Redemption at Last: South Africa’s Long-Awaited Moment of Glory

ICC World Test Champions 2025

- By Venkat Parthasarathy
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I write this with a spring in my step and joy in my heart - South Africa have finally done it. The Proteas have broken the curse. In a moment that will echo through cricketing history, they defeated the mighty and defending champions Australia by Five wickets to lift the ICC World Test Championship mace. 

It wasn’t just a win - it was a commanding, clinical, emotionally cathartic triumph. Years of heartbreak, ridicule, and close calls were washed away as captain Temba Bavuma, hobbling but unbroken, raised the trophy that generations of South African greats had chased in vain.

For decades, South African cricket has been a tale of immense talent, heartbreak, and unfulfilled potential. Emerging from the shadows of apartheid, their re-entry into international cricket in 1991 was marked by promise and pride. Yet, through the years that followed, the Proteas became the embodiment of the phrase “so close, yet so far.” The infamous moniker of “chokers” clung stubbornly to them like a shadow, haunting their every ICC campaign.

The heartbreak began with the 1992 Cricket World Cup, their first major tournament post-readmission. Chasing a place in the final, they were cruelly undone by the infamous rain rule in the semi-final against England - needing an impossible 22 runs off one ball after a sudden shower recalculated the target. It was a bizarre end to a fairy tale run.

Then came the 1999 World Cup, another semi-final, another heart breaker. The match against Australia is etched in history not only for its thrilling finish but also for the dramatic collapse in the final moments. With one run needed from four balls and a spot in the final on the line, a mind-numbing mix-up between Lance Klusener and Allan Donald resulted in a run-out — and a tie that sent Australia through. “You just dropped the World Cup, Gibbs,” Steve Waugh allegedly told Herschelle Gibbs earlier in the same tournament, after Gibbs prematurely celebrated a catch by throwing the ball in the air, only for Waugh to go on and win the game. Fact or folklore, it encapsulated the agony of South African campaigns.

Barring the 1998 ICC KnockOut (now Champions Trophy), where they defeated the West Indies to claim their only major ICC title until now, the trophy cabinet remained barren. Over and over again, in World Cups and T20 Championships, they reached the knockout stages only to falter at the final hurdle. It became a pattern - a cruel cycle that saw brilliant teams fall just short.

Even in recent years, the pattern showed no signs of breaking. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, held in India, South Africa enjoyed one of their finest group-stage campaigns in ICC history. They posted big totals, dominated sides like England and Pakistan, and played with a fearless brand of cricket that gave fans renewed hope. But when it mattered most — the semi-final against Australia — the old frailties returned. Despite a fighting total, a counter-attacking innings from Travis Head and a late collapse in bowling discipline saw the game slip away. Another promising run, another crushing end.

Then came the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies - and with it, yet another heart-wrenching finish. In the final against India, the Proteas were in full control chasing 176, cruising at 148 for 3 in the 16th over with victory seemingly in sight. But under the weight of history and rising pressure, the familiar unraveling began. Jasprit Bumrah’s deadly precision and Hardik Pandya’s calm under fire sparked a collapse, and South Africa fell 7 agonizing runs short of their first T20 world title.

Two years, two tournaments, two golden chances — both lost when they were within touching distance of glory.

And it’s not for lack of talent. The Proteas have produced some of the finest cricketers the sport has seen over the last 30 years:

·        Jacques Kallis, one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history, ended his career with over 10,000 runs and 290 wickets in both Tests and ODIs.

·        AB de Villiers, a modern-day batting genius, redefined stroke play with his audacious hitting and innovation.

·        Dale Steyn, regarded as one of the most lethal fast bowlers of his generation, terrorized batsmen across conditions with his pace and swing.

·        Shaun Pollock, Alan Donald, Makhaya Ntini, Hashim Amla, Mark Boucher, Faf du Plessis, Graeme Smith - the list of South African stalwarts is long and illustrious.

·        Kagiso Rabada and Quinton de Kock have carried the torch into the modern era, often punching above their weight in ICC tournaments.

Yet, none of them could lay hands on cricket’s biggest prizes.

Which is why the 2025 ICC World Test Championship triumph means so much more. It is not just a victory - it is the breaking of a long-standing jinx. South Africa, under the calm and composed leadership of Temba Bavuma and the relentless fire of their pace battery, finally climbed the summit.

