Virat Kohli, SKY, Hardik Pandya in ICC T20 Team of 2022
Dubai, Jan 23: Former India captain Virat Kohli, all-rounder Hardik Pandya and shortest format's number one batter Suryakumar Yadav were on Monday picked in ICC 'Men's T20I team of 2022'.
The ICC also announced the Women's Team of 2022 with four Indians in the lineup -- Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh and Renuka Singh.
Kohli returned to his vintage form in 2022 and took the Asia Cup by storm, finishing as the second-highest run-getter with 276 runs in five games.
He also brought an end to his century drought of close to three years with a magnificent century against Afghanistan.
Kohli played one of the greatest T20I innings of 82 not out in India's heist against Pakistan in the World Cup opener in Melbourne.
Kohli ended the tournament with three more fifties and finished as the highest run-scorer with 296 runs.
Surya became the only second batter to score more than 1000 runs in a calendar year. He ended as the top-run getter (1164 runs) with two hundreds and nine half-centuries while striking at a stunning 187.43.
In the World Cup, he amassed 239 runs at a strike rate of 189.68 and finished the year as the No 1 batter in the T20I Rankings.
On the back of leading Gujarat Titans to their IPL title in their maiden appearance, Hardik came into his own as the all-rounder.
He enjoyed his best year by numbers in the Indian colours, scoring 607 runs while also picking up 20 wickets.
The 11-member side is led by World Cup-winning England skipper Jos Buttler and has runners-up Pakistan's Mohammed Rizwan as the opener, and Haris Rauf as one of the two pace spearheads.
India's batting superstar Smriti Mandhana finished the year as the fourth highest run-scorer with 594 runs at an average of 33.00 and a strike-rate of 133.48.
She also made two half-centuries and played a key role in India winning a historic silver at the Commonwealth Games.
Off-spin all-rounder Deepti had a standout year and was the Player of the Tournament in India's Asia Cup triumph.
She finished the year with 29 wickets, the joint third highest. She also made 370 runs averaging 37 with a strike-rate of 136.02.
Richa was named the wicketkeeper-batter following a stupendous year that saw her accumulate 259 runs in 18 matches.
With 22 T20I wickets at an average of 23.95 and an economy rate of 6.50, Renuka had a standout year and was one of the nominees for the ICC Women's Emerging Cricketer of the Year.
Men's Team: Jos Buttler (c/wk), Mohammed Rizwan, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Glenn Phillips, Sikandar Raza, Hardik Pandya, Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga, Haris Rauf and Josh Little.
Women's Team: Sophie Devine (c), Smriti Mandhana, Beth Mooney, Ash Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Nida Dar, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sophie Ecclestone, Inoka Ranaweera and Renuka Singh.
The ICC Men's T20I Team of the Year 2022 is here 👀
— ICC (@ICC) January 23, 2023
Is your favourite player in the XI? #ICCAwards
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Gen Z, Gen Alpha will lead India towards Viksit Bharat, says PM Modi
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India’s younger generations Gen Z and Gen Alpha will play a decisive role in leading the country towards the goal of Viksit Bharat (Developed India), as the government frames policies with a focus on youth empowerment.
According to a report published by NDTV, addressing the Veer Baal Diwas programme at Bharat Mandapam, the Prime Minister said he places immense faith in the competence and confidence of the youth. “This is the generation that will take India forward. I see their ability and self-belief, and that is why I trust them”.
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Quoting the adage, PM Modi explained that even if a child speaks wisely, it should be accepted, meaning that greatness is not defined by age but by deeds and achievements. He underlined that young people can accomplish tasks that inspire others, and many have already demonstrated this.
However, he stressed that these achievements should be seen only as a beginning, as there is much further to go, with dreams to be taken to the skies.
The Prime Minister said today’s youth are fortunate to grow up in an environment that encourages ambition, unlike earlier times when despair discouraged even dreaming. He remarked that today the country seeks out talent, provides platforms, and aligns the strength of 140 crore citizens with their aspirations.
He highlighted that with the success of Digital India, the youth have the power of the internet and resources for learning, with missions like Startup India for those pursuing science, technology, and entrepreneurship, and Khelo India for those advancing in sports. He also referred to his recent participation in the Sansad Khel Mahotsav as an example of expanding platforms for youth development.
Cautioning against the lure of short-term fame, the Prime Minister urged young people to remain focused and principled. He encouraged them to draw inspiration from great personalities and ensure that their personal success contributes to national progress.
Modi further said platforms like Mera Yuva Bharat aim to connect young people, nurture leadership skills, and provide opportunities across sectors. He stressed that youth are central to every major national effort from space, economy and manufacturing to fintech, sports, skill development, and internships.
On the occasion of the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji on 9th January 2022, the Prime Minister had announced that 26th December would be observed as 'Veer Baal Diwas', to commemorate the martyrdom of Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, whose unparalleled sacrifice continues to inspire generations.
