Former Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh and Irfan Pathan, along with several Indian Premier League (IPL) teams, shared their sorrow following the tragic crash of Air India just outside Ahmedabad on Thursday. The Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, crashed at approximately 1:38 PM local time into the Meghani Nagar residential area just five minutes after takeoff and was headed to London. Disaster struck with approximately 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board. Such news sent tremors around the country.

Social media went abuzz with pictures of thick plumes of smoke billowing from the wreckage area and a dire picture of the disastrous crash. Cricketers and teams took to the platforms to extend condolences and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families. Harbhajan Singh, in a heartfelt post on X, wrote, “I am utterly shocked and deeply anguished to learn about the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims and their families who are enduring unimaginable pain and loss.”

Irfan Pathan, who is a Lok Sabha MP and former cricketer, also shared his condolences on X, writing, "Very shocked to hear about the #AirIndia Ahmedabad-London flight incident near Ahmedabad airport. Praying for the safety of all passengers and crew. And several IPL franchises, such as Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Chennai Super Kings, also released condolence messages online, emphasizing their thoughts are with those affected.

Official Response and Support

Air India chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran responded to the tragedy, “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event,” he wrote on X, noting that an emergency center and support group is established for those looking for information on the issues that arise from this incident.

I am utterly shocked and deeply anguished to learn about the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims and their families who are enduring unimaginable pain and loss. In moments like these, words feel so inadequate, but I hope…

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 12, 2025

pic.twitter.com/lQwoW0W2l6

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) June 12, 2025

Very shocked to hear about the #AirIndia Ahmedabad-London flight incident near Ahmedabad airport. Praying for the safety of all passengers and crew. 🙏#PlaneCrash #Ahmedabad

— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) June 12, 2025

Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew and the families impacted by the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash.
You are in our hearts and prayers.💔🙏

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) June 12, 2025

See Also: WATCH: KL Rahul's special message for Karun Nair ahead of ENG vs IND Test series

The crash, which marked the first hull loss of a Boeing 787, prompted swift action from authorities. Emergency services, including fire brigades and ambulances, were deployed, and Ahmedabad airport suspended operations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has begun an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The crash occurred after the pilots sent a mayday call indicating a life-or-death emergency situation had developed.

Now, world cricket is ready for the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final, where South Africa will face the defending champions Australia at Lord's in London, starting on Wednesday (June 11). Just before the beginning of the Final, a former World Cup winner predicted the favourites. 

It is the third ICC World Test Championship Final. New Zealand won the first Final, Australia won the second Final, and India were runners-up on both occasions. While Australia are ready to defend the ICC WTC mace, South Africa are dreaming of winning their first ICC title after the ICC KnockOut Trophy 1998.  

See Also: 5 major milestones up for grabs in SA vs AUS WTC 2025 Final

Australia will come prepared: Harbhajan Singh on 2025 ICC WTC Final AUS vs SA

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh, the ICC World T20 2007 and ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 winner, believes that Australia are the little favourites for the Final. 

The former off-spinner said on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network, “Australia will come prepared. They’ve played a lot of cricket in England - Ashes, the last WTC Final - and that experience will count. They understand these conditions better than South Africa. Plus, they’re a champion side. The difference lies in how you handle pressure during big matches, and Aussies are masters at that. That’s why they’ve won more trophies than anyone else."

Australia didn't lose any series in the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship, while they drew twice and won four others, including drawing the Ashes 2023 in England and winning the 2024-2025 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home. 

Harbhajan Singh about Australian captain Pat Cummins

Harbhajan also praised the Australian captain Pat Cummins and pointed out the reason for being a very special captain for the Baggy Greens. 

Harbhajan added, “Cummins is one of those leaders who brings everyone together. More importantly, he's a proven match-winner with great command in the dressing room. When your team respects and rallies behind you, you win more matches. That’s what makes him a very special captain for Australia."

On the other hand, in the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship, South Africa suffered only one Test series defeat, against the hosts New Zealand, while winning four Test series and drawing the one remaining home Test series against India. Although South Africa finished the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship as the table toppers based on "percentage of points won out of points contested", they didn't play any Test series against two top Test teams, Australia and England, in this cycle.

