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Sikandar Raza Rejects Pakistan Offer, Remains Loyal to Zimbabwe

Sikandar Raza Rejects Pakistan Offer, Remains Loyal to Zimbabwe

By August 6, 2024 0

Sikandar Raza, the Zimbabwean all-rounder, has established himself as one of the most talented players in the country’s cricketing history. Since his international debut in 2013, Raza has made significant contributions across all formats, including 17 Tests, 142 ODIs, and 91 T20Is.

Beyond his international exploits, Raza has also showcased his skills in domestic leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL). His versatility as a batsman and bowler has made him a valuable asset to any team.

Recently, Raza’s loyalty to Zimbabwe Cricket was questioned on social media. A fan inquired if he had ever considered playing for Pakistan, his country of birth. However, Raza remained steadfast in his commitment to Zimbabwe, expressing his gratitude for the support and investment the board had made in his career.

“I will only and ever represent Zimbabwe,” Raza stated. “They spent time and money on me, and I am only trying to repay their faith. Whatever I achieve will never even get close to repaying it. Zim is mine, and I am theirs fully.”

In a separate post, Raza revealed his admiration for several international players, including India’s Jasprit Bumrah, Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi, and former West Indies all-rounder Sunil Narine. He also named Abdullah Shafiq, Craig Ervine, and Rohit Sharma as his favorite batsmen.

Raza’s leadership qualities were evident during Zimbabwe’s recent T20I series against India, where he captained the team. Despite taking an early lead, Zimbabwe ultimately lost the series 4-1.

Statistically, Raza has amassed 1187 runs and 34 wickets in Tests, 4154 runs in ODIs, and 2037 runs in T20Is. In the IPL, he has represented Punjab Kings, scoring 182 runs and taking three wickets in nine matches.

Raza’s unwavering loyalty to Zimbabwe Cricket, combined with his exceptional talent and leadership abilities, solidifies his status as one of the most respected and influential players in the country’s cricketing history.

Categories: Cricket
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Vinod Kambli's Health Concerns Raise Alarm; Rohit Sharma Continues ODI Dominance

Vinod Kambli’s Health Concerns Raise Alarm; Rohit Sharma Continues ODI Dominance

By August 6, 2024 0

Former Indian cricket star Vinod Kambli’s recent health struggles have raised concerns among fans and the cricketing community. A video circulating on social media shows Kambli struggling to walk, prompting speculation about his well-being.

Kambli, who played over 100 ODIs and 17 Tests for India, has been battling health issues for some time. The video, which has not been independently verified by NDTV, shows him disoriented and unable to maintain his balance. Some social media users suggested he was intoxicated, while others attributed his condition to his deteriorating health.

Kambli’s illustrious career saw him amass nearly 10,000 runs in First Class cricket, with a top score of 262. His left-handed batting prowess made him a formidable force in the Indian team.

Meanwhile, Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma continues to dominate in ODI cricket. In the second ODI against Sri Lanka, Sharma scored a blistering 66 off just 44 balls, surpassing Rahul Dravid to become India’s fourth-highest run-getter in the format.

Sharma’s half-century in the second ODI followed a similar performance in the first match. With 10,831 runs in 264 ODIs, he boasts an impressive average of 49.23 and a strike rate of 92.29. His 31 centuries and 57 fifties include a career-best score of 264.

As an opener, Sharma has also surpassed Sachin Tendulkar for the most fifty-plus scores for India in international cricket. With 43 centuries and 78 fifties, he has 121 fifty-plus scores as an opener, one more than Tendulkar’s 120.

Categories: Cricket
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Gautam Gambhir: Misunderstood as Arrogant, but a Pure-Hearted Coach

Gautam Gambhir: Misunderstood as Arrogant, but a Pure-Hearted Coach

By August 6, 2024 0

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current head coach of Team India, has often been perceived as arrogant due to his intense desire to win. However, his childhood coach, Sanjay Bharadwaj, believes this perception is a misunderstanding.

Bharadwaj, who has known Gambhir for over three decades, describes him as a “kid” with an innocent and pure heart. He emphasizes that Gambhir’s competitive spirit and determination to succeed are often mistaken for arrogance.

“People think he is arrogant, but that is his attitude towards winning,” Bharadwaj said. “He has always been a fierce competitor, even as a young boy. He would cry after losing matches because he hated defeat.”

Bharadwaj credits Gambhir for his unwavering commitment to developing young players. He cites the example of pacer Navdeep Saini, who was given a chance in the Indian team thanks to Gambhir’s insistence.

