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RCB's Nightmare Season: Harbhajan Calls for Overhaul, Focus on Bowling

RCB’s Nightmare Season: Harbhajan Calls for Overhaul, Focus on Bowling

By April 26, 2024 0

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), once a formidable force in the Indian Premier League (IPL), have endured a dismal season, languishing at the bottom of the points table with just 4 points from 9 matches. Their hopes of reaching the playoffs are fading fast, prompting calls for a major overhaul within the franchise.

The team’s struggles have been attributed to a combination of factors, including an underperforming batting lineup and a weak bowling unit. Despite boasting star-studded batsmen like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Glenn Maxwell, RCB have failed to consistently post competitive totals. Their bowling attack, too, has been ineffective, conceding runs at an alarming rate.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has been vocal in his criticism of RCB’s management, emphasizing the need for a balanced team with a strong bowling unit. He believes that the franchise’s focus on acquiring big-name batsmen has come at the expense of quality bowlers.

“Batting heavy side will not always win you matches. Till the time you do not pick good bowlers, you are not going to win titles,” Harbhajan said.

He also suggested that RCB should appoint an Indian in the management who understands the domestic cricket landscape and can identify talented young bowlers.

“From RCB management’s perspective, they should have an Indian in the management, who understands Indian youngsters. He should go and see their performances (Indian talents) in domestic cricket and make sure they are picked,” Harbhajan added.

RCB’s current predicament is a far cry from their previous seasons, where they were perennial contenders for the title. The franchise has won the IPL once, in 2016, but has failed to replicate that success since.

With the playoffs race slipping away, RCB must now focus on rebuilding their team for the future. They will need to address their bowling deficiencies and find a way to get their star batsmen firing consistently. Only then can they hope to return to their former glory and challenge for the IPL trophy once again.

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Hayden Advocates Kohli-Jaiswal Opening Combo for India in T20 World Cup

Hayden Advocates Kohli-Jaiswal Opening Combo for India in T20 World Cup

By April 26, 2024 0

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has sparked a debate by advocating for Virat Kohli to open the innings for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup, alongside young star Yashasvi Jaiswal. Hayden believes this left-right combination would provide a significant advantage for Team India.

Hayden’s reasoning stems from Kohli’s exceptional form in the ongoing IPL 2024, where he has amassed 430 runs in just 9 matches at an impressive average of 61.43. He argues that Kohli’s presence in the powerplay would maximize his impact on the game.

“I’ve got Virat there. I’ve got to have him in the powerplay. If I’m going to pick him, he has to play in the powerplay. He has to play the majority of those six overs as an opener, because Yashasvi does deserve to be there in my opinion, and it will be a left and right hand combination which will be a huge bonus,” Hayden stated.

Hayden’s suggestion has raised eyebrows, as Rohit Sharma has been India’s regular opener in recent times. However, Hayden believes that Kohli’s current form and the potential benefits of a left-right combination outweigh Sharma’s experience.

“Who would have even thought that we would be having this conversation about the greatest player in India, maybe ever. So it all comes down to are we interested in selecting a side that we believe is the right balance and is going to win this World Cup,” Hayden said.

India’s T20 World Cup record has been mixed since their triumph in the inaugural tournament in 2007. They have reached the final only once since then, losing to Sri Lanka in 2014. Hayden’s suggestion aims to address this inconsistency and give India a better chance of lifting the trophy once again.

Categories: Cricket
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Ganguly Calls for Balance in IPL as Batting Dominates

Ganguly Calls for Balance in IPL as Batting Dominates

By April 26, 2024 0

IPL 2023: Sourav Ganguly Raises Concerns Over Batting Dominance, Calls for Balance

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed concerns over the imbalance between bat and ball in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. Ganguly highlighted the challenges faced by bowlers on flat pitches and the impact of additional batting firepower through Impact Players.

“Not easy for the bowlers. They are being carted all over and that’s one area that needs to be looked at in the future, the balance between bat and ball,” Ganguly said ahead of the Delhi Capitals match against Mumbai Indians.

The pitches in this edition of the IPL have predominantly favored batsmen, with teams consistently surpassing the 200-run mark due to the presence of prolific power-hitters in every lineup. Ganguly’s remarks underscore the need to restore equilibrium in the competition.