Virat's retirement from the longest format came as a severe shock to many of his fans and cricket lovers. The 36-year-old made headlines when he formally announced his Test retirement on May 12. The cricketing community stood motionless as they struggled to digest this hard truth. Following his retirement from the shortest format, many experts were of the opinion that the Test format would end up being his mainstay. 

But all those theories were put to rest when Virat Kohli made a shocking decision to call time on his Test career earlier this month. Several experts, including former Indian Test players, were left puzzled by that call, while some went as far as urging him to reconsider his decision as well. One such expert, including the former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who questioned Virat's sudden test retirement. Bhajji previously praised Kohli's fitness levels back in 2024 and believed he had good four-five years of Test cricket left in him.  

See also: Kohli Removes Paid Promotions from Instagram Timeline, Fans Notice the Change

Bhajji's tweet on Kohli on his X account

Why Retired ? @imVkohli

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 12, 2025

The Turbinator's tweet may have gone viral by now. But Virat's sudden retirement has also captivated the imagination of the youngest member in Bhajji's family. And that happens to be his daughter, Hinaya, who was left bemused by Virat's shocking retirement call.

Even she questioned the Chase Master's decision to retire and asked her father, "Papa, why did Virat retire?".

She then went a step further and directly messaged Kohli asking, "This is Hinaya, Virat, why did you retire?".

Virat's response read as follows: "Beta, this is the time".

Virat's absence will be felt immensely ahead of the upcoming red-ball series in England. It's a place where he played some masterclass knocks. He concludes his career with 123 Tests and 9230 runs, averaging 46.85.  His best-ever Test knock came against the Proteas in 2019 in Pune, where he slammed his career-best Test score of 254* to help set up a massive innings victory for India. 

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh recently discussed a fresh debate between the fan bases of two of India’s biggest cricketing icons, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. In a recent interview, Harbhajan made it clear that, in his eyes, no one has a bigger and more genuine fan following than Dhoni.

He said, “There cannot be a bigger cricketer than MS Dhoni in India. Maybe someone has scored more runs or taken more wickets, but Dhoni’s fan base is something else.” Harbhajan praised Dhoni for staying grounded and always respecting his fans, saying that the love Dhoni gets from people comes straight from their hearts. On the other hand, while Harbhajan acknowledged Kohli’s popularity and achievements, he hinted that much of Kohli’s fame is boosted by media attention and social media. “We are not praising Kohli for no reason. He is a legend who has scored runs against every team,” Harbhajan said.

Harbhajan Singh: "Only Dhoni has Real fans others have Social Media bots 😭"

OWNED Chokli 😤
pic.twitter.com/4PfJO0Fvs7

— Honest Kohli Fan™💚❤️ (@KingEra_18) May 17, 2025

 But he also pointed out that Dhoni’s following comes from deep emotional connections with fans across the country, especially in small towns and villages. Still, Harbhajan had good things to say about Kohli’s impact on Indian cricket. He recalled a moment from the 2014 Adelaide Test when Kohli, as stand-in captain, told him that he would rather try to win than play for a draw. “He told me, ‘Bhajju pa, I’ll go for a win even if we lose,’” Harbhajan remembered. That attitude, he said, shows how Kohli brought a bold and aggressive mindset to the team. Interestingly, Harbhajan also revealed that he doesn’t talk to Dhoni anymore.

ALSO READ: IPL 2025 Points Table, Purple cap and Orange cap after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Match No 58

In the past, he said about feeling ignored by team management during the final years of his career, and some believe this may have caused tension between the two. In the end, Harbhajan’s comments show that while both Dhoni and Kohli have made huge contributions to Indian cricket, their popularity comes from different places. Dhoni is loved for his calm nature and cool mindset, while Kohli is known for his attitude and massive performances. It’s a reminder that being popular in India isn’t just about stats, it’s also about how you connect with fans.

An unthinkable has happened. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the five-time IPL champion side, has been knocked out of IPL 2025, an alarming moment for the franchise and their followers. Former cricketers and cricket experts have started to criticize the team management brutally.

