Wishlist0
0
Continue Shopping

 +91 91155 12977

Home / News (Page 642)

Category: News

Liverpool's Quadruple Hopes Fade Amid Klopp Succession Saga

Liverpool’s Quadruple Hopes Fade Amid Klopp Succession Saga

By April 15, 2024 0

Liverpool’s recent performances have been a stark contrast to their earlier season dominance. After being in contention for a historic quadruple, they now face the prospect of ending the season with only the League Cup. The team’s struggles have coincided with their ongoing search for a successor to manager Jurgen Klopp, raising questions about whether the uncertainty is affecting their on-field performance.

In the past week alone, Liverpool have suffered a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Atalanta in the Europa League and a disappointing 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the Premier League. These results have left them third in the league standings, behind Manchester City and Arsenal.

The team’s poor form has been particularly evident in their home matches. After losing to Manchester United at Old Trafford, they were held to a draw by the same opponents at Anfield. The defeat to Crystal Palace was their first home loss in the Premier League since April 2021.

Klopp’s impending departure at the end of the season has cast a shadow over Liverpool’s campaign. The club’s hierarchy has been actively searching for his replacement, but no concrete decision has been made. The uncertainty surrounding the managerial position has reportedly caused unrest within the squad, with players eager to give Klopp a fitting send-off.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorim as potential successors has been met with setbacks. Alonso ruled out a move to his former club, while Amorim denied reports of an agreement with the Reds. These rejections have further fueled speculation and uncertainty within the club.

Despite the challenges, Liverpool must now focus on salvaging their season. They have already secured the League Cup and will be determined to add more silverware before Klopp’s departure. The team will need to rediscover their form and put aside the distractions to give their manager a memorable farewell.

Categories: Football
Read more
Dhoni's Batting Template Guides CSK's Death Bowling Practice

Dhoni’s Batting Template Guides CSK’s Death Bowling Practice

By April 15, 2024 0

Chennai Super Kings’ bowling consultant, Eric Simmons, has revealed that techniques that prove effective against former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in training sessions also tend to work well in real-world scenarios. Dhoni, known for his exceptional batting skills, serves as the “batting template” for the team’s death bowling practice.

In a recent match against the Mumbai Indians, Dhoni came to the crease for the final four balls of CSK’s innings and smashed the first three for sixes, helping the team collect 26 runs off the last over. This late burst of form proved decisive as CSK defeated MI by 20 runs to secure the third spot in the IPL standings.

Simmons, a former bowling coach for India, explained that Dhoni’s batting style has served as a model for CSK’s attempts to test their bowling ability in the last overs. “His calmness at the wicket… we use him as a batting template when we’re bowling at the death, the pre-season because he’s so good at it. If we can test out our theories against him, then we know we’re going to do well,” he said.

Simmons also acknowledged that Dhoni has been struggling with a knee injury but has battled it bravely without showing any pain. “Everyone else is more interested in his injuries than he is. He’s one of the hardest men I’ve ever come across. I don’t even think we know to what extent he may or may not be in pain. He just carries on and does his thing,” he said.

While Matheesha Pathirana (4/28) deserved the accolades for CSK’s win, Simmons highlighted the contributions of Tushar Deshpande and Shardul Thakur as the “unsung heroes.” He praised Shardul for bowling one of the best overs he had ever seen, with outstanding impact points.

Simmons also appealed for the wide rule to be defined further, claiming that the current laws are not specific enough. He believes that a clearer understanding of the wide rule would allow bowlers to use it more effectively and make the contest more even.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Dortmund Aim to Overturn Deficit Against Atletico in Westfalenstadion Fortress

Dortmund Aim to Overturn Deficit Against Atletico in Westfalenstadion Fortress

By April 15, 2024 0

Borussia Dortmund, the 1997 Champions League winners and 2013 finalists, face an uphill battle as they host Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their quarter-final tie on Tuesday. Trailing 2-1 from the first leg in Madrid, Dortmund will need to summon the spirit of their Westfalenstadion fortress to overturn the deficit.

Despite a poor start in Madrid, Dortmund composed themselves and were arguably the better side for the remaining 60 minutes. However, two defensive mistakes gifted Atletico the upper hand. Dortmund’s trump card is their 80,000-strong Westfalenstadion, where they have not lost since November 2021.

Dortmund have been impressive in Europe this season, topping a tough group containing PSG, Milan, and Newcastle. Their home form has been particularly impressive, with nine unbeaten games since November 2021. They have scored 15 goals and conceded just two in that time.

While often unpredictable, Dortmund have been defensively solid under Terzic this season. However, they gifted two goals to Atletico in the first leg. Centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck and Mats Hummels will be hoping for a recall to the Germany squad ahead of Euro 2024 on home soil.