The IPL governing body has implemented a rule allowing bowlers to deliver a maximum of two bouncers per over, aiming to restore balance between batting and bowling in the tournament. However, some have flagged the ‘Impact Substitute’ rule as one of the reasons behind the high-scoring matches imbalance. Teams are now essentially playing with an extra batter, which gives them the freedom to go hard at the bowlers, leading to scores of 230 reaching 260-270.

The Delhi Capitals have scored over 400 runs in the two games they have played at their home venue. Last week at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, SRH amassed 125 runs during the powerplay. Opener Travis Head scored a blistering 16-ball fifty on his way to a sensational 89 off just 32 deliveries.

“Our batting is also strong, we have given away 400 runs but scored them too. The wicket here is too good, batting friendly wicket,” Ganguly added.

The former BCCI chief is not the only one who has expressed concern for the bowlers. Legendary Sunil Gavaskar had earlier called for bigger boundaries.

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KKR Replace Mitchell Starc with Dushmantha Chameera for Punjab Kings Clash

KKR Replace Mitchell Starc with Dushmantha Chameera for Punjab Kings Clash

By April 26, 2024 0

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have replaced Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc with Sri Lankan seamer Dushmantha Chameera for their match against Punjab Kings at the Eden Gardens on Friday. KKR captain Shreyas Iyer revealed at the toss that Starc had sustained a finger injury during their previous encounter against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Starc’s IPL campaign with KKR has been underwhelming so far. Despite being acquired for a record sum of INR 24.75 crore (USD 2.98 million approx.) at the auction, he has managed only six wickets while conceding runs at an alarming rate of 11.48 per over.

In the match against RCB, Starc was entrusted with the responsibility of bowling the final over, tasked with defending 21 runs. However, he was ruthlessly targeted by No. 9 batsman Karn Sharma, who smashed three sixes off his bowling. Starc eventually managed to take a return catch to seal the victory, but his figures of 1 for 55 from three overs were far from impressive.

This was the third time this season that Starc has conceded 50 or more runs in a game, including the second consecutive match. His best performance came against Lucknow Super Giants in a day game at Eden Gardens, where he claimed three wickets and conceded only 28 runs.

Starc is making his return to the IPL after an eight-year hiatus. His last appearance in the tournament was in 2015 for RCB, where he took 20 wickets at an economy rate of 6.76.

In an interview ahead of the match against Kings, Starc did not mention his finger injury. Instead, he spoke about his return to the IPL and the lessons he has learned from the experience.

“Coming back, obviously a different team to where I was last in the IPL, so getting to meet a lot of the guys I have played against a little bit… Some younger guys in the KKR squad, getting to know a few of the younger bowlers,” he said. “There’s a lot of talent around with bat and ball.”

“I’m getting to know how these guys go about it and learn from them as well, and try and answer any questions they’ve got. I’ve come back an older player than when I was last in the IPL, but it’s a lot of fun.”

For Chameera, this will be his first appearance of the season. It is his second stint in the IPL, having played for RCB in 2022.

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Mayank Yadav Nears Return for Lucknow Super Giants

Mayank Yadav Nears Return for Lucknow Super Giants

By April 26, 2024 0

Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) fast bowler Mayank Yadav is nearing a return to action after recovering from an abdominal injury. Assistant coach S Sriram confirmed that Yadav is “pretty close” to making his comeback, having resumed bowling in the nets.

Yadav made an impressive IPL debut for LSG this season, earning Player of the Match honors in his first two games for his three-wicket hauls. However, he was forced to leave the field after bowling just one over against Gujarat Titans due to abdominal soreness. He has missed four games for LSG since.

Despite his injury history, Yadav has shown great promise with his raw pace and accuracy. He consistently clocked speeds above 150 kph in his first two matches, raising hopes that he could be a future prospect for the Indian team.

Sriram praised Yadav’s maturity and cricketing sense, noting that he “knows his body well” and has a good understanding of his strengths. He emphasized that Yadav’s execution and ability to hit consistent lengths have been more impressive than his raw pace.

Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop has also highlighted the need for India to invest in Yadav’s development. He suggested that LSG or the BCCI provide him with a dedicated strength-and-conditioning trainer, medical personnel, and dietician to help him overcome his injury issues and reach his full potential.

LSG are currently fourth in the IPL points table with five wins in eight matches. They will face Rajasthan Royals in their next home game, looking to extend their winning streak to three matches. Yadav’s return would be a significant boost to their bowling attack as they aim to secure a playoff berth.

