Question 1

Indian Cricket — ODI Debuts Against which team did Rahul Dravid make his One Day International (ODI) debut?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Rahul Dravid's career milestones are classic exam fodder. While many remember his Test debut at Lord's in 1996, his ODI debut is a distinct event. This question differentiates candidates who know format-specific debuts from those who do not. Given Data / Assumptions: Player: Rahul Dravid (India). Asked: Opponent in Dravid's ODI debut. Multiple plausible Asian opponents are offered. Concept / Approach: Use timeline alignment: Dravid broke into India's ODI setup shortly before/around his 1996 Test debut window. The Singer Cup/Asia contests around April 1996 featured Sri Lanka prominently. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Place Dravid's ODI debut in early April 1996.Step 2: Identify India's opponents in that tournament window.Step 3: Match opponent to the official record of Dravid's first ODI.Step 4: Choose the correct option. Verification / Alternative check: External summaries consistently list Sri Lanka as the opponent in Dravid's first ODI in April 1996 (Singapore event). This corroborates the selection. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Kenya: Dravid did not debut against an Associate side; Kenya featured later in tournaments. Pakistan: Common distractor due to frequent India–Pakistan ODIs in the 1990s. Australia: Not the debut opponent in 1996. None of the above: One listed choice is correct, so this is wrong. Common Pitfalls: Mixing up Test and ODI debut details or assuming the debut was against Pakistan due to rivalry familiarity. Final Answer: Sri Lanka

Question 2

Wisden Recognition — Year-Specific Award Who among the following was named as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1980?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Wisden Cricketers of the Year is among cricket's oldest honors. The award is tied to performances in the preceding English season, and each year features a small set of honorees. Knowing who was recognized in a given year helps distinguish detailed cricket historians from casual fans. Given Data / Assumptions: Target year: 1980. Candidates listed are renowned Indian cricketers across eras. Exactly one of the options aligns with 1980 honorees. Concept / Approach: We align each player's peak English-season impact and archival lists of Wisden awardees to the specific year asked. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall that Sunil Gavaskar had significant international prominence in the late 1970s.Step 2: Cross-match Gavaskar with the 1980 Wisden honorees list.Step 3: Eliminate players recognized in other years. Verification / Alternative check: Wisden's historical roster confirms Sunil Gavaskar among the 1980 Cricketers of the Year. The others were honored in different years or not in that specific set. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Madan Lal: Not a 1980 honoree. Bishen Singh Bedi: Associated with earlier recognition, not 1980. Abbas Ali Baig: From an earlier era; not selected in 1980. None of the above: Invalid as Gavaskar fits 1980. Common Pitfalls: Assuming any famous player from that era must be correct without checking the exact year, or confusing Wisden India awards with the original Cricketers of the Year list. Final Answer: Sunil Gavaskar

Question 3

Indian Cricket Records — Test Wickets How many Test wickets had Kapil Dev taken at the time of his retirement from Test cricket?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Kapil Dev is one of India's greatest all-rounders. His retirement wicket tally is a classic GK figure, frequently compared historically with Courtney Walsh, Shane Warne, and Muttiah Muralitharan as wicket records progressed. Given Data / Assumptions: We need the exact Test wickets tally at retirement. Values around the mid-400s are provided; only one is historically accurate. Concept / Approach: Use landmark memory aid: Kapil Dev surpassed Richard Hadlee's 431 to become the leading wicket-taker and retired with a distinctive number immediately recognizable in cricket trivia. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall Kapil Dev overtook Hadlee's 431.Step 2: Remember final tally upon retirement, widely cited in records and retrospectives.Step 3: Compare with options to find an exact match. Verification / Alternative check: Contemporary reports and later retrospectives uniformly list Kapil Dev's career Test wickets as 434. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 450: Exceeds his career total at retirement. 430 and 435: Near-miss distractors; incorrect by record. None of the above: Invalid because 434 is correct and listed. Common Pitfalls: Mixing up the surpassed number (Hadlee's 431) with Kapil's own final tally, or misremembering a rounded figure. Final Answer: 434

