Gurugram : Former Indian cricketer Piyush Chawla recently shared his insights on the importance of domestic cricket, and India's prospects in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
Speaking to ANI at an event organized by Harfun, Chawla also discussed the evolving dynamics of the Ranji Trophy with the return of senior Indian players.
Chawla emphasized the significance of the Ranji Trophy in shaping young cricketers, particularly with the presence of experienced Indian stars.
"Ranji is very important. You play on different pitches, different types of grounds, and face different kinds of bowlers. Recently, we have seen players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli participating, which is a huge learning opportunity for young players. Getting to play alongside these legends helps them develop their game in a big way," he said.
With the BCCI making domestic cricket mandatory for international stars, players like Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul have returned to the Ranji Trophy, bringing a new competitive edge to the format.
However, the performances of senior players in domestic cricket have been mixed. Rohit and Yashasvi failed to leave a mark in their first innings against Jammu & Kashmir, scoring three and four, respectively. Rohit showed some promise in the second innings with a quick 28 off 35 balls but couldn't steer his team to victory. Jaiswal, too, struggled, managing just 26 in his second outing.
Fans took over the Arun Jaitley Stadium to get a glimpse of Virat Kohli weaving his magic with the bat for Delhi for the first time since 2012. However, they were left disappointed after Virat's stump was knocked off by Himanshu Sangwan at a mere score of 6.
With a flawless position and technique, Virat executed a picture-perfect straight drive to find the boundary rope. But on the following delivery, Sangwan pulled his length back to beat Virat's bat and send the off-stump cartwheeling in the air. With a look of disbelief on the faces of fans, Virat returned with a score of 6(14).
Since 2020, he has played 39 Tests, scoring 2,028 runs at an average of 30.72, with just three centuries and nine fifties. His highest score in this period is 186.
Kohli ended the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle with 751 runs in 14 matches at an average of 32.65, including two centuries and three fifties. His struggles extended across all formats, as he finished 2024 with just 655 international runs in 23 matches at a poor average of 21.83.
In 10 Tests last year, Kohli managed only 417 runs at an average of 24.52, scoring just one century and a single fifty, marking one of the most challenging years of his illustrious career.
Chawla himself remains one of the most successful bowlers in IPL history. As of May 2024, he is the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament, with 184 wickets. Additionally, he holds a special place in Kolkata Knight Riders' history, having scored the winning runs in the 2014 IPL final, securing the championship for his team.
Looking ahead to the ICC Champions Trophy, Chawla believes India has a strong and balanced squad but insists that knockout matches come down to performance on the day.
"The Champions Trophy is all about how you play your cricket on that particular day. The team looks very good and balanced. We are obviously expecting to finish in the top four, but after that, it's all about the knockouts. It comes down to how the team performs on that given day," he remarked.
India has named a strong 15-member squad for the tournament, featuring stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja. Youngsters such as Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Arshdeep Singh have also been included, adding fresh energy to the squad.
One of the most anticipated matches of the tournament will take place on February 23, when India faces arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The clash is expected to be a key encounter in determining the knockout-stage qualifications for both teams.
Chawla also spoke about the brand's innovative approach to professional wear.
"Comfort is very important. The lightweight and stretchable fabric make a huge difference. When you have to wear something for six to eight hours, it should be comfortable. Harfun has designed an outfit that you can wear on a flight and head straight to an event without needing to change--it's that comfortable," he said.
Harfun's Co-Founder and CEO, Saurabh Agrawal, highlighted the company's commitment to revolutionizing men's formal wear.
"The past three years have been remarkable for us. It has been a thrilling ride of relentless innovation and ideation as we worked towards changing the men's wardrobe and shaping a new trend in workwear. We call this WorkWear 2.0--an evolution in formal fashion that prioritizes both style and comfort. We are excited about the future and will continue innovating based on customer needs and feedback," the CEO stated, as per quoted from Harfun.
With domestic cricket gaining prominence once again and India preparing for a high-stakes ICC Champions Trophy campaign, Chawla's insights shed light on the evolving cricketing landscape and the impact of seasoned players on the next generation.
Aries
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Pisces
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Aquarius
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Capricorn
Ganesha says your day is full of some new possibilities. You will experience grace and stability in your actions. This is the time to focus on your goals and work with determination to pursue your plans. You are likely to get success in your work, especially if you maintain your hard work and dedication. Positive changes can also be seen in your relationships. You will get a chance to spend time with family and listen to them, which will increase mutual understanding and depth. Focus on communication, as it will make your relationships stronger. However, it is also time to make monthly plans. Take care of your financial matters and try to save. This is the time when you can take concrete steps for your future. Your health condition is likely to remain normal but take some rest. Maintaining a mental balance will be important for you. Stay positive and keep faith in your actions!