Categories: Cricket
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Mohammed Shami Casts Vote, Urges Citizens to Exercise Franchise

Mohammed Shami Casts Vote, Urges Citizens to Exercise Franchise

By April 26, 2024 0

Mohammed Shami Urges Citizens to Vote, Expresses Gratitude for PM Modi’s Praise

Indian star pacer Mohammed Shami cast his vote in Amroha during the second phase of Lok Sabha elections on Friday. After exercising his franchise, Shami emphasized the importance of voting and encouraged citizens to “elect the government of their choice.”

“Every citizen has the right to cast their votes and elect the government of their choice,” Shami told the media. “It is a matter of pride for me that PM Narendra Modi took my name during his speech (in Amroha) and praised me and my game.”

Shami’s vote came as part of the second phase of Lok Sabha polls, which saw voting held in eight parliamentary constituencies of Uttar Pradesh: Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, Aligarh, Mathura, and Bulandshahr.

Earlier this year, PM Modi had wished Shami a speedy recovery after the pacer underwent a successful operation on his Achilles tendon. Shami is currently undergoing rehabilitation from the injury.

On April 19, Shami provided an injury update to his fans, expressing his eagerness to make a comeback. “Injuries don’t define you, your comeback will… Can’t wait to be back out there with my team!” he wrote on Instagram.

Shami is not participating in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, where he was expected to play for the Gujarat Titans (GT). He also missed the five-match Test series against England at home in January-March due to his injury.

The 33-year-old last represented India in the ODI World Cup final against Australia in November. Despite playing through pain, Shami emerged as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker, claiming 24 wickets in just seven matches.

Shami’s performance in the World Cup was a testament to his resilience and determination. He missed the subsequent tour to South Africa and the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in January due to his injury.

Categories: Cricket
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Hockey Olympians Guide Young Players at Coaching Camp

Hockey Olympians Guide Young Players at Coaching Camp

By April 26, 2024 0

Hockey Olympians Rupinderpal Singh and Adrian D’Souza Share Insights at Coaching Camp

Former Indian hockey goalkeeper Adrian D’Souza and penalty corner specialist Rupinderpal Singh recently conducted a coaching camp in Chennai, organized by Hockey India. The camp aimed to identify and groom promising young players under the age of 19.

D’Souza, who represented India at the 2004 Athens Olympics, emphasized the importance of proper technique and strategy in penalty corner defense. He shared his expertise with the young goalkeepers, guiding them on how to effectively guard the goal and anticipate shots.

Rupinderpal Singh, a key member of the Indian team that won the bronze medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, focused on the nuances of drag flicks. He demonstrated the technique and provided valuable tips to the players on how to generate power and accuracy in their shots.

The Olympians also discussed the challenges faced by the Indian men’s hockey team in recent international matches, particularly the 0-5 whitewash in the Test series against Australia. They highlighted the need for improved penalty corner defense and a greater emphasis on scoring field goals.

D’Souza expressed concern about India’s performance in Perth, Australia, where the team has historically struggled. He emphasized the importance of finding new rushers to complement the likes of Manpreet Singh and Amit Rohidas.

Rupinderpal Singh stressed the importance of team effort and camaraderie in hockey. He believes that if these aspects are present, any team can overcome adversity. He also pointed out that the team has ample time to prepare for the Paris Olympics, unlike the Tokyo Games where practice matches were limited due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Adrian D’Souza cautioned against underestimating Australia’s counter-attacking abilities. He believes that the Australian team can quickly convert defensive opportunities into goalscoring chances. He also emphasized the need for India to convert the limited penalty corners they get in international matches.

Both Olympians expressed optimism about India’s chances of winning a medal at the Paris Olympics. They believe that the team has the potential to succeed if they remain consistent and play as a unit.

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Yuki Bhambri Eyes Paris Olympics Berth After ATP Doubles Title

Yuki Bhambri Eyes Paris Olympics Berth After ATP Doubles Title

By April 26, 2024 0

Yuki Bhambri, India’s No. 2 doubles player, is aiming for a berth at the Paris Olympics after a successful start to the season. Bhambri, who won his second ATP doubles title in Munich with Albano Olivetti, has set his sights on improving his Slam results and climbing the rankings.

With the Olympics deadline approaching after the French Open, Bhambri is eager to represent India in Paris. However, the choice of partner remains uncertain, with Rohan Bopanna, the current world No. 2, likely to be the frontrunner. Bhambri acknowledges that the decision is out of his control but believes his recent performances make him a strong candidate.

