News Archives

Ryan ten Doeschate Joins India Coaching Staff to Enhance Spin Batting

By Nilay August 21, 2024 0

Ryan ten Doeschate, the former Netherlands allrounder, has joined the Indian coaching staff as an assistant coach. He will be working alongside Abhishek Nayar under the leadership of head coach Gautam Gambhir. Ten Doeschate’s primary focus will be on improving India’s batting against spin bowling, an area that has been a concern for the team in recent times.

India lost 27 wickets to spin in the recently concluded three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka, the most any team has lost to this variety of bowling in a three-match series. Captain Rohit Sharma admitted that this was an area that needed to be addressed.

Ten Doeschate believes that India’s focus on performing well overseas has led to a decline in their ability to play spin, which was once a strength of the team. He aims to help India regain their status as the best players of spin in the world.

The 44-year-old ten Doeschate has been active in the coaching circuit since his retirement in 2021. He has worked with Kent, Kolkata Knight Riders, and LA Knight Riders in Major League Cricket. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Indian team.

Ten Doeschate emphasizes that his focus will be on preparation and mindset rather than technical aspects. He believes that the Indian players have the technical skills but need to improve their situational awareness and mental approach to playing spin.

Ten Doeschate is excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the Indian team. He is confident that he can make a positive contribution to the team’s success in the upcoming home season and beyond.

Categories: Cricket

Piyush Chawla: Virat Kohli Remains the Same Despite Fame

By Nilay August 21, 2024 0

Piyush Chawla Reflects on Enduring Friendship with Virat Kohli

Veteran Indian leg-spinner Piyush Chawla has shared his insights into his long-standing friendship with Virat Kohli, revealing that their bond remains as strong as ever despite Kohli’s rise to fame.

Chawla, who has known Kohli since their days in the under-19 cricket circuit, described their relationship as “great camaraderie.” He recalled a recent encounter with Kohli during the Asia Cup, where the former Indian captain approached him for a casual chat and food order.

“Virat Kohli is still the same as me as he was 10-15 years before,” Chawla said. “My experience with him is always good.”

Chawla’s comments contrast with those of another veteran Indian leg-spinner, Amit Mishra, who recently expressed that Kohli’s rise to fame had impacted their interactions. Mishra claimed that Kohli had become more distant and less approachable.

However, Chawla maintained that Kohli’s personality has remained unchanged. “He has the same conversations with us that we used to have 10-15 years ago,” he said.

Despite Kohli’s recent struggles in white-ball cricket, Chawla remains confident in his abilities. He believes that Kohli will return to form and continue to be a force in international cricket.

“He’s a great player, and he’s going to come back stronger,” Chawla said. “He’s a fighter, and he’s going to prove himself again.”

Kohli is currently taking a brief break from cricket to spend time with his family in London. He is expected to return to action during the upcoming Bangladesh series in September.

Categories: Cricket

Pakistan Stumbles in Rain-Delayed Test Opener Against Bangladesh

By Nilay August 21, 2024 0

Pakistan Faces Early Setback in Rain-Delayed Test Against Bangladesh

Pakistan’s hopes of a strong start in the first Test against Bangladesh were dashed as they lost three crucial wickets in quick succession after being sent to bat first in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.

Bangladesh pacer Shoriful Islam proved to be the tormentor-in-chief, claiming the prized scalps of Pakistan captain Shan Masood and star batter Babar Azam for a duck. Masood’s dismissal sparked controversy as he engaged in a heated discussion with the umpires, adamant that he had not edged the ball to the keeper. However, replays confirmed the umpire’s decision, leaving Masood visibly upset.

Shoriful’s delivery, pitched on a back of a length, generated a steep bounce, causing Masood to attempt a defensive push towards mid-off. Bangladeshi players appealed, and the umpire initially ruled in Masood’s favor. However, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain opted for a review, which proved successful as the ultra-edge technology revealed a clear deflection.

Pakistan’s batting woes continued as Azam, the world’s top-ranked batter, was dismissed for a duck in the following over. Shoriful again struck, this time with a delivery that swung away from Azam and clipped the outside edge of his bat.

The early wickets put Pakistan in a precarious position, with the team’s hopes resting on the shoulders of middle-order batters Azhar Ali and Fawad Alam. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be buoyed by their early success and will look to capitalize on Pakistan’s fragile batting lineup.

