Harbhajan Singh Reflects on Virat Kohli's Early Career and Unwavering Determination

Harbhajan Singh Reflects on Virat Kohli’s Early Career and Unwavering Determination

Virat Kohli’s journey to cricketing greatness has been marked by an unwavering determination and an insatiable hunger for success. Harbhajan Singh, a former teammate and close friend, recently shared insights into Kohli’s early career, highlighting the qualities that have shaped him into one of India’s most celebrated cricketers.

During Kohli’s debut ODI series in 2008, Harbhajan witnessed firsthand the young batsman’s relentless drive. Despite scoring a half-century, Kohli expressed dissatisfaction, revealing his desire to push himself further. This attitude hinted at the exceptional heights he would eventually reach.

Kohli’s early Test struggles in 2011 against the West Indies tested his self-belief. Harbhajan recalled a conversation where he encouraged Kohli to believe in his abilities, predicting that he would score 10,000 Test runs. These words proved prophetic, as Kohli transformed into a batting phenomenon over the next 13 years.

Harbhajan attributed Kohli’s success to his unwavering mindset and meticulous preparation. He observed a shift in Kohli’s diet and training regimen, reflecting his determination to become an extraordinary player. Kohli’s stubbornness and unwavering belief in his abilities have been instrumental in his rise to the top.

Kohli’s impact on Indian cricket has been profound. He has elevated his batting to unprecedented levels, breaking numerous records and becoming the face of the sport in India. His aggressive approach and relentless pursuit of victory have inspired a generation of cricketers.

Currently, Kohli stands on the cusp of surpassing 10,000 Test runs, a milestone that would further cement his legacy as one of India’s all-time greats. His journey from a young batsman to a cricketing legend serves as a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and an unwavering belief in oneself.

India's Medal Quest Continues at Paris Paralympics 2024

India’s Medal Quest Continues at Paris Paralympics 2024

India’s Medal Hunt Continues at Paris Paralympics 2024

After a remarkable start to the Paris Paralympics 2024, the Indian contingent is poised for more medal glory on Tuesday. Star shooter Avani Lekhara, who has already secured a gold medal, will return to action in the women’s 50m rifle 3 position event.

In athletics, India’s high jump trio of Mariyappan Thangavelu, Shailesh Kumar, and Sharad Kumar will aim for podium finishes in the men’s high jump T63 finals. Meanwhile, Ajeet Singh, Rinku, and Sundar Singh Gurjar will vie for medals in the F46 javelin throw final.

The day’s schedule also features para archery, with Pooja set to compete in the women’s individual recurve open round of 16. If she qualifies, she will face off in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and potentially the bronze or gold medal matches later in the evening.

Detailed Schedule:

Para Shooting

* 1:00 PM: Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Position SH1 (Qualification) – Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal
* 7:30 PM: Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Position SH1 Finals (Subject to Qualification) – Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal

Para Athletics

* 2:28 PM: Women’s Shot Put F34 (Finals) – Bhagyashri Madhavrao Jadhav
* 10:38 PM: Women’s 400m T20 (Final) – Deepthi Jeevanji
* 11:50 PM: Men’s High Jump T63 Finals – Mariyappan Thangavelu, Shailesh Kumar, Sharad Kumar
* 12:13 AM (September 4): Men’s Javelin Throw F46 Finals – Ajeet Singh, Rinku, Sundar Singh Gurjar

Para Archery

* 3:20 PM: Women’s Individual Recurve Open Round of 16 – Pooja vs TBD
* 8:30 PM: Women’s Individual Recurve Open Quarter-final (Subject to Qualification) – Pooja vs TBD
* 9:38 PM: Women’s Individual Recurve Open Semi-final (Subject to Qualification) – Pooja vs TBD
* 10:27 PM: Women’s Individual Recurve Open Bronze Medal Match (Subject to Qualification) – Pooja vs TBD
* 10:44 PM: Women’s Individual Recurve Open Gold Medal Match (Subject to Qualification) – Pooja vs TBD

Amir Fumes at Wasim's Fielding, Gillespie Explains Afridi-Shah Exclusion

Amir Fumes at Wasim’s Fielding, Gillespie Explains Afridi-Shah Exclusion

Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir Fumes at Imad Wasim’s Lackluster Fielding in CPL

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir expressed his frustration during the Caribbean Super League after a lackluster fielding effort by his compatriot Imad Wasim. The incident occurred during a match between the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, where both Amir and Wasim play, and the Barbados Royals.

