Rohit Sharma's Batting Style Impresses Yuvraj Singh, India Prepares for Bangladesh Test

Rohit Sharma’s Batting Style Impresses Yuvraj Singh, India Prepares for Bangladesh Test

Rohit Sharma’s exceptional leadership and batting prowess guided India to a historic T20 World Cup triumph in June, ending an 11-year title drought for the nation. Throughout the tournament, Sharma showcased his dominance, amassing 251 runs in eight matches with an impressive average of 36.71.

In a recent “This or That” segment with Sportskeeda, former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh expressed his admiration for Sharma’s batting style, which he believes mirrors his own. “My batting style, I don’t know. Probably a big hitter. Probably Rohit Sharma,” Singh remarked.

Meanwhile, the Indian team under Sharma’s captaincy arrived in Chennai on Friday to commence preparations for the first Test against Bangladesh. Star players Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul were among those spotted at the airport. Sharma and Virat Kohli also joined the team in Chennai early Friday morning. Kohli returned from London, where he had been spending time with his family.

Pacers Akash Deep and Yash Dayal received their maiden Test call-ups, while wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant made his Test comeback after recovering from a life-threatening accident in December 2022. Kohli will also return to Test cricket for the first time since India’s tour of South Africa in January. He missed the home Test series against England due to the birth of his son.

The two-match Test series between India and Bangladesh will commence on September 19 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The second Test will be played in Kanpur from September 27. Head coach Gautam Gambhir will aim to secure a series victory in his first Test assignment.

Australia's Marsh Receives Quirky Trophy in Scotland T20I Whitewash

Australia’s Marsh Receives Quirky Trophy in Scotland T20I Whitewash

Mitchell Marsh’s Australian team recently completed a dominant 3-0 whitewash over Scotland in a T20I series. However, it was not just the victory that caught the attention of fans, but also the peculiar trophy presented to the winning captain.

The trophy, which resembled a small cup, was significantly smaller than the usual trophies awarded in cricket. Upon receiving it, Marsh and his teammates couldn’t help but chuckle at its diminutive size. The video of this moment has gone viral on social media, sparking amusement and curiosity.

The trophy, known as a “Quaich,” is a traditional Scottish drinking cup that symbolizes friendship, hospitality, and peace. It is typically used for toasting and sharing drinks among friends and guests. The use of a Quaich as a cricket trophy is a unique and fitting gesture, reflecting the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship between the two teams.

The Australia vs. Scotland T20I series concluded on September 7, 2024, with Australia winning all three matches convincingly. Marsh expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting the opportunities given to young players and the team’s overall improvement.

The series was played at the Grange Cricket Club in Edinburgh, providing a different challenge for the Australian team. Marsh acknowledged the warm reception they received in Scotland and expressed his hope for continued support from Scottish fans in their upcoming match against England.

Australia’s dominance in the series was evident in their batting performance in the first T20I. They scored an astonishing 113 runs for the loss of just one wicket in the powerplay, setting a new benchmark for the highest powerplay total in T20Is. This incredible performance laid the foundation for their victory and showcased the team’s aggressive and attacking approach.

The 3-0 whitewash against Scotland is a testament to Australia’s strength and depth in T20 cricket. As they prepare for their upcoming match against England, they will be confident in their ability to continue their winning ways and maintain their status as one of the top teams in the world.

PCB Allocates 12.8 Billion PKR for Stadium Renovations Ahead of ICC Champions Trophy

PCB Allocates 12.8 Billion PKR for Stadium Renovations Ahead of ICC Champions Trophy

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has embarked on a massive renovation project for three major stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi in preparation for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy next year. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced the allocation of a substantial budget of 12.8 billion PKR for these upgrades.

Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore:

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will receive the lion’s share of the funding, with 7.7 billion PKR allocated for its renovation. The project includes the construction of a new steel-structured pavilion (1,100 million PKR), a concrete office building (3,471 million PKR), and a steel structure for the enclosure (1,250 million PKR). Additionally, a moat will be built (189 million PKR), and two LED digital screens will be replaced (330 million PKR).

The stadium’s floodlights will be upgraded with 480 LED lights (523 million PKR), while new seats will be installed (375 million PKR). External development works will also be carried out (93 million PKR).

National Stadium, Karachi:

The National Stadium in Karachi will receive 3.5 billion PKR for its renovation, including new construction. The project involves the construction of a new steel structure for the pavilion building (1,500 million PKR), renovation of the main building and hospitality boxes (580 million PKR), and installation of two new LED digital screens (330 million PKR).

