Tag: IPL

Special Occasion

Happy 37th Birthday to Virat Kohli — A Legend in Motion

Tanisha Cardozo

On 5 November 2025, Virat Kohli celebrates his 37th birthday — a milestone that invites reflection on a career already etched in the annals of cricketing history. Born in Delhi on 5 November 1988, Kohli’s rise from a talented U19 World Cup winning captain in 2008 to the heartbeat of Indian cricket has been marked by records, determination, and an unfaltering will to win.

Kohli’s journey is defined not only by the volume of runs he has amassed, but by the contexts in which he achieved them. His mastery of the chase in One-Day Internationals, his hunger in Test matches abroad, his leadership of the Indian team, and his loyalty to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise in the Indian Premier League stand out as defining chapters. The year 2025 added yet another landmark when RCB, after a long wait, clinched their maiden IPL title — an emotional moment for a man whose devotion to the team spanned nearly two decades.

Beyond the scoreboard, Kohli transformed fitness, professionalism, and attitude in Indian cricket. He became a standard-bearer for the next generation, showing that greatness comes not just from talent but from relentless work, discipline, and self-belief. On his birthday, fans around the world reflect not just on his past triumphs but on the future he still promises.

At 37, the narrative does not slow — it evolves. For Kohli, this stage brings new roles: mentor, icon, ambassador of the sport he loves. Yet the hunger remains evident. On this special day, the cricketing world celebrates a player who made records look routine, who made chasing feel thrilling, and who made the crease his arena.

Happy birthday to the legend who continues to inspire.

Human Interest

Marcus Stoinis Gets Engaged to Longtime Partner Sarah Czarnuch Off the Coast of Spain

Tanisha Cardozo

Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has taken a significant step off the field, getting engaged to his long-time partner Sarah Czarnuch in a romantic proposal off the coast of Spain. The couple, who have been together since 2021, shared the moment with the world through Sarah’s heartfelt Instagram post: “On a boat off the coast of Spain, I said the easiest yes of my life.” The engagement brought a beautiful blend of sports and fashion into the spotlight, drawing admiration from fans around the globe.

Sarah Czarnuch has built an impressive career of her own. A model who has worked with leading brands in Australia and internationally, she is also a fashion entrepreneur. Her design label, ‘SarahCzarnuch X Elliatt,’ showcases her modern, creative vision and has become known for its chic and contemporary collections. In addition, she lends her expertise to GT Magazine in Australia as a beauty columnist, where she shares tips on skincare, fashion trends, and lifestyle insights.

While Sarah has continued to grow her fashion and beauty footprint, Marcus Stoinis remains a key figure in international cricket. Earlier this year in February, Stoinis retired from One Day Internationals (ODIs) to focus on T20 cricket. His ODI career spanned 71 matches, beginning in 2015, during which he scored 1,495 runs at an average of 26.7 and a strike rate nearing 94. His standout performance came early in his career when he scored an unbeaten 146 against New Zealand. He also contributed with the ball, taking 48 wickets with best figures of 3 for 16, and was part of Australia’s victorious 2023 World Cup squad. In recognition of his contributions, he was named Australia’s ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2018-19.

In T20 internationals, Stoinis has proven himself to be a valuable asset. With 1,245 runs at an average of 31.92 and an explosive strike rate of 148.57, he has delivered match-winning performances for Australia. He has also claimed 45 wickets with a best of 4 for 23, reinforcing his all-rounder status.

The engagement of Marcus and Sarah marks a joyful new chapter in their journey together. Their story is one of shared success and mutual support, each thriving in their respective fields while nurturing a relationship away from the constant public gaze. From the cricket stadiums to the world of fashion and lifestyle, the couple continues to captivate — this time with a celebration of love.

Sports

Amit Mishra Retires After 25-Year Career, Bids Farewell to Cricket

allycaralgoa

New Delhi | September 4, 2025

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.

👉 Stay tuned to allycaral.com for more updates on sports, cricket legends, and retirement tributes.

