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Rajasthan Royals Eye Playoffs Spot in Crucial Clash with Delhi Capitals

By Nilay May 7, 2024 0

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is reaching its climax, with every match becoming crucial in the race for the playoffs. One such pivotal clash is set to take place on Tuesday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where the Rajasthan Royals (RR) will face the Delhi Capitals (DC).

For RR, a victory would secure their spot in the playoffs, while DC will be desperate to keep their campaign alive. Adding to the intrigue is the subplot of the battle between the two captains, Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson, who are both vying for the No. 1 wicketkeeper-batsman spot in India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Both Pant and Samson have led their teams with aplomb. RR, under Samson’s astute captaincy, has minimal weaknesses and sits second in the points table with four games remaining. Pant, on the other hand, has guided DC through a challenging season marked by injuries to key players.

Statistically, there is little to separate the two captains. Samson has scored 385 runs at an average of 64.16 and a strike rate of 159.09, while Pant has amassed 398 runs at an average of 44.22 and a phenomenal strike rate of 158.56.

The match will provide a glimpse into who has the upper hand heading into the World Cup. Pant has been in scintillating form, batting with a lionhearted spirit. Samson, too, has been impressive, leading RR with a calm and composed demeanor.

In terms of team news, DC will welcome back Ishant Sharma, who has been declared fit. However, David Warner’s availability remains uncertain. RR, on the other hand, will be looking to maintain their momentum and secure their playoff berth.

Categories: Cricket

Real Madrid Seek Formula to Overcome Bayern Munich in Champions League Semi-Final

By Nilay May 7, 2024 0

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti faces a crucial task as he seeks to guide his team past Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday. Despite earning a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Bavaria, Ancelotti acknowledged that Real Madrid failed to reach their full potential.

“Bayern are very dangerous, they were at their best and we weren’t — we have time to improve for Wednesday,” Ancelotti said after the first leg.

Real Madrid secured the La Liga title with a 3-0 win over Cadiz on Saturday, but celebrations were muted as the team’s focus remained on the Champions League. The players reported for training on Sunday morning and refrained from joining fans at Plaza Cibeles, where they typically celebrate major titles.

“We would like to celebrate with all the fans, but they understand because on Wednesday we have a very important challenge,” Ancelotti said. “It’s contained joy — we have the most important game of the season coming up.”

Madrid captain Nacho Fernandez echoed his coach’s sentiments. “We’re on the verge of reaching another final, we’re going to give our all to get there — that’s why we can’t celebrate too much,” he said.

Ancelotti’s goal is to secure a fifth La Liga and Champions League double for Real Madrid. The Italian coach has won 12 trophies at the club and is close to matching Miguel Munoz’s record of 14 titles, achieved between 1960 and 1972.

To reach the final at Wembley, Ancelotti must find a way to neutralize Bayern’s dangerous wingers, Leroy Sane and Jamal Musiala, who posed a constant threat in the first leg. Dani Carvajal will return from suspension at right-back to try and contain Musiala, while Jude Bellingham and others may be tasked with tracking back to help Ferland Mendy stop Sane.

“It was important when we began to defend with collective commitment,” Ancelotti said, emphasizing the team’s improved defensive performance this season. “The big effort was made by the forwards, rather than the defenders — injuries helped us understand that it wasn’t about individuals but a team effort.”

Ancelotti could also introduce Eduardo Camavinga to add energy and disrupt Bayern’s build-up play. If his tactical adjustments fail, Madrid can always rely on the “magic” of the Santiago Bernabeu. The stadium has witnessed remarkable comebacks in the past, including Real Madrid’s run to the 2022 Champions League final.

“It’s time to have a magical night at the Bernabeu,” Vinicius said after the Bayern draw, invoking the stadium’s legendary atmosphere.

Categories: Football

WTA Rome: Swiatek, Rybakina, Gauff, Sabalenka Set for Clay Court Clash

By Nilay May 7, 2024 0

The WTA tour shifts its focus to Rome for the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, where the world’s top players will vie for the title on the iconic red clay of the Foro Italico. After a thrilling Madrid Open, the women’s draw in Rome promises more captivating matches and potential upsets.

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, fresh off her Madrid triumph, will be the player to beat. The Polish star has a remarkable 14-2 record in Rome, including two titles. Her quarterfinal draw appears manageable, with Marketa Vondrousova and Ekaterina Alexandrova as potential obstacles.

Coco Gauff, ranked third in the world, will be eager to prove her clay-court credentials. Despite a disappointing start to the season on clay, Gauff has a strong record in Rome, reaching the semifinals in 2021. She could face a stern test against former Roland Garros champion Barbora Krejcikova in the second round.

