Ajay Ratra Replaces Salil Ankola in BCCI's Senior National Selection Panel

Ajay Ratra Replaces Salil Ankola in BCCI’s Senior National Selection Panel

Ajay Ratra, the former Indian wicketkeeper-batter, has been appointed as a member of the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) men’s senior national selection panel. Ratra replaces Salil Ankola, who has been moved to the national junior selection panel.

Ratra’s appointment restores the convention of the national selection committee comprising a selector from each of the five zones. Since Ajit Agarkar’s appointment as chief selector in July 2023, the west zone had two representatives while the north zone had been overlooked.

Ratra, who played six Tests and 12 ODIs for India, brings a wealth of experience to the selection panel. He had an illustrious domestic career, representing Punjab and Haryana in the Ranji Trophy. After retiring from playing in 2013-14, Ratra coached three state sides and had stints with the National Cricket Academy. He was also part of India’s men’s support staff for the tour to South Africa last year.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah welcomed Ratra’s appointment, saying, “His insights will be instrumental to the committee in ensuring that the best talent is identified, nurtured, and given the opportunity to excel at the highest level.”

Ratra’s induction into the selection panel is expected to bring a fresh perspective and help identify and develop the next generation of Indian cricketers.

Tennis Legends Sharapova, Bryan Brothers Nominated for Hall of Fame

Tennis Legends Sharapova, Bryan Brothers Nominated for Hall of Fame

Maria Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam singles champion, and the legendary doubles duo of Bob and Mike Bryan are among the nominees for the International Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

Sharapova, a former world No. 1, achieved a Career Grand Slam in singles, becoming the first Russian woman to top the WTA rankings. Her illustrious career includes 36 titles, including her first major triumph at Wimbledon in 2004 at the age of 17.

The Bryan brothers, also former world No. 1s, have an unparalleled record in doubles. Together, they won 16 Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal in 2012. Their 39 ATP Masters 1000 crowns and Career Golden Masters, where they won all nine active 1000-level tournaments, are testament to their dominance.

Daniel Nestor, a 12-time major title holder, returns to the ballot for his third and final year of eligibility. He seeks to join his former rivals, the Bryans, in the Hall of Fame.

Fan voting is now open, with 75% of the combined total required for election. The Class of 2025 will be announced in October.

Ajith Ram: The Tireless Workhorse of Tamil Nadu Cricket

Ajith Ram: The Tireless Workhorse of Tamil Nadu Cricket

Ajith Ram, a rising star in the Tamil Nadu cricket team, has emerged as a tireless workhorse in the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament semifinal against Chhattisgarh. Despite the wicket offering little assistance to spinners, Ram has toiled relentlessly, bowling 42 overs in two days and claiming four wickets for 109 runs.

Ram’s unwavering determination to bowl long spells stems from his belief that it provides ample opportunities to outwit batters. “I love bowling a lot. Long spells mean more chances to pick up wickets,” he said. “I enjoy the challenge of plotting a batter’s dismissal.”

The 24-year-old spinner has carried his impressive form from the previous Ranji Trophy season into this tournament. He credits his success to his ability to adjust his bowling to the conditions and the batter’s strengths. “When you bowl a lot in the long format, you can build up patiently for a batter,” he explained. “I like that a lot.”

Ram’s contributions have been crucial for Tamil Nadu, who are aiming to reach the final of the tournament. He has not only been economical with the ball but has also chipped in with valuable runs down the order. “It’ll be better if I could contribute to the team with the bat,” he said.

Ram’s performance has caught the attention of cricket pundits, who believe he has the potential to become a mainstay in the Tamil Nadu team and even the Indian national side. His ability to bowl long spells, control the run rate, and take wickets makes him a valuable asset to any team.

As Tamil Nadu continues its quest for victory in the Buchi Babu tournament, Ram is expected to play a pivotal role. His tireless work ethic and unwavering determination will undoubtedly be key factors in his team’s success.

Kohli's Infectious Dance Lights Up Team Huddle

Kohli’s Infectious Dance Lights Up Team Huddle

Virat Kohli’s Infectious Energy Lights Up Team Huddle in Viral Video

Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli has once again captured the hearts of fans with a playful moment caught on camera. In a recently surfaced video, Kohli is seen rushing down the stairs and breaking into an impromptu dance to the beat of drumrolls, much to the delight of his teammates and fans.

