T-20 cricket: Dhoni breaks another World Record
Johannesburg: Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Sunday notched up yet another record after he went past Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara to complete the most catches for a wicketkeeper in T20 cricket.
While Sangakkara recorded 133 catches in 254 matches, the 1st T20 against South Africa was Dhoni's 275th in shortest format. Third on the list is India's Dinesh Karthik (123 catches in 227 matches). while Pakistan's Kamran Akmal (115 catches in 211 matches) and West Indies' Denesh Ramdin (108 catches in 168 matches) are fourth and fifth respectively.
With 77 victims in 87 matches, Dhoni also leads the list for most dismissals in the T20 international. Overall, the former India captain has effected 775 dismissals in 495 matches, placing him third on the list behind Mark Boucher and Adam Gilchrist.
After India's 28-run win over South Africa in the T20 opener, Dhoni joined some of his teammates for a celebratory dinner.
Virat Kohli limped off the field before India completed another dominant performance over South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium.
Shikhar Dhawan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were mainly responsible for India's win, just two days after the tourists completed a 5-1 thrashing of the hosts in a one-day international series.
India captain Kohli left the field 13 overs into South Africa's innings after suffering a left leg strain while batting.
South Africa were without star batsman AB de Villiers, who was ruled out of the series after suffering a blow to his left knee ahead of the sixth one-day international in Centurion on Friday.
India also suffered an injury blow, with left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav missing because of a thumb injury suffered in Centurion when India completed a 5-1 series win.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
