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IPL 2023: Rating all the 10 teams based on their squads

By Sports Analyst March 28, 2023 0

Teams went all out during the IPL 2023 auction to assemble a competitive lineup to strive for the best results in the tournament. Some teams succeeded, and some fell short of their targets in this auction. During the IPL 2023 auction, teams were able to acquire 87 players in total, with 80 of them being taken up by franchises and the remaining seven being left unclaimed. Sam Curran, Cameron Green, and Ben Stokes were the most expensive acquisitions in the event, with all three of them commanding high prices.

During the IPL 2023 auction, teams had to carefully consider their strategies to obtain the players they wanted and build up a strong squad. Some teams were ultimately successful and reaped the rewards of careful planning, while others did not meet their expectations. The teams in the IPL are ranked according to their overall player ratings.

To calculate these rankings, the benchmark players in each category – such as openers, middle order, finishers, all-rounders, pacers, and spinners – are used to compare individual players against them. Additionally, each player is also given a rating based on their performance from the previous three years in the IPL and their current domestic or international form.

Here we rate all the 10 IPL teams based on their final squads:

Lucknow Super Giants (5/10)

The Lucknow outfit had its second appearance in the auction this year after having a successful run in the previous edition of the profitable tournament. The top order of the franchise was the main source of runs, but the lack of spark in the middle order prevented them from gaining an advantage by scoring big.

Looking ahead to the new season, the management acquired players from the auction who they believed had the potential to make an impact and lead them to success in the upcoming season. By adding Nicholas Pooran to their squad at the auction for INR 16 crores, the franchise has seemingly improved its chances of success in the upcoming season. However, Lucknow Super Giants is not a match for the other teams this season and which is why they are placed 10th on the list.

During the auction, the Lucknow outfit signed veteran Amit Mishra at his base price of INR 50 Lakh and roped in experienced pacer Jaydev Unadkat to add a veteran presence to the team. They expect their experience to help them have a successful season. The experienced duo of KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock will be a great asset to the Lucknow franchise, giving them a much-needed advantage in the 2023 season.

Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, and Krunal Pandya performed well in their bowling options, and Mark Wood’s availability will also help them. The middle order, though, lacked consistency and strength for the club. For example, Ayush Badoni and Marcus Stoinis lacked the consistency needed to give LSG a strong flair.

Lucknow Super Giants Full Squad:

KL Rahul, Ayush Badoni, Karan Sharma, Manan Vohra, Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, Krishnappa Gowtham, Deepak Hooda, Kyle Mayers, Krunal Pandya, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, Mark Wood, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Nicholas Pooran, Jaydev Unadkat, Yash Thakur, Romario Shepherd, Daniel Sams, Amit Mishra, Prerak Mankad, Swapnil Singh, Naveen ul Haq, Yudhvir Charak

Punjab Kings (5/10)

At the IPL 2023 mini-auction, the Punjab Kings made history by signing English all-rounder Sam Curran for a record INR 18.50 crore – making him the most expensive player in IPL history. After the bidding had climbed above INR 11 crore, the Punjab Kings swooped in and won the bid against Mumbai Indians with their final offer.

As anticipated, the Punjab Kings made the first bid for their former captain Mayank Agarwal but were outmatched in the bidding war by the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Nonetheless, they managed to acquire star Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza at his base price of INR 50 lakh. PBKS also showed strong interest in uncapped pacer Mukesh Kumar but unfortunately lost out to Delhi Capitals, who successfully bagged him for INR 5.5 crore.

Going into the IPL 2023 auction, the Punjab Kings had a purse of INR 32.2 crore – the second highest amongst all teams – after letting go of nine players, including their captain Mayank Agarwal. Before the auction, they had 16 players on their roster, five of which were overseas cricketers. They also released Caribbean all-rounder Odean Smith and needed direct replacements for both Mayank and Odean.

Unfortunately, the Punjab Kings had a disappointing mini-auction, resulting in them standing at the 9th spot on this list. They do not have any backups for Arshdeep Singh or a quality replacement for Rahul Chahar, who did not meet expectations in the last season.

Even though the Punjab Kings splashed a record amount of 18.5 Crore on Sam Curran, their other bids were not quite enough to fill out the gaps present in the team to fulfill those voids. Nevertheless, PBKS made a good signing in the name of youngster Vidwath Kaverappa who had a fantastic performance in the 2022 domestic season.

Punjab Kings Full Squad:

Arshdeep Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Kagiso Rabada, Jonny Bairstow, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Rahul Chahar, Liam Livingstone, Raj Bawa, Rishi Dhawan, Baltej Dhanda, Nathan Ellis, Atharva Taide, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Harpreet Bhatia, Vidwath Kaverappa, Mohit Rathe, Shivam Singh

Royal Challengers Bangalore (6/10)

The team led by Faf du Plessis was successful in securing a playoff spot in the IPL 2022. But, due to inconsistencies in all departments, they were unsuccessful in the Eliminator. Yet, for the 2023 season, management also had faith in most of the players.

Only two prominent franchise picks were available on the auction table. Royal Challengers Bangalore made wise acquisitions in English bowler Reece Topley and batsman Will Jacks. On the other hand, the other five picks have never participated in the IPL and are more likely to serve as bench warmers.

Harshal Patel and Mohammed Siraj were a little odd in the previous season, but Josh Hazlewood and Wanindu Hasaranga impressed. RCB should have searched for someone like Manish Pandey to bolster their batting at number five. Mahipal Lomror appears to be set to bat in that position as of right now.

The Bangalore-based team, which has one of cricket’s most devoted fan following, entered the auction with a purse worth 8.75 crores. While other well-known teams, including Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, made headlines for their high-profile purchases of Ben Stokes and Cameron Green, respectively, RCB was rather quiet during the earlier rounds of the auction.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Full Squad:

Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Mohammad Siraj, Faf Du Plessis, Harshal Patel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dinesh Karthik, Shahbaz Ahmad, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Akash Deep, Josh Hazlewood, Mahipal Lomror, Finn Allen, Suyash Prabhudessai, Karn Sharma, Siddharth Kaul, David Willey, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Will Jacks, Manoj Bhandage, Rajan Kumar, Avinash Singh, Sonu Yadav

Sunrisers Hyderabad (6.5/10)

Before the auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad released a significant number of players to assemble a balanced squad ahead of the 2023 season. While they already had a strong bowling lineup, they needed to add great batsmen and fast-bowling all-rounders in particular. The franchise entered the mini-auction with the most money in the bank, INR 42.25 crore, of any of the teams.

The Sunrisers and Rajasthan Royals engaged in a tense bidding war for the young English batter, Harry Brook. In the end, the Sunrisers emerged victorious and secured Brook for a whopping INR 13.25 Crores – making him their most expensive player to date and the most expensive specialist batter ever sold at a mini-auction, surpassing Shimron Hetmyer (INR 7.75 crore by Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2020 season).

The three players in the starting eleven who have demonstrated their abilities are Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umran Malik, and T Natarajan. SRH is a contender for the trophy, thanks to the addition of Aiden Markram, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tripathi, and Abhishek Sharma.

Sunrisers Hyderabad Full Squad:

Abdul Samad, Umran Malik, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tripathi, Abhishek Sharma, Kartik Tyagi, T Natarajan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Glenn Phillips, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Harry Brook, Mayank Agarwal, Heinrich Klaasen, Adil Rashid, Mayank Markande, Vivrant Sharma, Samarth Vyas, Sanvir Singh, Upendra Singh Yadav, Mayank Dagar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Akeal Hosein, Anmolpreet Singh

Kolkata Knight Riders (7/10)

Kolkata Knight Riders have managed to gather a decent side, but the possible exemption of skipper Shreyas Iyer from IPL 2023 puts them on the back foot. However, we are yet to know the gravity of Shreyas Iyer’s injury. Iyer was ruled out of India’s 3rd Test match and also from their ODI series against Australia.

Kolkata Knight Riders must reassemble the batting order from scratch after releasing a large number of top and middle-order batters. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, N Jagadeeshan, and Litton Das are three excellent top-order alternatives for the team for IPL 2023. Nitish Rana and Shreyas Iyer also give the squad solidity.

KKR also has seasoned all-rounders like David Wiese, Shakib Al Hasan, Sunil Narine, and Andre Russell, who may be replaced similarly. Moreover, the bowling unit’s Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav, and Tim Southee are excellent choices on the Eden Gardens ground.

Before heading to the 2023 mini-auction, KKR had 11 player slots (eight Indian and three overseas players) with a purse of INR 7.05 crore. The team had released most of their players beforehand, including Pat Cummins (who made himself unavailable to focus on national duties), Sam Billings (backed out from the auction), Aman Khan, Shivam Mavi, Mohammad Nabi, Chamika Karunaratne, Aaron Finch, Alex Hales, Abhijeet Tomar, Ajinkya Rahane, Ashok Sharma, Baba Indrajith, Pratham Singh, Ramesh Kumar, Rasikh Salam, and Sheldon Jackson.

Kolkata Knight Riders Full Squad:

Shreyas Iyer (c), Nitish Rana, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shardul Thakur, Lockie Ferguson, Umesh Yadav, Tim Southee, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Anukul Roy, Rinku Singh, Narayan Jagadeesan, Vaibhav Arora, Suyash Sharma, David Weise, Kulwant Khejrolia, Mandeep Singh, Litton Das, Shakib Al Hasan.

Delhi Capitals (7.5/10)

Despite being led by Rishabh Pant, Delhi Capitals were unable to make it to the playoffs of IPL 2022 due to their subpar bowling and lack of closing-out games. However, Prithvi Shaw, David Warner, and Rovman Powell did their part in the batting department. Unfortunately, Rishabh Pant could not convert his starts into big innings, which hindered the team’s ability to win in close matches.

