Hockey is more than just a sport - it's a culture. From the crack of sticks on fresh ice to the flash of blades cutting across the rink, hockey draws millions of devoted fans each year. But the true heart of hockey lies not within the boards, but in the communities and connections it fosters.

The Local Scene

For many fans, hockey is intrinsically linked to their hometown. Local amateur and minor league teams build a sense of civic pride and unity. Weekend youth games at the neighborhood rink provide families and friends a place to bond. And who can forget cheering on your high school or college team? Whether it's rivals facing off or underdogs going for the title, local hockey gives communities an identity to rally around.

Linking Generations

The love of hockey often passes from one generation to the next. Parents sign their kids up for skating lessons, take them to games, and pass down fandom. In cold-weather towns, frozen backyard rinks bring families together to play pickup games and make memories. For many, hockey reminds them of childhood and connects them to long-held family traditions.

Comradery in the Locker Room

Inside the locker room, players form a special bond. Teammates support each other through highs and lows, celebrate victories, and lean on one another in defeat. Lifelong friendships are forged through early morning practices, grueling workouts, and hours spent together. For players, the team becomes an extension of family, with a closeness only those in the locker room can fully understand.

Superstitions & Rituals

Hockey culture is steeped in quirky superstitions and pre-game rituals. Players might wear the same lucky socks, avoid shaving during playoffs, or listen to a special warm-up playlist. Coaches and fans alike avoid tempting fate by refusing to touch the conference trophy. And what hockey player would dare call a shutout too early? These fun traditions add color and character to the game.

Hockey Havens

For true hockey nuts, no place offers a greater sense of community than the hockey bar. These establishments, whether dedicated hockey bars or just sports-friendly venues, become second homes. Fans flock on game nights to cheer on their team, debate stats, or just swap stories over a cold brew. For fans new in town, hockey bars can provide an instant sense of belonging.

Bonding Over Breakaway Chances...and Broken Bones

Hockey fans share a gritty enthusiasm for the action and physicality of the sport. They find communal joy in explosive breakaways and open-ice hits. War stories are traded over penalty box confrontations and bloody stitch-ups. For fans, these displays of skill and sacrifice build hockey's reputation as the ultimate team sport.

Playoff Pandemonium

The Stanley Cup Playoffs take fandom to a fever pitch. Packed stadiums buzz with thundering cheers and nervous energy. Crowds camp out for a glimpse of the cup or rally in cities for championship parades. For both players and fans, the quest for the coveted trophy turns into an unstoppable, unified mission. This shared playoff journey bonds the hockey community like nothing else.

Live Game Energy

The energy inside a hockey arena during a game is electric. When the home team scores, the crowd erupts into thunderous cheers and chants. Fans high-five and embrace, unified in the thrill of the goal. But hockey crowds also ooze nervous tension during close games, with fans anxiously checking the FanDuel NHL odds on their phones.

Diehard supporters stand the entire game, riding the momentum shifts with passionate hope or disappointment. The palpable energy between fans creates a sense of shared experience that can't be replicated. Hockey crowds exemplify the communal spirit unique to this culture.

Conclusion

While the rink contains the players, the hockey culture spills into our neighborhoods, families, favorite bars, and playoff dreams. Hockey gives us an identity to share and memories that unite us. That's why for true hockey fans, home is always where the ice is.

Before a big game, your body gives off signs. If you’re paying attention, those signs can give you a real edge. Whether it’s physical fatigue, unusual soreness, or mental fog, learning to read and respond to these signals can help you stay sharp, prevent injury, and perform at your peak.

1. You're Tired Before You Even Start

What it means: Poor recovery, high stress, or overtraining.

What to do:

• Prioritise 8 to 9 hours of sleep.
• Cut down training 1 to 2 days before the game.
• Focus on hydration and whole foods.

2. Lingering Pain or Soreness

What it means: Your body hasn’t fully recovered.

What to do:

• Stretch, walk, or swim lightly.
• Use massage tools or get bodywork.
• Don’t push through pain, it rarely ends well.

