Former BCCI chairman Lalit Modi recently shared a surprising insight about a promise made to the Indian team before the 2007 T20 World Cup. At that time, a young Indian squad, led by MS Dhoni, was gearing up for cricket’s inaugural T20 World Cup.

Under Dhoni’s captaincy, India went on to win the tournament, marking a historic moment in cricket. This victory not only brought the team widespread recognition but also played a major role in inspiring the creation of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which would later revolutionize the game.

During a chat on the Beyond23 Podcast with former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke, Modi revealed a lesser-known story from behind the scenes. His revelation shed light on the support and assurances given to the players, offering fans an intriguing glimpse into the circumstances that contributed to India’s unforgettable triumph in the first-ever T20 World Cup.

See Also: India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match rescheduled

Lalit Modi Shares a Lesser-Known Story From the 2007 T20 World Cup:

On the podcast, Lalit Modi shared that he had promised the Indian players a luxury car if anyone managed to hit six consecutive sixes or take six wickets in a single over during the T20 World Cup. At the time, achieving such a feat was considered extremely rare and almost impossible, making the promise both thrilling and highly motivating for the young Indian squad.

He said, “ before the 2007 T20 World Cup, I told everyone that whoever will hit 6 sixes or take 6 wickets in an over will receive a Porsche.”

Shortly after, Indian star Yuvraj Singh created history by hitting six consecutive sixes in an over against England’s Stuart Broad. Thrilled by his achievement, Yuvraj immediately ran to Lalit Modi to claim the promised luxury Porsche, marking a joyous celebration of one of the most unforgettable and iconic moments in T20 World Cup history.

He further said, “ Yuvraj Singh after those 6 sixes came towards me and said, 'where's my Porsche?'”

After making history against England by hitting six sixes in an over and fulfilling Modi’s challenge, Yuvraj Singh reminded Lalit Modi of his Porsche promise. In a playful twist, Modi requested Yuvraj’s bat as a keepsake in return, adding a lighthearted moment to one of cricket’s most memorable T20 World Cup achievements. He added, “ I said give me your bat.”

Lalit Modi continues to keep Yuvraj Singh’s historic bat at his home as a prized keepsake. The bat remains a cherished symbol of Indian cricket history, honoring Yuvraj Singh’s legendary six-sixes achievement and India’s remarkable triumph in the 2007 T20 World Cup, a moment etched forever in memory.

Another chapter of controversy from the infamous ‘slap gate’ incident from the opening season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2008 broke out, which saw unseen footage of the ugly fight between two former Indian players, S Sreesanth and Harbhajan Singh, being shared around the internet from the game between the Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians.

Bhuvaneshwari Sreesanth, the wife of the former Indian pacer, has publicly shown her frustration over the incident and lambasted the former IPL chairman, Lalit Modi, and the former Australian captain, Michael Clarke. During a recent clip from Beyong23 Cricket Podcast, they brought up the existence of the security camera footage of the altercation.

See Also: 'The coach's job is to...'- Former India star reflects on Gautam Gambhir's white-ball coaching ahead of Asia Cup 2025

“Shame on you, Lalit Modi and Michael Clarke. You people are not even human to drag up something from 2008 just for your own cheap publicity and views. Both @sreesanthnair36 and Harbhajan have long moved on; they are fathers now with school-going children, and yet you try to throw them back into an old wound. Absolutely disgusting, heartless, and inhuman.”  Bhuvaneswari wrote on her Instagram story.

Sreesanth’s wife accuses Lalit Modi and Michael Clarke of bringing up old IPL memories

In the follow-up story, she also articulated her distress, stating that the pacer has rebuilt his life with grace after all the hard work. She also expressed that the families are being forced to go through this trauma that has been buried decades ago.

Instagram story of Sreesanth's wife. ✅ pic.twitter.com/hWKj2ai3Ob

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 30, 2025

“The game was over, and the cameras were shut off. Only one of my security cameras was on. As the team finished playing, the players were high-fiving and shaking hands with each other. When it came to Sreesanth and Bhajji. Harbhajan just said to him, ‘Come here', and gave him a backhander.”

“@sreesanthnair36 has rebuilt his life with dignity and grace after every hardship he faced. As his wife and as the mother of his children, it is deeply painful for our family to see this resurface after 18 long years. This doesn’t just hurt the players; it scars their innocent children who now have to face questions and shame for no fault of theirs.” Bhuvneshwar Sreesanth added.

Both Sreesanth and Harbhajan have engaged themselves in the commentary panel, as they also shared the same box during the following seasons of the league. 

