Saurav Ghosal Retires from Professional Squash, Leaves Indelible Mark on Indian Sport

Saurav Ghosal Retires from Professional Squash, Leaves Indelible Mark on Indian Sport

Two-time Asian Games gold medalist Saurav Ghosal has bid farewell to professional squash, marking the end of an illustrious career that saw him reach the pinnacle of the sport. At 37, Ghosal has decided to step away from the grueling professional tour but remains committed to representing India on the international stage.

Ghosal’s journey on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour began 22 years ago, and he has since etched his name in the annals of Indian squash history. He holds the distinction of being the only Indian to break into the top 10 of the PSA world rankings, reaching a career-high of world No. 10 in April 2019. Ghosal maintained this ranking for an impressive six months.

Throughout his career, Ghosal has amassed an impressive collection of 10 PSA titles, with his last victory coming at the Malaysian Open Squash Championships in November 2021. He has reached 18 finals in total and boasts a remarkable win-loss record of 281-511 on the PSA tour.

In a heartfelt statement posted on social media, Ghosal expressed his gratitude for the journey and the memories he has made along the way. “This sport has been my passion, my livelihood, and my identity for so many years,” he wrote. “So, with a heart filled with pride and a tinge of sadness, I announce my retirement from the PSA.”

Ghosal’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian squash, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players. His unwavering determination, exceptional skill, and dedication to the sport have made him a role model for aspiring athletes across the country.

Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan SG Clash in ISL-10 Semifinal First Leg

Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan SG Clash in ISL-10 Semifinal First Leg

Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan SG, two fierce rivals on the field, will face off in the first leg of the ISL-10 semifinal at the Kalinga Stadium on Tuesday. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, as both teams have a history of intense battles and are determined to secure a spot in the final.

In the league stage, the two teams played to two draws, highlighting their evenly matched abilities. However, Mohun Bagan SG enters the semifinal as the League Shield champion, having dethroned Mumbai City FC. Odisha FC, on the other hand, earned its semifinal berth with a thrilling comeback win over Kerala Blasters in the knockout match.

Odisha FC will be eager to make the most of its home advantage and secure a victory that would give it an edge heading into the second leg at Salt Lake Stadium on April 28. The team will be looking to redeem itself after a disappointing end to the league title race and claim its maiden ISL crown.

Odisha FC coach Sergio Lobera recalled his team’s impressive performance in the AFC Cup league stage, where it defeated Mohun Bagan 5-2 at their home ground. That victory was a testament to Lobera’s side’s resilience, especially after suffering a 4-0 defeat in the first meeting at Kalinga Stadium.

With the region experiencing extreme heat, weather conditions will play a significant role in the outcome of the match. The team that shows better endurance and adaptability will have a clear advantage.

KKR Pacer Rana Backs Starc to Turnaround Performance

KKR Pacer Rana Backs Starc to Turnaround Performance

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Harshit Rana has expressed unwavering confidence in star fast bowler Mitchell Starc, despite his recent struggles in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Starc conceded 55 runs in three overs against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Sunday, but Rana believes the 34-year-old speedster will bounce back.

“It’s his own plan. Every bowler takes the field with a plan. He is a top bowler and someday, he will win us games. We are not worried about him. We have full faith in him,” Rana said in the post-match press conference.

Rana identified the 12th over of RCB’s run-chase as the turning point in the match. Andre Russell dismissed Will Jacks and Rajat Patidar in quick succession, while Sunil Narine removed Cameron Green and Mahipal Lomror in the following over.

“The over from Andre Russell was the turning point in the game where he took two wickets. In the last five overs, our bowlers did exceptionally, did not give away enough runs. That was the phase we played really well,” Rana added.

KKR’s victory over RCB propelled them to second place in the IPL standings with five wins and two losses. RCB, on the other hand, remained at the bottom of the table with just one win and seven losses.

Rana praised Starc’s composure in the final over, when Karn Sharma blasted three huge sixes off the Australian. Starc held his nerve and helped KKR secure a thrilling one-run victory.

“He is a bowler who can help the Knights win games,” Rana said of Starc. “We have full faith in him.”