Question 4

Player Identity — Full Name Detail What is the middle name of Delhi batsman Aakash (Akash) Chopra?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Name-based GK questions test attention to detail and familiarity with Indian domestic and international cricketers. Aakash Chopra, a former India Test opener and noted analyst, is sometimes referenced by his full legal name in almanacs and quiz compendia. Given Data / Assumptions: We are asked specifically for the middle name. Options are traditional Indian given names; only one matches records used in quiz databases and player references. Concept / Approach: Cross-check full-name entries commonly used in sports GK sources and archival listings. Many reliable quiz repositories cite his middle name explicitly. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the full name as recorded in multiple GK sources: Aakash Shyamlal Chopra.Step 2: Match the middle name against the options given.Step 3: Select the exact spelling from the list. Verification / Alternative check: Independent GK references enumerate him as Aakash Shyamlal Chopra. While player bios sometimes omit middle names in everyday usage, the quiz-standard entry includes it. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Mohanlal, Amarnath, Chotaram: Not part of Aakash Chopra's recorded full name in sports quiz databases. None of the above: Incorrect because the right middle name is present among the options. Common Pitfalls: Assuming he has no middle name because media and commentary typically use just 'Aakash Chopra'. Quiz conventions often rely on official documentation or extended records that include middle names. Final Answer: Shyamlal

Question 5

ODI Debut Innings — Boundary Count On ODI debut, Navjot Singh Sidhu scored 73 runs. How many sixes did he hit in that debut innings?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Boundary breakdowns from famous innings are popular in GK tests. Navjot Singh Sidhu's World Cup debut (1987) is remembered for clean hitting and a flurry of sixes, making it a classic recall challenge. Given Data / Assumptions: Innings: 73 runs on ODI debut (1987 World Cup, Chennai). Asked: Count of sixes in that knock. Options include nearby values to test precision. Concept / Approach: Use innings summaries: early career match reports record Sidhu's aggressive batting, highlighting sixes struck against a strong Australian attack. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall the 1987 World Cup match at Chennai where Sidhu debuted.Step 2: Retrieve the boundary split often quoted: more sixes than fours.Step 3: The commonly cited split is five sixes and four fours.Step 4: Choose the figure that matches the sixes tally. Verification / Alternative check: Numerous retrospectives and scorecard notes document five sixes in that debut knock, cementing his reputation as a powerful hitter from the outset. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 3: Understates his big hitting in that innings. 6: Overstates the six count; five is the documented figure. 10: Far too high for an ODI debut tally of 73. None of the above: Incorrect because 5 is correct and listed. Common Pitfalls: Confusing total boundaries (fours + sixes) with sixes alone, or misremembering his subsequent knocks in the same World Cup. Final Answer: 5

Question 6

Player Identity — Middle Name Recall What is the middle name of Sachin Tendulkar?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Sachin Tendulkar's full name is a fundamental GK fact. Middle-name recall questions quickly assess whether a candidate has read standard sports almanacs or reputable profiles. Given Data / Assumptions: We only need the middle name of Sachin Tendulkar. All options start with 'R', making this a precision recall test. Concept / Approach: Match the exact full name as routinely printed in official records and biographies. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Recall Sachin's full name as published in authoritative sources.Step 2: His full name is Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.Step 3: Select 'Ramesh' from the options. Verification / Alternative check: Any standard profile of Sachin Tendulkar confirms 'Ramesh' as the middle name. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Rohan, Rahul, Ravi: Common distractors; none match the official full name. None of the above: Incorrect because the correct middle name is listed. Common Pitfalls: Assuming a different R-initial name due to similar-sounding Indian names, or mixing up family members' names. Final Answer: Ramesh

Question 7

Debut Match Figures — ODI Bowling What were Anil Kumble's bowling figures (Overs–Maidens–Runs–Wickets) in his ODI debut against Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Debut figures are precise statistics used in many sports GK tests. Anil Kumble, one of India's greatest spinners, debuted in ODIs against Sri Lanka, making his first-match numbers a popular quiz point. Given Data / Assumptions: We need O–M–R–W for Kumble's ODI debut. Options include realistic but incorrect decoys. Concept / Approach: Cross-check the Austral-Asia Cup 1990 records: match vs Sri Lanka at Sharjah on 25 April 1990. Kumble bowled a full quota and took one wicket. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Identify the debut match: India vs Sri Lanka, Sharjah, 25 Apr 1990.Step 2: Retrieve bowling analysis recorded for the match.Step 3: Note the exact O–M–R–W values.Step 4: Match the values to the options provided. Verification / Alternative check: Standard cricket databases list Kumble's figures as 10–0–42–1. This is widely quoted in MCQ repositories and match retrospectives. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 1.1–0–27–0: Unrealistic for a debut analysis and clearly not from a completed spell. 10–7–10–5: An implausibly economical five-wicket haul; not his debut stat. 8.2–2–33–2: Does not match the official debut record. None of the above: Incorrect because the correct analysis is listed. Common Pitfalls: Confusing ODI debut with Test debut or recalling a different standout ODI performance (e.g., 6–12 vs WI in 1993 Hero Cup). Final Answer: 10–0–42–1

Question 8

Milestone Moment — 500th Test Wicket (2006) In 2006, Anil Kumble became the first Indian to reach 500 Test wickets. How was his 500th wicket taken?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Anil Kumble's 500th Test wicket is a landmark in Indian cricket. Understanding the opponent, venue, and mode of dismissal provides nuanced historical knowledge valued in competitive exams. Given Data / Assumptions: Year: 2006, series vs England. Venue: Mohali (India). Asked: Mode of dismissal for the 500th wicket. Concept / Approach: Recall the exact dismissal: Kumble trapped England's Steve Harmison leg-before-wicket (LBW) to reach 500. Such milestones are reported identically across multiple reputable outlets. Step-by-Step Solution: Step 1: Place the event: 2nd Test vs England at Mohali, March 2006.Step 2: Identify the batsman: Steve Harmison.Step 3: Recall the dismissal type explicitly cited in match reports.Step 4: Map to the correct option. Verification / Alternative check: Match reports and major newspapers of the time uniformly state that Harmison was out LBW, marking Kumble's entry into the 500-wicket club. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Run out: Not credited to the bowler and not the milestone dismissal. Bowled: Tempting distractor, but incorrect for this wicket. Catch out: Also incorrect; milestone was LBW. None of the above: Invalid since LBW is correct and listed. Common Pitfalls: Confusing the 500th wicket with his 600th milestone (Andrew Symonds, caught) or with other iconic dismissals (e.g., 10/74 vs Pakistan). Final Answer: LBW

Question 9

Cricket (ICC Awards): Who was named the ICC Emerging Player of the Year for the 2004 season?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The ICC Awards recognize outstanding performances in international cricket each year. The “Emerging Player of the Year” category highlights a young cricketer who delivered exceptional impact in the award year. Knowing these winners is a common sports GK test point. Given Data / Assumptions: Award: ICC Emerging Player of the Year. Year: 2004. Options: Four Indian cricketers well known from the 2000s. Concept / Approach: Link the award year with each player’s early-career international timeline and breakthrough performances. In 2004, India’s left-arm swing bowler Irfan Pathan made headlines with prodigious late swing and new-ball breakthroughs in both Tests and ODIs. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify which player had a standout “emerging” year in 2004.Cross-check career arcs: Piyush Chawla and Suresh Raina debuted later; Gambhir’s consistent peak recognition came slightly after.Recall ICC's 2004 citation widely associated with Irfan Pathan’s rise.Select Irfan Pathan as the correct answer. Verification / Alternative check: Contemporary ICC press notes and year-end summaries credited Irfan Pathan with the 2004 Emerging Player award for his immediate impact as a teenager in international cricket. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Piyush Chawla: Highly rated leg-spinner, but not the 2004 recipient. Gautam Gambhir: Important Indian opener, recognition peaked later. Suresh Raina: Debut and key accolades arrived after 2004. Common Pitfalls: Confusing debut years with award years, or mixing up ICC awards across seasons. Always map the exact calendar year to the player’s breakout period. Final Answer: Irfan Pathan

Question 10

Sourav Ganguly's Test debut at Lord's (1996): How many runs did he score in the first innings of his debut match?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Sourav Ganguly’s debut at Lord’s in 1996 is one of Indian cricket’s iconic moments. Debut statistics at historic venues are frequently asked in sports GK and competitive exams, particularly for players who later became captains and batting mainstays. Given Data / Assumptions: Venue: Lord’s, London. Event: Test debut, 1996 tour of England. Ask: First-innings score on debut. Concept / Approach: Ganguly’s first Test knock is remembered for elegance and composure under English conditions. The exact score is often confused between two close numbers, so careful recall is required: it was 131 in the first innings (not 132). Step-by-Step Solution: Recall the milestone: a debut century at Lord’s is rare and widely commemorated.Disambiguate common distractors 132 and 99 by remembering the celebrated “131 at Lord’s” phrase.Confirm that the figure refers specifically to the first innings of the match.Select 131 as the precise score. Verification / Alternative check: Scorecards and cricket almanacs list Ganguly’s first-innings 131 at Lord’s in 1996, followed by another century at Trent Bridge in the same series, cementing his early Test credentials. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 132: A classic near-miss distractor; the official first-innings score was 131. 32 / 99: Not aligned with the celebrated debut-century record. Common Pitfalls: Treating rounded or misremembered figures as exact; mixing first-innings and match aggregate; or confusing with his next Test century on the tour. Final Answer: 131

Question 11

Test cricket milestones: Who was the first Indian batsman to score a century on Test debut in England (against England, on English soil)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Indian Test cricket has several landmark “firsts.” One such milestone is the first century by an Indian batsman on Test debut in England, achieved against England on their home turf. Identifying the player and context is a recurring GK theme. Given Data / Assumptions: Context: Debut century, overseas, in England. Opponent: England. Task: Name the first Indian to do so. Concept / Approach: While many recall modern stars, the correct answer predates them. Abbas Ali Baig scored a famous debut century in England, remembered for poise under pressure and for being a pioneering Indian milestone abroad. Step-by-Step Solution: List candidates with early England success on debut.Note that Sachin Tendulkar’s first Test century came later and not on debut; Kapil Dev and Wasim (Wassim) Jaffer do not fit this debut-in-England criterion.Abbas Ali Baig is historically credited with the first such debut century in England by an Indian.Choose Abbas Ali Baig. Verification / Alternative check: Historic Test records from the 1950s document Baig’s debut hundred in England, a watershed for Indian batting achievements overseas. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Sachin Tendulkar: Not a debut hundred in England; his early centuries occurred later. Kapil Dev: Primarily a pace-bowling all-rounder; debut hundred in England is not his record. Wassim Jaffer: Debut conditions and timelines do not match this specific feat. Common Pitfalls: Projecting modern legends onto earlier milestones or confusing first overseas hundreds with debut centuries. Always parse “on debut” and “in England.” Final Answer: Abbas Ali Baig

