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    If MS Dhoni is Batting Well, He Must Play For India Again: Rohit Sharma

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    MS Dhoni Biography

    India limited-overs vice-captain Rohit Sharma reckons if MS Dhoni has been batting well then he should be part of the international setup again despite not playing any competitive cricket for almost a year now.

    Speculations are raging over the future of the former India captain Dhoni’s future who has taken an indefinite break from cricket having last played in the semi-final of the ODI World Cup last year.

    IPL was being projected as the platform from where he would make his claim for a comeback but with the season in danger of being cancelled, the suspension over Dhoni’s retirement continues.

    Also read : MS Dhoni Finally Revealed the Moment When his “Heart Rate is Elevated And Feel a Bit Scared”

    During an Instagram chat session between Suresh Raina and Rohit, hoped Dhoni plays for India again.

    “I played with him (during Chennai Super Kings training sessions) and he was playing well. Only he knows what’s going on in his mind. Best will be if he himself reveals his plans,” said Raina.

    To which Rohit replied, “If he’s batting well, then he must play. I hope he does.”

    The out-of-favour Raina is also hoping to get another chance to represent India and Rohit revealed that during team meetings, the discussion hovers around thinking a way to bringing him back in some way.

    “I know it is very tough to be out of the team after playing for so many years. We used to always discuss about including Raina in the team in some way and utilise him. You have the experience – can bowl and field too. Team selection is not in our hands and a lot of things are considered so don’t know what the thinking is right now,” Rohit said.

    Talking about his time away from cricket, Raina said he underwent a second operation to treat an injury. “I went for a second operation to treat an injury and it was a big decision for me. Selection isn’t in our hands, we can only perform. I have always enjoyed my cricket and the senior players have always backed our generation,” he said.

    Rohit was left highly disappointed when he wasn’t included in the squad for the 2011 World Cup at home. Recalling that phase, India opener said he utilised that time away to rectify his mistakes.

    “When I wasn’t part of the 2011 ODI World Cup, lot of things were going on my mind. So I decided to look back at my past performances, how I was getting out. It is heartbreaking when you are not in the team. So I improved myself,” he said.

    Women’s Cricket : Pakistan’s Bismah Maroof Disappointed Over ICC’s Decision to Split Points

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    Pakistan's Bismah Maroof Disappointed Over ICC’s Decision to Split Points
    Pakistan's Bismah Maroof Disappointed Over ICC’s Decision to Split Points

    As reported earlier, Pakistan and India are the teams that have to share points as the sides failed to play a bilateral series against each other. Which made the Indian women’s cricket team to qualify for the ODI World Cup 2021 by virtue of being the top four.

    The Arch-rivals were not able to see each other and hence the series got delayed indefinitely. However, the decision has not settled in the minds of the Pakistani side.

    The legal team of Pakistan Cricket Board is studying the verdict. The Pakistani women’s skipper Bismah Maroof pointed out that after a review and understanding of the decision, the legal team may consider going to ICC if it seems necessary.

    In a video conference on Tuesday, Maroof was heard saying that the verdict was disappointing. She explained that the Pakistani group had been waiting a long time to play alongside India.

    She reveals that the Pakistani Board was working on it but it failed to get any response from the Indian side. The video conference was arranged by PCB. It has to be noted that in light of numerous terrorist attacks and mischiefs on the border, the Indian government has thrown any idea of having a sporting relation with Pakistan off the table.

    The tensions have put a brake on the bilateral series against the countries for an indefinite time period. As far as the women’s ODI championship is concerned, Indian and Pakistan were scheduled to face each other in the sixth round of the tournament.

    Interestingly, the points from this round play a vital role for a side’s direct admission into the 2021 Women’s World cup. However, the Indian cricketing board, as expected, could not get the necessary clearances from the government. The nod from the establishment was mandatory for the board to host the rivals on Indian soil.

    The three matches left off the roster and the ICC was called upon. The technical committee referred to it as a “force majeure event” and divided the points equally. It has to be noted that in a similar situation in the 2014-16 championship cycle, Pakistan was awarded complete points on the grounds of Indian inability to play the series.