Elena Rybakina, the reigning Rome champion, will be another contender. Her serve-based game has proven effective on clay, as evidenced by her Stuttgart title and Madrid semifinal appearance. Danielle Collins, who defeated Rybakina in the Miami final, could be a potential threat in her quarter.

Aryna Sabalenka, the Madrid runner-up, will be looking to bounce back from her heartbreaking loss to Swiatek. However, her record in Rome is less impressive, and she could face a tough quarterfinal against Ons Jabeur or Dayana Yastremska.

The semifinals could feature a rematch of the Madrid final between Swiatek and Sabalenka, while Rybakina and Gauff could clash in the other semifinal. The final could be a repeat of the Madrid semifinal, with Rybakina seeking revenge against Swiatek.

With a star-studded field and the Roland Garros just around the corner, the Internazionali BNL d’Italia promises to be a thrilling spectacle of women’s tennis.

Categories: Tennis

MS Dhoni Plays Through Pain with Muscle Tear, CSK Decimated by Injuries

By Nilay May 7, 2024 0

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni’s limited mobility on the field is not a matter of choice but a necessity due to a muscle tear in his leg, according to team sources. Despite the injury, Dhoni has been playing through pain and taking medication to minimize his running.

The injury occurred early in the Indian Premier League (IPL) season, and if second wicketkeeper Devon Conway had been available, Dhoni might have considered resting. However, with CSK facing a string of injuries, Dhoni has no choice but to play.

“We are virtually playing with our ‘B’ team. Those who are criticizing Dhoni don’t know the sacrifice that he is doing for this team,” said a source close to the team.

Dhoni’s injury has severely restricted his movements on the field. During practice, he avoids running and focuses on hitting the ball out of the park. The limited running he does during matches aggravates the injury, but he refuses to take a break.

Despite his physical limitations, Dhoni has been a guiding light for new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. While Gaikwad’s captaincy is still a work in progress, Dhoni believes he has the potential to lead the team beyond the playoffs.

In another setback for CSK, paceman Deepak Chahar is unlikely to return from a leg injury suffered in the team’s loss to Punjab Kings last week.

Categories: Cricket

KKR’s Charter Flight Diverted Twice Due to Bad Weather

By Nilay May 7, 2024 0

KKR’s Charter Flight Diverted Twice Due to Adverse Weather Conditions

Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) charter flight from Lucknow to Kolkata was forced to be diverted twice due to inclement weather conditions in Kolkata. The flight was initially diverted to Guwahati, but after failing to land there, it was further diverted to Varanasi.

The Shreyas Iyer-led squad was returning from Lucknow after their emphatic 98-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Sunday. The team’s flight updates were shared by the franchise on Twitter.

“Travel update: KKR’s charter flight from Lucknow to Kolkata diverted to Guwahati due to bad weather. Flight currently standing at the Guwahati Airport tarmac. More updates soon,” read the first tweet from KKR.

After taking off from Guwahati around midnight, the flight still could not land in Kolkata due to bad weather and was diverted to Varanasi.

“Flight diverted to Varanasi after another failed attempt at landing in Kolkata due to bad weather. Current status: At the Lal Bahadur Shastri International airport tarmac,” read the next update.

The team is now expected to fly from Varanasi on Tuesday afternoon. Table-toppers Kolkata will take on Mumbai Indians in their next IPL match at the Eden Gardens on Saturday.

The adverse weather conditions in Kolkata, which included heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, prevented the flight from landing safely. The team’s safety was paramount, and the decision to divert the flight was made to ensure their well-being.

Despite the flight delays, the KKR team remained in high spirits and expressed their gratitude to the pilots and crew for their professionalism and handling of the situation. The team is now looking forward to their next match against Mumbai Indians and will be hoping for better weather conditions in Kolkata.

Categories: Cricket

Fraser-McGurk Accepts World Cup Omission, Focuses on Future

By Nilay May 7, 2024 0

Rising star Jake Fraser-McGurk has expressed his understanding of his omission from Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, acknowledging that he had not yet earned a place in the final 15-man roster.

Despite his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he smashed two 15-ball half-centuries, Fraser-McGurk was not selected for the World Cup. He admitted that the selectors had a clear plan and that he was not yet in a position to challenge the established players in the team.

“The communication was really good,” Fraser-McGurk said. “They probably had a good idea of what [the squad] was a month and a half ago, trying to build that and get the connection in the team.”

Fraser-McGurk praised the selectors’ decision to prioritize experienced players who provide flexibility in team combinations. He highlighted the presence of David Warner, Travis Head, and Mitch Marsh as key factors in his non-selection.

