News Archives

T Natarajan’s Exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup Squad Raises Eyebrows

By Nilay May 5, 2024 0

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has expressed his astonishment over the exclusion of SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) pacer T Natarajan from India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad. Natarajan, with his impressive performance in the ongoing IPL season, has emerged as a strong contender for the Purple Cap, having claimed 13 wickets in just seven matches.

Watson highlighted Natarajan’s exceptional ability to consistently deliver yorkers, a skill that could have significantly benefited the Indian team. “His ability to put that yorker in, his variations of speed when he needs to bowl that, it’s something he continues to produce over and over again,” Watson said. “That’s why I was surprised that he wasn’t in the Indian T20 squad because of his consistency of performances, especially when he’s bowling in crucial times of the game when batters are going strong.”

Watson’s sentiments were echoed by former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, who also praised Natarajan’s performances in IPL 2024. “I was thinking more like T Natarajan, the left-arm pacer bowler. He has been bowling extremely well. So, I thought maybe he could have been in the team,” Gavaskar said.

Despite the exclusion of Natarajan, India’s T20 World Cup squad boasts a formidable pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah. Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh are expected to compete for the second spot in the playing XI, while Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan have been included in the list of travelling reserves.

India’s squad for T20 World Cup 2024:

* Rohit Sharma (C)
* Hardik Pandya (VC)
* Yashasvi Jaiswal
* Virat Kohli
* Suryakumar Yadav
* Rishabh Pant
* Sanju Samson
* Shivam Dube
* Ravindra Jadeja
* Axar Patel
* Kuldeep Yadav
* Yuzvendra Chahal
* Arshdeep Singh
* Mohammed Siraj
* Jasprit Bumrah

Reserves:

* Shubman Gill
* Rinku Singh
* Khaleel Ahmed
* Avesh Khan

Categories: Cricket

Gary Kirsten’s Virtual Coaching Sparks Controversy in Pakistan

By Nilay May 5, 2024 0

Gary Kirsten, the former South African cricketer and renowned coach, has been appointed as the head coach of Pakistan’s white-ball team. However, his virtual interaction with the players has sparked controversy among fans.

Kirsten, who is currently in India as the batting coach of Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL), conducted a virtual meeting with the Pakistani players. This move has drawn criticism from fans, who question the effectiveness of online coaching.

“How do players learn from a coach through a laptop screen?” one fan asked. “Like Mickey Arthur, he will also do online coaching. PCB, is this cricket or is it a joke?” another fan commented.

Despite the criticism, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has defended Kirsten’s virtual coaching. A PCB official stated that if Gujarat Titans fail to qualify for the IPL playoffs, Kirsten will be available from the start of the T20 series against England.

Until Kirsten joins the team, Azhar Mahmood, the former Test all-rounder, will lead Pakistan on its tour of Ireland and England. Mahmood, who has been appointed as the assistant coach to Kirsten, will act as head coach in the interim.

The PCB has also appointed Muhammad Yousuf, the former Test batsman, as the batting coach, and Saeed Ajmal, the legendary spinner, as the spin bowling coach.

Kirsten’s appointment has been met with mixed reactions. Some fans believe that his experience and expertise will benefit the Pakistani team, while others are skeptical about the effectiveness of virtual coaching.

Categories: Cricket

Kohli’s All-Round Brilliance Powers RCB to Victory Over GT

By Nilay May 5, 2024 0

Virat Kohli’s all-around brilliance propelled Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to a thrilling four-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match on Saturday.

Before the match, Kohli faced criticism from former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar for his comments on cricket experts. However, he silenced his critics with a blistering 42 off 27 balls, including four sixes, to help RCB chase down a modest target of 148.

Kohli’s innings was not just about his batting prowess. He also showcased his exceptional fielding skills, running out GT’s Shahrukh Khan with a stunning one-handed throw. The effort left even his teammate Cameron Green in awe.

RCB’s bowlers had earlier restricted GT to 147, with Mohammed Siraj and Yash Dayal picking up two wickets each. David Miller and Shahrukh Khan provided some resistance with a 61-run partnership, but the Titans lacked a substantial innings to build a formidable total.