The stadium’s floodlights will be replaced with 450 LED lights (490 million PKR), and new seats will be installed (340 million PKR).

Pindi Stadium, Rawalpindi:

The Pindi Stadium in Rawalpindi will undergo renovations costing an estimated 1.5 billion PKR. The project includes the replacement of floodlights with 350 LED lights (393 million PKR) and the renovation of the main building, hospitality boxes, and restrooms (400 million PKR).

Additionally, two LED digital screens will be replaced (330 million PKR), and new seats will be installed (272 million PKR).

PCB Chairman Naqvi assured that all three venues will be ready in time to host the ICC Champions Trophy next year. The renovations are expected to significantly enhance the facilities and infrastructure of these stadiums, providing a world-class experience for players and spectators alike.

Diana Edulji's Insights and Hopes for India in Women's T20 World Cup

Diana Edulji’s Insights and Hopes for India in Women’s T20 World Cup

As the highly anticipated Women’s T20 World Cup draws near, former Indian cricketer Diana Edulji has shared her expert insights and hopes for the Indian team. The tournament, commencing on October 3, will witness 10 teams vying for the coveted trophy.

Edulji emphasized the pivotal role of openers Shefali Verma and Smriti Mandhana in India’s campaign. “The biggest bets are the two openers, Shefali and Smriti. They have to put a price on their wicket. The World Cup is fully dependent on them,” she stated.

Expressing high expectations for the team, Edulji urged them to seize the opportunity to bring the trophy home, emulating the success of the men’s team. She acknowledged the competitive nature of the tournament, highlighting Bangladesh’s impressive performance in the Asia Cup. “Bangladesh had an excellent Asia Cup campaign. We should play according to our strengths. It doesn’t matter that Australia has won six World Cups, they can lose too. We have to give our 100%,” she said.

Edulji identified spin bowling as one of India’s key strengths, praising Deepti Sharma’s consistent form and ability to strike in the final overs. She also mentioned the promising talent of Shreyanka Patil and emphasized the depth in India’s spin department. However, she pointed out the need to focus on pace bowling, mentioning Renuka Singh as a crucial player.

“Our strength is our spinners, Deepti Sharma has been in form since 2017, she will be important for us in the final overs. We also have Shreyanka Patil, so, we have plenty of spinners. We have got more than 5-6 bowlers, so there should not be any problem,” she added.

Edulji acknowledged the strength of other teams, including South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, England, Australia, and New Zealand, noting their consistent performance in international cricket. “This is an open world cup, South Africa looks strong, Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu is in good form, Bangladesh is causing upsets everywhere, England, Australia, and New Zealand are all looking good and they are playing cricket consistently,” she said.

She expressed confidence that the support staff have learnt from previous World Cups and will avoid past mistakes. Additionally, she appreciated the BCCI for providing ample facilities, with players gaining valuable experience in leagues like the Big Bash and The Hundred.

Rohan Bopanna Joins Tennis Premier League for Season 6

Rohan Bopanna Joins Tennis Premier League for Season 6

The Tennis Premier League (TPL), a revolutionary tennis tournament, is set to host its sixth edition in Mumbai, India, in December. Among the star-studded lineup is former World Number 1 Rohan Bopanna, making his TPL debut.

Bopanna, currently ranked sixth in men’s doubles, is one of India’s most celebrated tennis players. With two Grand Slam titles (Australian Open 2024 in men’s doubles and French Open 2017 in mixed doubles) and three Olympic appearances, he holds the record for being the oldest player to become World No. 1.

The TPL’s unique 25-point format aims to revolutionize tennis. Each match between two franchises consists of men’s singles, women’s singles, mixed doubles, and men’s doubles, with each category worth 25 points. The top four teams from the league stage qualify for the semi-finals.

Bopanna’s experience and skills will be invaluable to his team. He joins a roster that includes Sumit Nagal, Hugo Gaston, and Elina Avanesyan, all vying for the top prize at the iconic Cricket Club of India.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the Tennis Premier League, especially with its innovative 25-point format,” said Bopanna. “Tournaments like the TPL inspire young players and contribute to grassroots development.”

Kunal Thakkur, Co-Founder of TPL, expressed his excitement about Bopanna’s participation. “His presence will not only boost the sixth season of TPL but also motivate the other players,” he said.

Mrunal Jain, Co-Founder of TPL, added, “Rohan Bopanna is an icon of Indian tennis, and we are delighted to have him play in Season 6. We anticipate some exceptional matches with Rohan and the rest of the players.”

