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Ageless ‘prankster’ Hogg turns back the clock

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Kolkata: While the shortest format of cricket may mostly be seen as a game for youngsters, Australian spinner Brad Hogg has proved age is no barrier as he spun the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to a seven-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Eden Gardens here.

At 44, and the oldest player in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history, Hogg took a match-best 4/29 on Thursday night, earning rave reviews both from his teammates and opponents.

If CSK coach Stephen Fleming credited the chinaman bowler with taking the game back to the Knights’ camp, KKR opener Robin Uthappa hailed him for his fitness.

“Some of us find it difficult to keep up with him. He is lot of fun on the field and keeps everyone in splits; he keeps fooling around and is definitely the prankster of the team. But when it comes to bowling, he is extremely effective, brings in lots of experience and positivity,” said Uthappa.

“It’s good to have him when we miss someone like Sunil Narine but if we have both of them together, we will have the lead bowling attack. Age is just a number, I see Hogg more energetic than a 20-year-old. He is one of the fittest guys in our team, hitting the gym almost every day despite the hectic travelling and schedule.”

Filling the void created by the absence of mystery spinner Narine, Hogg made an immediate impact when introduced into the attack, taking the vital scalps of New Zealand power-hitter Brendon McCullum and South African Faf du Plessis in his opening over.

He also scalped Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and youngster Pawan Negi to restrict a marauding CSK to 165/9. Interestingly, Negi was born just a year before Hogg made his first-class debut in 1994.

“Coming from the cold somewhat, he has delivered two great performances. Excellent performance, he turned the game back in Kolkata’s favour when it was frisking away from them,” said Fleming.

“His wickets of McCullum and du Plesis were certainly two major blows and that over proved to be crucial. He was certainly the main player for and deserves applause.”

Hogg last played in January in the Big Bash League. He finished with impressive bowling figures of 1/18 against CSK on Tuesday in Chennai in his first outing this season after being forced to watch the first three weeks from the bench.

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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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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.

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