasure at the way ticketing is, fans as well as friends from overseas.”</p>

<p>Meanwhile, as per the latest reports, the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has written to the BCCI, asking them to reschedule the September 29 CWC warm-up game between Pakistan and New Zealand because of security concerns. The Indian Cricket Board has yet to reply to them.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION&nbsp;LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>


Following an array of drama concerning Cricket World Cup ticketing, schedule and the host nation’s way of managing the event, fans and pundits took to social media to express their displeasure over the whole episode, with former Team India manager and bowler Venkatesh Prasad also venting his ire.

Following an array of drama concerning Cricket World Cup ticketing, schedule and the host nation’s way of managing the event, fans and pundits took to social media to express their displeasure over the whole episode, with former Team India manager and bowler Venkatesh Prasad also venting his ire. Known to be vocal about unsettling scenarios mostly related to Indian Cricket, Prasad took to X (previously known as Twitter) to expose the mismanagement behind hosting the marquee event. On X, Prasad posted, writing, “It takes one corrupt, arrogant guy to take away the hardwork of an otherwise non-corrupt organisation and spoil the reputation of an entire organisation & the impact isn’t just micro but at a macro level. This is true in every field, be it politics, sports, journalism, corporate.” It takes one corrupt, arrogant guy to take away the hardwork of an otherwise non-corrupt organisation and spoil the reputation of an entire organisation & the impact isn’t just micro but at a macro level. This is true in every field, be it politics,sports, journalistm, corporate. — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) September 10, 2023 × Although he claims he didn’t target any individual through his words and instead exposed the system, not necessarily in cricket, Prasad insisted this is his observation of how top players across sectors operate in this part of the world. When approached to clear his stance on his recent outbreak on social media, Prasad clarified to PTI, saying, “Nothing personal, just observation.” ALSO READ: Cricket World Cup: HCA writes to BCCI to reschedule warm-up game on September 29 due to security concerns When asked if his words are misinterpreted, the former bowler said, “100 per cent. That (corrupt) I meant generally in all aspects of life. Be it airline industry, banking industry, even IPL franchises have been banned as well. Since in my other tweets, I had tweeted about tickets, it looked mixed up. My criticism for BCCI was clear about the ticketing and scheduling.” Moreover, since the World Cup ticketing episode didn’t sit well with the fans, the Indian Cricket Board reissued more than 400,000 tickets in the second leg. Commenting on the same, Prasad posted on X, saying there was an unreasonable delay in the schedule in the first place and then the drama, which unfolded while booking tickets. There is no debate and doubt on the fact that we have messed up the lead up to the World Cup. Unreasonable delay in schedule in the first place and if that wasn’t enough changing the schedule hampering 5 matches in the process, if that wasn’t enough a completely non-transparent… — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) September 9, 2023 × When asked if his outbursts meant pointing fingers at the BCCI since he doesn’t work with them anymore, Prasad said, “Not at all. I have, in fact, been offered positions but not ready for it.” Opening further on it, Prasad said, “Nothing personal. Just a clear observation and many people have expressed displeasure at the way ticketing is, fans as well as friends from overseas.” Meanwhile, as per the latest reports, the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has written to the BCCI, asking them to reschedule the September 29 CWC warm-up game between Pakistan and New Zealand because of security concerns. The Indian Cricket Board has yet to reply to them. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Nothing personal, just observation: Venkatesh Prasad on social media outburst concerning CWC, Indian cricket

<p>Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad has blasted the Asian Cricket Council's (ACC) decision to add a reserve day for the India-Pakistan tie in the Super Four stage. The game is scheduled to be played in Colombo on Sunday, September 10 and is under a cloud of rain. There were discussions to shift the venue but that didn't materialise and after that came the decision to add extra day.</p>

<p>It is also to be noted that the group stage game between India and Pakistan was curtailed due to rain and only one innings could take place. The group stage match, however, had happened in Kandy. Nonetheless, the decision hasn't gone down well with Prasad who called it a 'absolute mockery.'</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-pakistan-skipper-babar-azam-fires-warning-ahead-of-super-four-game-against-india-634101">Pakistan skipper Babar Azam fires WARNING ahead of Super Four game against India</a></p>

<p>"If true this is absolute shamelessness. The organisers have made a mockery and it is unethical to have a tournament with rules being different for the other two teams," wrote Prasad on his official social media handle X, formerly Twitter.</p>

<p>"In the name of justice, will only be fair if it is abandoned the first day, may it rain harder on the second day and these malicious plans not succeed," he further added. Have a look at the post here:</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If true this is absolute shamelessness this. The organisers have made a mockery and it is unethical to have a tournament with rules being different for the other two teams.<br />
In the name of justice, will only be fair if it is abandoned the first day, may it rain harder on the… <a href="https://t.co/GPQGmdo1Zx">https://t.co/GPQGmdo1Zx</a></p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1700197914302362010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The ACC, on Friday, September 8, had issued a statement to announce the decision of adding a reserve day for the India-Pakistan fixture.</p>

<p>"If adverse weather suspends play during the Pak vs India game, the match will continue on 11th September 2023 from the point it was suspended," the ACC had said in a statement.</p>

<p>The decision, however, has not gone down well with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh head coach. "Little surprised when I first heard, but at the same time we are not the organisers of the competition so not a lot we can do about that," said Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad has blasted the Asian Cricket Council's (ACC) decision to add a reserve day for the India-Pakistan tie in the Super Four stage.

Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad has blasted the Asian Cricket Council's (ACC) decision to add a reserve day for the India-Pakistan tie in the Super Four stage. The game is scheduled to be played in Colombo on Sunday, September 10 and is under a cloud of rain. There were discussions to shift the venue but that didn't materialise and after that came the decision to add extra day. It is also to be noted that the group stage game between India and Pakistan was curtailed due to rain and only one innings could take place. The group stage match, however, had happened in Kandy. Nonetheless, the decision hasn't gone down well with Prasad who called it a 'absolute mockery.' Also Read: Pakistan skipper Babar Azam fires WARNING ahead of Super Four game against India "If true this is absolute shamelessness. The organisers have made a mockery and it is unethical to have a tournament with rules being different for the other two teams," wrote Prasad on his official social media handle X, formerly Twitter. "In the name of justice, will only be fair if it is abandoned the first day, may it rain harder on the second day and these malicious plans not succeed," he further added. Have a look at the post here: If true this is absolute shamelessness this. The organisers have made a mockery and it is unethical to have a tournament with rules being different for the other two teams. In the name of justice, will only be fair if it is abandoned the first day, may it rain harder on the… https://t.co/GPQGmdo1Zx — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) September 8, 2023 × The ACC, on Friday, September 8, had issued a statement to announce the decision of adding a reserve day for the India-Pakistan fixture. "If adverse weather suspends play during the Pak vs India game, the match will continue on 11th September 2023 from the point it was suspended," the ACC had said in a statement. The decision, however, has not gone down well with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh head coach. "Little surprised when I first heard, but at the same time we are not the organisers of the competition so not a lot we can do about that," said Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Asia Cup: Former India pacer BLASTS ACC's decision to add reserve day for India-Pakistan fixture

<p>Former India coach Venkatesh Prasad has blasted Team India after their woeful 2-3 T20I series defeat against West Indies on Sunday, August 13. Despite levelling the series at 2-2, India lost the final T20I that saw the hosts emerge victorious against Hardik Pandya’s men. According to Prasad, the Indian team needs to improve their skillset while he also thinks India lacks hunger and intensity.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India needs to improve their skillset. Their is a hunger &amp; intensity deficiency &amp; often the captain looked clueless. Bowler’s can’t bat, batsmen can’t bowl.<br />
It’s important to not look for yes men and be blinded because someone is your favourite player but look at the larger good</p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1690808642772357120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Prasad blasts Team India</strong></h2>

<p>“India needs to improve their skillset. There is a hunger &amp; intensity deficiency &amp; often the captain looked clueless. Bowlers can’t bat, batsmen can’t bowl. It’s important to not look for yes men and be blinded because someone is your favourite player but look at the larger good,” tweeted Prasad after the match.</p>

<p>The Indian team has suffered some monumental lows under the coaching of Rahul Dravid, having lost to Bangladesh in the ODI series last December while a defeat to West Indies on Sunday also added to the criticism. The Caribbean side has failed to qualify for the ODI World Cup, but despite the turmoil managed to get the better of India in the five-match T20I series.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India has been a very very ordinary limited overs side for sometime now. They have been humbled by a West Indies side that failed to qualify for the T20 WC few months back. We had also lost to Ban in the ODI series. Hope they introspect instead of making silly statements <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndvWI</a></p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1690803575931428865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>“India has been a very very ordinary limited overs side for some time now. They have been humbled by a West Indies side that failed to qualify for the ODI WC a few months back. We had also lost to Ban in the ODI series. Hope they introspect instead of making silly statements,” another tweet from Prasad added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-couldnt-perform-in-icc-tournaments-due-to-internal-issues-claims-former-pakistan-captain-625009">India couldn't perform in ICC tournaments due to internal issues, claims former Pakistan captain</a></p>

<h2><strong>India enter crucial period</strong></h2>

<p>The embarrassment of defeat could now be put behind as India enter a crucial next three months. The Men in Blue will take on continental opponents in the Asia Cup in a couple of weeks before taking on Australia in a three-match ODI series before the World Cup. India as hosts will be one of the favourites to clinch the World Cup that starts on October 5. The team still has a few issues to sort out before entering the crucial period as KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer continue their rehabilitation and are still in doubt for the big tournaments.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Former India coach Venkatesh Prasad has blasted Team India after their woeful 2-3 T20I series defeat against West Indies on Sunday, August 13. Despite levelling the series at 2-2, India lost the final T20I that saw the hosts emerge victorious against Hardik Pandya’s men.

Former India coach Venkatesh Prasad has blasted Team India after their woeful 2-3 T20I series defeat against West Indies on Sunday, August 13. Despite levelling the series at 2-2, India lost the final T20I that saw the hosts emerge victorious against Hardik Pandya’s men. According to Prasad, the Indian team needs to improve their skillset while he also thinks India lacks hunger and intensity. India needs to improve their skillset. Their is a hunger & intensity deficiency & often the captain looked clueless. Bowler’s can’t bat, batsmen can’t bowl. It’s important to not look for yes men and be blinded because someone is your favourite player but look at the larger good — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) August 13, 2023 × Prasad blasts Team India “India needs to improve their skillset. There is a hunger & intensity deficiency & often the captain looked clueless. Bowlers can’t bat, batsmen can’t bowl. It’s important to not look for yes men and be blinded because someone is your favourite player but look at the larger good,” tweeted Prasad after the match. The Indian team has suffered some monumental lows under the coaching of Rahul Dravid, having lost to Bangladesh in the ODI series last December while a defeat to West Indies on Sunday also added to the criticism. The Caribbean side has failed to qualify for the ODI World Cup, but despite the turmoil managed to get the better of India in the five-match T20I series. India has been a very very ordinary limited overs side for sometime now. They have been humbled by a West Indies side that failed to qualify for the T20 WC few months back. We had also lost to Ban in the ODI series. Hope they introspect instead of making silly statements #IndvWI — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) August 13, 2023 × “India has been a very very ordinary limited overs side for some time now. They have been humbled by a West Indies side that failed to qualify for the ODI WC a few months back. We had also lost to Ban in the ODI series. Hope they introspect instead of making silly statements,” another tweet from Prasad added. ALSO READ | India couldn't perform in ICC tournaments due to internal issues, claims former Pakistan captain India enter crucial period The embarrassment of defeat could now be put behind as India enter a crucial next three months. The Men in Blue will take on continental opponents in the Asia Cup in a couple of weeks before taking on Australia in a three-match ODI series before the World Cup. India as hosts will be one of the favourites to clinch the World Cup that starts on October 5. The team still has a few issues to sort out before entering the crucial period as KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer continue their rehabilitation and are still in doubt for the big tournaments. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Venkatesh Prasad BLASTS Team India after woeful West Indies series defeat, tweets 'needs to improve skillset'

<p>After winning the Test and ODI series, India have lost two straight T20Is to hosts West Indies in the ongoing five-match series. On Sunday (August 06), Hardik Pandya-led India faced West Indies, in Guyana, for the second T20I and lost by two wickets in defence of 152/7.</p>