3. Elevated Resting Heart Rate

What it means: Possible stress, poor sleep, or illness.

What to do:

• Stay hydrated and reduce caffeine.
• Cancel non-essential tasks.
• Focus on deep, slow breathing.

3.5. Unusual Sweating Patterns

What it means: Excessive sweating in areas like the hands, feet, or underarms, especially without exertion, can be a signal of nervous system stress or a condition called hyperhidrosis. For athletes, this can affect grip, focus, and comfort during play. In some cases, it may indicate deeper thermoregulatory health challenges that warrant attention, especially if symptoms persist despite rest or hydration.

What to do:

• Track when it occurs.
• Wear moisture-wicking clothing and use grip-enhancing tools.
• If it’s frequent and disruptive, consult a healthcare provider.

Read Also: Mental health in sports: Players who admitted about mental health issues

4. Broken or Light Sleep

What it means: Physical and mental overload.

What to do:

• Wind down without screens an hour before bed.
• Stick to a sleep schedule, especially pre-game.
• Try gentle stretching or meditation before sleep.

5. Pre-Game Anxiety

What it means: Mental load is too high.

What to do:

• Practice breathwork or visualisation.
• Limit game talk before the competition.
• Remind yourself that nerves mean you care and you’re ready.

5.5. Overstimulated by Caffeine or Pre-Workout

What it means: Using caffeine or pre-workout supplements as a performance crutch can backfire. If you feel jittery, unfocused, or experience a sudden energy crash, you may have overdone it.

What to do:

• Stick to one reliable source of caffeine and time it 45 to 60 minutes before the game.
• Avoid trying new formulas or stacks before big performances.
• Watch for signs of overstimulation like a racing heart, nausea, or light-headedness.
• Focus on natural energy from carbs and hydration when in doubt.

5.6. Disconnect Between Mind and Movement

What it means: You know what you want your body to do, but the execution feels off. Whether it's slower reflexes, delayed reactions, or awkward transitions, this disconnect can indicate nervous tension or fatigue in your neuromuscular system.

What to do:

• Include simple coordination drills in your warm-up.
• Run through the game-specific visualisation.
• Reduce distractions during prep time.
• Take 5 minutes pre-game to breathe deeply and reset.

5.7. Overthinking Performance Outcomes

What it means: You're not thinking about how to play. You’re stuck thinking about the results. If you're fixated on winning, impressing others, or avoiding mistakes, it can lead to tight movements and second-guessing.

What to do:

• Shift focus from outcome to process.
• Rehearse a short mantra like “Be here now” or “One task at a time.”
• Avoid social media or comparison triggers.
• Reflect on past games where focusing on effort, not outcome, led to better performance.

5.8. Difficulty Making Game-Day Decisions

What it means: If making simple calls feels harder than usual, it could be decision fatigue. This often shows up after long weeks of work, training, or stress and drains mental bandwidth.

What to do:

• Prep your kit, snacks, and strategy the night before.
• Stick to a routine that reduces mental load.
• Delegate or automate small decisions.
• Conserve brainpower for when it matters.

5.9. Avoidance or Procrastination Behaviours

What it means: You find yourself delaying warm-ups, checking your phone, chatting too much, or even hoping the game gets cancelled. These are signs of burnout or emotional overload.

What to do:

• Acknowledge the behaviour without judgment.
• Use micro-goals to ease back into focus.
• Take three slow, full breaths to calm your nervous system.
• Reconnect with your reason for playing.

6. Obsessive About Routine

What it means: High stress disguised as discipline.

What to do:

• Introduce flexible habits in training.
• Focus on effort, not perfection.
• Stay grounded in what you can control.

7. You Feel Surprisingly Great

What it means: You’re rested, recovered, and ready.

What to do:

• Don’t waste that energy.
• Use it in strategic drills or mental prep.
• Trust that your body knows when it’s ready to perform.

8. Recovery is Faster Than Usual

What it means: Your program is working.