RCB’s chase got off to a flying start, with Kohli and captain Faf du Plessis adding 92 runs in just 35 balls for the opening wicket. Du Plessis played a blistering knock of 64 off 23 balls, hitting 10 fours and three sixes.

However, RCB’s middle order faltered, losing three wickets in quick succession. Kohli’s dismissal in the 10th over triggered a collapse, but Glenn Maxwell (23) and Dinesh Karthik (14*) steadied the ship.

Despite some nervous moments, RCB managed to cross the finish line with four wickets to spare. The victory lifted them to seventh place on the IPL table, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Categories: Cricket

Kohli Reclaims Orange Cap, RCB Triumphs Over Gujarat Titans

By Nilay May 5, 2024 0

Virat Kohli, the talismanic batter of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has reclaimed the Orange Cap as the leading run-scorer in IPL 2024. His 42-run knock against Gujarat Titans on Saturday propelled him past Chennai Super Kings’ Ruturaj Gaikwad, who had briefly held the coveted cap.

Kohli’s innings came off just 27 deliveries, showcasing his exceptional strokeplay. He formed a formidable opening partnership with RCB skipper Faf du Plessis, who struck a blistering 62 off 23 balls. The duo put up a 92-run stand, laying the foundation for RCB’s eventual four-wicket victory.

However, RCB’s middle order faltered against the impressive bowling of Joshua Litle, who claimed four wickets. But the damage had already been done by Kohli and du Plessis, and veteran finisher Dinesh Karthik (21* off 12) and Swapil Singh (15* off 9) guided the team home in the 14th over.

Kohli’s knock not only earned him the Orange Cap but also sparked a moment of camaraderie with Karthik. After receiving the cap from his teammate, Kohli playfully bowed to him, eliciting smiles from both players.

RCB’s bowlers also played a crucial role in the victory, restricting Gujarat Titans to a below-par 147. Yash Dayal, Vijaykumar Vyshak, and Mohammed Siraj picked up two wickets each.

Despite the win, RCB’s playoff hopes remain uncertain. They currently sit seventh in the points table, with their qualification chances hanging in the balance. However, Kohli’s return to form and the team’s overall performance in recent matches provide a glimmer of hope for their fans.

Categories: Cricket

Real Madrid Crowned La Liga Champions with Four Games to Spare

By Nilay May 5, 2024 0

Real Madrid’s dominance in Spanish football has reached new heights as they clinched the La Liga title with four games to spare, leaving their rivals Barcelona trailing in their wake. The comprehensive 3-0 victory over relegation-threatened Cadiz, even with a lineup predominantly of bench players, was enough to secure the title as Barcelona stumbled to a 4-2 defeat against Girona.

Barcelona’s hopes of silverware this season have been dashed, as they now trail Real Madrid by an insurmountable 14 points. With Girona leapfrogging Barcelona into second place, Madrid’s coronation as La Liga champions for the 36th time was confirmed, marking another chapter in the club’s illustrious history.

Real Madrid’s triumph is a testament to their resilience and depth. Despite losing star forward Karim Benzema to injury at the start of the campaign, youngster Jude Bellingham stepped up with consistent performances, scoring 18 league goals and providing leadership in the midfield. Vinicius Junior’s brilliance also played a crucial role in Madrid’s success.

Madrid’s only loss in 34 rounds so far highlights their dominance. They beat Barcelona in both league “clasico” matches and dealt Girona a pair of lopsided losses in their two meetings.

Ancelotti’s decision to overhaul his lineup ahead of the decider against Bayern Munich paid off. Brahim Díaz broke through Cadiz’s defense in the 51st minute, while Bellingham tapped in a second goal in the 68th. Joselu Mato added a third in injury time.

Barcelona’s double blow of watching Madrid claim the title and falling behind Girona in the Catalan derby was a bitter pill to swallow. Girona’s top-four finish and Champions League berth is a significant achievement, but it also poses a potential issue for UEFA due to their ownership group’s involvement with Manchester City.