Amir bowled a short-pitched delivery to Quinton De Kock, who guided it towards the third-man boundary. Wasim, fielding at deep backward point, initially ran towards the ball but then eased up, allowing it to go for a four. Amir was visibly agitated and was heard shouting at Wasim to run. His fielding position was changed on the next ball.

The Royals ultimately emerged victorious, with De Kock scoring 87 runs off just 45 deliveries. The incident sparked criticism on social media, with many questioning Wasim’s commitment to the game.

Pakistan’s Test Coach Explains Exclusion of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Test head coach Jason Gillespie has revealed the reasons behind the exclusion of star pace duo Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah from the playing XI for the second Test against Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is in a commanding position after Day 4, needing just 143 runs to complete a historic clean sweep. Despite a strong performance in the first innings, Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled against Bangladesh’s openers.

Gillespie explained that the team selection was based on an analysis of the pitch conditions. “We looked at conditions and what we thought was the best combination,” he said. “We had Bangladesh in a bit of trouble in the first innings, but we need to improve our line and length.”

Pakistan Cricket Team's Woes Continue with Fielding Blunders

Pakistan Cricket Team’s Woes Continue with Fielding Blunders

Pakistan’s cricket team continues to face adversity both on and off the field. Amidst ongoing changes in leadership and coaching staff, the team’s performance has taken a nosedive, culminating in a humiliating defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test. The second Test in Rawalpindi has brought further embarrassment, with skipper Shan Masood drawing heavy criticism for his abysmal fielding.

On Day 3 of the second Test, Masood dropped a straightforward catch that gifted batter Hasan Mahmud a second life. The incident occurred during the 75th over of Bangladesh’s first innings, when Mahmud mistimed a shot off Khuram Shahzad’s delivery. The low shot went straight to Masood at cover, but the Pakistan skipper fumbled the catch, allowing the ball to drop to the ground.

This blunder left Masood’s teammates visibly stunned, and the video quickly went viral on social media, sparking a barrage of criticism from fans. The incident marked the second fielding error by Pakistan in the match, following Saud Shakeel’s dropped catch of Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam on Saturday.

The disappointment was evident on Masood’s face as Shakeel missed the catch, and even the commentators expressed disbelief at the “regulation catch” being dropped. Umpire Richard Kettleborough could not conceal his reaction to the missed opportunity.

Despite the fielding blunders, Bangladesh fought back on Sunday, with Litton Das scoring a valiant century to lift his team from a precarious 26-6 to a respectable 262 all out. The remarkable turnaround has left the second Test in Rawalpindi evenly poised.

At close on the third day, Bangladesh struck back to leave Pakistan on a sluggish 9-2, with opener Abdullah Shafique dismissed for three and nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad falling without scoring, both to pacer Hasan Mahmud.

Pakistan’s poor performance has raised serious concerns about the team’s future prospects. The constant changes in leadership and coaching staff have created instability, while the players’ lack of form and discipline has contributed to the team’s downfall.

Unless Pakistan can address these issues and find a way to improve their performance, they face the prospect of further setbacks and a decline in their international standing.

Olympic Pistol Sharpshooter Yusuf Dikec Trademarks Viral Stance

Olympic Pistol Sharpshooter Yusuf Dikec Trademarks Viral Stance

Turkey’s Pistol Sharpshooter Yusuf Dikec Trademarks Viral Olympic Stance

Turkish Olympic pistol sharpshooter Yusuf Dikec has taken steps to protect the commercial use of his nonchalant stance at the Paris Games, which became a viral sensation worldwide. His coach, Erdinc Bilgili, revealed that they filed a trademark application with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office to prevent others from exploiting Dikec’s pose without his consent.

Dikec’s seemingly effortless stance, with his hands casually tucked into his pockets, inspired a deluge of memes online. Some likened him to the fictional spy James Bond, while Tesla founder Elon Musk shared a video of himself imitating the pose. The stance also gained popularity among fellow athletes, with Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson replicating it after scoring against Crystal Palace in the English Premier League.

