Indian Team Targeted by Australian Media and Players, Reveals Aakash Chopra

Indian Team Targeted by Australian Media and Players, Reveals Aakash Chopra

Team India’s upcoming tour of Australia in 2024 for a five-match Test series has sparked concerns about the potential for targeted attacks on the team by opposition players and the local media. Former India batter Aakash Chopra has revealed disturbing incidents from India’s previous tour in 2018/19, highlighting the tactics employed to tarnish the image of the visiting team.

Chopra shared an incident involving Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, who had a heated exchange during a match. The Australian media, according to Chopra, amplified the stump mic audio and released inconclusive clips to the press, creating a negative narrative around the Indian team.

“They (Australian media) used to release videos. They did it in front of me when Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja had a heated exchange with each other while standing in the 30-yard circle. The broadcasters amped up the stump mic as they were abusing each other,” Chopra said.

Chopra also revealed that Ricky Ponting, who was in the commentary box, initially condemned the incident but later changed his stance on-air. “Ricky said they are ‘Making a mountain out of a molehill’. The moment he went on air, he tore into the Indian team, and I was stunned that he had just said something else a few minutes back,” Chopra added.

These revelations raise concerns about the potential for similar tactics to be employed during the upcoming tour. India has enjoyed a dominant run in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, winning the last two series in Australia and becoming the only Asian team to win a Test series Down Under on multiple occasions.

However, the Aussies are eager to regain their dominance and may resort to underhanded tactics to gain an advantage. The Indian team must be prepared for such challenges and maintain their focus on the game.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has always been a fiercely contested rivalry, but it is important to ensure that the competition remains fair and respectful. The Australian media and opposition players have a responsibility to uphold the spirit of the game and avoid engaging in tactics that could damage the reputation of the Indian team or the sport itself.

Verstappen Penalized for Foul Language in Press Conference

Verstappen Penalized for Foul Language in Press Conference

Formula One world champion Max Verstappen has been penalized by the FIA for using foul language during a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver was summoned before stewards after the first practice session on Friday, and the audio transcript of the press conference was reviewed.

The stewards determined that Verstappen had used language that was “generally considered ‘coarse, rude’ or may ’cause offence’ and is not considered suitable for broadcast.” They noted that the language was not directed at anyone or any group, but emphasized the importance of role models being mindful of their speech in public forums.

Verstappen apologized for his behavior, explaining that the word he used is common in his native language, Dutch. However, the stewards maintained that it was inappropriate for a public figure to use such language, especially when children might be watching.

The punishment comes just a day after FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem urged drivers to tone down their use of foul language over team radio during races. Ben Sulayem compared the use of foul language to rap music, drawing criticism from some drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, who felt the comparison was racially insensitive.

Verstappen’s punishment is a reminder of the FIA’s commitment to maintaining a professional and respectful environment in Formula One. While drivers are allowed to express their emotions, they must do so in a manner that is appropriate for a global audience.

India C Trail India A Despite Porel's Heroics

India C Trail India A Despite Porel’s Heroics

India C’s batting lineup faltered against India A’s bowling attack on day two of their four-day match in Anantapur. Despite a valiant effort from Abishek Porel, India C ended the day trailing by 81 runs.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, and Ishan Kishan all failed to make significant contributions, leaving India C in a precarious position. However, Porel, who has been in impressive form this season, played a crucial role in reviving the innings. He scored a gritty 82 off 113 deliveries, providing much-needed stability to the batting order.

Pulkit Narang, who is seeking to establish himself as a first-class cricketer, will be crucial for India C’s hopes of taking the lead on Saturday. He is currently on 99 first-class wickets and will be eager to reach the milestone.

Earlier, India A’s lower order provided a late boost to their first-innings total. Avesh Khan struck an unbeaten 51, while Prasidh Krishna contributed 34. Shashwat Rawat’s century on the opening day had laid the foundation for India A’s score of 297.

Vijaykumar Vyshak, who has caught the attention of selectors, impressed with the ball for India C. He claimed four wickets for 51 runs, including two of the three remaining wickets on day two. Anshul Kamboj, who had taken eight wickets in the previous game, finished with 3 for 49.