Dortmund will be buoyed by Atletico’s poor away form this season. Diego Simeone’s men have won just five from 15 in the league and just one of four in Europe. They have not kept a clean sheet away from home.

Dortmund thumped Atletico 4-0 the last time the sides met in Germany in 2018-19. However, present-day Dortmund under Terzic are less easy on the eye but have a fighting spirit similar to that of Simeone’s best Atletico sides.

This was exemplified in Saturday’s hard-fought 2-1 win away to Borussia Moenchengladbach. Reduced to 10 men, Dortmund dug in and hung on for a crucial victory in their top-four bid.

If Dortmund are to get past Atletico and into the Champions League semi-finals for the fourth time in their history, they will need to match the steel and grit of that performance against a team known for mastering those particular skills under Simeone.

Categories: Football
Read more
Barcelona Aim to Vanquish Champions League Ghosts with Young Stars

Barcelona Aim to Vanquish Champions League Ghosts with Young Stars

By April 15, 2024 0

Barcelona, the five-time Champions League winners, are poised to host Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, hoping to exorcise the ghosts of past failures and reclaim their place among Europe’s elite. The Catalans’ stunning 3-2 victory in the first leg in Paris has ignited dreams of a return to the final four.

Coach Xavi Hernandez has instilled a new sense of belief in his young squad, which features two of the youngest players ever to grace the Champions League knockout stages: 16-year-old Lamine Yamal and 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi. Their youthful exuberance has brought a fresh perspective to a team that has been burdened by a string of disappointing European campaigns.

Barcelona’s last triumph in the competition came in 2015, when they were led by the formidable trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suarez. Since then, they have endured a series of humiliating defeats, including a 4-0 collapse at Anfield in 2019 and an 8-2 thrashing by Bayern Munich in 2020.

The psychological scars of those defeats have weighed heavily on Barcelona’s veteran players, many of whom have since departed. However, Yamal and Cubarsi are untainted by those failures, and Xavi has praised their resilience.

“Yamal is very calm and mature,” said Xavi. “He handles everything that happens to him so well, despite his young age.”

Cubarsi’s composure was evident in Barcelona’s victory over Napoli in the last 16, where he played a key role in securing their progression.

“He has a very well-furnished brain,” said Xavi.

Barcelona’s young stars will be crucial in helping the team overcome the psychological barriers that have haunted them in recent years. They must “put the ghosts aside,” as goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen put it, and focus on the task at hand.

The Bayern Munich defeat in 2020 served as a wake-up call for Barcelona, who have since twice crashed out in the group stage. President Joan Laporta has pledged to restore the club to its former glory, and the team is now on the verge of reaching the final four for the first time in four years.

Critics have questioned Laporta’s decision to sell Messi and invest heavily in new signings, but the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, and Raphinha have all played a significant role in Barcelona’s resurgence.

By winning La Liga last season, Barcelona proved that they are on the right track. Now, they must complete the job they started in Paris and demonstrate that their progress is not limited to domestic competition.

Categories: Football
Read more
PSG's Champions League Hopes in Jeopardy After Barcelona Defeat

PSG’s Champions League Hopes in Jeopardy After Barcelona Defeat

By April 15, 2024 0

Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League aspirations hang in the balance after a disappointing 3-2 home defeat to Barcelona in the first leg of their quarter-final tie. Despite initial skepticism about their chances this season, the realization of Kylian Mbappe’s impending departure has galvanized the team. However, their performance against Barcelona exposed weaknesses that threaten to derail their European dreams.

Mbappe, PSG’s talisman, has been in prolific form this season, but his performance in the first leg was underwhelming. His struggles on the left flank raised questions about coach Luis Enrique’s handling of the star striker. Enrique’s decision to limit Mbappe’s playing time in recent Ligue 1 matches has been met with criticism, as the team needs him at his best to overcome the challenge of Barcelona.

Another concern for PSG is the error-prone display of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. His mistakes in the first leg highlighted his vulnerability at the highest level. The defense in front of him also failed to provide adequate protection, with young Brazilian Lucas Beraldo struggling to cope with the intensity of the match.

Captain Marquinhos acknowledged the team’s shortcomings after the game, emphasizing the need to improve in the second leg. “Little details made the difference,” he said. “We have no choice. We have to go and win there.”

PSG’s hopes of advancing to the semi-finals rest heavily on Mbappe’s performance. If he can rediscover his form and lead the team to victory, anything is possible. However, Barcelona, despite their recent struggles, remain a formidable opponent. They have a history of overcoming adversity in the Champions League, as evidenced by their famous 6-1 comeback against PSG in 2017.

