Top News
Aussies not having Smith, Warner like India missing Kohli, Rohit: Ganguly
Kolkata, Nov 14 (IANS) Former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Wednesday said the possible absence of Steve Smith and David Warner in the Australia team for the series against India would be a “huge factor” as it’s like India not having Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in their ranks.
The Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) had made a submission to Cricket Australia at the start of the month to lift the ban on Australian captain Smith and vice-captain Warner.
But indications are that they are not ready to bring the trio (Cameron Bancroft included) back to international cricket early.
Therefore, there seems little hope they will play Test cricket before March 29 when the ban on them ends.
“It’s a huge factor. This is like the Indian team not having Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli,” Ganguly told reporters on the sidelines of health drink Complan’s programme of which he is the brand ambassador.
Complan had launched ‘Aro Sapno-Aro Bere Otho (Dream More, Grow More) contest last month, of which the winners were announced here at a plush hotel to celebrate the aspirations of children on Children’s Day.
The contest was held across 100 schools in the city and children were asked to bring their dreams to life through creative expression. Students from classes 2-6 participated in the challenge.
Ganguly went through the created artworks and selected ten winners of the contest. The winners took home Rs 1 lakh prize money each.
Ganguly further said that this is India’s best chance to win a test series in Australia, keeping in mind their bowling attack.
“It’s a great moment for Indian cricket. This is their best opportunity to beat Australia. India are a good side and have good bowling attack. I have seen in England that they (bowlers) have taken 20 wickets in every test,” Ganguly said.
“But you also have to keep in mind that Australia in Australia are a different kettle of fish. Many feel that they are a weak outfit but I don’t think so,” the 46-year old added.
India play four Tests starting December 6 at Adelaide Oval. India’s best result Down Under was 1-1 in 2003-04 series under Ganguly.
Asked about Kohli’s ‘leave India’ comment to a fan, Ganguly said, “I would not like to comment on that. It’s not necessary to react to each and every comment.”
Meanwhile, Ganguly also hinted that India pacer Mohammed Shami has expressed his desire to play for Bengal in the next Ranji Trophy game against Kerala.
“Shami has wanted to play. If he plays it’s good for the Bengal side. We had written a letter before the first match as well to play him but he had few fitness issues for which he had to go to rehabilitation. If he plays, it’s great.”
–IANS
dm/gau/sed
Top News
Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.