India didn't have junior selection panel till Sept 27. Had three months to prepare. There was a change of coaching staff in the middle. Were hit by Covid during the World Cup. Yet, walkway as the champions. Unbeaten in the tournament. Played Vinoo Mankad Trophy which was followed by six-team Challenger Series. 30 were made it to tri-series where they lost to Bangladesh. A 10-day camp at NCA which was overseen by Laxman (who was still new to the role) was crucial before the Asia Cup.

Natarajan didn't have the best of facilities while growing up in Chinnappampatti, which is a small village in Salem district. Mom a daily-wage labourer. Got the attention during TNPL and has come a long way. But what is incredible is... (1/n) When Periyaswamy, another aspiring bowler from his place, gave up hope of playing cricket, Natarajan went to his house and convinced his family, there is a future for him in cricket. There are so many who look up to Natarajan now. Their target. @TNPL first, if good enough, IPL

Thread on SPB Sir. One of the best things happen to me after moving to Chennai has been the chance to see several icons perform live. A few years back at Illayaraaja concert, SPB sang Ilaya Nila Poligarathu and later on Flutist Napoleon walked up to him (1/n) and asked if he can sing again as couldn't find the right flute. SPB didn't hesitate, said Naploean is feeling guilty since he couldn't give BG score. told audience it is impossible to get everything right in one take as the composition took several hours. They went again (2/n)

JUST IN: The ICC confirms that the ODI Super League, which will act as qualifiers for 2023 World Cup, will commence with England Vs Ireland three match series starting on July 30. @Xpress_Sports @indraneel0 @NewIndianXpress 13 teams including The Netherlands will feature in the Super League with top seven securing qualification to the World Cup. Each team will play four series at home and four away

Today a close friend of mine, who I knew since childhood, said goodbye because he thinks I support the minorities and don't appreciate Modi. Anger/disappointment all mixed into one. And this fellow wanted to be in civil services not to long ago and opposed what he supports now. They wanted to divide and rule. And to see it happening in front of your eyes, in the biggest week of my life, feels so strange. Am I shocked? Yes. Am I surprised? No. One who doesn't have empathy to a fellow human being, irrespective of political leaning, is a baggage.