    With the three valuable points, India reached to 23 and joined SENA nations to get direct entry into the world cup.

    Pakistan will, however, feature in the qualifiers scheduled in Sri Lanka. Maroof said that Indo-Pak matches are a joy for fans throughout the globe and Pakistan has always tried to keep politics off the table while facilitating sports.

    She added that the result, irrespective of the winner, of series, would have been acceptable to her if the matches were actually played. She pointed out that this can be considered as a positive start for the Pakistani side as they don’t get these many matches and qualifiers would be a great practice for the big tournament.

    She did not hesitate to point that India got the points without any competitive cricket and wished them luck. She also used the platform to laud the veteran Sana Mir who retired recently from international settings. Mahroof called her the ambassador of the game and recognized the vital role she has played in the growth of women’s cricket in not just Pakistan but throughout the globe

     

     

     

    Coronavirus : Emotions Are Very Difficult to Recreate Behind Closed Doors, Says Kohli

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    Virat Kohli's view on playing cricket behind closed doors
    Virat Kohli's view on playing cricket behind closed doors

    Team India captain Virat Kohli believes playing cricket behind closed doors is quite a “possible situation” amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. However, he has doubts whether the game would have the same magic when played in front of empty stands.

    “It’s quite a possible situation, it might happen, I honestly don’t know how everyone is going to take that because we all are used to playing in front of so many passionate fans,”said Kohli while speaking on Star Sports ‘Cricket Connected’ show.

    Also read : Sachin Tendulkar or Virat Kohli: Who is better? Jasprit Bumrah Answers

    According to the Indian skipper, the game would be played with great intensity and players would put in their best efforts even while playing behind closed doors.

    “I know it will be played at a very good intensity but that feeling of the crowd connecting with the players and the tension of the game where everyone goes through it in the stadium, those emotions are very difficult to recreate,” said the 31-year-old.

    “Things will still go on, but I doubt that one will feel that magic happening inside because of the atmosphere that was created. We will play sports how it is supposed to be played, but those magical moments will be difficult to come by,” he added.

    As a result of the coronavirus pandemic which has so far claimed more than 2.6 lakh lives across the world, a spate of series and tournaments, including the IPL 2020, have been postponed indefinitely.

    Also read : “Facing Jasprit Bumrah or Bowling to Virat Kohli?” Ellyse Perry makes her Pick

    Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly had already said that there will be no cricket in the country for the foreseeable future amid the coronavirus pandemic.

    With the pandemic refusing to slow down, question marks are even being raised over the men’s T20 World Cup slated to be played in Australia in October-November.

    WATCH: Glamorgan Release Video of Marnus Labuschagne Bowling Bouncers in County Cricket

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    Marnus Labuschagne bowling bouncers in county cricket
    Marnus Labuschagne bowling bouncers in county cricket

    It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Australia all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne is the biggest find in cricket of the year 2019. Having come in as a concussion substitute for Steven Smith during the Ashes, 25-year old Labuschagne has since then cemented his spot in Australia’s Test and ODI team.

    In 21 international appearances since August last year, the right-hand batsman has scored 1,764 runs at an average of 60.82 including five centuries and 10 half-centuries.

    It is worth mentioning that Labuschagne made it to the Ashes squad last year on the back of his sensational form in Division Two County season for Glamorgan.

    In 10 First-class matches, Labuschagne had scored 1,114 runs at an average of 65.52 and a strike rate of 76.19 including five centuries and five half-centuries and was the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament.

    Labuschagne, who also bowls leg-spin, has dismissed 12 wickets in 14 Test matches. In the same county season, Labuschagne picked 19 wickets at an average of 38.10, an economy rate of 3.10 and a strike rate of 3.76.

    Also read : CSK’s Harbhajan Singh Demands Bowler-friendly Wickets in Case Use of Saliva gets Banned

    A recent video of Labuschagne is doing the rounds on social media platform Twitter. Labuschagne is seen bowling quick bouncers from a short run-up to surprise the opposition batsmen.

    The same was uploaded after a fan requested Glamorgan to upload a collection of Labuschagne’s bouncers from the county season. The 45-second video is being liked by fans for spinner don’t usually bowl bouncers with such a frequency.

    MS Dhoni Finally Revealed the Moment When his “Heart Rate is Elevated And Feel a Bit Scared”

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    Former Indian Captain MS Dhoni's Scared moment
    Captain cool MS Dhoni revealed the moment when he feel bit scared

    MS Dhoni might be celebrated for his calm demeanour in pressure situation on the cricket field but the former India captain does have moments where his heart rate is elevated and he feels scared.

    These moments arise especially when Dhoni is in the very early stages, the two-time world cup winning captain said on Thursday.

    “In India, I feel there is still a big issue of accepting that there is some weakness when it comes to the mental aspects, but we generally term it as mental illness,” Dhoni said during a session conducted by MFORE, a Non-Profit Initiative that offers mind conditioning programs to athletes.

    He continued, “Nobody really says that, when I go to bat, the first 5 to 10 deliveries my heart rate is elevated, I feel the pressure, I feel a bit scared because that’s how everybody feels – how to cope with that? This is a small problem but a lot of times we hesitate to say it to a coach and that’s why the relationship between a player and coach is very important be it any sport.”

    The initiative was launched by former India and Chennai Super Kings cricketer Subarmaniam Badrinath.

    Read Also : Ruling out “MS Dhoni” will be unfair : Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif Backed MS Dhoni on his Retirement Controversy

    Current India captain Virat Kohli too stressed on the importance of a healthy mind as the key to better performance. “I think mental health and mental clarity is the most important factor in life; not just in sports. Badrinath and MFORE helping these cricketers will go a long way in them understanding themselves better and going out there and performing despite the conditions and situations being difficult for them,” he was quoted as saying in a media release.

    MFORE also aims to conduct workshops for coaches, preparing them to understand the mental side of their players.

    India offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin said it’s important for a sportsperson to talk about his mental struggles and seek help iof needed.

    “Lot of people address skills, speak about the mental aspect of the game. But no one can really put a roadmap and say what really a cricketer needs mentally,” Ashwin said while lauding Badrinath for the initiative.

    “How can you disconnect the mind when you’re playing? These are things that are crucial for any athlete. Your mind constantly cross-questions you and gives negative vibes from inside which is only natural. So, to be able to create a platform for such people to ask for help is an amazing initiative. I urge people to be more honest about themselves and understand that they need help. Understanding and asking for help by itself is very courageous,” he added.

    Also read : MS Dhoni’s Close Friend Reveals “MSD’s” Retirement Date After BCCI’s Announcement

    Dhoni says a mental conditioning coach should be a regular fixture with a team/player and not just a temporary arrangement.

    “Mental conditioning coach should not be the one who comes for 15 days, because when you come for 15 days you are only sharing the experience. If the mental conditioning coach is constantly with the player, he can understand what are the areas which are affecting his sport,” he said.

    Please do Not Use This Bat: Matthew Hayden on MS Dhoni’s Reaction to Mongoose Bat

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    Hayden, who had been practicing with Mongoose bat for a year and a half convinced Dhoni that the Mongoose bat is better when it comes to striking the ball better
    Hayden, who had been practicing with Mongoose bat for a year and a half convinced Dhoni that the Mongoose bat is better when it comes to striking the ball better

    Almost a decade ago when former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden introduced the mongoose bat, it instantly became a sensation, as it was different from anything fans had seen before. During a conversation with CSK presenter Rupha Ramani, Hayden revealed how skipper MS Dhoni reacted to his bat.

    The former Australian opener revealed that Dhoni did not want him to use the bat. “I’ll (Dhoni) give you anything you want in life, to not use this bat! Please do not use this bat,” Hayden said.

    A confident Hayden, who had been practicing with that bat for a year and a half convinced Dhoni that the bat is better when it comes to striking the ball better.

    “I’ve been using this bat for practice for about a year and a half and when it hits the middle of the bat it goes 20 metres further,” the left-handed batsman further said in the video.

    Also read : Australia Keeper Alex Carey Keen to Emulate MS Dhoni’s Path, Says I Would Love to Become Half as Good as Him

    He also confessed he did not want it to affect his form and the team as he had done his homework.

    “I wasn’t going to put my franchise on risk by performing badly because of the bat. I had done my homework,” he said.

    Considering it to be a bold decision to play with the mongoose bat, Hayden admitted having fun while batting with it.

    “It was a courageous decision to use it and believed it was going to make my game better. On a couple of occasions, I used it, I loved it, it was fun,” the Aussie former opener added.

    Read also : England’s Jos Buttler Expresses Admiration for Former Indian Skipper MS Dhoni

     

    COVID-19: Sachin Tendulkar Provides Financial Aid to 4000 Underprivileged Children

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    Sachin Tendulkar
    Sachin Tendulkar

    Former India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar made a generous donation in the fight against coronavirus pandemic by financially aiding 4000 underprivileged people, including children. Hi5 Youth Foundation hailed Tendulkar for the contribution.

    “Thanks @sachin_rtfor proving once again that #sports encourages compassion! Your generous donation towards our #COVID19 fund enables us to financially aid 4000 underprivileged people, including children from @mybmcschools. Our budding sportspersons thank you, Little Master!,” the Hi5 Youth Foundation tweeted.

    Also read : Check Out 47 Unbeatable Records of Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar

    Responding to their tweet, the former Indian batsman lauded them for the commendable work and also gave his best wishes to the team.

    “Best wishes to team Hi5 for your efforts in supporting families of daily wage earners,” Sachin tweeted while replying to the foundation.

    Earlier Sachin had donated Rs 25 lakh each to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and the Maharashtra Chief Minister Relief Fund to aid the battle against COVID-19.

    Also read : Sachin Tendulkar or Virat Kohli: Who is better? Jasprit Bumrah Answers

    The Maharashtra-born player had an illustrious career in the game, creating several records. Sachin made his debut in Test cricket on November 15, 1989. In the same year on December 18, he played his first ODI match.

    The legendary cricketer has the most number of runs in the longest format of the game, amassing 15,921 runs. Along the way, Sachin scored 51 Test centuries, most by any player.

    The right-handed batsman represented the country in six World Cups during his career that lasted for 24 years. He was the part of the 2011 World Cup-winning squad.

    Also read : ‘Your legacy is very important’ – Suresh Raina Draws Out Similarities Between Sachin Tendulkar and Lionel Messi

    Coronavirus India Cases Latest Updates

    Coronavirus cases in India have crossed 59,000-mark and death toll due to COVID 19 is nearing 2000-mark. In India, there are 39,834 coronavirus active cases and so far 17,846 COVID-19 positive patients have been cured or discharged.

    A total of 1981 people died due to the highly contagious virus and one has been migrated, as per details shared by the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry. In the last 24 hours India has recorded 3,320 more coronavirus positive cases and 95 COVID-19 related deaths.

     

    Australia Keeper Alex Carey Keen to Emulate MS Dhoni’s Path, Says I Would Love to Become Half as Good as Him

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    Australia Keeper Alex Carey Keen to Emulate MS Dhoni's Path, Says I Would Love to Become Half as Good as Him
    Australia Keeper Alex Carey Keen to Emulate MS Dhoni's Path, Says I Would Love to Become Half as Good as Him

    Former India captain MS Dhoni is a role model for millions of people around the world and also for an infinite number of sportspersons who idolize him and aim to follow a similar path in their careers. In a recent Instagram Live chat, Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey expressed his admiration for the legendary Indian glovesman and spoke about how he’s keen to finish off games for Australia, akin to how Dhoni has done for Team India in the past.

    During an interaction on the official Instagram handle of IPL franchise Delhi Capitals, Carey shed light on his adulation for Dhoni and reckoned that he’d love to pick up a couple of skills from the Chennai Super Kings captain.

    “If you ask any cricketer, they would love to play like MS Dhoni. He’s probably the best at that role. I’d love to become half as good as him,” the 29-year-old Carey said.

    Carey also spoke about emulating the former Indian captain’s finishing skill. “I’d love to have the calm to take it deep and finish off T20, ODI games for Australia and even in the BBL. It was pretty hard to play against him since he would never get out, but yes I’d love to become half as good as him.”

    Read Also : England’s Jos Buttler Expresses Admiration for Former Indian Skipper MS Dhoni

    Carey has impressed for Australia in the shorter formats since making his ODI debut against England in January 2018. His impressive strike-rate in T20s also helped him bag the lucrative IPL contract with Delhi Capitals. Carey was snapped by Delhi for 2.4 Crore during the IPL 2020 player auction.

    Cricket is not going to be the same in the post-COVID-19 world and playing in empty stadiums would be a ‘hollow feeling’ but Australia keeper Carey is ready to embrace the “new normal”.

    Carey is open to the idea of playing in empty stadiums, which according to him could be a way forward.

    “Cricket, as we’re used to, is going to be different for a bit. There’s the T20 World Cup and the IPL that we’re all looking to play, but it’s hard to picture anything without the fans. It’s going to be a hollow feeling,” said Carey during an Instagram live session with his IPL team.

    Also Read : Rishabh Pant Reveals Why MS Dhoni is Among his Favourite Batting Partners

    “But I feel the fans will at least have some live cricket to look forward to on TV, and I can promise it’s still going to be some solid cricket which the fans are going to love,” said the left-hander.

    Brendon McCullum hints at participation of more New Zealand players in BBL 2020-21

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    Brendon McCullum hints at participation of more New Zealand players in BBL 2020-21
    Brendon McCullum hints at participation of more New Zealand players in BBL 2020-21

    Former New Zealand and Brisbane Heat captain Brendon McCullum has put forward an intriguing suggestion regarding the increased participation of New Zealand players in the forthcoming 10th season of the Big Bash League in Australia.

    Speaking in an interview with SEN Radio, McCullum pondered the “great opportunity” lying with Big Bash if international cricket doesn’t resume to the best of its ability due to the novel COVID-19 pandemic.

    “If there is a shortage of international cricket what an opportunity for the Big Bash, which if we are being honest has probably just tailed off a little bit of late, what a great opportunity to really morph that back into Australia sporting fans’ eyes,” McCullum was quoted as saying.

    Brendon McCullum hints at participation of more New Zealand players in BBL 2020-21

    It is worth mentioning that McCullum himself played in six seasons of the BBL from 2011 to 2019. In 35 matches for Brisbane Heat, McCullum had scored 920 runs at an average of 27.88 and a strike rate of 136.50 including nine half-centuries.

    Also read : “Hopefully we get to see all three tournaments operate” : Brendon McCullum on IPL 2020, Men’s T20 World cup and Women’s WC

    McCullum, who is currently the head coach of Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders and Caribbean Premier League franchise Trinbago Knight Riders, went on to state that New Zealand could play as a separate team or the Kiwi players could play as locals in BBL 2020-21.
    “And I think what a great opportunity to maybe bring a New Zealand team into the Big Bash or use New Zealand players as local players because there may be a distinct lack of overseas players.

    “A little bit of creative thinking. It may be just for one season but we have to prepare for the long-term if you are going to grow the game there may be some value,” McCullum said.

     

    “Can’t Wait to be Back With Teammates on the Field” : Smriti Mandhana on COVID Lockdown

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    star Indian batswoman Smriti Mandhana said she is badly missing the game and can't wait to be back on the field with her teammates once normalcy returns.
    star Indian batswoman Smriti Mandhana said she is badly missing the game and can't wait to be back on the field with her teammates once normalcy returns.

    Amid the nation-wide lockdown in place due to coronavirus pandemic, star Indian batswoman Smriti Mandhana on Friday said she is badly missing the game and can’t wait to be back on the field with her teammates once normalcy returns.

    “We’ve been touring so long and I never imagined that we would go on to make so many amazing memories,” Mandhana wrote on Instagram along with photos of her Indian teammates.

    “All this has become such an important part of my life. I just can’t wait to be back on the field and back with my teammates. But until then I’ll cherish every single moment! To many more memories…soon,” she added.

    READ ALSO : Women’s ODI World Cup 2021 : Indian Team makes it’s Way “In” by Being in Top 4 in Points Table

    As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, a spate of series and tournaments, including the IPL 2020, have been postponed indefinitely.

