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Rohit’s captaincy demonstrates how the skipper leads the team: Kaneria on India’s CT triumph

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New Delhi, March 10: After India won the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final in Dubai, beating New Zealand in the summit clash, former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria lauded Rohit Sharma’s captaincy in the tournament, highlighting how he utilised the four spinners and Men In Blue maintained confidence with their deep batting lineup despite losing wickets in the final.

India’s spinners called the shots majorly to pick five wickets collectively on a sluggish pitch, while captain Rohit top-scored with 76 and KL Rahul stayed calm to hit an unbeaten 34 to give the Men in Blue their third Champions Trophy triumph with a four-wicket win over New Zealand. It’s also India’s second ICC trophy win in 12 months after the T20 World Cup triumph in June last year.

“I had already mentioned that India and New Zealand would play the final. Rohit’s captaincy and his innings throughout the tournament have been remarkable, and his performance in the final was exceptional. This demonstrates the way the Indian captain leads the team. Not only with his batting but also by rotating four spinners and having different plans for each batter, which is truly unbelievable,” Kaneria told media.

After spinners restricted New Zealand to 251/7 in their 50 overs. A chase of 252 looked an easy task for India on a pitch that didn’t offer much turn. Rohit, who hit seven fours and three sixes in his 83-ball 76, and Shubman Gill had a 105-run opening stand. But fighting New Zealand bowlers striking regular blows meant there was a sudden nervous energy in India’s chase.

With depth in its batting, despite New Zealand’s spinners fighting hard, India got over the line with an over to spare. While Iyer made 48 off 62 balls, Rahul kept his calm to stay till the end and be 34 not out off 33 balls to ensure India earned their third Champions Trophy title after 2002 and 2013.

“Rohit and Shubman’s partnership was crucial, and even though a wicket fell, India maintained confidence with their deep batting lineup,” Kaneria added.

The Black Caps have shown fine form during the tournament, with great displays with bat and ball. But they suffered a massive blow in the final as they were without the injured Matt Henry, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker and were missing Kane Williamson in the field, who sustained a quad injury while batting.

Reflecting on New Zealand’s performance in the tournament, Kaneria lavished praise on skipper Micthell Santer, who was playing his first ICC tournament as the captain. “New Zealand played excellent cricket, but unfortunately, their leading wicket-taker, Matt Henry, was unavailable for the final due to a shoulder injury. Santner made good use of the resources available to him.

“Santner displayed excellent captaincy throughout the tournament, and his individual performance was also quite impressive. In the final, Glenn Phillips should have been used more. Kyle Jamieson did not have the same experience as Matt Henry,” he said.

With 69 runs needed off 68 balls, Axar nailed a slog-sweep off Santner for six, but was dismissed when he Axar holed out to long-off for 29 in Bracewell’s final over.

The former cricketer noted Axar’s dismissal and opined that his shot was not necessary at that moment. Had he not played that shot, the chase would not have gone as deep.

“India’s chase wouldn’t have gone as deep if Axar Patel hadn’t played that shot; it was an unnecessary shot. Even in the commentary, Sunil Gavaskar mentioned that it was not the right way to play,” said Kaneria.

Despite their loss against India in the group stage, New Zealand have also been impressive in all departments and arrived in the final on the back of a comprehensive win over South Africa in the semifinal.

“However, New Zealand played excellent cricket. They were in Pakistan for several weeks, played a tri-series, participated in Champions Trophy matches, and then moved to Dubai for the final. Despite everything, they ensured they were competitive, and the final itself was indeed competitive,” he concluded.

Maharashtra

MUMBAI’S CRICKET MUSEUM SET TO OPEN SOON

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The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is pleased to announce the upcoming inauguration of the MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum in the second half of August 2025. Located at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, the museum is a tribute to Mumbai’s rich cricketing heritage and the legendary figures who have shaped its success.

At the museum’s entrance, visitors will be welcomed by life-size statues of Shri Sharad Pawar and cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar who remains one of Mumbai’s and India’s most iconic sporting figures. Gavaskar’s statue, in particular, stands as a symbol of excellence and dedication that will inspire aspiring young cricketers for generations to come.

The highlight of the museum is a priceless collection of rare and iconic memorabilia donated by Mumbai’s legendary cricketers. These historic items reflect the deep-rooted legacy of Mumbai cricket and its contribution to Indian and world cricket.

The museum also features a cutting-edge audio-visual experience centre, bringing to life the stories, milestones, and memorable moments of Mumbai’s cricketing journey.

“The MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum is our heartfelt tribute to the stalwarts of Mumbai cricket and a testament to the visionary leadership of Shri Sharad Pawar. This museum stands as a living chronicle of Mumbai cricket’s unparalleled legacy, dedicated to preserving its rich history and inspiring future generations.

The statue of Shri Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s greatest cricketing legends, will serve as a powerful symbol of excellence and determination. His monumental contributions to Indian and Mumbai cricket will continue to motivate young cricketers to dream big and aim high,” said MCA President Shri Ajinkya Naik.

