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Hardik Pandya's Captaincy Prospects Uncertain Amid Fitness Concerns

Hardik Pandya’s Captaincy Prospects Uncertain Amid Fitness Concerns

By July 28, 2024 0

Hardik Pandya’s captaincy prospects appear uncertain as former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris believes the added responsibilities could hinder his performance and fitness. Styris supports the Indian team management’s decision to refrain from appointing Pandya as captain, citing concerns about his injury history and the physical demands of bowling.

Styris emphasizes that Pandya’s all-rounder abilities make him India’s best in that role. However, he believes that the pressures of captaincy could compromise his fitness and consistency. “I wouldn’t have personally made Hardik Pandya my captain either,” Styris told News18. “I think that’s a smart choice solely for one reason, and that is as an all-rounder. Skills-wise, he is India’s best all-rounder. He is phenomenal. But you want him to be consistently fit.”

Pandya’s recurrent injuries and the physical toll of bowling are key factors in Styris’ assessment. “At the moment, how he’s in and out with his injuries, you know, bowling is really hard. It takes a lot out of you and your body. So sometimes, adding all the responsibility of captaincy is not necessarily a good thing because there’s just too much to do,” Styris explained.

Styris also highlights Pandya’s crucial role as a bowler, especially given the fitness concerns surrounding key pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Pandya’s presence as a sixth bowler can be invaluable for the team. “These fast bowling stocks are the one area where India probably needs a little bit more help, which is why I like the selection of these youngsters. Anytime Bumrah is not here, your team is going to be weaker. He’s as good as anyone who’s ever played the game, especially the white ball. So the decision to give him a rest, you totally understand. You’ve got to make sure that he’s fresh and ready for some of the other challenges that India have in front of them,” Styris added.

“You want more out of Hardik Pandya. That’s why I like the decision not to make him captain because I really want to see him stand up with a dominant role with the ball more than anything,” he concluded.

The consensus among experts like Styris is that Hardik Pandya should focus on his all-rounder capabilities and maintaining fitness. This would allow him to contribute effectively without the added burden of captaincy.

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Rohit Sharma Spotted in Mumbai with Car Number Matching His Highest ODI Score

Rohit Sharma Spotted in Mumbai with Car Number Matching His Highest ODI Score

By July 28, 2024 0

Team India’s ODI and Test captain, Rohit Sharma, recently made a stylish appearance on the streets of Mumbai in his luxurious Range Rover. The star cricketer, who has been enjoying a break since India’s triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, was spotted with his wife Ritika Sajdeh and daughter Samaira.

As Rohit navigated the city, his car’s number plate caught the attention of onlookers. The number, 00264, holds special significance as it matches Rohit’s highest score in ODI cricket. This unique touch adds to the aura of the Indian skipper, who is known for his exceptional batting prowess.

Rohit’s outing comes ahead of his departure to Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series. The series will mark his return to international cricket after a brief hiatus. Rohit has been in impressive form lately, leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup and the Asia Cup.

Despite his recent retirement from T20I cricket, Rohit has made it clear that he has no plans to step away from ODIs and Tests anytime soon. He remains a vital cog in India’s batting lineup and will be looking to continue his success in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.

Rohit’s appearance in Mumbai also sparked a buzz on social media, with fans sharing videos and photos of his outing. The Indian captain’s stylish ride and his car’s unique number plate have become a talking point among cricket enthusiasts.

As Rohit prepares for his return to international cricket, his fans will be eagerly awaiting his performance in the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka. The Indian skipper will be hoping to lead his team to another victory and continue his impressive run of form.

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Suryakumar Yadav Named India's T20I Captain, Hardik Pandya Snubbed

Suryakumar Yadav Named India’s T20I Captain, Hardik Pandya Snubbed

By July 28, 2024 0

The decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as captain of India’s T20I team has sparked debate, particularly given the omission of Hardik Pandya from the leadership role. Pandya has previously led India in T20Is in Rohit Sharma’s absence and was his deputy during the successful T20 World Cup campaign.

India’s chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, explained that the decision to name Suryakumar captain was based on fitness considerations. Former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, who recently concluded his tenure, has endorsed the decision, citing Suryakumar’s exceptional skills and leadership qualities.

Mhambrey emphasized that Suryakumar’s consistent performance and ability to win games for India make him an ideal choice for captaincy. He also highlighted Suryakumar’s strong bond with the team, including the younger players.

“He’s been with the team. I’ve seen him interact with the young guys. He has that respect from the younger lot. The youngsters need to interact with him, he’s good at it. So, has a good bond with everyone in the team,” Mhambrey said.