The TPL’s innovative format and star-studded lineup promise an unforgettable tennis experience for fans in Mumbai and beyond.

IPL Retention Rules Announcement May Be Postponed Until September

IPL Retention Rules Announcement May Be Postponed Until September

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering postponing the announcement of its Indian Premier League (IPL) retention rules until September, according to sources within the league. The delay could extend until the conclusion of the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 29 in Bengaluru.

The BCCI has not officially linked the AGM to the release of the retention policy, but there is speculation that the board may surprise everyone by unveiling the policy in the coming days. However, the prevailing sentiment among IPL officials suggests that the announcement is likely to be postponed by 10 days to a fortnight.

While no official statement has been made regarding the delay, BCCI representatives have reportedly hinted to franchises that there may be a postponement in the announcement. The franchises have been seeking clarity on the matter, but the board has not provided a definitive timeline for the release of the policy.

The BCCI had originally planned to reveal the policy by late August, as explicitly mentioned by Board officials after the owners’ meeting in Mumbai last month. However, as the end of August drew near, franchise officials contacted the BCCI and were apparently notified of an additional postponement.

The officials were given the impression that the policy would be announced towards the end of September instead.

The BCCI’s retention policy announcement date remains uncertain, but it has been revealed that franchises will have the deadline of November 15 to make their final decisions regarding player retention. It is expected that the auction, which is tentatively planned for December, will also include the Right to Match (RTM) options for the teams.

The BCCI is reportedly considering a controversial decision to categorize retired international cricketers as uncapped players. However, it remains uncertain whether this move will have a significant impact on the auction purse.

While some speculate that this policy might be designed to benefit Chennai Super Kings by allowing MS Dhoni to be placed in the ‘uncapped’ category, it is more likely that the league itself has a vested interest in ensuring Dhoni’s participation for another season.

Chennai Super Kings management has stated that if MS Dhoni chooses to continue playing in the next season, he will be one of their retained players, regardless of whether the BCCI allows only two retentions. This stance by the CSK officials highlights Dhoni’s importance to the franchise and their desire to keep him on the team.

The decision to retain players who have retired from international cricket could also impact other cricketers, such as Sunil Narine. Narine, who last played a T20I in 2019, announced his retirement from international cricket some time ago.

The retention policies set by the BCCI and the stance taken by teams like CSK may influence the future of players who have stepped away from representing their countries but continue to participate in franchise-based leagues.

India Poised to Surpass Test Losses for First Time

India Poised to Surpass Test Losses for First Time

India’s impending Test series against Bangladesh presents a historic opportunity for the team to surpass its losses in the format for the first time ever. With 178 wins and 178 defeats in 579 Tests, a victory in Chennai would mark a significant milestone.

The shift in India’s Test fortunes can be traced back to the leadership of MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Dhoni’s tenure as captain saw a marked improvement in India’s overseas performance, while Kohli’s reign ushered in an era of dominance with a focus on pace bowling.

Kohli’s decision to prioritize fast bowlers, alongside former coach Ravi Shastri, transformed India’s Test aspirations. The emergence of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ishant Sharma as a formidable pace trio gave India the edge in conditions that were once considered unfavorable.

Under Kohli’s captaincy, India achieved its first Test series win on Australian soil, a testament to the impact of his pace-bowling strategy. His win percentage of 58.82% may fall short of Rohit Sharma’s current 62.5%, but his contribution to India’s Test resurgence cannot be overstated.

While Rohit Sharma’s brief tenure as captain has yielded impressive results, it is the legacy of Dhoni and Kohli that has laid the foundation for India’s current success in Test cricket. The upcoming series against Bangladesh offers an opportunity to further cement India’s dominance and etch their name in the annals of Test history.

Surrey and Somerset Set for T20 Blast Semi-Final Rematch

Surrey and Somerset Set for T20 Blast Semi-Final Rematch

Surrey and Somerset, fresh from their thrilling County Championship encounter, will renew their rivalry in the T20 Blast semi-final at Edgbaston on Saturday. Despite recent setbacks, Surrey captain Chris Jordan insists his team is ready for the challenge.

Jordan acknowledges the competitive nature of the fixture, highlighting the importance of adapting to the different tempo and mindset required for T20 cricket. He praises Dom Sibley’s recent performances, showcasing his versatility and power-hitting abilities.

Surrey will be missing several key players due to international commitments, but Jordan remains confident in his squad’s depth. He emphasizes the need for a balanced approach, prioritizing England’s interests while ensuring the availability of players for important domestic matches.

