Rishabh Pant Enjoys Childhood Game of Marbles Amidst IPL Preparations

Rishabh Pant Enjoys Childhood Game of Marbles Amidst IPL Preparations

Rishabh Pant’s Marbles Match: A Glimpse of Childhood Amidst IPL Preparations

Indian cricket star Rishabh Pant is eagerly anticipating his return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) after a horrific accident in December 2022. While recovering from his injuries, Pant has found solace in reliving his childhood memories, as evidenced by his recent game of marbles with neighborhood children.

On Sunday, Pant took to Instagram to share a story of himself playing “goli,” a popular street game in India. With a bandana covering his face, Pant was seen enjoying the game with the neighborhood kids. The video captured the essence of his childhood, bringing a smile to the faces of his fans.

Pant’s return to the IPL is a significant development for the Delhi Capitals franchise and the Indian team. Former India captain and Delhi Capitals’ Director of Cricket, Sourav Ganguly, has indicated that Pant will be declared fit for action by the NCA on March 5.

However, Ganguly hinted that Pant may not be pushed directly into wicketkeeping in the IPL. This decision is likely to be made based on Pant’s recovery progress and the team’s strategy.

Pant’s accident on December 31, 2022, was a major setback for the Indian team. He suffered multiple injuries, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. The accident raised concerns about his future in cricket, but Pant’s determination and resilience have been evident throughout his recovery process.

With the 17th edition of the IPL commencing on March 22, Pant’s return to action is a welcome boost for the Delhi Capitals. His aggressive batting and exceptional wicketkeeping skills will be crucial for the team’s success in the tournament.

Mantri's Century Guides Madhya Pradesh to First Innings Lead in Ranji Semifinal

Mantri’s Century Guides Madhya Pradesh to First Innings Lead in Ranji Semifinal

Himanshu Mantri’s masterful century propelled Madhya Pradesh to a commanding position in their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Vidarbha. Resuming on 47 for one, Mantri anchored the innings with a patient and technically sound knock of 126 off 265 deliveries. His innings, studded with 13 boundaries and a six, proved crucial as Madhya Pradesh gained an 82-run lead in the first innings.

Mantri’s knock was a testament to his resilience and adaptability. Despite losing his opening partner early, he forged a solid partnership with Harsh Gawli, extending their alliance to 61 runs. However, Vidarbha’s pacers struck back, dismissing Gawli and two more batsmen in quick succession.

Undeterred, Mantri found support in Sagar Solanki, adding 42 runs for the fifth wicket. He then combined with Saransh Jain for a crucial 73-run stand, taking Madhya Pradesh past Vidarbha’s first innings total.

As the pitch eased out, spinners Aditya Sarwate and Akshay Wakhare posed some challenges. However, Mantri’s skill and experience allowed him to counter their threats effectively. He reached his century with a quick single off Wakhare, celebrating the milestone with a roar.

Unfortunately, Mantri’s dismissal soon after, along with Jain’s, halted Madhya Pradesh’s progress. However, their contributions had already laid the foundation for a strong lead.

In their second innings, Vidarbha lost Atharva Taide early, trailing by 69 runs at stumps. The match remains finely poised, with Madhya Pradesh holding a significant advantage but Vidarbha still in contention.

Thakur's Century, Kotian's Heroics Give Mumbai Commanding Lead in Ranji Semifinal

Thakur’s Century, Kotian’s Heroics Give Mumbai Commanding Lead in Ranji Semifinal

Shardul Thakur’s scintillating century and Tanush Kotian’s unbeaten half-century propelled Mumbai to a commanding position in their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Tamil Nadu. Thakur’s counterattacking 109, featuring 13 fours and four sixes, rescued Mumbai from a precarious 106 for seven.

Sai Kishore’s six-wicket haul had threatened to derail Mumbai’s innings, but Thakur’s onslaught turned the tide. He forged crucial partnerships with Hardik Tamore (35) and Kotian (74 not out), adding 105 and 79 runs respectively.

Thakur’s innings was a masterclass in aggression and adaptability. He pierced gaps with precision and cleared the field with disdain, bringing up his maiden century across formats. Despite an ankle injury, he continued to torment the Tamil Nadu bowlers.

Kotian, who had played a pivotal role in Mumbai’s previous match with a 232-run stand for the 10th wicket, continued his impressive form. He played like a specialist batter, cracking 10 fours in his unbeaten 74.

Mumbai’s tailenders once again played a crucial role, with Tushar Deshpande (17 not out) joining Kotian to add an unbeaten 63 runs for the 10th wicket. This rearguard action gave Mumbai a massive 207-run first-innings lead.

Sai Kishore’s impressive bowling performance was overshadowed by Thakur’s heroics. The Tamil Nadu skipper opened the bowling in conditions favoring seamers and delivered a superb spell of 17-6-28-4 in the first session. He also dismissed Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer.

Despite the setback, Mumbai’s young opener Musheer (55) showed maturity and resilience. However, a lapse in concentration led to his dismissal, leaving Thakur to take charge of the innings.

BCCI's Domestic Cricket Mandate: A Lifeline for Ranji Trophy

BCCI’s Domestic Cricket Mandate: A Lifeline for Ranji Trophy

BCCI’s Domestic Cricket Mandate: A Step Towards Preserving Tradition

Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has lauded the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to mandate players to participate in domestic cricket. This move aims to safeguard the integrity and competitiveness of tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, which have been overshadowed by the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL).

Tiwary, who recently retired from cricket, believes that the BCCI’s mandate is crucial for the survival of domestic cricket. He has observed a shift in players’ priorities, with many prioritizing IPL contracts over domestic performances.

“Youngsters and established players speak only about IPL during domestic matches,” Tiwary said. “When you get 5 cr or 7 cr, players start thinking in their subconsciousness.”

This mindset has led to players faking injuries to avoid exerting themselves in domestic matches, Tiwary revealed. “They try to avoid the last bit of effort required to dive and save a boundary that might have been crucial for the domestic team,” he said.

The BCCI’s mandate has been met with mixed reactions. While some former cricketers and experts have praised the move, others have called for it to be applied equally to all players.

Despite the criticism, the BCCI’s decision is a step in the right direction. It sends a clear message that domestic cricket remains a vital part of the Indian cricket ecosystem. By ensuring that players are available for their respective teams, the BCCI is safeguarding the integrity and competitiveness of these tournaments.

In addition to preserving tradition, the BCCI’s mandate also serves a practical purpose. It provides players with an opportunity to maintain their fitness and form during the off-season. By participating in domestic cricket, players can stay sharp and ready for international duty.

The BCCI’s decision is a bold one, but it is necessary to ensure the long-term health of Indian cricket. By prioritizing domestic cricket, the BCCI is investing in the future of the game and ensuring that the Ranji Trophy and other tournaments continue to produce world-class players.

Gujarat Giants Face Uphill Battle Against Delhi Capitals in Women's Premier League

Gujarat Giants Face Uphill Battle Against Delhi Capitals in Women’s Premier League

Gujarat Giants Face Uphill Battle Against Delhi Capitals in Women’s Premier League

Bengaluru, India – The Gujarat Giants will face a formidable challenge when they take on the in-form Delhi Capitals in Match 10 of the Women’s Premier League at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Giants have endured a difficult start to the tournament, suffering three consecutive defeats, while the Capitals have emerged as one of the early favorites with three impressive victories.

The Giants’ struggles have been evident in their batting, where they have failed to post a competitive total in any of their matches. Captain Harleen Deol has been the only consistent performer, but the rest of the lineup has struggled to find form. The Capitals, on the other hand, have a well-balanced batting unit led by the experienced Jemimah Rodrigues and the explosive Shafali Verma.

The Giants’ bowling attack has also been inconsistent, with only Sneh Rana and Mansi Joshi showing any signs of promise. The Capitals, in contrast, have a potent bowling lineup that includes the experienced Shikha Pandey and the young and talented Titas Sadhu.

The Giants will need to find a way to improve their batting and bowling if they want to have any chance of upsetting the Capitals. Deol will need to lead from the front and inspire her teammates to perform at their best. The Capitals, meanwhile, will be confident of extending their winning streak and consolidating their position at the top of the standings.

The match promises to be an exciting contest between two teams with contrasting fortunes. The Giants will be desperate to break their losing streak, while the Capitals will be looking to maintain their momentum and continue their march towards the playoffs.

Ganguly Explains Decision to Replace Kohli with Rohit as India Captain

Ganguly Explains Decision to Replace Kohli with Rohit as India Captain

Former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has shed light on his decision to appoint Rohit Sharma as the captain of the Indian men’s cricket team, replacing Virat Kohli. Ganguly, who was the BCCI chief at the time, revealed that he saw immense potential in Rohit, particularly considering his impressive record in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Ganguly praised Rohit’s leadership skills, highlighting his ability to guide India to the final of the 2022 T20 World Cup on home soil. Despite losing to Australia in the final, Ganguly believes India was the strongest team in the tournament. He expressed his admiration for Rohit’s calm and composed demeanor during the high-pressure event.

“I am not surprised by the way he led,” Ganguly said. “He became the captain when I was the BCCI president, and I am not surprised by the way he has led the team. I made him the Indian captain because I saw the talent in him, and I am not surprised by what he has done.”

Rohit’s recent achievements include leading India to a 17th consecutive Test series win on home soil. After losing the opening match against England in Hyderabad, India has bounced back to take a 3-1 lead in the series.

Meanwhile, Rohit has relinquished his captaincy at Mumbai Indians to Hardik Pandya. Hardik, who led Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in 2022, will now take charge of the five-time champions.

Ishan Kishan's IPL Redemption: Aakash Chopra Predicts Career Revival

Ishan Kishan’s IPL Redemption: Aakash Chopra Predicts Career Revival

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra believes that the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) presents a golden opportunity for Ishan Kishan to reignite his career after being omitted from the BCCI’s central contract list for 2023-2024.

Kishan, 25, has been absent from the domestic circuit, citing personal reasons, despite not being on national duty since the tour of South Africa in December 2022. Chopra believes that this absence has fueled Kishan’s hunger to prove himself.

“Ishan Kishan will be hungry, as he has not got a central contract. This is the only thing he is playing. What else is he playing?” Chopra said in a YouTube video.

Chopra also highlighted Kishan’s absence from the recent Test series against England, emphasizing that the IPL provides him with a platform to showcase his abilities and potentially earn a recall to the national team.

“Either he has himself opted not to play, or he won’t be selected now. So this is his chance. If you make the IPL your own, you have chances of going forward. Then there is, of course, Wankhede’s flat pitch. The ball will come nicely onto the bat and go far,” Chopra added.

The BCCI’s decision to exclude Kishan from the central contract list has raised questions about his future prospects. However, Chopra believes that the IPL can serve as a catalyst for Kishan’s resurgence.

“This is a big opportunity for Ishan Kishan. He has to make the most of it. He has to score runs, win matches, and show that he is still a force to be reckoned with,” Chopra concluded.

MS Dhoni to Continue Playing in IPL for at Least One More Season, Says Childhood Friend

MS Dhoni to Continue Playing in IPL for at Least One More Season, Says Childhood Friend

MS Dhoni’s future in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a subject of intense speculation, with many experts and fans suggesting that IPL 2024 could be his final season. However, Dhoni’s childhood friend, Paramjit Singh, has provided a significant update that suggests otherwise.

Paramjit, who played a pivotal role in securing Dhoni’s first bat sponsorship, believes that Dhoni will continue playing for at least one or two more seasons. “I do not think this will be his (Dhoni’s) last season. He is still fit. I think he will play one or two more seasons. He will definitely play one more season. The reason is he is fit,” Paramjit told OneCricket.

Dhoni’s recent practice sessions, where he was spotted with a ‘Prime Sports’ sticker on his bat, have further fueled speculation about his future. Prime Sports is a shop owned by Paramjit, and the image of Dhoni using his bat has gone viral, highlighting their enduring friendship.

Paramjit has also shed light on Dhoni’s gesture of giving him a signed bat. “I’m feeling very proud! MS has always been there with us, that’s our friendship. He’s given me his signed bat,” Paramjit said in a video uploaded by Sports Tak.

Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in August 2020, has remained active as a player in the IPL. He led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to a record-equaling fifth title last season, defeating Gujarat Titans in a thrilling final.

While Dhoni has not officially announced his plans for the future, Paramjit’s comments suggest that he is likely to continue playing for at least one more season. This will come as welcome news to CSK fans and cricket enthusiasts alike, who are eager to witness the legendary wicketkeeper-batter in action for a few more years.

Tamil Nadu's Sai Kishore Joins Elite Club with 50 Ranji Wickets

Tamil Nadu’s Sai Kishore Joins Elite Club with 50 Ranji Wickets

Tamil Nadu’s R Sai Kishore has etched his name in the annals of Ranji Trophy history by becoming only the third bowler from his state to claim 50 wickets in a single season. The left-arm spinner achieved this remarkable feat during the semifinal clash against Mumbai at the BKC Ground on Sunday.

Sai Kishore’s exceptional performance came on the back of a sterling five-wicket haul that dismantled the Mumbai middle-order on Day Two of the semifinal encounter. Despite Tamil Nadu enduring a batting collapse on the opening day, Sai Kishore’s inspired bowling performance turned the tide in his team’s favor.

The 27-year-old spinner’s pivotal role in the match was evident from the outset, as he swiftly made inroads into the Mumbai batting lineup. Trapping opener Bhupen Lalwani leg-before, Sai Kishore set the tone for his dominant display with the ball. His relentless pressure continued in the opening session, culminating in the dismissal of night-watchman Mohit Avasthi.

The defining moment of Sai Kishore’s spell arrived when he accounted for the prized wicket of Mumbai skipper Ajinkya Rahane, inducing an outside-edge that was pouched by the slip fielder. Sai Kishore capped off his virtuoso performance by claiming successive scalps in the 48th over, dismissing the well-set Musheer Khan and then dismantling Shams Mulani’s stumps with a vicious delivery that spun sharply.

Sai Kishore’s sensational form in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season has been nothing short of remarkable. With at least four wickets in each of his last four innings, including a stellar nine-wicket haul in the quarterfinal against Saurashtra, the left-arm spinner has emerged as a potent force in Tamil Nadu’s bowling arsenal.

By joining the esteemed company of legendary spinners S Venkataraghavan and Aashish Kapoor, Sai Kishore has solidified his status as one of the premier bowlers in domestic cricket. His 10th First-Class five-for across 39 matches underscores his consistency and impact on the field.

With six four-wicket hauls and three five-fors in the ongoing Ranji season, Sai Kishore’s stellar performances exemplify his unwavering commitment to excellence and his invaluable contributions to Tamil Nadu’s quest for glory in the prestigious tournament.

NSW Centurions Dominate SA in Shield Clash

NSW Centurions Dominate SA in Shield Clash

New South Wales (NSW) has taken a commanding lead over South Australia (SA) in their Sheffield Shield encounter in Sydney, thanks to centuries from Daniel Hughes and Oliver Davies.

Hughes and Davies both scored 114 runs, anchoring NSW’s innings and giving them a strong position heading into the final day. Hughes’ knock was particularly impressive, as he started the day on 71 and brought up his century during the morning session.

Davies, who was making his second Shield century of the summer, also played a crucial role in NSW’s resurgence. He and Hughes put on a 150-run partnership for the second wicket, which laid the foundation for NSW’s strong total.

Moises Henriques and Jack Edwards also contributed valuable runs, helping NSW reach 465 for 8 at stumps on day three. Chris Green and Ryan Hadley will resume batting on Monday, looking to extend NSW’s lead even further.

SA’s bowlers toiled hard throughout the day, but were unable to make significant inroads into NSW’s batting lineup. Nathan McAndrew was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 for 63, while Ben Manenti claimed 2 for 114.

Despite the deficit, SA remains in contention for an outright win. The Redbacks will need to bowl NSW out quickly on Monday and then chase down a challenging target.

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