What to do:

• Stick to the plan.
• Avoid overloading at the last minute.
• Focus on consistency over hype.

8.5. You're Distracted or Mentally Scattered

What it means: Your mind may be over-stimulated or under-recovered. Lack of focus before a game can be tied to emotional stress, mental burnout, or even nutrient deficiencies.

What to do:

• Reduce screen time and digital overload the night before.
• Incorporate mindfulness techniques like journaling or quiet reflection.
• Check in with your nutrition.
• Practice short focus drills to regain control.

8.6. Digestive Upsets or Appetite Changes

What it means: The gut often reflects stress levels. Feeling bloated, nauseous, or lacking appetite can throw off energy and focus.

What to do:

• Avoid heavy or unfamiliar foods before the game.
• Stick to simple, familiar meals.
• Add calming teas like ginger or chamomile.
• Consult a nutritionist if the issue is frequent.

8.7. Reduced Coordination or Clumsiness

What it means: Feeling off-balance or uncoordinated can indicate fatigue or under-recovery.

What to do:

• Lower training complexity before game day.
• Add balance or neuromuscular drills.
• Ensure proper sleep and fueling.
• Take a short break if needed.

9. Create a Simple Pre-Game Body Scan

Why: Helps guide warm-up, mindset, and pacing.

Ask yourself:

• Did I sleep enough?
• Am I sore or energized?
• Am I mentally clear or distracted?

10. Know When to Swap Effort for Recovery

Why it matters: Smart recovery is performance fuel.

How:

• Walk instead of running.
• Try restorative yoga or stretching.
• Book a massage.
• Nap guilt-free, yes, it counts.

Final Tip: Awareness Is Your Edge

The best athletes don’t just go harder, they go smarter. Listening to your body isn’t weakness, it’s strategy. When you pay attention and respond, you don't just show up; you show up ready to compete, recover, and win.

Fairplay Club is an outstanding place for betting among Indian punters. It provides a strong platform for sports bets and online casinos. The Fairplay Club has a user-friendly interface, a full-featured mobile application, and excellent customer support. Use of the Fairplay Club is full of features and gives a flawless experience: the interface, mobile app, transaction methods, and technical support.

The interface of the Fairplay 24 bookmaker is very user-friendly and functional. It was developed with the needs of both beginners and experienced betters in mind. When users open this site, they will see a minimalistic layout where all functional buttons are located smartly for convenient navigation.

On the main page, there are noticeable categories of "Sports Betting" and "Online Casino" by which one can easily switch from one to another. Buttons such as "Live Betting, " "Promotions, " and "Account" are just within a click of the way and enable the users to navigate the platform in seconds. The user interface assures that every option a user wishes for can be found easily and bets can be placed with minimum hassle.

Mobile Application

Fairplay 24's mobile application augments the user experience by creating a platform to place bets on the go. This is a 25-megabyte application downloaded from the Fairplay Club official website only. The mobile app, developed to be user-friendly like the Desktop version, ensures not to be left behind for whatever betting or online casino gaming the user intends to participate in. The customers will enjoy excellent performance, uninterrupted navigation, and very little load time to place a bet or play online casinos through mobile.

Fast and Secure Transitions

Fairplay Club offers fast and secure transitions. It ensures that the users can easily credit money in their account and take out winning amounts without facing any hassle. The platform supports a different kind of payment method. So it also includes popular ways like UPI, Paytm, and bank transfers.  It allows a minimum deposit to engage with 500 INR. Thus, this amount is reasonable enough for most bettors. At Fairplay Club, all transactional processes are safe and smooth. Therefore, the user may be sure that all the financial information is processed soundly.

Technical Support and Reliability of a Platform

Technical support is the constituent part of the service, which emphasizes the reliability of the platform. It provides 24/7 support to its users to correct any hiccups that may arise. The team is always responsive to the inquiries of users and delivers the solutions in no time. In addition, the technology is solid with no downtimes or performance issues. Security at Fairplay Club is paramount, and this finds its voice in the Indian betting market, where reliability among bookies holds water.