The exception of Rishabh Pant from the Delhi Capital’s squad due to his recent accident has dented the side’s motivation even before entering the IPL 2023 season. To make matters worse, Delhi Capitals traded Shardul Thakur to Kolkata and were unable to find a suitable replacement for him at the auction. They were successful in getting Rilee Rossouw and Phil Salt to fill in for the injured Mitchell Marsh. But they are missing a potent all-round pace bowler of quality and an explosive Indian hitter in the middle of the order. Ishant Sharma, a seasoned Indian pacer and native of Delhi, joined the team after being acquired by the team for INR 50 Lakh.

Delhi Capitals Full Squad:

Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Prithvi Shaw, Anrich Nortje, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Sarfaraz Khan, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Mustafizur Rahman, Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Chetan Sakariya, Lalit Yadav, Ripal Patel, Yash Dhull, Rovman Powell, Pravin Dubey, Lungi Ngidi, Vicky Ostwal, Aman Khan, Phil Salt, Ishant Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Manish Pandey, Rilee Rossouw

Gujarat Titans (8/10)

Because of their confidence and momentum, Gujarat Titans managed to clinch the IPL 2022 title in their first attempt. A huge part of their glory goes to their all-around efforts. Hardik Pandya, the captain, took the initiative while the bowlers and batsmen executed their roles flawlessly.

Pandya and David Miller usually carried the team, contributing strongly to their performances. Nevertheless, finding a reliable middle-order batsman was a struggle for them, and without Pandya in a few matches, they had trouble maintaining the required pace at crucial points in the game. Kane Williamson is a reasonable investment, given his experience, but the Kiwi batsman is out of form and is questionable for the starting XI. They did well to obtain Joshua Little and Shivam Mavi, who are both performing well this year.

The IPL 2023 mini-auction was held in Kochi on Friday, December 23, and the Gujarat Titans, the defending champions, had the plan to strengthen an already formidable team by adding more depth. In the months before this event, they had swapped veteran New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson and Afghan stumper Rahmanullah Gurbaz to the Kolkata Knight Riders. Along with Lockie Ferguson and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the Hardik Pandya-led team parted ways with players including Dominic Drakes, Gurkeerat Singh, Jason Roy, and Varun Aaron before the IPL 2023 auction.

Gujarat Titans Full Squad:

Hardik Pandya (C), Shubman Gill, David Miller, Abhinav Manohar, Sai Sudharsan, Wriddhiman Saha, Matthew Wade, Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Vijay Shankar, Mohammed Shami, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Pradeep Sangwan, Darshan Nalkande, Jayant Yadav, R Sai Kishore, Noor Ahmad, Kane Williamson, Odean Smith, KS Bharat, Shivam Mavi, Urvil Patel, Joshua Little, Mohit Sharma

Chennai Super Kings (8/10)

The highly popular MS Dhoni-led franchise managed to acquire England’s red-ball captain Ben Stokes at the auction. Stokes is renowned for being a one-man army, having helped England to victory in the T20 World Cup final. Also, if Deepak Chahar remains injury-free, and with the return of inform Ravindra Jadeja ahead of the competition, CSK is likely to be one of the best performers in IPL 2023.

Chennai Super Kings have top-tier players in the name of Moeen Ali, Devon Conway, and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni, the tournament’s tried-and-true players, will make up the middle order. Yet, if they want to reach the playoffs for the 12th time, they will require consistent performances from their talented team.

It surprised everyone when CSK went all out for Stokes when everyone thought they would go for Sam Curran to get him back into their squad. With a budget of INR 20.45 crore and seven slots to fill, including two abroad slots, CSK entered the auction. CSK made some unexpected purchases at the IPL 2023 auction and went all-in on Stokes.

MS Dhoni and Ben Stokes previously played for the Rising Pune Supergiant. Stokes’ participation will do wonders for CSK now that Dwayne Bravo has announced his retirement from the IPL. They also brought Ajinkya Rahane, who displayed impressive performances while playing for KKR last year. It was a very strategic move to add Rahane to the team when Robin Uthappa left the situation.

Chennai Super Kings Full Squad:

MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ambati Rayudu, Subhranshu Senapati, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Dwaine Pretorius, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mukesh Choudhary, Matheesha Pathirana, Simarjeet Singh, Prashant Solanki, Mahesh Theekshana, Ajinkya Rahane, Ben Stokes, Shaik Rasheed, Nishant Sindhu, Kyle Jamieson, Ajay Mandal, Bhagath Varma

Mumbai Indians (8.5/10)

In an ordinary IPL 2023 auction, the Mumbai Indians purchased Cameron Green for 17.5 Crores. The all-rounder, who many consider the future of Australian cricket, made an impression on his first white-ball tour of India. Also, they were able to get the services of seasoned spinners Piyush Chawla and Shams Mulani, which was crucial for them in 2023. However, the exemption of Jasprit Bumrah from MI’s squad can prove to be a big blow for the MI.

Jhye Richardson’s stellar performance in the BBL 2022–23 and proven track record in T20s made him a value at his base price. The additional purchases were satisfactory and are not expected to be included in the XI. The XI already had the majority of its members, and the franchise did well to put the final pieces together.

Last season, Mumbai Indians invested heavily in Ishan Kishan and Jofra Archer, intending to create a team for the future. They performed similar acts of valor once more, this time shelling out an astounding Rs. 17.50 crore to sign Australian all-rounder Cameron Green. After a bidding war with Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals, MI ultimately acquired the major player.

Rohit Sharma can bat in the middle order, with Green opening with Ishan Kishan. This change will be worth seeing, as it can be a make or break for the franchise in the upcoming season. They have quality pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer in their ranks, which will help them in crunch moments, but there is not enough backup for them. Rohit Sharma can also slot into the middle order with Cameron Green opening with Ishan Kishan, which could be a make-or-break combination for the franchise.

Mumbai Indians Full Squad:

Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Dewald Brevis, Tilak Varma, Jofra Archer, Tim David, Mohd Arshad Khan, Ramandeep Singh, Hrithik Shokeen, Arjun Tendulkar, Tristan Stubbs, Kumar Kartikeya, Jason Behrendorff, Akash Madhwal, Cameron Green, Jhye Richardson, Piyush Chawla, Duan Jansen, Vishnu Vinod, Shams Mulani, Nehal Wadhera, Raghav Goyal

Rajasthan Royals (9/10)

Being the runner-up in the IPL 2022 season, Rajasthan Royals have high hopes of winning the trophy in 2023. After a successful auction, they now have arguably the best squad on paper. Although they already had a strong top-order and bowling lineup, they still needed to bring in an all-rounder and middle-order batsman to complete their team.

Rajasthan Royals have a reliable batting unit with Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Prasidh Krishna, Trent Boult, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Yuzvendra Chahal make up a strong unit on the bowling side. They also have a third backup spinner in Adam Zampa, who is one of the best in the business. Joe Root, a hitter with a sound approach, has emerged as a top purchase for the squad and may serve as an anchor. On the other hand, Jason Holder will be a help to the side because of his all-around skills and give them a fifth bowling option.

Despite releasing nine players, Rajasthan Royals entered the 2023 auction with the third-lowest purse of INR 13.2 crore. However, they were able to hold onto key players and didn’t feel pressured to drastically alter their lineup for the 2022 season, which was their strongest IPL season since winning the championship in 2008.

With a balanced bowling lineup that included Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Prasidh Krishna, and Kuldeep Sen last season, the Rajasthan Royals were excellent. The Royals also kept backup pace alternatives Obed McCoy and Navdeep Saini, but no backup spinners were available. The additions of Adam Zampa and Murugan Ashwin have significantly improved the spin department for the Royals, who have a 25-player squad for the IPL 2023.

Rajasthan Royals Full Squad:

Sanju Samson (c & wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Devdutt Padikkal, Jos Buttler (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Prasidh Krishna, Trent Boult, Obed McCoy, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Sen, Kuldeep Yadav, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, KC Cariappa, Jason Holder, Donovan Ferreira (wk), Kunal Rathore, Adam Zampa, KM Asif, Murugan Ashwin, Akash Vashisht, Abdul PA, Joe Root.

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The best-playing XI of the Women’s Premier League 2023

By Sports Analyst March 27, 2023 0

On a night when Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians lifted the Women’s Premier League trophy, not only did the Women in Blue and Gold win, but it was a victory for women’s cricket. The successful conclusion of the inaugural Women’s Premier League ensured women’s cricket was watched in every Indian household.

Before the tournament began, we had maybe two or three Indian female cricketers like Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Smriti Mandhana, who were household names. But this competition has helped unearth the Saika Ishaques of the world, the Shreyanka Patils of the world, and the Alice Capseys of the world. They have reached the homes of billions of people all over the world. Their stunning efforts have generated the loudest roars in the stadium.

During the 3-week WPL, we saw some scintillating performances from the best female cricketers. From Issy Wong’s incredible hat trick against UP Warriorz in the Eliminator to Meg Lanning’s incredible batting throughout the WPL 2023.

In this article, we will have a look at the best-playing XI of the first-ever Women’s Premier League.

Openers: Yastika Bhatia (wk) and Hayley Matthews

The most successful opening combination of the WPL, Mumbai Indians’ Yastika Bhatia and Hayley Matthews, are a force to reckon with. The left-right combo destroyed the bowling lineup of all the other teams in the WPL.

The left-handed Yastika returned 214 runs at a strike rate of 112.04, making multiple pivotal contributions that saw her win the Emerging Player of the Season award.

While her opening partner, Matthews, made contributions with the bat as well as the ball. The West Indian all-rounder took 16 wickets and amassed 271 runs in just ten games. She was also awarded the “Purple Cap” for taking the most wickets in the entire season.

Middle Order: Shafali Verma, Meg Lanning, and Nat Sciver-Brunt

The opening duo of Delhi Capitals, i.e., Shafali Verma and Meg Lanning, was the second most successful opening combination after the Mumbai duo of Yastika Bhatia and Hayley Matthews.

