Articles by Zee Media Bureau

Sports

Shreyas Iyer Shares Beach Photo After Surviving Life-Threatening Spleen Injury

India batter Shreyas Iyer has shared his first public update since surviving a life-threatening spleen injury, posting a picture from a serene beach vacation that instantly went viral among cricket fans. The 30-year-old, who sustained a lacerated spleen during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney, expressed gratitude for the support and prayers he received during his recovery phase.Also Read: Who Will RCB Retain And Release Ahead Of The IPL 2026 Mega Auction?“Sun’s been a great therapy. Grateful to be back. Thanks for all the love and care,” wrote Iyer on Instagram, marking a positive step in his long road to recovery.Wearing a blue bucket hat and reflective sunglasses, Iyer looked relaxed and content — a stark contrast to the tense scenes from Sydney just weeks earlier when the cricketer’s health scare left the entire cricketing community on edge.The Moment That Changed Everything in SydneyThe harrowing incident occurred on October 25, 2025, during the third ODI between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. While fielding, Iyer sprinted forward to take a diving catch to dismiss Alex Carey. He successfully completed the catch but landed awkwardly on his abdomen.Initially believed to be a rib injury, scans later revealed a lacerated spleen with internal bleeding, a potentially fatal condition that required immediate medical intervention. The BCCI issued a statement confirming the seriousness of the situation, stating that Iyer had undergone a minor procedure and appropriate medical management to control the internal bleeding.The swift response by the on-ground medical team, followed by expert care from Sydney-based Dr Kouroush Haghigi and Indian specialist Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, proved crucial in stabilizing the player. Iyer was kept under close observation in a Sydney hospital before being discharged to continue his recovery under medical supervision.Suryakumar Yadav and Team India Rally Behind IyerThroughout Iyer’s hospital stay, India captain Suryakumar Yadav kept fans updated about his condition, reassuring everyone that the Mumbai batter was “doing well and in good spirits.” Teammates and cricketing peers flooded social media with messages of support, reflecting Iyer’s immense popularity within the dressing room and among fans.India went on to win that Sydney ODI — their only victory in the three-match series they lost 1–2 — but the celebrations were muted, with most players’ thoughts firmly on Iyer’s well-being.A Grateful Comeback and the Road AheadAfter weeks of uncertainty, Iyer’s beach photo came as a wave of relief for Indian cricket fans. His post, captioned with gratitude and positivity, symbolized both physical and emotional healing.The Mumbai-born batter, known for his elegant stroke play and leadership composure, is expected to be out of competitive action for at least three months. Consequently, he has not been named in India’s squad for the two-Test series against South Africa beginning November 14 in Kolkata.However, sources suggest that Iyer is eyeing a comeback during the home white-ball series against New Zealand, scheduled to follow the South Africa tour. His return, though, will depend entirely on medical clearance and match fitness.A Fighter’s Spirit: From Surgery to SunlightIyer’s journey over the past few weeks has been nothing short of inspirational. From being rushed off the Sydney field in visible pain to now smiling by the sea, the transformation highlights his determination and resilience.While physical recovery remains a priority, the mental strength displayed by Iyer — in facing a rare and severe sports injury — underscores why he is one of India’s most admired modern cricketers.The beach photo, symbolizing calm after chaos, resonated deeply with fans who flooded his post with thousands of supportive comments. Many hailed his return to the public eye as a sign that he is not just healing, but ready to reclaim his place in Indian cricket when the time is right.

4 hours ago

Sports

Red Fort Blast Rocks Delhi: Security Tightened at Arun Jaitley Stadium Ahead of Ranji Trophy Clash

In the aftermath of a deadly blast that rocked Delhi’s Red Fort area on Monday evening, security has been significantly intensified at the Arun Jaitley Stadium ahead of Day 4 of the Ranji Trophy 2025 Group D match between Delhi and Jammu Kashmir. The explosion, which occurred just a few kilometres from the stadium, claimed at least eight lives and left more than twenty others injured, sending shockwaves across the national capital.Also Read: Who Will RCB Retain And Release Ahead Of The IPL 2026 Mega Auction?Officials confirmed that the high-intensity blast took place near Gate 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station when a vehicle slowed at a traffic light and exploded, igniting nearby cars and sparking chaos in one of Delhi’s busiest heritage zones. The timing of the explosion, coinciding with ongoing public events and sporting fixtures in the city, prompted an immediate response from law enforcement agencies and sports authorities.DDCA and Police Boost Vigilance at the StadiumFollowing the incident, Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) secretary Ashok Sharma confirmed that security has been “beefed up” at the stadium, formerly known as Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, to ensure the safety of players, officials, and spectators attending the Ranji encounter.“We are in constant touch with Delhi Police authorities and have requested the deployment of additional forces outside and around the stadium premises,” Sharma told PTI.Multiple checkpoints have been established at entry gates, and metal detectors, baggage scanners, and frisking stations have been reinforced. The Delhi Police have also stationed additional quick response teams (QRTs) and bomb disposal units in the vicinity, while patrolling has been intensified along Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and adjoining routes leading to the venue.Cricket Continues Amid Heightened TensionDespite the tension, the Ranji Trophy fixture between Delhi and Jammu Kashmir will proceed as scheduled under strict surveillance. The match, entering its decisive final day, has drawn local attention due to its competitive nature.Chasing a modest target of 179, Jammu Kashmir ended Day 3 at 55/2, with Qamran Iqbal (32)* and Vanshaj Sharma (0)* at the crease. The visitors require 124 more runs to seal what would be a memorable away victory. Delhi, on the other hand, will bank on their bowling attack to stage a comeback amid an emotionally charged atmosphere.For players and officials alike, the focus now lies on balancing professional commitment with personal safety, as security personnel maintain an unwavering watch across the stadium’s stands, dressing rooms, and media zones.Investigation Underway: Blast Not Linked to Earlier Terror ModuleAuthorities are still probing the cause of the explosion near the Red Fort. Preliminary reports suggest that the blast originated from a car rigged with high-intensity explosives. Earlier in the day, the Delhi Police’s Special Cell had dismantled an interstate terror module and seized over 2,900 kilograms of suspected ammonium nitrate, a key bomb-making material, from Faridabad. However, officials have clarified that the Red Fort blast is not directly linked to that operation.The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and forensic teams are assisting local authorities in examining the scene, with efforts underway to identify the perpetrators behind what has been described as “a deliberate attempt to disrupt peace in the capital.”Cricketing Fraternity Expresses SolidarityProminent figures from Indian cricket expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives. India head coach Gautam Gambhir, who also represents East Delhi in Parliament, took to social media platform X to offer condolences:“Saddened by the loss of lives due to the blast in Delhi. Praying for strength to the families of the deceased and a speedy recovery to the injured.”Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan also reacted, writing, “Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the Delhi car blast near Red Fort. My prayers are with the victims and their families. Let’s all stay safe and alert.”Public Events Under Tight WatchThe explosion has cast a shadow over Delhi’s bustling calendar of public and sporting events. With the Arun Jaitley Stadium located barely 3 km from the blast site, authorities are taking no chances. Enhanced vigilance is expected to continue throughout the week, particularly as Delhi prepares to host several domestic and international fixtures in the coming months.While the Ranji Trophy match continues under heavy protection, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the persistent security challenges in metropolitan areas. For now, the focus remains on ensuring safety — both on and off the field — as Delhi unites in resilience after a day of tragedy.

4 hours ago

Sports

Match Virat Kohli’s 600-Run Season: Mohammad Kaif Challenges Rohit Sharma Ahead of IPL 2026

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has sparked a fiery debate ahead of IPL 2026, claiming that Rohit Sharma must prove himself with the bat and finally break past the elusive 600-run mark in a season — something he has never achieved in his illustrious IPL career. While Rohit remains one of the most successful captains in IPL history with five titles for Mumbai Indians (MI), Kaif believes that the opener’s individual performances have not mirrored his leadership excellence.Also Read: Who Will RCB Retain And Release Ahead Of The IPL 2026 Mega Auction?Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif compared Rohit’s IPL record with Virat Kohli, saying:“We talk about Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, but Rohit Sharma has not scored 700-800 runs in a season. In the IPL, he gets points for captaincy and experience, but when you compare him with Virat Kohli or some other batter, he doesn’t score 600-700 runs. He scores in one or two matches and becomes the Man of the Match.”That statement — especially the mention of Kohli’s benchmark seasons — has reignited the never-ending comparison between India’s two modern-day greats.Rohit Sharma’s IPL Record: Leadership Brilliance, Batting ConsistencyRohit’s highest-ever IPL tally came back in 2013, when he piled up 538 runs, a year that also saw him lead MI to their maiden title. Since then, he’s been remarkably consistent as a match-winner but has often fallen short of converting good starts into towering numbers.In IPL 2025, Rohit managed 418 runs at a strike rate of 149.29, including four half-centuries — a solid return but one that pales in comparison to the likes of Virat Kohli (639 runs) or Sai Sudharsan (750 runs).Despite persistent rumours of a split, Mumbai Indians retained Rohit for ₹16.30 crore for the upcoming season, reaffirming their faith in his experience and influence. Yet, Kaif’s pointed remarks underline a growing expectation that the veteran opener, now in leaner shape and reportedly “very hungry for runs,” must turn his form into a defining IPL campaign.Virat Kohli’s Benchmark: Setting the Gold StandardKaif’s comparison is not without merit. Virat Kohli remains the benchmark for batting consistency in the IPL, having crossed 600 runs in a season multiple times, including his unforgettable 973-run record in 2016 — a feat that still stands untouched.Kaif’s challenge to Rohit — to “match Kohli’s 600-run IPL season” — has added an extra layer of intrigue ahead of IPL 2026. While Kohli continues to dominate the league as one of the most prolific run-getters, Rohit’s quest for a career-defining season could very well be one of the biggest storylines of the upcoming tournament.Recent ODI Glory Adds Fire to the NarrativeInterestingly, Rohit Sharma’s white-ball resurgence at the international level adds further spice to this discussion. The Mumbai batter recently became the No. 1-ranked ODI batter in the world for the first time, dethroning Shubman Gill and Ibrahim Zadran.At 38 years of age, Rohit became the oldest player ever to top the ICC ODI rankings, following a sublime unbeaten 100 against Australia in Sydney*, where he and Kohli (74*) stitched an unbroken stand to seal a nine-wicket win. That innings — filled with 13 fours and three sixes — was a reminder that when Rohit finds rhythm, few in the world can match his elegance and timing.With such form carrying over from international cricket, Kaif’s challenge might just ignite the fire in Rohit to chase that elusive IPL milestone.A Season of Redemption AwaitsHaving relinquished the captaincy at both IPL and international levels, Rohit Sharma enters IPL 2026 with something to prove. His leadership legacy with Mumbai Indians is beyond question, but his batting hunger and personal milestones could define the narrative this time around.A leaner, fitter, and freer Rohit could well be MI’s most dangerous weapon yet — especially with the motivation to silence critics and join the elite club of 600-run IPL scorers.As the IPL 2026 season draws closer, all eyes will be on the Hitman — not just to lead, but to light up the tournament with the bat once more.

4 hours ago

Sports

Sourav Ganguly Slams Selectors: Why Is a Fit Mohammed Shami Still Out of Team India?

Former India captain and current Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President Sourav Ganguly has strongly backed Mohammed Shami for a national team comeback, stating that the veteran pacer remains one of India’s finest fast bowlers across formats. Ganguly’s remarks come amid ongoing debates around Shami’s fitness and exclusion from the recent Test and limited-overs series.Also Read: Who Will RCB Retain And Release Ahead Of The IPL 2026 Mega Auction?Speaking in Kolkata ahead of India’s upcoming Test series against South Africa, Ganguly said, “Shami is bowling exceptionally well. He is fit, and we saw in the Ranji Trophy matches where he’s won Bengal games single-handedly. I really don’t see any reason why he can’t be playing Tests, ODIs, or T20Is for India.”The statement directly challenges the current selection committee’s stance, led by Ajit Agarkar, which has opted to groom younger pacers following India’s ICC Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year.Selectors Cite Fitness, Ganguly DisagreesMohammed Shami has been out of the Indian setup since the Champions Trophy 2025 final, where India lifted the title in thrilling fashion. Chief selector Agarkar had clarified that Shami’s omission was due to “fitness concerns,” adding that there was “constant communication” between the selectors and the pacer.However, Shami himself has maintained that he is fully fit and ready for international duty, hinting at a possible communication gap with the board. Ganguly’s comments further fuel this narrative, emphasizing Shami’s strong domestic performances and questioning the decision to overlook him.“If you ask me, in terms of fitness and skill, it’s the same Mohammed Shami we’ve known for years,” Ganguly asserted. “The kind of rhythm and consistency he’s shown proves he still belongs at the top level.”Shami’s Stellar Ranji Trophy Form Strengthens His CaseWhile the selectors experiment with a younger pace battery, Shami has quietly made a statement in the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season. Representing Bengal, the 35-year-old has already bagged 15 wickets in just three matches at an impressive average of 15.13.In Bengal’s opening match against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens, Shami took seven wickets in the game, including a fiery spell that rattled the opposition’s top order. He followed it up with a five-wicket haul (5/38) against Gujarat, leading Bengal to a commanding 141-run victory. His ability to generate movement and maintain pace across long spells has been a reassuring sight for Indian cricket fans.Shami’s performances underline his fitness and match readiness, making a strong case for his return to India’s pace attack—especially with the England tour and home Test series against South Africa looming large.A Veteran Still in His PrimeMohammed Shami last played a Test match in June 2023, during the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval. His last ODI appearance came in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, and his most recent T20I was against England earlier that year. Despite his absence from international cricket, Shami continues to be regarded as one of India’s most skillful seamers, with over 400 international wickets to his name.Ganguly, who captained Shami early in his Bengal days, highlighted the pacer’s invaluable experience. “Shami’s ability to deliver in all formats is rare. He’s not just a wicket-taker; he brings control, experience, and leadership to the bowling attack,” Ganguly noted.

4 hours ago