Stumps & Stories

When it comes to cricket , Virat Kohli is a name that resonates with excellence, passion, and relentless determination. The former Indian skipper has not only redefined batting but has also inspired millions with his discipline and consistency. However, behind every masterstroke, cover drive , and iconic chase lies an ensemble of carefully selected cricketing equipment that empowers him on the field. Let’s take a closer look at the gear that accompanies Virat Kohli in his quest for cricketing glory. 1. The Bat: MRF Genius Virat Kohli’s bat is arguably his most iconic piece of equipment. Sponsored by MRF, the bat he uses is from the “MRF Genius” range, tailored to suit his aggressive yet balanced playing style. Specifications: Weight: Typically ranging between 1.1 to 1.23 kg, his bats are light enough to allow quick reflexes but hefty enough to generate power. Blade: Made of Grade A English willow, the bat boasts a thick blade with a curved profile for powerful strokes. Sweet Spot: ...

When cricket fans hear the name AB de Villiers, they are reminded of audacious strokes, incredible athleticism, and a player who redefined the limits of what is possible in the gentleman's game . AB de Villiers, fondly known as "Mr. 360," is not just a cricketer but a phenomenon who has left an indelible mark on the world of cricket and beyond. This blog delves into his remarkable cricket journey, his multifaceted sporting prowess, and his unforgettable stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The Beginnings of a Legend Abraham Benjamin de Villiers was born on February 17, 1984, in Warmbad (now Bela-Bela), South Africa. From a young age, AB showcased an extraordinary flair for sports. Cricket, however, emerged as his true calling. He made his debut for South Africa in December 2004 against England, and while he showed promise early on, it wasn’t until later that he cemented his place as one of the finest players in the sport...

Virat Kohli, born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India , displayed a passion for cricket at an early age. At just three years old, he picked up a bat and asked his father to bowl to him. Recognizing his talent, his father enrolled him in the West Delhi Cricket Academy (WDCA) in 1998, making him one of its first trainees. This step came after neighbors suggested that his abilities deserved more than just gully cricket. Education Virat Kohli attended Vishal Public School until the ninth grade, after which he switched to Saviour Convent School to focus on cricket. He eventually left school after the 11th grade to represent India at the Under-19 level. Early Cricket Career In 2002, Virat Kohli joined the Delhi Under-15 team and emerged as the highest run-scorer in the 2003-04 Vijay Merchant Trophy for the Delhi Under-17 team. At 18, he debuted in domestic cricket for Delhi and made his international debut in 2008, playing an ODI against Sri Lanka in Australia. International Success Virat ...

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, popularly known as MS Dhoni, is a name that resonates with every cricket fan, not just in India but across the globe. Known for his calm demeanor, sharp cricketing mind, and unmatched leadership skills, Dhoni is one of the most iconic figures in the history of cricket . From being a small-town boy with big dreams to becoming one of the greatest captains the sport has ever seen, Dhoni’s journey is nothing short of inspirational.  Early Life and Struggles MS Dhoni was born on July 7, 1981, in Ranchi, Bihar . Unlike many cricketers who started playing at a very young age, Dhoni’s first love was football . He played as a goalkeeper for his school team, and it was his football coach who saw potential in him and encouraged him to try cricket. Initially, Dhoni started as a wicketkeeper and impressed everyone with his skills behind the stumps. Coming from a humble background, Dhoni’s journey was not easy. He worked as a ticket collector at the Kharagpur railway statio...

Cricket fans around the world witnessed a spectacular display of skills and dominance as India faced South Africa in the fourth T20 Internationals at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on the 15th of November 2024. India was already leading the series with 2 - 1. India won the toss and chose to bat first because they were prolific in the power play. The opening partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson was 73 runs in 35 balls, and then Abhishek Sharma's wicket fell. Then came the inform left hand batsman Tilak Varma. Now both the batsmen were dealing in sixes and fours. Both of them completed their century in no time, Sanju Samson played the maiden inning of 109 runs in just 56 balls with 9 sixes and 6 fours and Tilak Varma played a spectacular inning of 120 runs in just 47 balls with 10 sixes and 9 fours. They had a record-breaking partnership of 210 runs in just 86 balls. India made 283 and lost just one wicket in their 20 overs. South Africa had to chase 284 ru...

When we talk about cricket , one name is universally recognized: Sachin Tendulkar. Widely regarded as the greatest cricketer of all time, Tendulkar’s life story is not just that of an athlete, but of a global icon. From a young boy with dreams of playing for India to becoming a symbol of determination, excellence, and sportsmanship, Tendulkar’s journey is a source of inspiration to millions around the world. Early Life and Beginnings Sachin Tendulkar was born in Mumbai India on April 24, 1973, into a middle-class family. His father, Ramesh Tendulkar, was a well-known Marathi novelist, and his mother, Rajni, worked as an insurance agent. Growing up in a busy city like Mumbai, Tendulkar developed an early passion for cricket. His elder brother, Ajit, played a crucial role in shaping his future. Recognizing his tremendous talent, Ajit took him to see the famous Mumbai coach, Ramakant Achrekar. Tendulkar was a shy, introverted boy who spent hours at the nets, developing his skills. Ac...

Entertainment, drama, attitude you name it. T20 cricket has really impacted the traditional formats. I remember watching MS Dhoni smash sixes before T20 cricket came in, I used to be like Man this is tough, nowadays even bowlers can smash sixes. The major difference has been the range hitting, shorter boundaries, pitches being more batter-friendly and recently, IPL has introduced the impact player rule which has increased run scoring beyond imagination. T20 cricket has definitely impacted the bowlers because the quality has reduced. In the world, few bowlers are all format players like Jasprit Bumrah, Mitchel Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mohammed Shami, Trent Boult, and Shaheen Afridi. But these are fast bowlers, spinners have reduced to a great extent. Chahal is a very skillful bowler but he is limited to ODI and T20, with no test matches. Ashwin plays test well but hardly participates in ODIs and T20s. Plus, the franchise concept has given it a bigger push with the recent...