Both Shafali and Lanning had a very successful WPL. Meg Lanning, leading the Delhi franchisee, took the team to the final of the tournament. Besides, she was also awarded for her wonderful and exquisite batting with the “Orange Cap.” Lanning made 345 runs in just nine innings at an average of 49.29.

Shafali Verma, who is creating waves with her attacking style of play, vowed cricket fans all across the world with her elegant strokes in the WPL. Shafali garnered 252 runs in nine innings at a stunning strike rate of 185.29.

The third player that holds the middle-order fort for this combined playing XI from the WPL is Mumbai Indians’ all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt. England international Natalie Sciver-Brunt took 10 wickets and scored 332 runs in 10 matches. Sciver-Brunt was adjudged the “Player of the Series” for her all-round performance. Sciver-Brunt played a magnificent knock in the final of the WPL to take her team to victory.

Lower-middle Order: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Harleen Deol, and Shreyanka Patil

With her aggressive and attacking leadership style, Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians won the inaugural Women’s Premier League. Harmanpreet Kaur didn’t put a foot wrong in the entire WPL campaign. After smashing a blistering half-century in the opening match of the WPL, Harmanpreet Kaur didn’t put a foot wrong. Be it her leadership skills or her elegant batting, she was always in top form. Kaur scored 281 runs in 9 innings at an average of 40.14.

Gujarat Giants, who had a terrible season winning just 2 matches in the group stage, had one positive, i.e., Harleen Deol. The 24-year-old had an excellent season amassing 202 runs in just 8 matches at an impressive strike rate of 125.47.

Shreyanka Patil was the only positive for the star-studded Royal Challengers Bangalore in an otherwise forgetful campaign. The youngster showed immense maturity in tense situations to take her team to victory from the clutches of defeat. A player for the future, Shreyanka’s incredible six against Gujarat Giants was quite reminiscent of AB de Villier’s legendary lap shot on the leg side.

Spinners: Deepti Sharma and Saika Ishaque

Team India star Deepti Sharma had a decent WPL campaign. She didn’t quite play as per the high standards set by her. The off-spinner took nine wickets in nine matches at a strike rate of 23.22.

The breakout star of the Women’s Premier League 2023, Saika Ishaque, also makes the list. The left-arm orthodox spinner took 15 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 16.27. Bought at her base price of INR 10 lakhs, Saika became the first cricketer to take 4 wickets in a WPL match.

Having an economy rate of 7.00, the left-arm spinner is considered the future of India.

Fast Bowlers: Shikha Pandey and Issy Wong

Young pace sensation from England Issy Wong set the WPL stage on fire with her fiery bowling spells that dismantled many batting lineups. Aside from picking up the first hat trick in the competition’s history, Wong was at her penetrative best throughout WPL 2023. She finished with 15 wickets from 10 games at an economy rate of 6.46.

Sharing the new ball duties with Wong is Team India star Shikha Pandey. She was the best pacer Indian pacer on display at the inaugural WPL. With her accurate and intelligent bowling, she captured 10 wickets in just 9 matches at an average of 21.10.

Best Playing XI of the WPL: Yastika Bhatia (wk), Hayley Matthews, Shafali Verma, Meg Lanning, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Harleen Deol, Shreyanka Patil, Deepti Sharma, Saika Ishaque, Shikha Pandey and Issy Wong.

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BCCI announces Herbalife as its official partner for IPL 2023

IPL 2023: Five Players who will be a breakout success

By Sports Analyst March 23, 2023 0

The “Greatest Festival of India” is back. And with that, the biggest cricketers will be back in India. The Indian Premier League started with a vision to provide a platform to young and emerging cricketers of India has become a global platform for cricketers across the globe to showcase their talent in front of the entire world.

From the Pandya Brothers to Mohammad Siraj to Jasprit Bumrah, many cricketers have been unearthed due to the IPL. This year, too, will be no different. The tournament will present a golden opportunity to every young cricketer who will try to grab the chance and hit a maximum.

In this article, we will have a look at the five players who will be a breakout success in IPL 2023.

5 players who will be a breakout success in IPL 2023

Harry Brook

Creator: Matthew Lewis | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2022 Getty Images

The latest sensation in world cricket, Harry Brook, has set the stage on fire with his aggressive style of play in batting. In his brief Test career, the right-handed batter has made 809 runs in just ten innings at an average of 80.9.

Brook’s record in T20s is exceptional too. He has 2,432 runs in the format and forced his way into the eventual world champions England’s T20 World Cup squad after a series in Pakistan in which he scored 231 runs at an average of 79.33 and a strike rate of 163.01.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, who were looking to strengthen their batting, bought Harry Brook for ₹ 13.25 crore. The England star will be playing for the first time in India and is expected to set to explode in the IPL.

Arshad Khan

Source: Instagram/ Mumbai Indians

Shocked? Don’t be. Mohammad Arshad Khan is a star for the future. The young boy, hailing from Madhya Pradesh, has been specially recommended by Mumbai Indians player Piyush Chawla.

Although the left-arm pacer doesn’t have much experience, whatever little we have seen him bowl has left us stunned. The Madhya Pradesh star can swing the white ball both ways, quite reminiscent to the all-time great Wasim Akram’s bowling style.

Besides his excellent bowling, Arshad can also get the team some quick runs. His hitting lower down the order will be quite useful for the Mumbai outfit.

Mumbai Indians have included Mohammad Arshad Khan in their team for a base price of ₹ 20 lakhs.

Cameron Green

Creator: Morgan Hancock | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2022 Getty Images

Another Mumbai Indians player has made it to the list. Although Cameron Green has shown the world what he is capable of doing on the cricket field, his IPL debut will be looked forward to by many cricket pundits.

After Pollard announced his retirement from IPL, Mumbai Indians were looking for someone who could fill his shoes. And thankfully, they got Green. Green is a right-handed batter who can open the innings, can come down at number 4, or come at number 6 and finish the innings. A versatile player.

Like Pollard, Green is handy with the ball. The right-arm pacer’s bowling prowess was on full display during the T20 Internationa against Pakistan, where he got 2 wickets for 16 runs in just 3 overs at an economy of 5.33.

The all-rounder has scored 139 runs in 8 T20Is, with 61 as his highest score. He was purchased by Mumbai Indians for ₹17.5 crores during the IPL 2023 mini-auction. Green is expected to land stability to the Mumbai Indians team and help them play to their potential in IPL 2023.

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Creator: Jan Kruger-ICC | Credit: ICC via Getty Images Copyright: 2020 ICC

Yashasvi Jaiswal. This name has been making the rounds of the Indian cricketing circle for a while. The youngest double centurion in List A cricket and Player of the Tournament in the 2020 U-19 World Cup, Jaiswal is expected to continue his domestic cricket form into IPL.

During the recently concluded Irani Trophy, Jaiswal, representing the Rest of India, smashed a stunning double century in the first innings and a gritty hundred in the second innings to win the Irani Cup for his team.

While this is not the first time the Mumbai batter has produced such a magnificent performance. During the semi-final match against Uttar Pradesh in Ranji Trophy 2021-22, the left-handed batsman slammed centuries in both innings to help his team win the match.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, who plies his trade for Rajasthan Royals, has appeared for 10 IPL matches and scored 258 runs in 10 Innings. The left-hander’s highest score in IPL is 68.

Sarfaraz Khan

Creator: Pal Pillai Copyright: 2016 Getty Images

Mumbai-born Sarfaraz Khan is one of the hottest properties in the domestic circuit. Sarfaraz has an envious record in the Ranji Trophy. He averages a whopping 80.47 in 36 matches, second only to the legendary Sir Don Bradman, who averaged 95.14 in 234 games.

During the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy season, Sarfaraz amassed 556 runs in just 9 innings at an average of a whopping 92.66. He notched up three big hundreds and one half-century during the season.

The 25-year-old was the leading run-scorer during the last Ranji Trophy season, amassing 982 runs at an average of 122.75 in Mumbai’s run to the final. He struck four hundreds and two half-centuries in that season and had a top score of 275 against Saurashtra.

In IPL 2023, the right-handed batter will be playing from Delhi Capitals. He will be responsible for finishing the Delhi innings with a flourish.

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Women Cricketers who are very similar to their Male Compatriots

By Sports Analyst March 21, 2023 0

It is disheartening to witness disparities in the coverage and promotion of men’s and women’s cricket, with the men’s game receiving more attention and broadcasting on multiple channels while the women’s version is largely left out of sight, playing games in empty stadiums without much exposure. Hopefully, we can work towards achieving more recognition for women’s cricket in the future.

Women’s cricket has been growing in popularity in recent years as more people are becoming aware of the sport. This is due to initiatives such as the ICC Women’s World Cup, which has provided a platform for female cricketers worldwide to showcase their skills and get more recognition. Additionally, many nations are now investing in their women’s cricket teams and providing better facilities for their players.

The times are changing for women’s cricket, and more emphasis is placed on the sport. For example, the ICC Women’s World Cup, the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) are all great initiatives designed to inspire and promote female cricketers from around the world. These tournaments have been very successful in terms of providing a platform for these players to showcase their skills and receive more recognition. As these initiatives continue to grow, we can only expect to see more progress and opportunities for female cricketers.

It’s incredible to see how some of the female cricketers today have honed their skills and are matching the performances of some of the greatest legends in men’s cricket. These five women cricketers, particularly Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy, Smriti Mandhana, and Shabnim Ismail, have shown remarkable skill in batting, bowling, and fielding, which is reminiscent of those of their counterparts in the men’s game. They are truly setting the bar for future generations of female cricketers.

Women Cricketers who are very similar to their male compatriots

Smriti Mandhana and Sourav Ganguly

According to her childhood coach, Smriti Mandhana used to imitate Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara when she was younger. However, she reminds me of another male player – former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly. Mandhana has been compared to Ganguly for her aggressive batting style, fearless approach to the game, and remarkable ability to switch gears when the situation demands it. Her power-packed performances have made her one of the world’s most feared batters.

Being right-handed but left-handed batters, both Mandhana and Ganguly are incredibly strong when playing shots on the off side. Similarly to Ganguly, Mandhana will stylishly cut anything short and, with a pinch of width through the gap between point and backward point, poke at the ball that is swinging away, then guide it to the third man to sneak in a single. When the ball is short and delivered right in front of them, both will go for the unconvincing pull that might or might not bring rewards. It should also be noted that they have another similarity – they both require glasses off the pitch.

Both players also tend to play shots right off the middle of their bat, something that’s quite common among left-handed batsmen. What’s more, they both have an excellent work ethic, which helps them become better cricketers with each passing day. Their dedication and determination make them an inspiration to any aspiring cricketer.

Mithali Raj and Sachin Tendulkar

Mithali Raj is often compared to Sachin Tendulkar in terms of her batting prowess. She is known for her ability to read the pitch and adapt her game as per the conditions. She also has a great range of shots and swift footwork and is considered one of the most elegant batswomen in the game. Similar to Tendulkar, she has a wide range of strokes to choose from and relies heavily on placement rather than power. Despite the immense pressure of performing at the highest level, her composure and presence at the crease have earned her a reputation second only to Tendulkar.

Mithali Raj and Sachin Tendulkar have a few similarities in their batting approach. Both employ a patient approach while batting, relying on technique and skill rather than brute power. They both possess an intuitive eye for the game and can adapt quickly to changing conditions. Tendulkar was known for his ability to read the pitch and adjust his batting accordingly, and Mithali Raj is no different. Additionally, they share a passion for the game, a cool head under pressure, and are considered two of the top cricketers of their respective generations.

Mithali Raj has spoken highly of Sachin Tendulkar, calling him an inspiration and praising his technique. She has said that her batting style is heavily influenced by Tendulkar’s and that she looks up to him as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the game. She also said that she tries to emulate Tendulkar’s approach when it comes to batting, citing his patience and skill as major influences on her batting.

“Sachin Tendulkar has been an inspiration for me – he is one of the greatest batsmen of all time. His technique and patience at the crease is something I have tried to emulate in my batting,” – Mithali Raj.

Harmanpreet Kaur and Yuvraj Singh

Much has been said and written about Harmanpreet Kaur’s dominant performance that enabled India to easily win against Australia in the World Cup semi-final back in 2019. People have even likened her knock to Kapil Dev’s against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup. However, according to us, Kaur is more similar to another great Indian player Yuvraj Singh. Both of them have a similar high back-lift, powerful follow-through, and the ability to inflict enormous damage. This similarity is evident in the way they play.

They both take time to become acquainted with the pitch before unleashing their power, and they tend to prefer the midwicket region. Neither of them has mechanical batting styles – their batting is full of fluidity and grace. Moreover, both Kaur and Singh are renowned for performing well in important matches.

Both players also have an excellent knack for picking the right delivery to hit, something that has made them two of the most dangerous batsmen in the world. They also possess tremendous power and great timing, allowing them to clear boundaries with ease. They have been the difference makers in many matches and will continue to be so in the future.

Their versatility allows them to adapt to different kinds of pitches and bowlers, making them difficult to contain. Both Kaur and Singh are also known for their effervescent style of cricket, which is often a pleasure to watch. Moreover, they possess great leadership qualities and can mentor and inspire their teammates, making them invaluable assets in any team.

Suzie Bates and Brendon McCullum

Suzie Bates is often compared to Brendon McCullum for her batting performance. She is a powerful batter who can vary her strokes according to the conditions, similar to the way McCullum did. Both batters have a reputation for taking calculated risks and looking to score freely. They also share good footwork and can move quickly to position themselves for a shot. Furthermore, both batters are known for their commitment to the team and leading from the front.

In terms of similarities, both Suzie Bates and Brendon McCullum have a knack for attacking the opposition. They are not afraid to go after the bowlers and attack from ball one, something which makes them a threat to the opposition. Additionally, their ability to hit shots all around the wicket is something that has earned them great admiration. Furthermore, both batters are unafraid of playing attacking shots and take calculated risks to score runs quickly.

Suzie Bates has spoken highly of Brendon McCullum, praising him for his creativity and attacking style. She has said, “I take a lot of inspiration from McCullum. I aspire to his ability to think outside the box and find creative solutions to problems on the field. His never say die attitude is something I try and replicate in my own game.”

Suzie Bates has also mentioned that she admires McCullum for his ability to adapt to different conditions and his willingness to take risks when batting. She believes he is an example of how a batsman can succeed even with a relatively unorthodox style.

Marizanne Kapp and Shaun Tait

Marizanne Kapp, the top ODI bowler, is spearheading the most formidable fast-bowling attack in the world when it comes to women’s cricket. Her skillset bears significant similarities with the Australian bowler Shaun Tait, even though Shaun Tait never became the no.1 ranked bowler.

Kapp’s brisk run-up, smooth action, and late outswing all resemble Tait’s fiery bowling. Both of them are known for their speed, and they generally bowl too many extras (wides) as they often drift off the line – something they make up for with their pace. The only real difference between the two is that Kapp is a capable lower-order batter who usually stays fit and plays consistently – something Tait was unable to do.

Furthermore, the South African’s durability and consistency make her the ideal package for a fast bowler, as she can bowl long spells and take wickets over a long period. Kapp also can think on her feet as she reads the batters’ movement and reacts accordingly. This combination of skill and agility makes Kapp one of the most dangerous bowlers in the world.

Categories: Sports360

Is Jose Mourinho really the special one?

By Sports Analyst March 20, 2023 0

José Mourinho is renowned for his extreme arrogance and unwavering confidence, which has enabled him to become one of the most successful football managers in the world. He is a master of harnessing arrogance and using it to his advantage. Arrogance can be a powerful tool in the pursuit of success. It can provide inner strength, inspire followers and give one an edge over the competition. When used properly, it can lead to great accomplishments.

José Mourinho has achieved great success throughout his career. He rose to prominence with FC Porto’s victories in the 2003 UEFA Cup and 2004 Champions League and has continued to be one of the most influential figures in world football ever since. He managed big clubs like Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Tottenham and is now plying his trade with Rome in Italy. But why is the Portuguese manager called ‘The Special One’? Let’s have a look at it.

Why is Jose Mourinho called ‘The Special One’?

José Mourinho’s iconic nickname, “The Special One,” dates back to his arrival at Chelsea in 2004. During his first press conference, he declared that he considered himself a “special one,” and the name has stayed with him ever since. “Please don’t call me arrogant, but I’m a European champion and I think I’m a special one,” the great Jose Mourinho said. Before his time at Chelsea, José Mourinho was not as widely known in the football community despite his impressive accomplishments with FC Porto, including a Champions League title in 2003-04. After this success, his star began to rise, and he quickly became one of the most sought-after managers in the world.

In Spagna con i top: Mourinho non fa calcoli

Creator: Luciano Rossi | Credit: AS Roma via Getty Images Copyright: 2023 Luciano Rossi

José Mourinho has earned his famous moniker, “The Special One,” through a combination of his tactical acumen and excellent managerial skills. He boldly proclaimed himself as such in his first press conference with Chelsea, creating a buzz in the media ahead of his first season in the Premier League. José Mourinho’s nickname, “The Special One,” has become even more valid during his time as manager of Chelsea, where he became the most successful coach in the club’s history. His tactical genius and managerial skills helped him reach new heights and truly live up to his arrogance.

José Mourinho achieved remarkable success in his first two seasons as manager of Chelsea, winning back-to-back Premier League titles and setting the record for most points in a Premier League-winning campaign (95). He displayed incredible talent as a tactician and manager, cementing his status as “The Special One.” Since his first spell at Chelsea, José Mourinho’s success in the Premier League has been mixed. His second stint with the Blues was not able to match the heights of his initial tenure, and his spell at Manchester United encountered several difficulties. Jose Mourinho was also sacked from his job at Tottenham after he failed to achieve the club’s set expectations.

Is Jose Mourinho the special one?

Very often there comes a character who changes the whole meaning of the game. Jose Mourinho can be considered one such game-changer. From giving Chelsea a name in world football to getting the better of Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, Jose Mourinho did it all. He even went on to win a treble with Inter Milan. Adding to that, Manchester United won their last trophy under the management of Jose Mourinho, which was back in 2017. Jose Mourinho came to Roma and helped them secure UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022.

José Mourinho has solidified his status as one of the greatest football managers of all time. He is just the second manager to win five major European titles, joining Giovanni Trapattoni in achieving this feat. Among his honors are two UEFA Champions League titles, two UEFA Cup/Europa League titles, and the recently won UEFA Europa Conference League.

Jose Mourinho signs the same Premier League star for a third time

Creator: Alex Morton | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2017 Getty Images

Jose Mourinho’s takeover of La Liga from Pep Guardiola is one of the solid reasons why he should be considered the “Special One”. José Mourinho had a successful three-year tenure at Real Madrid, winning the Copa del Rey in 2011, La Liga in 2012, and Supercopa de España in 2012. During that time, he also set a new club record of 32 consecutive match unbeaten streak in the 2011 – 2012 season.

In 2019, Jose Mourinho voiced his displeasure about the fact that people questioned his coaching abilities in England, and thus why he adopted the title of ‘The Special One’.

“When I gave my first press conference I was asked if I was ready for the Premier League,” Mourinho told Sky Sports. “I thought: ‘What? I just won the Champions League and you are thinking that I am nobody?’ “So, I went a little bit aggressive by saying I am not one from the bottle, I am a special one. But then, bang, it stayed. No problem.”

In October 2015, Jurgen Klopp was asked if he would follow in Jose Mourinho’s footsteps and call himself the ‘Special One’ when he joined Liverpool as manager, reigniting the attention around this title. In contrast, Jurgen Klopp referred to himself as the “normal one” instead of the “Special One”.