<p>Opting to bat first, India rode on Tilak Verma's maiden half century (51) but failed to defend the score despite reducing the home side to 129 for 8, after which they were well-placed at 126 for 4. Hardik claimed three scalps whereas Yuzvendra Chahal picked two wickets, but India conceded the match due to late hits from Alzarri Joseph-Akeal Hossain.</p>

<p>After yet another loss, former Team India pacer Venkatesh Prasad -- who remains vocal on Indian cricket on social media platforms -- slammed the national side for 'lack of intensity' and 'hunger'.</p>

<h2><strong>'After IPL started,&nbsp;we haven't won a T20 World Cup&nbsp;'</strong></h2>

<p>On the platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Prasad wrote, "Very, very ordinary. No point in brushing it aside. After the 2007 T20 World Cup, IPL started and we haven't won a T20 World Cup in 7 attempts since, making only 1 final. The intensity and hunger to win needs to be far more."</p>

<p>"Yesterday after Yuzi took 2 wickets in the 16th over and got India back into the game in what was his third over and West Indies 8th down and he didn't bowl again and No 9 and 10 for WI found the pacers easy to handle. Should be smarter at these moments then just doing textbook stuff," he mentioned.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Very very ordinary. No point in brushing it aside. After the 2007 T20 World Cup, IPL started and we haven’t won a T20 World Cup in 7 attempts since, making only 1 finals. The intensity and hunger to win needs to be far more .<br />
Yesterday after Yuzi took 2 wkts in the 16th, cont <a href="https://t.co/xNOfjqZJeG">https://t.co/xNOfjqZJeG</a></p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1688345919501246464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And Yuzi got India back into the game in what was his third over and West Indies 8th down and he didn’t bowl again and No 9 and 10 for WI found the pacers easy to handle. Should be smarter at these moments then just doing textbook stuff.</p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1688346684877950976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/stop-admonishing-rahul-dravid-for-everything-former-india-pacer-backs-under-fire-coach-amid-defeats-vs-wi-623160">Stop admonishing Rahul Dravid for everything: Former India pacer backs under-fire coach amid defeats vs WI</a></strong></p>

<p>Many have slammed captain Hardik for not using Chahal properly as the in-form spinner didn't complete his full quota of overs whereas Axar Patel was never used at all.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the post-match presentation, Hardik said, "If am being honest that was a not a pleasing batting performance, we could have batted better. 160+ or 170 would have been a good total."</p>

<p>India will lock horns with West Indies in the third T20I at the same venue, i.e. the Providence Stadium, Guyana, to keep the series alive. Meanwhile, Rovman Powell-led Windies will&nbsp;aim for an unassailable lead.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


After winning the Test and ODI series, India have lost two straight T20Is to hosts West Indies in the ongoing five-match series. On Sunday (August 06), Hardik Pandya-led India faced West Indies, in Guyana, for the second T20I and lost by two wickets in defence of 152/7.

After winning the Test and ODI series, India have lost two straight T20Is to hosts West Indies in the ongoing five-match series. On Sunday (August 06), Hardik Pandya-led India faced West Indies, in Guyana, for the second T20I and lost by two wickets in defence of 152/7. Opting to bat first, India rode on Tilak Verma's maiden half century (51) but failed to defend the score despite reducing the home side to 129 for 8, after which they were well-placed at 126 for 4. Hardik claimed three scalps whereas Yuzvendra Chahal picked two wickets, but India conceded the match due to late hits from Alzarri Joseph-Akeal Hossain. After yet another loss, former Team India pacer Venkatesh Prasad -- who remains vocal on Indian cricket on social media platforms -- slammed the national side for 'lack of intensity' and 'hunger'. 'After IPL started, we haven't won a T20 World Cup ' On the platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Prasad wrote, "Very, very ordinary. No point in brushing it aside. After the 2007 T20 World Cup, IPL started and we haven't won a T20 World Cup in 7 attempts since, making only 1 final. The intensity and hunger to win needs to be far more." "Yesterday after Yuzi took 2 wickets in the 16th over and got India back into the game in what was his third over and West Indies 8th down and he didn't bowl again and No 9 and 10 for WI found the pacers easy to handle. Should be smarter at these moments then just doing textbook stuff," he mentioned. Very very ordinary. No point in brushing it aside. After the 2007 T20 World Cup, IPL started and we haven’t won a T20 World Cup in 7 attempts since, making only 1 finals. The intensity and hunger to win needs to be far more . Yesterday after Yuzi took 2 wkts in the 16th, cont https://t.co/xNOfjqZJeG — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) August 7, 2023 × And Yuzi got India back into the game in what was his third over and West Indies 8th down and he didn’t bowl again and No 9 and 10 for WI found the pacers easy to handle. Should be smarter at these moments then just doing textbook stuff. — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) August 7, 2023 × Also read: Stop admonishing Rahul Dravid for everything: Former India pacer backs under-fire coach amid defeats vs WI Many have slammed captain Hardik for not using Chahal properly as the in-form spinner didn't complete his full quota of overs whereas Axar Patel was never used at all. At the post-match presentation, Hardik said, "If am being honest that was a not a pleasing batting performance, we could have batted better. 160+ or 170 would have been a good total." India will lock horns with West Indies in the third T20I at the same venue, i.e. the Providence Stadium, Guyana, to keep the series alive. Meanwhile, Rovman Powell-led Windies will aim for an unassailable lead. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ind vs WI, 2nd T20I: Former pacer Venkatesh Prasad rips apart Team India for 'lack of 'intensity'

<p>Rohit Sharma-led Team India are currently in the midst of the three ODI series&nbsp;versus West Indies&nbsp;in the Caribbean island. After winning the series opener with five wickets, the Men in Blue played the second and penultimate tie without their&nbsp;regular captain and Virat Kohli. Hardik Pandya led the team and the second-stringed side fell for 181 to lose by six wickets.</p>

<p>After India's second ODI loss to the Windies, who are not even part of the forthcoming ODI World Cup in India later this year, former Team India pacer Venkatesh Prasad slammed the national side for their ordinary run in recent years, especially in white-ball formats.</p>

<h2><strong>'We have become used to celebrating mediocrity'</strong></h2>

<p>Prasad tweeted, "Test cricket aside, India has been very ordinary in the other two formats for quite some time now. Lost odi&nbsp;series against ban, SA and Aus. Poor in the last two T20 World Cups. Neither are we an exciting team like England nor brutal like how the Aussies used to be." He added, "Despite the money and power, we have become used to celebrating mediocrity and are far from how champion sides are. Every team plays to win and so does India but their approach and attitude is also a factor for underperformance over a period of time."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-bumrah-doesnt-play-world-cup-2023-semis-or-final-we-wasted-time-on-him-kapil-dev-620993">If Bumrah doesn't play World Cup 2023 semis or final, we wasted time on him: Kapil Dev</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Despite the money and power, we have become used to celebrating mediocrity and are far from how champion sides are. Every team plays to win and so does India but their approach and attitude is also a factor for underperformance over a period of time.</p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1685607493056262145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Test cricket aside, India has been very ordinary in the other two formats for quite sometime now.<br />
Lost odi series against ban, SA and Aus. Poor in the last two T20 World Cups.<br />
Neither are we an exciting team like England nor brutal like how the Aussies used to be. Cont</p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1685607014863683585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Speaking about Team India's run in recent years, they lost an ODI series to hosts Bangladesh in late 2022, were whitewashed in three 50-over games by South Africa&nbsp;in the African nation&nbsp;in early 2022 and also conceded a three-match ODI series to Australia earlier&nbsp;this year. Even in their last ODI series in New Zealand and Australia, in early and later 2020, respectively, India were listless and lost convincingly.</p>

<p>In Tests, they reached the WTC final twice in a row but came second by a significant margin. Meanwhile, in T20Is, Team India failed to go past the Super 12 stage in the 2021 T20 World Cup and bowed out of next year's edition, in Australia, in the semi-finals with a ten-wicket loss to eventual winners England.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At present, India is gearing up for the third and final ODI versus West Indies, to be held on Tuesday (August 01) in Trinidad. The two-time winners are running against time to fix their team combination in the run-up to the home ODI World Cup, to kick off on October 05.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Rohit Sharma-led Team India are currently in the midst of the three ODI series versus West Indies in the Caribbean island. After winning the series opener with five wickets, the Men in Blue played the second and penultimate tie without their regular captain and Virat Kohli.

Rohit Sharma-led Team India are currently in the midst of the three ODI series versus West Indies in the Caribbean island. After winning the series opener with five wickets, the Men in Blue played the second and penultimate tie without their regular captain and Virat Kohli. Hardik Pandya led the team and the second-stringed side fell for 181 to lose by six wickets. After India's second ODI loss to the Windies, who are not even part of the forthcoming ODI World Cup in India later this year, former Team India pacer Venkatesh Prasad slammed the national side for their ordinary run in recent years, especially in white-ball formats. 'We have become used to celebrating mediocrity' Prasad tweeted, "Test cricket aside, India has been very ordinary in the other two formats for quite some time now. Lost odi series against ban, SA and Aus. Poor in the last two T20 World Cups. Neither are we an exciting team like England nor brutal like how the Aussies used to be." He added, "Despite the money and power, we have become used to celebrating mediocrity and are far from how champion sides are. Every team plays to win and so does India but their approach and attitude is also a factor for underperformance over a period of time." Also read: If Bumrah doesn't play World Cup 2023 semis or final, we wasted time on him: Kapil Dev Despite the money and power, we have become used to celebrating mediocrity and are far from how champion sides are. Every team plays to win and so does India but their approach and attitude is also a factor for underperformance over a period of time. — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) July 30, 2023 × Test cricket aside, India has been very ordinary in the other two formats for quite sometime now. Lost odi series against ban, SA and Aus. Poor in the last two T20 World Cups. Neither are we an exciting team like England nor brutal like how the Aussies used to be. Cont — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) July 30, 2023 × Speaking about Team India's run in recent years, they lost an ODI series to hosts Bangladesh in late 2022, were whitewashed in three 50-over games by South Africa in the African nation in early 2022 and also conceded a three-match ODI series to Australia earlier this year. Even in their last ODI series in New Zealand and Australia, in early and later 2020, respectively, India were listless and lost convincingly. In Tests, they reached the WTC final twice in a row but came second by a significant margin. Meanwhile, in T20Is, Team India failed to go past the Super 12 stage in the 2021 T20 World Cup and bowed out of next year's edition, in Australia, in the semi-finals with a ten-wicket loss to eventual winners England. At present, India is gearing up for the third and final ODI versus West Indies, to be held on Tuesday (August 01) in Trinidad. The two-time winners are running against time to fix their team combination in the run-up to the home ODI World Cup, to kick off on October 05. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Despite money and power, we've become...': Former India pacer lashes out at Rohit Sharma & Co.

