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TN Coach's Criticism of Captain Sparks Controversy

TN Coach’s Criticism of Captain Sparks Controversy

By March 6, 2024 0

Tamil Nadu’s Ranji Trophy semifinal defeat against Mumbai has sparked a controversy after coach Sulakshan Kulkarni publicly criticized captain R Sai Kishore’s decision to bat first. Kulkarni’s comments have drawn the ire of former state stars, who believe the issue should have been handled internally.

Kulkarni claimed that the entire dressing room was shocked by Kishore’s last-minute change of plan. He had previously instructed Kishore to bowl first if they won the toss, but the captain opted to bat instead.

“If his inner voice or instinct told him that we have to bat first, there was no point in having me,” Kulkarni said. “I am an experienced coach and a Ranji Trophy-winning coach. We were playing against Mumbai in Mumbai, a place I know everything about, but he did not listen.”

Kishore has not responded to Kulkarni’s allegations. However, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) has expressed its displeasure with the coach’s outburst.

“What he (Kulkarni) did was wrong,” said a TNCA official. “We got five outright wins with Sai Kishore’s good decision-making. You cannot blame someone for just one decision. That is not how a coach should work. In my view, Kulkarni has committed a mistake.”

Former India captain K Srikkanth condemned Kulkarni’s actions on his YouTube channel. “This is absolutely not fair,” he said. “Dear TNCA, please do not recruit such coaches from outside (the state).”

Hemang Badani, another former Tamil Nadu player, wrote on social media: “Good coaches do not do that.”

Dinesh Karthik, who captained Tamil Nadu in the past, expressed his disappointment on Twitter. “This is so wrong. This is so disappointing from the coach,” he said.

The controversy has cast a shadow over Tamil Nadu’s impressive Ranji Trophy campaign. The team had won five matches in a row before suffering the innings defeat against Mumbai.

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Peshawar Zalmi Snatch Four-Run Victory Over Multan Sultans in PSL Thriller

Peshawar Zalmi Snatch Four-Run Victory Over Multan Sultans in PSL Thriller

By March 6, 2024 0

In a thrilling encounter of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Peshawar Zalmi emerged victorious over table-toppers Multan Sultans by a narrow margin of four runs. Despite a blistering 60 off 27 balls from Iftikhar Ahmed, Sultans fell short of their target of 205 runs, handing Zalmi their second win over the league leaders this season.

Zalmi’s chase got off to a strong start with captain Babar Azam and Saim Ayub putting on a 71-run partnership in the powerplay. Azam continued his impressive form, scoring 64 off 40 balls, while Ayub contributed 46 off 22 balls. However, Usama Mir’s three-wicket haul, including the key wicket of Azam, slowed down Zalmi’s progress.

With 58 runs required off the last three overs, Iftikhar and Chris Jordan launched a counterattack, scoring 75 runs off just 28 balls. Jordan remained unbeaten on 30 off 12 balls, but Zalmi ultimately fell short at 200-5.

Earlier, Sultans had posted a competitive total of 204-5, thanks to Azam’s knock and Ayub’s aggressive batting. However, Zalmi’s rookie left-arm spinner Mehran Mumtaz impressed in the powerplay, dismissing Reeza Hendricks in his debut PSL over.

Sultans’ top-order struggled against Zalmi’s bowling, with Mohammad Rizwan and Dawid Malan falling cheaply. Iftikhar and Jordan’s late surge almost pulled off a victory for Sultans, but Zalmi’s pacers held their nerve in the final overs to secure the win.

With this victory, Zalmi moved closer to a place in the final four, while Sultans remained at the top of the table despite their second loss. The match showcased the exciting and unpredictable nature of the PSL, with both teams displaying their fighting spirit and determination.

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Ravichandran Ashwin: The Engineer of Spin Bowling Reaches 100th Test Milestone

Ravichandran Ashwin: The Engineer of Spin Bowling Reaches 100th Test Milestone

By March 6, 2024 0

Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s premier spinner, is set to reach a significant milestone in his illustrious career as he prepares for his 100th Test match in the upcoming fifth and final Test against England at the picturesque HPCA stadium in Himachal’s Dharamshala. This momentous occasion will also mark Ashwin’s 500th wicket in the red-ball format, a testament to his exceptional skill and longevity in the game.

Throughout his decade-long career, Ashwin has established himself as a master of spin bowling, earning the admiration of experts and fans alike. His unique carrom ball, delivered with a flick of his fingers from a front-on action, has become a formidable weapon in his bowling arsenal, leaving even the world’s best batters bewildered.

Ashwin’s repertoire extends beyond the carrom ball, encompassing a wide range of variations, including the slider, arm ball, and topspin. By subtly altering his wrist position, he keeps batsmen guessing, making him a prolific wicket-taker across all formats, particularly in Tests.

Former England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar has hailed Ashwin as the “engineer of spin bowling,” praising his ability to adapt and reinvent himself throughout his career. “Ashwin has been absolutely brilliant,” Panesar said. “He’s been working out angles and engineering his way to dismissals. He’s brilliant at changing the revolutions on the ball and enriching the art of spin bowling.”

Since his debut against England in 2012, Ashwin has enjoyed remarkable success, contributing significantly to India’s victories. In 21 Tests against England, he has claimed 105 wickets at an average of 28.88, with 12/167 being his best effort to date. In the ongoing five-match series, the veteran spinner has claimed 17 wickets in four matches at an average of 30.41.

As India holds an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series, Ashwin will be eager to add to his tally and surpass English spinner Tom Hartley’s 20 wickets in the series. The Dharamshala Test will provide Ashwin with the perfect opportunity to cement his legacy as one of the greatest spinners of all time.

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India-England Test: Slow Turner Expected in Dharamsala, Ashwin-Bairstow to Reach 100-Test Milestone

India-England Test: Slow Turner Expected in Dharamsala, Ashwin-Bairstow to Reach 100-Test Milestone

By March 6, 2024 0

The fifth and final Test match between India and England, scheduled to commence on Thursday in Dharamsala, is anticipated to feature a slow-turning pitch, as reported by the Indian Express. Untimely rainfall has hindered the ground staff’s efforts to prepare the surface, prompting discussions between the curators and the Indian team management regarding the pitch’s composition.

India’s spinners have been instrumental in securing the series victory for the hosts, and the Dharamsala pitch is expected to provide ample assistance to the likes of Rohit Sharma and his teammates. The slow and turning nature of the surface will favor the Indian spinners, who have played a pivotal role in the team’s success throughout the series.

Meanwhile, the Test match will witness a historic milestone as India’s off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and England’s batter Jonny Bairstow will become only the fourth pair of players to feature in their 100th Test match together. This exclusive club includes former England captain Michael Atherton and Alec Stewart, who achieved the feat against the West Indies in 2000.

In 2006, South Africa’s Jacques Kallis, Shaun Pollock, and Stephen Fleming played their 100th Test in the South Africa-New Zealand match in Centurion. The third instance occurred in 2013 when Alastair Cook and Michael Clarke reached the milestone during the England-Australia Ashes contest in Perth.

Ashwin and Bairstow will represent their respective teams in the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala, marking the second occasion when two players from opposing teams will play their 100th Test in the same game. Notably, just a day after the India-England match concludes, New Zealand captain Tim Southee and his predecessor Kane Williamson will also play their 100th Test together.

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Mitchell Starc on the Brink of History, Credits Resilience to Tim Nielsen's Tough Love

Mitchell Starc on the Brink of History, Credits Resilience to Tim Nielsen’s Tough Love

By March 6, 2024 0

Mitchell Starc, on the cusp of surpassing Dennis Lillee as Australia’s fourth-highest Test wicket-taker, credits former coach Tim Nielsen’s tough love for his remarkable resilience. Starc, who has played seven consecutive Tests this summer, has overcome physical challenges to become Australia’s iron man.

Nielsen’s words, “harden the f* up,” have resonated with Starc, who has pushed through pain to represent his country. Despite lingering groin soreness, Starc was Australia’s leading wicket-taker in the Ashes last year. He also played through the World Cup with minor adjustments to his run-up.

Starc’s ability to withstand pain and perform at a high level is a testament to his experience and determination. He has learned to manage niggles and find ways to contribute to the team. Surpassing Lillee is a significant milestone, as Starc is the only bowler in Australia’s top eight wicket-takers with a strike-rate under 50.

Starc is also approaching another landmark: 100 Tests. Tim Southee will become the latest pace bowler to reach this milestone in Christchurch, and Starc is 12 away. If his body and form hold up, he could join the club in 2025.

Starc’s longevity and resilience are a testament to his dedication and the support of the medical staff. He has become a role model for young bowlers, showing that it is possible to overcome physical challenges and achieve greatness.

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R. Ashwin: A Modern Master of the Craft Reaches 100 Tests

R. Ashwin: A Modern Master of the Craft Reaches 100 Tests

By March 6, 2024 0

The milestone of 100 Test matches is a testament to the exceptional skill and dedication of cricketers. This week, R. Ashwin and Jonny Bairstow join the elite club of players who have reached this remarkable achievement.

Ashwin, India’s most successful off-spinner, has established himself as a formidable force in the game. His ability to extract turn and bounce from any surface, combined with his relentless pursuit of wickets, has made him a nightmare for batsmen worldwide.

While statistics play a role in evaluating a player’s greatness, they cannot fully capture the essence of Ashwin’s artistry. His ability to adapt to different conditions, experiment with new deliveries, and outsmart opponents with his cricketing intelligence sets him apart.

In an era where bowlers are armed with an arsenal of variations, Ashwin’s unwavering focus on taking wickets stands out. He understands that the primary objective of a bowler is to dismiss batsmen, not merely contain runs.

Ashwin’s journey to 100 Tests has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. He has played a pivotal role in India’s overseas victories, but his away record has also been a subject of scrutiny. However, his overall contributions to the team, including his exceptional home record, make him an indispensable asset.

Among the pantheon of Indian off-spinners, Ashwin stands tall. His combination of natural talent and cricket intelligence is reminiscent of the legendary Erapalli Prasanna. Like Prasanna, Ashwin has the ability to succeed in both home and away conditions.

As Ashwin reaches this milestone, it is important to recognize his status as a modern master of the craft. His relentless pursuit of excellence and his unwavering belief in his abilities have made him one of the most respected and admired cricketers of his generation.

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Tamil Nadu's Ranji Trophy Journey Ends in Semifinal Heartbreak

Tamil Nadu’s Ranji Trophy Journey Ends in Semifinal Heartbreak

By March 6, 2024 0

Tamil Nadu’s 2023-24 Ranji Trophy campaign ended in disappointment with a crushing innings and 70-run defeat to Mumbai in the semifinals. Despite the setback, the team can take solace in a successful season that saw them break a five-year drought of not qualifying for the knockouts.

Under the leadership of R. Sai Kishore, Tamil Nadu played an aggressive brand of cricket, securing five outright wins from nine games, including three by an innings. They maximized their strength in home conditions, with senior batters piling on the runs and spinners dominating the opposition.

N. Jagadeesan enjoyed his best Ranji season, amassing 816 runs, including a triple and double-hundred. B. Indrajith (767 runs) continued to be a reliable performer, delivering vital knocks under pressure. Vijay Shankar and Pradosh Ranjan Paul also made significant contributions with centuries.

On the bowling front, Sai Kishore emerged as a standout performer, becoming only the third TN bowler to scalp more than 50 wickets in a season. He was ably supported by Ajith Ram (41 wickets) and Sandeep Warrier (24 wickets).

However, Tamil Nadu’s technical frailties were exposed when they played on pitches that favored seamers. They suffered outright defeats in the only two games they played on such surfaces, against Gujarat and Mumbai.

Sai Kishore’s decision to bat first on a green top in the semifinal against Mumbai backfired, leading to a heavy defeat. Post-match comments by coach Sulakshan Kulkarni, who blamed the captain for losing the match at the toss, revealed a schism within the team.

Despite the loss, Tamil Nadu has a solid foundation to build upon. They have shown that they can compete with the best teams in the country, but they need to address their batting issues, particularly on seaming pitches.

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England Aim for Pride in Dharamsala Test Despite Series Loss

England Aim for Pride in Dharamsala Test Despite Series Loss

By March 5, 2024 0

England, under the leadership of Ben Stokes, will face India in the fifth and final Test match of the series in Dharamsala. Despite losing the series, England aims to salvage some pride and become the first team since 2012 to win two matches in a series against India.

The match holds significance beyond the result, as the touring party will meet the Dalai Lama on Wednesday. Stokes emphasizes the importance of winning the match, despite the series being lost. He believes that complacency is not an option and that the team needs to improve its performance under pressure.

England is considering fielding a three-pronged seam attack for the first time on this tour. Mark Wood could return to the side, while Ollie Robinson may retain his place despite a disappointing performance in the previous Test. Shoaib Bashir is likely to make way for the extra pace option.

Stokes praises Jonny Bairstow, who is set to earn his 100th cap for England. He acknowledges the emotional significance of the milestone for Bairstow and his family.

Despite the lack of series implications, Stokes stresses the importance of approaching the match with the same intensity as previous games. He warns against complacency and emphasizes that every opportunity to play for England is special.

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Sunil Gavaskar Compares Dhruv Jurel to MS Dhoni, Sees Potential for Indian Team

Sunil Gavaskar Compares Dhruv Jurel to MS Dhoni, Sees Potential for Indian Team

By March 5, 2024 0

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, has set an unparalleled benchmark for finishers in the game. His exceptional batting style has often rescued the Indian team from precarious situations. Despite not being a technically proficient batter in the conventional sense, Dhoni’s effectiveness has been undeniable, both for India and the Chennai Super Kings.

Recently, Sunil Gavaskar, the iconic former Indian cricketer, drew comparisons between Dhoni and a rising star, Dhruv Jurel. During the fourth Test in Ranchi, Jurel’s composed batting after the fall of the top order prompted Gavaskar to make the bold claim.

“Watching Dhruv Jurel’s presence of mind makes me think he’s the next MS Dhoni in the making,” Gavaskar said during commentary. “I know it’s a big claim, but when Dhoni was young, he showed the same presence of mind.”

Gavaskar has since elaborated on his comments, explaining that Jurel’s game awareness and adaptability remind him of Dhoni. “The way he thinks about the game, assesses the situation, and bats accordingly gives me the MS Dhoni feels,” Gavaskar said. “He can hit a six and then rotate the strike with ones and twos. Even in keeping, his quick reflexes and brilliant catches are reminiscent of Dhoni.”

Gavaskar believes that Jurel has the potential to emulate Dhoni’s success, albeit in his own unique way. “No one can become MS Dhoni,” he said. “But if Jurel can manage to do even some portion of the things Dhoni did, it would be great for Indian cricket.”

Gavaskar also sees Jurel as a potential option for the Indian team in shorter formats. “His ability to hit sixes with ease shows that he has the game for T20s and ODIs,” Gavaskar said. “If he gets a chance, he will likely bat at No. 5 or 6 as a finisher, just like Dhoni.”

Jurel’s IPL form will be crucial in determining his future prospects. “Form is very important,” Gavaskar said. “But the ease with which he is hitting sixes shows that he has the game for shorter formats.”

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