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Sunil Gavaskar Compares Dhruv Jurel to MS Dhoni, Highlights Potential for Greatness

By Nilay March 3, 2024 0

Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian cricketer, recently drew comparisons between young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel and the iconic MS Dhoni. Jurel’s impressive performance in the fourth Test against England in Ranchi, where he played a crucial knock of 90, prompted Gavaskar’s remarks.

Gavaskar emphasized that while there can never be another Dhoni, Jurel has exhibited signs of a promising future in Indian cricket. “No one can become MS Dhoni. There is only one MS Dhoni. But if Jurel can manage to do even some portion of the things Dhoni did then it would be great for Indian cricket,” Gavaskar said.

Jurel, who expressed gratitude towards Gavaskar for his remarks, has garnered attention with his consistent performances since his debut in Rajkot. The 23-year-old cricketer, previously a member of India’s U19 World Cup team in 2020, has showcased his talent with notable contributions in domestic and IPL cricket.

Gavaskar further emphasized that Jurel’s performance in the upcoming IPL will be crucial in determining his prospects for the T20 World Cup. “If he gets a chance then he will bat at No.5 or 6 only, as a finisher. We’ve seen how Dhoni did coming in to bat that number in the last 4-5 overs of the innings. The same will be expected from him,” stated Gavaskar.

Jurel’s ability to play under pressure and his match awareness have drawn comparisons to Dhoni. However, Gavaskar cautioned against putting too much pressure on the young player. “We should not put too much pressure on him. He is still young and has a long way to go. But he has shown that he has the potential to be a great player,” said Gavaskar.

Jurel’s journey has been marked by hard work and dedication. He has spent countless hours honing his skills and has always been eager to learn from experienced players. His performances have earned him praise from coaches and teammates alike.

As Jurel continues to develop, he will undoubtedly face challenges and setbacks. However, his determination and resilience will serve him well as he strives to reach the pinnacle of Indian cricket.

Categories: Cricket

Wagner Recall Possible for New Zealand in Christchurch Test

By Nilay March 3, 2024 0

New Zealand’s Test captain Tim Southee has hinted at the possibility of recalling veteran fast bowler Neil Wagner for the second Test against Australia in Christchurch. The move comes after Will O’Rourke suffered a hamstring injury during the first Test in Wellington.

O’Rourke left the field during the third day of the match with tightness in his left hamstring. He did not return to the field for the remainder of Australia’s second innings, but he did bat on day four and was able to run between the wickets.

Southee admitted that New Zealand may have made a mistake in their selection for the first Test, opting for four fast bowlers on a pitch that offered more spin than expected. Hagley Oval in Christchurch, the venue for the second Test, is traditionally more favorable for pace bowling.

If O’Rourke is ruled out, New Zealand do not have a fourth seamer in their squad. Wagner retired from international cricket after being told he would not be selected for the Australia series. However, with New Zealand trailing 1-0 in the series, Southee did not rule out the possibility of recalling Wagner.

“We haven’t had a lot of discussions as yet,” Southee said. “We’ll see how Will scrubs up. The physio hasn’t sort of put a timeframe on it or how bad it is. We’ll just wait and see how Will goes over the next couple of days. I’m sure there’ll be an update in the next 24 hours.”

Southee ruled out the possibility of recalling Trent Boult, who has been playing only T20 cricket in recent times. He also defended the performance of Scott Kuggeleijn, who took two wickets in the first innings but conceded 75 runs in 20 overs.

Southee identified Cameron Green’s 174 not out and his 116-run 10th-wicket stand with Josh Hazlewood on the second morning as the turning point in the match. He conceded that New Zealand’s strategy against Green was flawed.

“I think we probably could have tried to get Green out on that second morning,” he said. “I think the way he played that that night before, we thought he was probably going to come out and play some shots. But we probably could look to get him out and on that second morning and make things slightly easier than what we did.”