Bavuma, South Africa’s first Black African Test captain, has faced intense scrutiny throughout his career - often questioned, frequently written off, but never broken. His calm under pressure, quiet steel, and unwavering belief in his team helped shape this side into fighters who refused to crumble under expectation. Battling a niggling hamstring injury during the final, Bavuma still walked out to bat when his team needed composure - grinding out runs, mentoring his partner, and anchoring the innings. His tactical acumen, particularly in managing his bowlers and setting attacking fields, played a defining role in this historic win. His leadership wasn’t flashy, but it was resolute - the very resilience that had eluded South African teams for decades.

The final saw the Proteas dominate against a formidable Australian outfit. Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen combined for 16 wickets in the match, dismantling top orders with pace, precision, and aggression. Aiden Markram stood tall with the bat, anchoring the chase with a patient century. His match-winning partnership with an injured but defiant Bavuma sealed the deal. It was a complete team performance - a hallmark of every South African great side that came before, but this time, with a fitting ending.

Statistically, South Africa became only the third nation after New Zealand and Australia to win the WTC mace. They finished the cycle with the highest win percentage of 63.2% and clinched crucial series victories. Their resilience, long doubted, was finally on full display.

For the Proteas, this was not just a title. It was redemption. It was catharsis. It was a victory for Donald and Klusener, for Kallis and De Villiers, for every fan who stayed loyal through the heartbreaks.

At long last, South Africa has its moment. The eternal bridesmaid has finally walked down the aisle - not in tears of sorrow, but in tears of joy.

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Pics: Internet

Performance Marketing gets a new name – Shreyas Iyer

By S Sudarshan
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Not every day do you get to see a batter neutralize Bumrah’s threat. The way Shreyas Iyer negotiated the toe-crushing yorker from Jasprit Bumrah during the eliminator and gently guided it to the boundary signaled the resurgence of Shreyas, the batter.

The Punjab skipper has struck a fantastic bond with his teammates, and this has translated into results this season; his team-first approach, allowing others to take the lead, has had a positive impact on his batting.

Marketers today will be breathing a sigh of relief as Shreyas’ performance has reiterated a simple fact – it’s the performance that matters and nothing else.

How did it all happen?

At this year’s IPL auction, there were a lot of raised eyebrows when the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released their winning captain. “What? How can a franchise release a winning captain?!” was the thought that ran through every ardent cricket fan’s mind.

When Punjab acquired him for a whopping ₹26.75 crores, many raised their eyebrows even higher. If KKR’s move to release him was a surprise, Punjab’s acquisition was a shocker. Pundits mocked the decision, with some even attributing it to the Punjab think tank’s lack of understanding of franchise cricket.

However, the gritty right-hander from Mumbai showed up when it mattered most. In marketing, trust is everything—and Shreyas repaid the trust the franchise placed in him with his rock-solid performance, both as a batter and as a skipper.

Iyer might not be trending in cricketing circles the way Kohli, Rohit, or Bumrah often do. But he is trending on ‘X’. He’s being praised in reels, featured in all kinds of memes (for positive reasons), and people genuinely root for him for all the right reasons.

Yes, Shreyas was bought for a whopping sum, but the kind of attention he is drawing now cannot be bought with money. It is earned; it is real; it’s built on pure performance - and that’s exactly why marketers and brands love him.

We live amidst a sea of influencers where attention is short-lived, and now people are seeing Shreyas Iyer as someone who is dependable, trustworthy, consistent, yet simple. And these traits are very much marketable.

What’s next for Iyer?

Yes, you won’t see him donning the India cap for a few months (courtesy of a baffling team selection that ensured he is not in the touring party for the England series). You will probably start seeing him in brand endorsements—likely in lifestyle, wellness, banking, etc.

Today’s marketers are not merely looking to buy reach or work with influencers. They are buying reputation - and Shreyas Iyer has built a solid one.

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Pics: Internet

“Ee Sala Cup Namde” – Finally, Truly, Forever

On a magical night at Ahmedabad, that Bengaluru will never forget, Royal Challengers Bangalore lifted their maiden IPL trophy — and with that, ended an 18-year wait that was soaked in heartbreak, hope, and undying love. For a franchise that has seen dizzying highs, crushing lows, and the most passionate fanbase in cricket, this win meant more than just silverware. It was redemption. Resurrection. Reward.

For Virat Kohli, it was personal. The talismanic former skipper, who has bled red and gold since 2008, had carried the weight of expectation on his shoulders for over a decade. 

No other player had faced as much scrutiny or given as much of himself to one franchise without tasting ultimate glory. And when he finally held that cup aloft, eyes glistening, it was more than just a victory. It was closure. It was legacy fulfilled.

This win also belongs to AB de Villiers, the eternal 12th man of Bengaluru. Though he wasn’t on the field, his spirit was. The chants of “AB! AB!” still echo through Chinnaswamy like a sacred hymn. He was the heart of RCB for a decade, and this triumph is as much his as anyone’s.

But beyond the stars lie the unsung warriors. The Rahul Dravids, Zaheer Khans, Chris Gayles, Glen Maxwells, Chahals, Jacques Kallises, Vinay Kumars, Manish Pandeys, Pawan Negis, Parthiv Patels, and Anil Kumbles and more - men who gave their all in seasons past but never held the cup. This victory pays homage to their sweat and sacrifice.

It’s for the heartbreak of 2009, the sting of 2011, and the agony of that fateful final in 2016, where a rampaging Kohli-Gayle-ABD trio couldn’t cross the last hurdle. For the loyal fans who stood by RCB during wooden-spoon finishes, mid-season collapses, and auction-day heartbreaks, this is poetic justice. (and a sweet reunion pic)

RCB’s triumph also stands as a love letter to M. Chinnaswamy Stadium - the red sea that never dried. No matter the result, the stands roared. The Mexican waves rolled. The flags fluttered. The drums beat. Now, they sing the song of champions.

This win isn’t just for the fans in the stadium - it’s for the auto driver with an RCB sticker, the office-goer skipping meetings to watch the match, the grandfather explaining the points table to his grandson, the girl in a Kohli jersey screaming from her rooftop. It’s for Bengaluru. A city that adopted this team, wore its scars, and never let go.

It’s also a nod to the management and backroom staff, who rebuilt RCB brick by brick over the last few seasons. From a star-studded but inconsistent squad to a well-rounded, balanced unit with firepower and depth — the transformation was as strategic as it was emotional. The blend of youth, experience, and hunger finally paid off.

This title is for those rain-interrupted nights. For the nail-biters lost in the last over. For the heartbreak of watching others celebrate. And above all, for the unrelenting chorus of “Ee Saala Cup Namde” that echoed every single year — sometimes mocked, but never silenced.

Some quick trivia for the faithful:

·        Kohli ends his title drought after 267 IPL matches, the most before winning a trophy.

·        The team had two Orange Cap winners, twice each (Kohli 2016 & 2024, Gayle 2011 & 2012 before finally winning the Cup.

·        RCB finished 2nd on the points table this season — one of their most consistent campaigns ever — before going on to conquer the playoffs.

Today, "Ee Sala Cup Namde" is no longer a dream. It’s a memory. A truth. A victory carved from pain and passion.

And if cricket is a religion in India, RCB just became its most devoted disciple. Now it’s time for their fans to embrace this long-awaited triumph with humility, dignity, and grace - because true celebration lies not in chaos or arrogance, but in honouring the spirit of the game that brought them here.

- Venkat Parthasarathy

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Pics: Internet

New look Indian team – The one for the future

It isn’t surprising to see Ajit Agarkar addressing the media on a typical Saturday afternoon, where he named a new-looking Test squad that will face England in the 5-Test match series. However, what was surprising was the number of players (18) who would be travelling, in addition to another 15 who will play for India A against the England Lions preceding the first Test. Such is the luxury of the BCCI, which can afford to send another 50 members to England.

The selection announcement had some additional excitement, as this is the first announcement post the Rohit-Virat retirement.

Captaincy Quandary:

As expected, Shubman Gill has been handed the reins to take the Test team forward. Gill, an accomplished cricketer, has earned the Test captaincy after being an understudy to Virat and Rohit during his formative years. I am confident that the world will witness the best of Gill, both as a batter and as a captain, in the years to come.

Batters:

As expected, Jaiswal and KL Rahul have retained their places and, in all likelihood, they should start at Headingley. Sai Sudharsan could potentially bat at number 3, and he deserves this prime slot for India. The southpaw from Tamil Nadu has been churning out a truckload of runs, and his growing authority in the IPL has ensured that he cannot be ignored for selection. He possesses a strong temperament, an array of stroke play, and is surely going to be one to watch out for in the future. Gill should bat at the all-important number 4 to stabilize the ship.

Karun Nair could be in line to bat at 5 or 6 after his dream year in the domestic circuit. Scoring a triple century is no mean achievement—something even some of the greatest batters have not done. Karun would go all out to prove that his 300 was no fluke. Abhimanyu Easwaran has been picked considering his consistent performance in the domestic season over the years, but is he past his prime? I don’t think he is going to play any of the Test matches unless something drastic happens. I feel sorry for Shreyas Iyer, who has missed out. Shreyas would have been a perfect foil to Gill and Pant in the middle order, especially after his terrific form last season.

All-rounders & WK:

Rishabh Pant is the first-choice wicketkeeper, and he is a different cricketer in red-ball cricket. After his stellar performance in Australia, Nitish Kumar Reddy is an automatic selection. But the underdog selection for me in this team is that of Shardul Thakur.

By no imagination is Shardul our best bowler; however, he possesses the knack of picking wickets at crucial junctures, and his ability to add valuable runs lower down the order must have tempted Agarkar. I expect Shardul to play at least 3 Test matches this series.

Bowlers:

Jasprit Bumrah leads a bowling attack that has a very different look. Having ruled himself out of playing all 5 Tests, Bumrah could potentially play 3 matches, which means Siraj is expected to take up the mantle of leadership.

With the selectors giving a clear signal to Shami, I feel that it is the end of the road for the Bengal fast bowler in Test matches. Prasidh Krishna is rated very highly by the think-tank and is expected to start in the first Test.

Arshdeep is a surprise pick, and I would like to see him get a game or two in conditions that could favour him. A left-arm swing bowler in English conditions is always a pleasing thing to have. Jadeja will be the lone spinner, and Kuldeep could come in handy wherever and whenever he is required.

Final Verdict:

Overall, Agarkar has picked a team with an eye on the future. It is the right time to start afresh, as we are entering a new WTC cycle. This team has the potential to go places—provided they are given a longer run.

- Sudarshan S

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Pics Courtesy: Bcci.tv - Internet

In Hindsight…

An Opportunity for a Great Swansong Lost!

As Australia and South Africa gear up to face off in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s on June 11, 2025, Indian fans are left with a lingering sense of what could have been. For what should have been India’s third consecutive appearance in a WTC final has instead turned into a reflection on missed opportunities — and a farewell that felt unearned.

India’s shocking 0-3 whitewash at the hands of New Zealand in their own backyard remains the single most pivotal moment of this WTC cycle. That series loss, in October–November 2024, wasn’t just a defeat — it was an unraveling. The repercussions were immediate and brutal: India’s points percentage (PCT) plummeted to 58.33%, dragging them from the summit of the WTC standings to a precarious second place.

Had India secured that home series, the final landscape might have looked very different. Here's a quick glance at how alternate outcomes could have shaped the table:

If India had defeated New Zealand... 

1. India Wins 3-0

• Points Gained: 36 (12 points per win)
• Adjusted Total Points: 98 (original) + 36 = 134
• Adjusted Matches Played: 14 (original) + 3 = 17
• Adjusted PCT: 134 / (17 × 12) × 100 ≈ 65.69%

With a PCT of approximately 65.69%, India would have surpassed Australia's 62.5%, reclaiming the top position in the standings. 

2. India Wins 2-0 (One Match Drawn)

• Points Gained: (2 wins × 12) + (1 draw × 4) = 28
• Adjusted Total Points: 98 + 28 = 126
• Adjusted Matches Played: 17
• Adjusted PCT: 126 / 204 × 100 ≈ 61.76%

A PCT of approximately 61.76% would have placed India just below Australia, maintaining a strong position for final qualification.

Adding to the sting of the series defeat, and the subsequent 1-3 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar series, was the recent announcement that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli - two pillars of Indian cricket - would be retiring from Test cricket. The news sent ripples through the cricketing world, especially the exit of Kohli, who had long been the heartbeat of India’s Test resurgence and owned the red-ball game like very few others.

Fans and pundits alike felt the duo deserved a grand farewell — a final flourish on the biggest stage. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: they had a chance to earn it. 

Let’s revisit their performances during that fateful New Zealand series:

• Rohit Sharma: 2, 52, 0, 8, 18, 11 — 91 runs @ 15.16
• Virat Kohli: 0, 70, 1, 17, 4, 1 — 93 runs @ 15.50

Those numbers don’t tell the story of a fairytale ending. They narrate a quiet exit, shrouded not in glory but in regret. The WTC Final could have been the stage for a legendary swansong - but in elite sport, farewells are rarely granted; they are earned. 

Let’s root for a new champion, if not India - South Africa!

- Venkat Parthasarathy

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Pics: Internet

Young Guns Shine as CSK and Dhoni Struggle to Keep Pace in a Changing IPL Landscape

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has emerged as a stage where young, uncapped Indian players are making significant impacts, often outperforming established veterans. This shift is particularly evident in teams like the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), whose reliance on seasoned players has come under scrutiny due to inconsistent performances.​

Several young players across franchises have stood out this season. Digvesh Rathi of Lucknow Super Giants, just 25 years old, has made an immediate impact in his debut season with his right-arm leg break, picking up crucial wickets. His standout performance came against Mumbai Indians, earning him a Player of the Match award, and LSG coach Justin Langer praised his hardworking attitude and mental toughness. 

Nehal Wadhera, the 24-year-old batter from Punjab Kings, has blossomed under Ricky Ponting’s mentorship, making important contributions with the bat and showing increasing maturity in pressure situations. 

Meanwhile, Ashwani Kumar of Mumbai Indians, aged 23, stunned everyone with a dream debut, claiming 4 wickets for just 24 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders; his ability to swing the ball at pace has added a new dimension to MI's bowling attack. 

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Angkrish Raghuvanshi, only 20 years old, has provided stability to KKR’s middle order with 128 runs in 4 matches and a composed half-century. At Delhi Capitals, 22-year-old Sameer Rizvi is still finding his footing but remains a promising batter, having been picked for Rs 95 lakh, with DC showing strong faith in his potential. 

Another bright spot for Mumbai Indians is Vignesh Puthur, 24, whose impressive figures of 3/32 against CSK highlighted his skills as a left-arm wrist spinner, earning praise from none other than MS Dhoni for his journey from modest beginnings to IPL stardom. 

Aniket Verma of Sunrisers Hyderabad, aged 22, has shown both flair and composure with rapid knocks, including a blistering 36 off 13 balls against LSG and a mature 74 off 41 balls against DC.  Sai Sudharsan of Gujarat Titans, now an India international at just 21, reaffirmed his class with a composed 49 against RCB, forming a key partnership alongside Jos Buttler.

In contrast, seasoned players like Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli have faced challenges in maintaining peak performance levels. For instance, Mumbai Indians' captain Hardik Pandya has called for improved batting performances from his team, which includes stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, following consecutive defeats. The team's batting lineup has posted subpar scores, highlighting the need for greater contributions from experienced players.

Chennai Super Kings' Reliance on Experience and the curious case of MS Dhoni:

CSK's strategy of depending on veteran players has been questioned, especially given the inconsistent performances of individuals like Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, and Vijay Shankar. Additionally, bowler Mukesh Choudhary has delivered costly spells, raising concerns about the team's composition. ​

The legend of MS Dhoni continues to draw massive crowds, but IPL 2025 has made it clear that the former CSK skipper is far from the finisher he once was. Dhoni’s presence at the crease, especially while batting lower down the order, has often ended in heartbreak for CSK fans this season. His strike rate remains respectable in flashes, but he struggles to accelerate consistently during crucial chases. The once-clinical finisher who could absorb pressure and explode at will now finds himself either stranded without enough deliveries or unable to connect like before. In matches where CSK needed a calm head to guide tricky chases, Dhoni's inability to close out games has been stark, exposing the team's over reliance on past glory.

