Rinku Singh Hints at RCB Preference if Not Retained by KKR

Rinku Singh Hints at RCB Preference if Not Retained by KKR

Rinku Singh, the rising star of Indian cricket, has hinted at his preferred destination if not retained by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the upcoming mega IPL auction. In an interview with Sports Tak, Rinku revealed that if KKR decide not to retain him, his next choice would be none other than Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

“I don’t know anything yet. I haven’t been told whether I will be retained or go into the auction. Let’s see what happens,” Rinku said when asked about his future with KKR. However, when pressed on which team he would prefer if not retained, he responded with a smile, “RCB.”

Rinku, who has been with KKR for several seasons, was part of the franchise’s IPL 2024 title-winning squad. Despite a quieter season due to the ‘Impact Player’ rule limiting his opportunities, Rinku’s potential as a dynamic finisher remains highly valued.

In addition to discussing his potential move, Rinku also shared a good relationship with cricket legend Virat Kohli, who is synonymous with RCB.

“Virat bhaiya gave me a bat, which broke. I asked him for another one, and he didn’t refuse. He gave me another bat. It’s a big thing for me that he gave me a second bat,” Rinku recounted, underscoring the respect and admiration he holds for Kohli.

Rinku also touched upon his experience with Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach of the Indian team and his mentor during the IPL. He revealed that Gambhir, known for his serious demeanor on the field, also knows how to unwind after the game.

“He is very serious about the game…but after the match is over, he enjoys himself. It’s not like he’s always serious,” Rinku shared.

As the IPL auction draws nearer, Rinku’s comments have sparked speculation about a possible move to RCB, a franchise known for its passionate fan base and star-studded lineup.

Dinesh Karthik Unveils His All-Time XI of Indian Cricket Teammates

Dinesh Karthik Unveils His All-Time XI of Indian Cricket Teammates

In the realm of cricket, comparing players across generations is a contentious topic. Factors such as playing conditions, rule changes, opposition strength, and opportunities must be considered. However, it remains a captivating subject for discussion.

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik recently unveiled his all-time XI of Indian cricketers on Cricbuzz. Notably, the video caption clarified that it was a list of his “top XI teammates.” Karthik acknowledged the difficulty in accommodating all deserving players.

Among the notable omissions from the XI were Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, and MS Dhoni, all of whom Karthik has played alongside for India.

Karthik, who made his international debut in 2004, explained his selections:

* Openers: Virender Sehwag and Rohit Sharma
* No. 3: Rahul Dravid
* No. 4: Sachin Tendulkar
* No. 5: Virat Kohli
* No. 6: Yuvraj Singh
* No. 7: Ravindra Jadeja
* No. 8: R Ashwin
* No. 9: Anil Kumble
* No. 10: Jasprit Bumrah
* No. 11: Zaheer Khan

Karthik also named Harbhajan Singh as the 12th man, acknowledging the many other deserving players who missed out, including Gautam Gambhir.

Dhruv Jurel Praises Rohit Sharma's 'Chill' Captaincy

Dhruv Jurel Praises Rohit Sharma’s ‘Chill’ Captaincy

Dhruv Jurel, the young wicketkeeper-batter who made his India debut under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, has praised the Indian skipper’s approachable and relaxed demeanor. In an interview with Sports Tak, Jurel described Rohit as a “very chill” captain who makes it easy for junior players to feel comfortable in the team.

“To be honest, he is very chill. When you talk to him, it doesn’t feel like he is a senior and you are a junior. He always talks very casually,” Jurel said.

The 23-year-old, who has represented India in three Tests and two T20Is so far, also revealed that Rohit goes out of his way to ensure that young players feel comfortable in the team.

“He always said, ‘If you need any help just come over, I don’t have any problem.’ He makes you feel comfortable. When my name came up for Test cricket, Rohit bhaiya was the captain, so I spoke to him. It felt very good. Like everything is normal,” Jurel added.

Jurel’s comments provide a glimpse into the team environment under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, where the captain’s down-to-earth nature and open communication style seem to be fostering a supportive atmosphere for young talents like him.

Rohit Sharma, who took over the captaincy of the Indian team in all formats in 2021, has been praised for his leadership skills and ability to connect with players. Under his leadership, India has won several major tournaments, including the Asia Cup in 2022 and the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021.

Jurel’s praise for Rohit Sharma is a testament to the Indian skipper’s ability to create a positive and supportive environment for his players. This is essential for the development of young players and the overall success of the team.

Premier League Heavyweights Start Season with Convincing Wins

Premier League Heavyweights Start Season with Convincing Wins

The Premier League 2024/25 season kicked off with a bang as the league’s heavyweights flexed their muscles in the opening week. Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United all secured convincing wins, while Aston Villa, Brighton, and Newcastle United also impressed.

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland made an immediate impact, scoring the opening goal against Chelsea and silencing Spanish defender Marc Cucurella, who had previously mocked the Norwegian striker. City’s 2-0 victory extended their winning streak in the Premier League to four titles.

Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, began their campaign with a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town, with Mohamed Salah continuing his tradition of scoring on Matchday 1. Manchester United also earned a 1-0 victory over Fulham, with Joshua Zirkee scoring on his debut.

Arsenal, who narrowly missed out on the title last season, started strongly with a 2-0 win over Wolves. Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka opened their accounts for the season, setting the tone for a potential title challenge.

Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, continued their progress with a 2-1 win over West Ham. Brighton, under Fabian Hürzeler, also impressed with a 3-0 victory over Everton. Newcastle United, despite a red card to Fabian Schar, secured a 1-0 win over Southampton.

Other notable results included Nottingham Forest’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth and Brentford’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. The Premier League title race is shaping up to be a thrilling one, with several teams vying for the coveted trophy.

BBL and WBBL Release Initial Player Nominations for Draft

BBL and WBBL Release Initial Player Nominations for Draft

The Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) have released their initial batches of player nominations ahead of the upcoming drafts. Among the notable names is Shamar Joseph, who could return to the tournament where he made his triumphant Test debut.

Joseph, who has been in impressive form for the West Indies, has nominated for the BBL draft. He could potentially join his former teammate Finn Allen, who has already signed with the Perth Scorchers.

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur is among the first group of players confirmed for the WBBL draft. She could be retained by the Melbourne Renegades, who she has played for in the past. Other notable Indian players in the draft include Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma.

England captain Heather Knight and left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone have also nominated for the WBBL draft. However, their availability for the entire tournament is uncertain due to England’s tour of South Africa.

Other notable retention options include Jamie Overton (Adelaide Strikers), Alex Hales (Sydney Thunder), James Vince (Sydney Sixers), Alice Capsey (Melbourne Stars), and Shabnim Ismail (Hobart Hurricanes).

Players are drafted in either Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze categories, and clubs must select at least two during the draft. Those signed under pre-draft agreements are allocated a pick that matches their salary band.

The BBL and WBBL drafts will take place on September 1.

Sinner vs. Tiafoe: Rising Stars Clash in Cincinnati Final

Sinner vs. Tiafoe: Rising Stars Clash in Cincinnati Final

Jannik Sinner and Frances Tiafoe, two rising stars in the tennis world, are set to face off in the Western & Southern Open final in Cincinnati. Sinner, the world No. 1, has been in impressive form this season, winning four titles including the Miami Open. Tiafoe, on the other hand, has made a significant breakthrough this summer, reaching the semifinals in Washington, D.C. and now the final in Cincinnati.

Tiafoe’s recent surge in form has drawn comparisons to Coco Gauff’s breakout summer in 2023. Like Gauff, Tiafoe has acquired a new coach, David Witt, who has helped him improve his game. Tiafoe’s speed, strong serve, and newfound confidence have been key factors in his success.

Sinner, however, remains the favorite in this matchup. He holds a 3-1 head-to-head record against Tiafoe, although two of those wins came early in their careers. The fast courts in Cincinnati favor Sinner’s hard-hitting style, but Tiafoe’s speed and serve could potentially balance that out.

One potential concern for Sinner is his hip injury, which flared up at times during his semifinal match against Alexander Zverev. However, Sinner has downplayed the injury, saying that it is not a major issue.

Both players will be physically tested in this match, as they both won their semifinals in third-set tiebreakers. The first strike in the rally will be crucial, as the speed of the court and the potential weariness of both players will make it difficult to recover from early deficits.

While Tiafoe would be a crowd-pleasing winner, Sinner’s experience and consistency make him the more likely victor. If his hip holds up, Sinner should be able to secure his fifth title of the season and continue his impressive run of form.

Samit Dravid Impresses with Power-Hitting in Maharaja Trophy

Samit Dravid Impresses with Power-Hitting in Maharaja Trophy

Samit Dravid, the son of legendary Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid, has showcased his impressive power-hitting abilities in the ongoing KSCA Maharaja T20 Trophy. Playing for Mysuru Warriors, the 18-year-old smashed a six in the 10th over of the innings against Gulbarga Mystics, sending the ball soaring over the deep-cover region.

Samit’s six, which came off the bowling of Praveen Dubey, has garnered significant attention on social media, with many fans drawing comparisons to his father’s elegant strokeplay. The video of the shot has gone viral, highlighting the young batsman’s potential.

Samit’s performance in the Maharaja Trophy is a continuation of his impressive form in age-group tournaments. He was part of the Karnataka under-19 side that won the Cooch Behar Trophy this season and has also represented KSCA XI against the visiting Lancashire side earlier this year.

Mysuru Warriors acquired Samit’s services for Rs 50,000, recognizing his talent and promise. A team official praised Samit’s contributions, stating, “It’s good to have him in our side as he has shown a lot of promise in various age-group tournaments for KSCA.”

In the match against Gulbarga Mystics, Samit scored 33 runs off 24 balls, including four boundaries and a six. His innings helped Mysuru Warriors post a strong total of 196/8 in their 20 overs. However, the Mystics emerged victorious, thanks to an unbeaten century from K Smaran.