Categories: Cricket

Australia Thump New Zealand by 172 Runs in Wellington Test

By Nilay March 3, 2024 0

Australia’s dominance over New Zealand continued as they secured a resounding 172-run victory in the first Test at Wellington’s Basin Reserve. Nathan Lyon’s exceptional bowling performance, coupled with Cameron Green’s match-defining innings, proved too much for the Black Caps.

Lyon, Australia’s premier spinner, wreaked havoc on the New Zealand batting lineup, claiming six wickets for 65 runs in the second innings. His victims included Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell, and Glenn Phillips, as he completed his 24th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

New Zealand began the day with a daunting target of 369, but Lyon’s early strikes put them on the back foot. Daryl Mitchell and Scott Kuggeleijn offered some resistance, but Cameron Green’s dismissal of Kuggeleijn for 26 extinguished their hopes.

Despite a blow to the helmet from Green, Mitchell continued to fight, scoring 38. However, he ran out of partners as Lyon and the Australian attack quickly wrapped up the New Zealand tail.

Australia captain Pat Cummins praised Lyon’s performance, stating, “Thankfully it spun which, with Nathan in our side, is always a pretty good thing.”

This loss leaves New Zealand with only one victory in their last 24 Tests against Australia. They will now prepare for the second and final match of the series in Christchurch, starting on Friday.

New Zealand skipper Tim Southee acknowledged the need for improvement, saying, “Like every game, we’ll reflect and look at ways that we can be better in the next one.”

While Lyon’s performance was exceptional, it was Cameron Green’s brilliant innings that truly made the difference. His partnership of 116 runs with Josh Hazlewood for the tenth wicket set the foundation for Australia’s victory.

Cummins praised Green, saying, “He was amazing, he was really the difference in the end.” Green’s unbeaten knock of 170 put pressure on the bowlers and helped Australia post a total of 383 in their first innings, giving them a significant lead.

Although New Zealand fought back on day three with Glenn Phillips taking 5-45, Lyon’s experience and skill proved too much for the Black Caps on a challenging pitch.

It was Hazlewood who delivered the final blow, dismissing Mitchell with a well-directed delivery that was easily caught and bowled. This sealed Australia’s emphatic victory.

Categories: Cricket

Ranji Trophy vs. IPL: The Debate Over Domestic Cricket’s Importance

By Nilay March 3, 2024 0

The Indian cricket board’s (BCCI) recent decision to withhold central contracts from Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan for skipping the Ranji Trophy has sparked a debate about the relative importance of the domestic tournament and the Indian Premier League (IPL).

While the IPL undoubtedly offers greater financial rewards and media attention, former India opener Devang Gandhi, who served on the senior selection committee until 2020, argues that Ranji Trophy performances remain paramount for Test team selection. He cites examples of Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Mohammed Siraj, who all played significant red-ball cricket before earning national call-ups.

However, there have been exceptions, such as Ajinkya Rahane’s selection for the World Test Championship final after a strong IPL season. Gandhi suggests that this was due to Rahane’s proven track record in England, rather than solely his IPL performances.

Rajasthan Royals star Dhruv Jurel, who made his Test debut recently, also has an impressive first-class average of 50.78. Other recent Test debutants, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, and Akash Deep, have all excelled in the Ranji Trophy.

Sunil Subramaniam, R Ashwin’s former coach, believes the IPL is a valuable indicator of a player’s temperament on the big stage. However, he acknowledges a problem in the system, with the significant pay disparity between IPL and domestic cricket leading many young players to prioritize the former.

Subramaniam suggests that top players should set an example by playing Ranji Trophy whenever possible, but acknowledges that workload management for pace bowlers is a concern. He believes the BCCI’s recent diktat has come too late and that a systemic change is needed, starting with the very top players.

Categories: Cricket

Mumbai Dominate Tamil Nadu in Ranji Trophy Opener After Poor First Session

By Nilay March 3, 2024 0

Tamil Nadu’s Poor First Session Puts Mumbai in Control of Ranji Trophy Clash

In a crucial Ranji Trophy encounter, Tamil Nadu’s decision to bat first on a green-tinged pitch at the Brabourne Stadium backfired spectacularly, leaving them in a precarious position. Mumbai’s pacers exploited the conditions to their advantage, bowling out the visitors for a paltry 146 in just 90 minutes.