However, when it comes to wicket keeping, Dhoni remains a marvel — sharp reflexes, lightning-quick stumpings, and brilliant decision-making behind the stumps. His glove work continues to be world-class, even outshining younger keepers across teams. Yet, the harsh reality is that cricket is a game of evolving dynamics. Dhoni’s mere presence for nostalgic value is starting to hurt CSK’s long-term growth. While he has earned the right to leave on his own terms, the team’s stagnation and the rise of exciting young talent across IPL 2025 make it clear: for the sake of Chennai Super Kings’ future, MS Dhoni must consider stepping away now, gracefully handing over the reins to the next generation.

Potential for Integrating Young Talent:

CSK has promising young players like Anshul Kamboj (23 years old) and Andre Siddharth (18 years old) within their ranks. Kamboj, a right-arm medium pacer from Haryana, gained attention with a historic 10-wicket haul in a Ranji Trophy match, leading to a significant bid from CSK in the 2025 auction. Integrating such talents could provide the team with the dynamism and consistency needed to enhance their performance.​

The 2025 IPL season underscores the emergence of young, uncapped players who are making substantial contributions to their teams. Their performances not only invigorate the tournament but also prompt a reevaluation of team strategies that heavily rely on veteran players. For teams like CSK, embracing youthful talent could be pivotal in addressing current shortcomings and achieving future success.

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Pics: Internet

Sport - Skill, Excellence, Entertainment...! Safe?

Sport, as a popular internet encyclopedia defines, includes all forms of competitive physical activity or games which, through casual or organised participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical ability and skills while providing enjoyment to participants, and in some cases, entertainment for spectators.

While the World over, sports enthrals billions in various forms, some are quite barbaric causing physical injury and some are totally dependent on technical strengths like Motor racing. Skill plays a major part in sports - both mental and physical, however, there is always room for improvement. Sportspersons thrive hard to achieve success through relentless practice in pursuit of glory at the highest stage. 

The thrill and excitement created by the sport to its followers is the stimulant that draws spectators and money in Billions. 

Every sport has an element of risk in it, an element that rushes the adrenaline of both the sportsperson and its unabashed followers. One of the aspects that are governing the world of sports is the issue of safety. How life-threatening is a sport? An F1 car crash, a broken jaw of a boxer or a 5 and a half-ounce of leather hit by a marauding cricketer hitting a cheering kid in the stands... Every one of them has its perils, but ones that have been kept in check, most times. What baffles me is why do some sports exist?

That brings me to the incident in Kerala during a sports meet recently. Abheel Johnson was serving as a volunteer for the javelin throw event at the State Junior Athletic Meet. Since the hammer and javelin throw events were held simultaneously and the venues were near each other, Abheel couldn’t escape when the hammer, which was thrown by a participant, came directly to him. The hammer, weighing around 3kg, fell on his head from a distance of nearly 42 metres. Though he was rushed to the Government hospital and doctors performed emergency surgery, his health condition never showed any significant improvement. He eventually breathed his last. An accident caused by a 'sport' that can never be classified as a sport!

Hammer throwing, one of the throwing events in track and field, was developed into a sport centuries ago in Ireland, Scotland, and England. Legends trace it back in various forms to the Tailteann Games held in Tara, Ireland, around in 1829 BC. Centuries later Celtic mythological hero Cuchulainn was said to have gripped a chariot wheel by its axle, whirled it around his head, and threw it farther than any other mortal. Wheel hurling was later replaced by throwing a boulder attached to the end of a wooden handle. Among the ancient Teutonic tribes, forms of hammer throwing were practised at religious festivals honouring the God Thor.

Unlike international sports circuits, the safety aspect of hammer throwing is much debatable. The mandatory safety net around the thrower is minimally visible in training centres, The trajectory or the angle of the throw on the field too is quite unpredictable. 

The shot put and Javelin throwing events have acceptability of the landing area and I find it reasonable to be continued as a 'sport' showcasing one's physical strength in hurling objects. However the same cannot be said of the hammer throw. So, what is achieved through this throwing sport but for replicating the whirling of a chariot wheel with its axle of a bygone primitive era?

When tragedy strikes sportspersons, as has been the case from Raymond Chapman to Ayrton Senna to Sarah Burke to Philip Hughes and many more, we're often reminded that the athletes are not just a statistic in the game's annals, they are human beings. Then there are incidents that have effected the spectators, the bystanders, the involuntary participants in sport.

It's time to revisit the definition of sport - Hammer throwing for one is not!

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Pics: Internet