As per the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia Richard Marles will watch the ICC Cricket World Cup final match at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad.

CM Patel discussed the security arrangements for the same.
Jayesh Khadiya, Chief Fire Officer of the Ahmedabad Fire Department, while speaking to ANI said, “The fire department has been deployed at the hotels where the cricket teams of India and Australia are staying. Additionally, 2-minute firefighters, three water bowsers, and six small vehicle-cutting rescue tools have been deployed in the stadium. Following protocol, a separate fire department team will be assigned to all VVIPs.”

The 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final between India and Australia is scheduled for November 19 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. 

Additionally, Indian para-athlete Monu Ghangas secured a bronze medal in the Men’s Shot Put-F-11 Final. Monu achieved this podium finish with a season-best throw of 12.33m in his fourth attempt. Iran’s Amirhossein claimed the gold medal with a season-best throw of 13.92m, while his fellow countryman Mahdi Olad secured the silver with a throw of 13.30m. Balaji Rajendran, despite producing his personal best throw of 11.56m, narrowly missed out on a podium finish.

In the Men’s High Jump-T63 event, India’s dominance in athletics continued, with Shailesh Kumar winning gold by clearing 1.82m, besting Mariyappan Thangavelu, the Asian record holder in Men’s High Jump-T42, who took silver with a season-best jump of 1.80m. Ram Singh Padhiyar claimed the third spot with an attempt of 1.78m.

Prachi Yadav added to India’s medal tally with a silver in canoeing in the women’s VL2 Final. She put up an impressive performance, finishing just 1.022 seconds behind Uzbekistan’s Irodakhon Rustamova. Prachi secured the silver with a time of 1:03.47s, while Irodakhon claimed the gold with a time of 1:02.125s. Japan’s Saki Komatsu took home the bronze with a time of 1:11.635s.

The Indian contingent is aiming to surpass its best performance of 72 medals at the 2018 event in Indonesia, which included 15 gold, 24 silver, and 33 bronze medals. The historic success of the Indian team at the recently concluded Asian Games has inspired athletes, coaches, and support staff, fueling their belief that the 4th Asian Para Games will break records and become the most successful in the history of the Para Games in the country.

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) addressed the matter in a media advisory on Friday, stating, “Team India vice-captain Hardik Pandya sustained an injury to his left ankle during India’s match against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. The all-rounder underwent scans and has been advised to rest.”

Consequently, Pandya will be under close observation by the BCCI Medical Team, leading him to miss the clash against New Zealand on Sunday in Dharamshala. However, the 30-year-old will join the Indian team in Lucknow ahead of their highly anticipated encounter against England on October 29.

Pandya’s injury occurred when attempting to halt a ball from reaching the boundary. He made an effort to use his right leg, leading to a slip and an ankle twist. Though he received immediate treatment and his ankle was taped, he appeared to be in discomfort and had to be escorted off the field after a brief practice run. Notably, star batter Virat Kohli assumed Pandya’s bowling responsibilities for the remainder of the over.

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The standout performances of South Africa’s Quinton de Kock and India’s Rohit Sharma during the World Cup have propelled them to higher positions in the ODI Batting Rankings. Quinton de Kock, the Proteas opener, began the tournament with consecutive centuries but missed an opportunity to claim the top spot after being dismissed for 20 runs in South Africa’s 38-run loss to the Netherlands. De Kock has ascended three places to secure the third position in the ODI batting rankings, overtaking his teammate Rassie van der Dussen, who now stands at the fourth spot.

Rohit Sharma’s remarkable 131-run innings against Afghanistan, followed by an 86-run performance against arch-rivals Pakistan, has catapulted him five places up to the sixth position.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the Afghan opener and wicketkeeper, has surged 19 spots to the 18th place in the batting rankings, while Netherlands captain Scott Edwards has climbed 16 spots to the 27th position, both following their standout performances in the ODI World Cup.

In the ODI batting rankings, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam continues to lead with 836 rating points, extending his advantage by 18 points. India’s young opener Shubman Gill maintains the second spot, despite scoring 12 against Pakistan after missing the first two games due to illness.

New Zealand’s pace sensation, Trent Boult, is on the cusp of seizing the number one spot in the ODI Bowling Rankings, thanks to his outstanding performance against Bangladesh. Boult trails the current top spot holder, Josh Hazlewood, by just one rating point (660 rating points) after moving up one place in the latest rankings update.

Star Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan has climbed two places to secure the fourth position, while South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj made an impressive jump of seven places, now sharing the fifth position with Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

In the fast bowlers’ category, Jasprit Bumrah has moved up seven places, and South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada has advanced one spot, both occupying the fourth position. Lungi Ngidi has surged six places to reach the 16th position.

In the ODI All-rounder Rankings, the seasoned Bangladesh spinner Shakib Al Hasan retains the top spot with 343 rating points. A solid start to the Cricket World Cup has enabled New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner to climb one place to share the sixth position.

Meanwhile, Australian spinner Glenn Maxwell’s impressive bowling performances at the Cricket World Cup have elevated him three places to the eighth position in the all-rounder rankings.

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With the return of Shubman Gill in place of Ishan Kishan for the Indian side, the team appeared poised for a strong performance. Meanwhile, Pakistan decided to maintain the same lineup that had secured a triumph against Sri Lanka, aiming to continue their winning streak.

Addressing the significance of the decision to field first, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma underscored the influence of dew on the playing conditions and the exhilarating atmosphere pulsating through the stadium. “We will bowl first, cannot get bigger than this, fantastic atmosphere,” expressed Sharma, encapsulating the enthusiasm and energy permeating the match.

Sharma’s empathetic sentiments toward Ishan Kishan’s exclusion from the playing XI highlighted the team’s unity and respect for each member’s contributions. “Gill is back in place of Ishan, unfortunate for Ishan to miss out, feel for him, he stepped up when we needed him,” he remarked, acknowledging Kishan’s previous dedication to the team’s cause.

Echoing the sentiment, Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam conveyed his team’s eagerness to take on the field first, citing their current winning streak and the pivotal role of the intense practice sessions in their preparations. “We also wanted to bowl first. We have had good two wins and momentum and confidence are high,” Azam expressed, emphasizing the team’s focus and determination to continue their successful run in the tournament.

As the teams geared up for the crucial match, the Indian playing XI included Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (Wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj.

On the other hand, Pakistan’s playing XI comprised Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (w), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf, signifying the strength and depth of both sides as they prepared to battle it out on the field.

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Instagram, the visual storyteller’s haven, has seen an explosion of creativity as fans share posts, stories, and artworks, all centered around #GGHomecoming. The hashtag has become a visual spectacle that not only celebrates Gambhir’s cricketing prowess but also reveals the depth of love and support he commands.

On Instagram, users have shared their excitement, with one fan exclaiming, “When the past meets the future! Gautam Gambhir’s potential reunion with KKR is sending shockwaves through the cricketing world! Are you ready for the epic comeback? #GGHomecoming #IPL2023 #CricketTalk #ExpectTheUnexpected.” Such posts reflect the overwhelming enthusiasm for Gambhir’s return.

Twitter, the epicentre of real-time conversations, is abuzz with discussions about #GGHomecoming. Influencers, pundits, and cricket enthusiasts have taken to the platform to express their opinions and excitement. This surge in tweets propelled the hashtag to trend in India, potentially reaching 23 million people and igniting passionate debates about Gambhir’s potential reunion with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

KKR’s loyal fanbase has joined the chorus of anticipation, calling it a true “Homecoming” for Gambhir. Their eagerness to see this rumour become reality is palpable, with many expressing their support and longing for their hero’s return. The same excitement can be seen among the Facebook users and Youtubers for the same thing.

Adding fuel to the fiery speculations was a recent clandestine meeting between two giants, Gautam Gambhir and Shah Rukh Khan (SRK). Gambhir, who had captained KKR to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, met with SRK, triggering an avalanche of rumours and conjecture. The most notable development was Gambhir’s Instagram post featuring himself and SRK together, a snapshot that reached over 11 million people and further fueled speculations.

Gautam Gambhir’s journey is etched in the annals of cricketing history. His contributions to India’s victories in the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup are nothing short of legendary. These moments stand as a testament to his impeccable cricketing acumen and his ability to shine in high-pressure situations. Beyond his playing career, Gambhir’s role as a mentor is unparalleled. As the guiding force behind the fledgling Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL, he transformed them into a formidable contender, leading them to the playoffs twice.

In conclusion, #GGHomecoming is not just a hashtag; it’s a phenomenon that has united cricket enthusiasts across the globe. The anticipation, fueled by Gambhir’s 7 million-strong Instagram following and the trending prowess on Twitter, underscores the profound impact he has had on the sport and its global community. As we eagerly await any official announcement, the cricketing world remains in suspense, yearning for the potential homecoming of a cricketing legend, mentor, and an enduring icon of the game. For KKR fans, it’s not just anticipation; it’s a heartfelt longing for their hero’s return, a true “Homecoming” for Gautam Gambhir.

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Enthusiastic fans were spotted queuing outside the stadium since the crack of dawn, proudly donning the signature blue Indian cricket team jerseys and waving the national tricolour, chanting “India” at the top of their voices.

Expressing her excitement, a fan named Rekha said, “We are all geared up. I have high hopes for Rohit and Virat’s performance today. We are the 12th man, cheering for India!”