Question 12

Sachin Tendulkar's first Test appearance: In which year did he make his Test debut for India?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Sachin Tendulkar’s debut year is a foundational data point for cricket GK. He started as a prodigious teenager and went on to have one of the longest, most productive careers in international cricket history. Given Data / Assumptions: Athlete: Sachin Tendulkar. Ask: Year of Test debut. Era: Late 1980s to early 1990s options provided. Concept / Approach: Tendulkar debuted as a 16-year-old in a Test series against Pakistan. That historic fact pins the answer to the calendar year 1989, often confused with his early 1990s milestones in England and Australia. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall the Pakistan tour when India blooded a teenage Tendulkar.Fix the year: 1989, preceding his 1990 English summer exploits.Eliminate nearby years (1986, 1990, 1991) that tempt guessers.Select 1989. Verification / Alternative check: Official Test caps lists, series archives, and biographies unanimously note 1989 as Tendulkar’s Test debut year versus Pakistan. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 1986: Too early relative to his age and domestic build-up. 1990 / 1991: Years of prominent overseas tours and knocks, but not his debut. Common Pitfalls: Mixing debut year with first century year, or conflating ODI and Test timelines. Always separate formats and series when recalling debut facts. Final Answer: 1989

Question 13

Full name detail: What is the middle name of Sourav Ganguly (former India captain and BCCI President)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Full names of notable sportspersons often appear in examinations as quick-recall GK items. Sourav Ganguly, a transformative India captain and later an administrator, has a distinctive middle name that is sometimes misspelled or misremembered. Given Data / Assumptions: Person: Sourav Ganguly. Ask: Middle name. Options: Similar-looking spellings designed to confuse. Concept / Approach: When options feature close spellings, focus on the exact orthography used in official records and biographies. Ganguly’s full name is Sourav Chandidas Ganguly, often shortened in media to Sourav Ganguly. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall official full name: Sourav Chandidas Ganguly.Compare with look-alike variants “Chandradas” and unrelated names.Eliminate distractors that change letters or meaning.Select “Chandidas.” Verification / Alternative check: Authoritative profiles and records list “Chandidas” as the middle name, reflecting family lineage and Bengali naming conventions. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Mohandas / Tarwadi: Not associated with Ganguly’s registered name. Chandradas: Close in appearance but incorrect; “Chandidas” is precise. Common Pitfalls: Falling for near-homophones or visually similar spellings under time pressure. Carefully scan each letter in name-based GK questions. Final Answer: Chandidas

Question 14

ODI career count: How many One-Day Internationals did Farokh Engineer play in total?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Farokh Engineer was a celebrated Indian wicketkeeper-batsman primarily from the pre-ODI era. Because his peak years preceded the proliferation of limited-overs internationals, his ODI count is modest and therefore a favorite GK trick question. Given Data / Assumptions: Player: Farokh Engineer. Ask: Total ODIs played. Era: He featured in the early years of ODIs, including the 1975 World Cup period. Concept / Approach: Recognize that many legends of the 1960s–early 1970s have low ODI tallies. Farokh Engineer’s international white-ball appearances were limited to the format’s infancy, far fewer than modern regulars. Step-by-Step Solution: Anchor the time frame: ODI cricket began in 1971, later than Engineer’s main Test career.Recall that Engineer did appear in the inaugural 1975 World Cup and a handful of ODIs around that time.Choose the smallest plausible count consistent with that brief window.Select 5 as the total ODIs played. Verification / Alternative check: Historical ODI player lists and World Cup archives list five ODI appearances for Farokh Engineer, aligning with his late-career limited-overs involvement. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 9 / 10 / 15: Overestimates for a player whose prime predated regular ODI scheduling. Common Pitfalls: Projecting modern match counts onto earlier generations or assuming that a star wicketkeeper automatically logged many ODIs. Context matters: the format was new and fixtures were sparse. Final Answer: 5

Question 15

Full name detail: What is the middle (family) name of Harbhajan Singh, popularly nicknamed “Bhajji”?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Name-based questions test exact recall. India’s off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is universally known by his first and last names, but his family name (middle name in many listings) distinguishes him in official records as Harbhajan Singh Plaha. Given Data / Assumptions: Cricketer: Harbhajan Singh. Nickname: “Bhajji.” Ask: Middle/family name from similar-looking options. Concept / Approach: Eliminate look-alike spellings and unrelated surnames. The accurate family name is “Plaha,” which frequently appears in full-form listings and legal documents for the player. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall the complete name: Harbhajan Singh Plaha.Identify the correct spelling among confusing variants.Discard unrelated surnames like Kholi or Asrani.Select “Plaha.” Verification / Alternative check: Player bios, press releases, and tournament registrations often include the family name “Plaha,” confirming the correct option. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Plaba: Misspelling. Kholi: Likely confusion with Virat Kohli’s surname. Asrani: Unrelated surname. Common Pitfalls: Speed-reading similar spellings or conflating surnames of other Indian cricketers. When in doubt, visualize the exact letters: P-L-A-H-A. Final Answer: Plaha

Question 16

Indian sports trophies: Which of the following pairs is correctly matched with its sport?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Trophies and cups are classic GK items. India has a rich set of named trophies across sports, and exam questions often provide similar-sounding options to test precise associations. Recognizing the correct pairing is essential to avoid traps. Given Data / Assumptions: Aim: Identify the correctly matched trophy–sport pair. Options: Four pairings across popular and niche sports. Concept / Approach: Recall well-known associations: the Holkar Trophy is historically linked with Bridge (the mind sport). By contrast, Nehru naming is connected with football and the Kerala boat race rather than table tennis; B.C. Roy is connected with football; Ruia is known in card and cue sports contexts, not kabaddi. Step-by-Step Solution: Scan for the pair with a strong, widely documented link.Identify Holkar Trophy as a traditional national-level Bridge trophy.Eliminate options that mismatch known sports (e.g., Nehru–Table Tennis).Select “Holkar Trophy – Bridge.” Verification / Alternative check: Indian Bridge federations and historical results repeatedly reference the Holkar Trophy, validating this pairing. Football connections for Nehru and B.C. Roy further invalidate their table-tennis or lawn-tennis pairings here. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Nehru Trophy – Table Tennis: Nehru Cup/Nehru Trophy aligns with football and a famous boat race, not TT. B.C. Roy Trophy – Lawn Tennis: B.C. Roy is a football youth tournament. Ruia Trophy – Kabaddi: Ruia titles are known in Bridge/Billiards contexts, not kabaddi. Common Pitfalls: Assuming any “famous name + trophy” pairing is correct across sports, or mixing up multiple “Nehru” events from different disciplines. Always verify the exact sport alignment. Final Answer: Holkar Trophy – Bridge

Question 17

Olympic heritage: In which city was the official Olympic Museum opened to showcase the history and spirit of the Games?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The Olympic Museum preserves and promotes the legacy of the Olympic Movement. Knowing its location is a straightforward but important sports GK fact tied to the International Olympic Committee’s administrative base. Given Data / Assumptions: Institution: The Olympic Museum. Ask: City of opening/location. Context: IOC headquarters and Olympic heritage centers. Concept / Approach: The IOC is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland. The Olympic Museum is likewise situated in Lausanne, serving as a cultural hub for exhibitions, collections, and educational programs about the modern Olympic Games and their ideals. Step-by-Step Solution: Associate IOC HQ with the museum’s location.Recall Lausanne’s long-standing Olympic ties.Eliminate other historic cities that, while important to Olympic history, are not the museum’s site.Select Lausanne. Verification / Alternative check: IOC publications and official tourism pages repeatedly cite Lausanne as home to the Olympic Museum overlooking Lake Geneva, reinforcing this association. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Istanbul / Rome: Not the site of the Olympic Museum. Athens: Birthplace of the ancient Games and host of 1896 and 2004, but not the museum’s location. Common Pitfalls: Assuming Athens houses all Olympic institutions due to its ancient heritage. Administration and heritage curation are centered in Lausanne for the modern movement. Final Answer: Lausanne

