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Sharath Kamal Recalls Memorable Olympic Moments, from Federer to Ma Long

Sharath Kamal Recalls Memorable Olympic Moments, from Federer to Ma Long

By July 24, 2024 0

Achanta Sharath Kamal, India’s flag-bearer for the Paris Olympics, has had an illustrious career spanning five Olympic appearances. From sharing a meal with tennis legend Roger Federer to taking a set off Chinese table tennis icon Ma Long, Sharath has created countless memories on the Olympic stage.

Sharath’s Olympic journey began in Athens in 2004, where he met double trap shooting silver medalist Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore before the final. In Beijing in 2008, despite suffering a knee injury, Sharath fought valiantly to reach the second round, defeating Spain’s Alfredo Carneros and pushing Austrian friend Chen Weixing to five sets.

London 2012 marked a turning point for Sharath, as he helped the Indian men’s team qualify for the Olympics for the first time. In Rio 2016, he faced Ma Long, the eventual gold medalist, and managed to win a set, a testament to his resilience and determination.

Tokyo 2020, postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, presented unique challenges for Sharath. Despite limited training resources in India, he persevered and made a significant impact, winning a set against Ma Long once again.

Sharath’s Olympic experiences have not been limited to table tennis. In Athens, he witnessed the “mamba mentality” of basketball legend Kobe Bryant during the opening ceremony. In Beijing, he observed the camaraderie among international athletes, including Federer and Andy Roddick.

As he prepares for his potential final Olympic appearance in Paris, Sharath believes that the team qualification could be a catalyst for the growth of table tennis in India. His unwavering spirit and dedication to the sport continue to inspire young athletes and fans alike.

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Mohammed Shami Targets Return for Bangladesh Test After Resuming Bowling Practice

Mohammed Shami Targets Return for Bangladesh Test After Resuming Bowling Practice

By July 24, 2024 0

Mohammed Shami, India’s premier fast bowler, is on the road to recovery from an ankle injury that has kept him out of competitive cricket since the ODI World Cup 2023. The 33-year-old pacer has undergone surgery for Achilles tendon and has recently resumed bowling practice.

Shami’s return to fitness is a significant boost for Team India, who are preparing for a busy schedule of white-ball and Test matches. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has confirmed that Shami has started bowling and is targeting a return to the Indian team for the first Test against Bangladesh on September 19.

“We more or less know who the guys are, there are some injuries at the moment and hope they will be back. Shami has started to bowl, which is a good sign. September 19 is the first Test (against Bangladesh) and that was always the goal. I don’t know if that is his timeline for recovery, will have to ask the guys at the NCA about that,” Agarkar said in a press conference.

Agarkar also emphasized the importance of building depth in the Test team, especially with the upcoming series against Bangladesh and Australia. “There are so many Tests coming. We will need some depth. Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj have been around for a while, these are the obvious ones. But there will be some conversation around it. Got a lot of first-class cricket coming up so we can build guys up like that,” he said.

Shami’s return will provide a much-needed boost to India’s bowling attack, which has been weakened by injuries to Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. The pacer’s ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace will be crucial for India’s success in the upcoming Test series.

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Sachin Tendulkar: Pakistan's Kryptonite in the 1990s

Sachin Tendulkar: Pakistan’s Kryptonite in the 1990s

By July 24, 2024 0

Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian batsman, was a formidable force on the cricket field. His presence alone instilled fear in opposing teams, particularly Pakistan. During the 1990s, Pakistan’s strategy revolved around dismissing Tendulkar as the key to victory.

Former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali recalled the aura surrounding Tendulkar in the Pakistan dressing room. “Our captain, Wasim Akram, would emphasize everywhere that dismissing Sachin was paramount to winning the match,” Ali said. “As soon as Sachin got out, Pakistan would often emerge victorious.”

Tendulkar’s dominance against Pakistan was evident in both Test and ODI formats. In 18 Test matches, he amassed 1057 runs at an average of 42.28, including two centuries and a highest score of 194 not out. In 69 ODIs, he accumulated 2526 runs at an average of 40.09 and a strike rate of 87.49, with five centuries and a highest score of 141.

Tendulkar’s match-winning knock against Pakistan in the 2003 ODI World Cup clash at Centurion remains etched in the minds of cricket fans. His 98-run innings played a pivotal role in India’s victory.

The Indian batting team heavily relied on Tendulkar’s brilliance during the 1990s. His wicket often determined the outcome of matches. Pakistan’s fear of Tendulkar was a testament to his exceptional talent and the impact he had on the game.

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Bangladesh Opts to Bat First Against Malaysia in Asia Cup 2024

Bangladesh Opts to Bat First Against Malaysia in Asia Cup 2024

By July 24, 2024 0

Bangladesh, seeking to advance to the semi-finals of the Asia Cup 2024, elected to bat first after winning the toss against Malaysia. The decision came after Bangladesh’s opening game loss to Sri Lanka and subsequent seven-wicket victory over Thailand.

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana expressed her team’s desire to establish a strong total on the board, given the favorable batting conditions. The team made one change, bringing in experienced all-rounder Jahanara Alam in place of Marufa Akter.