Despite the loss, Samit’s performance has generated excitement among cricket fans, who believe he has the potential to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a successful cricketer.

Cameron Green to Shoulder Greater Bowling Load in India Series

Cameron Green to Shoulder Greater Bowling Load in India Series

Australia’s pace attack, led by Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, has been a formidable force in recent years. However, with a grueling five-Test series against India on the horizon, Cummins anticipates a greater workload for all-rounders Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh.

In the past, Australia’s all-rounders have played a limited role in the bowling department. However, Cummins believes that this summer will be different. “I suspect this summer might be a bit different at time,” he said. “We’ll be drawing on Cam Green and Mitch Marsh a bit more.”

Green, who has taken 35 wickets in Tests, has been a revelation with the bat, scoring a magnificent 174 not out against New Zealand earlier this year. He is expected to bat at No. 4 and provide valuable overs with the ball.

Marsh, on the other hand, is a more experienced all-rounder who has played 32 Tests for Australia. He is a reliable batsman and a handy medium-pacer.

Cummins believes that having all-rounders in the top six gives Australia a significant advantage. “The first point is they both absolutely make the top six on their batting alone which is a luxury,” he said. “It makes a big difference to have that fifth bowling option. And with someone like Cam and Mitch we have six bowling options.”

The presence of all-rounders also helps manage the workload of the frontline bowlers. “It’s nice of them to say that, they’d never say it to my face,” Cummins joked. “When I’m at the top of their mark asking them to do something, they know I’m also doing it down the other end and wouldn’t ask for something I can’t do myself.”

Australia has a healthy stockpile of fast-bowling resources behind the big three, including Scott Boland, Michael Neser, Lance Morris, Xavier Bartlett, and Jhye Richardson. However, Cummins is confident that his frontline bowlers can get through the India series without any major issues.

“I’m feeling really good,” he said. “I’ve had a couple of months off bowling now, so I’m feeling fresh and ready to go.”

Tiafoe Stuns Rune, Reaches First Masters 1000 Final

Tiafoe Stuns Rune, Reaches First Masters 1000 Final

Frances Tiafoe’s remarkable resilience was on full display as he overcame a daunting deficit to defeat Holger Rune in the Cincinnati semifinals on Sunday night. The American’s triumph marks a significant milestone in his career, propelling him into his first Masters 1000 final.

After a disappointing first set loss, Tiafoe exhibited unwavering determination in the second set, dominating Rune with a commanding 6-1 victory. However, the third set proved to be a grueling test of both physical and mental fortitude. Rune surged ahead, threatening to extinguish Tiafoe’s hopes with a 5-2 lead.

Undeterred, Tiafoe summoned his inner strength and fought off two match points in his 4-5 service game. With unwavering focus, he clawed his way back into contention, forcing a tiebreaker. In the decisive tiebreaker, Tiafoe’s resilience shone through as he secured a 7-6 (4) victory, sending shockwaves through the crowd.

Tiafoe’s victory is a testament to his unwavering belief in himself and his ability to overcome adversity. It marks a significant step forward in his career, as he prepares to face Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Cincinnati final. The American will be aiming to capture his first Masters 1000 title and cement his status as one of the rising stars in the sport.

Manu Bhaker and Jaspal Rana: A Father-Daughter Bond in Indian Shooting

Manu Bhaker and Jaspal Rana: A Father-Daughter Bond in Indian Shooting

Manu Bhaker and Jaspal Rana, a formidable duo in Indian shooting, have forged an unbreakable bond that has propelled them to Olympic glory. Bhaker, a 22-year-old shooting prodigy, describes Rana as a father figure who provides unwavering support and protection.

Rana, a strict disciplinarian, believes his role extends beyond coaching. He aims to shield Bhaker from external pressures and even from herself. “My work is to protect her,” he explains. “Sometimes, it means pushing her limits and reminding her of her capabilities.”

Bhaker’s journey has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. The Tokyo Olympics proved to be a disaster, with a malfunctioning weapon and disappointing performances. However, Rana’s unwavering belief in her abilities helped her overcome the heartbreak.

“Tokyo taught me a lot,” Bhaker reflects. “It made me realize the importance of preparation and mental health.” Rana’s guidance played a crucial role in her recovery, instilling in her a renewed determination to succeed.

Despite her shooting prowess, Bhaker also values education. She scored exceptionally well in her 12th standard exams and pursued a degree at Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi University. Rana strongly encourages his wards to prioritize education, believing it provides a safety net for their future.

Bhaker’s academic achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes. She emphasizes the importance of balancing sports and education, as it fosters a well-rounded development.

Rana’s unwavering support extends beyond shooting. He has encouraged Bhaker to pursue a course at the prestigious Nalanda University, a testament to his belief in her intellectual capabilities.

The bond between Bhaker and Rana is a testament to the power of mentorship and the transformative impact it can have on an athlete’s career. Together, they have overcome adversity and achieved Olympic success, setting an example for future generations of shooters.

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