Veteran Indian leg spinner Amit Mishra has officially announced his retirement from all formats of cricket, marking the end of an illustrious journey that spanned more than 25 years.
Mishra, who made his international debut in 2003, quickly rose to prominence as a dependable leg spinner known for his accuracy and ability to outsmart batsmen. Over the years, he represented India in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, earning a reputation as one of the finest leg spinners of his generation.
In addition to his international career, Mishra was a standout performer in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he became one of the tournament’s most successful bowlers. His hat-tricks and consistent breakthroughs made him a match-winner for multiple franchises.
On September 4, 2025, Mishra took to social media to share the news, expressing gratitude to his family, teammates, fans, and coaches. He reflected on his journey, describing cricket as his “greatest teacher and lifelong passion.”
Known for his calm demeanor and exceptional skills, Mishra’s contributions to Indian cricket extend beyond statistics. He served as a mentor to younger spinners and remained a key presence in domestic cricket well into his 40s.
As Amit Mishra steps away from the cricketing field, he leaves behind not only records but also memories cherished by millions of fans. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his influence on Indian cricket and the art of leg spin will endure.
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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral
August 27, 2025: One of Indian cricket’s most iconic spin bowlers, Ravichandran Ashwin, is contemplating retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 38-year-old veteran has hinted at stepping away from the league, marking the close of a glittering IPL journey that began in 2009.
Ashwin made his debut for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and quickly became a cornerstone of their bowling attack. He played a pivotal role in CSK’s back-to-back title wins in 2010 and 2011, even earning Player of the Series in the Champions League T20 in 2010.
With 221 matches and 187 wickets, Ashwin currently ranks as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history. He featured in 16 of the 18 IPL seasons, representing a range of teams including:
Chennai Super Kings (2009–2015)
Rising Pune Supergiant (2016–2017)
Punjab Kings (2018–2019, as captain)
Delhi Capitals (2020–2021)
Rajasthan Royals (2022–2025)
Ashwin’s intelligent bowling, leadership, and ability to adapt made him one of the most respected figures in the league. Whether opening the bowling or bowling the death overs, his versatility was unmatched.
“It’s been on my mind for a while,” Ashwin shared in a recent interview. “The IPL has given me everything. It may be time to pass the torch to the next generation.”
🎯 Career Highlights:
IPL titles with CSK (2010, 2011)
187 wickets in 221 matches
Captaincy stint with Punjab Kings
Famous dismissal of Chris Gayle in IPL 2011 final
While Ashwin may be ready to exit IPL, he is expected to remain active in domestic cricket and coaching circles. His contributions to Indian cricket, both in IPL and international formats, continue to shape the next generation of players.
Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral
The “Maharaja of Indian Cricket”, Sourav Ganguly, has officially returned to frontline cricket—this time as Head Coach of the Pretoria Capitals in the upcoming 2026 edition of SA20, South Africa’s leading T20 cricket league.
At 53, Ganguly is proving once again that age is no barrier when it comes to passion and leadership. His appointment follows the exit of former England cricketer Jonathan Trott, who coached the Capitals in the 2023–2025 seasons and is now the Head Coach of Afghanistan’s national team.
Ganguly’s cricket journey has spanned decades—captain of Team India, a powerful figure in world cricket as BCCI President, and now, a mentor and coach stepping into one of the sport’s biggest franchise leagues. Prior to his BCCI role, he also served as a mentor with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League and is currently the Director of JSW Sports, the parent company of Pretoria Capitals.
The 2026 edition of the SA20 tournament will be held from December 26, 2025 to January 25, 2026, to avoid a direct clash with the ICC Cricket World Cup.
Ganguly expressed his gratitude and optimism about the role:
“All the best and thank you for having me,” he shared, signaling his commitment to lead the Capitals into a new era.
With Ganguly’s proven tactical mind and inspirational leadership, Pretoria Capitals will be looking to rebuild and push for a strong finish in the upcoming season. His mentorship is expected to play a vital role in developing young talent and infusing the team with a winning mentality.