<p>With three ICC trophies and five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles to his name, MS Dhoni is one of the finest cricket captains ever to play the sport. The former India skipper’s glorious trophy cabinet is enough to dazzle fans. Dhoni’s prestigious trophy room may very well hypnotise viewers, but his collection of bikes and cars is no less spectacular. Former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad shared a video of Dhoni’s huge garage in Ranchi. The now-viral clip, which according to The Indian Express was shot by Dhoni’s wife Sakshi, reveals the World Cup-winning captain’s majestic collection of automobiles.</p>

<p>“One of the craziest passions I have seen in a person. What a collection and what a man MSD is. A great achiever and an even more incredible person. This is a glimpse of his collection of bikes and cars in his Ranchi house. Just blown away by the man and his passion,” Prasad tweeted.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-76ers-star-joel-embiid-just-wants-to-win-championship-in-philly-or-anywhere-else-616923">NBA: 76ers star Joel Embiid just wants to win Championship 'in Philly or anywhere else'</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">One of the craziest passion i have seen in a person. What a collection and what a man MSD is . A great achiever and a even more incredible person. This is a glimpse of his collection of bikes and cars in his Ranchi house.<br />
Just blown away by the man and his passion <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/avtYwVNNOz">pic.twitter.com/avtYwVNNOz</a></p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1681011927244500992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The video starts with Sakshi asking Venkatesh Prasad about his feelings of being in Ranchi.</p>

<p>Responding to Sakshi’s query, the former Indian pacer said, “Amazing! No, not all (not my first time in Ranchi). It’s my fourth time, but this place (Dhoni’s garage in Ranchi) is crazy.”</p>

<p>In the video, Sakshi was even heard asking her husband, “Why Mahi why? What was the need for this?”</p>

<p>To this, Dhoni cheekily replied, “Because you took everything and I needed to have something of my own. This is the only thing you are allowed.”</p>

<p>MS Dhoni, who possesses a mind-boggling collection of vintage cars and superbikes, welcomed a new member to his garage earlier this year.</p>

<p>An article published by The Economic Times reported that in February 2023, the Chennai Super Kings skipper bought a TVS Ronin motorcycle, which is powered by a 225.9 cc single-cylinder engine. The report also claimed that last year, Dhoni was seen leaving his training session with the TVS Apache RR 310.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/victoria-pulls-the-plug-australia-commonwealth-games-2026-cancelled-due-to-funding-shortfall-616870">Commonwealth Games 2026: Australia cancels event amid shortage of funds</a></strong></p>

<p>Coming back to on-field developments, MS Dhoni was last seen in action during this year’s IPL. Leading Chennai Super Kings, Dhoni guided the franchise to their record-equalling fifth IPL title.</p>

<p>The fifth IPL trophy helped Dhoni in becoming the joint-most successful skipper, along with Rohit Sharma, in the history of the competition.</p>

<p>In IPL 2023, Dhoni also became the first player to lead a side in 200 matches. Overall, the 42-year-old has so far taken part in 250 IPL games.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


With three ICC trophies and five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles to his name, MS Dhoni is one of the finest cricket captains ever to play the sport. The former India skipper’s glorious trophy cabinet is enough to dazzle fans.

With three ICC trophies and five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles to his name, MS Dhoni is one of the finest cricket captains ever to play the sport. The former India skipper’s glorious trophy cabinet is enough to dazzle fans. Dhoni’s prestigious trophy room may very well hypnotise viewers, but his collection of bikes and cars is no less spectacular. Former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad shared a video of Dhoni’s huge garage in Ranchi. The now-viral clip, which according to The Indian Express was shot by Dhoni’s wife Sakshi, reveals the World Cup-winning captain’s majestic collection of automobiles. “One of the craziest passions I have seen in a person. What a collection and what a man MSD is. A great achiever and an even more incredible person. This is a glimpse of his collection of bikes and cars in his Ranchi house. Just blown away by the man and his passion,” Prasad tweeted. Also read: NBA: 76ers star Joel Embiid just wants to win Championship 'in Philly or anywhere else' One of the craziest passion i have seen in a person. What a collection and what a man MSD is . A great achiever and a even more incredible person. This is a glimpse of his collection of bikes and cars in his Ranchi house. Just blown away by the man and his passion @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/avtYwVNNOz — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) July 17, 2023 × The video starts with Sakshi asking Venkatesh Prasad about his feelings of being in Ranchi. Responding to Sakshi’s query, the former Indian pacer said, “Amazing! No, not all (not my first time in Ranchi). It’s my fourth time, but this place (Dhoni’s garage in Ranchi) is crazy.” In the video, Sakshi was even heard asking her husband, “Why Mahi why? What was the need for this?” To this, Dhoni cheekily replied, “Because you took everything and I needed to have something of my own. This is the only thing you are allowed.” MS Dhoni, who possesses a mind-boggling collection of vintage cars and superbikes, welcomed a new member to his garage earlier this year. An article published by The Economic Times reported that in February 2023, the Chennai Super Kings skipper bought a TVS Ronin motorcycle, which is powered by a 225.9 cc single-cylinder engine. The report also claimed that last year, Dhoni was seen leaving his training session with the TVS Apache RR 310. Also read: Commonwealth Games 2026: Australia cancels event amid shortage of funds Coming back to on-field developments, MS Dhoni was last seen in action during this year’s IPL. Leading Chennai Super Kings, Dhoni guided the franchise to their record-equalling fifth IPL title. The fifth IPL trophy helped Dhoni in becoming the joint-most successful skipper, along with Rohit Sharma, in the history of the competition. In IPL 2023, Dhoni also became the first player to lead a side in 200 matches. Overall, the 42-year-old has so far taken part in 250 IPL games. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Craziest Passion': Venkatesh Prasad on MS Dhoni’s massive bike collection

<p>KL Rahul scored a sublime 75 not out in India's first ODI win versus Australia at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on March 17 (Friday). After a forgettable run in the Border-Gavaskar Test series, Rahul's return to form led to a sigh of relief for his supporters. In the recent past, a lot has been said and written on Rahul's form.</p>

<p>The former Indian vice-captain Rahul has been a part of international cricket since late 2014 and despite his occasional brilliance, the right-hander has still not been able to remain as consistent as he would have liked. Thus, it has led to severe criticism with former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad being quite vocal about Rahul's inconsistency. During the India-Australia Tests, Prasad's rant on Rahul went viral on Twitter and he also got engaged in a verbal spat with former Indian opener Aakash Chopra.</p>

<p>Recently, Prasad opened up on his criticism&nbsp;and said that 'it is&nbsp;not that I've only spoken about&nbsp;Rahul'.</p>

<p><strong>'Few people have taken it very seriously and few have criticised'</strong></p>

<p>"I've got nothing against anybody but it's just that whatever I feel I say it. Few people take it; few don't. It's up to them. It's not that I've only spoken about KL Rahul. I even expressed my opinion over Sarfaraz Ahmed as well who has been performing brilliantly. I have made sure that I didn't cross the line, as simple as that. Few people have taken it very seriously and few have criticised," Prasad told CNN News 18.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-have-a-point-to-prove-md-hafeez-on-rohit-sharma-cos-chances-at-odi-wc-573906">'India have a point to prove': Md Hafeez on Rohit Sharma &amp; Co.'s chances at 2023 ODI World Cup</a></strong></p>

<p>He further stated, "Look I've got great respect and regard to KL Rahul. I've seen him since his Under-16 days - almost for 15 years. Having followed and worked with him at different stages be in Karnataka, at NCA or with the Indian team. He was given a long rope and that's fair enough for the kind of potential that he has. But he has not lived up to the talent that he is there. I am sure it will get better in the next few months but having said that, I have not been harsh; I had to say what I felt."</p>

<p>Rahul-starrer India is gearing up for the third and final ODI versus Australia before the action shifts to the IPL 2023 edition.</p>


KL Rahul scored a sublime 75 not out in India's first ODI win versus Australia at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on March 17 (Friday). After a forgettable run in the Border-Gavaskar Test series, Rahul's return to form led to a sigh of relief for his supporters.

KL Rahul scored a sublime 75 not out in India's first ODI win versus Australia at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on March 17 (Friday). After a forgettable run in the Border-Gavaskar Test series, Rahul's return to form led to a sigh of relief for his supporters. In the recent past, a lot has been said and written on Rahul's form. The former Indian vice-captain Rahul has been a part of international cricket since late 2014 and despite his occasional brilliance, the right-hander has still not been able to remain as consistent as he would have liked. Thus, it has led to severe criticism with former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad being quite vocal about Rahul's inconsistency. During the India-Australia Tests, Prasad's rant on Rahul went viral on Twitter and he also got engaged in a verbal spat with former Indian opener Aakash Chopra. Recently, Prasad opened up on his criticism and said that 'it is not that I've only spoken about Rahul'. 'Few people have taken it very seriously and few have criticised' "I've got nothing against anybody but it's just that whatever I feel I say it. Few people take it; few don't. It's up to them. It's not that I've only spoken about KL Rahul. I even expressed my opinion over Sarfaraz Ahmed as well who has been performing brilliantly. I have made sure that I didn't cross the line, as simple as that. Few people have taken it very seriously and few have criticised," Prasad told CNN News 18. Also Read: 'India have a point to prove': Md Hafeez on Rohit Sharma & Co.'s chances at 2023 ODI World Cup He further stated, "Look I've got great respect and regard to KL Rahul. I've seen him since his Under-16 days - almost for 15 years. Having followed and worked with him at different stages be in Karnataka, at NCA or with the Indian team. He was given a long rope and that's fair enough for the kind of potential that he has. But he has not lived up to the talent that he is there. I am sure it will get better in the next few months but having said that, I have not been harsh; I had to say what I felt." Rahul-starrer India is gearing up for the third and final ODI versus Australia before the action shifts to the IPL 2023 edition.

'Not that I've only....': Venkatesh Prasad opens up on his criticism of KL Rahul on Twitter

<p>KL Rahul's place in the Indian team has become a big talking point. While Rohit Sharma-led India are on a roll versus Australia and gained an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy following the Delhi Test, Rahul finds himself in a spot of bother owing to his poor run of form in whites. In the last 12 innings,&nbsp;he has only managed 198 runs. In addition, he&nbsp;has a total of 38 runs in the three outings in the ongoing series.</p>

<p>Although captain Rohit and head coach Rahul Dravid continue to support Rahul, many have raised concerns over his poor form and called for his ouster. Former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad has been quite vocal on his views on Rahul and&nbsp;called for his omission at the earliest. He shared a series of tweets during the recently-concluded second Test, in the national capital, criticising Rahul and was advised by ex-opener Aakash Chopra to not slam the right-hander further amid the proceedings. Later, he shared Rahul's away numbers to break the "he has great overseas Test record" notion,&nbsp;praised the likes of discarded openers Shikhar Dhawan, Mayank Agarwal and youngster Shubman Gill.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/venkatesh-prasad-once-again-slams-kl-rahul-hits-back-at-he-has-great-overseas-test-record-claims-563881">Venkatesh Prasad once again slams KL Rahul, hits back at 'he has great overseas Test record' claims</a></strong></p>

<p>After all this, Chopra recently posted a video on his Youtube channel where he urged Prasad&nbsp;to stay calm and not peddle 'agendas' if&nbsp;any or point out Rahul's stats as per&nbsp;his thoughts. However, things have gone out of hand with the former speedster slamming Chopra for his choice of words.</p>

<p><strong>Here's what Chopra said:</strong></p>

<p>"I am not saying KL Rahul will become like Rohit Sharma but I humbly request you to stay calm. If there are any agendas, let's not peddle them. Let's talk about the numbers that are actually there and not those that suit your thoughts," Chopra stressed on his official Youtube channel.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>'It was disappointing to see Aakash calling it personal agenda'</strong></p>

<p>Prasad has now responded to Chopra's words and slammed him. He tweeted saying,&nbsp;"So my friend Aakash Chopra after making a vile video on YouTube this morning where he calls me an agenda peddle, &nbsp;conveniently and cleverly misquotes me, removes Mayank's average of 70 at home, wants to gag views which are not in line with what he believes but wanted Rohit out."</p>

<p>Further, he stated, "I have no agenda against any player, maybe there are others who have. Difference of opinion is fine but calling contrary views as apna personal agenda and Twitter par mat laayein is funny for&nbsp;<br />
@cricketaakash, considering he has made a great career by airing his views. I have nothing against KL or any other player, my voice has been against unfair selection and different yardsticks for performers. Be it Sarfaraz or Kuldeep, have voiced based on merit. But it was disappointing to see Aakash calling it personal agenda."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So my friend Aakash Chopra after making a vile video on YouTube this morning where he calls me an agenda peddle, conveniently and cleverly misquotes me, removes Mayank’s average of 70 at home, wants to gag views which are not in line with what he believes but wanted Rohit out <a href="https://t.co/2HwFLMgvmd">pic.twitter.com/2HwFLMgvmd</a></p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1628012386140688384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Prasad shared an old tweet of Chopra, in 2012, where he had called for current skipper Rohit's ouster from the team. "This is what Aakash had aired when Rohit was 24 with 4 yrs in international cross. He can use sarcasm for Rohit at 24, and I cannot point out underperforming Rahul at 31 with 8 years in International cricket.&nbsp;<em>Yeh bhi sahi hai (This is also right)," </em>Prasad&nbsp;pointed out."</p>

<p>Prasad concluded by saying, "And the argument that we should not criticise a player in an ongoing match personally doesn't make sense to me. That doesn't affect the players performance. &nbsp;Most players don't read views even after the match and no player can read in between match as phones are deposited." He added, "I admire Aakash for the hardwork he puts on his YouTube channel but calling a different view point as agenda because it doesn't suit his narrative is poor. There is no bitterness between us and since his video was in public domain wanted to put my point out here. Best wishes."</p>

<p>While the Chopra vs Prasad spat is unlikely to end soon, all eyes are on Rahul before India's third Test versus Australia at the Holkar Stadium, Indore on March 01. After being sacked as the Test vice-captain, he will be desperate to prove a point and silence his critics with a daddy hundred.</p>


KL Rahul's place in the Indian team has become a big talking point. While Rohit Sharma-led India are on a roll versus Australia and gained an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy following the Delhi Test, Rahul finds himself in a spot of bother owing to his poor run of form in whites.

KL Rahul's place in the Indian team has become a big talking point. While Rohit Sharma-led India are on a roll versus Australia and gained an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy following the Delhi Test, Rahul finds himself in a spot of bother owing to his poor run of form in whites. In the last 12 innings, he has only managed 198 runs. In addition, he has a total of 38 runs in the three outings in the ongoing series. Although captain Rohit and head coach Rahul Dravid continue to support Rahul, many have raised concerns over his poor form and called for his ouster. Former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad has been quite vocal on his views on Rahul and called for his omission at the earliest. He shared a series of tweets during the recently-concluded second Test, in the national capital, criticising Rahul and was advised by ex-opener Aakash Chopra to not slam the right-hander further amid the proceedings. Later, he shared Rahul's away numbers to break the "he has great overseas Test record" notion, praised the likes of discarded openers Shikhar Dhawan, Mayank Agarwal and youngster Shubman Gill. Also Read: Venkatesh Prasad once again slams KL Rahul, hits back at 'he has great overseas Test record' claims After all this, Chopra recently posted a video on his Youtube channel where he urged Prasad to stay calm and not peddle 'agendas' if any or point out Rahul's stats as per his thoughts. However, things have gone out of hand with the former speedster slamming Chopra for his choice of words. Here's what Chopra said: "I am not saying KL Rahul will become like Rohit Sharma but I humbly request you to stay calm. If there are any agendas, let's not peddle them. Let's talk about the numbers that are actually there and not those that suit your thoughts," Chopra stressed on his official Youtube channel. 'It was disappointing to see Aakash calling it personal agenda' Prasad has now responded to Chopra's words and slammed him. He tweeted saying, "So my friend Aakash Chopra after making a vile video on YouTube this morning where he calls me an agenda peddle, conveniently and cleverly misquotes me, removes Mayank's average of 70 at home, wants to gag views which are not in line with what he believes but wanted Rohit out." Further, he stated, "I have no agenda against any player, maybe there are others who have. Difference of opinion is fine but calling contrary views as apna personal agenda and Twitter par mat laayein is funny for @cricketaakash, considering he has made a great career by airing his views. I have nothing against KL or any other player, my voice has been against unfair selection and different yardsticks for performers. Be it Sarfaraz or Kuldeep, have voiced based on merit. But it was disappointing to see Aakash calling it personal agenda." So my friend Aakash Chopra after making a vile video on YouTube this morning where he calls me an agenda peddle, conveniently and cleverly misquotes me, removes Mayank’s average of 70 at home, wants to gag views which are not in line with what he believes but wanted Rohit out pic.twitter.com/2HwFLMgvmd — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) February 21, 2023 × Prasad shared an old tweet of Chopra, in 2012, where he had called for current skipper Rohit's ouster from the team. "This is what Aakash had aired when Rohit was 24 with 4 yrs in international cross. He can use sarcasm for Rohit at 24, and I cannot point out underperforming Rahul at 31 with 8 years in International cricket. Yeh bhi sahi hai (This is also right)," Prasad pointed out." Prasad concluded by saying, "And the argument that we should not criticise a player in an ongoing match personally doesn't make sense to me. That doesn't affect the players performance. Most players don't read views even after the match and no player can read in between match as phones are deposited." He added, "I admire Aakash for the hardwork he puts on his YouTube channel but calling a different view point as agenda because it doesn't suit his narrative is poor. There is no bitterness between us and since his video was in public domain wanted to put my point out here. Best wishes." While the Chopra vs Prasad spat is unlikely to end soon, all eyes are on Rahul before India's third Test versus Australia at the Holkar Stadium, Indore on March 01. After being sacked as the Test vice-captain, he will be desperate to prove a point and silence his critics with a daddy hundred.

'Disappointing...': Venkatesh Prasad blasts Aakash Chopra for calling him 'agenda peddler' vs KL Rahul

<p>Former India speedster Venkatesh Prasad went in awe of KL Rahul as he helped India win the first ODI match between India and Australia in Mumbai by five wickets. Chasing 189 runs, the veteran star scored an unbeaten 75-run knock that saw India clinch the contest by five wickets. Courtesy of that win, India have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series and will look to conquer the series in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Excellent composure under pressure and a brilliant innings by KL Rahul.<br />
Top knock. Great support by Ravindra Jadeja and a good win for India.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/tCs74rBiLP">pic.twitter.com/tCs74rBiLP</a></p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1636748794560925697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h3><strong>Prasad in awe for KL Rahul</strong></h3>

<p>"Excellent composure under pressure and a brilliant innings by KL Rahul. Top knock. Great support by Ravindra Jadeja and a good win for India," Venkatesh Prasad wrote on Twitter.</p>

<p>KL Rahul was seen in excellent touch for India as they got the better Australia by five wickets at the Wankhede Stadium. India had endured a tough run at the venue after they had gone 12 years without a win at the venue in the ODI format. India initially struggling at 83/5 in the match showed superb composure to get over the line and draw the first blood in the contest.</p>

<p>Asked to chase 189 runs, the Indian team got off to the worse possible start after Ishan Kishan departed for three runs in the second over. Things only got vulnerable for the home side who were chasing their first ODI win at the Wankhede in 12 years after Virat Kohli (4) and Suryakumar Yadav (0) departed on back-to-back balls with Mitchell Starc on a hat-trick.</p>

<h3><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sachin-tendulkar-underlines-the-reason-why-odis-are-getting-monotonous-and-boring-comes-up-with-a-solution-572946">Sachin Tendulkar underlines the reason why ODIs are getting monotonous and boring, comes up with a solution</a></strong></h3>

<p>With 16/3 India further lost Shubman Gill (20) and were 39/4 before KL Rahul and stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya (25) steadied the ship. They both put together a fifth wicket stand of 44 runs before the skipper was scalped by Marcus Stoinis. However, Jadeja and Rahul then took over the initiative for India and built an unbeaten stand of 108 runs that propelled India to their first win at the Wankhede in ODIs in 12 years.</p>

<p>The two nations will now meet on Sunday, March 19 at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam as India will have a golden opportunity to seal another famous series win.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Former India speedster Venkatesh Prasad went in awe of KL Rahul as he helped India win the first ODI match between India and Australia in Mumbai by five wickets.

Former India speedster Venkatesh Prasad went in awe of KL Rahul as he helped India win the first ODI match between India and Australia in Mumbai by five wickets. Chasing 189 runs, the veteran star scored an unbeaten 75-run knock that saw India clinch the contest by five wickets. Courtesy of that win, India have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series and will look to conquer the series in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. Excellent composure under pressure and a brilliant innings by KL Rahul. Top knock. Great support by Ravindra Jadeja and a good win for India.#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/tCs74rBiLP — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) March 17, 2023 × Prasad in awe for KL Rahul "Excellent composure under pressure and a brilliant innings by KL Rahul. Top knock. Great support by Ravindra Jadeja and a good win for India," Venkatesh Prasad wrote on Twitter. KL Rahul was seen in excellent touch for India as they got the better Australia by five wickets at the Wankhede Stadium. India had endured a tough run at the venue after they had gone 12 years without a win at the venue in the ODI format. India initially struggling at 83/5 in the match showed superb composure to get over the line and draw the first blood in the contest. Asked to chase 189 runs, the Indian team got off to the worse possible start after Ishan Kishan departed for three runs in the second over. Things only got vulnerable for the home side who were chasing their first ODI win at the Wankhede in 12 years after Virat Kohli (4) and Suryakumar Yadav (0) departed on back-to-back balls with Mitchell Starc on a hat-trick. ALSO READ | Sachin Tendulkar underlines the reason why ODIs are getting monotonous and boring, comes up with a solution With 16/3 India further lost Shubman Gill (20) and were 39/4 before KL Rahul and stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya (25) steadied the ship. They both put together a fifth wicket stand of 44 runs before the skipper was scalped by Marcus Stoinis. However, Jadeja and Rahul then took over the initiative for India and built an unbeaten stand of 108 runs that propelled India to their first win at the Wankhede in ODIs in 12 years. The two nations will now meet on Sunday, March 19 at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam as India will have a golden opportunity to seal another famous series win. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IND vs AUS 1st ODI: After repeated backlash, Venkatesh Prasad in awe of KL Rahul, 'Excellent composure...'

<p>KL Rahul's form has become a huge talking point in the Indian cricket fraternity. In the ongoing India-Australia Tests, Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. have dominated proceedings and have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2022/23 but Rahul's low returns with the bat have made heads turn. In three outings in the India-Australia series, the right-hander only has 38 runs whereas his last 12 innings has seen him score only 198 runs. Thus, his place is under threat whereas BCCI sacked him as the vice-captain while announcing the squad for the last two Tests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid severe criticism coming from all corners, Rahul has been slammed left, right and centre by former cricketer Venkatesh Prasad. Now, another ex-player Dodda Ganesh has joined the bandwagon and lashed out at the under-fire opener. He replied to a post shared from Prasad and wrote, "Rahul Dravid and the think tank has immense faith in KL Rahul’s abilities, so he is getting an extended run like Rohit got in ODIs. We all know KL is a special player. It’s high time he converted his potential into consistent scores. Let’s hope he comes good in the last 2 tests."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/can-we-leave-kl-rahul-alone-harbhajan-singh-backs-under-fire-indian-opener-amid-severe-criticism-564582">'Can we leave KL Rahul alone?': Harbhajan Singh backs under-fire Indian opener amid severe criticism</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rahul Dravid and the think tank has immense faith in KL Rahul’s abilities, so he is getting an extended run like Rohit got in ODIs. We all know KL is a special player. It’s high time he converted his potential into consistent scores. Let’s hope he comes good in the last 2 tests. <a href="https://t.co/G5Pt7GSX2k">https://t.co/G5Pt7GSX2k</a></p>
— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) <a href="https://twitter.com/doddaganesha/status/1627563511453974528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Time is running for Rahul who has been in woeful form in whites. He even lost his place in the T20I squad post India's 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of eventual champions England. The Rohit-Rahul Dravid-led team management have continued to back the 30-year-old amid his poor run of form. After the Delhi Test, head coach Dravid told Star Sports, "I&nbsp;think he (Rahul) needs to trust his processes. This is just a phase, he has been one of our most successful overseas openers. He’s got centuries in South Africa and England, we’ll continue to back him. I believe he has the quality and class to come out of this."</p>

<p>It will be interesting to see if Rahul retains his spot in the playing XI for the third and penultimate Test, which kicks off in Indore on March 01.</p>


KL Rahul's form has become a huge talking point in the Indian cricket fraternity. In the ongoing India-Australia Tests, Rohit Sharma & Co. have dominated proceedings and have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2022/23 but Rahul's low returns with the bat have made heads turn.