Sports

RCB Pledges ₹25 Lakh Each to Stampede Victims’ Families, Launches ‘RCB Cares’ for Long-Term Support

Tanisha Cardozo

On June 4, 2025, what should have been a moment of jubilation turned into a heartbreaking tragedy. During the celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s historic win in this year’s IPL, a stampede broke out at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, claiming the lives of 11 fans and injuring many others. Nearly three months later, RCB has released a statement reaffirming its commitment to those affected—not just in words, but through action.

In a poignant message posted on August 30, RCB expressed deep sorrow, stating, “Our hearts broke on June 4. We lost eleven members of the RCB family. They were part of us. Part of what makes our city, our community & our team unique. Their absence will echo in the memories of each one of us.”

The team announced it is extending ₹25 lakh to each of the families of the deceased. This is in addition to the ₹10 lakh per family that was announced shortly after the incident in June. The team emphasized that this support goes beyond financial aid. “It is a promise of compassion, unity, and ongoing care. No amount of support can ever fill the space they’ve left behind. But as a first step, and with the deepest respect, RCB has extended ₹25 lakh each to their families.”

Alongside this, RCB officially launched ‘RCB Cares’, a long-term commitment designed to provide ongoing support, not just for the families of the deceased, but also for injured fans and the larger community. “RCB Cares grew out of a need to honour, to heal, and to stand beside our fans,” the team said.

The tragedy has not only left an emotional scar on the team and its fans but also sparked political debate. The opposition BJP held the ruling Congress government accountable, questioning the presence of Deputy CM DK Shivakumar at the venue. Shivakumar clarified that his presence was requested by the city’s Police Commissioner to help disperse the crowd swiftly. Amid this political turmoil, RCB had maintained a near-total public silence—until now.

Two days ago, the team broke its silence with a heartfelt post: “The Silence wasn’t Absence. It was Grief.” The message continued, “In that silence, we’ve been grieving. Listening. Learning. And slowly, we’ve begun to build something more than just a response. Something we truly believe in.”

With the announcement of increased support and the launch of ‘RCB Cares’, Royal Challengers Bengaluru has taken a step toward healing—not just for the victims’ families, but for a fanbase united in both celebration and mourning. As the city continues to move forward, the echoes of June 4 remain, and RCB’s latest move ensures that those who were lost will not be forgotten.

Spotlight

GM Rao: From Andhra Roots to Global Runways

allycaralgoa

GMR Group founder GM Rao has earned the moniker “Airport Tycoon of India”, and for good reason. Under his leadership, the GMR Group operates and manages India’s largest airports while also expanding its influence in Greece, the Philippines, and beyond.

Born in a small town in Andhra Pradesh, GM Rao began his entrepreneurial journey in 1978 with a jute mill. Over the years, that seed of ambition grew into a diversified empire comprising 28 companies across energy, transportation, aviation, and urban infrastructure.

With a net worth of ₹25,060 crore, Rao stands among India’s 100 richest individuals, as per Forbes.

🏢 GMR Group at a Glance:

  • Revenue: ₹10,836 crore
  • Key Companies: GMR Airports, GMR Infrastructure, GMR Energy, GMR Enterprises
  • Airport Portfolio:
    • Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
    • Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
    • Manohar International Airport, Goa
    • Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur (in collaboration with MIHAN India)

Internationally, GMR has active airport projects in Greece and the Philippines, making it the second-largest private airport operator globally.

In January 2024, GMR further cemented its commitment to aviation by launching the GMR School of Aviation in Hyderabad, in collaboration with Airbus. This initiative aims to nurture the next generation of aviation professionals.

Beyond infrastructure, GM Rao also owns a 50% stake in IPL team Delhi Capitals, blending business with the cricketing passion of millions.

💡 Visionary in PPP Projects

One of Rao’s lasting legacies is his effective use of the public-private partnership (PPP) model. Through this approach, GMR has led transformative projects that bridge gaps in critical infrastructure, fuel growth, and create sustainable models of development.

GM Rao’s story is a masterclass in vision, perseverance, and nation-building. From a single jute mill to shaping the future of air travel and infrastructure in India and abroad, he remains a monumental figure in the country’s economic landscape.