Tamil Nadu skipper R. Sai Kishore’s decision to bat first raised eyebrows, with Indian pacer Jaydev Unadkat questioning the logic on social media. Former cricketer Vijay Dhaiya, who conducted the toss, described it as a “brave call,” but Sai Kishore defended his decision, stating that he was unsure of the wicket’s behavior.

Mumbai’s pacers, led by Tushar Deshpande, made the most of the overcast conditions and the pitch’s assistance for pace bowlers. Deshpande expressed surprise at Tamil Nadu’s decision, acknowledging the favorable conditions for seamers in the first session.

Tamil Nadu’s bowling attack, which included the inclusion of pacer Kuldeep Sen, failed to capitalize on the crucial toss win. Instead, Ajinkya Rahane’s Mumbai team now has the advantage of batting in the best conditions, putting them in a strong position to take control of the match.

Categories: Cricket

Coleman Wong Reaches Delhi Open Challenger Final, Blancaneaux Awaits

By Nilay March 3, 2024 0

Coleman Wong, the 19-year-old Hong Kong sensation, continued his remarkable run at the Dafa News $82,000 Delhi Open Challenger tennis tournament, reaching the final after a hard-fought victory over Yuta Shimizu of Japan.

Wong, ranked 241st in the world, displayed exceptional athleticism and energy in overcoming Shimizu, who had previously eliminated top seed Benjamin Bonzi. The match was a battle of attrition, with both players struggling to convert break points. However, Wong’s superior shot-making and ability to handle the windy conditions proved decisive.

In the other semifinal, Geoffrey Blancaneaux of France outplayed Tristan Boyer of the United States in straight sets. Blancaneaux, a former world No. 134, showcased his crafty play and powerful strokes to secure a place in the final.

The doubles title was claimed by the third-seeded pair of Piotr Matuszewski of Poland and Matthew Romios of Australia. They defeated the German duo of Jakob Schnaitter and Mark Wallner in straight sets.

Wong’s victory marks a significant milestone in his young career. The Hong Kong native has now won two singles titles and is poised to add another to his tally in the final against Blancaneaux. The Frenchman, on the other hand, will be seeking his 15th singles title and second Challenger title.

The Delhi Open Challenger tournament has provided a platform for rising stars like Wong to showcase their talent and gain valuable experience. The tournament’s success highlights the growing popularity of tennis in India and the region.

Categories: Tennis

Bengaluru FC Edge Past Kerala Blasters to Secure Playoff Spot

By Nilay March 3, 2024 0

Bengaluru FC secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Kerala Blasters at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday, marking their first consecutive win in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) campaign. The triumph propelled Gerard Zaragoza’s side to sixth place in the standings, securing the final playoff spot.

Midfielder Javi Hernandez emerged as the hero for Bengaluru, scoring the decisive goal in the 89th minute. The Spaniard’s clinical strike came off a precise cross from substitute Shivaldo Singh, sending the ball into the bottom-right corner.

Despite Kerala Blasters entering the match in fifth place, it was Bengaluru FC who dominated the proceedings. Ryan Williams, operating on the left flank, played a pivotal role, creating numerous scoring opportunities.

In the first half, Naorem Roshan and Sunil Chhetri came close to breaking the deadlock for Bengaluru. However, Roshan’s cut-back found no takers, while Chhetri failed to connect with a dangerous free-kick from Hernandez.

The second half witnessed an even more spirited performance from Bengaluru. Chhetri had another chance in the 68th minute, but Williams’ pass eluded the skipper’s outstretched leg.

As the match neared its conclusion, Kerala Blasters forward Fedor Cernych missed a golden opportunity to equalize. After a save from Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Cernych sent the rebound over the crossbar from close range.

Hernandez’s late strike proved to be the difference, handing Bengaluru FC a much-needed three points. The victory not only boosted their playoff hopes but also marked a significant improvement in their recent form.

