Cricket is a special genre in India because fans in the country follow cricket matches passionately. Taking their passion to a whole new level, the EBG Group has come up with the Tollywood Pro League in Hyderabad because they want to blend cricket action with entertainment for their fans.

Over the years, cricket has evolved from being a sporting activity; it has now become one of the primary forms of entertainment. This is what the Tollywood Pro League captures as it offers a stage where cricket and movies blend. It is exclusively for the Telugu film industry, which gives it a peculiar identity among all the other tournaments.

Following the official announcement, the leadership of the EBG Group spoke about the idea behind the league. The focus is on building a structured, long-term competition that celebrates talent, unity, and entertainment, while also delivering a high-quality experience to fans across the country.

Stars Light Up the Launch of Tollywood Pro League

The launch event in Hyderabad brought together famous names from both cricket and the film industry. Renowned film producer Dil Raju officially opened the tournament. Legendary cricketers Suresh Raina, Virender Sehwag, and the captain of the World Cup-winning team Kapil Dev also graced the event with their presence.

A number of known faces in the film industry were also in attendance, including Ashish Vidyarthi and Dino Morea. Their presence underlined the close link between films and cricket that the league wants to foster. The tournament will consist of six franchise-based teams and will be held in two seasons in a calendar year.

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Sharing his vision, EBG Group Founder and Chairman Dr. Irfan Khan said, “Tollywood Pro League is not just a cricket tournament; it is a cultural movement built on dignity, structure and long-term vision. With TPL, our intent is to create a world-class platform that celebrates the Telugu film fraternity, strengthens unity within the industry and delivers a premium sports and entertainment experience for fans across the country. A defining pillar of the league is Alai Balai—an inclusion-led movement within TPL that ensures representation across every craft of the Telugu film industry.”

A great gesture by Team India star KL Rahul. He touched legendary Kapil Dev's feet at the World Tennis League. The moment when Rahul went to show respect to the iconic figure of Indian cricket went viral on social media platforms. Indian cricket fans shared videos and multiple photos from their profile to mark the special occasion. 

There are many cricketers in India who are enthusiastic about other sports events like tennis. In the past, fans witnessed Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Suryakumar Yadav at Wimbledon. So it is quite possible that the Indian cricketers paid a visit to the World Tennis League. 

Through the viral video, viewers can see Kapil Dev was enjoying a match, sitting on the front row of the gallery. KL Rahul went there as soon as he spotted the former India captain in the front row. Kapil Dev welcomed Rahul with a joyful smile, and Rahul bowed down to touch his feet. After interacting with the former cricketer, KL Rahul went back to his seats. 

Read More: 'Ask England....' - Rohit Sharma takes dig at England team amid their poor performance in ongoing Ashes 2025-26

Watch the moment when KL Rahul touches Kapil Dev's feet

KL Rahul met Kapil Dev Sir at Bengaluru.❤️ pic.twitter.com/l431CwDiS5

— Kunal Yadav (@Kunal_KLR) December 20, 2025

Years ago, during a podcast, the iconic captain of Team India mentioned that he admired KL Rahul most. According to Kapil Dev, the versatile cricketer is massively talented, and he watched him play multiple times. Kapil mentioned Rahul as his favorite cricketer. 

"KL Rahul is my favorite player. I was given so much time watching him. "What a talent; he is very, very talented. He has 100x more talent than how much he has played," Kapil Dev said during a conversation.

India’s former World Cup-winning coach and the premier all-rounder of India’s former World Cup-winning coach and the premier all-rounder of the team, Kapil David, reckoned that the current head coach of the team is about managing the players rather than coaching them, amidst the criticism around the working style of the country’s current head coach, Gautam Gambhir, who has received speculation on his Test series defeats. 

Kapil Dev suggested that the term coach is being misunderstood in contemporary cricket. Gambhir has been under the pump, having lost two of the last three home red-ball series against South Africa and New Zealand in successive years, which has been a new headache. 

See Also: Watch: Travis Head celebrates fourth successive century in Adelaide during 3rd Ashes 2025/26 Test

“Today, the word 'coach' is very common. Gautam Gambhir can't be a coach. He can be a manager of the team. When you say coach, it is where I learn in school and college. Those were the people; my coach was there. They can manage me.” Kapil Dev expressed at the Indian Chamber of Commerce ICC Centenary Session. 

Kapil Dev gives shocking statement on Gautam Gambhir

Kapil also argued that at the highest level, the players possess specialized skills, making the traditional idea of coaching impractical. The primary responsibility of a coach is to provide comfort to the players.

