Harbhajan Predicts Kohli's Longevity, Sharma's Continued Presence

Harbhajan Predicts Kohli’s Longevity, Sharma’s Continued Presence

Former Indian cricket legend Harbhajan Singh believes that Virat Kohli’s exceptional physical condition will allow him to continue playing international cricket for another five years. He also expressed his opinion that Rohit Sharma, the current captain of the Indian team in both Test and ODI formats, can continue playing for at least two more years.

Harbhajan emphasized Kohli’s remarkable fitness, stating that he is “probably the fittest guy in the team.” He believes that Kohli’s fitness will enable him to withstand the rigors of international cricket for an extended period.

Regarding Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan said, “Rohit can easily play for two more years.” He highlighted the importance of experience in Test cricket, stating that both Kohli and Sharma are crucial players in this format.

Harbhajan stressed the need for selectors to balance experience with performance. He said, “If someone is not performing well, they should be dropped, whether they are senior players or juniors.” However, he emphasized that as long as players are fit and contributing, they should continue to be selected.

Harbhajan also acknowledged the hunger and determination of younger players, saying, “Youngsters have much more hunger than the seniors.” He praised the opportunities being given to Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill.

Despite India’s recent 0-2 defeat against Sri Lanka in the ODI series, Harbhajan downplayed its significance. He said, “It was one of those things. Sometimes you win it, sometimes you lose it. It’s sports after all.” He commended Sri Lanka for playing better than India.

India's Olympic Medal Haul: Six Medals, Third-Best Outing at Summer Games

India’s Olympic Medal Haul: Six Medals, Third-Best Outing at Summer Games

India’s performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics was a testament to the nation’s growing prowess in sports. With six medals, India fell just short of its record tally from Tokyo 2020, but it marked the country’s third-best outing at the Summer Games.

Archery, athletics, badminton, boxing, equestrian, golf, hockey, judo, rowing, sailing, shooting, swimming, wrestling, table tennis, and tennis were the 16 sports in which Indian athletes competed. Athletics boasted the largest Indian representation with a 29-member squad, while shooting fielded a record 21 shooters.

Beyond medals, Indian athletes also set new records at the Games. Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion in javelin throw, added to his legacy with a silver medal, becoming the fifth two-time Olympic medallist from India. Manu Bhaker made history as the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal, claiming bronze in the 10m air pistol event.

Bhaker also teamed up with Sarabjot Singh to win India’s first-ever Olympic medal in shooting team events. Swapnil Kusale’s bronze in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions marked India’s best medals tally in one sport at the Olympics, with three medals in shooting.

The Indian men’s hockey team continued their resurgence, winning bronze for the second consecutive Olympics. This was India’s first back-to-back Olympic medals in hockey since Munich 1972. Harmanpreet Singh emerged as India’s top scorer with 10 goals, while PR Sreejesh made crucial saves throughout the tournament.

In archery, Dhiraj Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat finished fourth in the mixed team event, securing India’s best result in the sport at the Olympics. Lakshya Sen became the first Indian shuttler to reach the semi-finals in men’s badminton, while Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula made history in table tennis by reaching the pre-quarterfinals.

India’s performance at the Paris Olympics showcased the nation’s growing competitiveness on the global stage. With a strong contingent of athletes and a focus on excellence, India is poised for continued success in future Olympic Games.

India Secures Six Medals at Paris Olympics 2024, Manu Bhaker Shines

India Secures Six Medals at Paris Olympics 2024, Manu Bhaker Shines

India’s performance at the Paris Olympics 2024 was a mixed bag, with the contingent securing six medals, one less than their tally at the previous Olympics in Tokyo. While some athletes narrowly missed out on medals, others showcased exceptional performances.

Manu Bhaker emerged as the star performer, becoming the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single Olympics. She claimed a silver medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event and a bronze medal in the mixed team event with Sarabjot Singh.

Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion in javelin throw, secured a silver medal in Paris. Despite a valiant effort, he was unable to match the record-breaking performance of Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who claimed gold.

The Indian men’s hockey team continued their impressive Olympic run, winning their second consecutive bronze medal. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh led the team to victory over Spain in a thrilling match.

Other medalists included Swapnil Kusale, who won bronze in the men’s 50m rifle 3 position event, and Aman Sehrawat, who became the youngest Indian athlete to win an Olympic medal with his bronze in the 57kg freestyle wrestling event.

Despite the missed opportunities, India’s performance at the Paris Olympics 2024 showcased the country’s growing prowess in various sports. The athletes’ determination and resilience will undoubtedly inspire future generations.

Rahul Dravid Set to Return to IPL as Rajasthan Royals Coach

Rahul Dravid Set to Return to IPL as Rajasthan Royals Coach

Former Indian batting legend Rahul Dravid, who recently stepped down as India’s head coach after guiding the team to the T20 World Cup 2024 title, is reportedly set to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the coach of Rajasthan Royals.

Dravid, who had a successful stint with the Royals as captain, mentor, and coach before joining the BCCI, is likely to replace current head coach Kumar Sangakkara, who is being considered for the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) white-ball coaching role.