Categories: Football

Rublev and Auger-Aliassime Clash in Madrid Masters Final

By Nilay May 5, 2024 0

Andrey Rublev and Felix Auger-Aliassime Set for Thrilling Madrid Masters Final

Despite a tumultuous week in men’s tennis, the Madrid Masters has produced an intriguing final between Andrey Rublev and Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Rublev, ranked 8th in the world, has endured a recent slump, winning only one match in the past two months. However, he has rediscovered his form in Madrid, defeating Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz en route to the final.

Auger-Aliassime, once ranked 6th, has also struggled with injuries and has fallen to 35th in the rankings. He has benefited from opponent withdrawals in Madrid, but he also recorded a notable victory over Casper Ruud.

This will be a rare opportunity for both players to win a Masters 1000 title. Rublev has reached four previous finals at this level, winning one in Monte Carlo last year. Auger-Aliassime is playing in his first Masters 1000 final.

Their head-to-head record stands at 4-1 in Rublev’s favor, but four of those matches have gone to a third set. Their last encounter in Rotterdam earlier this year was a three-set thriller.

Both players possess powerful forehands and two-handed backhands, relying on pace and placement rather than spin or variety. The rallies are expected to be long and fast-paced.

Rublev appears to be in better form than Auger-Aliassime, having backed up his win over Alcaraz with a victory over Fritz. However, Auger-Aliassime has the potential to upset the odds, especially if he can capitalize on his strong serve.

Regardless of the outcome, the Madrid Masters final promises to be a captivating battle between two talented and determined players.

Categories: Tennis

Cubs Edge Brewers 6-5 in Divisional Series Tiebreaker

By Nilay May 5, 2024 0

The Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers engaged in a thrilling battle on Saturday, with the Cubs emerging victorious 6-5 to tie their first divisional series of the year at one apiece.

Nico Hoerner set the tone early with his first career lead-off home run, while Christopher Morel continued his hot streak with his third homer in as many games. Patrick Wisdom also joined the home run party, sending one into the stands to give the Cubs a 4-0 lead after six strong innings from starter Jameson Taillon.

However, the Brewers refused to go down without a fight. Rhys Hoskins drew a walk off Keegan Thompson, who replaced Taillon, and Oliver Dunn followed with a triple to bring Hoskins home. Blake Perkins then homered to cut the deficit to 4-3.

Milwaukee continued to chip away in the eighth inning. Jackson Chourio singled, and Mark Leiter Jr. allowed a double to Sal Frelick. A throwing error by Mike Tauchman allowed Chourio to score, making it 4-5.

The Cubs responded in the bottom of the inning with an RBI single from Wisdom, sending Michael Busch home from third. Héctor Neris came in to pitch the ninth inning and walked Perkins, but an RBI single by William Contreras brought the Brewers within one again.

With the winning run on second, Tyler Black grounded into a forceout to end the game, sealing Neris’ sixth save of the season.

Taillon’s impressive outing included two hits, two walks, and seven strikeouts over six innings. Tobias Myers took the loss for the Brewers, allowing four runs on three hits and four walks over three innings.

Categories: Others

Swiatek Claims Madrid Open Title, Completes Clay-Court “Box Set”

By Nilay May 5, 2024 0

Iga Swiatek, the world’s top-ranked women’s tennis player, has claimed her first Mutua Madrid Open title after a thrilling three-hour battle against Aryna Sabalenka. The victory marks a significant milestone for Swiatek, as she has now won every WTA 1000 title except for Dubai, Canada, and Cincinnati.

Swiatek’s triumph in Madrid completes her clay-court “box set,” having previously won Stuttgart (WTA 500) and Rome (WTA 1000) twice, and the Roland Garros title three times. With this victory, she ties Elena Rybakina for the most match-wins (30) and titles (3) on the WTA Tour this year.

The match between Swiatek and Sabalenka was a testament to their intense rivalry, with both players showcasing their exceptional skills and determination. Swiatek ultimately prevailed in a nail-biting tiebreak in the deciding set, securing her 20th career title.

