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Category: Cricket

Dinesh Karthik to Become First Indian Player in South African T20 League

Dinesh Karthik to Become First Indian Player in South African T20 League

By August 6, 2024 0

Dinesh Karthik, the veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batter, is poised to make history as the first Indian player to participate in the inaugural season of the South African T20 league (SA20). ESPNcricinfo has confirmed that Karthik will join the Paarl Royals franchise as an overseas player when the tournament commences on January 9, 2023.

This will mark Karthik’s first competitive appearance since announcing his retirement from international cricket in June 2023, on the occasion of his 39th birthday. The former Indian star, who represented his country in 180 international matches, last played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2022. He has since been appointed as a mentor-cum-batting coach for the franchise.

Karthik is widely regarded as one of the most astute cricket analysts in the T20 format, owing to his extensive experience in the shortest format. He has featured in 401 T20 matches, including stints with six different IPL teams, most notably as captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Despite his age, Karthik remains one of the fittest players in the game, having missed only two matches in 17 seasons of the IPL. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) permits only retired Indian players to participate in overseas T20 leagues.

Karthik’s signing by the Paarl Royals follows the franchise’s announcement of its retained players for the upcoming season. Captain David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, and Andile Phehlukwayo will continue with the team. The Royals reached the Qualifiers in the inaugural SA20 edition but suffered five consecutive defeats, including a nine-wicket loss to the Joburg Super Kings in the Eliminator.

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Gambhir's Inclusion of Kohli, Sharma in Sri Lanka Series Draws Criticism

Gambhir’s Inclusion of Kohli, Sharma in Sri Lanka Series Draws Criticism

By August 6, 2024 0

The recent ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka marked a significant transition for the Indian cricket team under the leadership of new head coach Gautam Gambhir. While the tour provided an opportunity to experiment with young talent, Gambhir’s decision to include experienced veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has sparked debate among cricket experts.

Former India fast bowler Ashish Nehra believes that the inclusion of Kohli and Sharma was not the optimal strategy. He argues that the series presented an ideal chance to give opportunities to emerging players, especially considering the extended break before India’s next assignment.

“This was a good chance to give chances to young talents,” Nehra said. “The presence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma was not required for this series.”

Nehra acknowledges that Gambhir, as a new coach, may have wanted to spend time with experienced players. However, he believes that Gambhir is well-acquainted with Kohli and Sharma and could have afforded to give other players a chance.

“I know Gambhir is a new coach, and he wants to spend some time with the experienced players, but it isn’t like he doesn’t know the two of them,” Nehra said. “He is not a foreign coach who wants to get his equation right with Kohli and Rohit.”

Nehra suggests that the series could have been an opportunity to experiment with new combinations and give young players valuable experience. He believes that Kohli and Sharma could have been rested for the Sri Lanka tour and brought back for the upcoming home season.

“It was a good opportunity for him to try out the new players, and Rohit and Kohli could play when the home season begins,” Nehra said. “I’m not saying it is a wrong approach, but it could have been one of the strategies in this series.”

Gambhir’s decision to include Kohli and Sharma has raised questions about his long-term vision for the Indian team. While the experienced duo remains vital to India’s success, it is crucial to develop and nurture young talent to ensure a smooth transition in the future.

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Nick Hockley to Step Down as Cricket Australia CEO in March

Nick Hockley to Step Down as Cricket Australia CEO in March

By August 6, 2024 0

Nick Hockley, the Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive, has announced his resignation, effective March 2023, after five years at the helm. Hockley’s tenure has been marked by significant challenges and achievements, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and overseeing the game’s financial stability.

Hockley initially assumed the role on an interim basis in 2020 following the resignation of Kevin Roberts. He was appointed full-time in May 2021 after successfully guiding the game through the 2020-21 season amidst border closures and the successful hosting of the Test series against India.

During his tenure, Hockley faced challenges such as a standoff with broadcaster Channel Seven over a discount, which was eventually resolved. He also oversaw a smoother MoU agreement compared to 2017, resulting in significant pay increases in the women’s game.

Hockley had to deal with the controversial departure of Tim Paine as Test captain and the subsequent transition to Pat Cummins. He also attempted to overturn David Warner’s lifetime leadership ban, but the case fell apart in late 2022.

Despite these challenges, Hockley’s tenure has been marked by significant on-field success. The men’s and women’s teams have won T20 and ODI World Cups, while the men claimed the World Test Championship and the women won gold in the Commonwealth Games. The men’s team also toured Pakistan for the first time since 1998.

Hockley has also led the implementation of CA’s Multicultural Action Plan, aiming to improve participation and attendance among South Asian communities.

CA chair Mike Baird praised Hockley’s leadership, stating that he “navigated the sport through a period of unprecedented challenge during the pandemic and has delivered significant growth and stability.”

Prior to his elevation to the top CA role, Hockley had been involved in organizing major cricket events, including the 2020 T20 Women’s World Cup and the 2015 men’s World Cup.

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Sikandar Raza Rejects Pakistan Offer, Remains Loyal to Zimbabwe

Sikandar Raza Rejects Pakistan Offer, Remains Loyal to Zimbabwe

By August 6, 2024 0

Sikandar Raza, the Zimbabwean all-rounder, has established himself as one of the most talented players in the country’s cricketing history. Since his international debut in 2013, Raza has made significant contributions across all formats, including 17 Tests, 142 ODIs, and 91 T20Is.

Beyond his international exploits, Raza has also showcased his skills in domestic leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL). His versatility as a batsman and bowler has made him a valuable asset to any team.

Recently, Raza’s loyalty to Zimbabwe Cricket was questioned on social media. A fan inquired if he had ever considered playing for Pakistan, his country of birth. However, Raza remained steadfast in his commitment to Zimbabwe, expressing his gratitude for the support and investment the board had made in his career.

“I will only and ever represent Zimbabwe,” Raza stated. “They spent time and money on me, and I am only trying to repay their faith. Whatever I achieve will never even get close to repaying it. Zim is mine, and I am theirs fully.”

In a separate post, Raza revealed his admiration for several international players, including India’s Jasprit Bumrah, Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi, and former West Indies all-rounder Sunil Narine. He also named Abdullah Shafiq, Craig Ervine, and Rohit Sharma as his favorite batsmen.

Raza’s leadership qualities were evident during Zimbabwe’s recent T20I series against India, where he captained the team. Despite taking an early lead, Zimbabwe ultimately lost the series 4-1.

Statistically, Raza has amassed 1187 runs and 34 wickets in Tests, 4154 runs in ODIs, and 2037 runs in T20Is. In the IPL, he has represented Punjab Kings, scoring 182 runs and taking three wickets in nine matches.

Raza’s unwavering loyalty to Zimbabwe Cricket, combined with his exceptional talent and leadership abilities, solidifies his status as one of the most respected and influential players in the country’s cricketing history.

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Vinod Kambli's Health Concerns Raise Alarm; Rohit Sharma Continues ODI Dominance

Vinod Kambli’s Health Concerns Raise Alarm; Rohit Sharma Continues ODI Dominance

By August 6, 2024 0

Former Indian cricket star Vinod Kambli’s recent health struggles have raised concerns among fans and the cricketing community. A video circulating on social media shows Kambli struggling to walk, prompting speculation about his well-being.

Kambli, who played over 100 ODIs and 17 Tests for India, has been battling health issues for some time. The video, which has not been independently verified by NDTV, shows him disoriented and unable to maintain his balance. Some social media users suggested he was intoxicated, while others attributed his condition to his deteriorating health.

Kambli’s illustrious career saw him amass nearly 10,000 runs in First Class cricket, with a top score of 262. His left-handed batting prowess made him a formidable force in the Indian team.

Meanwhile, Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma continues to dominate in ODI cricket. In the second ODI against Sri Lanka, Sharma scored a blistering 66 off just 44 balls, surpassing Rahul Dravid to become India’s fourth-highest run-getter in the format.

Sharma’s half-century in the second ODI followed a similar performance in the first match. With 10,831 runs in 264 ODIs, he boasts an impressive average of 49.23 and a strike rate of 92.29. His 31 centuries and 57 fifties include a career-best score of 264.

As an opener, Sharma has also surpassed Sachin Tendulkar for the most fifty-plus scores for India in international cricket. With 43 centuries and 78 fifties, he has 121 fifty-plus scores as an opener, one more than Tendulkar’s 120.

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Gautam Gambhir: Misunderstood as Arrogant, but a Pure-Hearted Coach

Gautam Gambhir: Misunderstood as Arrogant, but a Pure-Hearted Coach

By August 6, 2024 0

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current head coach of Team India, has often been perceived as arrogant due to his intense desire to win. However, his childhood coach, Sanjay Bharadwaj, believes this perception is a misunderstanding.

Bharadwaj, who has known Gambhir for over three decades, describes him as a “kid” with an innocent and pure heart. He emphasizes that Gambhir’s competitive spirit and determination to succeed are often mistaken for arrogance.

“People think he is arrogant, but that is his attitude towards winning,” Bharadwaj said. “He has always been a fierce competitor, even as a young boy. He would cry after losing matches because he hated defeat.”

Bharadwaj credits Gambhir for his unwavering commitment to developing young players. He cites the example of pacer Navdeep Saini, who was given a chance in the Indian team thanks to Gambhir’s insistence.

“Gambhir is not just about winning,” Bharadwaj said. “He is also about shaping the careers of young players. He is polite and has a good heart.”

As Team India head coach, Gambhir has focused on developing the team’s tactical approach. He has been praised for his innovative strategies, such as handing the ball to Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav in the recent T20I series against Sri Lanka.

“Gambhir is not a technical coach,” Bharadwaj said. “He is a tactical coach. His job is to boost morale and inject confidence into players who may not be sure of themselves.”

Bharadwaj believes that Gambhir’s passion for winning and his commitment to developing young players make him an ideal coach for Team India. He is confident that Gambhir will lead the team to success in the upcoming tournaments.

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Melbourne Renegades Sign New Zealand Star Tim Seifert for Two Years

Melbourne Renegades Sign New Zealand Star Tim Seifert for Two Years

By August 6, 2024 0

Melbourne Renegades have bolstered their batting lineup with the acquisition of New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert on a two-year deal. The 29-year-old will be available for the entirety of the next two BBL seasons as the Renegades aim to improve upon their seventh-place finish last season.

Seifert’s signing means he will miss a portion of the Super Smash, New Zealand’s domestic T20 tournament, and will not be available for the white-ball series against Pakistan over the Christmas and New Year period.

With an impressive international record of three ODIs and 61 T20Is for New Zealand, Seifert brings a wealth of experience to the Renegades. He has also featured in T20 leagues worldwide, averaging 27.43 with a strike rate of 130.12 in the format, including three centuries.

In the recent Lanka Premier League, Seifert emerged as the leading run-scorer with 400 runs at an average of 57.14 and a strike rate of 135.13.

Seifert is expected to form a formidable top three for the Renegades alongside Josh Brown and Jake Fraser-McGurk. He is also a frontrunner to take over the wicketkeeping duties, a role shared by overseas signings Quinton de Kock and Jordan Cox last season.

“I’m thrilled to be here for the next two seasons,” said Seifert. “I’ll be able to enjoy the environment and get to know the club on a deeper level, which doesn’t often happen in franchise cricket. I’m excited to call myself a Gade for the next couple of seasons at least.”

Renegades general manager James Rosengarten expressed his delight at Seifert’s signing. “Tim gives us a double threat; we get a powerful and skilled batter plus an established international keeper and regular member of the Blackcaps program,” said Rosengarten. “We’re excited to welcome him into the club.”

The BBL draft will take place on September 1, with the Renegades holding pick numbers 2, 10, 23, and 26.

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Shivam Dube's Resurgence: From IPL Star to International Contender

Shivam Dube’s Resurgence: From IPL Star to International Contender

By August 6, 2024 0

Shivam Dube’s resurgence in international cricket has been a testament to his determination and the transformative power of a supportive environment. After a promising start in 2020, Dube’s career stalled, but a move to Chennai Super Kings in the IPL proved to be a turning point.

Under the guidance of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Stephen Fleming, Dube was assigned a specific role: to neutralize spin in the middle overs. With a stable position in the upper middle order, he received the confidence and belief that he could dominate with his power and timing. The backroom staff invested countless hours in honing his range-hitting prowess, and the results were spectacular.

In the 2022 IPL season, Dube amassed 289 runs at an average of 28.90 and a strike rate of 156.22. His consistent performances earned him a recall to the Indian team for the T20 World Cup in 2023. While he didn’t have many opportunities to showcase his batting skills, his combined returns of 47 runs (undefeated) in 35 balls in two events earned him a shot against Afghanistan.

Dube responded with aplomb, scoring an unbeaten 60 in Mohali and 63 not out in Indore. His power-hitting had stormed him into contention for a place in the T20 World Cup in the Americas, where he battled for the middle-order slot/finisher’s role with Rinku Singh.