Taking a step further, former CSK and Team India player Harbhajan Singh has come up with a serious allegation against the team management. According to him, Super Kings officials intentionally did not cash in for 'good' cricketers during the mega auction. 

After scoring 190, batting first in M. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Super Kings lost to Punjab Kings in game 49 of IPL 2025. It was their 8th loss of the season out of 10 matches they have played so far. All hope for CSK for the playoffs qualification had gone as soon as they faced defeat against PBKS. 

Read More: IPL 2025: Who Is Mumbai Indians New Spinner Raghu Sharma, Replacement For Vignesh Puthur?

Despite having a bunch of ace players of the game, the team struggled from the beginning of the season and failed to find the right combination. Before the IPL 2025, CSK management had a golden opportunity to rope in some of the active international players like KL Rahul, Mohammad Siraj, Rishabh Pant, and many others. But they didn't show any intention to bet on a crazy purchase. Harbhajan Singh feels that the management went totally wrong in the mega auction to let go of some of the top talents in modern cricket. 

'CSK had a bad auction'

"People think MS Dhoni carries a winning injection in his pocket, but they should understand the current squad is not good enough to fight for the title. Earlier, they had a champion team," Harbhajan Singh said on the broadcasting channel.

"They had a bad auction. I heard from three or four people close to the Chennai Super Kings that they intentionally didn’t buy good players in a mega auction. The people representing CSK ignored the suggestions given to them by some cricketers. I don’t know whose instructions they were working on."

IPL has seen a number of high-profile, controversial send-offs of its well-known players, ones that led to major debates. Memorable moments consist of Harbhajan Singh slapping down Sreesanth, MS Dhoni getting into a shouting match, and Virat Kohli yelling at the crowd....

Follow for more: https://www.cricketwinner.com/

5 of the most controversial send-offs in IPL history

Virat Kohli vs. Gautam Gambhir (2013 & 2023)

• Incident: Kohli and Gambhir had heated exchanges on the field, showcasing the competitive spirit and tensions between players.
• Impact: These confrontations emphasized the fierce rivalries in the league.

MS Dhoni's Pitch Invasion (2019)

• Incident: Dhoni’s on-field tantrum punctuated the unwelcoming atmosphere, where managers and owners were expecting a star player to storm onto the pitch to accost the referees over a bad call in a match.
• Impact: His actions ignited national conversations about player empowerment and respect for officials.

Also read:KKR vs SRH: Match 15 Weather and Pitch Report – IPL 2025

 Harbhajan Singh vs. Sreesanth (2008)

• Incident: After a match, Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth, leading to a significant suspension for Harbhajan.
• Impact: This incident highlighted the intense emotions in the IPL and raised questions about player conduct.

Kieron Pollard vs. Mitchell Starc (2014)

• Incident: During an IPL 2014 clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, tensions escalated when Pollard backed away mid-delivery, but Starc still bowled the ball aggressively toward him, prompting Pollard to almost throw his bat in retaliation.
• Impact: This altercation, one of the most heated in IPL history, sparked major debates on sportsmanship and the limits of aggression in the game.

Also read: IPL 2025: Updated points table after LSG vs PBKS clash

Sourav Ganguly vs. Shane Warne (2008)

• Incident: During an IPL 2008 match between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, Ganguly questioned a catch taken by Graeme Smith, prompting the umpire to refer it. With inconclusive replays, Ganguly was given the benefit of the doubt, leading to Warne openly criticizing him in the post-match press conference.

• Impact: This controversy ignited debates on the spirit of the game, with Ganguly and Warne exchanging heated words, showcasing their long-standing rivalry even in the IPL.

Indian spin legend Harbajhan Singh has a major concern for the future of spin department in cricket and had a small criticism on how today's spinners are enacting in todays cricket which is completely detoriating the art of spin bowling which is the biggest concern for me, he says in his recent interview for Times Of India. In old days when we were young we were taught about the traditional spin and to bowl slow. 