Jose Mourinho has taken back his claim

However, in 2022 Jose Mourinho admitted that his reputably renowned label of “The Special One” no longer applies, referring to it as an “old story”. When questioned concerning his potential to forge another noteworthy performance before the Europa Conference League final against Feyenoord at the Arena Kombetare in Tirana, Jose Mourinho responded that the “Special One” narrative was now a thing of the past.

‘When you have more maturity and stability, you think much more about the people and less about yourself. ‘I can just do what every coach can do and try to help the team. ‘I don’t believe in magical moments. This is not the moment of one individual, it is the team, the players, and the staff. ‘Does each new achievement mean more than the previous one? It does. But there is nothing special to be done, just be us.’

In his 23rd season as a manager, Jose Mourinho is still unsure of when he will be retiring due to a piece of advice given to him by Manchester United’s legendary manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. In March 2013, during his time as Real Madrid boss, Mourinho was summoned to Ferguson’s office at Old Trafford before a Champions League encounter and forewarned of what was to come.

‘It was Manchester United vs Real Madrid. Before the game, Sir Alex Ferguson invited me to his office,’ he said.

‘I asked him, ”What is it like, boss? Does it change? Does it change over the years?”. He said, ”Forget about it. Nothing changes. It is the same up until the very last day”.

‘That is why I keep saying I cannot believe I am 59 years old. I cannot believe I have a 22-year career as a head coach. I cannot tell you when I am going to stop because I cannot visualize it. ‘The passion doesn’t change.’

List of trophies won by Jose Mourinho in every club he managed

Trophies won with Porto

Primeira Liga 2002-03
Taca de Portugal 2002-03
Supertaca Candido de Oliveira 2003
UEFA Cup 2002-03
Primeira Liga 2003-04
UEFA Champions League 2003-04

Trophies won with Chelsea

Carabao Cup 2004-05
Premier League 2004-05
FA Community Shield 2005
Premier League 2005-06
Carabao Cup 2006-07
FA Cup 2006-07
Carabao Cup 2014-15
Premier League 2014-15

Trophies won with Inter Milan

Supercoppa Italiana 2008
Serie A 2008-09
Coppa Italia 2009-10
Serie A 2009-10
UEFA Champions League 2009-10

Trophies won with Real Madrid

Copa del Rey 2010-11
La Liga 2011-12
Supercopa de Espana 2012

Trophies won with Manchester United

FA Community Shield 2016
Carabao Cup 2016-17
UEFA Europa League 2016-17

Trophies won with AS Roma

UEFA Conference League 2022

Categories: Sports360

Famous Sportspersons Who Became Politicians

Famous Sportspeople who tried their luck in Politics

By Sports Analyst March 17, 2023 0

It is not surprising that there are so many athletes who go on to become politicians later in life because athletes naturally make good leaders. But not everyone is allowed to serve in a position of authority, such as that of governor or cabinet minister. One of the best boxers in history is a leading contender for the presidency of the Philippines, which is why many people are paying attention to the election. Let’s have a look at some of the most famous sportspeople who tried their luck in Politics.

Famous Sportspeople who tried their luck in Politics

Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore — Former Union Minister of State, India

Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore has made a successful transition from sports to politics, possibly the best in India. Rathore, one of the nation’s best shooters, took home the silver medal in double trap at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. Rathore was the first Indian to take home an individual silver medal since the nation’s independence, and it was India’s only medal at the competition. Rathore was a serving Indian Army officer at the time. Together, these elements gave his accomplishment an incredibly spectacular appearance, elevating Rathore to a god-like position at home.

File:Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Source: Wikimedia Commons

He accomplished other things as a shooter besides Olympic success, though. At the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, in men’s double trap, Rathore won a gold medal and gained recognition. He also teamed up with Moraad Ali Khan at the same competition to take home the gold in the team division.

At the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, he successfully defended his solo championship and shared the silver medal with Vikram Bhatnagar in the team competition. At the Asian Games in Doha that same year, he took home silver in the men’s pairs double-trap and bronze in the men’s solo double-trap.

Rathore received the fourth-highest civilian distinction in India, the Padma Shri, in 2005 for his outstanding athletic accomplishments. Rathore, who was born on January 29, 1970, in Jaisalmer, entered politics after leaving the Indian Army and giving up sports. He ran for the Lower House of Parliament in the 2014 general elections as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from the Jaipur Rural seat. From the same constituency, he was re-elected in the general elections of 2019.

Many Indian athletes transitioned into politics after leaving their respective sports, but Rathore also made a name for himself working in politics. Many Indian athletes transitioned into politics after leaving their respective sports, but Rathore also made a name for himself working in politics. Rathore has served in the government in important ministerial positions. From 2014 to 2017, he served as a Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. From 2018 to 2019, he had an independent position. Between 2017 and 2019, he also held the position of minister of state (independent charge) for the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Imran Khan — Prime Minister of Pakistan

In the world of sports, Imran Khan is most remembered for leading Pakistan to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup. Khan made his international cricket debut in 1971 with a Test match against England. Khan was born on October 5, 1952, into a wealthy family in Lahore. Khan dominated the game as an all-around player during his illustrious athletic career, which concluded with the 1992 World Cup win.

In just 88 Tests, he amassed 3807 runs, including six centuries, for an average of 37.69 runs per match while taking 362 wickets at a 22.81 average. Khan amassed 3709 runs while taking 182 wickets in 175 matches of the game’s limited-overs format, with an average of 26.61.

Pakistan weighs case against Imran Khan over speech, reports say | The Japan Times

Creator: MOHAMMAD ISMAIL | Credit: REUTERS

Khan, a graduate of the University of Oxford, is of Pashtun descent. After leaving cricket, he didn’t pursue politics right away; instead, he worked as a philanthropist for a while. Khan officially entered Pakistan’s contentious political scene in 1996 when he created the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Khan put a lot of effort into cultivating his reputation as an anti-corruption crusader, despite PTI’s electoral troubles. He was elected to the Pakistani National Assembly in 2002 when his party won one seat.

As he continued to win support from Pakistani society, Khan established himself as a strong opponent. Khan was temporarily detained in 2007 while protesting the rule of Pervez Musharraf. Finally, in 2013, his party secured enough seats to establish itself as a significant challenger to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) administration.

Elections were held in 2018 after Sharif was removed from office in 2017 because of the Panama Papers controversy. In the polls, PTI was found to be the single-largest party. After that, Khan put together a coalition government to become Pakistan’s 22nd prime minister, joining the select group of athletes who became politicians and held powerful positions.

George Weah — President of Liberia

The illustrious Liberian player, one of the best athletes to enter politics, is currently leading his nation as its 25th president. Weah, who was born on October 1st, 1966, in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, began playing football at a young age using homemade rag balls. After several early victories in Africa, he was acquired by Monaco of the French Ligue 1. The striker contributed significantly to the squad’s triumphs throughout his five-year tenure with the club, which spanned from 1988 to 1992. This included helping the team win the Coupe de France in 1991.

George Weah in England: An FA Cup, a Rolls Royce and an abrupt ending - The Athletic

Creator: Gary M. Prior | Credit: Getty Images

From 1992 to 1995, Weah, a superstar in France, was a player for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). His remarkable goal-scoring during this time helped the squad win the Ligue 1 (1994), Coupe de la Ligue (1993 and 1995), and the Coupe de France (1995). Additionally, he led the 1994–1995 UEFA Champions League in goals scored. While playing for Italian club AC Milan from 1995 to 2000, he also twice won the Serie A league championship (1996 and 1999). In 1995, he became the first and only African football player to get the Ballon d’Or award.

Weah started his political career in 2003 and unsuccessfully ran for president the following year. But he persisted in his years-long endeavors to restore stability and peace to his country, which had been devastated by war. Finally, in 2014, Weah from Montserrado County was elected to the Liberian Senate, and three years later, he was elected president. The following year, Weah took office.

Seiko Hashimoto — Former Minister in charge of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, Japan

Hashimoto is an exceptional athlete turned politician, being one of only a few females to have achieved success in both fields. Recently, she has been the president of the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, showing off her impressive skills in both sports and government. After Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki of Greece, who led the organizing committee for the 2004 Athens Olympics, Hashimoto was appointed to the position and became the second woman in the world to hold the position.

Hashimoto enjoys the distinction of standing out in both politics and sports. Her name was derived from the Japanese term for the Olympic flame, “Seika,” and she was born on October 5, 1964, five days before the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics.

Tokyo 2020: Olympics Minister Seiko Hashimoto to replace shamed Mori

Creator: Atsushi Tomura | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2016 Getty Images

With four appearances in the winter and three in the summer, Hashimoto has the most “multi-season” appearances in the Olympics. She debuted as a speed skater at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo and then competed in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, the 1992 Summer Olympics in Albertville, and the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer. At the Albertville Olympics, Hashimoto earned a bronze medal in the 1500 m speed skating competition.

She also participated in summer competitions as a track cyclist at the Olympics in 1988 in Seoul, 1992 in Barcelona, and 1996 in Atlanta. Hashimoto, an LDP member, was chosen for the House of Councillors for the first time in 1995 and has since been re-elected five times. Hashimoto became the first upper-house legislator in Japan to give birth while in office and the first politician in her nation to take maternity leave when her first child, a daughter, was born in 2000.

Hashimoto served in several governmental positions before becoming the helm of the Tokyo Olympics. In the Cabinet of the then-prime minister Tar As, she was appointed senior vice-minister for foreign affairs in 2008. In the LDP Shadow Cabinet, she was appointed minister for measures to combat the declining birthrate, sports, and gender equality in 2010.

She was appointed to the Cabinet of then-prime minister Shinzo Abe in 2019 and given the titles of a minister in charge of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, minister in charge of women’s empowerment, and minister of states for gender equality.

Tarō Asō — Former Prime Minister of Japan

From 24 September 2008 to 16 September 2009, the head of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) took over as prime minister of Japan after Fukuda Yasuo. He was appointed deputy prime minister and assigned responsibility for the finance ministry along with two other ministries three years later. On October 4, 2021, Fumio Kishida, Japan’s 100th prime minister, refreshed the Cabinet, bringing an end to his administration.