Manchester City Aim for Unprecedented Fifth Premier League Title

Manchester City Aim for Unprecedented Fifth Premier League Title

Manchester City’s dominance in the Premier League continues unabated as they sit atop the standings with a perfect record after four games. Their impressive start has fueled speculation about whether they can extend their title reign to an unprecedented five consecutive seasons.

Former City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips believes the team has the potential to achieve this feat. “There is nothing wrong with them being able to win it again,” he said. “The team is pretty much the same.”

Wright-Phillips highlights the additions of Sylvinho and Ilkay Gundogan as key factors in City’s strength. “They give City a different edge and make them stronger in a different way,” he said.

Despite losing Julian Alvarez, Wright-Phillips believes City’s ability to adapt and find solutions is a testament to their resilience. “City have a knack of finding a way to deal with it and the players who are in there step up and do what they need to do,” he said.

The diminutive winger attributes City’s success to the mentality instilled by manager Pep Guardiola and the players. “The mentality they have for being at their best all the time is incredible,” he said.

Erling Haaland’s prolific start to the season, with nine goals in four matches, has further bolstered City’s title hopes. “He came to the club to score goals and he is doing exactly what he came to do,” said Wright-Phillips. “He is smashing every individual record that’s humanly possible to do in the space of two years.”

Wright-Phillips identifies Arsenal and Liverpool as City’s main challengers for the title. “You can’t write off Arsenal. They are a fantastic team with a fantastic manager,” he said. “You can’t write off Liverpool even though they have a new manager. It will be within those three teams.”

However, Wright-Phillips believes the early clash between City and Arsenal could have an impact on the title race. “In many ways, City vs Arsenal has come too early,” he said. “It would have been better 10-15 games in because the players would have been a lot sharper.”

Ravichandran Ashwin Embraces Pressure-Free Cricket, Focuses on Enjoyment

Ravichandran Ashwin Embraces Pressure-Free Cricket, Focuses on Enjoyment

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian all-rounder, has undergone a significant mental transformation, shedding the pressure that once weighed heavily on him. In a candid interview, Ashwin revealed that he has liberated himself from external and internal pressures, allowing him to approach cricket with a newfound sense of freedom and enjoyment.

Ashwin’s recent century in the opening Test against Bangladesh is a testament to his mental liberation. Batting with resilience and determination, he rescued India from a precarious position, showcasing his versatility as a cricketer. Ashwin emphasized that he now only responds to pressure situations on the field, unlike in the past when he reacted to every perceived criticism.

“I do enjoy and embrace pressure. There’s no doubt about it. It does give you opportunities to be able to be pushed to a corner and then try and respond,” Ashwin said. “But I was critical too, earlier (of himself and others), because a lot of pressure has been put on me by people. I’ve put pressure on myself.”

Ashwin’s mental detachment has allowed him to clearly demarcate between his primary and secondary suits – bowling and batting. He explained that bowling and batting are distinct sports within the same game, requiring different mental approaches.

“Bowling and batting are very separate sports in the same game. One is done consciously, and the other one is done subconsciously,” Ashwin said. “For me to compartmentalize both has taken its own due and at this stage, I’m able to sequence that and split both of them.”

During his 189-minute innings, Ashwin maintained his focus by adopting a different mindset from his usual bowling approach. “The mind can play tricks because I’m a bowler who plays on 12-18 balls or 24 balls ahead when I’m sequencing it. But as a batter, I shouldn’t do that. So, I just used my experience to focus on the ball and hitting it as I see it,” he noted.

Ashwin’s transformation has brought him immense personal and professional satisfaction. He expressed his happiness at being able to compete and succeed in the highly competitive world of modern sport. “You feel happy about it, having been in a contest and coming out successful out of the contest. So, yeah, the underlying truth is that it gives me a lot of happiness competing in this game,” he said.

Samson's Century, Arshdeep's Bowling Give India D Edge in Duleep Trophy

Samson’s Century, Arshdeep’s Bowling Give India D Edge in Duleep Trophy

On the second day of the Duleep Trophy final round robin league match, India D established a commanding position over India B, thanks to Sanju Samson’s century and Arshdeep Singh’s impressive bowling performance.

India D resumed their first innings at 306 for 5, with Samson continuing his impressive form. The talented batsman reached his 11th first-class hundred, scoring 106 off 101 deliveries, including 12 boundaries and three sixes. However, India D’s innings ended shortly after Samson’s milestone, with the last five wickets falling for 43 runs. Delhi speedster Navdeep Saini was the wrecker-in-chief, claiming 5 for 74 in 18.3 overs.

In response, India B began their innings cautiously, with skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran leading the charge. Easwaran, who had scored a century in the previous game, notched up his 25th first-class hundred, a 170-ball knock adorned with 13 fours and a six. However, India B’s progress was halted by Arshdeep Singh, who returned for his second spell with a slightly older SG Test ball.

Arshdeep struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Musheer Khan and Nitish Reddy cheaply. He then accounted for the prized wicket of Suryakumar Yadav, who had been eagerly anticipated by the crowd. With India B reeling at 100 for 5, Easwaran and Washington Sundar (39 batting) steadied the ship, adding 105 runs for the sixth wicket.

However, Easwaran’s dismissal towards the end of the day, caught behind off Aditya Thakare, left India B in a precarious position at 210 for 6. The match remains evenly poised heading into the third day, with India B needing to bat cautiously to avoid a heavy defeat.

Malvika Bansod Stuns at China Open, Reaches Quarter-Finals

Malvika Bansod Stuns at China Open, Reaches Quarter-Finals

Malvika Bansod, the rising star of Indian badminton, has made a remarkable impact at the prestigious China Open, one of the most elite tournaments on the BWF World Tour. Despite facing formidable opponents, Bansod displayed exceptional skill and determination, reaching the quarter-finals in her first Super 1000 event.

Bansod’s journey began with an impressive victory over world No. 7 Gregoria Mariska Tunjung of Indonesia. She followed this up with a confident win against experienced Commonwealth Games medalist Kirsty Gilmour of Scotland. These victories showcased Bansod’s ability to outsmart and outplay top-ranked players.

“I’ve had close matches with top 20 players before, and those losses helped me analyze my mistakes,” Bansod said. “I’m glad I could implement those lessons in these matches.”

Bansod’s rise to prominence began in 2019 when she won five International Series finals. She gained further attention in 2022 by defeating former world No. 1 Saina Nehwal at the India Open and reaching the finals of the Syed Modi International.

However, a bout of dengue in 2022 led to a dip in form. Bansod also underwent a coaching change, with her childhood coach Sanjay Mishra becoming the secretary general of the Badminton Association of India.

In 2023, Bansod joined the Thane Badminton Academy under coach Shrikant Vad. Vad praised Bansod’s receptiveness and fitness, noting that she has the desire to win and improve.

“We worked on specific points, such as her net game and finishing strokes from the back court,” Vad said. “She’s shown great retrieving skills and has improved her control of the shuttle.”

Bansod’s recent success at the China Open has given her confidence and valuable experience against top-quality opponents. She lost to two-time former world champion Akane Yamaguchi in the quarter-finals but gained valuable insights from the match.

“I’ve made changes in my game that have led to better results,” Bansod said. “I’m aiming to break into the top 25 and continue improving my performances at the highest level.”

Bansod’s next challenge will be the Finland Open Super 500 tournament in October. Her impressive performances at the China Open have solidified her status as a rising star in Indian badminton, with the potential to achieve even greater heights in the future.

Jadeja Eyes 300th Test Wicket as India Dominate Bangladesh

Jadeja Eyes 300th Test Wicket as India Dominate Bangladesh

Ravindra Jadeja, India’s seasoned all-rounder, is poised to achieve a significant milestone at his home ground, Chepauk, in the ongoing Test match against Bangladesh. With 296 Test wickets to his name, Jadeja is just four scalps away from becoming the third Indian spinner to reach the 300-wicket mark.

In the first innings of the series opener, Jadeja claimed two wickets, further bolstering his impressive Test record. He also made a valuable contribution with the bat, scoring a solid 86 in a crucial 199-run partnership with centurion Ravichandran Ashwin.

Jadeja’s dismissal by Taskin Ahmed prevented him from reaching a century, but he remained upbeat about his performance. “I got out today, but it’s part and parcel of the game,” he said. “Now we have to put up a good score on the board in the second innings. I am very happy with my bowling, the way I went through today. It’s a good opportunity to take the 300th wicket on this ground.”

India are in a commanding position, having extended their overall lead to 308 runs. The hosts were 81 for three at stumps after dismissing Bangladesh for 149 in their first innings. India had made 376 in their first innings.

Jadeja, who has extensive experience playing at Chepauk due to his long tenure with Chennai Super Kings, emphasized the importance of batting well in the second innings. “First we have to bat very well, we have to put somewhere around 120-150 from hereon,” he said. “We’ll be in a good position and then we’ll come out and bowl and try and get them out as early as possible.”

A record 17 wickets fell in a day at Chepauk, indicating that the pitch offered something for both pacers and spinners. “It’s pretty good for batting but there’s still something in the wicket for the fast bowlers,” Jadeja observed. “Odd ball was seaming, odd ball was swinging, it’s not that easy for batters. If fast bowlers bend their back, they can take something out of the wicket.”

Jadeja also praised his partnership with Ashwin, who scored a brilliant 113 at his home ground. “First of all, Ashwin doesn’t need any advice,” he said. “I was just talking to Ash that we are not gonna miscall or try and make errors because the wicket was so good and we both were batting very well.”

“I said we’ll look to take easy singles, I’ll try and not make you run hard and that was the conversation between us. Well played to Ashwin, he played a brilliant knock at his home ground.”

Jadeja concluded by highlighting the potential for all five Indian bowlers to make an impact in the second innings. “There’s something in the wicket for the fast bowler and for spinners also, odd spin and odd ball is keeping low,” he said. “All the five bowlers will be in play.”

Naomi Osaka Returns to China Open with Rumored New Coach

Naomi Osaka Returns to China Open with Rumored New Coach

Naomi Osaka’s return to the China Open in Beijing after a five-year absence has sparked significant attention, not only for her on-court performance but also for the rumored addition of Patrick Mouratoglou to her coaching team.

Mouratoglou, a renowned coach who previously worked with Serena Williams, has been spotted alongside Osaka in Beijing, fueling speculation that he has taken over the coaching reins from Wim Fissette. Osaka confirmed her split with Fissette last week but has remained tight-lipped about Mouratoglou’s involvement.

Osaka’s arrival in Beijing marks her first appearance at the tournament since 2019, when she emerged victorious. The tournament was subsequently canceled for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, returning last year while Osaka was on maternity leave.

Currently ranked 76th in the world, Osaka has benefited from the withdrawals of Caroline Garcia, Marie Bouzkova, and Caroline Wozniacki, which granted her direct entry into the tournament.

Defending champion Iga Swiatek will not participate in this year’s event due to personal reasons, leaving the door open for Osaka to make a deep run.

Osaka’s partnership with Mouratoglou, if confirmed, would be a significant development in her career. Mouratoglou’s expertise and experience could prove invaluable as Osaka aims to regain her former dominance on the WTA Tour.

Manchester City vs. Arsenal: Title Clash Looms at Etihad Stadium

Manchester City vs. Arsenal: Title Clash Looms at Etihad Stadium

Manchester City and Arsenal, two English Premier League powerhouses, are set to clash once again on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium, with the coveted title on the line. The Gunners, led by Mikel Arteta, will be determined to dethrone the reigning champions, who have triumphed over them in the past two seasons.

Arsenal’s defense has been a formidable force this season, conceding only one goal in five matches. However, they will face a stern test against Manchester City’s attacking prowess. Former City forward Shaun Wright-Phillips believes that the team’s ability to create individual moments of brilliance will be crucial in overcoming Arsenal’s defensive resilience.

“City always play tactically, but they also have players like Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, and Kevin De Bruyne who can produce moments of magic,” Wright-Phillips said. “It doesn’t have to be a one-two or an interchange; it can be a shot from outside the box.”

Arsenal’s challenge has been compounded by the absence of their captain, Martin Odegaard, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. The Gunners’ attacking play has suffered in his absence, as evidenced by their recent goalless draw against Atalanta in the Champions League.

Manchester City, on the other hand, also faced a goalless draw in their Champions League match against Inter Milan. However, they dominated the game, creating 22 shots with five on target. Wright-Phillips believes that City’s experience and depth will give them an edge over Arsenal.

“They dealt with a similar situation against Inter Milan and they will be prepared,” Wright-Phillips said. “I think they will be able to deal with the Arsenal counterattack and take their chances.”

The match promises to be a tactical battle, with both teams looking to exploit each other’s weaknesses. Arsenal will need to find a way to break down City’s defense without Odegaard, while City will need to be clinical in front of goal.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart