Spot-fixing leaves VVS anguished

May 30, 2013

VVS-LaxmanMumbai, May 30: Former great V V S Laxman today said the "credibility" of cricketers should not be "affected" just because of the presence of some greedy players who are lured into malpractices such as spot-fixing through use of big money and freebies.

"It is very important because just for some greedy players, the credibility of the rest of the players should not be affected. I think it is a very important issue and I am sure it will be cleaned up very soon," Laxman told reporters on the sidelines of a promotional event.

He said he was going through a "feeling of anguish" in the wake of the spot-fixing and betting scandal that have hit Indian cricket but sounded optimistic the sport would be cleaned up soon.

"It's very disappointing. Last two weeks, it's been quite distressing and a feeling of anguish was definitely there. The various investigation by police in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, I am sure they will come to a logical conclusion. The cause of this problem is raised," Laxman said.

The Hyderabadi also said the cash-rich Indian Premier League will miss iconic players like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.

"Sachin and Rahul have been real icons for the game not only IPL but also for the game of cricket. Definitely IPL will be missing them. Both of them are very important members of their respective franchise.

"The game of cricket including IPL will be missing them. Both of them have done well for their franchises over the last six years. The game of cricket will miss them," he said.

Laxman, who mentored the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the recently-concluded IPL 6, said the manner in which the team won close matches augurs well for the future.

"I think the experience has been fantastic working with the Sunrisers team and the team has done really well. I am pleased with the way they responded to some challenging matches. We won some close games especially at the start of the tournament, it is purely because of the attitude of the entire team.

"We showed a lot of fighting spirit and won some close games. I think it is very encouraging for the future of Sunrisers," he said. Laxman was part of Gillette 'Soldier for Women' campaign.

"Women have played an important role in my life, starting with my mother. The way she brought me up right from my childhood. The kind values she inculcated in me because of that I have been able to achieve I have done.

"After marriage it has been my wife. It is tough being the wife of a cricketer because most of the time you are travelling. She had to make a lot of sacrifices which she did," he said.

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February 13,2020

Feb 13: Veteran India batsman Suresh Raina feels Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the best captain India ever had.

Raina and Dhoni play for the same IPL franchise -- the Chennai Super Kings --, which is also led by the latter.

"I think we have the best captain who has changed the Indian team like anything. Now we have that same aura in our dressing room," Raina said on 'The Super Kings show' on Star Sports Tamil.

The 38-year-old Dhoni has retired from Test cricket but his future in the limited overs formats is a subject of intense speculation.

The two-time World Cup-winning former captain took a break from cricket after India's exit from the 2019 World Cup in England. He is set to be back in action at the IPL, where he will captain the CSK, starting March 23.

With three restricted stands at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai finally being reopened, Raina urged the fans to fill the venue in every CSK home game.

"We have all the seats available. Hopefully, we'll have more fans now so that there is it will be more energy on the field," the 33-year-old Raina, a former India batsman, said.

Raina, who last played for India in 2018, also expressed his excitement about the prospect of playing with CSK's latest acquisitions.

"This year we have a lot of new talent in our team. Piyush (Chawla) is there, then we have Hazelwood, Sam Curran, Sai Kishore from Tamil Nadu, he has been bowling really well for them. So, I think we have a lot of mixture of youngsters and seniors."

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May 28,2020

May 28: Former India captain and Kings XI Punjab head coach Anil Kumble is hopeful of the IPL happening this year and is not averse to the idea of conducting the cash-rich event without spectators due to the COVID-19 threat.

It is not official yet but there is speculation that the BCCI wants to hold the IPL in the October window after the tournament was postponed indefinitely earlier this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Yes we are hopeful and optimistic that there is still a possibility (to hold IPL this year) if we can cram in the schedule," Kumble was quoted as saying by Star Sports show 'Cricket Connected'.

"If we are going to have a stadium without spectators, then probably have 3 or 4 venues; there's still a possibility, we are all optimistic," said the former spinner, who is also the chairman of ICC's Cricket Committee.

Former India batsman VVS Laxman said the stakeholders can stage the league in cities which have multiple stadia to reduce travelling by players.

"Absolutely (there is chance to hold IPL this year), and also make sure that all the stakeholders have a say," he said.

"...you should identify one venue, which probably has 3 or 4 grounds; if at all you find that kind of a venue because travel is again going to be quite challenging," said the former stylish batsman.

"You don't know who's going to be where at the airports, so that I'm sure the franchises and the BCCI will be looking into."

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April 24,2020

New Delhi, Apr 24: India's World Cup-winning former opener Gautam Gambhir performed the last rites of his deceased domestic help after her mortal remains could not be sent to her home in Odisha due to the coronavirus-forced national lockdown.

Gambhir, also a BJP Lok Sabha MP, posted a tribute on his Twitter page for his employee Saraswati Patra, who was working at his residence for the past six years.

"Taking care of my little one can never be domestic help. She was family. Performing her last rites was my duty," he tweeted.

"Always believed in dignity irrespective of caste, creed, religion or social status. Only way to create a better society. That's my idea of India! Om Shanti," said the 38-year-old Gambhir, who played 58 Tests for India between 2004 and 2016.

Media reports in Odisha said the 49-year-old Patra hailed from a village in Jajpur district.

She was admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital a few days ago and was battling diabetes and high blood pressure for a long period. She breathed her last while undergoing treatment on April 21.

Union Minister of Petroleum and Steel Dharmendra Pradhan appreciated Gambhir.

"Taking care of Saraswati throughout the course of her illness, he also ensured her dignity in death by performing her last rites himself since her mortal remains could not be sent to her family back home in Odisha," Pradhan, who also belongs to Odisha, tweeted.

"His act of compassion will enliven the faith in humanity for millions of poor, who are working far from their home for livelihood and will garner respect from all folds of the society."

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