“How can you be a coach when they have given a name to let's say anybody a leg spinner? How can Gautam be a coach to a leg spinner or to the wicket-keeper? I think you have to manage. That's more important. As a manager, you encourage them to say you can do it because when you become a manager, the young boys look up to you.” Dev addressed the function.

“How can my manager or captain give me that comfort, and that's what the manager and captain's job is - to give comfort to the team and always say 'you can do better'. That's the way I look at it. I think you have to give comfort to the people who are not playing well. If somebody made a hundred, I don't want to have a drink and dinner with him.” The former captain informed.

The former Indian World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev, was seen cheering for the women’s side during the semifinal of the Women’s World Cup 2025 against Australia at the DY Patil Sports Academy. The hosts completed an epic run chase thanks to the special knock of Jemimah Rodrigues to shoulder them to their third final of the event after 2005 and 2017.

Dev was present at a dinner party with Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and the minister of Rural Development, who shared a glimpse of them putting a phone on the dining table during India’s run chase in the evening. It was a tough battle for the home side, given Australia’s unbeaten record in the Women's World Cup and 78 runs in 87 clashes since the 2017 World Cup.

See Also: [WATCH] Harmanpreet Kaur reveals coach Amol Muzumdar's advice after India's three successive losses in Women's World Cup 2025

But India held their nerve, despite putting in a sloppy performance with the ball and in the field during the first innings. Australia’s opening batter, Phoebe Litchfield, clubbed a special knock of 119 runs in 93 balls with the help of 17 boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 127.96 to offer them a special platform.

Watch: Kapil Dev enjoys India’s Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinal victory vs Australia

In the middle order, Ashleigh Gardner smashed a decent knock of 63 runs in 45 balls at a strike rate of 140, decorated with four boundaries and four sixes. At one point, the Alyssa Healy-led side looked set to cross the 350-run mark but got bundled out for 338 runs in 49.5 overs.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@chouhanshivrajsingh)

In the second innings, Rodrigues smashed a fine unbeaten knock of 127 runs in 134 balls with the help of 14 boundaries and notched up a 167-run stand for the third wicket with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who also nailed a fine innings of 89 runs in 88 balls with 10 boundaries and two sixes.

Deepti Shamra and Richa Ghosh combined to collect 50 runs in 33 balls with five boundaries and a couple of sixes as India marched to victory by five wickets and with nine balls to spare. They will meet South Africa in the final of the competition on November 02 at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

Team India skipper Shubman Gill once again led from the front during the second Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Saturday, October 11. On Day 2, the right-handed batter crafted an unbeaten 129 off 196 deliveries, featuring 16 boundaries and two sixes, helping India declare their first innings at 518/5. This marked Gill’s 10th Test century, his first against the Windies, and his fifth on home soil.

The 26-year-old has been in sensational form with the bat, carrying forward his overseas momentum from the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, where he scored 754 runs in 10 innings, including a double hundred and three centuries. His consistency at the No. 4 position has made him indispensable for India in the middle order.

With five Test centuries in a single calendar year as captain, Gill has equalled former India captain Virat Kohli’s record, further cementing his status as one of the premier batters in the world and a leader who leads by example.

See Also: BCCI seeks ICC action against Mohsin Naqvi, pushes for removal from board

Five iconic Indian batters with fewer Test centuries than Shubman Gill:

This article highlights five well-known former Indian batters who have fewer Test centuries than Shubman Gill. The list includes current India head coach Gautam Gambhir, ex-captain MS Dhoni, and Navjot Singh Sidhu, showcasing how Gill’s consistency has placed him ahead of some iconic names in Indian cricket history.

• Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev, the iconic World Cup-winning captain, remains one of India’s finest Test all-rounders. Representing the national side from 1979 to 1993, he scored 5,248 runs in 131 Tests, registering eight centuries. His maiden Test hundred came against a strong West Indies side on their home turf in 1979.

Over his career, Kapil also recorded memorable centuries in England and South Africa. Much like MS Dhoni, he often batted lower down the order, limiting his chances to build big scores. Despite this, he contributed significantly, scoring 2,861 runs and five tons at No. 7 and 1,777 runs with two centuries at No. 8, showcasing his ability to rescue India from tough situations.

• MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni, India’s former captain, is best remembered for his white-ball brilliance but also had a notable Test career, featuring in 90 matches. He registered his maiden Test century with a brilliant 148 against Pakistan in 2006, followed by two more tons in 2009 and one each in 2010 and 2011. His highest Test score came in 2013 — a commanding 224 against Australia at home.

Dhoni announced his unexpected retirement from Tests during the 2014–15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He finished with 4,876 runs, including six centuries. Often batting at No. 7 alongside tail-enders, Dhoni had limited opportunities to play long innings, yet his resilience and counterattacking ability made him one of India’s most dependable lower-order batters.

• Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir emerged as one of India’s most promising openers after making his Test debut in 2004. He scored his maiden Test hundred against Bangladesh in just his fifth match. Though his next century came four years later, Gambhir roared back in 2008 with three centuries and over 1,000 runs in the calendar year, reaffirming his class at the top.

In 2009, the Delhi batter maintained his form, amassing 727 runs, including four centuries. However, after his 116 against Bangladesh in 2010, he struggled to convert starts into hundreds and went century-less until his final Test in 2016. Across 54 matches, Gambhir accumulated 4,154 runs at an average of 41.95, with nine centuries to his name.

• Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan made an unforgettable entry into Test cricket, smashing 187 runs on debut against Australia. Known for his attacking style, the left-hander often turned his starts into big scores, producing memorable knocks like 173 against Bangladesh and 190 versus Sri Lanka. His fearless approach and ability to dominate bowlers made him a delight to watch in the longer format.

However, Dhawan’s inconsistency kept him from cementing a regular spot in the Test lineup. His final Test century came against Afghanistan in 2018. Despite limited opportunities, the Delhi batter featured in 34 matches, accumulating 2,315 runs at an average of 40.61, including seven centuries—cementing his reputation as one of India’s most dynamic openers.

• Navjot Singh Sidhu

Navjot Singh Sidhu, now a well-known commentator, enjoyed a long and eventful Test career for India between 1983 and 1999. Much like Gautam Gambhir, the flamboyant opener registered nine Test centuries. It took him five years to notch up his maiden ton, scoring 116 against New Zealand, before marking his first overseas century against the West Indies in 1989.

After enduring a few quiet years, Sidhu returned strongly with twin centuries in both 1993 and 1994. His standout year came in 1997 when he piled up 720 runs, including three centuries. Across 51 Tests, the Punjab batter accumulated 3,202 runs at an impressive average of 42.13, with his highest score being 201 in the West Indies.

After their unbeaten triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup, India has firmly established itself as a nearly unstoppable force in T20 cricket. Riding on that momentum, the team went on to win the 2025 Asia Cup without losing a single match, continuing their dominant run in international cricket.

In their last 12 matches across these tournaments, India emerged victorious in 11 encounters, with only one game ending without a result due to uncontrollable circumstances. Such a record has made the current Indian side a benchmark for excellence in the shortest format of the game.

During a TV interview on ‘Sports Today’, veteran journalist Rajdeep Sardesai couldn’t resist posing a playful yet intriguing question to India’s first-ever World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev—for the third time. He asked hypothetically whether the legendary 1983 World Cup champions could have taken on and beaten India’s formidable 2025 Asia Cup-winning team in a T20 clash.

See Also: India vs West Indies 2025: Four Indian openers with 10+ Test centuries

Rajdeep Sardesai’s Intriguing Question to India’s First-Ever World Cup-Winning Captain:

Kapil Dev showcased the sharp and strategic mindset that had steered India to their historic 1983 World Cup victory against the West Indies, demonstrating the same clarity and insight that made him a legendary leader in cricket. He said, “ Very difficult to say. They can outbeat us because they know how to play T20. We didn’t know. Even 10 years back people didn’t know how to play (this brand of) T20.”

He further said, “ Now 150 mile (kph) ball is coming, and they (Indian batters) are sweeping as if they are playing an off spinner or leg spinner. You can’t compare two eras. But I’d say they are far better. Unbelievable. They are far better than what our team (India T20 side) was even five years ago.”

When Sardesai teased him about fitting seamlessly into any modern T20 team, Kapil replied with characteristic wit and confidence, reflecting his timeless cricketing sense and the strategic acumen that defined his leadership on the field. He added, “ I’m not playing now. What difference does it make today?”

Kapil Dev Talks About Which Player Impressed Him:

When questioned about Indian players who had caught his eye, Kapil wisely observed that it would take a few more years before he could label Abhishek Sharma—or any young batsman—a true star, even after their initial few seasons.

He said, “ Most players did their job well. Abhishek has become a household name. But give this young boy couple of years, opposition will start understanding his way of playing. Any new bowler comes out like Bumrah, he has to tackle other people. Or Malinga. Any new player, first season is very good, second season also. By third season if they are playing well, you will say ‘Yes! I think he has special talent.”

Kapil shared with ‘Sports Today’ that Tilak Varma had genuinely impressed him, particularly for his calm and composed temperament on the field, highlighting the young player’s maturity beyond his years in handling pressure situations.