With Achraf Hakimi returning from suspension, PSG will be stronger on Tuesday. Mbappe will also be determined to prove his worth and help his team turn the tie around. The second leg promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams desperate to secure a place in the last four.

Categories: Football
Read more
NSW Bolsters Squad with World Cup Trio and Experienced Recruits

NSW Bolsters Squad with World Cup Trio and Experienced Recruits

By April 15, 2024 0

New South Wales (NSW) has bolstered its squad for the 2024-25 season with the addition of three promising youngsters from the Under-19 World Cup-winning team: Sam Konstas, Ryan Hicks, and Charlie Anderson. These talented players join experienced recruits Nic Maddinson and Josh Philippe, who bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to the team.

Konstas, a 19-year-old batter, made an impressive debut for NSW last season, scoring a century in the Under-19 World Cup and a half-century in the Shield. He has earned a full contract, while Hicks and Anderson have been awarded rookie deals.

Hicks, a wicketkeeper-batter, showcased his potential with a century in an Under-19 Youth Test against England. He will develop behind established keepers Philippe and Matthew Gilkes. Anderson, a bowler, impressed at the Under-19 World Cup and takes Jack Nisbet’s rookie spot. Nisbet has been upgraded to a full contract after a successful debut Shield season.

NSW chief of cricket performance Greg Mail expressed his delight at adding the trio to the squad. “Sam and Jack confirmed their talent last season and deserve their full contracts,” he said. “Ryan and Charlie have also shown their readiness for professional opportunities.”

The addition of Maddinson and Philippe further strengthens NSW’s squad. Maddinson, a former NSW captain, returns after six seasons with Victoria, while Philippe brings his experience from Western Australia.

“Players of their caliber don’t become available often,” said Mail. “They will enhance our balance and depth.”

Jason Sangha and Baxter Holt have departed the squad, with Sangha likely to join South Australia and Holt heading to Western Australia. Kurtis Patterson remains on the list despite exploring options elsewhere.

The NSW squad for 2024-25 includes:

* Sean Abbott (CA contract)
* Charlie Anderson (rookie)
* Jackson Bird
* Pat Cummins (CA)
* Joel Davies (rookie)
* Oliver Davies
* Ben Dwarshuis
* Jack Edwards
* Matt Gilkes
* Chris Green
* Ryan Hackney
* Ryan Hadley
* Liam Hatcher
* Josh Hazlewood (CA)
* Moises Henriques
* Ryan Hicks (rookie)
* Daniel Hughes
* Hayden Kerr
* Sam Konstas
* Nathan Lyon (CA)
* Nic Maddinson
* Blake Nikitaras
* Jack Nisbet
* Kurtis Patterson
* Josh Philippe
* Will Salzmann (rookie)
* Tanveer Sangha
* Lachlan Shaw (rookie)
* Steve Smith (CA)
* Mitchell Starc (CA)
* Chris Tremain
* Adam Zampa (CA)

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Inter Milan's Title Chase Continues Despite Cagliari Draw

Inter Milan’s Title Chase Continues Despite Cagliari Draw

By April 15, 2024 0

Inter Milan’s pursuit of the Serie A title remains on track despite a disappointing 2-2 draw at home to relegation-threatened Cagliari. The result leaves Inter with a 14-point lead over AC Milan, who also drew 3-3 at Sassuolo.

Cagliari’s Nicolas Viola snatched a late equalizer for the visitors, canceling out Hakan Calhanoglu’s penalty that had given Inter the lead following Eldor Shomurodov’s equalizer. Inter manager Simone Inzaghi expressed frustration at the missed opportunity to extend their advantage.

“It’s annoying not to win after going ahead twice because we wanted the victory in front of our fans,” Inzaghi said. “We’re very close to a big goal but we know that we still need points to make it mathematically certain.”

Inter now need to win their next match, the Milan derby against AC Milan, to secure the Scudetto with five games remaining. However, Milan’s Noah Okafor salvaged a point for his team in their match against Sassuolo, keeping their title hopes alive.

Meanwhile, Roma’s Evan Ndicka is recovering after collapsing during their match at Udinese. The defender suffered an apparent chest problem, causing the game to be abandoned. Roma confirmed that Ndicka is in good spirits and undergoing further observations in the hospital.

The match will be resumed at a later date, with Roma currently in fifth place in the Serie A standings. They are well-positioned to qualify for next season’s Champions League, as they hold a five-point advantage over sixth-placed Atalanta.

Napoli’s hopes of finishing in the top five suffered a setback with a 2-2 draw at home to Frosinone. The result leaves Napoli six points behind Roma in eighth place. Frosinone remains in the relegation zone, level on points with Verona, who face Atalanta on Monday.