Fairplay Club: Besieged Sports Betting and Online Casino Experience

Fairplay Club has been leading the Indian betting market in offering sports betting and online casino experience. With a user-friendly platform and more betting options, the platform is great for sporting, as well as casino, enthusiasts. Variety and ease are its strengths.

Fairplay Club Bookmaker Sports Betting in India

Sports betting with Fairplay Club is very exciting as one gets a number of choices in a number of sports. It is one of the best sportsbooks for Indian punters to get the best out of one's knowledge in sports. Among people, the most popular sports for betting are cricket, football, and tennis. There are different types of bets one can place in all these sports, according to the various strategies and preferences.

Cricket: It is the most popular and sought-after sport in India. In cricket, there's a lot of action linked to betting. It indulges in various forms of betting such as match results, top batsman, highest opening partnership, and man of the match. Some of the sought-after tournaments are the Indian Premier League, the ICC World Cup, and many bilateral series.

Football: The majority of the people placing football bets are global-based users who bet on the results of the match, the total goals scored, or player performance. Football bets rank amongst the very best and most compelling at McBet, especially with the EPL, Champions League, and FIFA World Cup going on.

Tennis: For tennis, the popular betting markets are in the fields of matchwinner, set betting, and total games. People could bet on esteemed tournaments like Wimbledon, the US Open, and the French Open.

It does not matter what type of sport or wager a client is into; with a terrific choice to choose from, every punter will find an event and bet of his taste.

Read Also | The drive behind sports video games 

Online Casino Games at Fairplay Club

Online Casino Section: Fairplay Club's online casino section contains a variety of games according to everybody's taste. There are classic games and modern versions; all just enhance the gambling experience. It provides roulette, blackjack, slots, and plenty of other varieties for casino-loving gamers.

Roulette – European, American and French Roulette. It is a game that combines simplicity, and tension, and therefore is a common denominator in any casino game.

The game of Blackjack: Is deeply skill-based, hence most players find themselves drawn to the game to test their luck against a dealer. Types go together with classic blackjack and Atlantic City blackjack.

Slots: Some of the greatest attractions in this casino are the slot games, with their bright themes and potential for a high win. This online casino offers various slot games; from vintage and very simple fruit machines to modern video slots, which are equipped with attractive graphics and bonus features to keep players excited.

Other games in this online casino include baccarat, video poker, and arcade games. This is indeed a rich bunch of games that ensure guys are never out of options.

Read Also | Gaming for Good: How Online Gaming Communities Are Making a Positive Impact 

Fairplay Club Live Casino

Fairplay Club enhances this online gaming experience by allowing players to interact in real time with live dealers at the live casino section. Through most regular online casinos, where the games are controlled by computer-based algorithms, live casinos change this. It is bringing the casino floor directly onto the screen through broadcasting technology live. With this setup, the experience is more realistic and engaging, much like actually being at a physical casino.

Bonuses and Promotions for Sports Betting and Casino Fans at Fairplay Club

There is much more to the Fairplay Club in India than just boasting an extensive range of sports betting options and indie online casinos. It will shower users with various lucrative bonuses and promotions, with many boosting their betting experiences. This will give a tailor-made offer not only to those who keenly follow sports but also to online casino aficionados so that everyone builds something to look forward to.

Read Also | 5 Tips to Safeguard Your Online Casino Gaming Experience 

Bonuses for Sports Betting Fans at Fairplay Club

Fairplay Club presents a chain of attractive bonuses for sports betting fans, making bets even more exciting. For the new user, they have a welcome bonus that doubles the first deposit; in case of a minimum deposit of 500 INR, it goes up to 10,000 INR. This is to ensure that adequate money is availed for trying out most of the sports betting options.

Besides this, Fairplay Club also offers reload bonuses on further deposits, which often amount to 50% of the deposited amount, up to a maximum of 5,000 INR. During big events, such as the IPL or the FIFA World Cup, Fairplay Club often has extra special offers, such as cashback in which users can get 10% of their net losses, up to 2,000 INR. Such promotions simply add to the levels of excitement and security in allowing bettors to bring out the best from their knowledge of sports. 