In what might be Mumbai’s most talked-about (but unconfirmed) engagement of the year, Arjun Tendulkar—cricketer and son of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar—is rumoured to be engaged to Saaniya Chandok, granddaughter of hospitality magnate Ravi Ghai. The alleged engagement reportedly took place in a private setting, with only close family and friends in attendance, according to a report by India Today.
However, Times Now Digital stated they couldn’t verify the claim independently, leaving the rumour mill to churn—with equal parts speculation and excitement.
Who Is Saaniya Chandok?
While not a public figure in the traditional sense, Saaniya Chandok is no stranger to pedigree. Her grandfather, Ravi Ghai, is a cornerstone of India’s hospitality industry through Graviss Hospitality Ltd., which owns the InterContinental hotel on Marine Drive and popular dessert brand The Brooklyn Creamery.
But Saaniya has carved her own entrepreneurial path. A graduate of the London School of Economics and a certified Veterinary Technician (Worldwide Veterinary Service, 2024), she is also the founder of Mr. Paws Pet Spa & Store LLP, a boutique pet care brand based in Mumbai.
Inside the Ghai Hospitality Empire
The Ghai family legacy stretches back to the 1940s, beginning with Iqbal Krishan “IK” Ghai, known as the ‘Maharajah of Ice Cream’. From serving American soldiers homemade ice cream during WWII to founding Kwality Ice Cream, his sweet innovations redefined India’s dessert industry.
His son, Ravi Ghai, took the brand global and diversified into luxury hospitality with the InterContinental. However, recent headlines have been less flattering: just weeks ago, Ravi and his son Gaurav were reportedly embroiled in a legal dispute over control of Graviss Hospitality—allegations of forgery and betrayal casting a shadow over the otherwise iconic brand.
How Do Saaniya and Arjun Know Each Other?
While neither the Tendulkar nor Ghai families have spoken publicly, signs of a budding bond have been visible for some time. Social media detectives have found images of Saaniya and Arjun’s sister, Sara Tendulkar, vacationing together in Jaipur and attending IPL matches—suggesting more than just surface-level acquaintance.
Where Is Arjun Tendulkar in His Career?
Professionally, Arjun continues to chase cricketing dreams. A left-arm fast bowler, he plays for Goa in domestic cricket and appeared for the Mumbai Indians in the 2023 and 2024 IPL seasons. Despite the spotlight on his last name, he’s working steadily to build his own path in Indian cricket.
Interestingly, just hours before the reported engagement, Arjun’s Instagram story showed only a cricket ground with the caption: “Just cricket ground.” Poetic timing or pure coincidence?
Following in Sachin’s Romantic Footsteps?
If true, Arjun’s engagement would echo his father’s romantic journey. Sachin Tendulkar proposed to Anjali Mehta when he was just 19, waiting until 22 to marry in 1995. Like his father, Arjun seems to favour quiet commitment over loud declarations—perhaps a modern update to a classic love story.
Mumbai’s Next Power Couple in the Making?
Cricket legacy on one side. Hospitality royalty on the other. Both deeply rooted in Mumbai’s elite circles. If the rumoured engagement proves true, Arjun Tendulkar and Saaniya Chandok could very well become the city’s next power couple—balancing fame, business, and quiet charisma.
But until we hear it from the Tendulkars or Ghais themselves, this remains a story wrapped in rumour, tradition, and tantalising curiosity.
In the world of cricket, where early success often defines legacy, Ambey Parwatkar’s story is a rare outlier — shaped by struggle, molded by mentors, and crowned with perseverance.
His is not a tale of overnight fame or flashy leagues. It’s the story of a man who carried his kit across 21 countries, made a mark in every corner, and kept performing long after others hung up their boots.
In an era where cricket careers are often short and commercialized, Ambey’s journey reminds us that there’s still room in the sport for grit, purpose, and loyalty to the game itself.
Ambey first tasted competitive cricket at the age of 13, representing his school and a team called Tadmad CC, captained then by the current Education Director Shailesh Zungde. In his debut match against the Maharashtra MSFC — a corporate government team — he made an immediate impact by taking four wickets and winning the Man of the Match award in the GCA B Division. It was a bold beginning, one that hinted at a spark destined to burn far longer than most.
