Yere Goud Returns as Karnataka Men's Cricket Head Coach

Yere Goud Returns as Karnataka Men’s Cricket Head Coach

Yere Goud has been reappointed as the head coach of the Karnataka men’s cricket team, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) announced on Thursday. Goud replaces P.V. Shashikanth, who took charge in 2022.

Goud previously held the post of Karnataka head coach from 2018 to 2022. During his tenure, the team won the Ranji Trophy in 2019 and 2022, and the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2019.

Shashikant’s departure comes after a middling 2023-24 season, where Karnataka reached the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Goud, who was in charge of the Karnataka under-23 team that clinched a maiden C.K. Nayudu Trophy earlier this year, will be assisted by former Karnataka fast bowler Mansur Ali Khan as the senior men’s bowling coach. J. Abhiram continues as the chairman of the senior men’s selection committee.

Bumrah Set for New Zealand Return, Left-Arm Seamer May Join Pace Attack

Bumrah Set for New Zealand Return, Left-Arm Seamer May Join Pace Attack

Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, is expected to return for the three-Test series against New Zealand starting on October 16. However, he may be rested for the two Tests against Bangladesh in September. The Indian team management and selectors are considering adding a left-arm seam and swing bowler to the pace attack for greater variation.

Arshdeep Singh, a regular in the T20 format, and Khaleel Ahmed, who is highly rated but injury-prone, are the two main contenders for the left-arm seamer role. Arshdeep has experience playing County cricket for Kent, while Khaleel has shown improvement but can be erratic.

In terms of Bumrah’s availability, the decision will ultimately depend on his fitness. The team management is keen to have him fully fit for the five-Test series against Australia Down Under.

Meanwhile, Ajay Ratra is the frontrunner to become the North Zone national selector. Salil Ankola’s term has ended, and Ratra, a former India wicketkeeper, is expected to fill the vacant slot.

Tennis Stars Credit Parents for Shaping Their Careers and Values

Tennis Stars Credit Parents for Shaping Their Careers and Values

Tennis Stars Share the Impact of Parental Guidance on Their Careers

In a heartwarming video, tennis stars Felix Auger-Aliassime, Ons Jabeur, Daniil Medvedev, Naomi Osaka, and Jessica Pegula joined young reporters at the National Bank Open to discuss the profound influence their parents have had on their tennis journeys and personal development.

The players emphasized the unwavering support they received from their parents, who encouraged them to pursue their dreams and provided them with the resources to succeed. Jabeur recalled how her parents took her to every tournament in Tunisia, instilling in her a belief in her abilities.

However, the stars also acknowledged that parental advice was not always perfect. Pegula shared that her parents, who did not play tennis, sometimes offered guidance that did not resonate with her. She learned the importance of finding her own path and making decisions that aligned with her goals.

Milos Raonic, the Olympic mixed doubles bronze medalist, highlighted the unique role his parents played in his life. While they refrained from giving tennis advice, they provided him with unconditional love and support, allowing him to focus on his game without the pressure of external expectations.

The players emphasized the importance of having fun and striving for excellence, mantras that their parents instilled in them. These values have served them well throughout their careers, reminding them to enjoy the game and give their best effort.

The video resonated deeply with fans online, who praised its heartwarming message and invaluable insights for parents of young athletes. It serves as a reminder that even the most successful individuals remember their roots and the people who have shaped their lives.

Ankita Raina Reaches Quarterfinals in Ourense, Faces Top Seed Ryser

Ankita Raina Reaches Quarterfinals in Ourense, Faces Top Seed Ryser

Fifth-seeded Indian tennis star Ankita Raina displayed resilience and determination in her pre-quarterfinal match at the $40,000 ITF women’s tennis tournament in Ourense, Spain. Facing Maria Vaquero of Spain, Raina fought back from a set down to secure a hard-fought 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 victory.

Raina started the match with a dominant performance, taking the first set with ease at 6-1. However, Vaquero responded strongly in the second set, leveling the match with a 6-3 win. Undeterred, Raina regained her composure in the decisive third set. She broke Vaquero’s serve twice and held her own service games comfortably to seal the victory.