Bonuses for Online Casino Fans at Fairplay Club

At Fairplay Club, online casino enthusiasts are equally catered to through an array of various bonuses that would help crank up their game. It is 100% on the first deposit with a minimum of depositing 500 INR, and the maximum bonus one could get is up to 10,000 INR. In addition to this, Fairplay Club has weekly free spins on popular slot games; for example, a new user, against their first deposit, would get 50 free spins.

Such offers do not turn their backs on old users, as they are granted the opportunity to gain from weekly reload bonuses—for instance, a 50% match for deposits made every Friday, with the bonus capping at 5,000 INR. The other famous promo is the loyalty program, whereby the system rewards users with points for each game played. Accrued points could then be redeemed later for cash bonuses or extra spins, thus rendering the game even more captivating.

Read Also | How Casino Gambling Has Increased in Popularity Throughout History? 

How to Place Your First Bet on Fairplay Club

Betting on the Fairplay Club site is easy and profitable. The procedure—from registration to placing your very first sports bet—will be made as transparent as possible and easy. Just follow this step-by-step guide and launch yourself without a hitch and enjoy the thrill of betting on your favorite game.

Step-by-Step Guide to Register at Fairplay Club

Firstly, open your account with Fairplay Club. The process is so quick and ensures you start exploring their valuable betting selections in very little time.

• Navigate to the Fairplay Club Website: Use your browser to open the Fairplay Club's official site.
• Click the Register Button: You can find the 'Register' button in the top right area of the home page.
• Fill in your particulars: Fill in the required personal details, such as first and last name, email address, and mobile number. Be very careful while filling this particular section. Any inconsistency will lead you into trouble at a later stage of the process.
• Create your Password: Enter a strong password to be used with your account. Re-enter the Password to confirm it.
• Accept the Terms and Conditions: Go through the terms and conditions document and place a checkmark in the box to the right of the words ACCEPT to confirm your agreement with the terms of service.
• Submit Your Registration: Click the registration button to complete the process. You will get the verification email to confirm your account.

Making a Deposit at Fairplay Club

Once you have registered, the next step would be to fund your account so you can place some bets. Fairplay Club offers a variety of deposit methods to users in order to make depositing convenient.

• Sign in to Your Account: Log in to your Fairplay Club account with your registered e-mail and password.
• Locate the Deposit Section: You will find the deposit section on your player account.
• Select a Deposit Method: You can use various available deposit options that may include doing it via credit/debit cards, by bank transfer, or through an e-wallet.
• Input the Deposit Amount: Type in the amount you would like to deposit. Do remember the minimum deposit requirement of 500 INR.
• Enter Your Payment Information: Enter the information of your chosen deposit method when required.
• Confirmation of the Transaction: Confirm the information a second time and confirm your transaction. The amount should be reflected in your Fairplay Club account within a few moments.

How to Place Your First Sports Bet on Fairplay Club

Your account has been funded, so you can go ahead and make your first sports bet. Fairplay Club offers punters multiple sports to bet on.

Surf Through Sports Events: Make your way over to the sports section and select the event you would like to place your bet on. Select games like cricket, football, and tennis, amongst others.

Pick a Betting Market: Here you will choose the type of market you want to place your bet on. Some of the markets might be the match winner, total goals scored over the 90 minutes, over/under, and many others.

Key in Your Stake: Enter the amount you want to bet on in the field.

Place Your Bet: After reviewing the selection and stake amount, click "Place" to place a bet.

Track Your Bets: Follow all the obtained bets in the history section of your account.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or betting advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, all betting and gambling involve a high degree of risk and are inherently unpredictable.

Hello and welcome to our LIVE coverage of Manchester United vs Athletic Club Bilbao in the Europa League 2024-25 semi-final second leg at the Old Trafford stadium in London. 