“The MCA invites all cricket lovers and the public to visit and experience this one-of-a-kind tribute to Mumbai cricket” said Shri Abhay Hadap, Secretary MCA.

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Sports

‘I May Be Leaving Real Madrid But..’: Lucas Vasquez Pens Emotional Note After Spanish Club Announces Mid-Fielder’s Departure

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Renowned Spanish Club Lucas Vazquez penned an emotional note as the team announced the mid-fielder’s departure from the team. Having made his debut for Real Madrid in 2015, having already been part of their B and C teams, Vazques said he will carry memories of the club wherever he goes.

The celebrated football club had recently signed on Trent Alexander-Arnold that seemed to confirm Vazquez’s departure. While Madrid had made Luka Modric’s release public, the 34-year-old’s release was seemingly an open secret. However, it got openly confirmed after they announced his departure.

Taking to Instagram, Vazquez wrote that memories of the club will stay with him forever and is leaving knowing that he gave it all for the club.

“Dear Madridistas, it’s been nearly 2 decades since I arrived at Valdebebas as a 16 year old full of dreams and excitement to wear this shirt. Every step along the way has been a gift, and over time, Madrid became my home. We’ve lived unforgettable nights together, celebrated 23 titles and created memories that will stay with me forever.”

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you to the President, board, staff, coaches, teammates and above all, to the fans. You pushed me to always give that little bit more. Today, after more than 400 matches, it’s time to say goodbye to the club of my life. But I leave with peace of mind knowing I gave it my all. I’ve always been aware of the responsibility and privilege that comes with wearing this badge.”

“Wherever I go, I will proudly say that I had the honor of playing for the greatest club in the world” – Lucas Vasquez

The veteran footballer also suggested that his journey with the club has taught him to believe in himself, adding:

“I’ve enjoyed every match, training session, trip, and if there’s one thing this journey has taught me, it’s that no one should ever tell you that you can’t achieve something. I may be leaving Real Madrid, but Real Madrid will never leave me. Wherever I go, I will proudly say that I had the honor of playing for the greatest club in the world. Thank you for being part of the most beautiful journey of my life. Hala Madrid, and nothing more.”

Real Madrid had suffered a crushing 4-0 loss in the recent Club World Cup 2025 semi-final to PSG.

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National

Govt to amend MCOCA to contain smuggling of narcotics: CM Fadnavis

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Mumbai, July 2: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday told the state council that the state government will move an amendment during the ongoing monsoon session to the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) to take action against the smuggling of narcotics to deal with the cases in which the accused arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 received bail.

In his reply to a question by BJP legislator Parinay Fuke, the Chief Minister said that a separate NDPS unit has been set up in every police station in the state and officers and other personnel have been appointed in it. Coordination committees have also been set up at the district level. He added that the police have taken action in a large number of cases in the last two and a half years.

Fadnavis said that with the help of the Central Government, the state-level and inter-state coordination has now become more effective. He also said that intelligence sharing is going on with all the states, and due to this, joint action against smugglers has been possible.

The Chief Minister also said that addiction recovery centres are important and that appropriate policies will be formulated to increase their number and quality, and quality addiction recovery centres will be established. Clarifying that cannabis cultivation is banned and is not legal in Madhya Pradesh, he said that strict action will be taken against anyone smuggling cannabis, gutkha or similar substances.

Meanwhile, CM Fadnavis in his reply to another question raised by Shiv Sena UBT legislator Sunil Shinde said that all cases related to compassionate recruitment of police officers will be resolved on a mission mode in the 150-day plan of the state government. At the same time, orders have been given to all departments regarding compassionate recruitment.

Fadnavis said that the concept of 8-hour duty was first implemented in Mumbai itself. Sometimes there are exceptions during festivals, but overall, the 8-hour duty of the police has now become stable. Also, weekly holidays have been started across the state for the police, and if, for some reason, they do not get the leave, their ‘encashment’ has also been increased on a large scale. Earlier, the amount of this encashment was less, but now it has been increased, he added.

Large-scale housing projects for the police are being implemented across the state, including Mumbai. Work is also going on at a rapid pace at the taluka level. He mentioned that the work of the Police Housing Construction Corporation is unprecedented. Referring to the DG Loan Scheme, CM Fadnavis said that this scheme was started, but it was closed during the previous government. Now the scheme has been restarted, and efforts are being made to clear the backlog.

Addressing the increasing incidence of lifestyle-related diseases among the police, health check-ups have been made mandatory once a year for police officers above the age of 40 and twice a year for police officers above the age of 50. The Chief Minister said that a special scheme of counselling and interaction with senior officers is being implemented for the mental health of the police.

State’s home minister Yogesh Kadam said that the government is implementing many measures for the welfare of the police, in which free treatment is being provided for 40 types of diseases. For this, tie-ups have been made with 270 hospitals in the state. Cancer screening camps have been organised with various hospitals, and Yoga, meditation and gymnasium have been started for the police.

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