He further said, “ But what Tilak played yesterday, was fabulous. Maturity was unparalleled. These boys know how to win matches. They don’t get into panic mode where they start going wild. They know they can get 30 plus in last 3 overs. They will get it easy. Not even once I got the impression that they are shaken up or (needed to worry about) what will happen.”

Kapil Dev expressed that Pakistan cricket was past its peak and had experienced stronger, more competitive periods in earlier years. He said, “ Pakistan don’t have similar talent like what they used to have in 80s or 90s or before that. Pakistan have given the world the best cricketers – Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Zaheer Abbas, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis. But unfortunately, we can’t see even 1 percent of that talent of what they used to have.”

The Indian ODI captain, Rohit Sharma, is arguably one of the best white-ball batters of his generation. There are, however, speculations over his position in the national side ahead of the three-match away ODI series against Australia down under. Many reckoned that he could have featured in the unofficial ODIs against Australia A at home to find their shape and rhythm back with the bat. 

Amidst all of these rumours of the Indian side leaving out the Nagpur-born from the ODI side ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, Rohit turned up in an event in Mumbai with the two former World Cup-winning leaders of the Indian side, Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni.

See Also: [WATCH ‘India ko…’- Fan’s plea to Haris Rauf ahead of IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 final

At the event, the legendary former all-rounder of the Indian side asked Rohit to cut the ribbon. But instead of doing that, the Nagpur-born asked Kapil to do the honours, given that the Haryana player is his senior. That moment shows the mutual respect between the two veterans, who have contributed immensely during their respective eras to the Indian national side.

Watch: Rohit Sharma’s heartfelt gesture wins social media after his respect towards Kapil Dev

Rohit is the 10th leading run-getter of the ODI side across the world of cricket. The right-handed batter has smashed 11168 runs in 265 innings at an average of 48.76 and a strike rate of 92.80 with the help of 32 centuries and 58 half-centuries at the best score of 264 runs that he celebrated against Sri Lanka during the Eden Gardens’ ODI in Kolkata.

The way Rohit Sharma politely declined and let Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni cut the ribbon.

That’s how you respect your seniors. 🥹❤️

pic.twitter.com/JerTupLNIC

— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) September 26, 2025

Rohit, a few days ago, arrived at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for fitness tests. The reports have claimed that he has also lost around 10 kg of weight to become fit for the games. Along with him, Virat Kohli aims to be part of the World Cup. After the Australia series, they will also be part of the home South Africa and New Zealand series.

India, on the other hand, has qualified for the final of the Asia Cup 2025, where they will lock horns with Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 28.

The U-19 World Cup-winning captain of the 2012 edition for the Indian team, Unmukt Chand, has looked back at the statement of the former World Cup-winning captain of the Blue Brigade, Kapil Dev, during an event when he made a comment out of context. Chand reckoned that the reason for his attending the event was due to the request of a high-profile BCCI official to whom he couldn’t refuse.

Chand, who was the leading run-getter for India in that event with 246 runs in six innings at an average of 49.20 and a strike rate of 75, highlighted that cricket was always his top priority as he returned to attend the event to continue training in the camp.

See Also: [WATCH] Harbhajan Singh visits flood-affected Pindi Saida for rehabilitation work in Amritsar border area

“I feel the statement has been taken out of context. I agree with what he said. As a senior, he should say this. I don’t try to defend that. But we had a camp going on in the NCA. A very high BCCI official had said that I needed to attend this event. I could not say no to that. I had to be at that event. It wasn’t like I had quit cricket and gone there. I was told to return the next day.” Chand told The Lallantop.

Unmukt Chand responds to Kapil Dev’s opinion on the batter joining 2012 event

Just a few days after the end of the 2012 U-19 World Cup, the batter had shared the stage with Kapil at an event, where the 1983-winning captain blamed the former for having prioritized being at the event over attending the camp.

“What are you doing here? Why have you come here? If I were his coach or manager, I would not have let him come here even if I were given a million dollars. I would have kicked his backside for coming here.” Kapil Dev addressed that event. 

“I finished practice till 12 pm, took a flight from Bengaluru, attended the event, and returned so that I didn’t miss practice. But maybe he wasn’t aware of it and told what he did because of that.” Unmukt Chand concluded the recent discussion.

Pakistan cricket is upset about the no-handshake controversy in the Asia Cup 2025, in which the Indian cricket team decided not to shake hands with the Pakistan players in their group stage fixture of the Asia Cup 2025 last Sunday (September 14) night. Former Indian World Cup-winning captain has now opened up his view on this matter. 