United are leading by 3-0 after the first leg, and they would be favourites to enter the final. However, Athletic Club Bilbao have everything in their armoury to surprise United at their home. 

Read Also | What would you rather choose? Crashing out in the UCL semis or winning the Europa League

Knowing United's home record this season, along with their inconsistent performances, we can expect a great fight from Bilbao. So, sit back and relax as Koushik Biswas brings you the buildup, LIVE updates and text commentary of the Manchester United vs Athletic Club Bilbao Europa League semi-final second leg match. 

Enjoy the coverage.

The second season of the Bengal Pro T20 League is set to commence on May 16, starting with the women's tournament, while the men's tournament will begin on June 4. Although the first season was relatively successful, the fans were somewhat disappointed by the limited runs scored by the batters. Shreevats Gowasmi, a former Bengal and IPL cricketer, hopes to see more runs this season to attract both scouts and fans.

Goswami, a 2008 ICC U-19 World Cup winner and the recipient of the 2008 IPL Emerging Player of the Year award, shared his insights in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point. 

"Youngsters should focus on performing in state tournaments like BPT20L

The former left-handed top-order batter, who is a commentator and cricket analyst now, emphasised the significance of local state leagues in a recent Instagram post, highlighting the necessity for players to focus on these leagues before aspiring for larger platforms like the Indian Premier League.

"I.P.L. teams are always on the lookout for unknown talents who can surprise opponents. Players like Priyansh Arya, Aniket Verma, Vignesh Puthur, and Digvesh Rathi were relatively unknown before entering the I.P.L. All of them made a significant impact in their first few games. This is what teams are currently seeking," Goswami told Sportz Point.

"Since I.P.L. teams now send scouts to observe performances in state T20 leagues, there's always a possibility of getting noticed through these leagues. Thus, players must concentrate on delivering strong performances in tournaments like the Bengal Pro T20 League," he added.

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A post shared by Shreevats Goswami (@shreevatsgoswami)

In addition to providing a platform for players, Goswami believes these leagues can also benefit the states by helping identify the next generation of cricketers. 

"With these leagues comprising 5-7 franchise teams, they offer a pool of players to evaluate. This also aids states in discovering their next wave of talent. So, it works well for both young players and the states," Goswami expressed.

Read Also | Exclusive: Bowls like Malinga, once doubted by her family, Nadia's Sonali Das is set for Bengal Pro T20 League dreams after an 8-wicket haul in School Cricket

"I would love to see more sixes and bigger scores"

To attract fans and impress scouts in a T20 format, significant scores and exhilarating last-ball finishes are crucial. These elements highlight the skills of the batters while challenging bowlers in high-pressure situations similar to those encountered in the I.P.L. 

For example, Priyansh Arya made headlines in the Delhi Premier League by hitting six sixes in an over during his knock of 120 runs off 50 balls. Ashwani Kumar bowled six yorkers in an over in the Sher E Punjab T20 Trophy in 2024. 

Such performances helped both players secure spots in the auction, leading to notable achievements—Arya scored the third-fastest IPL century by an Indian, while Ashwani became the first Indian man in IPL history to take more than three wickets on his debut.

"The only thing I want to see this season in the Bengal Pro T20 League is big sixes and bigger scores. More scores in the range of 180-200, or even greater, will challenge the batters to aim for large hits during chases, while also providing opportunities for bowlers to excel in demanding conditions," Goswami stated. 

"However, given all the I.P.L. matches and club games throughout the season, it may be challenging to secure batting-friendly pitches. Nevertheless, I am confident that the C.A.B. will make an effort to prepare batting-friendly wickets this season," he added.

Read Also | Bengal Cricket: 7 U-19 cricketers from Bengal who can play for India in future

"Batters need to do more open nets"

To achieve high scores and experience impactful performances, Bengal's highest run scorer of Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy feels that batters need to adopt a more fearless approach. As one of Bengal's greatest white-ball batters, he advises players to engage in open net sessions to enhance their hitting skills. 