Boult's Early Wicket Record Sets Tone for RR's Victory Over MI

Boult’s Early Wicket Record Sets Tone for RR’s Victory Over MI

Trent Boult’s Early Wicket Sets IPL Record, Bolsters Rajasthan Royals’ Bowling Arsenal

In a thrilling encounter between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, pacer Trent Boult etched his name in the Indian Premier League (IPL) record books. Boult’s dismissal of star MI batter Rohit Sharma in the first over of the match marked a unique milestone in the tournament’s history.

Boult’s wicket not only gave RR an early advantage but also showcased his exceptional ability to strike in crucial moments. Notably, it was his first wicket in the powerplay in the previous five matches, with his last such dismissal also coming against MI.

The credit for the dismissal also goes to RR skipper Sanju Samson, who held a well-judged skier after Rohit went for an expansive shot. The ball swung away from the right-hander, and he miscued it completely.

With this wicket, Boult surpassed Bhuvneshwar Kumar (25) to become the bowler with the most wickets in the first over of IPL history. He now has 26 wickets to his name, followed by Praveen Kumar (15), Sandeep Sharma (13), Deepak Chahar, and Zaheer Khan (12 each).

This achievement further solidifies Boult’s reputation as a formidable new-ball bowler in the IPL. His ability to strike early and create pressure on the opposition has been a significant factor in RR’s bowling success this season.

Earlier, MI captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and opted to bat against RR. MI made three changes to their playing XI, while RR welcomed back Sandeep Sharma in place of Kuldeep Sen.

In their previous encounter earlier this season, RR defeated MI by six wickets in Mumbai. This match marked RR’s last game at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium this season.

Yuzvendra Chahal Becomes First Bowler to Reach 200 IPL Wickets

Yuzvendra Chahal Becomes First Bowler to Reach 200 IPL Wickets

Yuzvendra Chahal, the Rajasthan Royals’ legspinner, has etched his name in the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by becoming the first bowler to reach the milestone of 200 wickets. Chahal achieved this remarkable feat when he dismissed Mohammad Nabi of Mumbai Indians (MI) in Jaipur on Monday.

Chahal’s journey to this historic milestone has been a testament to his skill, perseverance, and unwavering determination. After being signed by Mumbai Indians in 2011, he made his IPL debut in 2013 but only played one game for the franchise. It was in 2014, when he joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), that his IPL career truly took off.

During his eight-year stint with RCB, Chahal established himself as one of the most formidable bowlers in the league. He played 113 matches for the franchise, claiming 139 wickets at an impressive average of 22.03 and an economy rate of 7.58. His ability to deceive batsmen with his variations and control the flow of runs made him a vital cog in RCB’s bowling attack.

However, ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, RCB decided not to retain Chahal. He was subsequently picked up by Rajasthan Royals for INR 6.5 crore. In his first season with the Royals, Chahal played a pivotal role in their run to the IPL final, bagging 27 wickets at an economy of 7.75. He also registered his only five-wicket haul in the IPL, claiming 5 for 40 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Chahal’s success in the IPL is not limited to his wicket-taking prowess. He has also been a consistent performer, maintaining an impressive economy rate throughout his career. His ability to bowl economically in the powerplay and death overs has made him a valuable asset for any team.

In the ongoing IPL 2024, Chahal has continued to impress, sitting atop the list of leading wicket-takers with 13 wickets. His performances have been instrumental in Rajasthan Royals’ strong start to the season.

Chahal’s achievement of 200 IPL wickets is a testament to his exceptional skill, dedication, and longevity in the league. He has established himself as one of the greatest bowlers in IPL history and continues to be a force to be reckoned with.

Yuki Bhambri Wins First ATP Doubles Title of Season in Munich

Yuki Bhambri Wins First ATP Doubles Title of Season in Munich

Yuki Bhambri, India’s top-ranked doubles player, and his French partner Albano Olivetti triumphed in the doubles final of the €651,865 ATP tennis tournament in Munich on Sunday. The victory marked Bhambri’s first title of the season and his second ATP doubles title overall.