You have to allow the ball to spin which is the most essential thing in the spin bowling you have to be in your basics and should try different things which is been lacked by today's spinners which can be more concerning looking at the future aspects of the game. The intent and bravery should be shown you can't be shy away every time in the game. 

Read More: Sam Curran Eying England Comeback Playing With Csk

Today's Spinners Are Medium Pacers

TATA IPL is just a few hours away and even India, though globally is a watched sports event that has created a different monarchy. He was asked by the legend how excited about the season. Harbajhan replied he is looking forward to the new season where young talents will get a platform to rouse above as earlier seen. Coming on to the spin aspect bhajji said today's spin bowlers are not spin bowlers they are bowling like medium pacers. They are only thinking of how to contain runs and escape its not spin bowling. It is an art about flight and drift and how you use them and get the batsman thinking

With more batting pitches in T20 cricket, spin bowlers have been often sticking to restrictive roles.  You have an example too a perfect spinner like Rashid Khan who used to dominate batters earlier has struggled a lot in last season to get wickets too. Bowlers need to have a more attacking mindset to approach the batter not to go under the shell. It's really painful to see that no spin bowlers are trying to attack they are bowling like fast bowlers, they need to take chances and especially they have to bowl slow you are not a medium pacer. 

Read More: IPL New Rules For The Season Of 2025

Upliftment Of Salaiva Ban Welcomed

You have to stick to yourself and concentrate on what best you give on the field you can't run away by bowling balls you have to drift the ball and it only comes when you are bowling slow today's bowlers if they get beatings just faster the action and bowl where completely evacuated the ball to spin then what's left nothing. 

I welcome what BCCI has just done, the upliftment of the saliva ban was during covid period now bowlers will also have the luxury to help keep the ball shining where the chance of drift and reverse swing will be possible. Looking forward to a great season and bowlers may benefit from it. 

The IPL comes with glamour, edge-of-the-seat cricket, and multi-crore rupee deals. But amidst all the glamour, there have been dark incidents also that shook the cricketing community. Here are some of the most noted IPL scandals:

1. 2013 Spot-Fixing Scandal

This was among the darkest times of IPL history. Three Rajasthan Royals players, Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan, were arrested for spot-fixing. The image of the league left everyone shocked.

2. CSK and RR Banned (2015)

Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were suspended for two years when their promoters got involved in illegal gambling. It was a devastating blow, as CSK was one of the most successful teams in the IPL's history.

ALSO SEE: Highest-Paid IPL Players Who Never Played a Single Match!

3. Lalit Modi Controversy

Lalit Modi, the creator of IPL, was charged with irregularities and suspended by the BCCI in 2010. His abrupt departure from the league raised a number of questions regarding cricket administration corruption.

4. Suspension of Ravindra Jadeja (2010)

Jadeja, the superstar of today, was suspended for the 2010 season when he attempted to negotiate with another team while he was already contracted to Rajasthan Royals. It was an unusual instance of a player being punished for breach of contract.

5. Harbhajan Singh Slaps Sreesanth (2008)

In a shock during the inaugural season of IPL, Indian player Sreesanth was slapped by Harbhajan Singh following a match between Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians. It resulted in Harbhajan's suspension for the remainder of the season.

But despite all the scandals, the IPL is one of the biggest cricket leagues in the world. Even though scandals rocked the tournament, popularity of the tournament is growing year by year.

Which of the IPL controversy do you remember most?

We just experienced an impressive ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where Rohit Sharma-led India set a new record by becoming the first team to win the title three times. While the cricket is shifting towards the IPL 2025 edition, two popular Indian cricket faces, former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and popular Indian sports anchor and commentator Jatin Sapru, have sparked a social media controversy. 

Harbhajan Singh left me with no choice: Jatin Sapru

Two days after India's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 success, Jatin Sapru suddenly took his Instagram account where he posted an allegation on Harbhajan Singh. While Jatin posted "Can’t believe I’m speaking out against my own partner, but @harbhajan3 left me with no choice!", his image post added that his humble request with all due respect to not make him partner with Harbhajan Singh in the future as the off-spinner didn't give him a chance to talk, which Jatin felt unfair. 