Bhambri has made significant strides in doubles since switching from singles last year. His partnership with Saketh Myneni helped him climb the rankings, and he has since competed consistently on the ATP tour. Bhambri has made three semi-finals and won a title this season, partnering with Robin Haase and Olivetti.

The 31-year-old is focused on improving his net play and volleying, working with three coaches: Aditya Sachdeva, Balachandran Manikkath, and Raven Klaasen. He believes that their combined experience and guidance have contributed to his progress.

Bhambri’s immediate goal is to continue improving his rankings and competing for titles at the Masters and Slams. He is confident that he has the potential to succeed at the highest level and is determined to make the most of the upcoming opportunities.

Categories: Tennis
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Challengers: Tennis, Romance, and the Existential Void

Challengers: Tennis, Romance, and the Existential Void

By April 26, 2024 0

Challengers: A Tennis-Centric Exploration of Existential Dread and Romantic Entanglements

In the gripping tennis drama “Challengers,” three skilled players navigate a complex web of relationships, personal struggles, and the existential challenges that come with pursuing their passion.

Art Donaldson, a six-time Grand Slam champion, faces a slump in his career and seeks redemption at a Challenger tournament. His opponent is his childhood friend and rival, Patrick Zweig, who has struggled to achieve the same level of success. Complicating matters is Tashi Duncan, Art’s wife, manager, and coach, who has a complicated past with both men.

As the tournament unfolds, the trio’s relationships are tested. Art and Patrick’s rivalry intensifies, while Tashi grapples with her own unfulfilled dreams and the emotional toll of her past injury. The film delves into the toxic nature of tennis, exploring how the sport can consume its players and leave them feeling empty.

However, amidst the angst and uncertainty, there is also a glimmer of hope. Art and Patrick’s competitive spirit and camaraderie suggest that they may find redemption through their shared pursuit. Tashi’s journey, while more complex, hints at the possibility of finding fulfillment beyond the tennis court.

“Challengers” draws inspiration from previous tennis-themed films, such as “Strangers on a Train” and “Blow-Up,” which explore themes of suspense and ambiguity. It also joins a growing body of films that depict tennis as a metaphor for the challenges of life, including “Shoot the Moon,” “Less than Zero,” and “The Squid and the Whale.”

Through its nuanced characters and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, “Challengers” offers a compelling and emotionally resonant examination of the complexities of love, rivalry, and the pursuit of dreams.

Categories: Tennis
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Yuvraj Singh Advocates for Rohit, Kohli Retirement from T20Is After World Cup

Yuvraj Singh Advocates for Rohit, Kohli Retirement from T20Is After World Cup

By April 26, 2024 0

With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 fast approaching, the inclusion of veteran cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in India’s squad has sparked a debate. Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has weighed in on the matter, emphasizing the importance of their experience while also acknowledging the need for a generational shift.

Yuvraj believes that Rohit and Kohli have earned the right to retire on their own terms, given their immense contributions to Indian cricket. However, he personally feels that the T20 World Cup could be an opportune moment for them to step away from the shortest format.

“As you get older, people start talking about your age and forget about your form,” Yuvraj said. “These guys have been great players for India and they deserve to go (retire) when they want.”

Yuvraj suggests that Rohit and Kohli could focus on other formats of the game, such as ODIs and Test matches, while allowing younger players to take the reins in T20 cricket. This would not only reduce the workload on the experienced players but also provide opportunities for the next generation to showcase their talent.

“I would like to see more younger players in the T20 format because it gets the load off them (experienced players) playing 50-over (ODIs) and Test matches,” Yuvraj explained. “After this (T20) World Cup, I would like to see a lot of younger guys come into the team and make the T20 side for the next World Cup.”

The presence of Kohli and Sharma in the T20 team has drawn mixed reactions. Some believe that their experience and leadership are invaluable, while others argue that it’s time for a fresh start. Yuvraj acknowledges the need to balance the experience of veterans with the enthusiasm of youth.

“India should focus on building a team for the future,” Yuvraj said. “That doesn’t mean that Rohit and Kohli should be dropped immediately, but it does mean that we need to start thinking about the next generation.”

As India prepares for the T20 World Cup, the debate over the inclusion of Rohit and Kohli will likely continue. Ultimately, the decision rests with the selectors and the team management, who must weigh the pros and cons of each option.

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