With this win, Raina advances to the quarterfinals, where she will face top seed Valentina Ryser of Switzerland. Ryser, ranked 150th in the world, will pose a significant challenge for Raina. However, the Indian star has shown great form throughout the tournament and will be confident of putting up a strong fight.

In other matches involving Indian players, Sriram Balaji and Fernando Romboli of Brazil received a walkover in the pre-quarterfinals of the $164,000 Challenger in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, Anirudh Chandrasekar and Niki Poonacha bowed out of the $133,250 Challenger in Cary, USA, losing 4-6, 7-6(9), [10-8] to Federico Gomez of Argentina and Petros Tsitsipas of Greece.

Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Vijay Sundar Prashanth advanced to the quarterfinals of the $74,825 Challenger in Grodzisk Mazowiecki, Poland, with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Benjamin Bonzi and Harold Mayot of France.

In the $25,000 ITF men’s tournament in Muttenz, Switzerland, Sddhant Bantha and Eric Vanshelboim of Ukraine defeated Nicolas Kuepfer of Switzerland and Patrick Zahraj of Germany 7-6(5), 6-2. Alexander Merino of Peru and Christoph Negritu of Germany also progressed to the quarterfinals with a 6-2, 6-0 win over Axel Cabrera of Mexico and Chinmaya Dev Chauhan.

In the $15,000 ITF men’s tournament in Bielsko Biala, Poland, Aryan Lakshmanan and Przemyslaw Michocki of Poland reached the quarterfinals with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Jakub Jedrzejczak and Pawel Juszczak of Poland.

In the $15,000 ITF women’s tournament in Xiamen, China, Riya Bhatia and Michika Ozeki of Japan advanced to the quarterfinals with a 2-6, 6-2, [10-8] win over Ren Ke and Zou Ruirui of China.

BCCI Exempts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli from Duleep Trophy for Workload Management

BCCI Exempts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli from Duleep Trophy for Workload Management

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clarified its stance on the participation of senior Indian cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the upcoming Duleep Trophy. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah stated that the board does not consider it necessary for the seasoned duo to participate in the domestic tournament.

Shah emphasized the importance of workload management for established players like Sharma and Kohli, who are integral to India’s plans across all formats. He highlighted that international players in Australia and England do not typically participate in domestic cricket, and the BCCI should treat its players with respect.

The BCCI’s decision reflects a growing trend in international cricket, where boards are prioritizing the fitness and availability of their senior players. This approach aims to balance the need for domestic players to gain match practice with the importance of safeguarding the health of established stars.

Shah acknowledged the significance of the Duleep Trophy as a platform for emerging players, but stressed that the board’s focus is on ensuring the long-term fitness of its key players. He noted that other senior players, such as Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, are participating in the Buchi Babu tournament.

The BCCI’s stance underscores the importance of strategic workload management in the context of a demanding international calendar. While the Duleep Trophy remains a valuable tournament for developing talent, the board’s decision highlights the need to prioritize the fitness and longevity of its senior players.

South Africa Bat First in Winner-Takes-All Test Against West Indies

South Africa Bat First in Winner-Takes-All Test Against West Indies

In the highly anticipated first Test match at Guyana since 2011, South Africa has opted to bat first after winning the toss against hosts West Indies. The match marks a crucial encounter for both teams, with South Africa aiming to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final and West Indies seeking to improve their position on the points table.

South Africa’s lineup features two notable changes: left-arm seamer Nandre Burger and offspinner Dane Piedt. Burger replaces Lungi Ngidi, while Piedt, who last played a Test in 2018, joins Keshav Maharaj as the team’s second specialist spinner. Allrounder Wiaan Mulder will bat at No. 7.

West Indies, on the other hand, has made only one change from the drawn Trinidad Test. Shamar Joseph, who will be making his international debut at home, replaces Kemar Roach. The team retains its three-seamer, two-spinner combination, with Gudakesh Motie holding his place despite going wicketless in the previous match.

With the first Test ending in a draw, this match becomes a winner-takes-all affair. For South Africa, it is the first of seven must-win Tests if they hope to qualify for the World Test Championship final without relying on other results. West Indies, currently ninth on the points table, will be eager to secure a victory to improve their chances of reaching the final.

The Providence Stadium, which is hosting its third Test match, is expected to witness a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams. South Africa’s batting lineup, led by Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma, will face a stern test against the West Indies bowling attack, which includes the experienced Jason Holder and the promising Jayden Seales.

The match promises to be a captivating spectacle, with both teams determined to emerge victorious and secure a crucial advantage in the series.

Cricketers Escape Scrutiny as Olympics Captivates India

Cricketers Escape Scrutiny as Olympics Captivates India

India’s Cricketers Escape Scrutiny Amidst Olympic Frenzy

New Delhi: In a rare occurrence, India’s cricketers have found themselves out of the spotlight as the nation’s attention has shifted towards the ongoing Olympics in Paris. With the Indian cricket team currently touring Sri Lanka under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, the usual intense scrutiny of their performances has temporarily subsided.

This respite from constant media attention is largely due to the captivating spectacle of the Olympics, which has captivated the imagination of sports enthusiasts across the country. The Indian contingent’s impressive performances in various disciplines, including athletics, shooting, and wrestling, have further fueled the nation’s Olympic fever.

While the cricketers may be enjoying a brief respite from the relentless scrutiny, their absence from the headlines is not a sign of diminished importance. Cricket remains the most popular sport in India, and the team’s performances are always a matter of national pride. However, the Olympics have provided a welcome distraction, allowing the cricketers to focus on their preparations without the added pressure of constant public scrutiny.

For Gambhir, this tour of Sri Lanka marks his first assignment as head coach. The former India opener has been tasked with rebuilding the team after a disappointing performance in the recent T20 World Cup. While the results in Sri Lanka may not be as crucial as in major tournaments, they will provide valuable insights into the team’s progress under Gambhir’s leadership.

As the Olympics draw to a close, the focus will inevitably shift back to cricket. The Indian team will face a challenging schedule in the coming months, including a home series against Australia and a tour of England. The performances of the team during these matches will be closely scrutinized, as they will provide a barometer of India’s progress under Gambhir’s guidance.

Pakistan Cricket Team Reshuffles Batting Order, Babar Azam to Bat at Number Four

Pakistan Cricket Team Reshuffles Batting Order, Babar Azam to Bat at Number Four

Pakistan’s cricket team is undergoing a strategic overhaul ahead of their upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The most notable change is the decision to have captain Babar Azam bat at the unfamiliar number four position. This move is part of a broader tactical adjustment by the team management, which aims to solidify the top order and provide stability to the middle order.

Azam’s usual batting position in limited-overs cricket has been in the top three, but he has experimented with the number four spot in Test cricket before. During Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2022, he batted at number three, and he retained that position for the second Test against England later that year. However, his move to number four for the Bangladesh series suggests a more permanent shift in the team’s long-term strategy.

The decision to move Azam down the order has opened up opportunities for other players. Abdullah Shafiq’s position as opener remains secure, while captain Shan Masood will take on the crucial number three role. This new batting order aims to provide a solid foundation for the team and allow Azam to play a more influential role in the middle order.

The series against Bangladesh also presents an opportunity for new talent to emerge. Batsman Muhammad Huraira is a strong contender for a debut appearance, signalling the team management’s intent to introduce fresh faces into the Test arena.

On the bowling front, Pakistan are expected to capitalize on the anticipated bowler-friendly conditions at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. A three-pronged pace attack comprising Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Mir Hamza is likely to be deployed, with one spinner completing the bowling lineup.

The two-match Test series, commencing on August 21st in Rawalpindi, holds added significance as it marks the first assignment for newly appointed Test coach, Jason Gillespie. Gillespie’s arrival signals a new chapter for Pakistan’s Test cricket, and his guidance will be crucial in shaping the team’s approach against Bangladesh and beyond.