The video, which quickly went viral on social media, showcases Kohli’s infectious energy and charisma. It serves as a reminder of why he remains one of the most beloved figures in Indian cricket, not just for his batting prowess but also for his vibrant personality.

Kohli’s recent performance in the ODI series against Sri Lanka may not have been as stellar as his fans are accustomed to, but his leadership and presence on the field remain invaluable. Despite the team’s setback, Kohli is expected to return for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, where he will undoubtedly be a key figure in India’s quest for victory.

Kohli’s recent dance video is a testament to his positive attitude and unwavering spirit. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, he remains a source of inspiration and joy for his teammates and fans alike.

Brendon McCullum Appointed as England's Unified Head Coach for Test and White-Ball Teams

Brendon McCullum Appointed as England’s Unified Head Coach for Test and White-Ball Teams

Brendon McCullum, the current England Test coach, has been appointed as the new men’s white-ball head coach, marking a significant shift in the ECB’s coaching structure. This strategic restructure will see McCullum oversee both the Test and white-ball teams, a move that has been met with widespread praise.

McCullum’s three-year contract extension will see him guide England’s white-ball fortunes until the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, while also leading the Test squad through the 2027 Ashes campaign. This unified approach aims to create a cohesive coaching structure and foster a consistent playing style across all formats.

The appointment comes after the sacking of Matthew Mott as white-ball head coach in July, following England’s disappointing performances in the 50-over and 20-over World Cups. McCullum’s success as Test coach, particularly his implementation of the “Bazball” mentality, has made him a highly sought-after coach.

Despite initially expressing reluctance for the white-ball role, McCullum has now embraced the challenge, eager to extend his ethos of aggressive and fearless cricket to the limited-overs formats. He will work closely with white-ball captain Jos Buttler to build on the team’s existing strengths and navigate the upcoming generational shift.

McCullum’s appointment as both Test and white-ball coach is a first for England since Chris Silverwood. While the demanding schedule has previously made it difficult to combine both roles, the ECB believes that the easing of fixtures from 2025 onwards will allow McCullum to effectively manage both responsibilities.

The unified coaching structure is expected to benefit young players like Harry Brook and Gus Atkinson, who have the potential to excel in both formats. It will also provide a clearer pathway for emerging players to transition from white-ball to Test cricket.

McCullum’s vision for English cricket aligns with the ECB’s goal of creating a thriving environment where players can reach their full potential. He aims to foster a culture of excellence and competitiveness across all formats, ensuring that England remains a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.

Sanskrit Commentary in Local Cricket Match Goes Viral, Highlights Linguistic Inclusivity

Sanskrit Commentary in Local Cricket Match Goes Viral, Highlights Linguistic Inclusivity

Sanskrit Commentary in Local Cricket Match Highlights Linguistic Inclusivity in Sports

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has revolutionized cricket broadcasting in India by offering commentary in 12 regional languages. This move has successfully connected with audiences from diverse linguistic backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of linguistic inclusivity in a culturally rich nation like India.

Taking this concept further, a local cricket match in Bengaluru has recently gone viral for its commentary in Sanskrit. The video, which has captivated viewers across the country, was made possible by the efforts of the language learning platform Sthaayi in collaboration with Karnataka Sanskrit University.

The commentary, delivered by Arun Kumar Kalagi, showcases the timeless beauty of Sanskrit, an ancient language often considered difficult to integrate into modern contexts. Kalagi’s commentary brings to life the nuances and richness of Sanskrit, making it accessible and engaging for a wider audience.

The viral nature of the video, which has amassed millions of views, underscores the potential of digital platforms to breathe new life into traditional languages. The initiative has sparked widespread interest in Sanskrit, with many viewers expressing their admiration for the language and calling for broader inclusion of Sanskrit in sports commentary, particularly in mainstream platforms like Jio Cinema.

As regional language broadcasts in the IPL have demonstrated, linguistic inclusivity is key to engaging India’s diverse population. The positive reception of Sanskrit commentary in a local cricket match showcases the value of preserving and promoting traditional languages, making sports more relatable and enjoyable for diverse audiences.