The Indo-French duo defeated wild card entrants Andreas Mies and Jan Lennard Struff 7-6(6), 7-6(5) in a thrilling encounter. Bhambri, 31, has now won 40 titles in his professional career, including 21 in doubles.

The victory was particularly significant for Bhambri, who had been struggling with injuries in recent years. He had not won an ATP title since 2018. The triumph in Munich will undoubtedly boost his confidence and provide him with much-needed momentum for the rest of the season.

Bhambri and Olivetti had an impressive run throughout the tournament. They defeated Monte Carlo Masters champions Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen of Belgium in the first round. In the semifinals, they overcame the challenge of Kevin Krawietz and Andreas Mies, the top seeds.

The final against Mies and Struff was a closely contested affair. Both teams held serve throughout the first set, forcing a tiebreaker. Bhambri and Olivetti eventually prevailed 7-6(6) in the tiebreaker.

The second set followed a similar pattern, with both teams holding serve until the tiebreaker. This time, Bhambri and Olivetti were even more dominant, winning the tiebreaker 7-6(5) to seal the victory.

The triumph in Munich is a testament to Bhambri’s resilience and determination. Despite facing setbacks in recent years, he has never given up on his dream of winning more ATP titles. The victory will undoubtedly inspire other Indian tennis players to strive for success on the international stage.

Leylah Fernandez Unveils Canada's Olympic Outfits with Lululemon

Leylah Fernandez Unveils Canada’s Olympic Outfits with Lululemon

Leylah Fernandez, Canada’s rising tennis star, played a pivotal role in the unveiling of the country’s official Lululemon outfits for the upcoming Paris Olympics. As the brand’s first global tennis ambassador, Fernandez joined other aspiring medalists at the Liberty Grand in Toronto to showcase the national apparel for the Games.

Fernandez’s involvement in the reveal was a testament to her growing stature in Canadian sports. She had previously provided feedback to Lululemon on the design of the outfits, ensuring that they met the needs of athletes. The 21-year-old expressed her honor at being part of the big reveal, calling it a “core memory” in her journey towards the Olympics.

The Canadian Olympic and Paralympic outfits feature several innovative design elements. Magnetic-close zippers and pull-on loops enhance accessibility for wheelchair-using Paralympians. SenseKnit technology, a high-wicking fabric, promotes breathability. The outfits also incorporate a fresh take on Canada’s red and white colors and the iconic maple leaf imagery.

Fernandez praised Lululemon’s efforts in creating a unique collection. She expressed her eagerness to wear the outfits with pride at the Paris Olympics. The official team gear is now available for purchase in Canada and will soon be launched in the U.S. and select Paris retailers.

Fernandez’s Olympic debut in Tokyo saw her reach the second round in singles. However, her recent performances, including a quarterfinal appearance at Roland Garros in 2022 and a pivotal role in Canada’s Billie Jean King Cup victory, suggest that she could be a medal contender in Paris.

Surrey Crush Kent by Innings and 37 Runs in Vitality County Championship

Surrey Crush Kent by Innings and 37 Runs in Vitality County Championship

Surrey extended their dominance in the Vitality County Championship with a resounding innings and 37-run victory over Kent at Canterbury. The reigning champions, buoyed by a mammoth first-innings total of 543 for 7 declared, dismissed Kent for 262 in their second innings, securing a comprehensive triumph.

Kent’s hopes of salvaging a draw were dealt a significant blow when they resumed on 120 for 5 overnight, still trailing by 179 runs. Ben Compton’s dismissal in the fifth over of the morning further dented their chances. However, Joey Evison and Matt Parkinson provided a glimmer of hope with a dogged rearguard action that saw them through the morning session.

Parkinson, promoted up the order, showcased his improved batting skills, while Evison played a crucial role in keeping Kent afloat. The duo’s resilience raised the possibility of an improbable draw. However, Evison’s dismissal in the afternoon’s third over triggered a Kent collapse.

George Garrett and Jas Singh fell cheaply, leaving Kent on the brink of defeat. Arafat Bhuiyan provided some late entertainment with a quickfire 22 not out, but it was merely a delay of the inevitable. Kemar Roach and Cameron Steel combined to dismiss Parkinson, sealing Surrey’s emphatic victory.