Echoing the sentiment, another ardent supporter, Vansh, exclaimed, “It doesn’t get any bigger and better than this! We won’t let them off easily; our winning streak will continue. For Pakistan, zero is the number that won’t change!”

Adding to the fervor, Abhishek, who traveled from Mumbai for the match with friends, remarked, “I couldn’t sleep last night, so excited for this match. India will surely secure the win.”

Similarly enthusiastic, Khusboo, from Nagpur, shared, “We are here from Nagpur to witness the match. Virat Kohli will be the hero today as Pakistan has not been able to defeat him. He is always extraordinary.”

This encounter follows India’s previous matches against Pakistan during a victorious Asia Cup campaign, with one match abandoned due to rain and another resulting in a resounding victory for India during the Super Four stage.

India commenced their World Cup journey with triumphs over Australia and Afghanistan, while Pakistan, with two wins in two matches, is building momentum leading up to this significant showdown.

Anticipating a stellar performance from key players such as Virat Kohli, captain Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Mohammed Siraj, fans are hopeful that the Indian team will uphold their consistent performances, maintaining the country’s unbeaten record against Pakistan in 50-over World Cups and securing an 8-0 win record in World Cup matches against their arch-rivals.

India has maintained a dominant head-to-head record in ODI World Cup matches, securing victory in all seven encounters against their arch-rivals, boasting an unblemished 100 per cent win record thus far.

The India squad includes Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishan Kishan, and Suryakumar Yadav. The Pakistan squad comprises Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Wasim.

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A statement released by the body said “This week marks the opening of the voting process for the 2023 World Athletes of the Year ahead of the World Athletics Awards 2023. World Athletics is pleased to confirm a list of 11 nominees for Men’s World Athlete of the Year. These athletes were selected by an international panel of athletics experts, comprising representatives from all six continental areas of World Athletics.”

The selection of the nominees, including Neeraj Chopra, was made by an international panel of athletics experts from different regions, considering their exceptional achievements in events like the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, one-day meeting circuits, Label road races, and other global competitions. Neeraj’s name appeared alongside other prominent athletes, each recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the sport during the year.

To determine the finalists, a three-way voting process will be conducted, with the World Athletics Council, the World Athletics Family, and the public participating through social media platforms. The voting will conclude on October 28, and the winners will be announced on December 11 via the World Athletics social media channels.

Neeraj’s recent triumphs include winning gold at the Asian Games and the World Athletics Championships, where he demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication. His stellar performance has brought immense pride to India, as he has consistently dominated the field with his exceptional throws, setting new records and securing top honors across multiple prestigious events.

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Sai Kishore, Washington Sundar, and Tilak Varma were particularly destructive, reducing Bangladesh to 40/4 in ten overs, with Pavez Hossain Emon being the top scorer at that point with 23 runs off 32 balls. Despite a few contributions from Jaker Ali (24* in 29 balls) and Rakibul Hasan (14), Bangladesh could only manage to reach 96 runs in their allotted 20 overs, losing nine wickets in the process. Sai Kishore was the standout bowler for India, taking 3 wickets for 12 runs, while Washington Sundar also bowled well, picking up 2 wickets for 15 runs. Tilak Varma, Arshdeep Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Ravi Bishnoi chipped in with a wicket each.

In the pursuit of the 97-run target, India lost opener Yashasvi Jaiswal early, but captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Varma teamed up to quickly accumulate runs for India. They powered the team to 68/1 in just six overs. In the end, India comfortably achieved the target in 9.2 overs, with Gaikwad remaining unbeaten at 40* off 26 balls and Varma scoring an explosive 55* off 26 balls, featuring two fours and six sixes.

India’s victory was celebrated with enthusiasm, with SAI Media tweeting, “Unstoppable India! Our Men’s Cricket Team has emerged victorious against Bangladesh in the Semifinals, and enters the FINAL at the #AsianGames2022! #TeamIndia’s chase for glory continues, and we are rooting for the GOLD All eyes are on the ultimate showdown!”

Having secured their spot in the final, India awaits the outcome of the match between Afghanistan and Pakistan to determine their opponent in the gold medal match, which is scheduled for October 7.

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Should Shubman Gill indeed miss the opening match, it would be a substantial blow to India’s prospects of commencing the World Cup on a strong note. Gill, who has been in exceptional form in recent 50-over international matches, has made a significant impact on India’s batting lineup. His absence could severely affect India’s chances, especially against the formidable Australian team.

In the 20 ODIs he has played this year, Shubman has amassed an impressive 1,230 runs at an average of 72.35 and a strike rate slightly above 105. He has registered five centuries and five half-centuries in 2023, with his highest score being an outstanding 208.

It’s worth noting that the ICC Cricket World Cup commenced on Thursday, witnessing New Zealand’s dominant victory over defending champions England by a margin of nine wickets in Ahmedabad.

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