Asō, the longest-serving finance minister and deputy prime minister in postwar Japanese history, is currently the vice president of the LDP. Since being initially elected to the Diet in 1979, he has served as a member of the House of Representatives ten times. Asō, a wealthy businessman who was born on September 20, 1940, is the grandson of former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshida Shigeru and the husband of former Prime Minister Suzuki Zenk. When his sister Nobuko wed an emperor Akihito’s relative and became Princess Tomohito of Mikasa, he also acquired a family connection to the imperial dynasty.

Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso again courts controversy with remarks about Japan's ethnic identity | The Japan Times

Asō most well-known accomplishment outside of politics and his family business is as a skilled skeet shooter. In his prime, he spent more than a decade competing at the highest level on the national stage. His shooting prowess got him into the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. He failed to medal and did not take part in any subsequent Olympics. Asō is one of the best athletes who went on to become a politician, though.

Khaltmaagiin Battulga — Former President of Mongolia

Battulga made a name for himself as a sambo expert throughout the 1980s, excelling in domestic and international competitions. He was later elected to lead the Mongolian Judo Association. At the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, the nation received its first Olympic gold medal during Battulga’s presidency.

His sports accomplishments also aided his rise to prominence as a businessman in his nation. His first company, Genco Holding, was named after the fictional one Vito Corleone held in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather (1972). The firm is among the biggest holding businesses in Mongolia.

265 Khaltmaagiin Battulga Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images

Creator: MIKHAIL KLIMENTYEV | Credit: AFP via Getty Images

Battulga was elected to serve in the State of Great Khural in 2004. (Mongolian parliament). He was appointed minister of transportation and urban development four years later, a position he held until 2012. In the following two years, up to 2014, he served as minister of industry and agriculture.

A member of the Democratic Party, Battulga ran for president of the nation in 2017. After the Mongolian People’s Republic collapsed in 1992, he ran as a messiah of the underprivileged and won both the first round and the runoff to become the country’s fifth president.

The Democratic Party’s Khaltmaa Battulga was elected president of Mongolia in 2017 after taking both the first and second rounds of voting. He positioned himself as the poor people’s messiah. Since the dissolution of the Mongolian People’s Republic in 1992, Battulga has served as the country’s fifth president.

A 2019 constitutional amendment extended the president’s term from four to six years, but it also prohibited all future presidents—including the one in office now—from serving more than one term. Due to the ensuing political upheaval, Battulga was unable to run for re-election.

Categories: Sports360

These 5 footballers played for both Real Madrid and Barcelona

By Sports Analyst March 15, 2023 0

Several of the world’s greatest soccer players have played for both Real Madrid and Barcelona, making the Clasico one of the most historic rivalries in the sport. These players include some of the biggest names in the game, having crossed the divide between the two clubs to appear on both sides.

Representing both sides of the Clasico is rare and certainly frowned upon – but that hasn’t stopped a few of the all-time greats from taking the risk and making the jump from one club to the other. It’s a testament to how intense the rivalry is that such an action has become taboo, yet many players have still found success in doing so.

Despite the intense rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona, many players have embraced the challenge of crossing the divide and turned out for both teams. It takes a brave spirit to make such a move, but their stories make for some of the most compelling narratives in the world of football. El Clasico is one of the fiercest rivalries in sports, and its intensity stems from the two teams being from the two largest cities in Spain that had completely different political views. The clubs are also some of the wealthiest in the world, which has led to a rivalry so intense that few others can compare. This match has been described as a ‘Clasico’ due to the unique circumstances of this unique rivalry.

Iker Bravo’s move from Barcelona to Real Madrid is a rare example of a player crossing the road between the two Spanish giants. After initially training in Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy and signing a contract extension with the club, circumstances led to him ending up on loan at Real Madrid via Bayer Leverkusen. It’s certainly a unique story and one that will surely be closely followed.

Crossing the divide between Barcelona and Real Madrid is not for the faint of heart. Over 30 players have had the honor, or the tenacity, to take on this challenge and play for both clubs in their careers. Some players have taken the leap years apart, while others have gone directly from one to the other. The move has often been met with disdain from the fans of the player’s first club.

5 footballers who played for Real Madrid and Barcelona

Luis Figo

Appearances/Goals for Barcelona: 249/45

Appearances/Goals for Real Madrid: 239/57

The Figo Affair': Netflix Set Doc On Luís Figo's Move To Real Madrid – Deadline

Creator: Eddy LEMAISTRE | Credit: Corbis via Getty Images

Undoubtedly the most notorious player on this list is Luis Figo. His move from Barcelona to Real Madrid in 2000 drew the ire of Barca fans, as they felt betrayed by their former star player. It was a controversial move that firmly entrenched him on the side of Madrid in the ongoing Clasico rivalry.

When Luis Figo made a move from Barcelona to Real Madrid, he was widely regarded as the best player in the world. His signing was a major coup for Real Madrid and helped Florentino Perez win the presidency of the club. Soon after joining Madrid, Figo was awarded the Ballon d’Or, largely for his performances at Barcelona. It was a fitting honor for one of the greatest players ever to represent both sides of the Clasico divide.

Whenever Luis Figo returned to play at Camp Nou, he was met with intense vitriol from Barcelona fans. Despite his stature in the sport, his move to Real Madrid made him public enemy number one in the eyes of many Barca supporters.

After he was pelted with missiles taking corners during a game in 2002, team-mate Michel Salgado said: “By the second or third corner, I turned to Luis and said: ‘Forget it, mate. You’re on your own.”I used to offer Luis the chance to take the short corner, drawing up close to him near the touchline, but not this time. Missiles were raining down from the stands: coins, a knife, a glass whiskey bottle.”

During his time with both teams, Luis Figo made over 200 appearances for each club and won two league titles with Barcelona and two with Real Madrid. He also helped Madrid win in the 2002 Champions League, cementing his place as a player who has succeeded on both sides of the Clasico divide.

Ronaldo Nazario

Appearances/Goals for Barcelona: 49/47

Appearances/Goals for Real Madrid: 177/104

Ronaldo explains why AC Milan will compete with Inter and Juventus for the Scudetto

Unlike Luis Figo, Brazilian Ronaldo is fondly remembered by both Barcelona and Real Madrid fans. This is likely due to his sheer brilliance on the pitch – his quality was undeniable, and he was beloved by supporters of both clubs. Ronaldo only spent one season at Barcelona, but it was one of the most remarkable campaigns any player had ever produced in Spain. He quickly became a fan favorite, and his performance earned him deserved praise.

In the 1996-97 season, Ronaldo hit an incredible 47 goals in 49 games in all competitions. However, a contract dispute at the end of the season saw him leave Barcelona for Inter Milan, setting a new world transfer record that he had just broken by joining Barca from PSV. Ronaldo also won the Ballon d’Or that year – a fitting honor for such an incredible season.

In 2002, Ronaldo returned to Spain when he joined Real Madrid as part of the ‘Galactico’ generation. He went on to win his second Ballon d’Or and the La Liga top scorer, cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats at Barcelona and Real Madrid. Despite his brilliance at Real Madrid, Ronaldo’s time at the Santiago Bernabeu only yielded one league title and no Champions League titles. Unfortunately, a series of injuries and weight issues marked the beginning of a long decline for the legendary Brazilian player.

Ronaldo has spoken fondly of his time with both Barcelona and Real Madrid. He previously stated that playing for two of the world’s most successful clubs was an honor and that he respected them both despite the rivalry. He has also credited the experience of playing in El Clasico as helping make him the player he is today.

Michael Laudrup

Appearances/Goals for Barcelona: 217/55

Appearances/Goals for Real Madrid: 76/15

Mediano Special - Michael Laudrup i Italien — Mediano

Creator: Alessandro Sabattini | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 1985-86 Alessandro Sabattini

Michael Laudrup, the Danish footballer widely recognized as the best player to come from Scandinavia, was an essential member of Johan Cruyff’s “Dream Team” that won four consecutive La Liga championships in the early 1990s. With his exceptional vision and creative playmaking, Laudrup was widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. Frank Beckenbauer, an iconic football manager, praised Laudrup, saying, “Pele was the best of the 1960s, Johan Cruyff conquered the 1970s, Diego Maradona blew away the 1980s, and Michael Laudrup was the star of the 1990s.”

After five outstanding seasons with Barcelona, Laudrup had a disagreement with Cruyff and made an immediate move to Real Madrid in 1994. His first season with the Madrid team was triumphant, as they won their first La Liga title in five years. Laudrup went on to play for Madrid for two more seasons, winning two more La Liga titles in the process. He was a crucial part of the Madrid side that won their first Champions League in 32 years, and his impressive performance earned him a nomination for the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year award.

Memorably, Laudrup was on the winning side for two 5-0 Clasico wins, one in his last season with Barcelona and one in his first season with Madrid. These victories highlighted Laudrup’s ability to excel regardless of which team he was playing for. After two successful seasons with Madrid, Laudrup moved to Vissel Kobe in Japan. Later in 2002, a Marca poll declared him the 12th greatest player ever to have played for the Madrid club.

Notoriously, Laudrup won two 5-0 El Clasico victories, one with Barcelona and another with Real Madrid. His remarkable ability to remain successful regardless of which team he was playing for proved to be an inspiration to football fans all over the world.

Luis Enrique

Appearances/Goals for Barcelona: 300/109

Appearances/Goals for Real Madrid: 213/18

The reasons for Luis Enrique's change to De la Fuente as Spain coach | Atalayar - Las claves del mundo en tus manos

Creator: DYLAN MARTINEZ | Credit: REUTERS

Luis Enrique, a versatile and skillful midfielder, had the remarkable achievement of playing over 200 times for both Barcelona and Real Madrid and accumulating more than 50 international caps for Spain. He was a highly admired player in Spanish football during the late 90s and early 2000s.

Despite winning three trophies during his five-year stint at Madrid, Luis Enrique felt unappreciated there and left for Barcelona on a free transfer in 1996. With his signing, Barcelona was optimistic about having acquired the services of such a great player. Luis Enrique had to work hard to win over the Barcelona fans, but eventually, he became a beloved captain and scored many winning goals in Clasico matches against his former team. His impressive performances in both Barcelona and Madrid made him one of the most iconic footballers in Spanish football.

Following a successful playing career, Luis Enrique was appointed manager of Barcelona and went on to win two more La Liga titles and the prestigious 2015 Champions League trophy. His successful management over the years has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players and coaches of all time. Luis Enrique has spoken fondly about his time in Madrid, crediting them for giving him the opportunity to play in a world-class team. Although his time at Real Madrid was relatively short, he said it was still an unforgettable experience that he cherishes to this day.

Samuel Eto’o

Appearances/Goals for Barcelona: 199/130

Appearances/Goals for Real Madrid: 7/0

Monsieur le Président? Samuel Eto'o's second act - The Mail & Guardian

After being discovered at the Kadji Sports Academy in Cameroon, Samuel Eto’o joined Real Madrid as a young player but was unable to make an impact with the team. During his time in Madrid, he was loaned out multiple times and only made a few appearances for the club in La Liga.

After being unable to make his mark in Madrid, Samuel Eto’o left for Mallorca and scored 54 goals in four and a half seasons. In 2004, he joined Barcelona, seizing the opportunity to demonstrate his talents which Madrid had overlooked. Over the course of two successful seasons at Barcelona, Eto’o scored an impressive total of 130 goals in all competitions.

During his time in Barcelona, Eto’o won three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies, making it a highly successful spell. In 2009, the Cameroonian moved to Inter Milan and won the treble alongside manager Jose Mourinho. Samuel Eto’o’s successful career highlights his exceptional talent and undeniable abilities.

Categories: Sports360

Can WPL be a game-changer for women’s cricket?

By Sports Analyst March 13, 2023 0

The current generation of women cricketers has been presented with amazing opportunities. The introduction of the Women’s Premier League has allowed them to show their talents and gain recognition in an arena that provides more lucrative opportunities. The women’s Premier League is a dream come true for many cricketers. With the support of franchise owners and sponsors, it is now up to the players to use their skills and expertise to take the league to a whole new level of entertainment that everyone can enjoy.

Over the past decade, women’s cricket in India has seen an increase in media coverage, especially on social media platforms. This surge of support has led to the demand for a T20 league similar to the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is dedicated to female cricketers. The idea behind the Women’s Premier League is straightforward – to give female cricketers the recognition and fame that the male players have been enjoying for so long. With the highly anticipated start of the WPL in Mumbai this Saturday, we can be hopeful that this will be a successful step toward giving women in cricket the spotlight they deserve.

Can WPL do for women’s cricket what IPL did for men’s cricket?

The introduction of the Women’s Premier League is a significant step in giving female cricketers the recognition they deserve. It will bring them into the wider cricket conversation, encouraging the use of gender-neutral terms like “batter” and allowing them to be seen in the same light as their male counterparts.

A glitzy opening ceremony marked the start of the inaugural WPL

Source: Cricbuzz

The advantages of having a top-level T20 league, such as the IPL or the Women’s Big Bash League, have been evident. Harmanpreet Kaur’s legendary 171 not out against Australia in the 2017 ODI World Cup final created a powerful ripple effect that changed the sport in India. This remarkable feat was spurred by her successful first season in the WBBL, demonstrating just how influential a good league can be.

The Indian cricket fan is known for its unique characteristics, which can be successfully tapped into by a franchise-owned daily league. This will be much more effective and emotionally engaging than the four-match Women’s T20 Challenge that BCCI had in place previously. Apart from the huge amount of money, media attention, team ownership, and sponsorship, the major objective of the WPL is to mainstream women’s cricket in the sporting conversation.

Beyond the headlines, the Women’s Premier League has the potential to capture the hearts of India’s cricket-obsessed fans. These are the people who spend time analyzing and discussing last night’s match, making memes about it, and critiquing their play. Cricket is indeed more than just a sport in India, and it’s time for the WPL to capitalize on that for the betterment of Women’s cricket.

The Women’s Premier League will not only give women’s cricket a platform for the future but will also continue to elevate its current profile in the sport. Beyond the well-known names like Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, and Harmanpreet Kaur, how many other Indian female cricketers are truly recognized in India? How many Indian fans know about them?

Did you know that explosive opening batter Shafali Verma disguised herself as a boy to join the district team? Or that fast bowler Shikha Pandey was also part of the Indian Air Force as a squadron leader? Incredible stories like these are what will make the Women’s Premier League even more captivating.

Both Shafali Verma and Shikha Pandey are international stars with plenty of World Cup experience. You can even search for their viral moments on the field, such as the “Ball of the Century.” These stories will surely add to the excitement of the Women’s Premier League.

While the average cricket-watching and news-reading fans may be familiar with these players, the Women’s Premier League will elevate them to a whole new level of recognition. If the WPL can capture even a fraction of the market share that the IPL enjoys, it will go a long way toward making women’s cricket more popular and accepted.

Besides the internationals, the Women’s Premier League also highlights some of the most inspiring stories from other female cricketers. For example, Sonam Yadav and Shabnam Shakil are both 15-year-old cricketers who have already won a World Cup. Additionally, Jasia Akhtar is a 34-year-old domestic player from Kashmir who plays for Rajasthan. These stories and more will be featured during the Women’s Premier League. Sneha Deepthi is a mother to a toddler who still actively plays cricket – a rare feat in India.

The Women’s Premier League is an unprecedented opportunity for female cricketers in India. With the support of franchise owners, sponsors, and the media, these players now have the platform to showcase their talents and reach a wider audience. This is a milestone moment for the sport, and it will be exciting to see this league’s impact on the game.

The Women’s Premier League will be a momentous occasion for female cricketers in India. Through this league, they can now reach a wider audience, demonstrate their skills and talent, and prove that women’s cricket is an integral part of the sport. With daily prime-time matches, regular coverage, viral videos, and content generation on social media, this league has the potential to impact the cricket scene.

The stage is set, and the spotlight is here – the Women’s Premier League is about to take on the world. Smriti Mandhana believes.

Page 2: WPL 2023: Five players who might earn more than INR 5 crore

Indian superstar Smriti Mandhana is sure that WPL is going to change the fortune of Women’s cricket. This is what she has to say about the Indian tournament in her recent interview.

“I feel women’s cricket is on the verge of going to the next level. I wouldn’t compare it with men’s cricket or that sort, but to be involved from the time it (sport) is growing — I feel that is the USP of women’s cricket because everyone can say we were part of the journey that got women’s cricket higher. I would say the 1983 World Cup victory changed men’s cricket. Whoever was cheering for them will be thinking, ‘‘we supported men’s cricket to grow, to reach this level’. Women’s cricket is at the stage where people can connect more with us because we are still growing; we want to grow to a level where everyone knows us. And whoever supports women’s cricket will get involved in this journey,”

“It is still very raw (women’s game). There is more swing, I would say, and there’s more timing involved than power. As women cricketers, we always wished this happened to us,” she said with a chuckle. “(But) I wouldn’t say I am in the spotlight… I just feel normal, chilling, enjoying playing cricket.”

Categories: Sports360

Top 5 overseas players who will excel at WPL

5 overseas players who will do great at the WPL

By Sports Analyst March 9, 2023 0

The Women’s Premier League’s inaugural season has begun on Saturday, March 4. Last month in Mumbai, the first-ever WPL Auction occurred, and Smriti Mandhana was the most expensive player, signing with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for ₹3.4 crores. Additionally, Ashleigh Gardner was chosen by Gujarat Giants (GG) for ₹3.2 crores.

Many of the players participating in the tournament recently took part in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, where Australia won their sixth title as they defeated hosts South Africa. England’s Natalie Sciver will be representing Mumbai Indians in WPL, who purchased her for ₹3.2 crores in a bidding war. Jemimah Rodrigues, who had a brilliant T20 World Cup, was acquired by Delhi Capitals (DC) for ₹2.2 crores.

The league stage of the Women’s Premier League will see all five franchises—MI, RCB, DC, GG, and UP Warriorz—play four home and four away matches. At the end of this phase, the top three teams will move on to the next round, with the first-placed team securing a direct spot in the final. Meanwhile, the third and fourth-placed sides will have to play an Eliminator match to determine who will qualify for the final.

5 overseas players who will do great at the WPL

Meg Lanning (Delhi Capitals)

'We'll be ready to go' – Lanning on 2021 World Cup preparations

Meg Lanning is currently the leader of the Australian T20 team and has led them to their sixth title. She is ranked fourth on the ICC T20I Batting Rankings and generally bats at No. 3, providing stability and aggression at the crease. With her ability to bat anywhere, she will be a key asset for the Delhi Capitals. Her experience as a five-time World Cup-winning captain should be invaluable during the Women’s Premier League.

Ashleigh Gardner (Gujarat Giants)

Ashleigh Gardner's T20 World Cup-inspired piece of art

Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner is currently the No. 1 T20I all-rounder in the world and was one of the joint most expensive overseas players at the WPL auction. She recently earned the title of “Player of the Tournament” at the Women’s T20 World Cup, scoring 110 runs and taking ten wickets during the tournament. Her prowess as an aggressive middle-order batter and off-break bowler makes her a formidable force for the Gujarat Giants.

Ellyse Perry (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Ellyse Perry named ICC Female Cricketer of the Decade | Sydney Sixers - BBL

Ellyse Perry is currently ranked No. 9 on the T20 all-Rounder Rankings and has been an essential part of the Australian team. She has scored 1535 T20I runs at a solid average and has taken 122 wickets. Her experience, wicket-taking ability, and formidable batting skills will be a major asset to the Royal Challengers Bangalore lineup.

Natalie Sciver-Brunt (Mumbai Indians)

Sciver-Brunt lands biggest payday in English women's cricket

Natalie Sciver-Brunt is an important addition to the top order of Mumbai Indians. She is currently ranked No. 10 as a T20 batter and No. 5 as a T20 all-rounder, making her the most expensive purchase for MI in the auction. With her exceptional batting skills and medium-pace bowling, she will be a formidable asset to the team.

Sophie Ecclestone (UP Warriorz)

Top-ranked Ecclestone to don magenta in WBBL debut. | cricket.com.au

Sophie Ecclestone is currently the No. 1 T20 bowler in the world and is renowned for her precise and economical slow left-arm spin. She was the highest wicket-taker at the Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, taking 11 wickets. As the most expensive overseas buy for the UP Warriorz, she will be a valuable addition to the team—not only for her bowling but also for her long-hitting abilities.

Categories: Sports360

Richa Ghosh: The new cricket sensation of Team India

By Sports Analyst March 8, 2023 0

Oh, My Ghosh! Will be the right way to describe the 19-year-old sensation of the Indian Women’s cricket team. After leading India to glory in the U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, Richa Ghosh displayed a solid run of performances in the recently conducted Women’s T20 World Cup as well. Richa Ghosh is the only Indian to be included in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup team of the tournament. Richa Ghosh is slowly coming up as the new face of Indian cricket and is expected to reach major heights in the coming years. Let’s have a deeper look at Richa Ghosh and her journey in the sport of cricket.

Richa Ghosh: The new cricket sensation of Team India

Richa Ghosh is an Indian cricketer who has represented India at both the Under-19 and Women’s national teams. She hails from Bengal, where she made her first appearances in domestic cricket. Ghosh is a solid allrounder with an attacking batting style and an ability to move the ball both ways with her medium-paced bowling. Richa Ghosh’s cricketing journey began in 2011 when she participated in a talent hunt program in Bengal.

cricket bats

In 2011-12, Richa was given a chance to get involved in the talent hunt program set up by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) under the project headed by its former secretary Biswarup Dey. She took advantage of the opportunity and attended a coaching camp at the Bengal Cricket Academy in Kalyani, thus beginning her journey.

“She was so small then I had to stay with her there and help out with her daily chores. Like other girls of her age, she was extremely fond of chocolates, cold drinks, and chips. We had to make her understand why she should get rid of such junk food. None could miss her talent even then.” said former international and national selector Mithu Mukherjee, who was in charge of the project in Bengal.

Impressed by Richa’s all-around abilities – including pace bowling, batting as an opener, and being a useful wicketkeeper – Chaitali Basak, one of the coaches, wanted her to join the Bengal state team immediately. However, Mukherjee chose to hold off on this due to her young age. Richa went on to make her debut for Bengal the following season and was picked for the Bengal Under-19 squad when she was only 12 years old.

“She often used to stay in my apartment in Calcutta during tournaments and camps. There were times they put up at cheap hotels near Sealdah and also the Salt Lake stadium campus. It was tough, but she and her father never gave up,” said Mithu Mukherjee. A year after her initial Bengal debut, Richa managed to make it into the U-23 and senior teams. In 2018, she was honored by the CAB with the Women’s Cricketer of the Year award. While Mukherjee and former Bengal cricketers-turned-coaches Shib Shankar Paul and Charanjit Singh provided technical aid at the CAB, Manabendrababu focused on Richa’s mental conditioning.

The turning point of Women’s cricket in India

In 2017, the Indian Women’s Cricket Team had a memorable run at the World Cup, making it to the final against England at Lord’s. In the process, they garnered a lot of attention and admiration, despite narrowly losing in the end. This successful journey at the 2017 World Cup helped Richa as well, who by now was a more polished cricketer and had decided to direct her focus on batting and wicketkeeping.

“Everyone got interested and started following women’s cricket on social media, something that didn’t happen before. We were able to create an expectation… We could set an example before the younger generation which mattered a lot,” recalled Indian legend Jhulan Goswami.

Richa made her T20I debut in the tri-series in Australia before the 2020 T20 World Cup. Notably, she became the only World Cup debutant to have five or more dismissals and broke the record for most catches in an ODI inning by an Indian female wicketkeeper against Pakistan in Mount Maunganui in 2022.

“There was no doubt about her talent. But none can claim credit for her journey to the top. Technically she was always very sound and, at times, better than her contemporaries like Shafali Verma. Her backfoot play can match the best in the business. Playing alongside Jhulan Goswami also helped her,” explained Mukherjee.

Richa gained a great deal from when Shib Paul assumed the position of Bengal coach in 2019. She was always eager to uncover new techniques and better her performance. Richa was allowed to train and play at higher levels, and she worked hard on her bowling and batting skills. Shib Paul’s guidance helped her hone her wicketkeeping and fielding capabilities. As a result, Richa developed into an all-rounder who could make a strong contribution to her team in every department. In 2020, she was also named in the Wisden India T20I team of the year.

“She yielded enormous power in her strokes. I used to have separate sessions with her and made her practice and play matches with the boys. I felt she would be more successful and switched her to No. 5 in the batting order,” said Paul. “At my academy at Baghajatin TarunSangha, she used to be at the nets practically the whole day. Playing matches with the boys helped her develop skills and induce more power into her strokes… She turned herself into a matchwinner on her own,” added Paul.

What does the future hold for the superstar?

During the recently conducted T20 World Cup in South Africa, Richa displayed remarkable consistency. The success she had achieved at the Under-19 World Cup gave her an extra boost of confidence. Her ability to snatch momentum away from the opposition through her strokeplay was evident in the match against West Indies.

“She is not the traditional Indian batter who likes to play the drives and stuff like that,” captain Harmanpreet Kaur said. “I think they are players who enjoy the short ball. She’s a superstar for India.” added the Indian skipper.

Having been selected by the Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs 1.9 crore in the Women’s Premier League, Richa is looking forward to a new journey that will also provide some financial security. Before the Women’s Premier League auction, the official broadcaster aired a video of Richa Ghosh in which she discussed her desire to buy her family home in Kolkata and expressed her desire for her father to stop working. She was purchased by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the auction a short while afterward for Rs 1.9 crore.

“I can’t describe my feelings with words. There are too many emotions inside my mind right now. That kid has suffered a lot, right from a very young age and I somehow feel responsible for it also,” Manabendra Ghosh told The Indian Express from Siliguri.

Manabendra still recalls how he used to make the 600 km journey from Siliguri to Kolkata on a train in search of cheaper hotels to save money so that his daughter could train.

“Money was an issue. I didn’t know anyone in Kolkata, so I used to look for cheaper hotels where we would stay. Our daily routine was to leave the hotel at 7 am and come back in the evening. The ground was our home in Kolkata,” said Ghosh. “We will not leave Siliguri, but now with the money, I would get her a flat in Kolkata so that she could stay there and practice,” he added.

“In 2013, I took out a loan to get her a bat before her U-19 trials. She couldn’t make it that year but a year later at the age of 12, she made her U-19 debut. From there on, she never looked back and played for the U-23 side the same season. A year later at the age of 13, she played for the senior Bengal team,” said Ghosh.

Richa expressed her gratitude to her parents for helping her succeed in the sport after being overwhelmed by the response she received during the tense auction session. “All my parents wanted me to achieve was to play for India. I want to captain my team and win a major trophy for India. I want to buy a flat in Kolkata. I want my mother and father to settle down there. I want them to enjoy their life now. They have struggled a lot in their life, and they have worked hard a lot for me. Even now, my father does umpire. After the auction, I hope he doesn’t have to work so hard,” Richa Ghosh said to Star Sports after the auction.

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Category: Sports360

Here we rate all the 10 IPL teams based on their final squads:

Lucknow Super Giants (5/10)

Punjab Kings (5/10)

Royal Challengers Bangalore (6/10)

Sunrisers Hyderabad (6.5/10)

Kolkata Knight Riders (7/10)

Delhi Capitals (7.5/10)

Gujarat Titans (8/10)

Chennai Super Kings (8/10)

Mumbai Indians (8.5/10)

Rajasthan Royals (9/10)

Openers: Yastika Bhatia (wk) and Hayley Matthews

Middle Order: Shafali Verma, Meg Lanning, and Nat Sciver-Brunt

Lower-middle Order: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Harleen Deol, and Shreyanka Patil

Spinners: Deepti Sharma and Saika Ishaque

Fast Bowlers: Shikha Pandey and Issy Wong

5 players who will be a breakout success in IPL 2023

Harry Brook

Arshad Khan

Cameron Green

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Sarfaraz Khan

Women Cricketers who are very similar to their male compatriots

Smriti Mandhana and Sourav Ganguly

Mithali Raj and Sachin Tendulkar

Harmanpreet Kaur and Yuvraj Singh

Suzie Bates and Brendon McCullum

Marizanne Kapp and Shaun Tait

Why is Jose Mourinho called ‘The Special One’?

Is Jose Mourinho the special one?

Jose Mourinho has taken back his claim

List of trophies won by Jose Mourinho in every club he managed

Famous Sportspeople who tried their luck in Politics

Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore — Former Union Minister of State, India

Imran Khan — Prime Minister of Pakistan

George Weah — President of Liberia

Seiko Hashimoto — Former Minister in charge of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, Japan

Tarō Asō — Former Prime Minister of Japan

Khaltmaagiin Battulga — Former President of Mongolia

5 footballers who played for Real Madrid and Barcelona

Luis Figo

Ronaldo Nazario

Michael Laudrup

Luis Enrique

Samuel Eto’o

5 overseas players who will do great at the WPL

Meg Lanning (Delhi Capitals)

Ashleigh Gardner (Gujarat Giants)

Ellyse Perry (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Natalie Sciver-Brunt (Mumbai Indians)

Sophie Ecclestone (UP Warriorz)

Richa Ghosh: The new cricket sensation of Team India

The turning point of Women’s cricket in India

What does the future hold for the superstar?

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