Mhambrey also commented on the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as head coach, expressing confidence in his experience but acknowledging the need for time to achieve optimal results.

Suryakumar Yadav will lead India in a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, commencing on July 27. The series will provide an opportunity for him to demonstrate his leadership abilities and further cement his position as a key figure in Indian cricket.

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Hardik Pandya's Skills Match Ben Stokes, but Consistency Key: Scott Styris

Hardik Pandya’s Skills Match Ben Stokes, but Consistency Key: Scott Styris

By July 28, 2024 0

Hardik Pandya, the Indian all-rounder, possesses exceptional skills comparable to England’s premier all-rounder and captain, Ben Stokes. However, former New Zealand cricketer Scott Styris believes that Pandya needs to demonstrate greater consistency in his performances.

Styris acknowledges Pandya’s immense talent, stating that he is “in a similar ability-zone as someone like Ben Stokes.” However, he emphasizes the need for Pandya to translate his abilities into consistent performances. “He’s got much more talent than that (his recent performances),” Styris said.

Styris highlights the importance of Pandya’s availability and fitness in delivering consistent performances. “He is a phenomenally skilled cricketer. But he hasn’t quite shown it yet as consistently enough for my liking,” Styris said. “I want to see him get his body right and be that dominant all-rounder that we know.”

Styris also praises left-arm all-rounder Axar Patel, who he believes will play a crucial role in India’s upcoming T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka. “I’m a huge fan of Axar Patel,” Styris said. “He’s one of those players who always gets in the fight, always gets in the contest.”

Styris also expresses his desire to see a larger role for Rinku Singh, who missed out on India’s T20 World Cup squad. “I would still like to see Rinku come in first,” Styris said. “The way he’s performed for India, he hasn’t done anything wrong.”

Styris commends the timing of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja’s retirements from T20Is. “I think it was the perfect time for those three to step away,” Styris said. “It’s a real opportunity for India to give some experience to the next generation of players.”

Styris believes that the young Indian cricketers have immense talent, as evidenced by their performances in the IPL. “They won’t have those senior guys around to lean on,” Styris said. “But the one thing that we can take away from the IPL is the next wave of Indian batsmen are talented.”

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India's Medal Hopes Rise on Day 2 of Paris Olympics

India’s Medal Hopes Rise on Day 2 of Paris Olympics

By July 28, 2024 0

Paris Olympics 2024: India’s Day 2 Schedule and Medal Hopes

Day 2 of India’s campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics promises to be action-packed, with several medal contenders taking center stage.

Shooting: Manu Bhaker’s Redemption Quest

Manu Bhaker, India’s pistol shooting sensation, will be the focus of attention as she aims to secure the country’s first medal at the Games. After a disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics, Bhaker is determined to make amends. She will compete in the women’s 10m air pistol final, where she will face stiff competition from Hungarian ace Veronika Major.

Badminton: Sindhu and Prannoy Begin Campaigns

Two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu will kick off her women’s singles campaign against FN Abdul Razzaq of Maldives. Sindhu, who was India’s flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony, will be looking to add to her impressive medal tally. HS Prannoy will also begin his men’s singles journey, facing Fabian Roth of Germany.

Archery: Women’s Team Targets Semifinals

The Indian women’s archery team, comprising Ankita Bhakat, Bhajan Kaur, and Deepika Kumari, will aim for a semifinal spot in the team event. They will face either France or the Netherlands in the quarterfinals.

Other Events

Elavenil Valarivan will compete in the women’s 10m air rifle qualification, while Sandeep Singh and Arjun Babuta will represent India in the men’s 10m air rifle qualification.

In table tennis, Achanta Sharath Kamal, Manika Batra, and Sreeja Akula will open their respective singles campaigns.

Balraj Panwar will participate in the men’s single sculls repechage in rowing.

Srihari Nataraj and Dhinidhi Desinghu will represent India in the men’s 100m backstroke and women’s 200m freestyle swimming events, respectively.

In tennis, Rohan Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji will play in the men’s doubles round 1, while Sumit Nagal will face Corentin Moutet of France in the men’s singles round 1.

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Naomi Osaka Falls in Paris Olympics First Round, Vows to “Learn How to Win Again”

By July 28, 2024 0

Naomi Osaka’s Olympic journey in Paris ended prematurely with a disappointing first-round loss to Angelique Kerber. The former world No. 1, who has struggled to regain her dominant form since taking a mental health break in 2021, expressed a sense of disappointment but remained hopeful for the future.

Osaka’s defeat marked a stark contrast to her performance at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, where she was expected to shine as one of the star attractions. However, the pressure of playing in front of her home crowd proved overwhelming, and she exited in the third round.

In Paris, Osaka faced a formidable opponent in Kerber, a silver medalist in Rio 2016. The German veteran, who is set to retire after these Games, played with determination and precision, forcing Osaka into uncharacteristic errors.

Osaka’s serve, usually a potent weapon, faltered against Kerber’s relentless defense. She finished with 30 unforced errors, while Kerber committed only 11. The Japanese star also struggled to break Kerber’s serve, managing to do so just once while losing four of her own service games.

Despite the setback, Osaka remained optimistic about her future prospects. She acknowledged the need to “learn how to win again” and expressed a willingness to face top-level competition to regain her winning ways.

Osaka’s journey has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. She rose to the pinnacle of tennis, winning four Grand Slams and becoming the highest-paid female athlete. However, she has also faced mental health struggles and taken time off to focus on her well-being.

Her return to the tour has been gradual, but she has shown glimpses of her former brilliance. At the French Open earlier this year, she pushed eventual champion Iga Swiatek to three sets and held a match point.

While clay may not be her preferred surface, Osaka remains determined to improve her game and regain her status as one of the world’s best players. Her resilience and determination suggest that she has the potential to overcome her current challenges and return to the top of the sport.

Categories: Tennis
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Nadal Downplays Djokovic Hype, Focuses on Olympic Journey

Nadal Downplays Djokovic Hype, Focuses on Olympic Journey

By July 28, 2024 0

The Olympic Games in Paris commenced with a flurry of action, despite the inclement weather. Top seeds Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek emerged victorious in their opening singles matches, while Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz made their highly anticipated doubles debut.

However, Nadal downplayed the hype surrounding a potential second-round clash with Djokovic. The prospect of a match-up between the two clay-court legends had ignited excitement among tennis enthusiasts. Djokovic himself described it as a “spectacle” and a “last dance.”

Nadal, however, remained cautious. He dismissed the notion of it being his final encounter with Djokovic, emphasizing that he still had to navigate his first-round match against Marton Fucsovics. Concerns had been raised about Nadal’s participation in singles due to an injury setback, but he appeared to be in good spirits during his doubles match with Alcaraz.

Nadal also expressed frustration with the scheduling of his singles match, which was set for 2:00 p.m. on Court Philippe Chatrier. “It’s outrageous to me,” he said.

Despite the scheduling hiccup, Nadal acknowledged the significance of his participation in the Opening Ceremony. He received the Olympic torch from French soccer legend Zinedine Zidane and passed it on to Serena Williams, Nadia Comaneci, and Carl Lewis.

“Yesterday was a super emotional moment for me,” Nadal said. “I’m still with the emotions very high. I’m just enjoying every single moment and let’s see what’s gonna happen.”

While the potential Djokovic-Nadal clash may not materialize, it is likely that this will be Nadal’s last Olympic appearance. The 38-year-old Spaniard expressed his gratitude for the honor of carrying the Olympic torch and his excitement for the tournament ahead.

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Gautam Gambhir Appointed as India's New Cricket Coach

Gautam Gambhir Appointed as India’s New Cricket Coach

By July 28, 2024 0

The evolution of coaching in Indian cricket has been a remarkable journey, from the days of amateur managers to the current era of professional coaches with lucrative contracts. In the past, the team manager, like P.R. Man Singh during India’s 1983 World Cup triumph, handled multiple responsibilities. However, with the advent of commercialization and the recognition of mentorship’s importance, the dressing room has undergone a significant transformation.

The appointment of former stars like Kapil Dev and overseas experts like John Wright brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the Indian team. However, not all coaching stints were smooth sailing. The infamous spat between coach Greg Chappell and captain Sourav Ganguly highlighted the challenges of managing strong personalities.

In recent years, India has found success by sourcing coaches from within its own ranks. Anil Kumble, Ravi Shastri, and Rahul Dravid have all served as head coaches, bringing their intimate knowledge of the Indian cricket system to the role. Gautam Gambhir is the latest addition to this illustrious list.

Gambhir, a gritty former India opener, brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for intensity to the coaching position. His 4,154 Test runs and crucial performances in limited-overs cricket, including top-scoring in India’s inaugural ICC Twenty20 and 2011 World Cup victories, attest to his exceptional talent.

Known for his unwavering determination and competitive spirit, Gambhir is expected to instill a similar mindset in the Indian team. However, he will also need to navigate the challenges of managing a diverse group of individuals and preparing India for the post-retirement era of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and other senior players.

Gambhir’s appointment marks a new chapter in Indian cricket coaching. His experience, intensity, and understanding of the game make him a formidable candidate to guide the team to future success.

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India Eyes Record Eighth Women's Asia Cup Title in Final Clash with Sri Lanka

India Eyes Record Eighth Women’s Asia Cup Title in Final Clash with Sri Lanka

By July 28, 2024 0

Defending champions India are poised to extend their dominance in the Women’s Asia Cup, aiming for a record-extending eighth title as they face a spirited Sri Lanka in the final on Sunday.

India has been unstoppable in this continental showpiece, crushing Pakistan by seven wickets, followed by facile victories over UAE (78 runs), Nepal (82 runs), and Bangladesh (10 wickets). Their top-order batters and bowlers have fired in unison, leaving their opponents with no chance to mount a fight.

Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma have amassed over 100 runs each at a healthy strike rate of over 140, providing India with solidity and quick starts. However, the management may be even more pleased with the bowlers’ response to the challenge, particularly Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh.

Deepti is the leading wicket-taker of the event with nine scalps, while Renuka is third on the chart with seven. Their economy rate across four matches has been brilliant – 4.37 and 4.31 respectively. This has ensured that the opposition batters have no breathing space at the top or in the middle-overs, phases when Renuka and Deepti often operate.

It has also aided other bowlers, as batters often look for relief shots against them. Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav is a prime example, having taken six wickets at an economy of 5.5, feeding on the success of her senior colleagues.

While there is no palpable worry in the Indian camp, they may be slightly concerned about the lack of batting time for skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues. Harmanpreet has batted just twice in three matches, despite making a riveting 66 in one of them, while Rodrigues is yet to hit top gear in three innings. The think tank will hope that these experienced campaigners can find their range if the situation demands it.

“They might not have got that much time in the middle, but everyone is working hard at nets, and I am sure they will fire when the time comes,” wicketkeeper batter Richa Ghosh had said.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka is also undefeated in this event and has scored the biggest victory in terms of runs – a 144-run toweling of Malaysia in the group stage. The primary reason behind their supremacy is the fine form of skipper Chamari Athapathuthu, the leading run-scorer here with 243 runs.

However, there is a bleaker side to it. Apart from Athapathuthu, none of their batters have scored over 100 runs, with Rushmi Gunarathne a distant second with 91 runs. Their bowling too offers a similar story. Except for off-spinner Kavisha Dilhari (7 wickets, economy 5.35), other Lankan bowlers have failed to make an impact as yet.

In that context, the Islanders will require a quick all-round improvement against a settled India to have a smidgeon of chance even to stretch them.

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Suryakumar Yadav Equals Virat Kohli's Record for Most T20I Player of the Match Awards

Suryakumar Yadav Equals Virat Kohli’s Record for Most T20I Player of the Match Awards

By July 28, 2024 0

Suryakumar Yadav, the enigmatic Indian batter, has etched his name alongside Virat Kohli in the annals of T20 International cricket by equaling the record for the most Player of the Match (POTM) awards. Yadav’s 16th POTM accolade, achieved in just 69 matches, matches Kohli’s tally, which took the former Indian captain 125 matches to accumulate.

Yadav’s latest POTM award came in India’s emphatic 43-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20I of their 2024 tour at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Batting first, India posted an imposing 213/7, with Yadav leading the charge with a blistering 58 off 26 balls. His innings, studded with eight fours and two sixes, showcased his aggressive intent and ability to turn the tide of the game in his team’s favor.

Despite the early dismissals of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, Yadav’s innings provided the stability and momentum that India needed. Rishabh Pant also contributed significantly with a brisk 49 off 33 balls, while Hardik Pandya and Riyan Parag added quick runs in the middle overs. Axar Patel’s unbeaten 10 off 5 balls helped India cross the 200-run mark.

In response, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 170 in 19.2 overs. Pathum Nissanka’s 79 off 48 balls and Kusal Mendis’s 45 off 27 were the only notable performances in an otherwise disappointing chase. Arshdeep Singh and Riyan Parag were the pick of the bowlers for India, with Singh taking 2 for 24 and Parag claiming 3 for 5 in a stellar bowling display.

Yadav’s rapid accumulation of 16 POTM awards is a testament to his impactful performances and his pivotal role in India’s T20I squad. With the series just beginning, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if he can surpass Kohli’s record and continue to be a game-changer for his team.

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