The two-match series is part of the nine-team World Test Championship, with Pakistan currently sixth in the standings and Bangladesh eighth. Pakistan opted for an all-pace attack with four fast bowlers, while Bangladesh included three pacers and two spinners.

Categories: Cricket

Indian Paralympic Contingent Sets Sights on Unprecedented Medal Haul in Paris

By Nilay August 21, 2024 0

The Indian Paralympic contingent, led by star javelin thrower Sumit Antil, has embarked on its journey to the Paris Paralympics with the aim of securing an unprecedented five gold medals and a total of 12 medals. The first batch of 16 para athletes will acclimatize to the conditions in Paris before entering the Games Village on August 25.

Antil, who is aiming to become the first Indian to defend his Paralympics gold, will train at facilities near the French capital to adjust to the weather conditions. Para athletics events will be held at Stade de France, the same venue where the able-bodied athletes competed during the Paris Olympics.

Para-athletics head coach Satyanarayana expressed confidence in the team’s medal prospects, stating, “We are aiming for at least five gold and 12 medals in total. This will be our best performance in the Paralympics.” India’s hopes are buoyed by their success at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, where they finished sixth in the medal tally with six gold, five silver, and six bronze medals.

In addition to Antil, other medal contenders include Deepthi Jeevanji (women’s 400m T20), Sachin Khilari (men’s shot put F46), Ekta Bhyan (women’s club throw F51), Simran Sharma (women’s 200m T12), and Mariyappan Thangavelu (men’s high jump T42).

India is sending its largest ever team of 84 athletes across 12 sports to the Paralympics, with 38 from the para-athletics team. Paralympic Committee of India President Devendra Jhajharia has predicted at least 25 medals from the Paris Games.

Antil and Bhagyashree Jadhav, who won a silver in the Hangzhou Asian Para Games in women’s shot put F34, will be the joint flag bearers for India during the Opening Ceremony, which will be held outside a stadium for the first time. The ceremony will take place from Champs-Elysees to Place de la Concorde in the heart of Paris.

Categories: Others

Joe Root Pays Tribute to Late Graham Thorpe, Credits Him for Career Success

By Nilay August 21, 2024 0

Star England batter and former captain Joe Root has paid a heartfelt tribute to late English great Graham Thorpe, acknowledging the profound impact Thorpe had on his career. Thorpe, who passed away at the age of 55, was a mainstay of the English batting lineup throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Root, who worked closely with Thorpe during his time with the England Lions and later with the senior team, described Thorpe as a “complete batter” and a “rockstar” who could adapt to any situation. He credited Thorpe with helping him improve his game, particularly in subcontinent conditions.

“He was one of the players that stood out in that time [for England in the 1990s and early 2000s]. He was one of the guys that consistently performed when things were tough and when results were not always going in our favour, which I think is a great quality to have,” said Root.

Root also highlighted Thorpe’s role in developing the next generation of England batters, including skipper Ben Stokes. “He had a huge influence on my career and arguably without his backing and pushing my case, I may not have had the career I have had,” said Root.

Thorpe’s coaching style was characterized by his attention to fundamentals and his ability to connect with each batter on an individual level. “There were certain fundamentals that he was big on – can you get really close to the ball and far away from it? – but he did not have one way of coaching,” said Root.

Beyond his technical guidance, Thorpe also provided valuable off-field support to Root. “Some of the best lessons I learned were not necessarily in the nets but over dinner or a few glasses of wine, just talking about the game, about shared experiences people can relate to,” said Root.

Root concluded his tribute by emphasizing Thorpe’s legacy as both a player and a coach. “A lot will and should be talked about how brilliant a player he was for a long period of time, but we should remember the impact he has had on English cricket as a fantastic coach as well,” said Root.

Categories: Cricket

Manolo Marquez Names 26-Member India Squad for Intercontinental Cup

By Nilay August 21, 2024 0

Indian football is set to witness a new era under head coach Manolo Marquez, as he has named his 26-member provisional squad for the upcoming Intercontinental Cup. The tournament, scheduled from September 3-9 in Hyderabad, will serve as a preparatory camp for the FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary joint qualification round 2 matches.

Among the notable inclusions is Chennaiyin FC forward Kiyan Nassiri, son of East Bengal legend Jamshid Nassiri. The 23-year-old has been in impressive form for his club and is now on the cusp of his maiden India call-up.

Also receiving their first call-ups are Mohun Bagan SG right-back Ashish Rai and East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill. Both players have yet to feature for the senior India team but have shown promise at the club level.

However, the squad is missing a key figure in Sandesh Jhingan. The influential centre-back is still recovering from a right knee injury sustained during India’s Asian Cup group match against Syria in January. Jhingan also missed out on selection for the team’s camp ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary joint qualification round 2 matches against Kuwait and Qatar in May.

The Intercontinental Cup will feature three teams: India, Syria, and Mauritius. India will face Mauritius on September 3 and Syria on September 9. Syria, ranked 93rd in the latest FIFA rankings, will be a formidable opponent, while Mauritius, ranked 179th, will provide a different challenge.

Marquez, who was appointed India head coach last month, is excited about his first assignment. “We are very excited about our first preparatory camp and I know it will be the same for the players,” he said. “We face two different teams and the rankings are not very important. We need to work all together in the same direction to find the correct group of players and their predisposition will be very good, something I am completely sure about.”

The Intercontinental Cup will be the first full tournament for India after the retirement of legendary captain Sunil Chhetri. It will also be a chance for Marquez to assess his squad and prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Categories: Football

Duckett Clarifies Controversial Jaiswal Comment, Credits McCullum for Batting Transformation

By Nilay August 21, 2024 0

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young Indian batter, made history during the five-match Test series against England in January 2023. The 22-year-old amassed a staggering 712 runs, including two double centuries and two tons, helping India secure a dominant 4-1 series victory. Jaiswal’s aggressive batting earned him a place alongside Sunil Gavaskar as the only Indian batters to score 700-plus runs in a Test series.

However, during the series, a comment from England batter Ben Duckett sparked controversy. Duckett claimed that Jaiswal’s fiery technique was a result of the influence of English batters. This statement drew widespread criticism, with many former cricketers and pundits accusing Duckett of downplaying Jaiswal’s talent.

Eight months later, Duckett has clarified his remarks. “It was actually me paying him (Jaiswal) a nice compliment,” Duckett told Daily Mail. “I’m pretty sure I said he was a world-class player, but no one spoke about that.”

Duckett also revealed the impact of red-ball coach Brendon McCullum’s words on his approach to batting. “It was Baz (McCullum) who said: ‘Why do you have to go and bat like these previous openers? Why can’t you be the best version of yourself?’ That’s what I am,” Duckett explained.

Despite his success, Duckett remains driven to improve. “I’m the kind of guy who’s never satisfied,” he said. “I want the next two years to be even better. My batting has felt like it has gone to a different level.”

Categories: Cricket

Top 5 Contenders for the 2024 US Open Title

By Nilay August 21, 2024 0

The 2024 US Open is poised to witness an epic battle among the world’s top tennis players, each vying for the coveted title. Here’s an in-depth analysis of the five most formidable contenders:

1. Carlos Alcaraz:

The Spanish sensation has enjoyed a remarkable 2024 season, capturing the French Open and Wimbledon titles. A US Open victory would make him only the third player in history to win all three Grand Slams in a single year. However, recent setbacks, including a loss to Novak Djokovic in the Olympic final, raise questions about his current form.

2. Novak Djokovic:

Despite limited hard-court play this year, Djokovic remains a formidable threat. His unparalleled hard-court record and 24 Grand Slam titles make him a top favorite. His recent Olympic gold medal win further solidifies his status as a serious contender.

3. Jannik Sinner:

The Italian prodigy has emerged as a consistent hard-court performer, claiming five titles in 2024, including the Australian Open. His powerful groundstrokes and adaptability on hard courts make him a dangerous opponent.

4. Daniil Medvedev:

The 2021 US Open champion is another top contender with a strong hard-court record. His victory over Djokovic in the 2021 US Open final showcased his ability to defeat the best. After a dip in form, Medvedev has regained momentum, reaching two more major finals.

5. Casper Ruud:

The Norwegian star has quietly established himself as a hard-court specialist. His 100th hard-court win this year and strong performances at the Monte-Carlo Masters and Geneva Open make him a dark horse who could surprise at the US Open.

With such a talented field, the 2024 US Open promises to be an unforgettable spectacle. Each contender brings unique strengths and weaknesses, making it impossible to predict a clear winner. The tournament will undoubtedly provide thrilling matches and captivating storylines as the world’s best tennis players battle for the ultimate prize.

Categories: Tennis

England Announce Test Squad for Sri Lanka Series, Pope to Captain

By Nilay August 21, 2024 0

England’s Test squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka has been announced, with several notable changes. Fast bowler Matthew Potts has been recalled to the team, while Ollie Pope will take over as captain in the absence of Ben Stokes.

Stokes, who has been a key figure in England’s recent resurgence under coach Brendon McCullum, is set to miss the entire series due to a hamstring injury sustained during the Hundred. His absence will be a significant blow to the team, as he has been a driving force behind their aggressive “Bazball” approach.

Pope, who has only captained Surrey in one first-class match, will now lead the side. The 25-year-old is a talented batsman who has been in good form for England in recent months. However, he will have a tough task on his hands, as Sri Lanka are a dangerous team, especially in their own conditions.

Potts, who has impressed for Durham in the County Championship this season, has been recalled to the Test squad for the first time since making his debut against Australia in 2022. The 24-year-old is a promising young bowler who could add some much-needed pace to England’s attack.

Other players who have been given a chance to prove themselves in Stokes’s absence include batter Harry Brook and all-rounder Jamie Overton. Brook has been in excellent form for Yorkshire in the County Championship, while Overton has impressed for Somerset.

England will be hoping to start the series well at Old Trafford, where they have a good record. However, Sri Lanka will be no pushovers, and they will be looking to make a statement against a weakened England side.

Categories: Cricket

Sumit Antil Aims to Defend Paralympic Javelin Title, Inspired by Neeraj Chopra

By Nilay August 21, 2024 0

Sumit Antil, India’s javelin throw champion, is gearing up for the upcoming Paralympics in Paris with unwavering determination. Inspired by Neeraj Chopra’s recent silver medal at the Paris Olympics, Antil aims to defend his Tokyo 2020 title and push the boundaries of his sport.

Antil, who will be one of the flag-bearers for India at the Paralympics, has drawn immense motivation from Chopra’s performance at the Stade de France. He believes that Chopra’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure are qualities he aspires to emulate.

“Neeraj bhai’s throw was a great effort. It came after he was carrying an injury, which shows his mental strength,” said Antil. “I’m taking inspiration from him and trying to stay cool and steady in my preparation.”

Antil, who competes in the F-64 category, has a remarkable track record. At Tokyo, he broke the world record thrice, culminating in a gold medal-winning throw of 68.55 meters. He has since continued his winning streak, claiming back-to-back gold medals at the World Para Athletics Championships in Paris and Kobe.

Despite his success, Antil remains grounded and acknowledges the challenges of his sport. He is currently managing a minor back injury, but is confident that it will not hinder his performance in Paris.

“We are very conscious about injuries this time,” said Antil. “I have a minor back injury, but I’m working on it and I’m confident that I will be ready for the competition.”

Antil’s journey to the top has been marked by resilience and determination. After losing his left leg in an accident in 2015, he found solace in javelin throwing. With the support of his family and his own unwavering spirit, he has overcome adversity and become a beacon of inspiration for others.

“I have become more consistent since Tokyo,” said Antil. “The expectations have increased, but I have also become more disciplined. I’m confident that I can perform well in Paris and bring back a good result.”

Antil’s ultimate goal is to reach the 80-meter mark, a testament to his unwavering ambition and the limitless potential of the human spirit.

Categories: Others

Ryan ten Doeschate Joins India Coaching Staff to Enhance Spin Batting

Piyush Chawla: Virat Kohli Remains the Same Despite Fame

Pakistan Stumbles in Rain-Delayed Test Opener Against Bangladesh

Indian Paralympic Contingent Sets Sights on Unprecedented Medal Haul in Paris

Joe Root Pays Tribute to Late Graham Thorpe, Credits Him for Career Success

Manolo Marquez Names 26-Member India Squad for Intercontinental Cup

Duckett Clarifies Controversial Jaiswal Comment, Credits McCullum for Batting Transformation

Top 5 Contenders for the 2024 US Open Title

England Announce Test Squad for Sri Lanka Series, Pope to Captain

Sumit Antil Aims to Defend Paralympic Javelin Title, Inspired by Neeraj Chopra

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