Milestone Man Chhetri to Lead India in Crucial World Cup Qualifier Return Leg

Milestone Man Chhetri to Lead India in Crucial World Cup Qualifier Return Leg

Milestone man Sunil Chhetri, India’s all-time leading scorer, will be the cynosure of all eyes as the Blue Tigers seek to overcome their goal-scoring woes in the return leg of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Afghanistan on March 26 in Guwahati.

Igor Stimac’s India fired a blank in a disappointing draw in the away leg Group A match in Abha, Saudi Arabia on March 22 against their lower-ranked opponents, extending their goalless run. India last scored a goal in November 2023 against Kuwait.

In this backdrop, it will be imperative from India’s point of view that Chhetri, who will be appearing in his 150th international match, rises to the occasion and makes his landmark game memorable at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium. Having played his first International in 2005, he has so far earned 149 international caps, 93 goals, and 11 trophies for the country. His team would be too happy to see him score one more time, lead them to victory, and brighten their prospects of reaching the third round of the World Cup qualifications, something they have not achieved.

While Chhetri has always looked to deliver what is expected of him, his teammates understand it is not fair to rely only on a 39-year-old talisman. They will need to chip in with useful contributions if the 58th-ranked side is to excel and stay in the reckoning for a place in the third round.

Stimac has prioritized qualification to the third round of World Cup Qualifiers and secure a direct entry into the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. However, with his team coming off a disappointing campaign in the last continental showpiece, the Croatian will be under pressure and will want his wards to show a lot more desperation, composure, and urgency upfront.

The Blue Tigers currently stand second in the group with four points from three games, one ahead of Kuwait, who are on three points from as many matches. India can still advance to the third round, but the task has got a lot tougher following last week’s stalemate, from which they gained only a point. India will need at least four points from their next three matches – against Afghanistan (Tuesday), Kuwait (June 6), and Qatar (June 11) to remain in control of their fate.

Stimac hoped that Chhetri could make his landmark match all the more special with a performance befitting his stature in Indian football. “Being chosen to represent your country is a dream of millions of kids when they start kicking the ball, and to make it 150 times is possible only for the GOATs (greatest of all times),” said Stimac. “We hope our captain will make it memorable on March 26 for all Indian fans and himself.”

Stimac tried out almost all options upfront in the first leg, but they did not work, and a goal eluded the team. He admitted that the team needs improvements in a few areas, especially while attacking, and was not happy with the manner in which his wards complicated things instead of keeping them simple in the final third. “We need to be better in passing, creating chances, and attacking the box when the crosses are coming from the flanks,” he said.

The Blue Tigers had last played in Guwahati five years ago, when they suffered a 1-2 defeat at the hands of Oman in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup preliminary joint qualifiers. Match starts at 7pm IST.

CSK vs GT: Battle of Wits Between New Captains Gill and Gaikwad

CSK vs GT: Battle of Wits Between New Captains Gill and Gaikwad

When the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) take on the Gujarat Titans (GT) in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Tuesday, it will be a battle of wits between two new captains, Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Both openers, renowned for their elegant shot-making, will face off in a tactical battle as CSK and GT aim to build on their recent victories. Gaikwad took over as captain after the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni stepped down on the eve of CSK’s opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, while Gill had more time to prepare for his new role after Hardik Pandya left the Titans in November 2022.

Gill, 24, is the IPL’s youngest captain, but he showcased his leadership abilities against Mumbai Indians (MI). His position is aided by the presence of head coach Ashish Nehra, a tactically astute mind, the experienced David Miller, and New Zealand captain Kane Williamson.

Gaikwad, on the other hand, impressed on his captaincy debut under the mentorship of Dhoni as CSK cruised to a six-wicket victory over RCB. However, the bowling unit, particularly pacer Tushar Deshpande, will be looking to improve their performance. Despite Mustafizur Rahman’s four-wicket haul, the CSK bowlers allowed Anuj Rawat and Dinesh Karthik to put together a 95-run stand, enabling RCB to post a respectable score.

Deshpande was guilty of leaking runs and will be wary of another subpar performance with veteran Shardul Thakur, who is also a capable batsman, and the uncapped Mukesh Choudhary vying for a spot in the playing XI. Sri Lankan bowler Matheesha Pathirana has also been declared fit to play after recovering from a hamstring injury. Rachin Ravindra, who has bowled well in the nets recently, may also be employed as a spin option.

CSK is unlikely to make any changes to their batting lineup. Ravindra, who impressed with a 15-ball 37 on his IPL debut against RCB, will aim to maintain his form. Young Sameer Rizvi, who made his debut in the last game, did not get a chance to bat and will be eager to showcase his abilities. Dhoni did not bat against Bengaluru, and his legion of fans will be hoping to witness some fireworks from him.

The Titans, on the other hand, will be hoping for a stronger batting effort after a disappointing performance at home against MI. The GT batters failed to convert their starts, and the former champions will rely on Gill and veteran wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha to provide them with a solid start. The middle-order batters, including Azmatullah Omarzai, David Miller, and Rahul Tewatia, will also need to step up.

Meanwhile, GT’s Chennai-born cricketer Sai Sudarshan, who has been in excellent form with the bat recently, could attract some attention from the fans. In the absence of star pacer Mohammad Shami, the Titans bowlers combined to secure a six-run victory over Mumbai. Spinners Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore will be crucial for them on the slow Chepauk track.

KKR Triumph in IPL Opener, Shah Rukh Khan Celebrates with Team

KKR Triumph in IPL Opener, Shah Rukh Khan Celebrates with Team

Kolkata Knight Riders Triumph in IPL 2024 Opener, Shah Rukh Khan Celebrates with Team

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) kicked off their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign with a thrilling victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday. The win was made even sweeter by a special visit from team co-owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

After the match, KKR shared a video on their official Twitter handle capturing the post-match celebrations in the team dressing room. The video begins with assistant coach Abhishek Nayar praising the team’s performance, while Shah Rukh Khan stands quietly in the background.

Nayar then invites Shah Rukh Khan to address the team, and the superstar responds with a heartfelt message. “All the best, congratulations, and God bless you all,” he says. “Be healthy, keep playing as well as you do. Thank you Chandu (Chandrakant Pandit) Sir, Abhishek (Nayar), Venky Sir, and especially Gauti (Gautam Gambhir) for being back. God bless you all.”

KKR’s victory was hard-fought, as they found themselves in a precarious position after losing four wickets within the first eight overs. However, Andre Russell’s explosive batting turned the tide in their favor. The West Indian all-rounder smashed seven sixes and three fours in his unbeaten 25-ball 64, propelling KKR to a respectable total of 208/7.

Sunrisers Hyderabad fought back valiantly, with Heinrich Klaasen leading the charge with a counter-attacking fifty. However, pacer Harshit Rana held his nerve in the final over, defending 12 runs and securing the victory for KKR.

Shah Rukh Khan’s presence in the dressing room after the match was a testament to his unwavering support for the team. His words of encouragement and appreciation will undoubtedly boost the morale of the players as they embark on the rest of the IPL season.

WA's Paris Reflects on Hard-Earned Sheffield Shield Title

WA’s Paris Reflects on Hard-Earned Sheffield Shield Title

Western Australia’s triumph in the Sheffield Shield final marked a significant milestone for the team, particularly for veteran paceman Joel Paris. With the victory, WA secured a hat-trick of titles, but for Paris, this one held special significance.

“I reckon this means more than the other two,” Paris confided in teammates Sam Whiteman and Hilton Cartwright.

Paris’s words resonated with the team’s resilience and determination throughout the season. Despite injuries to key quicks Jhye Richardson, Lance Morris, and Matthew Kelly, WA relied on their fringe bowlers to step up. Cameron Gannon and Charlie Stobo played crucial roles, but it was Paris’s unwavering presence that anchored the attack.

Paris’s new-ball bowling was instrumental in setting the tone for both of Tasmania’s innings. He exploited the grassy surface, consistently beating the bat with sharp seam movement. Despite taking only two wickets in the final, Paris’s contribution was undeniable.

Over the course of the season, Paris amassed 39 wickets at an exceptional average of 15.2. His career tally now stands at 174 wickets in 44 first-class matches, with an impressive average of 20.05.

Paris’s durability was also remarkable, as he played five consecutive Shield matches and the Marsh Cup final despite a delayed start to the season due to a hamstring injury.

“When you’re in a situation where you just have to keep going, I think your body senses that and just finds something,” Paris said. “I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to achieve this year.”

Despite his limited international appearances, Paris remains on the radar of the Australian hierarchy. He played for Australia A last year and was considered for the Ashes tour.

“That desire to play for Australia is always there. For me that will never go away until I put up the boots,” he said.

Paris’s future plans are uncertain, but he is considering a stint in the UK. For now, however, he is savoring the moment and looking forward to a well-deserved break.

Sai Kishore's Dew-Defying Spin Rescues Gujarat Titans

Sai Kishore’s Dew-Defying Spin Rescues Gujarat Titans

As a spinner, dew can be a formidable adversary. However, when the opposition is cruising at 107 for 2, needing just 62 runs off 48 deliveries, the challenges escalate exponentially.

R Sai Kishore, having bowled three wicketless overs for 19 runs, faced this daunting task. Rohit Sharma, set on 43, threatened to extinguish the Gujarat Titans’ hopes. But it was at this critical juncture that Sai Kishore rose to the occasion.

“I anticipated dew to play a significant role,” he later remarked. “The ball was damp, but surprisingly, it still held on the wicket. Usually, it slides on, but I was astonished by the grip I was getting. So, I adjusted my length and varied my pace, slowing down the ball in the air.”

Sai Kishore, who had not featured for the Titans throughout the previous season due to team composition, had made only five sporadic appearances in 2022. He recognized the need to produce something extraordinary to keep the Titans alive. By shortening his length and inducing the ball to dip, he achieved just that.

Rohit Sharma fell victim to a sweep shot, trapped plumb in front. Sai Kishore’s intervention had brought the game back to an even footing. His figures of 1 for 24 played a pivotal role in Mumbai’s slowdown, particularly in the latter stages of their chase. The Titans varied their lengths and bowled into the pitch to deny the batters.

“Given the two-paced nature of the wicket, we opted to bowl into the wicket more frequently, trusting our length rather than aiming for yorkers,” Sai Kishore explained. “This strategy yielded several wickets. It was aggressive bowling, even though the situation may have suggested otherwise.”

At the Titans, Sai Kishore has adapted to the role of second spinner behind Rashid Khan. In the TNPL and for Tamil Nadu, he is often deployed as a trump card in the Powerplay. This change of role can be challenging, but for someone eager for opportunities, it was the opening he needed.

“In other teams, I typically play the lead role. To assume the second role makes it even more exciting,” Sai Kishore said. “Most batters will play off Rashid and target me. That makes the challenge more stimulating.”

“The coordination with Rashid is excellent; we discuss the game thoroughly. One of the strengths of this team is the unity among the players. Jayant Yadav, the offspinner, would often come in and offer advice. The communication is always open, which is fantastic.”

Sai Kishore believed the Titans were at least 10 runs short of their desired total. The plan was to stay in the game as long as possible and seize key moments, as they did in the death overs with Mohit Sharma and Rashid building on Sai Kishore’s foundation.

“We felt we were 10 runs short, but the essence of this team and its management over the past two years is the emphasis on competition. Regardless of the outcome, we take pride in our performance. We competed exceptionally well. That was the message conveyed by our head coach, Ashish Nehra.”

“All credit to the culture he has established over the last two years. Players are not solely focused on the result; they prioritize competition and staying in the game.”

Sai Kishore is coming off a remarkable Ranji Trophy season, where he emerged as the highest wicket-taker. He also made his mark as a captain, supporting young players who flourished due to clear role definitions.

At the Titans, Sai Kishore relishes every opportunity to play, prepared to undertake the tough tasks without fear of consequences. “When you bowl four overs consecutively, it’s like a one-day game; you can find your rhythm more easily.”

“With the Impact Player rule, we’re playing six bowlers. I’m getting the role where I’m bowling four overs on the trot in the middle. I’m open to bowling one-over spells. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy or TNPL, that’s how I use my overs, but with the quality of bowlers we have, I’m getting to bowl four overs, which I’m enjoying.”

Andre Russell's Power-Hitting Leads KKR to Thrilling Victory

Andre Russell’s Power-Hitting Leads KKR to Thrilling Victory

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Andre Russell once again proved his worth at the Eden Gardens on Saturday, leading his team to a thrilling four-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. Despite losing four wickets early on, Russell’s explosive 25-ball 64, featuring seven sixes and three fours, propelled KKR to a formidable total of 208 for seven.

Russell’s teammate Phil Salt, who witnessed his power-hitting firsthand in The Hundred, expressed his admiration. “He’s a phenomenal ball striker, the best in the world on his day,” Salt said. “To see him do what he did is incredible.”

Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Daniel Vettori acknowledged Russell’s impact, stating, “He takes the game away with his power and skill. At Eden, it’s very tricky to challenge him.”

However, it was young Ramandeep Singh who laid the foundation for Russell’s heroics. The 26-year-old’s 35 runs off 17 balls, including a 54-run partnership with Salt, steadied the KKR innings.

“Ramandeep’s innings set up the platform for Russell,” Vettori said. “He put the pressure back on us.”

Salt also praised Ramandeep’s contribution, saying, “He took the pressure off me and allowed me to play my game.”

Despite KKR’s strong start, Heinrich Klaasen’s counter-attacking fifty threatened to turn the tide. However, pacer Harshit Rana’s two wickets in the final over, defending 12 runs, sealed the victory for KKR.

Skipper Shreyas Iyer admitted to feeling nervous during the last over. “I had butterflies in my stomach,” he said. “But I had belief in Harshit. This was his moment to become a hero.”

Rana’s performance earned him a fine of 60% of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct.

Madison Keys Eyes Upset Over Elena Rybakina in Miami Open Round of 16

Madison Keys Eyes Upset Over Elena Rybakina in Miami Open Round of 16

Madison Keys, the former US Open finalist, is set to face Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, in a highly anticipated round of 16 clash at the Miami Open. Keys has endured a challenging year, sidelined by an injury since October, but has shown signs of recovery in recent matches.

Despite a rusty start in Indian Wells, Keys has regained her form in Miami, securing straight-set victories over Diana Shnaider and Wang Xinyu. Her serve and powerful baseline play have been key to her resurgence.

Rybakina, on the other hand, has struggled to find her best form in Miami. The Kazakhstani was pushed to three sets by both Clara Tauson and Taylor Townsend, indicating some vulnerability in her game.

Keys’ ability to punish second serves could prove crucial against Rybakina, who relies heavily on her serve and baseline power. If Keys can maintain her serve and force Rybakina into extended rallies, she has a good chance of covering the 3.5-game spread.

The match is likely to be close, with both players possessing similar strengths. Keys’ experience and familiarity with the Miami Open could give her an edge. Additionally, the American has a 2-1 record against Rybakina in their previous encounters.

While Keys is the underdog, her recent form and matchup against Rybakina make her a compelling pick to cover the spread. The American’s determination and home-court advantage could propel her to a memorable victory.

Mumbai Indians Suffer Opening Match Defeat, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya Engage in Intense Post-Match Chat

Mumbai Indians Suffer Opening Match Defeat, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya Engage in Intense Post-Match Chat

Mumbai Indians’ dismal start to the new season continued as they succumbed to a 6-run defeat against Gujarat Titans in their opening match. The match marked a new era for MI, with Hardik Pandya taking over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma.

Despite not being the skipper anymore, Rohit Sharma remained a prominent figure throughout the match. He was seen engaging in strategic discussions with Hardik and other players. However, a video that surfaced on social media captured an intense conversation between Rohit and Hardik after the match.

In the video, Hardik approached Rohit from behind to embrace him. However, Rohit turned away and appeared frustrated as he engaged in a heated exchange with his successor. The incident sparked speculation about the dynamics between the two players.

Despite the defeat, Hardik Pandya remained optimistic, emphasizing that MI has 13 more games to turn things around. He acknowledged the team’s shortcomings in the final overs but expressed confidence in their ability to bounce back.

“Obviously we back ourselves to chase those 42 runs (in the last five overs) but it was one of those days where we see the score quite less in those last five overs, we lost a bit of momentum there,” Pandya said at the post-match presentation.

When asked about Tilak Varma’s refusal to run a single, Pandya defended his player, stating, “I think Tilak felt that was a better idea at that point of time. I completely back him. Not an issue, (we have) 13 games to go.”

The defeat exposed some of Mumbai Indians’ weaknesses, including their lack of firepower in the middle order and their inability to close out matches. However, with a long season ahead, there is still time for the team to address these issues and mount a challenge for the title.

Miami Open 2023: Zverev, Gauff, and Pegula Face Tough Tests in Round of 16

Miami Open 2023: Zverev, Gauff, and Pegula Face Tough Tests in Round of 16

Miami Open 2023: Preview and Predictions for Zverev, Gauff, and Pegula’s Matches

The Miami Open 2023 is set to witness some thrilling matchups in the round of 16, with Alexander Zverev, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula among the top contenders.

Alexander Zverev vs. Christopher Eubanks

Both Zverev and Eubanks possess similar heights and ages, and their playing styles share striking similarities. Both players excel at holding serves and engaging in epic baseline rallies. Zverev has a slight edge in break point conversion, but Eubanks has faced fewer break points on his serve. Despite Zverev’s straight-set victory over Eubanks on clay last year, the American has the potential to challenge Zverev on the faster hard courts of Miami.

Coco Gauff vs. Caroline Garcia

Gauff and Garcia are tied 2-2 in their head-to-head record, with Garcia winning their last two encounters. Garcia is in excellent form, having recently been named one of TIME’s Women of the Year. Gauff, the local favorite, is riding a wave of confidence and popularity. Both players have won two-thirds of their service games and around 40% of their return games. Garcia will face a formidable challenge in Gauff, who is determined to claim the Miami Open title.

Jessica Pegula vs. Emma Navarro

This is the first meeting between Pegula and Navarro. Navarro has been making a name for herself, recently defeating Aryna Sabalenka at Indian Wells. Pegula, on the other hand, has a wealth of experience on the Miami Open courts, having reached the semifinals last year. Both players have similar service game win percentages, but Pegula has a slight edge in return game win percentage. Navarro will need to play at her best to overcome Pegula’s experience and consistency.

Marozsan Stuns Rune in Miami, Continues Top 10 Dominance

Marozsan Stuns Rune in Miami, Continues Top 10 Dominance

Fabian Marozsan’s meteoric rise in the tennis world continued on Sunday as he stunned No. 6 seed Holger Rune 6-1, 6-1 in the second round of the Miami Open. The 24-year-old Hungarian, making his debut at the prestigious tournament, displayed remarkable composure and precision to dismantle his highly-rated opponent.

Marozsan’s victory marked his third Top 10 triumph, following his impressive wins over Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud last year. The Hungarian’s ability to perform at the highest level has been evident throughout his recent performances, including a third-round appearance at the Australian Open and a fourth-round run in Indian Wells.

In Miami, Marozsan’s dominance was undeniable. He broke Rune’s serve five times, showcasing his aggressive baseline play and relentless pressure. The Hungarian’s serve also proved to be a formidable weapon, as he saved all three break points he faced.

Marozsan’s victory propelled him to the third round, where he will face Alexei Popyrin on Monday. The Hungarian’s impressive run has already guaranteed him a place in the Top 50 of the ATP rankings, a significant milestone in his career.

Marozsan’s success stems from his unwavering determination and hunger to prove himself on the ATP Tour. Despite being a relative newcomer, he has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His ability to rise to the occasion against top-ranked opponents is a testament to his mental fortitude and unwavering belief in his abilities.

As Marozsan continues his journey, he sets his sights on the Top 30, a goal that seems within reach given his recent performances. The Hungarian’s rise is a testament to the depth of talent in the sport and the potential for young players to make a significant impact on the game.

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