Legendary footprints

  Image: Vatican Museums via Wikimedia Commons. ​As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, billions of people around the world erupt in celebration. Fireworks paint the sky, resolutions are whispered, and the "old year" is ushered out to make room for the new. But have you ever paused to wonder why we celebrate now? Why January? And who decided that a calendar should "reset" at all? ​The story of the New Year is not just about a date on a calendar; it is a fascinating journey through ancient religion, astronomical shifts, and the human desire for a fresh start. The Journey of January 1st: The History and Heart of the New Year ​The Genesis: From Soil to Stars ​The concept of a " New Year " was born out of necessity. Early humans were deeply tied to the land, and they needed a way to track the passage of time for survival. ​The earliest recorded New Year’s celebration dates back roughly 4,000 years to Ancient Babylon . However, they didn't ce...

Sarfaraz Khan will definitely get a chance to play for India very soon: Chetan Sharma. Courtesy: PTI  ​ Sarfaraz Khan 157 runs, Mumbai vs Goa Vijay Hazare Trophy, Sarfaraz Khan 14 sixes, Sarfaraz Khan CSK IPL 2026, Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 Sarfaraz Khan’s life isn’t just a sports biography; it’s a story of a father’s obsession, a son’s relentless grit, and a family that treated cricket not as a game, but as a way to survive and thrive. ​ The Early Grind: From the Maidans to " The Net " ​Born on October 22, 1997, in Mumbai, Sarfaraz didn't have a typical childhood. His father, Naushad Khan , was a cricket coach who saw a spark in his son before Sarfaraz could even speak properly. To save time commuting to the crowded Mumbai grounds, Naushad built a synthetic pitch right outside their modest home in Taximens Colony. ​Sarfaraz’s daily routine was brutal: waking up before dawn and facing 400 to 500 balls every single day. If it rained, they practiced in the mud. If it...

Vignesh Puthur: The " Auto-Driver’s Son " Who Broke a 32-Year-Old World Record " Image Source: Official Player Profile, Rajasthan Royals , ​In the quiet town of Perinthalmanna, Kerala, there is an auto-rickshaw driver named Sunil Kumar. For years, Sunil worked extra shifts, driving through the heat and rain to ensure his only son, Vignesh, could have a leather ball and a pair of spikes. In 2025, that son didn't just repay the debt; he wrote his name in the history books of world cricket. ​ The "Mystery" in His Fingers ​Vignesh Puthur is a rare breed—a Left-arm Chinaman (wrist spinner). He didn’t start as a spinner; he was a medium pacer in school. It was only during his time at St. Thomas College, while pursuing a Master’s in Literature , that he transitioned to spin. This "mystery" bowling style caught the eye of Mumbai Indians' scouts during the Kerala Cricket League (KCL). ​ The World Record: Surpassing Jonty Rhodes ​While Vignesh gai...

​ Jemimah Rodrigues: The "All- Rounder" Who Healed a Billion Hearts with a Bat and a Guitar   I mage credit: Yellow_Frisbee via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 ​If you search for "Joy" in Indian cricket, the result is Jemimah Rodrigues. In a year (2025) dominated by power-hitters and aggressive captains, Jemimah has carved her legendary footprint by being herself—cheerful, musical, and incredibly clutch. From the streets of Bhandup to the captaincy of Delhi Capitals, her journey is a melody of resilience. ​ The "Hockey" Roots of a Cricket Star ​Born on September 5, 2000, in Mumbai, Jemimah didn’t start with a cricket bat. She was a national-level hockey player for Maharashtra. You can see it in her batting today—the way she uses her wrists and her incredible speed between the wickets comes from the hockey turf. ​Her father, Ivan Rodrigues , was her first coach. He didn't just teach her how to cover drive; he taught her how to handle pressure wit...

"Image Source: Official Player Profile, Chennai Super Kings. ​If you look at Shaik Rasheed today—wearing the iconic Chennai Super Kings (CSK) jersey and opening the batting at the Ekana Stadium—you see a star. But if you look at his " footprints ," you will see the dust of Guntur, the sweat of a struggling father, and the cold floors of general train compartments. This is not just a cricket story; it’s a story of a family that refused to let a dream die. ​A Father’s Ultimate Sacrifice ​Born on September 24, 2004, in Guntur, Rasheed’s journey started with a father who had zero interest in his own career. His father, Shaik Balisha Vali, was a private employee who noticed his son’s obsession with the game. ​To give Rasheed the best coaching, Balisha did something most people wouldn't dare: he quit his job. For years, the family survived on the edge. There were days when Balisha sold fruits in the market just to buy Rasheed a new pair of gloves or pay for his travel. ​Th...

​ Abhishek Sharma: The Boy Who Woke Up at 4 AM to Conquer the World ​There are cricketers who play the game, and then there are cricketers who redefine how the game is played. Abhishek Sharma belongs to the second category. In 2025, he isn't just a name on a scorecard; he is a hurricane that top-tier bowlers try to avoid. But behind the 150 kmph bat-swing and the " No. 1 World Ranking " lies a story of "Tough Love," 4 AM alarms, and a father’s unshakeable dream. ​ The Amritsar Roots: A Father’s Vision ​Born on September 4, 2000, in Amritsar, Abhishek didn’t choose cricket; cricket chose him. His father, Raj Kumar Sharma , was a former cricketer who saw a spark in his son before Abhishek could even hold a full-sized bat. ​Unlike other coaches who tell kids to "play safe," Raj Kumar gave Abhishek a different mantra: "If you’re going to hit it, hit it so hard that it leaves the stadium." This fearless DNA is what we see today when he takes d...

"Image Source: Official Player Profile, Chennai Super Kings.  Ayush Mhatra: Leading the Future of Indian Cricket The journey from budding young cricketer to the captain of India's Under-19 squad is a path paved with discipline, extraordinary talent, and unwavering dedication. Ayush Mhatra, the newly appointed captain of the U-19 team, embodies this ascent. More than just a promising player, Mhatra stands as a symbol of the next generation of Indian cricket leadership, carrying the hopes of a billion dreams on his capable shoulders. The Genesis of a Leader Ayush Mhatra’s cricketing story is rooted in the classic Indian narrative of passion meeting perseverance. From a young age, his time was divided between schoolbooks and cricket grounds. His natural flair for the game was evident early on, not just in his technical strokes but in his acute understanding of match situations—a trait that earmarked him for leadership. Rising through the rigorous ranks of age-group and domesti...