The article also touches on the ongoing debate surrounding the impact of franchise cricket on the county season. Jordan expresses sympathy for Jason Roy’s decision to prioritize CPL commitments, recognizing the changing landscape of T20 cricket.

Regarding his own England ambitions, Jordan remains realistic about his chances of being part of the white-ball reboot under Brendon McCullum. He focuses on performing well for Surrey and Southern Brave, while acknowledging the transition period within the England team.

ACG Jr. NBA Program Launched in India, Targeting Top U-14 Players

ACG Jr. NBA Program Launched in India, Targeting Top U-14 Players

The National Basketball Association (NBA), ACG, a global leader in pharmaceutical solutions, and the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) have joined forces to launch the ACG Jr. NBA program, a nationwide 3v3 tournament for the top U-14 players across India. This initiative marks the largest school-based basketball program in the country.

The ACG Jr. NBA program will feature boys’ and girls’ divisions with teams representing schools from across the country. The tournament will tip off on Tuesday, September 24, with tournaments in Chennai and Mumbai. It will then visit Aizawl, Delhi, Kolkata, and Ludhiana.

The top eight boys’ and girls’ teams from each city will compete in a league phase within each city. The top three boys’ and girls’ teams and one all-star team from each of the boys’ and girls’ divisions will advance to the league finals early next year. The dates of the remaining city tournaments, league phases, and league finals will be announced later.

“Over the past decade, we’ve engaged millions of children through the Jr. NBA program, and we look forward to expanding our development efforts in India alongside our partners and providing more opportunities for boys and girls to play the game and maximize their potential,” said NBA Asia Strategy Head and NBA India Country Head Rajah Chaudhry.

In addition to the ACG Jr. NBA program, the collaboration aims to enhance youth basketball development at the local level, expand elite talent identification nationally, and provide new development opportunities for players, coaches, and referees at all levels. This collaboration builds on the prior association between the NBA and ACG, which included the launch of ACG-NBA Jump, a nationwide basketball talent search program. This marks the first time BFI will serve as an ACG Jr. NBA partner.

“This initiative goes beyond the game – it’s about building character, instilling values, and offering young athletes a platform to grow and shine,” said ACG Managing Director Karan Singh.

The announcement was made at a press conference in Mumbai by BFI President Aadhav Arjuna, NBA Asia Strategy Head and NBA India Country Head Rajah Chaudhry, ACG Chief Marketing Officer Alex Robertson, and CEO of Skechers South Asia Pvt. Ltd. Rahul Vira.

The Jr. NBA program has reached more than 14 million youth and 15,000 physical education instructors across 35 cities in India since 2013. The ACG Jr. NBA program is part of the NBA’s broader basketball development initiatives in India, which include NBA Basketball School and Basketball Without Borders Asia.

Paralympian Kathuniya Honors PM Modi as 'Param Mitra'

Paralympian Kathuniya Honors PM Modi as ‘Param Mitra’

Two-time Paralympic silver medalist Yogesh Kathuniya bestowed a heartfelt title upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting at the PM’s residence. Kathuniya, who recently claimed silver in the F56 category at the World Para-Athletics Championships, expressed his gratitude for the Prime Minister’s unwavering support, calling him “Param Mitra” (best friend).

Kathuniya’s remarkable performance at the Paris Paralympics, where he secured a silver medal in the Men’s Discus Throw – F56 event with a season-best throw of 42.22m, was a testament to his dedication and resilience. The Prime Minister, recognizing the para-athletes’ exceptional achievements, hosted them at his residence to celebrate their record-breaking haul of 29 medals at the Games.

In a heartfelt address, Kathuniya acknowledged the Prime Minister’s role in fostering a supportive environment for para-athletes. “The consistency (in performance) came because of you; it came because of the schemes you have launched like TOPS, Khelo India etc. For everybody, PM means Prime Minister but for us, you are our ‘param mitra’ (best friend),” he said.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his pride in the para-athletes’ accomplishments and emphasized his commitment to supporting their endeavors. “I feel proud for this post and I also want to work as a ‘mitra’ with you all,” he replied.

India’s impressive performance at the Paris Paralympics, with seven gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze medals, marked a significant milestone in the country’s Paralympic history. The contingent surpassed its previous record set at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics (19) and crossed the 50-medal mark, bringing its overall medal tally to 60 (16 gold, 21 silver, and 23 bronze).

A record 84 para-athletes represented India at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, competing across 12 disciplines, three more than at Tokyo 2020. Their determination and unwavering spirit have inspired the nation and set a new benchmark for para-sports in India.

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