Sagittarius
Ganesha says today will be full of new possibilities and positive energy for you. You will feel a rise in your confidence, which will keep you open to new opportunities. This is the right time to make an important decision. Your spirituality and intuition will be strong, which will enable you to understand and face difficulties. Spending time with friends and family will awaken a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your mind. Relationships with colleagues at work can take a new direction. Cooperation and communication will help solve problems. If you face an obstacle or challenge, remember that you can overcome it. In terms of health, you may need to make a little improvement in your routine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will give you freshness and energy. Strengthening social relationships and contacting new people will also be beneficial today. This is the time for self-growth and positive change for you, so recognize the energy within you and use it properly.
Scorpio
Ganesha says today will be full of enthusiasm and energy. You will move towards achieving your goals, and your hard work will pay off. Social life will also be active; you will get a good chance to spend time with friends and family. In terms of health, take a little caution. Focusing on meditation and exercise will help reduce mental stress. This is also a good time to take up a new hobby, which can unleash your creativity. Take wise steps in terms of money. Make informed decisions while investing. For potential financial gains, take a look at past projects again. Your career is showing good signs of progress. Your ideas may be appreciated at the workplace, which will increase your confidence. Still, some issues may require restraint. Overall, today will prove to be positive and auspicious for you. Spend it with pride with your loved ones.
Libra
Ganesha says today will be a very auspicious and positive day. You will get a chance to clarify your thoughts, which will bring stability to your personal and professional relationships. Your communication skills will increase, and this will open the doors of new possibilities for you. Your creativity and aesthetic sense will be especially strong today. If you are associated with any art or design, your work will be appreciated. This is the right time to express your feelings. If you are confused about a decision, trust your intuition; it will show you the right path. In terms of health, small changes can make your life better. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet. In love and relationships, a new understanding will develop, which will strengthen the mutual bond even more. Overall, this day is a sign of positive changes and new beginnings for you. Stay focused on your goals and recognize your inner strengths.
Virgo
Ganesha says today is a suitable day to highlight your cognitive abilities and business skills. Today, you will be full of clarity and precision in your actions, which will increase your value among your colleagues and superiors. There is a possibility of bringing some changes to your routine, which will bring positive results for you. This is a good time to improve relations with family members. Try to resolve any old disputes, and keep communication open. In terms of health, meditation and yoga will bring mental peace. Also, take some time out of your routine for exercise. From a financial point of view, this is the right time to make a good plan for the right investment. Take a good look at the options available to you and make a wise decision. Overall, today will prove to be a day of new possibilities and positive changes for you. Be full of confidence and stay focused on your goals.
Leo
Ganesha says today will be a day full of energy and inspiration. Your confidence will increase and your thoughts will come out with clarity. On this day, you will be able to see some new possibilities in your career, which will bring you hard work. Mutual understanding and harmony will increase your relationship, which will create a happy atmosphere among the family. This is a great time to express your thoughts clearly, so do not hesitate to communicate with your partner or friends. It is important to be health conscious, a little exercise and meditation will maintain your mental and physical health. Overall, this day will bring activity and positivity for you, so make the most of all the opportunities!
Cancer
Ganesha says it will be a day of information and communication for you. Your mind will be full of ideas and you will be able to express your ideas well. There is a possibility of some new opportunities in professional life, which can prove beneficial for you. It is a good time to strengthen relationships with your colleagues, so work together at the workplace. Your emotional state will also be strong. Time spent with family will give you satisfaction. If you have any old problem going on, then the right time is coming to solve it. However, you need to keep your emotions under control, so that you do not get agitated over small things. In terms of health, try to practice yoga and meditation. It will empower you both mentally and physically. Take informed decisions in financial matters; do not rush into any investments. In summary, this day will be all about communication and cooperation, which will lead to positive changes for you.
Gemini
Ganesha says there will be a new energy and freshness in your thoughts, which will make your personality even more attractive. Social contacts are likely to increase, which will expand your network. You will be inspired to spend blissful time with your friends and family. Some positive changes can also be seen in the business sector. The results of your hard work will gradually start coming, and this will motivate you to move forward. Keep in mind that while sharing your ideology, work with empathy, this will strengthen your relationship with colleagues. It is important to be health conscious. A little attention and relaxation will give you mental freshness. Practicing yoga or meditation will be beneficial for you. This day will be full of positivity and new possibilities for you. Express your mind openly and do not hesitate to adopt new ideas.
Taurus
Ganesha says it will prove to be a positive day for you, Taurus. You will feel energetic and full of confidence. The time has come to reap the fruits of your hard work and efforts. The workload may stress you for a while, but you will face all the challenges recognizing your strengths. Sweetness will also remain in your relationships. Spending time with your family and friends will be a source of joy for you. Conversation with someone special can give you a new vision and promote mutual understanding. A special occasion may be organized among friends or family, which will bring happiness and harmony to you. Moments spent with loved ones will give you mental peace. It is important to be health conscious. A little exercise or yoga will give peace to your mind and energy to your body. Your day will be full of happiness and positivity, just keep your thoughts and emotions balanced.