"I would recommend that young batters spend more time in open nets. See if you can clear the boundaries or not. Aim to hit 100 sixes every day from the centre of the ground. This will help them understand their abilities and better prepare for matches," Goswami shared.

Using the example of a talented 14-year-old, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Shreevats noted, "Look at someone like Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Even at such a young age, his hitting ability rivals that of anyone in the I.P.L. How does he achieve that? First, he has a fearless mindset, and second, he practices hitting big sixes."

"Developing the habit of hitting sixes is essential for success in leagues like the Bengal Pro T20 League."

Read Also | Exclusive: "Do not call him a 'baccha', he will play T20s for India in two years," says Bihar head coach after Vaibhav Suryavanshi's historical IPL ton

"More T20-specific practice is needed"

The last time Bengal won a white-ball tournament was in 2012 when they lifted the Vijay Hazare Trophy, with Shreevats as the opener for the team. Since then, they have struggled to achieve similar success in white-ball cricket. While they have reached a few finals in red-ball formats, their white-ball accomplishments have been elusive.

Read Also | Where Are They Now: Last Time Bengal Men's Cricket Team Won A Trophy

Shreevats believes that to thrive in the white-ball format or T20 cricket, players must engage in more T20-specific practices. Additionally, he feels that academies should provide grounds that allow for more open net sessions. 

"It is quite basic. Batters need to participate in more T20-focused practices. For that, access to open nets at training academies would greatly benefit the players."

But how can Bengal cultivate stars like Vaibhav?

Shreevats, who became a cricketing star even before turning 18, believes that to cultivate more white-ball talents at a young age, guardians need to place greater trust in coaches and allow them to develop the children. Additionally, coaches should engage with the kids to understand their aspirations and then guide them accordingly.

“To develop any cricketer, guardians need to have more confidence in the coach's abilities, and coaches should ask the kids what they want to achieve. After understanding their goals, coaches can guide them in the right direction,” Goswami shared.

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday. 38-year-old Rohit had already retired from T20I cricket. For now, he will continue to play for India in the ODI format and he is also the captain of Team India in this format. After this announcement by Rohit, his 11-year long Test cricket career also came to an end.

Rohit Sharma had a very good Test cricket career and he played for India in this format from number one to number six. However, he was very successful as an opener in Test cricket. 

Also Read: Rohit Sharma stats in tests

Let's take a look at Rohit Sharma stats in Tests as an opener.

Rohit scored most centuries as an opener

Rohit scored 4301 runs in 67 Test matches played in his career at an average of 40.57 with 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries, but he scored the most centuries as an opener.

Rohit was elevated to that role for the first time in October 2019, and since then, no other opener has scored as many tons. Overall, only four batters have scored more Test tons than Rohit in this period.

Rohit Sharma stats in Tests: Most sixes for India

Rohit has hit a total of 88 sixes in his Test cricket career and is second on the list of batsmen who have hit the most sixes for India in the longer format of cricket. If he had hit 3 more sixes in the Test, he would have become the batsman who has hit the most sixes in Tests for India. The record for hitting the most sixes in Tests for India is held by Virender Sehwag who hit a total of 90 sixes.

Rohit Sharma stats in Tests: Most centuries for India in won Test matches

Rohit Sharma is at number 5 in the list of batsmen who have scored the most centuries in Test matches won by India. He has scored a total of 12 centuries in Test matches won by India. Sachin Tendulkar is at the top of this list with 20 centuries.

• 20 - Sachin Tendulkar 
• 15 - Rahul Dravid 
• 14 - Virat Kohli
• 13 - Cheteshwar Pujara 
• 12 - Rohit Sharma

Also Read: Rohit Sharma in ICC tournaments for India

Rohit Sharma stats in Tests as an opener

As an opener in Test cricket, Rohit scored a total of 2697 runs in 66 innings for India. During this period, his average was 42.81 while in these 66 innings, he also scored 9 centuries and 8 half-centuries. His best score as an opener in Tests was 212 runs.