Malaysia, despite losing both their previous matches, still harbored hopes of reaching the semi-finals. However, they were forced to chase after Bangladesh’s decision to bat. Malaysia made two changes to their lineup, introducing Nur Aishah and Irdina Beh Nabil while omitting Dhanusri Muhunan and Amalin Sorfina.

For Malaysia to qualify for the semi-finals, they must defeat Bangladesh by a significant margin and rely on Sri Lanka to do the same against Thailand.

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Bangladesh XI Defeated by Malaysia XI in Thrilling Encounter

Bangladesh XI Defeated by Malaysia XI in Thrilling Encounter

By July 24, 2024 0

Bangladesh XI, led by Dilara Akter, faced off against Malaysia XI, captained by Winifred Duraisingam, in a crucial match of the ongoing tournament. Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first.

Malaysia’s opening bowlers, Winifred Duraisingam and Suabika Manivannan, started off with a tight spell, restricting Bangladesh’s scoring. However, Murshida Khatun broke the shackles in the second over, driving a glorious boundary through the covers.

Bangladesh continued to build their innings steadily, with Khatun and Ishma Tanjim contributing valuable runs. Khatun, in particular, looked in fine touch, hitting another boundary in the fourth over.

Malaysia’s bowlers fought back in the middle overs, with Duraisingam and Manivannan bowling economically and picking up wickets. Bangladesh lost Dilara Akter and Ritu Moni in quick succession, leaving them at 45/2.

Despite the setbacks, Bangladesh’s middle order held firm. Rumana Ahmed and Nigar Sultana played sensible innings, rotating the strike and finding the occasional boundary.

In the latter stages of the innings, Bangladesh accelerated their scoring rate. Jahanara Alam and Nahida Akter hit some lusty blows, taking Bangladesh to a respectable total of 125/5 in their allotted 20 overs.

Malaysia’s chase got off to a shaky start as they lost Dilara Akter early on. However, Murshida Khatun and Ishma Tanjim steadied the ship with a solid partnership.

Khatun, in particular, was in devastating form, hitting boundaries at will. She brought up her half-century in just 35 balls, guiding Malaysia towards victory.

Malaysia’s middle order chipped in with valuable contributions, with Nur Aishah Mohammed Iqbal and Mahirah Izzati Ismail playing cameos.

In the end, Malaysia chased down the target with ease, reaching 126/3 in just 17.2 overs. Murshida Khatun remained unbeaten on 65, while Ishma Tanjim contributed 25.

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PR Sreejesh to Retire After Paris Olympics, Indian Hockey Era Ends

PR Sreejesh to Retire After Paris Olympics, Indian Hockey Era Ends

By July 24, 2024 0

Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh, a stalwart in the national team for over a decade, has announced his retirement after the 2024 Paris Olympics. The announcement marks the end of an era for Indian hockey, as Sreejesh has been a pivotal figure in the team’s resurgence on the international stage.

Sreejesh, who made his senior debut in 2006, has been a cornerstone of the Indian defense, renowned for his exceptional reflexes and leadership skills. He played a crucial role in India’s historic bronze medal victory at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the team’s first Olympic medal in 41 years.

Beyond his on-field achievements, Sreejesh has also been a mentor and inspiration to younger players. Harmanpreet Singh, the current captain of the men’s team, credits Sreejesh’s guidance for his own development.

“He has been an inspiration for all of us,” said Harmanpreet. “We want to ‘Win it for Sreejesh’ and we are all the more encouraged to stand on the podium once again.”

Sreejesh’s retirement announcement has been met with an outpouring of gratitude and admiration from the hockey community. He has expressed his heartfelt thanks to his family, teammates, coaches, and fans for their unwavering support throughout his career.

“This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Sreejesh. “I am forever grateful for the love and support from my family, teammates, coaches, and fans.”

As Sreejesh prepares for his final international tournament, the Indian team is determined to give him a fitting send-off. They have dedicated their Paris 2024 campaign to the legendary goalkeeper, aiming to win another Olympic medal in his honor.

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Hardik Pandya Loses T20I Captaincy to Suryakumar Yadav

Hardik Pandya Loses T20I Captaincy to Suryakumar Yadav

By July 24, 2024 0

Hardik Pandya’s leadership role in India’s T20I team has been revoked, with Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach, opting for Suryakumar Yadav as captain and Shubman Gill as vice-captain. This decision has raised eyebrows, given Pandya’s successful stint as captain of the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League.

Ashish Nehra, who coached Pandya at Gujarat Titans, expressed no surprise at the move. He believes that Gambhir has a different vision for the team and that Pandya does not fit into his plans as captain or vice-captain.

“Every coach and every captain have different thoughts. At this time, his (Gambhir’s) ideas are toward that direction,” Nehra said.

Nehra also agreed with the chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, that Pandya’s fitness was a factor in the decision. Pandya has been playing limited overs cricket and is not a regular in the Test team.

“Hardik Pandya, in white-ball cricket, will remain a very, very important player for Indian cricket. When you have him, you can have 4 fast bowlers, he brings in a different balance to the side,” Nehra said.

Nehra also praised the appointment of Shubman Gill as vice-captain, but acknowledged that he is still a “work in progress” as a leader.

“They have made Shubman Gill in not just one format, but in all three formats. That means you are looking ahead,” Nehra said.

“Shubman Gill is a work in progress. He is 24-25 years old now. He will get better as we go ahead. He has the desire to play all 3 formats, he has the heart to learn,” he added.

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Gambhir and Kohli United Despite On-Field Clashes, Says Nehra

Gambhir and Kohli United Despite On-Field Clashes, Says Nehra

By July 24, 2024 0

Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli: A United Front Despite On-Field Clashes

Former India head coach Ashish Nehra has shed light on the relationship between new head coach Gautam Gambhir and superstar batter Virat Kohli, who have had a history of on-field confrontations.

Despite their past clashes, Nehra believes that Gambhir and Kohli will work together harmoniously as they share a common goal of success for the Indian team. He emphasized that their on-field conflicts are not indicative of their relationship off the field.

“Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir are two very passionate individuals. Whenever they play for a team, they can turn up against the opposition. But, when they are together in a dressing room, they are together, united for the team,” Nehra said.

Nehra also highlighted the experience and maturity of both Gambhir and Kohli, which he believes will help them navigate any potential conflicts. “You’re talking about Virat Kohli, who has an experience of over 16-17 years, Gautam Gambhir is also experienced. The things on the outside, people get an impression about it. It’s not just Gambhir and Kohli, there are so many players who have had on-field spats in the past, but when they play together for a team, they have done well as a player, as a coach-captain, as a coach and senior player,” he added.

Nehra also commented on Gambhir’s upfront and transparent personality, which he believes is a positive attribute for a coach. “Gautam Gambhir is upfront, transparent which is great. He keeps it clear and speaks his mind. That’s very important. Yes, I agree, everybody has their own style (of coaching), to operate with the coach, captain and player. I don’t see any problem with these two and where they are in their careers,” Nehra said.

While Gambhir’s coaching style may differ from that of his predecessor Rahul Dravid, Nehra does not anticipate any major issues between Gambhir and Kohli. He believes that their shared passion for the game and their commitment to the team will ultimately prevail.

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England Eye Record-Breaking 600-Run Day in Test Cricket

England Eye Record-Breaking 600-Run Day in Test Cricket

By July 24, 2024 0

Ollie Pope, the England wicketkeeper-batter, believes that the current England Test team has the potential to break the record for the most runs scored in a day in Test cricket. The current record stands at 588 for 6, set by England against India in 1936.

Pope’s comments come after England’s impressive performance in the second Test against the West Indies at Trent Bridge, where they scored 416 and 425 in their two innings. It was the first time England had scored 400-plus in both innings of a Test match.

“Sometimes we might score 280 to 300 in a day, but that’s OK and probably because we’re reading situations,” Pope said. “There might also be a day where we go and get 500 to 600 at some point in the future as well. And that’s a cool thing to have.”

England’s aggressive approach with the bat, known as “Bazball” after coach Brendon McCullum, has been a key factor in their recent success. They smashed 506 runs on the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi in December 2022.

Pope said that while there may be times when England batters need to “manage the game a little bit more,” their attacking style has become second nature.

“I got asked on day one at Trent Bridge ‘do you get told to play like that?’ No, we don’t,” Pope said. “It’s just our natural games and the way we go about it.”

England are currently 2-0 up in the three-match Test series against the West Indies. The third and final Test starts on Friday at Edgbaston.

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India's Deepti Sharma: One Game at a Time in Women's T20 Asia Cup

India’s Deepti Sharma: One Game at a Time in Women’s T20 Asia Cup

By July 24, 2024 0

India’s senior all-rounder Deepti Sharma has emphasized the team’s strategy of taking each game at a time in the ongoing Women’s T20 Asia Cup. She believes that the conditions in Sri Lanka have remained largely unchanged since their previous tour in June 2022.

After a resounding 82-run victory over Nepal on Tuesday, India secured their place in the semifinals. Shafali Verma’s blistering 81 off 48 balls and Deepti’s impressive 3/13 bowling performance were instrumental in the win.

“From the first game, we’ve been confident about each match, every situation, and the conditions,” Deepti said after the match. “We’re looking forward to the semifinals as well.”

Deepti noted that the pitches and conditions in Sri Lanka have not changed significantly since their last visit. “Nothing has changed,” she said. “We’re just keeping it simple and focusing on the next match.”

The right-arm off-spinner has been in top form, leading the bowling charts with eight wickets in three matches. She attributes her success to her willingness to bowl in any situation.

“I’m always ready to bowl in any kind of situation,” Deepti said. “I like to take challenges head-on. I’m enjoying each match, planning accordingly, and applying what we discuss in meetings.”

Deepti also praised the team’s batting unit, which has performed consistently throughout the tournament. “If we win the toss, we take a positive approach from the start,” she said. “As a batting unit, we’ve been doing really well from the first game and we’ve finished well too.”

India will now face Thailand in the semifinals on Thursday, October 13. Deepti believes that the team is well-prepared and confident of continuing their winning streak.

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