India-Pakistan's tense relations have deepened since the 2025 Pahalgam attack, as many Indians have demanded a boycott of any remaining relationships with Pakistan. It has affected many India-Pakistan relationships, including in sports. In fact, in the World Championship of Legends 2025 in England, where many legendary international cricketers represented their respective nations, defending champions India Champions withdrew both their matches against Pakistan Champions, including withdrawing their Semi-final meeting. 

The Indian government has also clarified its stance with Pakistan, including regarding their sports relationship. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clarified that they will respect and follow the Indian government’s decision, which is not to play any bilateral series with Pakistan and not to play any matches in Pakistan, but will face their arch-rivals in the international tournaments, like ACC or ICC, to avoid any legal issues at the international level. 

WATCH: Senior journalist Waheed Khan slams PCB calls Pakistan cricket an international joke

Asia Cup 2025, India vs Pakistan (Group A): Indian players didn't shake hands with Pakistan players

Last Sunday, India faced Pakistan in the Group A fixture of the Asia Cup 2025, where the Men in Blues thrashed their arch-rivals by seven wickets. But in the toss, as well as after the match, the Indian team didn’t shake hands with the Pakistan cricket team.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hasn’t taken it lightly as they have demanded actions from the ICC against Match Referee Andy Pycroft for advising no handshake with the Indian team and Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav for his post-match comments.

These are all small things: Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev, the 1983 Indian World Cup-winning captain, feels that these are small things, as no need to make a big issue. He rather advises focusing on playing the game. 

Kapil Dev told ANI, “These are all small things. One should focus on playing cricket. If someone does not want to shake hands, there is no need to make a big issue out of it for both sides. It is not right to give wrong statements, but some cricketers give statements that become controversial Pakistan did not play good cricket; they need to work on it. It is one’s personal choice whether they want to shake hands or hug.”

Pakistan nearly boycotted its last group stage game in the Asia Cup 2025 against the hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) last Wednesday (September 17), as they arrived at the stadium late, which forced a one-hour delay to start the game. It was the must-win match for Pakistan, so withdrawing from the match meant their elimination from the tournament. As Pakistan beat the UAE by 41 runs, they will again face India on coming Sunday (September 21) night in the Super Fours of Asia Cup 2025. 

Former India cricketer Yograj Singh, who is also the father of Yuvraj Singh, heaped high praise on Mohammed Siraj following his standout performance in the final Test against England at The Oval. Siraj played a crucial role in helping India clinch a narrow win and level the series 2-2.

Yograj Singh was especially impressed by Siraj’s energy, consistency, and determination throughout the series. He mentioned that watching Siraj bowl reminded him of the great Kapil Dev, one of India’s finest all-rounders. According to Yograj, Siraj's hunger to take wickets and his aggressive style closely resembled Kapil’s approach during his playing days.

Comparing a modern-day bowler to a legend like Kapil Dev is no small compliment. Yograj’s remarks highlighted how Siraj’s recent performances, particularly in high-pressure situations, have taken his game to a new level and earned him admiration from former players and fans alike.

See Also: 3 Indian players who might miss out on selection for next Test series after IND vs ENG 2025

Yograj Singh Praises Siraj’s Hard Work:

Mohammed Siraj played a key role in India’s thrilling six-run victory in the final Test at The Oval, picking up nine wickets in the match, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings. His efforts were crucial in turning the game around, especially after England looked set to win at 301/3 while chasing 374.

In a conversation with ANI, former cricketer Yograj Singh praised Siraj’s outstanding performance. He highlighted how Siraj led the Indian bowling attack with determination and skill, helping the team level the series despite being under immense pressure on the final day of the match.

He said, “The way our players have played, it was amazing to watch. The way Mohammed Siraj bowled, he reminded me of Kapil Dev. The captaincy of Shubman Gill was mature. It did not seem at all that he was a captain for the first time.”

Miya Magic in The Oval:

Mohammed Siraj was one of the two pacers, alongside Chris Woakes, to feature in all five tough Test matches. While Woakes got injured in the final game, Siraj remained strong throughout the series. He emerged as the top wicket-taker, claiming 23 wickets and proving his consistency and resilience across all five matches.

Mohammed Siraj shared that he strongly believed he could help India win the Oval Test on the final day. England needed just 35 runs with four wickets left, but Siraj turned the match around. Delivering a brilliant spell of pace bowling, he took three of the last four wickets, including the final dismissal of Gus Atkinson, leading India to a memorable and hard-fought victory.

Siraj earned the Player of the Match award for his outstanding performance in both innings of the crucial Oval Test. His impact with the ball played a key role in securing victory in the series decider, showcasing his skill and determination when it mattered most for his team.