Dan Worrall was the pick of Surrey’s bowlers, claiming 4 for 31, while Steel continued his impressive form with 3 for 38. Steel’s tally of 20 wickets after three matches makes him the leading wicket-taker in the country this season.

Surrey’s victory extends their unbeaten start to the season and consolidates their position at the top of the Division One standings. Kent, on the other hand, remain winless and face an uphill battle to avoid relegation.

CSK and LSG Clash in Crucial Home Game at Chepauk

CSK and LSG Clash in Crucial Home Game at Chepauk

Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants Clash in Crucial Home Game

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will face off in a pivotal match at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday. Both teams have won four and lost three of their seven matches so far in IPL 2024, making this encounter crucial for their playoff aspirations.

CSK has been dominant at home, winning all three of their matches at Chepauk. However, they have struggled away from home, winning only one of their four games. This makes it imperative for them to secure a victory in this match.

LSG, on the other hand, will be confident after defeating CSK in their previous encounter in Lucknow. They have the experience of playing on slow, spinning surfaces at their home ground, which could be an advantage at Chepauk.

Team News and Impact Player Strategy

CSK may recall Ajinkya Rahane to the starting lineup after he recovered from a calf niggle. Shivam Dube could be used as an Impact Player if CSK bowls first, while Matheesha Pathirana could fill that role if they bat first.

LSG may consider bringing back Devdutt Padikkal, who has a good record against CSK bowlers. Mohsin Khan could be their Impact Player, depending on whether they bowl first or bat.

Players in the Spotlight

Rachin Ravindra has been opening the innings for CSK in the absence of Devon Conway. He started strongly but has struggled in recent matches. CSK will need him to provide a solid start.

KL Rahul has been in excellent form for LSG, scoring at a strike rate of 185.11 in the powerplay in recent games. He will be a key player for LSG.

Stats that Matter

* KL Rahul has dominated Deepak Chahar, scoring 157 runs off 96 balls without being dismissed.
* Nicholas Pooran has also been successful against Mustafizur Rahman, scoring 88 runs off 45 balls.
* Moeen Ali has struggled against Ravi Bishnoi, getting out three times in 22 balls.
* Krunal Pandya has kept Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni quiet, but Ruturaj Gaikwad has been successful against him.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at Chepauk has produced varying totals in the three matches played so far. Both CSK and LSG will aim for a total of around 200.

Ambati Rayudu Compares Work Cultures of CSK and MI: Winning Non-Negotiable for Mumbai

Ambati Rayudu Compares Work Cultures of CSK and MI: Winning Non-Negotiable for Mumbai

Ambati Rayudu, a seasoned middle-order batter who has played for both Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), recently shared his insights into the contrasting work cultures of the two franchises.

Rayudu, who has been a part of both CSK and MI’s title-winning sides, highlighted the significant difference in their approaches to winning. While CSK emphasizes the process and remains relatively unaffected by results, MI places an unwavering focus on victory.

“CSK focuses more on the process. They don’t analyze the results much. Their mood and mood swings are not because of the results,” Rayudu explained. “MI is a bit different. MI mostly wants to win, and their culture is like, everything depends on winning. They have a culture of, ‘win is a must at all cost.’ Winning is non-negotiable.”

Rayudu acknowledged that the pressure to perform at MI is immense, as the franchise is result-oriented. However, he also praised MI for fostering an environment where players improve and become better versions of themselves.

“When I used to play for MI, my game improved a lot when I was in the franchise. If you have not won the match, they do not see an excuse. You also do not get a platform to give an excuse. At the end of the day, you have to perform. MI has an environment where you keep getting better,” Rayudu said.

In contrast, Rayudu described CSK’s environment as more relaxed and focused on the long-term development of players. “CSK has a much better environment. You can play for longer years there. But if you play for more time at MI, your brain will explode,” he joked.

Despite the contrasting cultures, Rayudu emphasized that both CSK and MI are successful franchises that work hard. He also noted that the new captains, Ruturaj Gaikwad for CSK and Hardik Pandya for MI, are bringing their own unique styles of leadership to the teams.

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