Categories: Football
Read more
One-Handed Backhands Return to ATP Top 10 with Tsitsipas and Dimitrov

One-Handed Backhands Return to ATP Top 10 with Tsitsipas and Dimitrov

By April 15, 2024 0

The ATP rankings have witnessed a resurgence of one-handed backhands in the Top 10, with Stefanos Tsitsipas and Grigor Dimitrov leading the charge. Tsitsipas’ victory at the Monte Carlo Masters propelled him back into the elite, joining Dimitrov, who had ended a six-week drought of one-handed backhands in the Top 10 after his Miami Open final appearance.

This marks the first time since October 2021 that two players with one-handed backhands have graced the Top 10. Tsitsipas, who had been the lone representative since Dominic Thiem’s departure in 2021, now finds himself at his highest ranking since January 2023.

Another notable move in the Top 10 is Casper Ruud’s ascent to No. 6, his highest ranking in over seven months. The Norwegian’s impressive run in Monte Carlo, including a victory over Novak Djokovic, has earned him a significant boost.

Ugo Humbert and Ben Shelton have also made strides, with Humbert reaching a career-high of No. 13 and Shelton becoming the new American men’s No. 1. Meanwhile, Sumit Nagal has made history as the first Indian player to win a Masters 1000 match on clay, propelling him to a career-high of No. 80.

On the WTA side, there were no major changes in the rankings due to the absence of events last week. However, 21-year-old Jessica Bouzas Maneiro made her Top 100 debut after reaching the final of an ITF Circuit event in Spain.

Categories: Tennis
Read more
LSG Skipper Rahul Calls for 'Tough Conversations' After Consecutive Defeats

LSG Skipper Rahul Calls for ‘Tough Conversations’ After Consecutive Defeats

By April 15, 2024 0

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper KL Rahul has acknowledged the need for introspection after his team’s second consecutive defeat in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite a promising start to the season, LSG has now slipped to fifth place on the points table.

“We’re not panicking, but we can’t afford to be complacent,” Rahul said after the eight-wicket loss to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). “We need to identify our mistakes and have some tough conversations.”

LSG’s batting has been a concern, with the team failing to cross 160 in their last two matches. “We need to figure out how to get to the 180-200 run mark,” Rahul emphasized.

Against KKR, LSG lost wickets in clusters, leaving them with a below-par total. “We kept losing wickets in bunches, and we left about 30 runs out there,” Rahul lamented. “If we had kept wickets in hand, we could have gotten a lot more runs.”

KKR captain Shreyas Iyer praised his bowlers for their performance. “We bowled well under pressure,” Iyer said. “We wanted to minimize the half-volleys and force the batters to use their power.”

The unbeaten 120-run partnership between Iyer and Phil Salt proved decisive for KKR. Salt credited Iyer for his support and praised the Eden Gardens wicket for its similarity to home conditions in England.

“Shreyas was good in the middle and kept me on task,” Salt said. “The ball bounces a bit more here, and you can aim squarer.”

LSG will need to address their batting woes and find a way to post more competitive totals if they want to regain their winning ways. KKR, on the other hand, will look to build on their momentum and maintain their position near the top of the table.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Pollard Defends Pandya, Emphasizes Team Unity Amidst Criticism

Pollard Defends Pandya, Emphasizes Team Unity Amidst Criticism

By April 15, 2024 0

Mumbai Indians’ Pollard Defends Hardik Pandya Amidst Criticism

Mumbai Indians’ batting coach and former all-rounder Kieron Pollard has staunchly defended Hardik Pandya following the team’s IPL match against Chennai Super Kings. Pandya faced significant scrutiny for his performance, but Pollard rallied behind his teammate, emphasizing the importance of team unity and support.

“I am sick and fed up looking to pinpoint individuals; cricket is a team game at the end of the day,” Pollard stated after the match. He expressed confidence in Pandya’s abilities and highlighted his crucial role in the upcoming T20 World Cup for India.

Pollard acknowledged Pandya’s recent struggles and the public’s expectations, but stressed the importance of evolution in a player’s career. “As an individual you have to evolve,” he remarked. “The older you get, accountability and responsibility kick in.”

Despite Pandya’s recent challenges, Pollard remains optimistic about his future contributions, citing his hard work and commitment to improvement. “What I am seeing is the guy is evolving. We, as individuals, want to see certain things but sometimes the game does not demand certain things,” Pollard noted.

Looking ahead to the T20 World Cup, Pollard anticipates a shift in public sentiment towards Pandya. “I hope very well deep down within my heart that when he comes out on top, I’ll sit back and watch everyone sing his praises,” he said.

Pollard’s defense of Pandya underscores the importance of team unity and support, especially in the face of adversity. It also highlights the need for patience and understanding as players navigate the challenges of their careers.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Main Menu
Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart