Mahendra Singh Dhoni is perhaps the bravest man Indian sport will have had the privilege of knowing. He might be the reason why cricket is still called the gentleman’s game.
The hare and tortoise scenario is becoming commonplace at the World Cup. First, Argentina lost to Croatia, and South Korea beat Germany. Now, Russia has reaped the benefits of Spain playing a style of football they were well-prepared to counter.
Two-time World Cup-winning legend Clive Lloyd has said 2019 will be “an all-rounders’ World Cup”. And suddenly, the controversial Hardik Pandya might just be the ace-in-the-hole for Team India at a tournament where players like him are destined for great things.
Mesut Ozil once said he had two hearts, one German and one Turkish. But regardless of his fame, he can’t transcend the stereotype of being a German only when he is useful to Germany. After a World Cup that was lauded for belonging to immigrants, Ozil’s retirement statement throws up a new question: Is it possible for immigrants to belong?
I have a game plan against Portugal, and his name is Sergio Ramos. I’m not going to go into much detail, but I’ll just whisper “Ronaldo” in his ears before kick-off and he’ll know what to do.
Even after the most heartbreaking of defeats, Kane Williamson’s New Zealand and Roger Federer came across as winners. In a rare sporting moment, the second runners-up were celebrated more than the men who lifted the trophy. It made us realise that sport can exist without a loser.
Diego Maradona is GOAT. At the World Cup clash between Argentina and Nigeria, he showed us yet again that he is not just the world’s greatest footballer. He is also the world’s greatest football fan.
MS Dhoni has been dropped. For 15 years, he has played international cricket at the highest level, captaining his side in all three formats, while also being the crux of the batting order. Can we begin to fathom what Team India will look like without him in it?
Dear Football World Cup, now that India vs England cricket has started, I will have to dump you. You made quite a few false promises. You told me Neymar was going to bring swagger to the Cup, but all he did was roll on the floor. If I wanted to see a brown guy with a funky hairstyle doing nothing for 90 minutes, I’d pick Hardik Pandya instead.
With Shoaib Akhtar in the line-up, the Pakistan team could be assured that the opponents were going to come under heavy fire. However, after retirement, it seems Shoaib Akhtar has found a new target at which to direct his ire – the Pakistan cricket team.