The Long Road to Ranji
While many cricketers peak in their 20s, Ambey’s first-class debut came at the age of 36. After 23 years of playing the sport at multiple levels and being part of squads for four different state teams, he finally got his Ranji Trophy break for Goa — at Dharmashala, against Himachal Pradesh. Goa not only won the match but also qualified for the 2008 knockouts.
“I was in the squad for 16 matches and only got to play once,” he reflects. That one game, however, was a personal triumph, symbolic of years of unwavering persistence.
Mentors Who Built the Cricketer
His growth in cricket is owed to a constellation of mentors: Chandrakant Chede laid the foundations in Goa; Mohinder Singh Bedi guided the U-17 team to a championship; and Rakesh Rawat instilled discipline in fitness and fielding. Later, in Mumbai, he trained under Late V.S. Patil and Late Vasu Paraspe (whose academy Ambey now runs in Goa). Other major influences included Ramakant Desai, Dilip Sardesai, Sandeep Patil, Praveen Amre, Zubin Barucha, and Jatin Paraspe.
Internationally, he honed his skills under Malcolm Marshall and Omar Henry in South Africa, and with Madanlal, Ali Anwar, and Mushtaq Mohammed in Dubai. He represented Yogi Group and Sharjah Club with distinction.
He was continuously supported by individuals like Sharad Pednekar, Luchi Velji, Sanjay Katkar, Late Nagraj Sir, Chetan Desai, and Dayanand Narvekar in Goa. His family, especially his father (a photographer), his brother, his wife, and his mother, were integral to his stability and focus.
Ambey credits Shivaji Maharaj as his lifelong role model, with sporting inspirations including Muhammad Ali, Andre Agassi, Steve Waugh, and Ravi Shastri. Cricketers like Mohinder Amarnath and Kapil Dev also left a deep impact.
Milestones That Matter
Across his decades-long journey, Ambey’s career has been filled with standout moments, including:
Winning the U-17 Vijay Hazare Trophy with Goa — a tournament that changed his and his teammates’ careers.
A spectacular 9-wicket match haul (7 in the first innings, 2 in the second) against Andhra Pradesh in the U-23 circuit.
Receiving his Ranji debut cap from Dodda Ganesh in 2008.
Leading Yogi Group to victory against Afghanistan Wings, with match-winning figures of 4-1-12-3.
Becoming the most economical bowler in 50+ cricket following the 2025 Sri Lanka World Cup.
Ranking 12th globally in the MVP list at the 2023 50+ World Cup in South Africa.
Earning four consecutive Man of the Match awards in Sharjah’s Champions Trophy, defeating UAE’s top teams.
Cricket Without Borders
Ambey’s most unique achievement? Playing in 21 countries, starting over in each with no entitlement, no shortcuts — just performances.
Whether it was Mumbai, Dubai, South Africa, or England, he had to prove himself again and again. “I never carried my name. I carried my performances,” he says.
This recurring “restart” — across cultures, conditions, and teams — became both his biggest challenge and his greatest strength.
Cricket in the Age of Technology
Ambey is candid about the evolution of the sport. While he acknowledges the value of biomechanics and tech in cricket, he’s concerned about the erosion of the sport’s deeper spirit.
“You can learn technique. You can’t teach heart,” he says.
His Message to Young Cricketers
Ambey urges young players to look beyond fame or league contracts.
“Don’t play just for the IPL or international stardom. Learn cricket. Live cricket. Be Dedicated, Determined, and Disciplined — the 3 D’s. Master the game in all its forms. And always give more than 100%.”
A Life Beyond Cricket
Away from cricket, Ambey is a man of many interests — a traveler, drummer, beach swimmer, and someone deeply engaged with Goa’s social initiatives. He values time with his family, thrives on routine, and firmly believes in “doing things his way.”
A Legacy Still in Motion
At 50+, Ambey Parwatkar continues to compete and lead. More importantly, he continues to inspire.
In a game that often forgets late bloomers and quiet fighters, he stands tall as a reminder that there is no expiry date on passion. He’s not just a cricketer. He’s a student, a mentor, a global ambassador of the game’s enduring soul.