Michael Clarke, the former captain of Australia's cricket team and a prominent batter of today's time, has once again been afflicted with skin cancer. Clarke, 43, used social media to update fans on his condition, sharing a photo of a lesion that was cut from his nose. He took the opportunity to remind fans about protecting their skin with early detection and skin checks. 

“Skin cancer is real! Especially in Australia. Another one cut out of my nose today. A friendly reminder to get your skin checked. Prevention is better than cure, but in my case, early detection and regular check-ups are critical," Clarke noted in a post, while thanking his doctor for catching the mole.

ALSO SEE:'Special beginning...'- star CSK player decides to retire from IPL ahead of 2026 season

Clarke's submission resonated with fans, with skin cancer being one of the most common diseases in Australia due to most of Australia being sun-soaked and very little cloud cover to protect from the piercing rays of the sun's UV exposure, which usually translates to regular skin checks being important on a yearly basis, depending on the intensity of your UV exposure. If you were to look at statistics provided by medical experts, Australia has the highest recorded rates of any other country in the world for skin cancer, and two in three Australians have a high likelihood of being diagnosed with skin cancer before their 70th birthday.

Former Australia captain raises skin cancer awareness

This is not the first time Clarke has faced such a health scare. Over the years, he has undergone multiple treatments for skin-related issues. By sharing his personal experience, the former cricketer continues to spread awareness and highlight the significance of prevention.

 Throughout his successful cricketing career, Clarke represented Australia in 115 Tests, 245 ODIs, and 34 T20Is, leading the national team to its 2015 World Cup victory. His accomplishments on the pitch earned him one of the most reputable figures in world cricket. These days, Clarke's voice carries weight not just in cricket but also in public health efforts.

Clarke's openness helps to remind both fans and the wider community of the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure. His story demonstrates that regular skin checks and early action can save lives and help to encourage people at all levels to take skin health seriously.

On August 23, 2015, Michael Clarke played his last international match for Australia. In his farewell match, Australia beat England by an innings, though it was a consolation victory for the Aussies.

On this day, at The Oval cricket ground, Australia registered a one-sided victory over England. On the last day in the baggy green, Clarke was the captain for Australia. Clarke enforced a follow-on for the first time in his captaincy, and it proved effective. England's batting lineup tumbled against quality seam bowling from Australia, especially from experienced Peter Siddle.

Steve Smith, then the captain in waiting, scored a decisive century in the first innings of the game, which earned him the man of the match award. Smith played a 143-run innings before being bowled out by Steven Finn. Middle wrapped up his bowling spell with a total of 6 wickets with his name.

Read More: WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah not No.1 in Harshit Rana’s blind ranking ahead of 2025 Asia Cup

A farewell through a win 

The home team, led by Alastair Cook, did not touch the benchmark set by the Australian batting line-up. Batting first, Australia, with the help of Smith's ton and three half centuries from David Warner, Adam Voges, and Mitchell Starc, registered 481 on the scoreboard. In reply, England could only get 149 and 286 after a follow-on, which resulted in an innings defeat against the arch rivals. Australia won the match by an inning and 46 runs. It was mainly England's first-innings batting collapse that let them down on the floor. Cook, in the second innings, batted bravely in front of in-form Siddle, Nathan Lyon, and Mitchell Marsh to score 85, but it was not enough to prevent the defeat. 

"We're disappointed with how the series went, but we came out and showed some of our best... The fans are such a great part of playing this game. "I've had a wonderful time touring here; hopefully I can now come back and have a holiday," Michael Clarke said in his farewell speech at The Kennington Oval. After the match, he left the field, heading off through a guard of honor. 

After the end of IPL, Team India now has a litmus test in England. Sai Sudarshan may get a chance to debut in the Test series between India and England. Sai had performed brilliantly in IPL and he was also the highest run-scorer in the 18th season. He scored 759 runs in 15 matches. Sai Sudarshan has been selected in the team for the upcoming series against England. However, there has been no confirmation from the coach or captain regarding his batting order, but former Australian captain Michael Clarke has given a big statement regarding his batting order.

As Virat Kohli retires from the red-ball Format, India now faces the tough challenge of filling the important No. 4 spot in the batting order. Shubman Gill, who was playing at No. 3 in recent years, is now the top choice to take over Kohli’s role at No. 4. If Gill moves down the order, India will need a solid player to handle the No. 3 position.

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has suggested that India should give Sai Sudharsan a chance at No. 3. Clarke said he has full confidence in the young left-hander and believes he will get his opportunity during the England tour.

Also Read -European T20 Premier League Postponed to 2026, Know the Reason Behind the Delay

Team India's Test captain Shubman Gill may bat at number four in the upcoming series — a position earlier held by Virat Kohli. After Kohli’s departure, this spot is now vacant. Speaking on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, former Australian captain Michael Clarke said, "For me, this kid is a superstar — Sai Sudharsan. I think he is perfect for the number three spot in Test cricket. In my opinion, he will open the innings for India in T20 and ODI in the future. He is part of the Test squad and has got his first chance in England."

Sai Sudharsan performed brilliantly in IPL 2025. He scored 759 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.21, including one century and six half-centuries for Gujarat Titans. Gujarat finished fourth in the playoffs.

Clarke added, "I think he can directly bat at number three in the team. Technically, he is very strong. He has all the shots and is mentally ready. He really impressed me, and he’s a stylish player too."

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 title-winning captain Michael Clarke has shared his feelings about Rohit Sharma's decision to retire from Test cricket, as the former Aussie star believes that the captain Rohit will be hard to replace. Clarke also revealed the reason for his thought.

Rohit Sharma already retired from T20I 

After leading the Indian team to win the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 title, which was India's first ICC trophy victory in 11 years, Indian captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from T20I cricket as the leading run-scorer in the format. Recently, he had a tough period as a Test captain by facing a home whitewash against New Zealand in the three-match Test series and also lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia by 3-1 in the five-match Test series.

While the Indian captain struggled to score runs in those Test matches, he dropped himself from the last Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, which was India's must-win fixture in an attempt to only save the series. Those struggles affected the Indian cricket team, as the first two editions' runners-up failed to reach the ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025 Final.

Although in early March, Rohit Sharma-led India won the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title, which was played in the ODI format, his Test cricket future was still hanging without any improvement in look. 

See Also: 5 players who can replace Rohit Sharma in Test cricket

Rohit Sharma just announced Test retirement

After the IPL 2025, which is going to be rescheduled, India will travel to England for a five-match Test series to start their journey in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027. Before the team selection for the Test series, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket. Under his captaincy, India won 12 out of 24 Tests and lost nine games.

Rohit Sharma reads the game exceptionally well: Michael Clarke

However, Michael Clarke has praised skipper Rohit Sharma for his tactical powers and added that he would be missed. The former Aussie captain claimed that Rohit read the game exceptionally well. 

Clarke told RevSportz, "Tactically as a captain Rohit Sharma will be very hard to replace. He reads the game exceptionally well. He is a player that any team would miss."

Rohit Sharma recently shared his thoughts on why One Day Internationals (ODIs) continue to hold a special place in the world of cricket, even as questions loom over the format’s future. After leading India to a Champions Trophy victory in the UAE, the veteran batter emphasized the value of the 50-over game in a cricket landscape dominated by the traditional Test format and the fast-paced excitement of T20s.

The veteran India batter admitted that with the growing popularity of T20s, many fans are struggling to stay connected with ODIs. However, Rohit highlighted that his generation grew up watching 50-over cricket and still holds strong emotional ties to the format. He also pointed out that the recent Champions Trophy featured several thrilling, high-intensity matches that reminded fans of the drama and depth that ODIs can deliver.

See Also: IPL 2025: Digvesh Singh Rathi reveals meaning behind viral 'Notebook' celebration

"I know there has been lot of talk about one-day cricket being questioned. Whether its a sustainable format or not. Look, we have all grown up watching 50-over world cup. ICC Champions Trophy, when we played those games. Those were high-intensity games. I know it is very longer, because people are watching T20 cricket. But, 50-over cricket has its own challenge," Rohit told Michael Clarke on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.

Watch the video;

🚨Rohit in Michael Clarke Podcast: Rohit Sharma mindset in winning Trophies is truly a Alpha Mind🥶🐐
pic.twitter.com/uTXfkfwCWM

— Imsajal45 (@Sajalsinha0264) April 16, 2025

Rohit Sharma is legend of ODI format

Rohit Sharma stands as a true giant in ODI cricket. While his performances across formats are impressive, his impact in the 50-over format is nothing short of extraordinary. In 273 ODI matches, the 37-year-old has scored 11,168 runs at an exceptional average of 48.77 and a strike rate of 92.81. His consistency is highlighted by 58 half-centuries and 32 centuries.

Rohit also holds several unique records in ODI history. He is the only player to have smashed three double centuries in the format and holds the record for the highest individual score in ODIs — a breathtaking 264 off 173 balls against Sri Lanka at the Eden Gardens.