"With all due respect, it's my humble request to the concerned authority ki aage se mujhe Bhajji Sir ke saath partner naa karein. Unhone mujhe bolne ka mauka hi nahi diya. I don't think it's fair."

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Jatin Sapru (@jatin_sapru)

See Also: Hardik Pandya Gives A Hilarious Reply To A Pakistan Journalist

Harbhajan Singh replied

In reply, Harbhajan Singh also tagged Jatin Sapru where he clarified that Jatin's allegation of not giving him a chance to speak was a complete lie. The former off-spinner has appealed to publish the footage to bring the truth. 

Harbhajan wrote, "Jatin ka ye allegation ki maine usse kuch bolne nahi diya bilkul jhooth hai. Main humari footage public karne ki appeal karta hun, taaki sach logo tak pahaunch sake."

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Harbhajan Turbanator Singh (@harbhajan3)

Meanwhile, the Indian cricket fans are confused with this sudden incident. Some cricket fans feel that it was a marketing or pr (public relations) tactic, and in that case, some fans are unhappy if it becomes true. However, at present, there is no clarification from both sides, while both of them work for the broadcaster Star Sports. Fans are also hoping for no big issues and controversies between these two popular people.  

Indian National Congress leader Shama Mohamed recently claimed that the Indian national cricket team captain Rohit Sharma was "fat" and the "most unimpressive captain". While she is facing many criticisms, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has also slammed the Congress leader. 

In a recent social media post, Shama Mohamed wrote, "@ImRo45 is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight! And of course, the most unimpressive captain India has ever had!"

Well, without any surprise, most of the Indian cricket fans haven't taken this comment easily and lightly as they slammed the Congress leader for making such comments. Although she later deleted that post and tried to defend herself by claiming it wasn't for bodyshaming and only for fitness concerns, Indian cricket fans aren't impressed anyway. 

Also Watch: Despite spending crores, PCB facing massive criticism for Gaddafi Stadium flaw

I think she doesn't know the parameters of fitness: Harbhajan Singh slammed Shama Mohamed

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh slammed Shama Mohamed for her marks on the Indian captain Rohit Sharma. Singh has claimed that the 37-year-old is still leading the Indian team strongly. The former Indian off-spinner asked for the credibility of the Congress leader to make such comments on the active Indian captain's fitness. 

Singh told ANI, "Whatever has been said about Rohit Sharma - I want to tell her that he is such a player who has served the country so much, and he is still leading the team well... I don't think anyone has this right to talk about his fitness. Had his fitness been not good, he wouldn't have been part of the team, but he is there and that too as a captain. There are many levels of fitness that you need to pass to come into the team. I want to ask her if she is a fitness coach, BCCI president or if she is related to any sport so that she knows about fitness. She is comparing him (Rohit Sharma) with a player who is still in the team. I think she doesn't know the parameters of fitness. Without knowing the facts, I don't think anyone should talk... We should look towards Rohit Sharma's contributions."

#WATCH | On Congress leader Shama Mohamed's remarks, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh says, "Whatever has been said about Rohit Sharma - I want to tell her that he is such a player who has served the country so much, and he is still leading the team well... I don't think… https://t.co/wkbHEfD5Pv pic.twitter.com/UBmWyloB3O

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2025

On this matter, Singh also posted on his social media account.

The controversy on fitness of @ImRo45 was unfortunate and uncalled for. He is an outstanding player and an exceptional leader who has made immense contributions to Indian cricket. Sportspersons are also human beings with emotion and sentiment. It indeed hurts when persons who…

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) March 3, 2025

Rohit Sharma-led India have great records

Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, where the skipper had a huge influential role for his nation's success. He is leading the Test and ODI team, while he also led the Indian team that finished as the runners-up in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2024. Rohit-led Indian team is now participating in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they are ready for the Semi-final match against Australia. 

Rohit isn't only a top-class opening batter and outstanding skipper, but he is also a good dependable fielder in international cricket standards as he hardly makes any mistake on the field. Also, the right-handed batter is known for his strong running between the wickets.