According to Cricbuzz, if Sangakkara leaves the Royals to join England, Dravid is the frontrunner to take over the vacant head coach position. The 51-year-old has a wealth of experience in coaching, having guided India to the T20 World Cup title and the Under-19 World Cup title in 2018.

Sangakkara, when asked about the England coaching job, said, “I know my name has been mentioned, but there has been no approach. The England white-ball job is exciting, but I am happy at Rajasthan Royals.”

England’s white-ball coach Matthew Mott recently stepped down after the team failed to defend their ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup titles. The ECB has appointed former England batter Marcus Trescothick as an interim coach for the upcoming one-day international and T20 series against Australia.

Dravid’s return to the IPL as a coach would be a significant development, as he is widely regarded as one of the greatest batters India has ever produced. His experience and leadership skills would be invaluable to the Royals, who are looking to improve on their recent performances.

Arshad Nadeem's Historic Javelin Gold Marks Pakistan's Olympic Resurgence

Arshad Nadeem’s Historic Javelin Gold Marks Pakistan’s Olympic Resurgence

Arshad Nadeem’s historic gold medal in men’s javelin throw at the Paris Olympics has ignited unprecedented jubilation in Pakistan. The victory marks a watershed moment for the nation, as it is the first individual gold medal in athletics and the first gold since the men’s hockey team’s triumph in 1984.

Nadeem’s journey to the Olympic podium has been a testament to his unwavering determination and the unwavering support of his community. Hailing from the rural village of Khanewal in Punjab, Nadeem faced significant challenges in accessing training facilities and competing abroad. However, the villagers and his relatives rallied around him, pooling their resources to enable him to participate in international competitions.

In Paris, Nadeem showcased his exceptional talent, shattering the Olympic record with a remarkable throw of 92.97m in his second attempt. His victory was particularly poignant as it came at the expense of his great rival and friend, Indian defending champion Neeraj Chopra. Chopra, who was hampered by a groin injury, settled for silver with a best throw of 89.45m.

Nadeem’s triumph has been met with an outpouring of gratitude and admiration in Pakistan. He has been showered with gifts and rewards, including a buffalo from his father-in-law, Muhammad Nawaz. Nawaz explained that gifting a buffalo is a symbol of great honor and value in their village.

Nadeem’s success is a testament to the power of dreams and the transformative impact of community support. His victory has not only brought glory to Pakistan but has also inspired countless young athletes to pursue their sporting aspirations.

Neeraj Chopra Secures Silver in Javelin Throw at Paris Olympics 2024

Neeraj Chopra Secures Silver in Javelin Throw at Paris Olympics 2024

Neeraj Chopra, India’s star javelin thrower, has once again etched his name in history by securing a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His remarkable performance, with a season-best throw of 89.45m, has brought immense pride to the nation.

Chopra’s consistent brilliance has been evident throughout his career, with medals at major events such as the World Championships, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games. His latest achievement at the Olympics is a testament to his unwavering determination and exceptional talent.

Beyond his sporting prowess, Chopra’s choice of timepiece during the event has sparked considerable interest. As an ambassador for Omega, he sported the “Ultra Light” from the Seamaster Aqua Terra collection, a watch valued at a staggering Rs. 52,13,200.

Chopra’s aspirations extend beyond his Olympic triumph. He eagerly anticipates competing against international stars in India, hoping for an upcoming international competition to provide him with that opportunity. However, he recognizes the need for improvement in certain areas of his technique, particularly the line of the javelin, to enhance his power and accuracy.

Despite physical challenges, Chopra summoned his inner strength in the Paris Games final. Inspired by his opponent’s impressive throw, he unleashed his season’s best performance, demonstrating his unwavering spirit and competitive drive.

Chopra’s silver medal is a testament to his exceptional abilities and unwavering determination. It is a moment of pride for India and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes across the nation.

Neeraj Chopra Apologizes for Silver, Vows to Improve

Neeraj Chopra Apologizes for Silver, Vows to Improve

Star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, had to settle for a silver at the Paris Olympics 2024. Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem took the gold with a Games record throw of 92.97m. Despite becoming the only Indian track and field athlete to win multiple Olympic medals, Neeraj remains humble as ever.

In a viral video, Neeraj was seen apologizing to the fans after failing to defend his javelin throw crown. “I don’t have much to say, but I’ve brought something to show you (silver medal). Sorry, like last time, there was no national anthem played, what I had thought, didn’t happen but medal is medal, I had worked hard and winning a medal for the country and taking a lap of the track with the flag, that’s a different feeling all together,” Neeraj told the fans in the viral video.

Chopra bagged the silver at the Paris showpiece with a throw of 89.45m behind Pakistan’s Arshad, who hurled the javelin to 92.97m, an Olympic record. Anderson Peters of Grenada came third with a throw of 88.54m among the field that included some high-profile javelin throwers like Julian Webber, Jakub Vadlejch, and Julius Yego.