Categories: Football

Ugo Humbert Joins Exclusive Club with Sixth Consecutive ATP Final Victory

By Nilay March 2, 2024 0

Ugo Humbert’s remarkable run in Dubai culminated in a triumphant victory over Alexander Bublik in the ATP 500 final, securing his second ATP 500 title and etching his name into the annals of tennis history.

Humbert’s 6-4, 6-3 triumph marked his sixth consecutive ATP final victory, a feat achieved by only two other players in the Open Era: Ernests Gulbis and Martin Klizan. This exclusive club now welcomes Humbert, who has maintained an unblemished record in title matches since his first triumph in Auckland in 2020.

The Frenchman’s path to victory in Dubai was paved with challenges, including hard-fought battles against top-ranked opponents. In the quarterfinals, he overcame Hubert Hurkacz, saving three match points to secure a 3-6, 7-6 (8), 6-3 victory. In the semifinals, he faced Daniil Medvedev, the world’s fourth-ranked player, and emerged victorious with a 7-5, 6-3 scoreline.

Humbert’s triumph in Dubai is a testament to his resilience and determination. He faced a formidable opponent in Bublik, known for his powerful serve, but managed to break his serve twice, including in the final game of the first set. Humbert’s consistency and accuracy proved too much for Bublik, as he finished the match with 27 winners and only 20 unforced errors.

With this victory, Humbert is projected to rise to a career-high ranking of No. 14 in the ATP rankings. His success in Dubai is a culmination of his hard work and dedication, and it sets the stage for even greater achievements in the future.

Categories: Tennis

AIFF President Accused of Corruption, Misuse of Funds

By Nilay March 2, 2024 0

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has been rocked by allegations of corruption, with Principal Legal Advisor Nilanjan Bhattacharjee accusing President Kalyan Chaubey of misusing funds and awarding tenders in a non-transparent manner.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bhattacharjee alleged that Chaubey had created “corruption avenues” through non-transparent tender processes and preferential allotment of contracts. He claimed that Chaubey had attempted to “siphon off money from the federation’s exchequer” and used AIFF funds for personal expenses.

Bhattacharjee specifically cited the awarding of broadcasting rights for the I-League, IWL, and Santosh Trophy to a single company that he alleged was close to Chaubey. He also claimed that crores of rupees had been spent on Chaubey’s personal trips and hotel stays.

Chaubey has denied the allegations, calling them “baseless” and stating that he would take legal action. He said that he had gone through the allegations and would respond legally.

Bhattacharjee, who was appointed as Principal Legal Advisor after Chaubey took charge in September 2022, said that he had suggested safeguards in subsequent tenders, but Chaubey had attempted to “malign” his image and professional integrity.

The allegations have raised concerns about the transparency and accountability of the AIFF, which is the governing body for football in India. The federation has been under scrutiny in recent months, with several former officials facing corruption charges.

The Prime Minister’s Office has not yet commented on the allegations, but the Sports Ministry has said that it is aware of the matter and is looking into it.

Categories: Football

AIFF President Accused of Corruption, Misuse of Funds

By Nilay March 2, 2024 0

Chaubey has denied the allegations, calling them “baseless” and stating that he would take legal action. He said that he had gone through the allegations and would respond legally.

The Prime Minister’s Office has not yet commented on the allegations, but the Sports Ministry has said that it is aware of the matter and is looking into it.

Categories: Football

Sunil Gavaskar Compares Dhruv Jurel to MS Dhoni, Highlights Potential for Greatness

Wagner Recall Possible for New Zealand in Christchurch Test

Australia Thump New Zealand by 172 Runs in Wellington Test

Ranji Trophy vs. IPL: The Debate Over Domestic Cricket’s Importance

Mumbai Dominate Tamil Nadu in Ranji Trophy Opener After Poor First Session

Coleman Wong Reaches Delhi Open Challenger Final, Blancaneaux Awaits

Bengaluru FC Edge Past Kerala Blasters to Secure Playoff Spot

Ugo Humbert Joins Exclusive Club with Sixth Consecutive ATP Final Victory

AIFF President Accused of Corruption, Misuse of Funds

AIFF President Accused of Corruption, Misuse of Funds

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