Bangladesh's Young Batters Need Patience, Says Assistant Coach

Bangladesh’s Young Batters Need Patience, Says Assistant Coach

Bangladesh’s young batting lineup is facing a steep learning curve in Test cricket, and assistant coach Nic Pothas urges patience from fans and observers. The team’s inexperience was evident in their heavy defeat in the first Test against Sri Lanka, where they were bowled out for under 200 in both innings.

“We have a very young and inexperienced group of batters,” Pothas said. “There was a very elite group before this. Now we have to rebuild. The only thing that we request is that people are patient. These are very good young players, but they are young and they are playing against an experienced team and it will take time to learn lessons.”

Pothas emphasized that the young players have a solid foundation and a positive dressing room environment. “From a hunger point of view, they want to do really well in the Test. They always really want to do well. They are a fantastic group. They get on very, very well. You can just see by smiles on their faces.”

The return of Shakib Al Hasan, who missed the first Test due to an eye condition, is a major boost for Bangladesh. “I think any team that has Shakib in it is very fortunate,” Pothas said. “We welcome him back. It is always great to have him in the change room. His energy is very infectious. He has a lot of experience for the guys to learn from and whenever Shakib is back, he’s a giver. So we really enjoy having him around the group.”

Pothas also addressed the criticism of Litton Das’s performance in the first Test. “We have had conversations. Litton is in a good space,” Pothas said. “The trouble that we generally have is that the pressure on Litton comes from the outside. If we just leave Litton to be Litton, I think he’ll show you the best of him.”

“If we keep jumping on his back in the media and on social media, we forget that just because these guys are very able cricketers and they appear on television, at the root they’re still human beings. If we treat them like human beings and allow him to do what’s best for him, I promise you he’ll show you results.”

Anju Bobby George Questions IOA's Flag Bearer Decision for Paris Olympics

Anju Bobby George Questions IOA’s Flag Bearer Decision for Paris Olympics

Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) decision to appoint Sharath Kamal as the flag bearer for the 2024 Paris Olympics has sparked controversy, with legendary athlete Anju Bobby George questioning the omission of Neeraj Chopra.

George, a Commonwealth and Asian Games medalist, took to Instagram to express her surprise at the decision, stating that Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion in javelin throw, should have been considered. She questioned the IOA’s rationale, especially since the federations, including table tennis, have yet to announce their Olympic teams.

Sharath Kamal, a 10-time national table tennis champion, has an impressive record, including 13 Commonwealth Games medals and two Asian Games medals. However, Chopra’s Olympic gold medal and world ranking of 88 make him a more deserving candidate for the honor, according to George.

The IOA has also appointed Olympic bronze medalist MC Mary Kom as the chef de mission for the Paris Games. Kom, a six-time world champion and five-time Asian champion, is the first female boxer to win an Olympic medal for India.

Gagan Narang, a bronze medalist in the 10m air rifle event at the 2012 London Olympics, has been appointed to head the shooting village operations for the Paris Olympics. Shooting has not produced an Indian medalist since London 2012, despite earning India its first individual Olympic medal in Beijing 2008.

The Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024. The Indian contingent will be led by a distinguished team of officials, including Sharath Kamal, MC Mary Kom, and Gagan Narang.

Hardik Pandya Urged to 'Block Out' Boos and Abuse, Seek Support from Rohit Sharma

Hardik Pandya Urged to ‘Block Out’ Boos and Abuse, Seek Support from Rohit Sharma

Steven Smith, who faced relentless heckling after the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, has advised Hardik Pandya to “block out” the boos and abuse he has received from fans during the ongoing IPL. Smith believes that Hardik needs support from his Mumbai Indians teammates, especially Rohit Sharma, who he replaced as captain.

Smith, who was banned for a year after admitting to “leadership failure” in the Newlands Test, said he treated the heckling he experienced as “white noise.” He suggested that Hardik might be surprised by the reception because it is not often that India’s top players are booed by fans.

However, Smith acknowledged that the abuse from fans, coupled with criticism of his captaincy, could impact Hardik adversely. He pointed out that Hardik has not experienced such a reception before, especially as a star Indian player.

Smith also expressed concern about Hardik’s tactical decisions in Mumbai Indians’ back-to-back losses. He believes Hardik erred by batting himself too low in the first game and by not bowling Jasprit Bumrah enough in the second game.

Smith suggested that Rohit Sharma could play a role in supporting Hardik, similar to how Virat Kohli defended Smith during the 2019 World Cup. He said that Rohit could stand up and ask fans to support Hardik, which could help him overcome the current challenges.

Premier League Title Race Heats Up: Intangible Factors Fueling the Intensity

Premier League Title Race Heats Up: Intangible Factors Fueling the Intensity

The Premier League title race is heating up, with Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal emerging as the frontrunners. While the on-field performances of these teams have been impressive, several intangible factors are also contributing to the intensity of the competition.

Manchester City, under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, has established a formidable presence in the league. Their recent dominance, marked by five title wins in the past six seasons, has instilled a sense of confidence and momentum within the team. Moreover, their exceptional form after the Christmas break has been a key factor in their success.

For Liverpool, this title run holds immense significance as it marks the final season of legendary manager Jurgen Klopp. Klopp’s departure at the end of the campaign is expected to galvanize the players, who are determined to give him a fitting send-off by securing the Premier League trophy.

Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, is another team with a strong title aspiration. Having narrowly missed out on the title last season, the Gunners are eager for redemption and revenge. The club’s 20-year title drought adds an extra layer of motivation for Arteta’s squad.

Beyond the on-field battles, the off-field dynamics are also shaping the title race. The rivalry between Manchester City and Liverpool has intensified in recent years, with both teams pushing each other to new heights. Arsenal’s resurgence under Arteta has added a fresh dimension to the competition, creating a three-way battle for supremacy.

The Premier League title race is poised to be one of the most captivating in recent memory. With three formidable teams vying for the trophy, the intensity and drama are sure to reach unprecedented levels.

Sri Lanka's Pace Dominance Faces Spin Challenge in Chattogram

Sri Lanka’s Pace Dominance Faces Spin Challenge in Chattogram

Sri Lanka’s pace attack has dominated the first Test against Bangladesh, taking all 20 wickets in Sylhet. This marks the first time since 1986 that a Sri Lankan pace attack has achieved this feat. The victory has boosted Sri Lanka’s confidence, but they face a different challenge in Chattogram, where the pitch is typically more favorable for batting and spinners.

Bangladesh will be buoyed by the return of Shakib Al Hasan, who is their most experienced bowler on the Chattogram deck. Shakib has claimed 64 wickets in 19 Tests at this venue, the most by any bowler. Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz are also formidable spinners for Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka’s main spinner, Prabath Jayasuriya, has limited experience overseas, while Ramesh Mendis, who could be brought in as a second frontline spinner, has even less experience away from home.

Despite their impressive victory in Sylhet, Sri Lanka have never lost a Test in Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh will be confident in Chattogram, especially with Shakib in their ranks.

LSG Aim for Improved Performance Against PBKS in IPL Clash

LSG Aim for Improved Performance Against PBKS in IPL Clash

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their second Indian Premier League (IPL) match on March 30 in Lucknow. LSG, led by KL Rahul, will aim to improve their all-round performance after losing their opening game against Rajasthan Royals by 20 runs.

LSG’s bowling unit struggled in their first match, with all bowlers except Krunal Pandya leaking runs. The absence of Mark Wood and David Willey has left LSG’s pace attack thin, with Mohsin Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Yash Thakur expected to carry the load. Ravi Bishnoi, who is vying for a place in the upcoming T20 World Cup squad, also had an ordinary outing in the team’s tournament opener.

Skipper Rahul, who has decided to play as a wicketkeeper-batter with the T20 World Cup in mind, scored 58 in his comeback game and will be looking to build on that. He will hope that his opening partner Quinton de Kock returns to his belligerent best against Punjab after missing out against Royals. The team will also rely on the likes of Devdutt Padikkal, Ayush Badoni, Deepak Hooda, and Krunal to deliver down the order.

LSG’s success will also depend on the form of Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, who was the leading run-getter for the team last year with 408 runs.

PBKS, on the other hand, have a 50-50 record so far, winning one and losing one. The Shikhar Dhawan-led side needs more fluency in the powerplay, which will come if Jonny Bairstow gets going after failing in the first two games. Dhawan, who only plays IPL to IPL, needs to up his strike rate going forward. He himself admitted to batting a bit “slowly” against RCB.

Prabhsimran Singh, who came of age last season, has not been able to capitalize on his starts yet. While all-rounder Sam Curran has shown his prowess with the bat in the two matches, the left-arm seamer has been wayward with the ball. Vice-captain Jitesh Sharma, who is in the running for a World Cup berth, needs to have a stellar season to convince the national selectors.

In the pace bowling department, Kagiso Rabada will look for more support from Curran, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshal Patel. Left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar has been impressive, while leg-spinner Rahul Chahar needs to up his game.

Hardik Pandya's MI Captaincy Under Fire After Shoving Incident

Hardik Pandya’s MI Captaincy Under Fire After Shoving Incident

Hardik Pandya’s tenure as Mumbai Indians’ (MI) captain has started with a string of setbacks, both on and off the field. After two consecutive defeats, Pandya’s actions have come under scrutiny, with fans and critics alike expressing concerns.

In a recent incident, a video emerged of Pandya allegedly shoving bowling coach Lasith Malinga away after a 31-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad. The footage shows Malinga attempting to embrace Pandya, who appears to ignore the gesture and walks away. This incident has sparked criticism, with many questioning Pandya’s leadership style.

Another video from the same match has also raised eyebrows. It shows Malinga vacating his seat for Pandya, who was preparing to bat. Assistant coach Kieron Pollard was initially about to get up, but Malinga intervened and walked away. This has led to speculation about potential tensions within the MI camp.

Pandya’s struggles have extended beyond the field. In MI’s opening match against Gujarat Titans, he was booed by the crowd. The team’s poor performance has also put pressure on the new skipper.

Ahead of the 2024 IPL season, MI handed the captaincy to Pandya, who was acquired from Gujarat Titans. However, his transition has been far from smooth. The team’s losses and Pandya’s actions have raised questions about his suitability for the role.

As MI prepare to host Rajasthan Royals on April 1, Pandya faces a crucial test. He needs to find a way to turn around the team’s fortunes and address the concerns surrounding his leadership.

Delhi Capitals Back Anrich Nortje Despite Death Bowling Struggles

Delhi Capitals Back Anrich Nortje Despite Death Bowling Struggles

Delhi Capitals’ bowling coach James Hopes has expressed confidence in the team’s pace spearhead Anrich Nortje, despite his recent struggles in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Nortje, who made his comeback to competitive cricket after six months, was taken to the cleaners by Rajasthan Royals’ Riyan Parag at the death, conceding 48 runs in his four overs.

Hopes acknowledged the challenges Nortje faced, having been out of action since September and playing only three domestic T20 games before the IPL. However, he emphasized Nortje’s status as one of the premier death bowlers in the game and expressed trust in his ability to improve.

“It’s the first time that Nortje has been at this level in a while. He had a fair time out of the game, but if you look at all the numbers, he is one of the premier death bowlers in the game. We trust that he is going to keep getting better,” Hopes said.

Hopes also identified areas for improvement in the team’s batting, which fell apart in the back-10 after a positive start. He highlighted the need to tidy up the middle-over batting, with the return of Rishabh Pant expected to provide a significant boost.

“We need to tidy up our middle over batting too. We tend to get stuck a little bit in phases there. We know the fix for that is Rishabh Pant,” Hopes said. “He has played two games after a long lay-off and I think you’re going to see some pretty special things from him in the next few weeks.”

Delhi Capitals will face Chennai Super Kings in their next game on Sunday, hoping to address the issues identified by Hopes and secure their first win of the IPL season.

USA Cricket Names Corey Anderson in Squad for Canada T20I Series

USA Cricket Names Corey Anderson in Squad for Canada T20I Series

The United States Cricket Team (USACT) has unveiled its 15-man squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Canada, with former New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson as a notable inclusion. Anderson, 33, last represented New Zealand in 2018 and has since been aiming to qualify for his adopted country.

Monank Patel will continue to lead the USACT, with Aaron Jones serving as vice-captain. The series holds significant importance for the team as it prepares for the T20 World Cup, which they will co-host with the West Indies in June.

Despite Patel’s statement about new players joining the squad, the majority of the team consists of experienced individuals. Anderson, who played 13 Tests, 49 ODIs, and 31 T20Is for New Zealand, brings a wealth of knowledge to the side. He was also part of the New Zealand team that reached the final of the 2015 World Cup.

Other notable players in the squad include Gajanand Singh, Jessy Singh, Steven Taylor, Nisarg Patel, Noshtush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, and Usman Rafiq. While some players like Andries Gous, Harmeet Singh, Nitish Kumar, Milind Kumar, and Shadley van Schalkwyk have not played international cricket, they possess significant first-class and T20 experience.

South Africa-born wicketkeeper-batter Gous, who relocated to the USA in 2021, will be eligible to play for the team in April, making him available for the T20 World Cup. He has played 60 first-class games, 57 List-A matches, and 46 T20s, including a stint with Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20.

The matches against Canada will be played at the Prairie View Cricket Complex, with the USACT arriving on April 1 to begin preparations. Both Canada and the USA are in Group A of the T20 World Cup, along with India, Ireland, and Pakistan. They will face each other in the tournament opener on June 2 in Dallas, Texas.

Pant Fumes After DC's Second Consecutive IPL Loss

Pant Fumes After DC’s Second Consecutive IPL Loss

Delhi Capitals Skipper Rishabh Pant Fumes After Second Consecutive IPL Loss

Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper Rishabh Pant’s frustration was palpable after his team’s second consecutive loss in the ongoing IPL 2024 season. The Capitals fell short by 12 runs against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a thrilling last-over finish on Thursday, further dampening Pant’s return to competitive cricket since his horrific car accident in December 2022.

Chasing a challenging 186 to win, Pant struggled to find his rhythm, scoring 28 runs off 26 balls. The pressure mounted on the DC skipper, who attempted to break the shackles with a cut shot against leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. However, the ball edged into the gloves of wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, giving RR a crucial breakthrough.

Pant’s dismissal handed RR control of the proceedings, and the DC skipper’s frustration boiled over. As he made his way to the dressing room, Pant smashed his bat in anger, reflecting his disappointment with the team’s performance.

The loss against RR was particularly disappointing for DC, as it came on the heels of their defeat to Lucknow Super Giants in their season opener. The Capitals’ batting has been a major concern, with Pant and his teammates failing to fire consistently.

DC will now host defending champions Chennai Super Kings on March 31, hoping to turn their fortunes around. However, they will need to address their batting woes and find a way to support Pant, who is still regaining his form after his injury.

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