Question 18

Track and field lore: Ben Johnson, the well-known sprinter from the late 1980s, represented which country at the Olympics?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: High-profile Olympic sprinters often feature in sports GK. Ben Johnson rose to global fame in the late 1980s, and questions commonly test whether you can correctly identify his nationality amid other prominent sprinting nations. Given Data / Assumptions: Athlete: Ben Johnson (men’s 100 m). Period: Late 1980s. Ask: Country represented. Concept / Approach: Johnson competed for Canada, achieving world-leading times and Olympic recognition before his results were famously annulled due to doping violations. Despite controversies, the nationality association remains a standard factoid: Canada. Step-by-Step Solution: Recall Johnson’s Canadian affiliation and rivalry with American sprinters.Eliminate other sprinting nations often seen in finals (e.g., Cuba, Germany) or unrelated options.Choose Canada.Confirm by remembering Canadian team kits and national records of the era. Verification / Alternative check: Olympic databases and athletics record books list Ben Johnson as Canadian, with national representation and records attributed to Canada before disqualifications. Why Other Options Are Wrong: South Africa / Germany / Cuba: Produced elite athletes, but these are not Johnson’s nationality. Common Pitfalls: Conflating Canadian athletes with American rivals, or assuming nationality based on training base rather than official representation. Final Answer: Canada

Question 19

Sports rules – on-field team size in Kabaddi In standard competitive Kabaddi as governed by bodies like the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India and the International Kabaddi Federation, how many players from one team are on the court at a time?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Kabaddi is a contact team sport popular across South Asia and now played worldwide. Understanding the basic composition of a Kabaddi team on the court is essential for sports GK and for following match strategy. This question checks whether you know the official on-court team size recognized by major federations. Given Data / Assumptions: The format referenced is standard competitive Kabaddi (not informal or recreational variants). Rules are aligned with national and international federations. We are asked about players on the court at one time, not the total squad or substitutes. Concept / Approach: Teams field a fixed number of players on court, with additional substitutes available on the bench. The basic principle is to balance raiders and defenders within a small, agile group that can rotate roles quickly during raids and tackles. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the official number used in professional leagues and international matches: seven.Recall that the remaining players are substitutes who can be rotated as per competition rules.Confirm that this count refers strictly to players physically on the court, not the squad list. Verification / Alternative check: Match broadcasts, rulebooks, and scorecards consistently show starting lineups of seven per side on court, with up to five substitutes depending on the competition regulations. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 11: Typical of football; far above Kabaddi's on-court requirement. 9: Not a standard Kabaddi on-court number. 5: Too few for competitive Kabaddi dynamics. Common Pitfalls: Confusing total squad size with on-court players, or mixing formats with school-level variations. Always differentiate between active players and substitutes when answering rules-based questions. Final Answer: 7

Question 20

Cricket history – Wisden Indian Cricketer of the Century (20th century) Who received the Wisden Award for the 'Indian Cricketer of the Century' recognizing achievements across the 20th century?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Wisden is one of cricket's most respected institutions. In the early 2000s it honored the greatest Indian cricketer of the 20th century. Knowing this awardee is common sports GK and reflects familiarity with India's cricketing legacy. Given Data / Assumptions: A singular award titled 'Indian Cricketer of the Century' (20th century). Award conferred by Wisden after widespread deliberation. We are to pick the recipient's name. Concept / Approach: Consider impact across formats and eras up to 2000. The all-round contribution to India's 1983 World Cup triumph, long Test career, and leadership are central to the choice. Step-by-Step Solution: List iconic names active before and during the 20th century's end: Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar.Recall the Wisden ceremony in 2002 selecting the Indian great of the 20th century.Identify the honoree: Kapil Dev. Verification / Alternative check: Contemporary reports and archival references note Kapil Dev as the winner, with other legends highly placed in polls/juries but not the final recipient. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Sachin Tendulkar: Immense career, but he was not selected for this specific 20th-century Wisden title. Sunil Gavaskar: Another legend; again, not the final awardee. Ajit Wadekar: Celebrated captain, but not the chosen winner of this award. Common Pitfalls: Equating popularity or modern records with this specific honor, or mixing it up with other Wisden or ICC recognitions. Final Answer: Kapil Dev

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