“I can’t really see myself batting five or six because we’re pretty set there with Tim David, Cam Green, and those sort of blokes,” he said. “That’s the way I think about it. That’s fine.”

Fraser-McGurk expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting, who has provided him with valuable batting advice. Ponting’s guidance has helped Fraser-McGurk improve his technique and swing at the ball with greater control.

“What he said to me that’s really stuck with me is ‘you hit the ball a lot further when you swing at 80% instead of 100%, you just have to find the middle and then it’ll go for six,'” Fraser-McGurk said.

Despite his disappointment at missing out on the World Cup, Fraser-McGurk remains optimistic about his future prospects. He hopes to gain experience as a traveling reserve and believes that his time will come to represent Australia in major tournaments.

Categories: Cricket

Stars and Avalanche Set for High-Scoring Second Round Clash

By Nilay May 7, 2024 0

The Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche are set to face off in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs, a matchup that promises to be a high-scoring affair.

The Stars, who defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in seven games, boast a franchise-record eight 20-goal scorers and rank third in the NHL with 3.59 goals per game. The Avalanche, meanwhile, led the league with 3.68 goals per game and had a league-high 28 goals in their five-game sweep of the Winnipeg Jets.

While the Stars hope to capitalize on their momentum from the first round, the Avalanche are drawing on their experience from last year’s Stanley Cup run, which included a week-long break between the first and second rounds.

“We’re going to have to work ourselves into the series to see how we’re going to have to win,” said Stars coach Pete DeBoer. “My initial reaction, just watching what they did to Winnipeg, is I don’t think we want to get in a track meet. … At the same time, we’re not going to sit and try to defend in the entire series. I think we’ve got other layers to our game.”

The Avalanche, led by Nathan MacKinnon, are confident in their ability to match the Stars’ offensive firepower.

“We’re prepared to work our butts off and compete,” said MacKinnon. “We expect a very, very, very hard series. But we’re confident in ourselves. We feel like we have a deep team and we get the job done.”

In addition to the high-scoring potential, the series will also feature a matchup of two veteran players seeking their first Stanley Cup: Avalanche forward Zach Parise and Stars defenseman Ryan Suter. The former teammates and close friends have played over 1,400 regular-season games combined without winning a championship.

“I have zero concern that Joe’s fingerprints are going to be on our playoffs before this is said and done, regardless of what the stat lines say,” said DeBoer of Pavelski, who has 73 career playoff goals but was held scoreless in the first round against Vegas.

The series is expected to be a close and competitive one, with both teams having the potential to win the Stanley Cup.

Categories: Others

Shastri Identifies Jaiswal, Dube as Key Players for India’s T20 World Cup Hopes

By Nilay May 7, 2024 0

Ravi Shastri Identifies Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube as Key Players for India’s T20 World Cup Hopes

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has highlighted the importance of two debutants, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube, in India’s quest for glory at the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Both players have been included in India’s 15-member squad for the tournament, and Shastri believes they have the potential to make a significant impact.

Jaiswal, a left-handed opening batsman, has impressed with his explosive batting in the ongoing IPL, where he has scored 350 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 170.73. Shastri praised Jaiswal’s fearless approach and ability to hit big shots at the top of the order.

“He’s young, he’s fearless, and he’ll play shots,” Shastri said. “He’s got the potential to be a match-winner for India.”

Dube, another left-hander, has also caught Shastri’s eye with his power-hitting in the middle order. In the IPL, Dube has smashed 26 sixes in 11 matches, showcasing his ability to clear the boundary with ease.

“He’s explosive, he’s devastating, and he’s a match-winner,” Shastri said. “He hits sixes for fun, and when it comes to spin bowling, he can kill you.”

Shastri believes that Dube’s big-hitting ability could be crucial for India in the T20 World Cup, where teams often need to score big totals to win matches.

“His strike rate, which will be close to 200 most of the time, will help India immensely in going forward, getting those 190s, 200s that are needed in big competitions,” Shastri said.

With Jaiswal and Dube in the squad, India has added depth and firepower to its batting lineup. Shastri is confident that both players can deliver match-winning performances on the global stage.

“The two gentlemen you’ve got to watch out for, and both are left-handers, both playing their first World Cup,” Shastri said. “They hold the key for India.”

Categories: Cricket

AICF Unveils ₹65 Crore Blueprint to Revolutionize Chess in India

By Nilay May 7, 2024 0

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has unveiled an ambitious ₹65 crore budget and blueprint to revolutionize chess in India. This comprehensive plan aims to provide financial and institutional support to players at all levels, from grassroots to the elite, and to popularize the game across the nation.

The initiative comes on the heels of India’s historic success in the Candidates Tournament, where 17-year-old D Gukesh became the first-ever teen winner and qualified for the World Championship. The tournament also witnessed an unprecedented Indian representation, with five players competing in both the Open and Women sections.

The AICF’s plan addresses key challenges, including integrating chess into school curricula, introducing chess e-learning, identifying and nurturing talent, strengthening grassroots academies, and ensuring the sustainability of the federation.

Key Initiatives:

* National Player Contracts: AICF will introduce two-year contracts for national-level players from U-7 to U-19 age groups, providing financial support ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000. These players will promote chess through grassroots initiatives like ‘Meet the Champions’ in educational institutions.
* Cash Rewards for Top Players: Cash rewards will be allocated to the top 10 male and female Indian players based on their Fide rankings. The top five players will receive ₹25 lakhs, while those ranked between 6th and 10th will be rewarded ₹12.50 lakhs.
* Supporting State Associations: AICF will provide financial assistance to state associations over three years, with funds allocated for prize money, chess development activities, and establishing offices. Quarterly seminars will be conducted for capacity building.
* Women In Chess: The Smart Girl Program will be expanded with a minimum of 50 annual events, each supported by a ₹100,000 grant. Additionally, a 33% reservation for women will be implemented in key areas like coach and arbiter certification, participation in AICF-recognized events, and the Campus Ambassador Program.
* Incentivising Chess Content Creators: AICF will collaborate with Youtubers, influencers, and streamers to foster a thriving community of chess content creators. Mentorship from established creators will be provided to nurture new talent.
* National Chess Awards and Development Conference: Exceptional coaches and players will be honored, and industry leaders and universities will come together to advance chess through strategic workshops and discussions.
* Corporate Chess League: Corporates will be allowed to host AICF-rated tournaments by becoming members. A minimum prize money will be set for AICF-rated events. Bilateral competitions with other nations will be organized to enhance chess diplomacy.
* Chess Development Fund: This fund will support initiatives such as trainer training programs, coach certification, outreach efforts, and integrating chess into school curriculums.
* Corporate Partnerships: A management board will be established to collaborate with strategic partners and finance programs and initiatives, aiming for governance excellence and long-term sustainability.

Categories: Others

Indian Track Teams Secure Olympic Berths in Nassau

By Nilay May 7, 2024 0

Jyothika Sri Dandi, the Indian sprinter who produced the fastest leg for India in the women’s 4x400m second Olympic qualifying round at the World Relays Bahamas, overcame a knee injury and personal setbacks to achieve her Olympic dream. Despite missing the Asian Games last year due to the injury, Jyothika’s determination to qualify for the Olympics fueled her recovery and return to the national camp.

On Sunday, in the final qualifying event in Nassau, Jyothika and the Indian women’s 400m quartet secured their spot in the Paris Olympics. The team, which includes Rupal Chaudhary, Machettira Raju Poovamma, and Subha Venkatesan, finished second in their heat with a timing of 3:29.35. Jyothika’s blistering second leg propelled them from last to second place.

“It was do or die for us,” said Jyothika. “After I lost out on the Asian Games last year, I had to qualify for this. I’m happy and relieved that we made it, and so is my father.”

The Indian men’s 4x400m team, which broke the Asian record at the Tokyo Games and continued to excel at the Worlds and Asian Games, also secured their Olympic berth. Despite a nightmarish first attempt that ended with a runner down and none at the finish line, the team regrouped and delivered a composed performance in their second heat.

Muhammad Anas, Muhammad Ajmal, Rajiv Arokia, and Amoj Jacob clocked 3:03.23 to finish behind the United States. Jacob’s quality anchor leg proved crucial in securing the second spot and the direct Paris berth.

Both the men’s and women’s teams faced challenges and strokes of luck on the day, but their determination and resilience ultimately prevailed. They will now represent India at the Paris Olympics, where they will aim to build on their recent successes and make their mark on the global stage.

Categories: Others

Rajasthan Royals Eye Playoffs Spot in Crucial Clash with Delhi Capitals

Real Madrid Seek Formula to Overcome Bayern Munich in Champions League Semi-Final

WTA Rome: Swiatek, Rybakina, Gauff, Sabalenka Set for Clay Court Clash

MS Dhoni Plays Through Pain with Muscle Tear, CSK Decimated by Injuries

KKR’s Charter Flight Diverted Twice Due to Bad Weather

Fraser-McGurk Accepts World Cup Omission, Focuses on Future

Stars and Avalanche Set for High-Scoring Second Round Clash

Shastri Identifies Jaiswal, Dube as Key Players for India’s T20 World Cup Hopes

AICF Unveils ₹65 Crore Blueprint to Revolutionize Chess in India

Indian Track Teams Secure Olympic Berths in Nassau

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