“Gambhir is not just about winning,” Bharadwaj said. “He is also about shaping the careers of young players. He is polite and has a good heart.”

As Team India head coach, Gambhir has focused on developing the team’s tactical approach. He has been praised for his innovative strategies, such as handing the ball to Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav in the recent T20I series against Sri Lanka.

“Gambhir is not a technical coach,” Bharadwaj said. “He is a tactical coach. His job is to boost morale and inject confidence into players who may not be sure of themselves.”

Bharadwaj believes that Gambhir’s passion for winning and his commitment to developing young players make him an ideal coach for Team India. He is confident that Gambhir will lead the team to success in the upcoming tournaments.

Categories: Cricket
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India's Olympic Hopes Soar on Day 6: Chopra, Hockey Team in Action

India’s Olympic Hopes Soar on Day 6: Chopra, Hockey Team in Action

By August 6, 2024 0

India’s Paris Olympics 2024 Schedule: Day 6 Brings Hope and Anticipation

Day 6 of the Paris Olympics 2024 holds immense promise for India, offering a chance to redeem the disappointment of previous days. The Indian men’s hockey team faces Germany in a crucial semi-final match, while celebrated wrestler Vinesh Phogat takes to the mat. The spotlight, however, will be on Neeraj Chopra, India’s golden boy in javelin throw.

Chopra, who made history as India’s first Olympic gold medalist in athletics, has continued his dominance since his Tokyo triumph. He has emerged victorious in the World Championship, Asian Games, and Diamond League finals. On Tuesday, he will begin his Olympic campaign in Qualification Group B at 15:20 IST.

An hour earlier, Asian Games silver medalist Kishore Kumar Jena will aim to qualify for the final in Men’s Javelin Throw Qualification Group A at 13:50 IST. The day will commence with the men’s table tennis team of Harmeet Desai, Manav Thakkar, and Achanta Sharath Kamal launching their campaign in the Quarterfinals of the Men’s Team Competition.

In athletics, Kiran Pahal will compete in the Women’s 400m Repechage at 2.50 pm IST. Vinesh Phogat, India’s wrestling star, will face Japan’s Yui Susaki in the Women’s 50kg Round of 16 at 2.30 pm IST.

Categories: Others
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Mondo Duplantis Soars to New Heights, Breaks World Record Again

Mondo Duplantis Soars to New Heights, Breaks World Record Again

By August 6, 2024 0

Armand Duplantis, the Swedish pole vaulter known as “Mondo,” has once again etched his name in history by breaking the world record for the ninth time at the Tokyo Olympics. With a leap of 6.25 meters (20 feet, 6 inches), Duplantis soared to new heights, surpassing his previous record by one centimeter.

The 24-year-old Louisiana native, who competes for his mother’s native Sweden, has now cemented his status as one of the greatest pole vaulters of all time. His victory marks his second consecutive Olympic gold medal and further solidifies his dominance in the sport.

Duplantis’s record-breaking performance came after a thrilling night of track and field action. Noah Lyles, the American sprint star, had electrified the crowd with a narrow victory in the men’s 100 meters the previous night. Lyles was on hand to witness Duplantis’s historic feat, adding to the excitement of the evening.

The drama unfolded over a half hour, as Duplantis cleared the bar at 6.10 meters to set a new Olympic record. With the crowd chanting his name, he then raised the bar to one centimeter higher than his previous world record. After two unsuccessful attempts, Duplantis took a break to study video with his parents, who were both former LSU track and field athletes.

With the crowd clapping in rhythm and singing along to a French song, Duplantis prepared for his final attempt. Drawing on his years of training and the support of his family, he soared over the bar, setting a new world record and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest athletes in the sport.

Duplantis’s victory was not the only highlight of the night. Beatrice Chebet of Kenya pulled off an upset in the women’s 5,000 meters, while Keely Hodgkinson captured Britain’s first gold medal of the track meet in the 800 meters. Val Allman of the United States also won her second straight Olympic gold in the discus throw.

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Neeraj Chopra Ready to Defend Olympic Javelin Title in Paris

Neeraj Chopra Ready to Defend Olympic Javelin Title in Paris

By August 6, 2024 0

Neeraj Chopra, India’s golden boy in javelin, is poised to defend his Olympic title at the upcoming Paris Games. The reigning world champion and Tokyo Olympics gold medalist will embark on his quest for a second consecutive Olympic gold on Tuesday at the iconic Stade de France.

