Cricket & Football Writer
Sourav Das
Sourav Das is a sports writer specialising in cricket and football. A long-time core contributor across Sporteology, SportsShow and SportsBrowser, he focuses on the rules, techniques and stories of both games — from how-to guides and shot-by-shot breakdowns to match explainers.
Articles by Sourav Das (117)
Amazing All-Time Records of the FIFA Women's World Cup
The USA's four titles, Marta's record goals, and a 13-0 rout: here are the most remarkable all-time records of the FIFA Women's World Cup, updated as of 2026.
What Is DRS in Cricket? Decision Review System Explained
DRS lets teams challenge an umpire's decision using ball-tracking, edge detection, and Hot Spot. Here's how reviews work, how many each side gets, and what umpire's call means.
What Is a Googly in Cricket?
A googly is a leg-spinner's disguised delivery that turns the opposite way to a leg break, spinning into a right-hander. Here's how it's bowled and why it deceives batters.
The Impact Player Rule in Cricket, Explained
The Impact Player rule lets a T20 team swap in one substitute mid-match to bat or bowl. Popularised by the IPL, here's how it works, when a sub can come in, and its effect.
What Is LBW in Cricket? Leg Before Wicket Explained
LBW means the ball would have hit the stumps but struck the batter's pad first. Here are the exact conditions umpires check, and how DRS ball-tracking decides close calls.
Offside in Soccer Explained: The Rule in Plain English
Offside is called when an attacker is nearer the goal line than the ball and the second-last defender when the ball is played to them. Here is how the rule really works.
What Is a Nightwatchman in Cricket?
A nightwatchman is a lower-order batter sent in late in the day to shield a specialist batter from tricky conditions. Here's why teams use one and when the tactic pays off.
The Worst Transfers in Football History
Huge fees, huge flops. From Fernando Torres at Chelsea to Alexis Sanchez at Manchester United, here are some of the worst transfers in football history and why they failed.
What Is a Hat-Trick in Football (Soccer)?
A hat-trick is when one player scores three goals in a single match. Here is where the term comes from, the variations, and the match-ball tradition.
Why Cricket Is Not in the Olympics: The Full Story
Cricket has never been a permanent Olympic sport because of governance disputes, scheduling conflicts with the international cricket calendar, and ICC reluctance to cede control to the IOC.
Infamous Cristiano Ronaldo Controversies Explained
Cristiano Ronaldo's career has been marked by legal disputes, on-pitch flashpoints, and public confrontations. This article covers the most significant and well-documented controversies surrounding the football superstar.
Hottest Female Soccer Players: Stars of the Women's Game
Women's football has produced globally iconic players who combine elite skill with major cultural influence. Here are the stars who have defined the modern women's game.
How to Bowl Faster in Cricket: Tips to Gain Real Pace
Bowling faster in cricket comes from improving your run-up momentum, loading the body efficiently, and releasing the ball with a full, high arm action. Strength, flexibility, and repeatable technique all compound to add genuine pace.
Highest Paid Asian Footballers: Stars Earning at the Top
Several Asian footballers now command significant salaries at elite clubs worldwide. Here is a look at the players widely regarded as the highest earners from Asian football.
How to Bowl Reverse Swing in Cricket: Technique Explained
Reverse swing happens when an old, scuffed ball swings in the opposite direction to conventional swing. It requires the shiny side facing the direction you want the ball to swing, with a slightly angled seam and high-speed delivery.
Best Football Trios: The Most Devastating Attacking Thirds
Some of football's greatest moments were created by three-man attacking units with near-telepathic understanding. These are the trios widely regarded as the most lethal in the modern game.
How to Play the Periscope Shot in Cricket
The periscope shot is a vertical bat stroke played against short-pitched deliveries aimed at the body, where the batter holds the bat upright to deflect the ball over or around the fielders on the leg side.
Best Soccer Socks: What to Look for and Top Options
The best soccer socks offer cushioning, grip, and a secure fit that keeps shin guards in place and prevents blisters. Here is what to look for and which features matter most.
How Do Soccer Loans Work? The Complete Guide to Player Loans
Soccer loans allow a club to temporarily transfer a player to another club for a set period, with the parent club retaining the player's registration and typically continuing to pay part of their wages.
How to Play a Straight Drive in Cricket: Technique and Timing
The straight drive is cricket's most classical front-foot shot — played to a full delivery on or just outside off stump and hit back past the bowler. Learn the correct stance, grip, and follow-through.
Highest Paid Soccer Players in the World Right Now
The highest paid soccer players combine elite on-field performance with enormous commercial appeal. This guide covers who earns the most and why their wages reach those levels.
Greatest South American Football Clubs: History and Legacy
South American football is dominated by historic clubs from Brazil and Argentina, with River Plate, Boca Juniors, Flamengo, and Santos among the most successful and widely supported teams in the continent's history.
Best Football Defenders of All Time: The Definitive List
The best football defenders combine reading of the game, positional discipline, and leadership — this guide covers the players widely regarded as the greatest at the back.
English Premier League Commentators: Voices That Define the Game
The best Premier League commentators bring clarity, knowledge, and personality to football broadcasting. From Martin Tyler to Peter Drury, these are the voices most associated with the modern game.
Most Popular Football Goals of All Time: Iconic Strikes
From Maradona's solo run against England to Roberto Carlos's impossible free kick, certain football goals have become part of the sport's permanent cultural memory. Here are the goals fans never stop watching.
Most Successful Football Teams in the World
The most successful football teams in the world are measured by domestic titles, continental trophies, and sustained dominance across decades — from Real Madrid to Bayern Munich.
Best Football Midfielders of All Time: The Complete Guide
The best football midfielders control matches, link defence to attack, and often define an era of the game — from Platini and Cruyff to Xavi, Iniesta, and De Bruyne.
Most Successful Spanish Football Clubs of All Time
A breakdown of the Spanish clubs with the most impressive records in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and European competition, including Real Madrid and Barcelona.
When Do Soccer Players Retire? Average Age and Key Factors
Most professional soccer players retire between their early and mid-30s, though the exact age varies widely by position, fitness, and level of play. Here's what determines a player's career length.
Best Football Jerseys of All Time: Iconic Kits Ranked
The best football jerseys combine iconic design, cultural meaning, and tournament history — from Brazil's yellow to the Netherlands orange, certain kits transcend the sport.
Why Cristiano Ronaldo Is Better Than Messi: The Case Examined
The argument that Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Lionel Messi rests on his dominance in multiple leagues, Champions League records, international success, and physical achievement. Here is the case in full.
How to Bowl an Off Cutter in Cricket: Grip & Technique
An off cutter is a seam delivery that cuts from off to leg after pitching, moving into the right-handed batter. Grip the ball across the seam and drag your middle finger down the left side at release to generate the cutting action.
How to Play a Pull Shot in Cricket: Grip, Stance, and Timing
The pull shot is a back-foot attacking stroke played to short-pitched deliveries at waist to chest height, hit in front of or square of the wicket on the leg side. Here is how to play it correctly.
Most Successful Italian Football Clubs in History
An overview of the Italian football clubs with the most impressive records in Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and European competition.
What Is Trapping in Soccer? Ball Control Techniques Explained
Trapping in soccer means using part of the body to receive and control a moving ball, bringing it under close control. Learn the main trapping techniques and why they matter.
Highest Paid UK Footballers: England's Top Earners Revealed
British footballers at Premier League clubs earn among the highest wages in world football. Here is who ranks among the top earners and what drives those salaries.
How to Play the Dilscoop in Cricket: Step-by-Step Technique
The Dilscoop scoops a full pace delivery over the wicketkeeper's head for six. Learn the exact footwork, bat angle, and timing that makes this audacious shot work.
Best Coaches for International Football: Who Stands Out
The best international football coaches are defined by tactical versatility, man-management, and the ability to unite a diverse squad under a national identity.
Most Followed Footballers on Instagram (2023 Rankings)
Cristiano Ronaldo leads all footballers on Instagram with hundreds of millions of followers, followed by Lionel Messi and Neymar. This article breaks down who dominates football's biggest social stage.
Best Football Stadiums in the World: Icons and Atmospheres
The best football stadiums combine passionate crowds, historic significance, and iconic architecture. From the Nou Camp to Wembley, these are the grounds that define the sport.
Expensive Houses Owned by Football Players: Mansions & Estates
Top football players routinely invest in multi-million-pound mansions and estates. From Cristiano Ronaldo's Madrid villa to Neymar's Paris penthouse, here's a look at the most lavish homes in the game.
How to Play the Leg Glance Shot in Cricket
The leg glance redirects a ball angled into the body towards fine leg with a subtle deflection of the bat. It is one of the most elegant and effective scoring shots in a batter's arsenal.
Most Successful Football Managers of All Time
A look at the football managers widely regarded as the greatest, judged by trophies won, consistency across clubs, and lasting influence on the game.
The Most Spectacular Football Stadiums in the World
The world's most spectacular football stadiums combine massive capacity, iconic architecture, and electric atmospheres — from Camp Nou to Wembley and beyond.
What Is a Striker in Soccer? Forward Positions Explained
A striker is the primary goal-scorer in soccer, positioned closest to the opponent's goal. Learn the different types of forwards, their roles, and how they differ from other attacking positions.
Best Football Referees of All Time: Who Set the Standard
The best football referees manage elite matches with authority, consistency, and calm — Pierluigi Collina remains the benchmark against whom every top official is measured.
Interesting Facts About Neymar: Career, Records & Life
Neymar Jr. is one of the most naturally gifted footballers of his generation — a Brazilian icon known for his flair, dribbling, and status as one of the most expensive transfers in history.
How to Play a Sweep Shot in Cricket: Complete Technique Guide
The sweep shot is a front-foot attacking stroke played to full-length spin bowling, hitting the ball to the leg side with a horizontal bat. Learn the correct kneeling position, grip, and placement options.
How Big Is a Soccer Field? Official Dimensions Explained
A standard soccer field is between 100–130 yards long and 50–100 yards wide, with FIFA specifying tighter ranges for international matches: 110–120 yards long and 70–80 yards wide.
How to Play the Marillier Shot: The Slog Over Deep Fine Leg
The Marillier shot is a high-risk, high-reward slog played to full or short-of-a-length pace deliveries, swatting the ball over fine leg or deep square leg for six.
Is PSL Bigger Than IPL? Comparing Pakistan and India's T20 Leagues
The IPL is considerably larger than the PSL in terms of global viewership, revenue, and player salaries, though the Pakistan Super League has grown rapidly since its 2016 launch.
Richest Female Soccer Players: Earnings and Wealth Explained
An overview of the wealthiest women's football players, how they earn their money, and what drives income inequality in the women's game.
Best Goal Celebrations in Football History: Icons and Moments
The best goal celebrations in football have become as memorable as the goals themselves. From Cantona's collar-pop to Bebeto's baby-rocking, these are the moments that defined player personalities.
Biggest Match Fixing Scandals in Cricket History
An overview of cricket's most significant match-fixing scandals, from the Hansie Cronje affair to the 2000s spot-fixing cases, and what they meant for the sport.
How to Play the Reverse Scoop in Cricket: Full Technique Guide
The reverse scoop scoops the ball over the wicketkeeper or third man by reversing the bat. Learn the footwork, grip, and when this T20 shot is worth the risk.
La Liga Top Goal Scorers of All Time: The Greatest Strikers
La Liga's all-time top scorers list is dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but several Spanish legends — including Telmo Zarra and Hugo Sánchez — held the record for decades.
Most Successful English Football Teams in History
Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal are among the most successful English football clubs by league titles, FA Cups, and European trophies. This guide covers the clubs with the strongest historical records.
How Are Soccer Balls Made? Construction Explained Step by Step
Soccer balls are made by stitching or bonding multiple panels around an inflatable bladder, using layers of synthetic materials to achieve the right shape, feel, and aerodynamics.
Best Football Agents: Who Shapes the Transfer Market
The best football agents secure life-changing deals for their clients while navigating a complex global transfer market — a mix of legal expertise, relationships, and negotiation skill.
Cricket vs Football: Key Differences and Similarities
Cricket and football (soccer) are the world's two most-followed sports. They differ fundamentally in rules, playing area, team size, and duration — but share deep roots in British sporting culture.
Fastest Soccer Players in the World: Speed Kings of Football
The fastest soccer players have been clocked at speeds exceeding 35 km/h during matches. We look at the game's elite sprinters — from Kylian Mbappé to Achraf Hakimi — and what makes elite pace so devastating.
How to Bowl a Leg Cutter in Cricket: Grip & Technique
A leg cutter is a fast bowler's delivery that cuts off the seam from leg to off. Grip the ball with fingers angled across the seam, then drag your index finger down and across at release to generate deviation.
How to Play the Ramp Shot in Cricket: Technique Guide
The ramp shot deflects a full or back-of-a-length delivery over the wicketkeeper's head towards fine leg or third man. Mastering the wrist angle and head position makes it a devastating T20 weapon.
Most Handsome Soccer Players: Fan Favourites Around the World
From David Beckham to Kylian Mbappe, certain soccer players have become global style icons beyond the pitch. This list covers the footballers most widely celebrated for their looks and appeal.
Most Successful Goalkeepers in Football History
A guide to the goalkeepers most widely regarded as the greatest, based on trophy records, longevity, and influence on the position at the highest level.
Strongest Football Players: Power and Physicality in Soccer
The strongest football players combine raw physical power with technical skill — defenders and strikers who dominate through strength, hold-up play, and aerial ability.
What Is Tackling in Soccer? Types, Rules, and Technique
Tackling in soccer is a defensive skill used to dispossess an opponent of the ball. Learn the different types of tackles, when they are legal, and what makes a tackle a foul.
Best Cricket Bats: What to Look for and Top Brands
The best cricket bat depends on your playing level, preferred weight, and budget. This guide covers the key specs and the brands consistently rated highest by players.
How Should Soccer Cleats Fit? The Complete Sizing Guide
Soccer cleats should fit snugly with about a thumb's width of space at the toe. A proper fit prevents blisters, improves ball touch, and supports ankle stability.
How to Play a Reverse Sweep in Cricket: Technique Guide
The reverse sweep flips your grip and stance to hit a spinning delivery to the off side — behind where a conventional sweeper would connect. Learn the exact technique and when to use it.
How to Play the Switch Hit in Cricket: Step-by-Step Guide
The switch hit is an audacious shot where the batter reverses their stance mid-delivery to play it as a mirror-image batsman. Here's how to execute it safely and effectively.
Is Big Bash Bigger Than IPL? Comparing the Two T20 Leagues
The IPL is significantly larger than the Big Bash League in terms of revenue, viewership, and global reach, though the BBL punches above its weight for domestic cricket development.
Best Football Leagues in the World: How They Compare
The best football leagues are measured by competitive quality, global talent, revenue, and influence on the game — the Premier League, La Liga, and Bundesliga lead the global rankings.
Differences Between Soccer and Football: Name, Rules, and Culture
Soccer and football refer to the same sport in most contexts, but the terminology, cultural associations, and some regional rule variations differ. Here is a clear breakdown.
How to Bowl a Yorker in Cricket: Step-by-Step Guide
A yorker pitches at or around the batter's feet, making it almost impossible to hit cleanly. To bowl one, target the base of the stumps or the batter's toe-line with a full-length delivery aimed precisely at the block hole.
How to Play the Helicopter Shot in Cricket: Full Guide
The helicopter shot is a powerful wrist-driven stroke played to full or yorker-length deliveries on the leg side, flicking the ball over deep midwicket with a distinctive high follow-through.
Greatest Soccer Players of All Time: The Definitive Guide
The greatest soccer players of all time include Pelé, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo — figures who dominated their eras and changed how the game is played.
Shortest Football Players Who Dominated the Beautiful Game
Some of football's greatest players stood well under 170 cm, proving that technical skill, agility, and football intelligence outweigh height. Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, and Xherdan Shaqiri are among the shortest elite players ever.
Appealing in Cricket: What It Is and How It Works
An appeal in cricket is the fielding side's formal request for a dismissal. Without an appeal, an umpire cannot give a batter out — even if the batter clearly is.
Funniest Comedy Fouls in Football: When the Game Gets Ridiculous
Football has produced some spectacularly absurd fouls — from players tripping over their own feet to theatrical dives that fooled nobody. Here are the moments that made the beautiful game briefly hilarious.
What Are Caps in Soccer? International Appearances Explained
A cap in soccer is an appearance made by a player for their national team. Each time a player represents their country in an official international match, they earn one cap.
Why Is Soccer So Popular? The Global Reach of Football Explained
Soccer is the world's most popular sport, played and watched by billions across every continent. Here's what makes it uniquely universal — from accessibility to cultural identity.
Cricket Ground Size: Dimensions, Boundaries & Field Layout
There is no single fixed cricket ground size — the ICC recommends a minimum boundary of 65 yards and a maximum of 90 yards from the centre of the pitch, but grounds vary considerably.
How to Shoot a Soccer Ball: Technique, Power & Accuracy
To shoot a soccer ball powerfully and accurately, plant your non-kicking foot beside the ball, drive through with the laces, and follow through toward your target.
Hitting the Ball Twice in Cricket: Law 34 Explained
Law 34 lets a batter hit the ball twice only to defend the wicket. Do it for any other reason and you are out 'hit the ball twice'. Here is how the rule works.
Cricket Ball Size and Weight: Full Comparison by Format
A cricket ball weighs between 155.9 g and 163 g and has a circumference of 22.4–22.9 cm for men's cricket. Women's and youth balls are slightly smaller and lighter.
How to Play the Paddle Sweep in Cricket: Technique & Tips
The paddle sweep is a delicate deflection played to spin or medium-pace bowling, guiding the ball fine down the leg side. Here's the technique, footwork, and when to use it.
15 Basic Rules of Cricket Every Fan Should Know
Cricket has a detailed rulebook, but these 15 core rules cover how the game is played, how batters are dismissed, and how runs are scored.
How to Play the Uppercut in Cricket: Shot Guide
The uppercut is played against a short, wide delivery outside off stump by cutting the bat underneath the ball to send it sailing over third man for four or six. Timing and foot movement are everything.
Most Popular Soccer Players in the World Today
A look at the soccer players with the largest global followings and cultural impact, from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to the next generation of stars.
Types of Cricket Formats: From Slowest to Fastest
Cricket is played in several formats ranging from multi-day Test matches to the explosive 10-over Hundred. This guide ranks every major format from slowest to fastest and explains the key differences.
Why Do Soccer Players Flop? Diving and Simulation Explained
Soccer players flop — or simulate being fouled — to win free kicks, penalties, and get opponents carded. Here's why it happens, how it is punished, and what football is doing about it.
Most Popular Football Jersey Numbers: 2022 Update
Certain shirt numbers carry weight far beyond their numeral — No. 10 is synonymous with playmaking genius, No. 7 with pace and flair. This guide covers the most popular jersey numbers in football and the legends who defined them.
Tallest Soccer Players: Height Advantages in Football
Some of the tallest soccer players in history have stood well above 6 feet 5 inches, using their height for aerial dominance in goal, defence, and attack.
Dream11 Captain & Vice-Captain: How to Pick Wisely Every Match
Your Dream11 captain scores 2x points and your vice-captain scores 1.5x — so picking them wisely is the single biggest lever in fantasy cricket. Here's how.
Richest Sponsorship Deals in Soccer: The Biggest Contracts
Soccer's biggest sponsorship deals span shirt fronts, stadium naming rights, and league partnerships — with values reaching into the hundreds of millions of dollars annually for the sport's elite clubs and competitions.
Best Football Strikers of All Time: The Greatest Goalscorers
From Ronaldo Nazário and Gerd Müller to Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Erling Haaland, these are the best football strikers of all time — the pure goalscorers who defined the position.
Popping Crease in Cricket: The Batting Line Explained
What the popping crease is, how all the cricket creases are measured, and why the popping crease decides no-balls, stumpings, and run-outs.
Cricket Bat Weight: What Weight Do Cricketers Use?