    Cricketers are currently spending time with their families and are trying to make the most of the forced break.

    Earlier, Mandhana had revealed her day to day activities in order to make sure how she makes the most of the lockdown period.

    READ ALSO : Biography – Indian Women Cricketer Shafali Verma Age, Stats, Career, Family, T20, Records

    In a video tweeted by BCCI, the left-handed batter had revealed she is spending time by working out, washing utensils, watching movies and playing Ludo online. “The best thing which I love doing the most at home is sleeping. I make sure I sleep for at least 10 hours to keep myself happy the entire day,” she had added.

    India has been in lockdown since March 25, a step taken in order to stop the spread of coronavirus which has so far claimed more than 1800 lives in the country.

    READ ALSO : England’s Jos Buttler Expresses Admiration for Former Indian Skipper MS Dhoni

    David Warner Shares Hilarious Video featuring Kane Williamson, Bhuvneshwar Kumar

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    Warner Shares Hilarious Video featuring Kane Williamson, Bhuvneshwar Kumar
    Warner Shares Hilarious Video featuring Kane Williamson, Bhuvneshwar Kumar

    Sunrisers Hyderabad captain David Warner shared a hilarious throwback video on his Instagram handle featuring teammates Kane Williamson and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

    Warner has been very active on social media during the enforced break put forward by coronavirus pandemic and on Sunday, he uploaded another video to tickle the funny bones of his followers.

    In the short clip, the trio is seen having a blast to the popular pop song ‘what is love’. Bhuvneshwar and Williamson are sitting in the front row with Warner taking the backseat but enjoying the most.

    Also read : “David we need to have a word” : Chris Lynn Trolls Warner for Dancing Video on Instagram

    His post read: “This just made me laugh. Behind the scenes of a shoot last year with these two. Gee we all have rhythm.”

    In normal circumstances, the trio would currently be action in the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League but due to the outbreak of the virus the cash-rich league was postponed by the BCCI.

    The idea of holding matches without spectators has been mooted in the current scenario, but Warner had earlier rejected the idea of playing cricket without fans in the stands.

    “You want crowds no matter where you go and where you play. I love playing in England, it’s awesome,” Warner was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

    Also read : “Your grass needs a mow rockstar” : Michael Vaughan Trolls Ravindra Jadeja’s Swordsmanship Video Post

    “You’ve always got someone they always try and rev up, and fortunately for the team it’s pretty much just me, and that takes a lot of the heat off the other guys.

    “We’re there to put bums on seats and hopefully we can entertain the crowd by playing a good brand of cricket,” he added.

     

    South African All-rounder Solo Nqweni Announces News of Positive Coronavirus Test

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    Solo Nqweni Announces News of Positive Coronavirus Test
    Solo Nqweni Announces News of Positive Coronavirus Test

    South Africa first-class cricketer Solo Nqweni has announced that he has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

    Nqweni revealed the news on his Twitter account on Thursday. “So last year I got GBS, and have been battling this disease for the past 10 months and I’m only half way through my recovery,” Nqweni wrote.

    “I got TB, my liver failed and my kidney failed. Now today I tested positive for coronavirus. I don’t understand why all of this is happening to me. Honestly,” he added.

    This diagnosis is the latest in a long line of health issues for Nqweni, who spent four weeks in an induced coma last year and required the use of a machine to do the work of his lungs. Nqweni’s condition gradually improved and by October he was able to talk. He was given the all-clear to return to South Africa late last year but the cost of transportation was exorbitant for his family and it was only when a GoFundMe campaign was launched that Nqweni could return home.

    The campaign raised £3,125 before a single-donor pledged £76,875 to foot the rest of the bill. Nqweni travelled to Johannesburg in January, where he was admitted to a hospital to receive further care. In February, the South African national team donated R50,000 to Nqweni’s medical expenses.

    Nqweni played for South Africa Under-19s in 2012 and has been contracted to Eastern Province and the Warriors franchise since. In his most recent game for Eastern Province, the three-day provincial cup final, in April, he scored 95 from No.7.