Despite the introduction of the Impact Player in the IPL, which has stunted the growth of Indian all-rounders, Dube’s selection for the World Cup was a testament to his pure batting prowess. He showcased another facet of his batting – the ability to adapt to the situation.

On a challenging surface at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, Dube played a measured innings of 31 off 35, helping India overcome a precarious position against the United States. As the tournament moved to the Caribbean, Dube’s power-hitting returned, with vital contributions against Bangladesh, Australia, and South Africa.

Dube’s reintegration into the one-day format is seen as a middling long-term option, as an insurance for Hardik Pandya. However, his performances in the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka have shown his potential. He picked up his maiden wicket and almost took India past the finish line with a quickfire 25 off 24.

Dube’s journey is a reminder that even after setbacks, hard work and the right environment can lead to a successful comeback. While he may not be the most athletic fielder, his hunger and desire with the bat make him a valuable asset to the Indian team.

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Andrew Flintoff: 'I Should Not Be Here' After Life-Altering Car Crash

Andrew Flintoff: ‘I Should Not Be Here’ After Life-Altering Car Crash

By August 5, 2024 0

Andrew Flintoff, the former England all-rounder, has opened up about the life-altering car crash he experienced in December 2022. In an upcoming episode of the BBC show “Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams,” Flintoff reveals the profound impact the accident has had on his physical and mental well-being.

“I genuinely should not be here, with what happened,” Flintoff says in footage filmed from his hospital bed. “It’s going to be a long road back and I’m only just starting.”

Flintoff underwent multiple facial surgeries after the crash, which occurred while he was filming for the British TV show “Top Gear.” He has kept a low public profile since then, but in the upcoming episode, he speaks candidly about the challenges he has faced.

“I thought I could just shake it off,” Flintoff says. “But it’s been a lot harder than I thought. I’ve got nightmares, I have flashbacks. It’s been so hard to cope with.”

Despite the difficulties, Flintoff is determined to move forward. “I’ve got another chance, I’ve got to go at it,” he says. “I’m seeing that as how it is: a second go.”

Flintoff’s recovery has been gradual, but he has returned to cricket in various coaching roles. He has worked with England’s white-ball teams and is also head coach of Northern Superchargers in the men’s Hundred.

In the upcoming episode of “Field of Dreams,” Flintoff also discusses his coaching ambitions. “I’ve always had an ambition to coach,” he says. “I’d love to do more coaching moving forwards.”

Flintoff’s journey back from the crash is a testament to his resilience and determination. His story highlights the importance of seeking support and finding ways to cope with trauma.

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Welsh Fire Soar to Top of Women's Hundred with Convincing Win

Welsh Fire Soar to Top of Women’s Hundred with Convincing Win

By August 5, 2024 0

Welsh Fire’s dominant performance at Sophia Gardens propelled them to the summit of the women’s Hundred standings, as they comfortably defeated Southern Brave by seven wickets.

Hayley Matthews’ exceptional bowling display, claiming three wickets for just 16 runs, proved instrumental in restricting Southern Brave to a meager total of 84. The Brave’s batting lineup struggled to cope with the seam and spin bowling, with none of their batters managing to establish a significant partnership.

Georgia Adams emerged as the top scorer for Southern Brave with a modest 17 runs, while Matthews’ all-around brilliance shone through. The West Indian all-rounder’s accurate bowling was complemented by a superb fielding effort, with Phoebe Franklin and Tammy Beaumont taking crucial catches to dismiss Maia Bouchier and Danni Wyatt, respectively.

Welsh Fire’s chase began cautiously, with Sophia Dunkley falling for a golden duck. However, Beaumont and Bryce steadily accumulated runs, gradually chipping away at the target. Beaumont’s dismissal by Lauren Cheatle, who was the most economical bowler for Southern Brave, left Jess Jonassen with the task of guiding Fire to victory.

Jonassen’s composed batting ensured Fire’s fourth win in this year’s Hundred, solidifying their position at the top of the table.

Matthews, the Meerkat Match Hero, attributed her success to precise bowling and the team’s collective effort. “I tried to pitch it in good areas and keep my lines straight,” she said. “There was some turn and bounce in the pitch, so I focused on keeping the stumps in play.”

“We’ve been playing well as a team and having everyone contribute,” Matthews added. “Getting the wicket from the first ball gave us a great start, and we just built on that momentum.”

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