The success of the Sanskrit commentary initiative highlights the importance of linguistic diversity in sports broadcasting. By embracing traditional languages, sports organizations can connect with a wider audience, foster cultural pride, and promote the preservation of linguistic heritage.

Jaffer Mocks Vaughan's Test Cricket Division Proposal

Jaffer Mocks Vaughan’s Test Cricket Division Proposal

Wasim Jaffer Mocks Michael Vaughan’s Test Cricket Division Proposal

Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has taken a playful jab at his English counterpart Michael Vaughan over the latter’s suggestion to divide Test cricket into two tiers. Vaughan’s proposal, made on Tuesday, aimed to address the declining popularity of the longest format and the disparity in financial resources among cricket boards.

Jaffer’s response came in the form of a screenshot of the World Test Championship (WTC) table from a month ago, when England languished at the bottom. He cheekily pointed out the timing of Vaughan’s tweet, as England had recently climbed to fifth place in the WTC standings after securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series against Sri Lanka.

“Interesting timing from Michael Vaughan to suggest two divisions in Test cricket,” Jaffer tweeted. “England were bottom of the table a month ago, now they’re 5th after beating Sri Lanka.”

Vaughan’s proposal had sparked a debate on social media, with some supporting the idea of a two-tier system to ensure more competitive matches and others arguing that it would further widen the gap between the top and bottom teams.

Jaffer’s playful dig at Vaughan highlights the ongoing banter between the two former cricketers, who have often engaged in friendly exchanges on social media. Their lighthearted rivalry adds a touch of humor to the serious discussions surrounding the future of Test cricket.

Ronaldo and Messi Playing Football

How to improve your football dribbling skills: A path to mastery

Football dribbling is an art form that combines creativity, technique, and strategic thinking. It is more than just a skill. Improvement in dribbling abilities can have a significant impact on performance on the field for athletes, whether they are seasoned pros or prospective players wanting to improve their skills. This article offers a thorough guide for enhancing your football dribbling abilities, making you a more formidable player.

 

  1. Understand the Basics of Dribbling

To start down the path to becoming a better dribbler, you must understand the fundamentals. Dribbling calls for the ability to handle the ball while sprinting, which calls for both coordination and agility. During gameplay, maintaining the ball near your feet enhances control and responsiveness. This foundational knowledge lays the groundwork for later, more sophisticated methods.

  1. Master the Seven C’s of Dribbling

The “Seven C’s of Dribbling” cover a variety of abilities necessary for efficient dribbling. These include being able to change course, change speed, distance traveled, be creative, and adjust to various circumstances. By working on each element independently, athletes can create a versatile dribbling style that works in any situation during a game.

  1. Implement Dribbling Drills

Targeted drills are a great way to improve your skills while training. Here are some drills that work well:

Closed-Space Dribbling Drill: Practice moving through three triangle-shaped cones by using all of your foot’s surfaces. This exercise enhances ball control in confined areas.

Cone Dribble Drill: Place cones in a straight line and alternate between dribbling through your inside and outside foot. Your capacity to move in different directions is enhanced by this.

One-on-One Controlled Dribble: Work on your ability to manoeuvre under pressure by dribbling against defenders. This is a crucial skill for circumstances that arise during games.

 

  1. Work on Change of Pace

A proficient dribbler is aware of when to accelerate and when to slow down. Changing up the tempo during practice might help you confuse opponents and free up space for passes or shots. This essential talent can be developed with basic workouts like short bursts of acceleration followed by slower recovery periods.

  1. Focus on Close Ball Control

Players might gain the upper hand in games by keeping the ball close to them. Positioning yourself better against defenders is made possible by practising light touches and keeping the ball inside a few feet. Close ball control training on a regular basis can greatly improve this area of your game.

  1. Incorporate Creative Techniques

Participate in creative and enjoyable freestyle dribbling workouts to advance your dribbling. Through these activities, you may develop your signature moves that confuse opponents and open up space. You can also improve your game by studying the skills of professional dribblers and adopting their style.

  1. Develop a Strong Mental Game

Dribbling requires more than just good physical skill; it also requires a solid mental game. On the field, staying aware of your surroundings enables you to make judgments more quickly and strategically. To improve your ability to read the game, try imagining good dribbles or watching professional matches.

 

Football dribbling is a technique that requires commitment, repetition, and a willingness to get better. You may improve your dribbling skills and eventually your game by learning the foundations, implementing different drills, concentrating on creativity, and enhancing your mental sharpness. Remind yourself while you focus on your training because improvement takes time and that each touch you make with the ball will bring you one step closer to mastery. Put on your boots, step onto the field, and watch as your development into an expert dribbler takes place.

Saina Nehwal's serve

Saina Nehwal’s Arthritis Battle Raises Questions About Badminton Future

Saina Nehwal, India’s badminton icon and former Olympic bronze medalist, has revealed her battle with arthritis, casting doubt on her future in the sport. The 34-year-old, who made history as the first Indian shuttler to win an Olympic medal, is facing the reality that her illustrious career may be nearing its end.

Nehwal’s knee injury, aggravated by arthritis, has severely limited her training hours. “The knee is not very good. I have arthritis. My cartilage has gone to a bad state. It is very difficult to push for eight-nine hours,” she said.

The realization that her body is no longer capable of the rigorous training required to compete at the highest level has forced Nehwal to confront the possibility of retirement. “I think I will have to accept it somewhere. Because two hours of training is not good enough to play with the highest level of players and get the desired results,” she admitted.

Nehwal’s decision will be influenced by the impact retirement will have on her life. “I am also thinking about it (retirement). It will be sad because it is like a job that a normal person does. Obviously, a sportsperson’s career is always a short one,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Nehwal remains proud of her accomplishments. “I have also had a long career and I am very proud of that. I have broken my body to a great extent. I am happy with what I have done and given it all,” she said.

The Padma Shri awardee expressed her disappointment at missing the Olympics for two consecutive editions. “Competing at the Olympics is a childhood dream for all. You prepare to reach that level for years. Hence, at times, when you realize you will not be able to make it, it hurts a lot,” she said.

Nehwal also spoke about the pressure of expectations that comes with being a top athlete. “When you become a big player, your friends, family, coaches, sponsors, everyone wants you to perform. There are a lot of stakeholders involved,” she said.

As she contemplates her future, Nehwal remains grateful for the support she has received throughout her career. “I have done a lot of hard work. I competed in three Olympics. I gave my 100 per cent in all of them. I can take pride in that and be happy about it,” she said.

Pooja Jatyan Storms into Recurve Archery Quarterfinals at Paris Paralympics

Pooja Jatyan Storms into Recurve Archery Quarterfinals at Paris Paralympics

Pooja Jatyan, India’s World Para Championship silver medalist, has advanced to the quarterfinals of the recurve women’s open archery competition at the Paris Paralympics. The 27-year-old defeated Yagmur Sengul of Turkey in straight sets on Tuesday.

Jatyan, who received a bye into the pre-quarters after finishing in the top nine in the ranking round, won 6-0. She will face Tokyo Paralympics bronze medalist Wu Chunyan of China in the quarterfinals later in the day. Chunyan, the second seed, defeated Oyun-Erdene Buyanjargal of Mongolia in her pre-quarterfinal match.

Jatyan dominated the first set, hitting three 9s in a row. She continued her strong performance in the second set, scoring 26 points to her opponent’s 22. Sengul put up some resistance in the third set, hitting two 9s and an 8, but Jatyan remained calm and edged out the Turkish archer by one point to seal the win.

Jatyan’s journey to the Paralympics has been marked by resilience and determination. In 1997, when she was just two months old, a high fever and a wrong injection due to medical negligence resulted in polio in her left leg. Despite this setback, Jatyan embraced archery in her childhood and has gone on to achieve great success.

In 2023, Jatyan won a silver medal in the Women’s Team event at the Asian Para Championship. She continued her success in 2024, securing a silver medal at the 8th Fazza Para Archery World Ranking Tournament and claiming gold medals in both the Women’s Team and Mixed Team events at the Para Archery European Cup 2nd Leg.

In the recurve open category, archers shoot from a standing position at a distance of 70m at a 122cm target made up of 10 concentric circles scoring from 10 points down to 1 point from the center outwards.

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