Most professional cricketers use bats weighing between 2 lb 7 oz and 2 lb 12 oz (approximately 1.1–1.25 kg). The Laws of Cricket set a maximum blade width but no weight limit.
Fielding Positions in Cricket: A Clear Guide to Every Spot
Learn every cricket fielding position, from slips and gully to long-on and fine leg, grouped by close catchers, infield and boundary riders.
Greatest Female Soccer Players of All Time: 2022 Update
The greatest female soccer players of all time include Marta, Mia Hamm, Birgit Prinz, and a new generation led by Sam Kerr and Alex Morgan. Here's a look at the women who defined the sport.
Fielding Restrictions in ODI Cricket: Powerplay Rules Explained
ODI cricket uses fielding restrictions called powerplays that limit the number of fielders outside the 30-yard circle. Here is exactly how they work.
How Long Does a Cricket Game Last? All Formats Explained
Cricket match duration ranges from about 3 hours for a T20 to 5 days for a Test. The exact length depends on format, weather, and how quickly wickets fall.
How Long Is a Cricket Game? Length by Format Explained
A Test match lasts up to 5 days, an ODI takes around 7–8 hours, and a T20 game is typically 3–3.5 hours. Here's how long each format of cricket actually takes.
How to Juggle a Soccer Ball: Step-by-Step for Beginners
To juggle a soccer ball, drop it onto your dominant foot and kick it back up repeatedly, keeping the ball below chest height. Start with one touch at a time and build up gradually.
How to Play the Cover Drive in Cricket: Technique & Timing
The cover drive is cricket's most celebrated stroke — a front-foot drive through the off side between cover and extra cover. Master the footwork, head position, and timing here.
What Is a Cricket Bat Called? Names, Parts, and Rules
A cricket bat is simply called a cricket bat, but its parts have specific names and it must meet strict ICC regulations on size, weight, and material. Here is everything you need to know.
What Is a Free Hit in Cricket? The Rule Explained
A free hit is the delivery a bowler must bowl after a no-ball in limited-overs cricket, on which the batter cannot be dismissed by most methods.
Cricket Pitch Length in Feet: Test, ODI & T20 Dimensions
A cricket pitch is 22 yards (66 feet / 20.12 metres) long in all formats — Test, ODI, and T20. The pitch length never changes between formats, only the number of overs does.
Types of Bowling in Cricket: Pace and Spin Explained
A clear guide to the types of bowling in cricket, from fast and swing bowling to off spin, leg spin, and deliveries like the yorker, googly, and doosra.
Soccer Ball Weight and Pressure: Official FIFA Standards Explained
An official FIFA-approved match ball must weigh between 410 and 450 grams and be inflated to a pressure of 0.6 to 1.1 atmospheres (8.5 to 16 psi) at sea level, as set out in the Laws of the Game.
Duck in Cricket: Golden, Diamond, Royal & Every Type Explained
A duck is when a batter is dismissed without scoring. Here are all the types — golden, silver, pair, king, diamond and royal duck — with clear definitions.
How to Read Cricket Scores: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Cricket scores show runs scored and wickets lost in each innings, written as Runs/Wickets (e.g. 245/6). This guide explains every number, abbreviation, and format you will encounter watching or following cricket.
How Long Is a Soccer Game? Full Time, Stoppage & More
A standard soccer game is 90 minutes, split into two 45-minute halves. Add stoppage time, extra time, and penalties and the total can stretch well beyond two hours.
Handsome Soccer Players: Football's Most Recognisable Faces
Football has long produced players who are as well-known for their looks as their play. From David Beckham to Cristiano Ronaldo and Achraf Hakimi, these are the faces the sport has put on billboards worldwide.
What Is a No-Ball in Cricket? Types, Rules & the Free Hit
A no-ball is an illegal delivery that costs the bowling side a run and a re-bowl. Here are every type of no-ball, the free-hit rule, and how a batter can be out off one.
What Is a Powerplay in Cricket? ODI, T20 & The Rules Explained
A powerplay is a fixed set of overs where the fielding side may keep only two fielders outside the 30-yard circle. Here are the exact ODI, T20 and T20I rules.