The second Test, scheduled from August 30th to September 3rd in Karachi, will unfortunately be played without spectators due to ongoing renovations at the National Stadium. While the absence of a home crowd might be a slight setback, the team remains focused on delivering a strong performance and securing a series victory against Bangladesh.

Joe Root Poised to Break Sachin Tendulkar's Test Run Record, Says Ricky Ponting

Joe Root Poised to Break Sachin Tendulkar’s Test Run Record, Says Ricky Ponting

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes England’s Joe Root has the potential to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record of Test runs, provided he maintains his current form and hunger for the next four years.

Root recently crossed the 12,000-run mark during the Edgbaston Test against the West Indies, becoming the seventh batter to achieve this milestone in Test cricket. He has accumulated 12,027 runs in 143 Tests, with an average of 50.11, including 32 centuries and 63 fifties.

Ponting believes that Root’s age and current form make him a strong contender to break Tendulkar’s record. “He (Root) could potentially do that. He is 33 years of age…(more than) 3000 runs behind,” Ponting told The ICC Review.

“It depends how many Test matches they play, but if they’re playing 10 to 14 Test matches a year and if you’re scoring 800 to 1,000 runs a year, then that sort of says he’s only three or four years off getting there. So that’ll take him to 37 (years of age),” said the legendary Australian.

Ponting emphasized that Root’s hunger for runs and his ability to convert half-centuries into big scores will be crucial in his pursuit of the record. “If his hunger’s still there, then there’s every chance that he could do it. He is someone that in the last couple of years has got better and better,” Ponting said.

“There’s always talk around batters reaching their prime in their early 30s and he’s certainly done that. It’s been his conversion rates being the big thing,” he said.

Ponting noted that Root has overcome his previous struggles to convert half-centuries into big scores. “Four or five years ago, he was making a lot of 50s and struggling to go on and make hundreds and he’s gone the other way recently,” Ponting said.

“Almost every time he gets to 50 now, he goes on and makes a big hundred. So that’s been the real turnaround for him,” he added.

If Root continues to perform at his current level, he could potentially surpass Tendulkar’s record of 15,921 Test runs. However, it will require him to maintain his hunger for runs and continue to convert his half-centuries into big scores.

Cristiano Ronaldo to Play for at Least Three More Years, Says Rio Ferdinand

Cristiano Ronaldo to Play for at Least Three More Years, Says Rio Ferdinand

Despite a disappointing UEFA Euro 2024 campaign, Cristiano Ronaldo remains determined to extend his illustrious career beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Portuguese icon, now playing for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, has faced criticism for his recent performances, but his former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand believes he has at least three more years left at the top level.

Ferdinand, speaking on his YouTube channel, Rio Reacts, said, “I can’t give too much away, but I’ve been doing a few bits with Cristiano behind the scenes, and he’s playing as long as he wants. He ain’t going nowhere. And I was gobsmacked. And listen, you’ll see it in time, but minimum three years I think he plays for again.”

Ronaldo’s future has been the subject of intense speculation since Portugal’s elimination from Euro 2024. Head coach Roberto Martinez declined to comment on the matter immediately after the quarterfinal defeat to France, but media reports suggest that Ronaldo is not considering retirement anytime soon.

The 38-year-old has enjoyed an unparalleled career, representing Portugal in six Euros and four World Cups. He holds the all-time record for most international goals (130) and is his country’s most-capped player. Ronaldo has also played a pivotal role in Portugal’s major tournament successes, winning the 2016 Euros and reaching the final in 2004.

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Ronaldo became the first and only male player to score in five consecutive editions of the tournament. He also made his Euros debut in 2004 and holds the record for most tournament appearances.

Despite his recent struggles, Ronaldo remains a global icon and one of the most recognizable figures in sports. His determination to continue playing at the highest level is a testament to his unwavering passion and belief in his abilities.

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