India Eyes Four More Wins in WTC Race with Kanpur Test

India Eyes Four More Wins in WTC Race with Kanpur Test

India’s quest for a hat-trick of World Test Championship (WTC) finals continues as they prepare for the second and final Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. After a resounding victory in Chennai, India needs four more wins from their remaining nine matches to secure their place in the WTC final next year.

The Kanpur Test will present a stark contrast to the red-soil pitch in Chennai. The black soil pitch is expected to be flatter and lower in bounce, favoring spinners. This change may prompt both teams to alter their team compositions.

India may consider resting premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah to manage his workload. However, his impressive performance in Chennai, where he took four wickets in just 21 overs, may sway the team management to keep him in the lineup.

The choice of the third spinner is another key decision. Kuldeep Yadav, who has been in excellent form, could get the nod over Axar Patel, whose all-round abilities may not be as crucial on a flat pitch.

India’s probable playing XI for the second Test against Bangladesh:

* Rohit Sharma (c)
* Yashasvi Jaiswal
* Shubman Gill
* Virat Kohli
* KL Rahul
* Rishabh Pant (wk)
* Ravindra Jadeja
* Ravichandran Ashwin
* Kuldeep Yadav
* Jasprit Bumrah (if fit)
* Mohammed Siraj

Ajinkya Rahane to Establish Cricket Academy at Bandra Reclamation

Ajinkya Rahane to Establish Cricket Academy at Bandra Reclamation

Mumbai’s Bandra Reclamation to House Ajinkya Rahane’s Cricket Academy

The Maharashtra state cabinet has approved the allotment of a 2,000 square meter plot at Bandra reclamation to former India and current Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane for the development of a cricket academy. The plot was initially allocated to Sunil Gavaskar in 1988 for an indoor training academy, but the legendary cricketer returned it to the state government in May 2022.

According to a Maharashtra cabinet note, Rahane has been granted the land parcel on a 30-year lease. The note stipulates that 15% of the trainees at Rahane’s cricket academy must be underprivileged children, and the construction of the academy must be completed within two years of Rahane taking possession of the land.

Mumbai BJP president and Bandra MLA Ashish Shelar, who is also the treasurer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), played a key role in securing the land for Rahane’s academy. Shelar had taken up the issue with the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and had written to government authorities regarding the matter.

An official stated that the plot was previously allotted to Sunil Gavaskar in 1988 for an indoor cricket training center. However, due to the lack of progress on the project, the government reclaimed the land. The current condition of the plot is reportedly poor.

Rahane expressed his gratitude on social media, stating, “Thank you… for supporting my vision of a world-class cricket academy & sports facility in Mumbai. This academy will empower young sportspersons with top-notch facilities & guidance, fostering the next generation of champions in the city…”

The allotment of the land to Rahane is a significant development for cricket in Mumbai. The academy is expected to provide young cricketers with access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert coaching, helping them to develop their skills and pursue their dreams of playing at the highest level.

IPL 2025 Auction: Five Superstar Players Who Could Be Released

IPL 2025 Auction: Five Superstar Players Who Could Be Released

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction is fast approaching, and franchises are eagerly awaiting the release of retention and release guidelines from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). While the BCCI is expected to limit teams to retaining a maximum of six players, including Right To Match, some franchises are hoping for an increase to eight.

One of the biggest questions surrounding the auction is the future of MS Dhoni, who has been a mainstay for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). CSK has reportedly suggested that the BCCI reinstate an old rule that would allow them to retain Dhoni as a mentor.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding retention guidelines, reports have emerged highlighting the players that different franchises are interested in keeping. However, with only a limited number of players allowed to be retained, several top names could be released.

Here are five cricketing superstars who could be released by their respective franchises ahead of the mega auction:

1. Rohit Sharma: The Mumbai Indians captain has hinted that the 2024 season could be his last with the franchise. With Hardik Pandya now leading the team, Sharma may be on the lookout for a new side.

2. KL Rahul: The Lucknow Super Kings are reportedly seeking a new captain, and Rahul’s inability to dictate the game has put his position in jeopardy. He could potentially return to his former franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore.

3. Faf du Plessis: The RCB skipper had a disappointing campaign last season, and at 40 years old, his best days in T20 cricket may be behind him. RCB is expected to rope in a new captain and release du Plessis.

4. Venkatesh Iyer: The Kolkata Knight Riders have a tough decision to make regarding Iyer, who has fallen out of favor after a title-winning campaign. With several other key players to retain, Iyer could be released.

5. Glenn Maxwell: After a poor season with RCB, Maxwell could also be on his way out. The franchise may prefer to invest in a player who guarantees a better performance.

The IPL 2025 auction promises to be a major shake-up for several franchises, and these five superstars could find themselves in new colors next season.

Manchester United and Tottenham Seek Europa League Solace Amid Premier League Struggles

Manchester United and Tottenham Seek Europa League Solace Amid Premier League Struggles

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur embark on their Europa League campaigns this week, seeking solace from disappointing Premier League starts.

Erik ten Hag’s United have struggled to improve upon last season’s dismal performance, languishing outside the top 10 with just seven points from five matches. Despite heavy spending in the transfer market, the expected resurgence has yet to materialize.

United’s Europa League opener against Twente on Wednesday is crucial, as anything less than a victory would intensify pressure on Ten Hag. The Dutch club, returning to the competition for the first time since 2012, poses a significant challenge.

Tottenham, under Ange Postecoglou, have also faced growing discontent among fans. After a blistering start to the season, successive Premier League defeats have dampened spirits. The Europa League, now without teams dropping down from the Champions League, presents a golden opportunity for Spurs to end their trophy drought.

They host Qarabag on Thursday, hoping to build on their recent 3-1 victory over Brentford. Postecoglou remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in achieving success.

Elsewhere, crisis-hit Roma welcome Athletic Bilbao to the Stadio Olimpico. The Serie A club has enjoyed recent success in Europe, reaching the Europa League semi-finals three times in the past four seasons. However, the sacking of coach Daniele De Rossi has sparked fury among supporters, who have expressed their anger towards management and players.

Other notable Europa League fixtures include 2022 winners Eintracht Frankfurt hosting Viktoria Plzen, while four-time European champions Ajax take on Besiktas in Amsterdam.

Bumrah's Fitness Claim Sparks Debate Among Indian Cricket Fans

Bumrah’s Fitness Claim Sparks Debate Among Indian Cricket Fans

The Indian cricket team’s recent victory over Bangladesh in the World Test Championship (WTC) has sparked a heated debate among fans over Jasprit Bumrah’s comments regarding the “fittest cricketer in the team.”

In a recent interview, Bumrah controversially chose himself over Virat Kohli as the answer to this question, stating that he wanted to promote fast bowlers. This sparked a fierce online war between the fans of both star cricketers.

Veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on the debate, urging fans to not make a big deal out of it. He praised Bumrah as the “crown jewel of Indian cricket” and emphasized the importance of handling fast bowlers with care.

“Jasprit Bumrah is a fast bowler who bowls at 145 kmph in this heat. He is the crown jewel of Indian cricket like the Kohinoor diamond. Let him say whatever he wants. Just accept it,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin drew an analogy between fast bowlers and tipper lorries, highlighting the need for careful handling due to their high-stress nature. He acknowledged that Bumrah’s injuries were a concern but praised his resilience in returning to bowl at such high speeds.

Meanwhile, India’s victory over Bangladesh has solidified their position at the top of the WTC table, while Sri Lanka’s win over New Zealand has boosted their chances of reaching the final at Lord’s next year.

India’s 280-run victory in Chennai has increased their percentage to 71.67%, extending their lead over Australia in second place. Bangladesh has dropped to sixth place, while Sri Lanka has moved into third spot.

Ashwin's All-Round Brilliance Powers India to Victory in Chennai Test

Ashwin’s All-Round Brilliance Powers India to Victory in Chennai Test

Team India skipper Rohit Sharma heaped praise on Ravichandran Ashwin for his exceptional all-round performance in the first Test against Bangladesh at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. Ashwin’s match-winning ton and fifer earned him the Player of the Match award.

With the bat, Ashwin played a crucial knock of 113 runs from 133 balls, hitting 11 boundaries and two maximums. His innings helped India post a formidable total of 404 runs in the first innings.

With the ball, Ashwin was equally impressive, bagging six wickets in his spell of 21 overs. He conceded 88 runs and played a key role in restricting Bangladesh to 150 runs in their first innings.

Rohit Sharma lauded Ashwin’s contributions, saying, “He’s next in line to talk to you, he’s the right man to answer what he does. Every time we look up to him, he’s always there for us whether with the bat or ball. I don’t know if I speak here, it’ll be enough of what he does for this team. Every time we see him come out and do the job, it’s always so brilliant. He’s never out of the game.”

Rohit also spoke about wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who made a successful return to Test cricket after two years. Pant played a crucial knock of 109 runs in the second innings, helping India set a target of 513 runs for Bangladesh.

“He’s been through some really tough times. The way he has managed himself through those tough times was superb to watch. He came back in the IPL, followed by a very successful World Cup and this is the format he loves the most. For us, it was never about what is he going to do with the bat, we always knew what he had with the bat and with the gloves as well,” Rohit said.

“It was just about giving him the game time. Credit to him as well, he went on to play Duleep Trophy and got ready for this Test match and had an impact straightaway in the game. No matter what the conditions are, whether we play in India, whether we play outside, we want to build the team around that (strong bowling),” the opener added.

Dinesh Karthik Lauds Shubman Gill's Potential for Greatness

Dinesh Karthik Lauds Shubman Gill’s Potential for Greatness

Shubman Gill: A Rising Star with Limitless Potential

Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik has heaped praise on young batter Shubman Gill, highlighting his exceptional talent and potential for greatness. Karthik believes that Gill possesses the technical skills and work ethic to excel in all formats of the game.

Gill’s ability to hit sixes with precision and power has impressed Karthik. Unlike power hitters like Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell, Gill focuses on hitting the ball in the gaps for maximum distance. This unique technique demonstrates his exceptional hand-eye coordination and timing.

Despite initial struggles after being moved to the No. 3 position in India’s Test batting order, Gill has shown remarkable resilience and determination. He has scored three centuries in his last five Tests, showcasing his growing confidence and maturity in the role.

Karthik attributes Gill’s success to his flawless technique and outstanding work ethic. He believes that Gill has the potential to become a dominant force in world cricket. “Whenever I look at Shubman Gill, I see greatness in him,” Karthik said. “The kind of shots he plays, how he gets on top of the ball, technically, there aren’t many flaws.”

With Karthik’s glowing endorsement, expectations are high for Gill to maintain his impressive form as India prepares for crucial upcoming matches. His ability to perform under pressure and adapt to different conditions will be key to his continued success.

Manchester United's Old Trafford Regeneration Project Could Boost UK Economy by £7.3 Billion

Manchester United’s Old Trafford Regeneration Project Could Boost UK Economy by £7.3 Billion

Manchester United’s proposed Old Trafford stadium regeneration project has the potential to generate a staggering £7.3 billion ($9.7 billion) annually to the British economy, according to an economic feasibility study commissioned by the club. The ambitious project, which could include a brand new 100,000-seater stadium or a redevelopment of the existing Old Trafford, has received the backing of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.

Burnham has emphasized that no public money will be used to fund the project, which is being spearheaded by United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe. The project aims to create a “mixed use” neighborhood around the stadium, featuring apartment blocks, shopping centers, and new public transport stations.

Global advisory firm Oxford Economics has projected that the regeneration project could deliver 92,000 new jobs, more than 17,000 new homes, and an additional 1.8 million visitors per year to the area. Burnham has hailed the project as potentially the largest regeneration scheme in the country, with the hope that it will create the “best football stadium in the world” while also benefiting the surrounding community.

United has appointed renowned architects Foster Partners to work on the plans, and fans are being asked for their input on the redevelopment. Former United captain Gary Neville, part of an Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, has urged supporters to participate in the consultation process.

Jasprit Bumrah: The Unstoppable Force in World Cricket

Jasprit Bumrah: The Unstoppable Force in World Cricket

Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian pace sensation, has emerged as a formidable force in world cricket, earning accolades as arguably the best fast bowler across formats. His exceptional skills and consistent performances have made him a crucial asset for Team India, playing a pivotal role in their recent triumphs.

Bumrah’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. Since making his Test debut in 2018, he has amassed 164 wickets in just 37 matches, boasting an impressive average of 20.51. His ability to swing the ball both ways, generate pace, and maintain accuracy has made him a nightmare for batsmen worldwide.

In the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2024, Bumrah was instrumental in India’s success, showcasing his versatility and adaptability. His ability to bowl effective yorkers, slower balls, and variations at crucial junctures proved invaluable.

Bumrah’s dominance extends to red-ball cricket as well. His performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia have been particularly noteworthy. In the 2020-21 series, he claimed 21 wickets in four matches, including a match-winning spell of 6/33 in the final innings of the Gabba Test.

Former Australian captain Steve Smith, known for his astute batting skills, has heaped praise on Bumrah, calling him “arguably the best fast bowler across the three formats.” Smith’s admiration highlights the respect Bumrah has earned among his peers.

Bumrah’s success has not only elevated his status but has also brought recognition to the role of bowlers in Indian cricket. In a country where batting has traditionally been the focus, Bumrah’s achievements have inspired a new generation of aspiring fast bowlers.

As India embarks on another Test series against Australia, Bumrah’s skills will be crucial to their hopes of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His ability to adapt to different conditions and outsmart the opposition’s best batsmen will be key to India’s success Down Under.

Gambhir's Relaxed Approach vs Dravid's Regimented Style: Ashwin on India's Coaching Transition

Gambhir’s Relaxed Approach vs Dravid’s Regimented Style: Ashwin on India’s Coaching Transition

Gautam Gambhir’s maiden Test coaching stint with the Indian cricket team has commenced, following Rahul Dravid’s successful guidance to the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. As the team embarks on a lengthy Test season, Gambhir faces the challenge of continuing the team’s success.

Ravichandran Ashwin, a pivotal figure in India’s Test aspirations, has shed light on the contrasting coaching styles of Gambhir and Dravid. “Gambhir is very relaxed,” Ashwin said. “He’s like, ‘Are you coming?’ Rahul Bhai, on the other hand, is more regimented. He wants everything in order.”

Ashwin also expressed his appreciation for the enthusiastic crowd support during the first Test against Bangladesh. He hailed the pitch as one of the best he has played on in India, urging curators to create similar surfaces for Tamil Nadu’s Ranji Trophy matches.

“The crowd was passionate,” Ashwin said. “The pitch was awesome. I hope Tamil Nadu plays Ranji Trophy on such pitches. It was an outstanding Test match wicket.”

Ashwin recalled a conversation with former curator Pacha, who predicted the pitch would favor fast bowlers initially before becoming conducive to spin. “But like he said, the first day, there was bounce,” Ashwin concluded.

As India prepares for upcoming Test series against New Zealand and Australia, Ashwin’s insights into the team’s coaching dynamics and the importance of pitch quality provide valuable context for the challenges ahead.

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