The widespread imitation and commercialization of Dikec’s pose prompted the trademark application. Bilgili stated that they had received information about numerous trademark registration initiatives carried out without Dikec’s knowledge, leading them to file their own application. He added that the other applications had been rejected.

Dikec’s pose has become a symbol of his calm and collected demeanor under pressure. In an interview with AFP, he explained that the hand-in-pocket technique was simply a way to maintain stability and balance. “There’s nothing more to it,” he said.

The Turkish trademark office has yet to comment on the application. However, various memorabilia bearing Dikec’s likeness, including T-shirts, mugs, and mobile phone covers, have already gone on sale.

Dikec’s trademark application highlights the growing importance of protecting intellectual property in the digital age. As viral moments and images become increasingly valuable, athletes and other public figures are taking steps to safeguard their commercial rights.

Donald Young's Pickleball Skills Shine in US Open Mixed Doubles

Donald Young’s Pickleball Skills Shine in US Open Mixed Doubles

Donald Young, the former tennis prodigy, has found a new lease on his sporting career in pickleball. After a 14-month hiatus from tennis, Young has teamed up with Taylor Townsend to compete in the US Open mixed doubles tournament.

Despite being wild-card entrants, Young and Townsend have impressed with their performances, winning their first two matches in straight sets and prevailing in a dramatic 10-8 match tiebreaker in the third round. Their success has been built on Young’s newfound skills in pickleball, a sport that emphasizes soft touch and precision.

Young’s transition to pickleball has been seamless, as evidenced by his victories over top-ranked players like Connor Garnett and Jay Devilliers. He has also teamed up with Devilliers to defeat Tyson McGuffin and Jack Sock, another tennis player who has made the switch to pickleball.

While Young’s focus is currently on pickleball, he has not ruled out a return to tennis. “We’ll get to the end when we get to the end, but we’re still playing,” he said. “It’s great to play here one more time.”

Young’s resurgence in mixed doubles is a testament to his adaptability and resilience. Despite never reaching the Top 10 in singles, he has carved out a successful career in tennis and is now making a name for himself in pickleball.

Ashwin Embraces Legacy, Predicts Future Spinners Will Surpass Him

Ashwin Embraces Legacy, Predicts Future Spinners Will Surpass Him

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian off-spinner, is preparing for an arduous 10-Test stretch for the national team, starting with the home series against Bangladesh. As he approaches the twilight of his illustrious career, Ashwin remains confident that future generations will surpass his achievements.

In a recent interview with veteran cricket journalist Vimal Kumar, Ashwin acknowledged the legacy of Indian spinners that preceded him, including Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. “I am fortunate to have inherited their legacy and built upon it,” he said. “My success is a testament to their contributions.”

Ashwin emphasized the constant evolution of the game, citing the Indian Premier League (IPL) as an example. “The salaries in the IPL will continue to rise in the future,” he said. “The world is constantly progressing.”

Ashwin, who currently holds the top spot in the ICC Test all-rounder rankings, believes that his own achievements will eventually be eclipsed. “I will eventually retire, and someone else will take my place,” he said. “It’s like a relay race, where each runner contributes to the overall success.”

Ashwin expressed his conviction that future spinners will surpass his accomplishments. “I am certain that someone better than me will emerge,” he said. “The game will continue to evolve, and new players will bring their own unique skills and innovations.”

Ashwin’s comments reflect his humility and his understanding of the cyclical nature of sports. He recognizes that his own success is built upon the foundation laid by previous generations, and he expects future players to build upon his legacy.

Medvedev and Sinner Advance to US Open Quarter-Finals

Medvedev and Sinner Advance to US Open Quarter-Finals

Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner, the top two seeds at the US Open, advanced to the quarter-finals on Monday, setting up a potential blockbuster clash. Medvedev, the 2021 champion, cruised past Nuno Borges 6-0, 6-1, 6-3, while Sinner, the Australian Open winner, will face Tommy Paul in the night session.

Medvedev, who is seeking his second US Open title, has been in impressive form throughout the tournament, dropping just one set. He dominated Borges, who was making his Grand Slam quarter-final debut, with his powerful serve and relentless groundstrokes.

Sinner, who is aiming to become the first man to reach the quarter-finals at all four Grand Slams this year, will face a tough test against Paul, the 14th seed. Paul has been in excellent form, reaching the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time.

In the women’s draw, Iga Swiatek, the world number one, continued her march towards a sixth Grand Slam title with a straight-sets victory over Liudmila Samsonova. Swiatek, who won the US Open in 2022, will face Jessica Pegula in the quarter-finals.

Pegula, the sixth seed, advanced to the last eight for the second time with a victory over Diana Shnaider. She will be looking to upset Swiatek and reach the semi-finals for the first time.

Jack Draper became the first British man since Andy Murray in 2016 to reach the quarter-finals by defeating Tomas Machac. Draper, who is ranked 25th, has impressed with his aggressive play and will face Alex de Minaur in the next round.

Beatriz Haddad Maia became the first Brazilian woman to reach the quarter-finals since Maria Bueno in 1968. She defeated Caroline Wozniacki in three sets and will face Karolina Muchova in the next round.

Caroline Wozniacki's US Open Hoodie: A Tribute to Career and Motherhood

Caroline Wozniacki’s US Open Hoodie: A Tribute to Career and Motherhood

Caroline Wozniacki, the former world No. 1, has been making a statement on and off the court at the US Open with her personalized Adidas Z.N.E. zip-up hoodie. The hoodie pays tribute to her illustrious career and her journey as a mother.

On the right chest, the hoodie features a “#1” to signify her highest ranking, a silhouette of a trophy to commemorate her 2018 Australian Open victory, and the number 30 to represent her singles titles. On her right sleeve, the names of her children, Olivia and James, are emblazoned, a testament to her dual role as a mother and an athlete.

Wozniacki, who retired in 2020, returned to action last summer after giving birth to her two children. She has admitted to experiencing “mom guilt” as she balances motherhood with her tennis career.

“My kids are there every single day, and I really appreciate it. It’s the best job in the world, and I love it,” Wozniacki said. “But also, I try to make sure that I am still there as a 100% present mom, while I’m also trying to balance being the best tennis player that I possibly can be.”

Despite the challenges, Wozniacki has reached the fourth round at the US Open for the second consecutive year. She bowed out to No. 22 seed Beatriz Haddad Maia in the fourth round, but her performance has been a testament to her determination and resilience.

Wozniacki’s personalized hoodie is not just a fashion statement; it is a symbol of her journey as a woman, a mother, and an athlete. It is a reminder that it is possible to pursue both personal and professional goals with passion and dedication.

All-Rounders Smith and Clarkson Join New Zealand Central Contracts

All-Rounders Smith and Clarkson Join New Zealand Central Contracts

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced the addition of all-rounders Nathan Smith and Josh Clarkson to its central contracts list, replacing Devon Conway and Finn Allen who declined offers last month.

Smith, 26, is yet to make his international debut but has impressed in domestic cricket, particularly in red-ball cricket. He was the leading wicket-taker in last season’s Plunket Shield with 33 wickets at an average of 17.18 for champions Wellington. He also had a successful stint with Worcestershire in the County Championship, claiming 27 wickets in seven matches.

“Nathan’s been on our radar for a while having been a significant performer in domestic cricket for some time,” said New Zealand head coach Gary Stead. “He’s been particularly impressive in red-ball cricket and we think he has the skills to be successful in international cricket when he gets a chance.”

Clarkson, 27, has played three ODIs and T20Is for New Zealand. He featured in series against Bangladesh, Australia, and Pakistan last season.

“Josh has been involved in both white ball squads over the past twelve months which shows the strides he’s made in his game,” Stead said. “He’s a hard-hitting player with plenty of skills and has shown in his chances so far that he can offer a lot with bat and ball on the international stage. Josh will provide depth and adds value given the volume of white ball cricket on the horizon.”

The vacancies on the contract list arose when Conway and Allen opted out to take up T20 league deals during January. Conway, who will play in the SA20 for Joburg Super Kings, was offered a casual playing contract, while Allen, who signed a two-year deal with Perth Scorchers in the BBL, will remain eligible for selection on a case-by-case basis.

New Zealand return to action next week with a one-off Test against Afghanistan in Greater Noida before traveling to Sri Lanka for two Tests and then India for three.

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