The victory in Madrid further solidifies Swiatek’s dominance on the WTA Tour. She has now won 28 consecutive matches, including titles in Doha, Indian Wells, Miami, Stuttgart, and Rome. Her impressive form has made her the clear favorite for the upcoming French Open, where she will be aiming to defend her title.

Both Swiatek and Sabalenka are set to return to action at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, a WTA 1000-level event in Rome, Italy, which begins on May 7th. The tournament will provide another opportunity for these two top players to showcase their skills and continue their rivalry.

Categories: Tennis

Gilchrist’s Six-Wicket Haul Leaves Lancashire in Tatters

By Nilay May 5, 2024 0

Lancashire’s batting woes continued unabated as Kent took complete control of their Vitality County Championship match at Emirates Old Trafford. Nathan Gilchrist’s career-best 6 for 24 and Wes Agar’s 4 for 35 reduced Lancashire to a paltry 92 in their first innings.

Kent’s 169-run first-innings lead allowed skipper Daniel Bell-Drummond to enforce the follow-on. Lancashire’s misery compounded as they lost three wickets for as many runs late in the day, finishing on 119 for 4, still 50 runs in arrears.

Gilchrist and Agar exploited the cloudy conditions to wreak havoc on Lancashire’s batting. Luke Wells, Josh Bohannon, Keaton Jennings, Tom Bruce, George Bell, George Balderson, and Tom Hartley all fell cheaply, leaving Lancashire reeling at 40 for 7.

Matty Hurst’s defiant 36 helped Lancashire avoid their lowest first-class score against Kent, but Gilchrist’s fifth wicket ended their innings. In their second innings, Wells and Jennings showed some fight, but Gilchrist’s brilliance continued as he dismissed both batsmen.

Joey Evison’s unbeaten 71 in Kent’s first innings proved invaluable, as Lancashire’s batting collapse handed Kent a commanding position. The visitors will be confident of securing victory on the final day, while Lancashire faces an uphill battle to salvage a draw.

Categories: Cricket

Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto Qualify for Paris Olympics

By Nilay May 5, 2024 0

Ashwini Ponnappa, a seasoned badminton player, faced skepticism after taking a break in 2022. Despite her continued training, many assumed she had retired. After a successful partnership with Jwala Gutta, Ashwini teamed up with N Sikki Reddy for six years, but they failed to secure a title.

In December 2022, Ashwini and Tanisha Crasto, a rising star, decided to join forces. For Ashwini, it was a final chance at glory, while for Tanisha, it was an opportunity to learn from an experienced player.

Their initial tournaments were disappointing, but they persevered. In June 2023, they won the Nantes International Challenge, marking a turning point. They reached four more finals, winning two and becoming India’s No. 2 women’s pair.

Their success was fueled by Tanisha’s explosiveness and Ashwini’s power. They also upset top 10 pairs and overtook Treesa Jolly and P Gayatri Gopichand as India’s No. 1.

On Tuesday, they qualified for the Paris Olympics, Ashwini’s third and Tanisha’s first. Their journey has been marked by small wins that have culminated in a major achievement.

Ashwini credits their success to their ability to adapt their game style during matches. They also acknowledge areas for improvement, such as becoming more systematic in their attack.

Ashwini is enjoying this stage of her career, finding motivation and happiness in her work. The pair will continue to train and compete in preparation for the Olympics.

Categories: Badminton

T Natarajan’s Exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup Squad Raises Eyebrows

Gary Kirsten’s Virtual Coaching Sparks Controversy in Pakistan

Kohli’s All-Round Brilliance Powers RCB to Victory Over GT

Kohli Reclaims Orange Cap, RCB Triumphs Over Gujarat Titans

Real Madrid Crowned La Liga Champions with Four Games to Spare

Rublev and Auger-Aliassime Clash in Madrid Masters Final

Cubs Edge Brewers 6-5 in Divisional Series Tiebreaker

Swiatek Claims Madrid Open Title, Completes Clay-Court “Box Set”

Gilchrist’s Six-Wicket Haul Leaves Lancashire in Tatters

Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto Qualify for Paris Olympics

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