Sumit Nagal Crashes Out of US Open in Straight-Set Defeat

Sumit Nagal Crashes Out of US Open in Straight-Set Defeat

India’s top tennis player, Sumit Nagal, suffered a disappointing exit from the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the season, after a straight-set defeat to Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor in the opening round.

Nagal struggled with his first serve throughout the match, winning only 61% of those points. In contrast, Griekspoor dominated with his first serve, winning an impressive 87% of his points. The Dutchman also converted six of his 11 break chances, while Nagal managed to break his opponent twice.

The match lasted for two hours and 20 minutes, with Nagal finding his rhythm late in the game. However, he made several unforced errors, which allowed Griekspoor to secure easy winners. Light rain briefly interrupted play in the second set, but Nagal resumed with determination.

Despite his defeat in the singles, Nagal remains in the US Open as he is also competing in the men’s doubles. He had a promising start to the season, qualifying for the Australian Open main draw and improving his ranking to secure his place in all four Grand Slams.

While he won a main draw round in Melbourne, Nagal faced early exits in the subsequent Majors. Nevertheless, his participation in all Grand Slams of the 2024 season has significantly boosted his career. Prajnesh Gunneswaran was the last Indian to play in all Grand Slam singles main draws in 2019.

In the men’s doubles, India will be represented by Rohan Bopanna, Yuki Bhambri, N Sriram Balaji, and Nagal, who will partner with different players.

New Zealand Women's Domestic Cricket Teams Finalize Contracted Player Rosters

New Zealand Women’s Domestic Cricket Teams Finalize Contracted Player Rosters

New Zealand’s women’s domestic cricket teams have finalized their contracted player rosters for the 2024-25 season. The signings include a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talents.

Central Districts

Central Districts have added uncapped right-arm seamer Grace Foreman to their roster. Foreman has impressed through Taranaki and Central Districts’ pathway systems and joins Anna Gaging as the new faces on the team.

Canterbury

Canterbury have signed batter Emma Irwin, who previously represented the team. Irwin was part of the New Zealand Under-19 side at the World Cup last year.

Auckland

Auckland have elevated fast bowler Sophie Court to their contract list. Court has risen through Auckland Cricket’s Talent and Pathway programme and was part of the Auckland Under-19 team that won the national under-19 tournament this year.

Northern Districts

Northern Districts have signed allrounder Carol Agafili, who has represented the team in the past and also played for Samoa in T20Is.

Wellington

Wellington have added right-hand batter Gemma Sims to their roster. Sims played for Wellington in the Super Smash last season.

Otago

Otago have awarded their maiden contract to Isy Parry. Parry has been a standout performer in Otago’s age-group teams.

The contracted players will represent their respective teams in the upcoming domestic season, which includes the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield (one-day competition) and the Super Smash (T20 competition).

Rohit Sharma's Hilarious Bodyguard Act for Kedar Jadhav Captured by MS Dhoni

Rohit Sharma’s Hilarious Bodyguard Act for Kedar Jadhav Captured by MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni Captures Rohit Sharma’s Hilarious Bodyguard Act for Kedar Jadhav

In a lighthearted moment captured on camera, former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni filmed a comical scene involving Rohit Sharma and Kedar Jadhav. The video, which has gone viral on social media, showcases the playful camaraderie among the Indian cricket team members.

The incident occurred during a team stay at a hotel. Dhoni, armed with his phone, began recording as Kedar Jadhav walked down a corridor. Rohit Sharma, standing nearby, instructed a team support staff member to pretend to be a fan. Another support staff member positioned himself to the right of Jadhav, acting as his bodyguard.

As the trio walked down the corridor, Dhoni’s voice can be heard saying, “Start kar diya hai” (It has started). Suddenly, the “fan” approached Jadhav for a selfie, but Rohit swiftly intervened, pushing him aside with a nonchalant gesture. The entire scene erupted in laughter, with Jadhav collapsing on the floor in amusement.

The video highlights the close bond and playful nature of the Indian cricket team. It also showcases the lighter side of the players, who often engage in fun activities to relieve the pressure of international cricket.

Djokovic Cruises to Night Session Victory at US Open

Djokovic Cruises to Night Session Victory at US Open

Novak Djokovic, the 21-time Grand Slam champion, made his much-anticipated debut under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open on Monday night. However, the crowd’s energy was noticeably subdued during the first two-and-a-half sets of his 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Radu Albot.

Despite the lack of atmosphere, Djokovic maintained his focus and never allowed Albot to gain any momentum. The Moldovan struggled to find his rhythm and committed 45 unforced errors, while Djokovic remained composed and efficient.

Albot’s only bright spot came in his ability to save break points, frustrating Djokovic at times. However, the Serbian eventually broke through in the third set, eliciting the first and only collective outburst from the crowd.

Djokovic’s victory was crucial for his hopes of conserving energy in the tournament. In 2021, he dropped a set in four of his first five matches and was exhausted by the final. By finishing his match against Albot around midnight, Djokovic ensured that he would have ample time to recover before his next encounter.

Despite the subdued atmosphere, Djokovic acknowledged the importance of night sessions at the US Open. “The noise, the energy of the stadium is just different from anything else,” he said. “I’m going to play my first match here Monday night, so I can’t wait to be under the lights.”

KL Rahul Retained by LSG, Captaincy Uncertain

KL Rahul Retained by LSG, Captaincy Uncertain

Star wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul is set to be retained by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, but not as captain. Sources close to the franchise have confirmed that Rahul’s decision to step down from the captaincy stems from the pressure associated with the role, allowing him to focus on his batting performance.

The uncertainty surrounding the LSG captaincy has opened up a race between two prominent candidates: Krunal Pandya and Nicholas Pooran. Both players have demonstrated strong leadership qualities and could potentially lead the team to success.

Rahul’s meeting with LSG CEO Sanjiv Goenka on Monday solidified his retention as a player, but the captaincy remains up for grabs. Sources indicate that Goenka has full confidence in Rahul’s abilities as a batter and believes he can make significant contributions to the team.

The LSG franchise is actively exploring its captaincy options, with Pandya and Pooran emerging as the frontrunners. Pandya, a seasoned all-rounder, has captained the Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in 2022, while Pooran, a dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, has led the West Indies in international cricket.

Rahul’s decision to step down as captain follows a disappointing IPL season for LSG, which failed to qualify for the playoffs despite a promising start. The team’s performance under Rahul’s leadership has been a subject of scrutiny, with some fans and experts questioning his tactical decisions.

After the IPL, Rahul’s form dipped, leading to his exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup squad. He is now eager to regain his place in the national team and believes that focusing solely on his batting will enhance his chances of selection.

The LSG franchise is expected to announce its captaincy decision in the coming weeks, as the IPL player retention deadline approaches. The appointment of a new captain will be crucial for the team’s success in the upcoming season.

Tears Flow as Schwartzman Bids Farewell to Grand Slams at US Open

Tears Flow as Schwartzman Bids Farewell to Grand Slams at US Open

The US Open witnessed an emotional opening day as two beloved players bid farewell to Grand Slam tennis. Dominic Thiem’s retirement announcement set the tone, and the tears continued to flow as Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman played his final major match.

Facing Gael Monfils on Grandstand, Schwartzman rallied the crowd by taking the opening set in a tiebreak. However, Monfils’ experience and power proved too much, as he closed out the match 6-7 (2), 6-2, 6-2, 6-1.

Schwartzman, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 8 in 2020, announced his retirement in May. Exhausted by travel and a decline in form, the 32-year-old plans to end his career on home soil in Buenos Aires next year.

After the match, Monfils graciously allowed Schwartzman to savor the moment with the fans. Tournament organizers unveiled a touching tribute video, prompting Schwartzman to break down in tears.

“It’s difficult to speak, I’m a guy who cries a lot,” Schwartzman said through sobs. “I’m not supposed to cry now, I have to be strong.”

Despite the emotional farewell, Schwartzman expressed gratitude for his journey at the US Open. “It has been great. Many years, time passes very, very quickly… I am very happy with how things have gone for me here and also with how the public has treated me over all these years.”

Schwartzman also shared his excitement for the future. He plans to marry his girlfriend next year and has several business ventures in the works. However, he remains uncertain about a coaching career.

Meanwhile, Monfils advanced to the second round, where he will face No. 8 seed Casper Ruud. The US Open continues to provide a stage for both emotional farewells and thrilling tennis.

ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Warm-Up Matches Announced

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Warm-Up Matches Announced

The upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to kick off in the United Arab Emirates, and the warm-up matches have been announced. All 10 qualified teams will participate in these practice games, with each side playing two matches.

The warm-up fixtures will be held from September 28 to October 1, and will provide teams with an opportunity to fine-tune their preparations for the main event. The matches will be 20 overs per side and will not have international T20 status, allowing teams to field all members of their 15-player squad.

Group A of the tournament features defending champions Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Group B includes England, South Africa, West Indies, Scotland, and Bangladesh.

The warm-up fixtures will begin on September 28 with Pakistan taking on Scotland and Sri Lanka facing Bangladesh. Australia will face arch-rivals England the following day, while India will take on 2016 edition champions West Indies on the same day.

The warm-up matches will be crucial for teams to assess their strengths and weaknesses, and to build momentum ahead of the tournament. The matches will also provide an opportunity for players to gain valuable match experience and to adjust to the conditions in the UAE.

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be held from October 10 to 20 in Dubai and Sharjah. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, which will be held on October 17 and 18. The final will be played in Dubai on October 20.

PCB Chief Blames Lack of Quality Players for Pakistan's Humiliating Defeat

PCB Chief Blames Lack of Quality Players for Pakistan’s Humiliating Defeat

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has expressed his disappointment over the team’s humiliating 10-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in the Rawalpindi Test. This was the first time Pakistan had lost to Bangladesh in the longest format of the game, sending shockwaves through the nation.

Naqvi attributed the loss to multiple factors, including skipper Shan Masood’s captaincy, team selection, the performances of top batters like Babar Azam, and the inability of pacers like Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah to deliver with the ball.

Former Pakistan cricketers have also criticized the selectors for not picking talented players from the domestic pool. However, Naqvi believes that there aren’t many quality players in Pakistan’s domestic pool to choose from.

“It was a very disappointing loss,” Naqvi said. “The problem is the selection committee has no pool to turn to.”

Naqvi had promised a “surgery” after Pakistan’s early elimination from the T20 World Cup 2024, but the same problems resurfaced in the first Test against Bangladesh. While the PCB chief remains keen to find a solution, he admitted that there aren’t many quality players to choose from.

“We want to fix our problems,” Naqvi said, “but when we look at how to resolve them, we don’t have any solid data or (elite) players pool which we can draw from.”

After the first match, Pakistan captain Shan Masood accepted that mistakes were made by him and the team.

“Never to make an excuse, it (the pitch) didn’t play the way we thought it would. Also the weather had been around in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, it rained around 8-9 days before the first day of play. Firstly looking at the pitch, we expected it to do a bit more. With three pace bowlers, they were gonna be pushed to the limit. At the end of the day, we got it wrong,” he said.

Kohli and Sharma Poised for Record-Breaking Careers, Says Bangar

Kohli and Sharma Poised for Record-Breaking Careers, Says Bangar

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma: Longevity in Cricket’s Modern Era

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have the potential to surpass the illustrious careers of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. This optimistic outlook stems from the evolving landscape of modern cricket, which emphasizes workload management and player longevity.

Bangar, speaking on The Rao Podcast, highlighted the advancements in fitness regimes and support systems that are enabling players to extend their playing years. He noted that Rohit Sharma, who is currently 35 years old, could continue playing for several more years if his fitness permits.

“Sachin played till 40, and even Rahul played till 40,” Bangar said. “With better fitness standards and more professionals looking after players, including nutritionists, careers are going to get longer.”

Bangar also emphasized Kohli’s unwavering commitment to Test cricket, suggesting that it would be the last format he would give up. “Even with Virat, it depends on his body,” Bangar said. “The last format that he would give away will be Test cricket. So, I am sure that you will see Virat playing Test cricket for another five years.”

The pursuit of major trophies, such as the World Cup and World Test Championship, could further motivate Kohli and Sharma to prolong their careers. “India winning the World Cup doesn’t mean that Rohit is going to walk away,” Bangar explained. “Rohit has tasted success now, and India still wants to win the World Test Championship—there is something to look forward to.”

Bangar’s predictions are based on the changing dynamics of modern cricket, where players are increasingly prioritizing their health and longevity. With the support of advanced fitness and recovery techniques, Kohli and Sharma have the potential to continue their dominance in the game for years to come.

Durand Cup Semi-Final: Mohun Bagan Super Giant Host Former Champions Bengaluru FC

Durand Cup Semi-Final: Mohun Bagan Super Giant Host Former Champions Bengaluru FC

Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant return to their home ground, the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, for a highly anticipated semi-final clash against former champions Bengaluru FC in the 2024 Durand Cup on Tuesday.

Mohun Bagan, who edged past Punjab FC 6-5 in a thrilling penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw in regulation time in the quarter-finals, will be eager to make the most of their home advantage. Bengaluru FC, on the other hand, secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Kerala Blasters thanks to a 95th-minute strike from Jorge Pereyra Diaz.

Mohun Bagan head coach Jose Molina expressed his respect for Bengaluru FC but emphasized his team’s focus on their own strengths. “Bengaluru FC are a good team with some really good players, but I am thinking about the whole team, not any individual players,” said Molina. “We are going to miss Jamie Maclaren and Ashique Kuruniyan tomorrow, but the rest of the team is ready to give their best.”

Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza acknowledged the quality of Mohun Bagan’s squad but remained confident in his team’s abilities. “Mohun Bagan Super Giant is a team that has really talented players across the pitch, and we are sure that this will be a fixture that demands us to be focused,” said Zaragoza. “I was happy with the way we defended together as a unit and stayed compact against the Blasters.”

Both teams have been in impressive form throughout the tournament. Mohun Bagan topped their group with three wins and a draw, while Bengaluru FC won all three of their group matches, scoring ten goals and conceding just twice.

The semi-final clash promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of Indian football’s most decorated clubs. The winner will advance to the final on Saturday, where they will face NorthEast United.

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