Chopra’s journey to Paris has been marked by consistency and determination. Despite a minor abductor issue that forced him to withdraw from the Ostrava Golden Spike, he has showcased his prowess with a season-best throw of 88.36m at the Doha Diamond League. He also claimed gold at the Paavo Nurmi Games with a throw of 85.97m.

Chopra’s main rival in Paris is Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic, who currently holds the top spot in the men’s javelin throw rankings. Vadlejch defeated Chopra in the Diamond League in the lead-up to the Summer Games and is a strong contender for gold.

Another threat to Chopra’s title is Anderson Peters of Grenada, the two-time world champion. Peters has recovered from an injury-marred 2023 season and has a best throw of 86.62m in 2024. His career-best throw of 93.07m remains unmatched by any of the javelin throwers competing in Paris.

European champion Julian Weber of Germany is also a formidable opponent. With a personal best of 89.54m, Weber has consistently thrown over 85m in all five competitions he has participated in this season.

Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who won silver at the World Championships last year, is another athlete to watch. Nadeem has a personal best of 90.18m, but has yet to cross the 85m mark this season.

As Chopra prepares to defend his Olympic crown, he will face a formidable field of rivals. However, his unwavering determination and exceptional talent make him a strong favorite to add another golden chapter to India’s athletics history.

Categories: Others
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Daria Saville's Olympic Pin Haul: A Global Souvenir Showcase

Daria Saville’s Olympic Pin Haul: A Global Souvenir Showcase

By August 6, 2024 0

Daria Saville’s Olympic Pin Collection: A Global Souvenir Showcase

At the recently concluded Paris Olympics, Australian tennis star Daria Saville emerged as a formidable contender in the unofficial sport of pin collecting. Despite her early exit in the women’s doubles competition, Saville’s off-court adventures captivated tennis enthusiasts worldwide.

Through engaging social media updates, Saville provided a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Olympic Village, sharing insights into athletes’ accommodations, meals, and logistics. However, her most anticipated video showcased her impressive haul of enamel pins, a cherished collector’s item distributed by National Olympic Committees, sponsors, and other entities.

Saville’s collection boasted nearly four dozen pins from countries near and far. Among the highlights were:

* Botswana: A muscular zebra in a track singlet, adorned in Botswana’s national blue.
* Brazil: A smiling jaguar holding a Brazilian flag.
* Chinese Taipei: A bubble tea and Eiffel Tower, with hearts in the French flag colors.
* China: A panda in traditional Chinese attire, holding a scroll and lantern.
* Colombia: A golden coffee cup with the Colombian flag on the “steam.”
* Hong Kong: A white lion with a geometric orange mane.
* Mexico: The Eiffel Tower topped with a sombrero and mustache.
* Puerto Rico: A barrio with the Puerto Rican flag and national flower.
* Tanzania: A giraffe.
* Seychelles: A giant gold turtle.

Saville’s personal favorites included Botswana and Colombia, while she praised the Philippines for its friendly people. However, she expressed disappointment that Italy and Switzerland missed the opportunity to feature pizza and chocolate in their designs.

Saville’s pin collection serves as a testament to the global spirit of the Olympics, showcasing the diversity and creativity of participating nations. It also highlights the camaraderie and exchange that occurs among athletes from different backgrounds, united by the pursuit of sporting excellence.

Categories: Tennis
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Indian Badminton Contingent Fails to Medal at Paris Olympics, Padukone Urges Players to Take Responsibility

Indian Badminton Contingent Fails to Medal at Paris Olympics, Padukone Urges Players to Take Responsibility

By August 6, 2024 0

India’s badminton contingent at the Paris Olympics failed to secure a medal, despite high expectations and a roster featuring some of the country’s top players. Prakash Padukone, a legendary former Indian shuttler and mentor to Lakshya Sen, expressed disappointment and urged the players to take responsibility for their underwhelming performances.

Lakshya Sen, who became the first Indian male shuttler to reach an Olympic semi-final, squandered an opportunity to bring home a medal, according to Padukone. The Indian men’s doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were knocked out in the quarterfinal, while two-time medallist PV Sindhu bowed out in the round of 16 in women’s singles.

Padukone emphasized that the players have received adequate support from the government and that they should not blame external factors for their failures. “After Milkha Singh in ’64 and PT Usha in the ’80s, we have so many fourth-place finishes. I think it’s high time that the players also take responsibility,” he said.

Padukone urged the players to introspect and question whether they are working hard enough. He pointed out that they have access to excellent facilities and support staff, which is not the case in many other countries.

Regarding Lakshya Sen’s defeat, Padukone was particularly critical of the way he squandered his 1-0 lead against Lee Zii Jia in the bronze medal match. “He could have definitely gotten a medal,” Padukone said. “He cannot give this as an excuse. Take the responsibility and work harder.”

Padukone’s comments highlight the need for Indian badminton players to step up and deliver when it matters most. They must take ownership of their performances and strive for excellence, rather than relying solely on external support.

Categories: Badminton
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Melbourne Renegades Sign New Zealand Star Tim Seifert for Two Years

Melbourne Renegades Sign New Zealand Star Tim Seifert for Two Years

By August 6, 2024 0

Melbourne Renegades have bolstered their batting lineup with the acquisition of New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert on a two-year deal. The 29-year-old will be available for the entirety of the next two BBL seasons as the Renegades aim to improve upon their seventh-place finish last season.

Seifert’s signing means he will miss a portion of the Super Smash, New Zealand’s domestic T20 tournament, and will not be available for the white-ball series against Pakistan over the Christmas and New Year period.

With an impressive international record of three ODIs and 61 T20Is for New Zealand, Seifert brings a wealth of experience to the Renegades. He has also featured in T20 leagues worldwide, averaging 27.43 with a strike rate of 130.12 in the format, including three centuries.

In the recent Lanka Premier League, Seifert emerged as the leading run-scorer with 400 runs at an average of 57.14 and a strike rate of 135.13.

Seifert is expected to form a formidable top three for the Renegades alongside Josh Brown and Jake Fraser-McGurk. He is also a frontrunner to take over the wicketkeeping duties, a role shared by overseas signings Quinton de Kock and Jordan Cox last season.

“I’m thrilled to be here for the next two seasons,” said Seifert. “I’ll be able to enjoy the environment and get to know the club on a deeper level, which doesn’t often happen in franchise cricket. I’m excited to call myself a Gade for the next couple of seasons at least.”

Renegades general manager James Rosengarten expressed his delight at Seifert’s signing. “Tim gives us a double threat; we get a powerful and skilled batter plus an established international keeper and regular member of the Blackcaps program,” said Rosengarten. “We’re excited to welcome him into the club.”

The BBL draft will take place on September 1, with the Renegades holding pick numbers 2, 10, 23, and 26.

Categories: Cricket
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Paula Badosa Triumphs in Washington, D.C., After Overcoming Injury Setback

Paula Badosa Triumphs in Washington, D.C., After Overcoming Injury Setback

By August 6, 2024 0

Paula Badosa’s triumphant return to the winner’s circle at the Mubadala Citi DC Open was a testament to her resilience and unwavering determination. The former world No. 2 captured her fourth career WTA singles title with a hard-fought 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 victory over Marie Bouzkova in a rain-delayed final.

Badosa’s triumph marked a significant milestone in her career, coming less than a year after doctors warned her that she might never play tennis again due to a debilitating back fracture. The injury had curtailed her 2023 season, sent her tumbling out of the Top 100, and left her reliant on cortisone injections to function.

Despite the adversity, Badosa refused to give up. She underwent extensive rehabilitation and returned to the court with renewed vigor. Her victory in Washington, D.C., where she defeated two Grand Slam winners (Sofia Kenin and Emma Raducanu) and a former tournament champion (Liudmila Samsonova), was a testament to her unwavering belief in herself.

Badosa’s triumph was met with widespread praise from her fellow touring pros and rivals. Her boyfriend, Stefanos Tsitsipas, hailed her as a “badass” on Instagram, while WTA peers Coco Gauff and Ons Jabeur showered her with love.

“Bravo, chica,” wrote Jabeur, who has forged a close friendship with Badosa. “Happy for you!”

Badosa’s victory also marked a return to the Top 50 in the WTA rankings for the first time in nearly a year. The Spaniard admitted that she was on the couch a year ago, but now she was an athlete again.

Badosa’s decision to skip the Paris Olympics, driven by health reasons, proved to be a wise one. Her D.C. win has reignited her career and given her the confidence to continue pushing forward.

Throughout her struggles, Badosa has been supported by her family and Tsitsipas. She rewarded their loyalty with a post-match FaceTime call courtside, after celebrating her victory by kissing the playing surface and embracing her traveling support team.

“They’ve been in the tough moments,” she said. “They’ve seen me very, very down this last year. I wanted to live the moments with them because of course without them I wouldn’t be here because they support me every day, 24/7.”

Badosa’s triumph is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, perseverance and self-belief can lead to extraordinary achievements.

Categories: Tennis
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