KL Rahul's form has become a huge talking point in the Indian cricket fraternity. In the ongoing India-Australia Tests, Rohit Sharma & Co. have dominated proceedings and have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2022/23 but Rahul's low returns with the bat have made heads turn. In three outings in the India-Australia series, the right-hander only has 38 runs whereas his last 12 innings has seen him score only 198 runs. Thus, his place is under threat whereas BCCI sacked him as the vice-captain while announcing the squad for the last two Tests. Amid severe criticism coming from all corners, Rahul has been slammed left, right and centre by former cricketer Venkatesh Prasad. Now, another ex-player Dodda Ganesh has joined the bandwagon and lashed out at the under-fire opener. He replied to a post shared from Prasad and wrote, "Rahul Dravid and the think tank has immense faith in KL Rahul’s abilities, so he is getting an extended run like Rohit got in ODIs. We all know KL is a special player. It’s high time he converted his potential into consistent scores. Let’s hope he comes good in the last 2 tests." Also Read: 'Can we leave KL Rahul alone?': Harbhajan Singh backs under-fire Indian opener amid severe criticism Rahul Dravid and the think tank has immense faith in KL Rahul’s abilities, so he is getting an extended run like Rohit got in ODIs. We all know KL is a special player. It’s high time he converted his potential into consistent scores. Let’s hope he comes good in the last 2 tests. https://t.co/G5Pt7GSX2k — Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) February 20, 2023 × Time is running for Rahul who has been in woeful form in whites. He even lost his place in the T20I squad post India's 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of eventual champions England. The Rohit-Rahul Dravid-led team management have continued to back the 30-year-old amid his poor run of form. After the Delhi Test, head coach Dravid told Star Sports, "I think he (Rahul) needs to trust his processes. This is just a phase, he has been one of our most successful overseas openers. He’s got centuries in South Africa and England, we’ll continue to back him. I believe he has the quality and class to come out of this." It will be interesting to see if Rahul retains his spot in the playing XI for the third and penultimate Test, which kicks off in Indore on March 01.

'High time he.....': After Venkatesh Prasad, another former cricketer slams under-fire KL Rahul

<p>India thrashed Australia by six wickets on Day 3 of the second Test, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, to go 2-0 up in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While Australia did put up a better show in the Test match, till the first innings, they fell flat in their second essay and gave a paltry 114-run target to Team India. In reply, Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. chased down the score with six wickets to spare and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The likes of Rohit, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Md Shami have been India's top-performers so far but opener KL Rahul has been struggling for runs. The 30-year-old&nbsp;has only managed 198 runs in the last 12 innings. In the ongoing Test series, Rahul has a&nbsp;total of 38 runs in three innings and has looked completely out of form. Thus, many have slammed the Indian batter and former pacer Venkatesh Prasad has been quite vocal in his criticism of Rahul. He has time and again vented out his frustration with Rahul struggling for runs. Amid severe criticism, both captain Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid have backed the underfire opener.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the Delhi Test win, Dravid told Star Sports, "I&nbsp;think he (Rahul) needs to trust his processes. This is just a phase, he has been one of our most successful overseas openers. He’s got centuries in South Africa and England, we’ll continue to back him. I believe he has the quality and class to come out of this."</p>

<p>Now, Prasad broke the notion of Rahul having a good overseas record and shared a series of tweets -- also comprising the opener's ordinary away numbers. He wrote, "There is a view that KL Rahul has an outstanding overseas Test record. But stats speak otherwise. He has a test avg of 30 overseas in 56 innings. He has scored 6 overseas centuries but followed it up with a string of low scores that’s why averaging 30. Let’s look at a few others. Shikhar Dhawan has the best overseas average amongst recent openers. Avg of nearly 40 with 5 100’s. Though he too hasn’t been consistent in Test but had Outstanding centuries in SL and NZ, plus a much better home record."</p>

<p>Further, Prasad added, "Mayank Agarwal after the brilliant start in Aust did struggle in away test matches. But he has by far the best home record. Avg of nearly 70 in 13 innings,2 double 100’s &amp; a 150 on a Wankhede pitch where everyone else struggled. Great against spin &amp; had a prolific domestic season. Shubhman Gill has had a brief international career and in 14 overseas innings averages 37, with his 91 at Gabba amongst the best overseas 4th innings and has been in outstanding form," he added in a long thread on Monday, February 20.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There is a view that KL Rahul has an outstanding overseas Test record. But stats speak otherwise. He has a test avg of 30 overseas in 56 innings. He has scored 6 overseas centuries but followed it up with a string of low scores that’s why averaging 30. Let’s look at a few others <a href="https://t.co/MAvHM01TcY">pic.twitter.com/MAvHM01TcY</a></p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1627528809720483840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shikhar Dhawan has the best overseas average amongst recent openers. Avg of nearly 40 with 5 100’s. Though he too hasn’t been consistent in Test but had Outstanding centuries in SL and NZ, plus a much better home record. <a href="https://t.co/rH94R0a3A0">pic.twitter.com/rH94R0a3A0</a></p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1627529402614706176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mayank Agarwal after the brilliant start in Aust did struggle in away test matches.But he has by far the best home record. Avg of nearly 70 in 13 innings,2 double 100’s &amp; a 150 on a Wankhede pitch where everyone else struggled. Great against spin &amp; had a prolific domestic season <a href="https://t.co/EJOsZEbOCP">pic.twitter.com/EJOsZEbOCP</a></p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1627530331862745089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And if overseas performance is a criteria, Ajinkya Rahane despite being out of form and also inconsistent before being dropped had obe of the best overseas Test record, averaging over 40 overseas in 50 test matches. Was out of form and dropped … <a href="https://t.co/2Uj5YZe9Cr">pic.twitter.com/2Uj5YZe9Cr</a></p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1627532250714898434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">But with KL being retained for the remaining 2 test matches, if he is picked in the playing 11, Indore is his best chance of coming back to form and silencing critics like me. Else needs to play county cricket, perform well and make a comeback in the Test side.</p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1627535177118527488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-revealed-why-kl-rahul-has-been-axed-as-indias-vice-captain-for-remaining-tests-563823">IND vs AUS: Revealed! Why KL Rahul has been axed as India's vice-captain for remaining Tests</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking about Rahul's Test career, the right-hander has&nbsp;2,642 runs in 47 Tests at an average of&nbsp;33.44 with 7 hundreds. He has two hundreds in England and one each in India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, West Indies and Australia. At home, he averages 40.13 but it goes down drastically in away Tests (30.69).</p>

<p>At the post-match press conference of the Delhi Test, captain Rohit indicated that Rahul will be given a longer rope. "Lately, there has been a lot of talk about Rahul’s batting. As team management, we always look at the potential of any individual, not just KL. I have been asked this in the past about a lot of players. If a guy has potential, he will get that extended run,” Sharma said.</p>

<p>Rahul has lost his vice-captaincy post for the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Hence, he will be desperate for a big knock in the remainder of the Australia Tests.&nbsp;</p>


India thrashed Australia by six wickets on Day 3 of the second Test, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, to go 2-0 up in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While Australia did put up a better show in the Test match, till the first innings, they fell flat in their second essay and gave a paltry 114-run target to Team India.

India thrashed Australia by six wickets on Day 3 of the second Test, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, to go 2-0 up in the 2022/23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While Australia did put up a better show in the Test match, till the first innings, they fell flat in their second essay and gave a paltry 114-run target to Team India. In reply, Rohit Sharma & Co. chased down the score with six wickets to spare and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the process. The likes of Rohit, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Md Shami have been India's top-performers so far but opener KL Rahul has been struggling for runs. The 30-year-old has only managed 198 runs in the last 12 innings. In the ongoing Test series, Rahul has a total of 38 runs in three innings and has looked completely out of form. Thus, many have slammed the Indian batter and former pacer Venkatesh Prasad has been quite vocal in his criticism of Rahul. He has time and again vented out his frustration with Rahul struggling for runs. Amid severe criticism, both captain Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid have backed the underfire opener. After the Delhi Test win, Dravid told Star Sports, "I think he (Rahul) needs to trust his processes. This is just a phase, he has been one of our most successful overseas openers. He’s got centuries in South Africa and England, we’ll continue to back him. I believe he has the quality and class to come out of this." Now, Prasad broke the notion of Rahul having a good overseas record and shared a series of tweets -- also comprising the opener's ordinary away numbers. He wrote, "There is a view that KL Rahul has an outstanding overseas Test record. But stats speak otherwise. He has a test avg of 30 overseas in 56 innings. He has scored 6 overseas centuries but followed it up with a string of low scores that’s why averaging 30. Let’s look at a few others. Shikhar Dhawan has the best overseas average amongst recent openers. Avg of nearly 40 with 5 100’s. Though he too hasn’t been consistent in Test but had Outstanding centuries in SL and NZ, plus a much better home record." Further, Prasad added, "Mayank Agarwal after the brilliant start in Aust did struggle in away test matches. But he has by far the best home record. Avg of nearly 70 in 13 innings,2 double 100’s & a 150 on a Wankhede pitch where everyone else struggled. Great against spin & had a prolific domestic season. Shubhman Gill has had a brief international career and in 14 overseas innings averages 37, with his 91 at Gabba amongst the best overseas 4th innings and has been in outstanding form," he added in a long thread on Monday, February 20. There is a view that KL Rahul has an outstanding overseas Test record. But stats speak otherwise. He has a test avg of 30 overseas in 56 innings. He has scored 6 overseas centuries but followed it up with a string of low scores that’s why averaging 30. Let’s look at a few others pic.twitter.com/MAvHM01TcY — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) February 20, 2023 × Shikhar Dhawan has the best overseas average amongst recent openers. Avg of nearly 40 with 5 100’s. Though he too hasn’t been consistent in Test but had Outstanding centuries in SL and NZ, plus a much better home record. pic.twitter.com/rH94R0a3A0 — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) February 20, 2023 × Mayank Agarwal after the brilliant start in Aust did struggle in away test matches.But he has by far the best home record. Avg of nearly 70 in 13 innings,2 double 100’s & a 150 on a Wankhede pitch where everyone else struggled. Great against spin & had a prolific domestic season pic.twitter.com/EJOsZEbOCP — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) February 20, 2023 × And if overseas performance is a criteria, Ajinkya Rahane despite being out of form and also inconsistent before being dropped had obe of the best overseas Test record, averaging over 40 overseas in 50 test matches. Was out of form and dropped … pic.twitter.com/2Uj5YZe9Cr — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) February 20, 2023 × But with KL being retained for the remaining 2 test matches, if he is picked in the playing 11, Indore is his best chance of coming back to form and silencing critics like me. Else needs to play county cricket, perform well and make a comeback in the Test side. — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) February 20, 2023 × Also Read: IND vs AUS: Revealed! Why KL Rahul has been axed as India's vice-captain for remaining Tests Speaking about Rahul's Test career, the right-hander has 2,642 runs in 47 Tests at an average of 33.44 with 7 hundreds. He has two hundreds in England and one each in India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, West Indies and Australia. At home, he averages 40.13 but it goes down drastically in away Tests (30.69). At the post-match press conference of the Delhi Test, captain Rohit indicated that Rahul will be given a longer rope. "Lately, there has been a lot of talk about Rahul’s batting. As team management, we always look at the potential of any individual, not just KL. I have been asked this in the past about a lot of players. If a guy has potential, he will get that extended run,” Sharma said. Rahul has lost his vice-captaincy post for the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Hence, he will be desperate for a big knock in the remainder of the Australia Tests.

Venkatesh Prasad once again slams KL Rahul, hits back at 'he has great overseas Test record' claims

<p>For his series of poor run in Tests, KL Rahul has received latest criticism from the former India fast bowler Venkatesh Pradesh who has come out hard on the India opener saying his selection in the Test side is not based on performance but favouritism. Picked over in-form Shubman Gill – who was coming off a super series against New Zealand where he scored his maiden double hundred in addition to scoring two centuries in white-ball formats, Rahul flopped in the first innings against Australia in Nagpur. The right-hander not only looked in poor touch, he played a lazy shot just at the stroke of stumps on day one to hand debutant Todd Murphy and Australia the needed breakthrough.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravindra-jadeja-ravi-ashwin-guide-india-to-a-massive-win-in-nagpur-takes-1-0-lead-in-border-gavaskar-series-560878">Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin guide India to a massive win in Nagpur, takes 1-0 lead in Border-Gavaskar series</a></p>

<p>Taking to twitter to bash Rahul’s selection, Prasad said though he regards&nbsp;Rahul for all the talent he has, having a Test average of just 34 after being around for nearly eight years is anything but disappointing. Prasad added saying he doesn’t remember the last time anyone was given such an extended rope;&nbsp;and considering there are some in-form players waiting in the wing in Gill and domestic hero Sarfaraz Khan, Rahul’s selection continues to baffles him much like everyone else.</p>

<p>In the following tweet, the former seamer said to make things worse KL is also the designated vice-captain that somewhere guarantees his place in the team. Prasad opined that instead of him, India should appoint Ravichandran Ashwin as Rohit’s deputy given how smart Ashwin is and for the experience he’s carrying. He also said that even players like Mayank Agarwal and Hanuma Vihari have had better impacts than Rahul in Tests, but the Bengaluru-born is lucky to play for so long despite not performing consistently.</p>

<p>In his last tweet, he didn’t mince his words and put fingers on those selecting the team saying Rahul is not being picked on the basis of his performance instead he is being favoured. Commenting further, Prasad said most people are yes-man and that’s why they don’t speak about such unfair selections in the Indian team.</p>

<p><strong>You can read the series of tweets by clicking here -</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have a lot of regard for KL Rahul’s talent and ability, but sadly his performances have been well below par. A test average of 34 after 46 tests and more than 8 years in international cricket is ordinary. Can’t think of many who have been given so many chances. Especially..cont</p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1624289927839256576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Meanwhile, India won the first of the four Test matches against Australia in Nagpur by beating them by an innings and 132 runs inside three days. Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin shined with the ball while Axar Patel and captain Rohit Sharma impressed everyone with their batting show. The next Test begins on February 17th in Delhi.</p>


For his series of poor run in Tests, KL Rahul has received latest criticism from the former India fast bowler Venkatesh Pradesh who has come out hard on the India opener saying his selection in the Test side is not based on performance but favouritism.

For his series of poor run in Tests, KL Rahul has received latest criticism from the former India fast bowler Venkatesh Pradesh who has come out hard on the India opener saying his selection in the Test side is not based on performance but favouritism. Picked over in-form Shubman Gill – who was coming off a super series against New Zealand where he scored his maiden double hundred in addition to scoring two centuries in white-ball formats, Rahul flopped in the first innings against Australia in Nagpur. The right-hander not only looked in poor touch, he played a lazy shot just at the stroke of stumps on day one to hand debutant Todd Murphy and Australia the needed breakthrough. ALSO READ: Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin guide India to a massive win in Nagpur, takes 1-0 lead in Border-Gavaskar series Taking to twitter to bash Rahul’s selection, Prasad said though he regards Rahul for all the talent he has, having a Test average of just 34 after being around for nearly eight years is anything but disappointing. Prasad added saying he doesn’t remember the last time anyone was given such an extended rope; and considering there are some in-form players waiting in the wing in Gill and domestic hero Sarfaraz Khan, Rahul’s selection continues to baffles him much like everyone else. In the following tweet, the former seamer said to make things worse KL is also the designated vice-captain that somewhere guarantees his place in the team. Prasad opined that instead of him, India should appoint Ravichandran Ashwin as Rohit’s deputy given how smart Ashwin is and for the experience he’s carrying. He also said that even players like Mayank Agarwal and Hanuma Vihari have had better impacts than Rahul in Tests, but the Bengaluru-born is lucky to play for so long despite not performing consistently. In his last tweet, he didn’t mince his words and put fingers on those selecting the team saying Rahul is not being picked on the basis of his performance instead he is being favoured. Commenting further, Prasad said most people are yes-man and that’s why they don’t speak about such unfair selections in the Indian team. You can read the series of tweets by clicking here - I have a lot of regard for KL Rahul’s talent and ability, but sadly his performances have been well below par. A test average of 34 after 46 tests and more than 8 years in international cricket is ordinary. Can’t think of many who have been given so many chances. Especially..cont — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) February 11, 2023 × Meanwhile, India won the first of the four Test matches against Australia in Nagpur by beating them by an innings and 132 runs inside three days. Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin shined with the ball while Axar Patel and captain Rohit Sharma impressed everyone with their batting show. The next Test begins on February 17th in Delhi.

Ex-India seamer comes out hard on KL Rahul, says his selection is based on favouritism and not on performance

<p>Ahead of the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka on Tuesday evening (January 10), captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that Shubman Gill will continue to be persisted as his opening partner, with no room for Ishan Kishan. Kishan had replaced an injured Rohit in the third and inconsequential ODI versus Bangladesh, in early December, and made the most of his opportunity to score a double ton. Many believed that Kishan had done enough to cement his spot as an opener, with Shikhar Dhawan dropped, but the Indian team management want to persist with Shubman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking on his opening partner, Rohit said in the pre-match presser on Monday (January 09),&nbsp;"Both openers (Gill and Kishan) have done really well. But looking at how both have gone through, I think it is fair that we give Gill a chance to have a fair run because in the last games Gill got a lot of runs as well. I am not going to take anything from Ishan. He has been&nbsp;wonderful for us. He got a double hundred and I know what it takes to get a double hundred, it is a great achievement. But just to be honest and be fair to the guys who have done really well before that we need to give those guys enough chances as well."</p>

<p>Rohit added on Kishan, "It is unfortunate that we won't be able to play Ishan but looking at how things have panned out for us in the last 8-9 months, looking at how the ODIs have gone through for us, it is fair to give Gill that run and he has done extremely well in that position. We will definitely try out and keep Ishan in the mix and see how things pan out for us as we play lot of games ahead." In Gill's defence, he has been&nbsp;among runs in the West Indies, Zimbabwe and New Zealand tour but wasn't part of the Indian squad for the Bangladesh series, with the return of the key players. Hence, when Kishan was in the squad and scored a double ton when he got a chance in the playing XI, many believed he would pip Gill to open versus SL.</p>

<p>Thus, former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad reacted to Kishan's omission. He tweeted, replying to a cricket portal's post, and wrote, "Think fair would have been to give chance to a man who scored a double hundred in India’s last ODI, and in a series where India lost two games and the series. Have all the time in the world for Gill, but no way you drop a player for scoring a double ton."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Think fair would have been to give chance to a man who scored a double hundred in India’s last ODI, and in a series where India lost two games and the series.<br />
Have all the time in the world for Gill, but no way you drop a player for scoring a double ton. <a href="https://t.co/LbzKKH8ynw">https://t.co/LbzKKH8ynw</a></p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1612451607114911745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-young-fan-in-tears-after-seeing-rohit-sharma-team-india-captains-reaction-goes-viral-watch-550975">IND vs SL: Young fan in tears after seeing Rohit Sharma, Team India captain's reaction goes viral - WATCH</a></strong></p>

<p>In the ongoing first ODI between India and SL, Rohit &amp; Co. lost the toss and were opted to bat first. Rohit and Gill stitched an impressive 143-run first-wicket stand with the youngster returning with a sublime 60-ball 73, studded with 11 fours. For him to cement his place as the second opener, Gill has been consistent but will hope to score some daddy hundreds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For Kishan, he will surely feel unlucky&nbsp;to have missed out despite scoring the fourth double ton by an Indian in ODIs. However, India have a lot of white-ball cricket to play en route the IPL 2023 edition. Hence, he will aim to once again make the most of his opportunities.</p>


Ahead of the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka on Tuesday evening (January 10), captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that Shubman Gill will continue to be persisted as his opening partner, with no room for Ishan Kishan.

Ahead of the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka on Tuesday evening (January 10), captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that Shubman Gill will continue to be persisted as his opening partner, with no room for Ishan Kishan. Kishan had replaced an injured Rohit in the third and inconsequential ODI versus Bangladesh, in early December, and made the most of his opportunity to score a double ton. Many believed that Kishan had done enough to cement his spot as an opener, with Shikhar Dhawan dropped, but the Indian team management want to persist with Shubman. Speaking on his opening partner, Rohit said in the pre-match presser on Monday (January 09), "Both openers (Gill and Kishan) have done really well. But looking at how both have gone through, I think it is fair that we give Gill a chance to have a fair run because in the last games Gill got a lot of runs as well. I am not going to take anything from Ishan. He has been wonderful for us. He got a double hundred and I know what it takes to get a double hundred, it is a great achievement. But just to be honest and be fair to the guys who have done really well before that we need to give those guys enough chances as well." Rohit added on Kishan, "It is unfortunate that we won't be able to play Ishan but looking at how things have panned out for us in the last 8-9 months, looking at how the ODIs have gone through for us, it is fair to give Gill that run and he has done extremely well in that position. We will definitely try out and keep Ishan in the mix and see how things pan out for us as we play lot of games ahead." In Gill's defence, he has been among runs in the West Indies, Zimbabwe and New Zealand tour but wasn't part of the Indian squad for the Bangladesh series, with the return of the key players. Hence, when Kishan was in the squad and scored a double ton when he got a chance in the playing XI, many believed he would pip Gill to open versus SL. Thus, former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad reacted to Kishan's omission. He tweeted, replying to a cricket portal's post, and wrote, "Think fair would have been to give chance to a man who scored a double hundred in India’s last ODI, and in a series where India lost two games and the series. Have all the time in the world for Gill, but no way you drop a player for scoring a double ton." Think fair would have been to give chance to a man who scored a double hundred in India’s last ODI, and in a series where India lost two games and the series. Have all the time in the world for Gill, but no way you drop a player for scoring a double ton. https://t.co/LbzKKH8ynw — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) January 9, 2023 × Also read: IND vs SL: Young fan in tears after seeing Rohit Sharma, Team India captain's reaction goes viral - WATCH In the ongoing first ODI between India and SL, Rohit & Co. lost the toss and were opted to bat first. Rohit and Gill stitched an impressive 143-run first-wicket stand with the youngster returning with a sublime 60-ball 73, studded with 11 fours. For him to cement his place as the second opener, Gill has been consistent but will hope to score some daddy hundreds. For Kishan, he will surely feel unlucky to have missed out despite scoring the fourth double ton by an Indian in ODIs. However, India have a lot of white-ball cricket to play en route the IPL 2023 edition. Hence, he will aim to once again make the most of his opportunities.

'No way you...': Former Indian speedster blasts Rahul Dravid-Rohit Sharma for dropping Ishan Kishan

<p>Former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad has slammed Team India's recent policy of resting out-of-form players and not dropping them from the team based on their reputation. Prasad believes giving breaks to players like captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would not help them in regaining their form while also stating that there are a number of talented youngsters waiting in the wings to get opportunities for Team India.</p>

<p>Prasad's comments came after India's 17-run loss against England in the 2nd T20I where the likes of Kohli and Rohit failed to deliver yet again on top of the order. Both the batters were dismissed on 11 runs each as India's top-order crumbled under pressure in the 216-run chase. Suryakumar Yadav slammed a stunning knock of 117 runs in the game but it was not enough to take India over the line.</p>

<p>Prasad's remarks have come at a time when Kohli, in particular, is facing criticism from all corners over his ongoing lean patch. The star batter has struggled across all formats in international cricket for a while now and his recent failures have led to former cricketers and experts questioning his spot in India's T20I team ahead of the T20 World Cup 2022 this year.</p>

<p>Prasad too took to Twitter to take a dig at India's selection policy under captain Rohit and head coach Rahul Dravid, pointing out how some of the legends of the game have also been dropped by Team India in the past for not performing well at the highest level. Prasad said players cannot play on reputation when talented youngsters are waiting in the wings.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hd-cameras-crowd-noise-effect-team-jerseys-how-fake-ipl-staged-in-indias-gujarat-duped-russian-punters-496319">How fake IPL staged in India's Gujarat duped Russian punters</a></p>

<p>"There was a time when you were out of form, you would be dropped irrespective of reputation. Sourav, Sehwag,Yuvraj, Zaheer, Bhajji all have been dropped when not in form. They have went back to domestic cricket, scored runs and staged a comeback," Prasad wrote in a tweet.</p>

<p>"The yardsticks seem to have changed drastically now, where there is rest for being out of form. This is no way for progress. There is so much talent in the country and cannot play on reputation. One of India’s greatest match-winner, Anil Kumble sat out on so many occasions, need action’s for the larger good," he added.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There was a time when you were out of form, you would be dropped irrespective of reputation. Sourav, Sehwag,Yuvraj,Zaheer, Bhajji all have been dropped when not in form. They have went back to domestic cricket, scored runs and staged a comeback. The yardsticks seem to have 1/2</p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1546186341696028672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Kohli, who has not scored a century in international cricket for nearly three years now, has failed to churn out runs consistently in all three formats and has been far from the standards set by himself at one stage in his career. The prolific batter's struggles are a huge concern for India with the T20 World Cup just months away.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-defends-virat-kohli-reponds-to-his-critics-they-dont-know-whats-going-on-inside-496254">Rohit Sharma defends Virat Kohli, responds to his critics: 'They don't know what's going on inside'</a></p>

<p>While former players and experts have demanded Kohli be dropped from the T20I team, Indian skipper Rohit backed the out-of-form superstar following India's 17-run defeat in the 3rd T20I against England on Sunday. Rohit said the team management believes in Kohli's quality and will continue to back him as highs and lows are part of a player's career.</p>


Former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad has slammed Team India's recent policy of resting out-of-form players and not dropping them from the team based on their reputation.

Former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad has slammed Team India's recent policy of resting out-of-form players and not dropping them from the team based on their reputation. Prasad believes giving breaks to players like captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would not help them in regaining their form while also stating that there are a number of talented youngsters waiting in the wings to get opportunities for Team India. Prasad's comments came after India's 17-run loss against England in the 2nd T20I where the likes of Kohli and Rohit failed to deliver yet again on top of the order. Both the batters were dismissed on 11 runs each as India's top-order crumbled under pressure in the 216-run chase. Suryakumar Yadav slammed a stunning knock of 117 runs in the game but it was not enough to take India over the line. Prasad's remarks have come at a time when Kohli, in particular, is facing criticism from all corners over his ongoing lean patch. The star batter has struggled across all formats in international cricket for a while now and his recent failures have led to former cricketers and experts questioning his spot in India's T20I team ahead of the T20 World Cup 2022 this year. Prasad too took to Twitter to take a dig at India's selection policy under captain Rohit and head coach Rahul Dravid, pointing out how some of the legends of the game have also been dropped by Team India in the past for not performing well at the highest level. Prasad said players cannot play on reputation when talented youngsters are waiting in the wings. Also Read: How fake IPL staged in India's Gujarat duped Russian punters "There was a time when you were out of form, you would be dropped irrespective of reputation. Sourav, Sehwag,Yuvraj, Zaheer, Bhajji all have been dropped when not in form. They have went back to domestic cricket, scored runs and staged a comeback," Prasad wrote in a tweet. "The yardsticks seem to have changed drastically now, where there is rest for being out of form. This is no way for progress. There is so much talent in the country and cannot play on reputation. One of India’s greatest match-winner, Anil Kumble sat out on so many occasions, need action’s for the larger good," he added. There was a time when you were out of form, you would be dropped irrespective of reputation. Sourav, Sehwag,Yuvraj,Zaheer, Bhajji all have been dropped when not in form. They have went back to domestic cricket, scored runs and staged a comeback. The yardsticks seem to have 1/2 — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) July 10, 2022 × Kohli, who has not scored a century in international cricket for nearly three years now, has failed to churn out runs consistently in all three formats and has been far from the standards set by himself at one stage in his career. The prolific batter's struggles are a huge concern for India with the T20 World Cup just months away. Also Read: Rohit Sharma defends Virat Kohli, responds to his critics: 'They don't know what's going on inside' While former players and experts have demanded Kohli be dropped from the T20I team, Indian skipper Rohit backed the out-of-form superstar following India's 17-run defeat in the 3rd T20I against England on Sunday. Rohit said the team management believes in Kohli's quality and will continue to back him as highs and lows are part of a player's career.

Ganguly, Sehwag all have been dropped: Venkatesh Prasad slams India's decision to rest out-of-form players

<p>India and Pakistan will face each other in the main draw of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, in the UAE, on Sunday (October 24) in what will be both sides' tournament-opener as well. The stage is set for a blockbuster clash as the T20 format has an unpredictability factor attached to it. Hence, even though India have a 5-0 lead over the Men in Green, the Virat Kohli-led camp won't take Pakistan lightly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over the years, India and Pakistan have met each other only during multi-nation or ICC tournaments due to the political tension between the two countries. The neighbouring countries share a intense history; adding to the intensity during their match&nbsp;on the 22-yard cricket strip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahead of the upcoming Indo-Pak contest, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, here's reliving some heated exchanges and epic moments between players from both sides.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>1) Kiran More vs Javed Miandad:</strong> During the 1992 ODI World Cup, India and Pakistan locked horns with each other for the first time in the tournament-history. As a result, the excitement was on another level at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney. During Pakistan's&nbsp;unsuccessful 217-run chase, More kept on chirping from behind the stumps; much to the dismay of Javed Miandad. Hence, the former Pakistani batsman started imitating More in the middle of the pitch.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_PpDtce9zd4" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>While it wasn't a heated exchange, More got onto Miandad's nerves and the latter's imitation left everyone shellshocked.</p>

<p><strong>2) Aamer Sohail vs Venkatesh Prasad:</strong> In the 1996 WC quarter-finals, India met the Men in Green at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. India batted first and posted a daunting 287-8. In reply, Pakistan had over a 100 runs on board with the loss of a solitary wicket. Sohail was going bonkers and smashed Prasad for a four in the 15th over; signalling&nbsp;(with his bat) that he will continue to smack him to all parts of the ground. On the very next delivery, Prasad rattled Sohail's stumps to bring India back into the contest. Sohail-Prasad's heated exchange certainly made a lot of noise before India beat Pakistan by 39 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pQVj6eB867Y" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-india-pakistan-to-england-west-indies-reliving-5-humdingers-in-t20-world-cup-420716"><strong>From India-Pakistan to England-West Indies: Reliving 5 humdingers in T20 World Cup</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>3) Harbhajan Singh vs Shoaib Akhtar:</strong> In the 4th encounter of the 2010 Asia Cup, tempers were flying all around as MS Dhoni-led India played a humdinger of a contest versus the Men in Green. Opting to bat first, Shahid Afridi-led Pakistan posted 267 all-out in 49.3 overs. In reply, India were alive in the clash courtesy half-centuries from Gautam Gambhir, Dhoni and vital knocks from the middle order. It came down to 10 required off 8 balls with Akhar bowling the penultimate over and Bhajji on strike. After the off-spinner missed a few deliveries, words were exchanged between the duo. The umpire had to intervene as both stood the ground before the final over, where Harbhajan's huge six took India to a thrilling 3-wicket win.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A4OPAy5E3KQ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>4) Gautam Gambhir vs Kamran Akmal: </strong>During the same encounter, Gambhir was involved in a fierce dual with Kamran Akmal. Kamran's constant appeals versus the Indian left-hander led to the two locking horns with each other during the drinks break. The situation seemed to have got out of hand when the two umpires and Dhoni had to intervene and calm things down.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9eGkggJt9k8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/inzamam-ul-haq-explains-why-virat-kohli-led-india-have-great-chance-of-winning-t20-wc-422675"><strong>Inzamam-ul-Haq explains why Virat Kohli-led India have 'great chance of winning T20 WC'</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>5) Gambhir vs Shahid Afridi: </strong>This rivalry between the two former cricketers remains one of the most-talked about among the lot. The two have constantly passed statements on each other, making headlines in various cricket portals. Their heated exchange took place during the Kanpur ODI in 2007 when Pakistan toured India.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dBo59LRnFpE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Gambhir took on Afridi and smacked him for a four when words were exchanged between the two. The duo came close to each other and continued arguing in the middle of the 20th over when umpire Ian Gould had to separate them. India eventually went onto win the contest by 46 runs despite Salman Butt's 129.</p>


India and Pakistan will face each other in the main draw of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, in the UAE, on Sunday (October 24) in what will be both sides' tournament-opener as well.

India and Pakistan will face each other in the main draw of the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, in the UAE, on Sunday (October 24) in what will be both sides' tournament-opener as well. The stage is set for a blockbuster clash as the T20 format has an unpredictability factor attached to it. Hence, even though India have a 5-0 lead over the Men in Green, the Virat Kohli-led camp won't take Pakistan lightly. Over the years, India and Pakistan have met each other only during multi-nation or ICC tournaments due to the political tension between the two countries. The neighbouring countries share a intense history; adding to the intensity during their match on the 22-yard cricket strip. Ahead of the upcoming Indo-Pak contest, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, here's reliving some heated exchanges and epic moments between players from both sides. 1) Kiran More vs Javed Miandad: During the 1992 ODI World Cup, India and Pakistan locked horns with each other for the first time in the tournament-history. As a result, the excitement was on another level at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney. During Pakistan's unsuccessful 217-run chase, More kept on chirping from behind the stumps; much to the dismay of Javed Miandad. Hence, the former Pakistani batsman started imitating More in the middle of the pitch. × While it wasn't a heated exchange, More got onto Miandad's nerves and the latter's imitation left everyone shellshocked. 2) Aamer Sohail vs Venkatesh Prasad: In the 1996 WC quarter-finals, India met the Men in Green at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. India batted first and posted a daunting 287-8. In reply, Pakistan had over a 100 runs on board with the loss of a solitary wicket. Sohail was going bonkers and smashed Prasad for a four in the 15th over; signalling (with his bat) that he will continue to smack him to all parts of the ground. On the very next delivery, Prasad rattled Sohail's stumps to bring India back into the contest. Sohail-Prasad's heated exchange certainly made a lot of noise before India beat Pakistan by 39 runs. × ALSO READ | From India-Pakistan to England-West Indies: Reliving 5 humdingers in T20 World Cup 3) Harbhajan Singh vs Shoaib Akhtar: In the 4th encounter of the 2010 Asia Cup, tempers were flying all around as MS Dhoni-led India played a humdinger of a contest versus the Men in Green. Opting to bat first, Shahid Afridi-led Pakistan posted 267 all-out in 49.3 overs. In reply, India were alive in the clash courtesy half-centuries from Gautam Gambhir, Dhoni and vital knocks from the middle order. It came down to 10 required off 8 balls with Akhar bowling the penultimate over and Bhajji on strike. After the off-spinner missed a few deliveries, words were exchanged between the duo. The umpire had to intervene as both stood the ground before the final over, where Harbhajan's huge six took India to a thrilling 3-wicket win. × 4) Gautam Gambhir vs Kamran Akmal: During the same encounter, Gambhir was involved in a fierce dual with Kamran Akmal. Kamran's constant appeals versus the Indian left-hander led to the two locking horns with each other during the drinks break. The situation seemed to have got out of hand when the two umpires and Dhoni had to intervene and calm things down. × ALSO READ | Inzamam-ul-Haq explains why Virat Kohli-led India have 'great chance of winning T20 WC' 5) Gambhir vs Shahid Afridi: This rivalry between the two former cricketers remains one of the most-talked about among the lot. The two have constantly passed statements on each other, making headlines in various cricket portals. Their heated exchange took place during the Kanpur ODI in 2007 when Pakistan toured India. × Gambhir took on Afridi and smacked him for a four when words were exchanged between the two. The duo came close to each other and continued arguing in the middle of the 20th over when umpire Ian Gould had to separate them. India eventually went onto win the contest by 46 runs despite Salman Butt's 129.

From Javed Miandad's mimicry to Gautam Gambhir-Shahid Afridi spat: 5 epic moments from Indo-Pak ties

<p>With just over a day to go for the WTC final between India and New Zealand, former pacer Venkatesh Prasad has predicted Team India's playing XI as they take to pitch at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-taylor-targets-final-redemption-in-icc-world-test-championship-391856" hreflang="en">Cricket: Taylor targets Final redemption in ICC World Test Championship</a></p>

<p>Venkatesh Prasad feels that Team India have the depth in both (batting and bowling) departments and expected the clash to be a cracking game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He took to social media and tweeted: "My Indian playing 11 for the #WTCFinal is a no-brainier (Rohit, Shubman,Pujara, Virat, Rahane, Pant, Jadeja, Ashwin, Shami, Ishant &amp; Bumrah ). They have the depth in both batting &amp; bowling irrespective of the pitch. Should be a cracking game."</p>

<p>Team India suffered a crushing defeat in the Test series at the hands of New Zealand that was played in 2020. New Zealand's pace attack proved to be too good for Team India in the series, therefore, the Indian batting order will be very crucial for the juggernaut clash in Southampton.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, former Indian cricketer, VVS Laxman predicted Team India's batting order for the match and said that he will go ahead with five batsmen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India squad for WTC final: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.&nbsp;</p>


With just over a day to go for the WTC final between India and New Zealand, former pacer Venkatesh Prasad has predicted Team India's playing XI as they take to pitch at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Friday.

With just over a day to go for the WTC final between India and New Zealand, former pacer Venkatesh Prasad has predicted Team India's playing XI as they take to pitch at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Friday. ALSO READ: Cricket: Taylor targets Final redemption in ICC World Test Championship Venkatesh Prasad feels that Team India have the depth in both (batting and bowling) departments and expected the clash to be a cracking game. He took to social media and tweeted: "My Indian playing 11 for the #WTCFinal is a no-brainier (Rohit, Shubman,Pujara, Virat, Rahane, Pant, Jadeja, Ashwin, Shami, Ishant & Bumrah ). They have the depth in both batting & bowling irrespective of the pitch. Should be a cracking game." Team India suffered a crushing defeat in the Test series at the hands of New Zealand that was played in 2020. New Zealand's pace attack proved to be too good for Team India in the series, therefore, the Indian batting order will be very crucial for the juggernaut clash in Southampton. Earlier, former Indian cricketer, VVS Laxman predicted Team India's batting order for the match and said that he will go ahead with five batsmen. India squad for WTC final: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.

Venkatesh Prasad reveals his playing XI for Team India ahead of WTC final

<p>After Rahul Dravid's never-seen-before ‘angry’ avatar, Venkatesh Prasad's new boyband the "Venkaboys" had taken the internet by storm. In the advertisement, Venkatesh Prasad was seen performing on a song along with Manindar Singh, Javagal Srinath and Saba Karim.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">" Meet the Venkaboys " <a href="https://t.co/ELkcpb9sxt">pic.twitter.com/ELkcpb9sxt</a></p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1388441829360627714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Several netizens, including Indian opener Rohit Sharma, reacted to the advertisement. Now, the former Indian pacer revealed that Virender Sehwag had texted him after watching the ad and called it wonderful, while the likes of VVS Laxman and Srinath himself too complimented the former pacer on his on-screen performance.</p>

<p>"Sehwag messaged me, saying it was wonderful and so did a lot of other people. VVS Laxman said it was a great ad, Javagal Srinath who also acted along with me in the ad, he said ‘your acting skills are fantastic. I couldn’t believe it," Prasad said In a conversation with The Grade Cricketer.</p>

<p>"Basically, I honestly never thought that it’s going to come out that way. But when it came out, looking at the reaction of the people and the messages I got, the way people were talking about the ad… things like it’s done extremely well and they were for some reason, appreciating my acting skills. I am not the boy band type of guy. It was something different. I guess I get slightly comfortable in front of the camera," Prasad said.</p>

<p>Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma took to Twitter and shared the video and wrote: "From listening to you coach me on the field, to now listening to you sing while I am on my way to the stadium. Venky bhai....it's been a journey."</p>


After Rahul Dravid's never-seen-before ‘angry’ avatar, Venkatesh Prasad's new boyband the "Venkaboys" had taken the internet by storm. In the advertisement, Venkatesh Prasad was seen performing on a song along with Manindar Singh, Javagal Srinath and Saba Karim.

After Rahul Dravid's never-seen-before ‘angry’ avatar, Venkatesh Prasad's new boyband the "Venkaboys" had taken the internet by storm. In the advertisement, Venkatesh Prasad was seen performing on a song along with Manindar Singh, Javagal Srinath and Saba Karim. " Meet the Venkaboys " pic.twitter.com/ELkcpb9sxt — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) May 1, 2021 × Several netizens, including Indian opener Rohit Sharma, reacted to the advertisement. Now, the former Indian pacer revealed that Virender Sehwag had texted him after watching the ad and called it wonderful, while the likes of VVS Laxman and Srinath himself too complimented the former pacer on his on-screen performance. "Sehwag messaged me, saying it was wonderful and so did a lot of other people. VVS Laxman said it was a great ad, Javagal Srinath who also acted along with me in the ad, he said ‘your acting skills are fantastic. I couldn’t believe it," Prasad said In a conversation with The Grade Cricketer. "Basically, I honestly never thought that it’s going to come out that way. But when it came out, looking at the reaction of the people and the messages I got, the way people were talking about the ad… things like it’s done extremely well and they were for some reason, appreciating my acting skills. I am not the boy band type of guy. It was something different. I guess I get slightly comfortable in front of the camera," Prasad said. Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma took to Twitter and shared the video and wrote: "From listening to you coach me on the field, to now listening to you sing while I am on my way to the stadium. Venky bhai....it's been a journey."

'Sehwag messaged me': Venkatesh Prasad reveals Viru's text after 'Venkaboys' ad

<p>After Rahul Dravid's never-seen-before ‘angry’ avatar, Venkatesh Prasad's new boyband the "Venkaboys" has taken the internet by storm. In the advertisement, Venkatesh Prasad was seen performing on a song along with Manindar Singh, Javagal Srinath and Saba Karim.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Featuring in an ad for a Bengaluru-based credit card bill payment platform where actor Jim Sarbh is seen comparing the rewards offered by the platform to the boyband featuring "your favourite cricketer". In the advertisement, the "Venkaboys" can be seen singing that "In the 90s, we&nbsp;were the real OGs."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">" Meet the Venkaboys " <a href="https://t.co/ELkcpb9sxt">pic.twitter.com/ELkcpb9sxt</a></p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1388441829360627714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma took to Twitter and shared the video and wrote: "From listening to you coach me on the field, to now listening to you sing while I am on my way to the stadium. Venky bhai....it's been a journey."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">From listening to you coach me on the field, to now listening to you sing while I am on my way to the stadium. Venky bhai....it's been a journey. <a href="https://t.co/ubgORUe6Me">pic.twitter.com/ubgORUe6Me</a></p>
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45/status/1388447972447318018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The latest ad by the CRED had some interesting Twitter reactions. Check out:&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Whoever is in charge of this ad campaign deserves awards! <a href="https://t.co/usOClJxrqL">https://t.co/usOClJxrqL</a></p>
— Soumya Inavilli (@SInavilli) <a href="https://twitter.com/SInavilli/status/1388451357066031106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wow😂<br />
Firstu it was <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RahulDravid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RahulDravid</a> and nowwu it is <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@venkateshprasad</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JavagalSrinath?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JavagalSrinath</a> <a href="https://t.co/P43VNL0Ki6">https://t.co/P43VNL0Ki6</a></p>
— Amarnath ಬಿಎಂ (@amarnath1696) <a href="https://twitter.com/amarnath1696/status/1388452410406756354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This made me happy 😆👌👌 <a href="https://t.co/74ed4u5TSn">https://t.co/74ed4u5TSn</a></p>
— Bargi ☮️ (@ignorantnomad) <a href="https://twitter.com/ignorantnomad/status/1388453024775892998?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


After Rahul Dravid's never-seen-before ‘angry’ avatar, Venkatesh Prasad's new boyband the "Venkaboys" has taken the internet by storm. In the advertisement, Venkatesh Prasad was seen performing on a song along with Manindar Singh, Javagal Srinath and Saba Karim.

After Rahul Dravid's never-seen-before ‘angry’ avatar, Venkatesh Prasad's new boyband the "Venkaboys" has taken the internet by storm. In the advertisement, Venkatesh Prasad was seen performing on a song along with Manindar Singh, Javagal Srinath and Saba Karim. Featuring in an ad for a Bengaluru-based credit card bill payment platform where actor Jim Sarbh is seen comparing the rewards offered by the platform to the boyband featuring "your favourite cricketer". In the advertisement, the "Venkaboys" can be seen singing that "In the 90s, we were the real OGs." " Meet the Venkaboys " pic.twitter.com/ELkcpb9sxt — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) May 1, 2021 × Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma took to Twitter and shared the video and wrote: "From listening to you coach me on the field, to now listening to you sing while I am on my way to the stadium. Venky bhai....it's been a journey." From listening to you coach me on the field, to now listening to you sing while I am on my way to the stadium. Venky bhai....it's been a journey. pic.twitter.com/ubgORUe6Me — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) May 1, 2021 × The latest ad by the CRED had some interesting Twitter reactions. Check out: Whoever is in charge of this ad campaign deserves awards! https://t.co/usOClJxrqL — Soumya Inavilli (@SInavilli) May 1, 2021 × Wow😂 Firstu it was #RahulDravid and nowwu it is @venkateshprasad and #JavagalSrinath https://t.co/P43VNL0Ki6 — Amarnath ಬಿಎಂ (@amarnath1696) May 1, 2021 × This made me happy 😆👌👌 https://t.co/74ed4u5TSn — Bargi ☮️ (@ignorantnomad) May 1, 2021 ×

'Meet the Venkaboys': After Dravid's anger, Cricketing legends in a boy-band wins over internet

<p>A never-seen-before ‘angry’ avatar of legendary Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid has taken social media by storm. Appearing in an advertisement, Dravid was seen showing his angry side while stuck in traffic in Bengaluru.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indiranagarkagunda-rahul-dravids-angry-avatar-takes-twitter-by-storm-check-best-reactions-376624" hreflang="en">#IndiraNagarKaGunda: Rahul Dravid's 'angry' avatar takes Twitter by storm - Check best reactions</a></p>

<p>In an advertisement that hit the screens on Friday afternoon, just before the start of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, Dravid has managed to leave everyone shocked with his new avatar while becoming the talk of the town. The ad has gone viral like a wildfire with the 48-year-old former cricketer becoming the top-ranked trending topic on social media platform Twitter.</p>

<p>Dravid's former India and Karnataka teammate Venkatesh Prasad took to social media to post his own version of the 'Indiranagar Ka Gunda' moment. He recalled the famous incident that took place during the 1996 ICC World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prasad's gesture to Sohail, who was batting at 51, during the 15th over. &nbsp;After smacking Prasad for a boundary, Sohail pointed at him suggesting him to go pick the ball from the boundary. However, in the very next ball, Prasad cleaned him up and gave him a roaring send-off.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Me to Aamir Sohail in Bangalore at 14.5- <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiraNagarkaGunda?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiraNagarkaGunda</a> hoon main 😊 <a href="https://t.co/uF7xaPeTPl">pic.twitter.com/uF7xaPeTPl</a></p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1381098756045611009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>India went on to stage a comeback and defend the target of 287 runs to go into the semifinals of the World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ad has resulted in memes flooding the internet as love and admiration for Dravid was seen all over social media platforms. The fact that Dravid doesn't do many ads caught everyone by surprise and his new avatar was the icing on the cake for everyone.</p>


A never-seen-before ‘angry’ avatar of legendary Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid has taken social media by storm. Appearing in an advertisement, Dravid was seen showing his angry side while stuck in traffic in Bengaluru.

A never-seen-before ‘angry’ avatar of legendary Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid has taken social media by storm. Appearing in an advertisement, Dravid was seen showing his angry side while stuck in traffic in Bengaluru. ALSO READ: #IndiraNagarKaGunda: Rahul Dravid's 'angry' avatar takes Twitter by storm - Check best reactions In an advertisement that hit the screens on Friday afternoon, just before the start of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, Dravid has managed to leave everyone shocked with his new avatar while becoming the talk of the town. The ad has gone viral like a wildfire with the 48-year-old former cricketer becoming the top-ranked trending topic on social media platform Twitter. Dravid's former India and Karnataka teammate Venkatesh Prasad took to social media to post his own version of the 'Indiranagar Ka Gunda' moment. He recalled the famous incident that took place during the 1996 ICC World Cup. Prasad's gesture to Sohail, who was batting at 51, during the 15th over. After smacking Prasad for a boundary, Sohail pointed at him suggesting him to go pick the ball from the boundary. However, in the very next ball, Prasad cleaned him up and gave him a roaring send-off. Me to Aamir Sohail in Bangalore at 14.5- #IndiraNagarkaGunda hoon main 😊 pic.twitter.com/uF7xaPeTPl — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) April 11, 2021 × India went on to stage a comeback and defend the target of 287 runs to go into the semifinals of the World Cup. The ad has resulted in memes flooding the internet as love and admiration for Dravid was seen all over social media platforms. The fact that Dravid doesn't do many ads caught everyone by surprise and his new avatar was the icing on the cake for everyone.

Former pacer Venkatesh Prasad shares his #IndiraNagarKaGunda moment

venkatesh-prasad

Venkatesh Prasad, News on Venkatesh Prasad, stories on Venkatesh Prasad, articles on Venkatesh Prasad, Venkatesh Prasad stories at Wion, Venkatesh Prasad news, Venkatesh Prasad latest news

venkatesh prasad