Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams, typically consisting of eleven players each. The game is played on a large circular or oval field, with a rectangular 22-yard long pitch at the center. Each team takes turns batting and fielding. The batting team aims to score runs by hitting a ball bowled at them with a bat and running between two sets of wooden stumps, known as wickets, located at either end of the pitch. The fielding team tries to dismiss the batsmen by getting them out in various ways, such as catching the ball after it is hit but before it touches the ground, hitting the wickets with the ball, or trapping the batsman in front of the wickets with the ball (LBW).
Cricket has several formats, including Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 (T20) matches, each differing in duration and rules. The game is governed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and is known for its rich history, traditions, and significant global following, particularly in countries like India, England, Australia, and South Africa. The sport emphasizes strategy, teamwork, and skill, with games often lasting several hours to multiple days in certain formats.
Team India enters the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai, facing Bangladesh with significant anticipation and a chance to reclaim a title last won over a decade ago. India's confidence is…