Neeraj expressed dissatisfaction with his performance and revealed that the last two to three years were not good for him in terms of fitness. “It was a good throw but I am not that happy with my performance today. My technique and runway were not that good. (I managed) only one throw, the rest I fouled,” Neeraj said according to Olympics.com.

“(For my) second throw I believed to think I can also throw that far. But in javelin, if your run is not so good, you cannot throw very far,” added Neeraj.

The Indian ace javelin thrower, who also is the current Asian Games champion, said that injuries leading to his title defense in Paris made some difference and he will have to work on being injury-free and on his technique. “The last two or three years were not so good for me. I am always injured. I really tried hard, but I have to work on my injury (staying injury-free) and technique,” the 26-year-old added.

Indian Grandmasters Vaishali Rameshbabu and Nihal Sarin Join Global Chess League 2024

Indian Grandmasters Vaishali Rameshbabu and Nihal Sarin Join Global Chess League 2024

The Global Chess League (GCL) 2024 is set to return for its second season in London from October 3 to 12, and the player draft has already made headlines with the acquisition of Indian Grandmasters Vaishali Rameshbabu and Nihal Sarin.

Vaishali, a rising star in the women’s chess circuit, has been signed by Ganges Grandmasters in the Superstar Women 1 section. She will join the legendary Viswanathan Anand, who is also part of the Ganges lineup.

Meanwhile, the 20-year-old Sarin has been drafted by Alaskan Knights in the Prodigy category. He will be playing alongside renowned players like Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov.

“For someone my age, coming up the ranks in this sport, I am super thrilled to be part of the Global Chess League Season 2,” said Sarin after the draft. “I am looking forward to learn from the stalwarts playing in this season and I am happy to be part of Alaskan Knights this season.”

Other notable Indian players who have been retained by their respective teams include Grandmasters Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli, who will continue to play for Mumba Masters.

The GCL has also announced its icon players for the upcoming season. Magnus Carlsen will represent Alpine SG Pipers, Anand will play for Ganges Grandmasters, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave will lead Mumba Masters, Ian Nepomniachtchi will captain Triveni Continental Kings, and debutants Hikaru Nakamura and Anish Giri will join American Gambits and Alaskan Knights, respectively.

The GCL is a unique chess league that features teams from around the world competing in a series of online matches. The league aims to promote chess and provide a platform for players to showcase their skills.

Sanju Samson Unfazed by Snubs, Focuses on Team Success

Sanju Samson Unfazed by Snubs, Focuses on Team Success

Sanju Samson, the enigmatic wicketkeeper-batter from Rajasthan, has been a constant subject of debate among cricket enthusiasts. Despite his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and sporadic appearances for the national team, Samson has often found himself on the sidelines of the Indian squad.

Samson’s international debut came in 2015, but he has since struggled to cement his place in the team. He was overlooked for the Asia Cup 2023 and ODI World Cup 2023 squads, despite his consistent performances in the IPL. He was eventually included in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad but did not feature in any matches.

Recently, Samson played two matches in India’s three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, but failed to score a single run. Despite these setbacks, the 29-year-old remains unfazed.

“I will just go and play whenever they select me. That’s it! End of the day, our team is doing well. I am the kind of person who believes in higher purpose. I just try to take things positively under controllable circumstances and put up the efforts,” Samson said at a recent event.

Samson’s resilience is evident in his performances for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. In the 2024 season, he emerged as the fifth highest run-scorer with 531 runs in 15 matches.

Overall, Samson has played 30 T20Is for India, scoring 444 runs, and 16 ODIs, scoring 510 runs. He has also played 167 IPL matches, amassing 4419 runs.

Despite his impressive record, Samson’s omission from the Indian team has raised questions about the selection criteria. Some experts believe that his inconsistent performances in international cricket have cost him his place, while others argue that he deserves more opportunities.

As the Indian team prepares for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024, Samson’s form and selection will be closely monitored. If he can replicate his IPL performances on the international stage, he could prove to be a valuable asset for the team.

Former England Cricketer Graham Thorpe Took His Own Life

Former England Cricketer Graham Thorpe Took His Own Life

Graham Thorpe, the former England cricketer who passed away on August 5, 2023, at the age of 49, took his own life, his family has revealed.

Thorpe’s wife, Amanda, told The Times that her husband had been suffering from depression and anxiety in recent years. “He was so unwell in recent times and he really did believe that we would be better off without him,” she said. “We are devastated that he acted on that and took his own life.”

Thorpe, who played 100 Test matches for England, was a highly respected figure in the cricket world. He was known for his elegant batting and his ability to score runs in all conditions. He also played 82 One-Day Internationals for England, scoring 2,380 runs.

After retiring from playing, Thorpe worked as a coach for England and Surrey. He was widely regarded as one of the best coaches in the world and helped to develop some of England’s most talented young players.

Thorpe’s death has sent shockwaves through the cricket community. He was a popular figure among fans and players alike, and his loss will be deeply felt.

In a statement, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Graham Thorpe. Graham was a fine cricketer and a wonderful ambassador for the game. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.”

Thorpe’s family has asked for privacy at this difficult time. They have also set up a JustGiving page to raise money for the mental health charity Mind.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart