Ramkumar Ramanathan Overcomes Chirag Duhan in Chandigarh ITF Quarterfinals

Ramkumar Ramanathan Overcomes Chirag Duhan in Chandigarh ITF Quarterfinals

Second seed Ramkumar Ramanathan faced a stern test from qualifier Chirag Duhan in the quarterfinals of the HPCL-Mittal $15,000 ITF men’s tennis tournament in Chandigarh. After dropping the first set 4-6, Ramanathan rallied to win the next two sets 6-2, 6-4, securing a hard-fought victory.

In the first set, Duhan displayed impressive form, taking an early lead and maintaining it throughout. However, Ramanathan’s experience and composure came to the fore in the second set. He broke Duhan’s serve twice and dominated the set, leveling the match.

The third set proved to be the most intense, with both players trading blows. Duhan surged ahead 3-1, but Ramanathan refused to be deterred. He fought back with determination, winning five consecutive games to seal the victory.

In the semifinals, Ramanathan will face Nam Hoang Ly of Vietnam, who defeated Thanapet Chanta of Thailand in straight sets. Top seed Khumoyun Sultanov also advanced to the semifinals after a 7-6(4), 6-4 win over Siddharth Vishwakarma. S. Mukund completed the semifinal lineup with a comfortable 6-2, 6-3 victory over Bang Shuo Yin.

In doubles, Siddhant Banthia and Karan Singh upset second seeds Manish Sureshkumar and Vishnu Vardhan in straight sets. They will now face the Korean duo of Yunseok Jang and Woobin Shin in the title clash.

Andrew Flintoff Tipped as Future England Head Coach Candidate

Andrew Flintoff Tipped as Future England Head Coach Candidate

Rob Key, England’s managing director, believes that Andrew Flintoff possesses exceptional leadership qualities and would be an ideal candidate for the England head coach position in the future. Key, a close friend of Flintoff, played a pivotal role in his return to the public eye after a serious accident in 2022.

Flintoff’s involvement with the England team has gradually increased since his initial unpaid role during the New Zealand series last year. He has since mentored the England Lions and is now part of the back-room staff for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.

Key believes that Flintoff’s personal experiences, both on and off the field, have equipped him with the emotional intelligence and empathy that are essential for effective leadership. He compares Flintoff to Ben Stokes, another former England captain known for his ability to connect with players and inspire them.

“Flintoff is a leader like Stokes,” Key said. “He knows what it’s like to struggle and come out the other end. He can relate to players and understand their challenges. He has high emotional intelligence and knows when to offer support or provide blunt honesty.”

Flintoff’s role with England will extend into the ODI series against Pakistan before the T20 World Cup. Key sees this as a valuable opportunity for Flintoff to gain further experience in team management and squad assembly. He hopes that other former players, such as Moeen Ali and Eoin Morgan, can also be integrated into the coaching setup in the future.

“Flintoff is on a brilliant journey in his coaching development,” Key said. “He’s gaining practical experience in various roles, which is more valuable than theoretical knowledge. We want to create opportunities for former players with these skills to learn and contribute to the team.”

Pat Cummins Embraces Captaincy Challenge in IPL Debut

Pat Cummins Embraces Captaincy Challenge in IPL Debut

Pat Cummins, the World Cup-winning Australian skipper, is embarking on a new challenge as the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL). While the shortest format of the game may not be physically demanding, Cummins acknowledges the mental challenges and logistical complexities involved in the two-month-long tournament.

Cummins, who also led Australia to victory in the World Test Championship, is tasked with reviving the fortunes of Sunrisers Hyderabad, who finished at the bottom of the table last season. “It’s a format I’ve never captained before,” Cummins said. “Tomorrow is going to be my first game. With a bit of preparation, I’m good to go.”

The IPL’s demanding schedule, with 14 games played over six to seven weeks, poses a unique challenge for players. “It’s got its challenges,” Cummins explained. “You play 14 games in six-seven weeks, plus finals. I’m used to playing a lot of Test cricket, so four overs isn’t as taxing on your body. But it can be mentally taxing to travel, you’re playing a new team every few days you’ve got to prepare for.”

Despite the challenges, Cummins is confident in his team’s abilities. “We have got loads of experienced guys excited with the lineup,” he said. “Bhuvi I will be leaning on a lot. We have got a lot of experience and young guys as well.”

Cummins, who was the second most expensive buy at this year’s IPL auction, will not only have the burden of captaincy but also the pressure to deliver with the ball. He will have Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the only other experienced bowler in the line-up, along with T Natarajan and Jaydev Unadkat.

“We have got loads of experienced guys excited with the lineup,” Cummins said. “Bhuvi I will be leaning on a lot. We have got a lot of experience and young guys as well.”

Saturday’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders is being billed as a clash between Cummins and Mitchell Starc, another Australian fast bowler. “Hopefully I don’t have to face Starc,” Cummins joked. “It’s funny beauty of the IPL. These guys playing Starcy for 15 years.”

IPL 2024: CSK vs RCB Headline Clash in Chennai, Free Streaming for USA Fans

IPL 2024: CSK vs RCB Headline Clash in Chennai, Free Streaming for USA Fans

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is set to kick off on March 22, and cricket enthusiasts in the USA are eagerly anticipating the headline clash between reigning champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Chennai.

For fans in the USA, the ‘Willow by Cricbuzz’ app is the go-to destination to catch all the IPL action. The app offers seamless live streaming and comprehensive coverage of every match.

Abound, a Times of India company, is a super app tailored for NRIs, providing unbeatable cashback offers and remittances for Indians in the US. By joining Abound, cricket enthusiasts can access free IPL 2024 live streaming on the ‘Willow by Cricbuzz’ app. New users signing up for Abound receive 100% cashback for 3 months, making it a perfect opportunity to enjoy uninterrupted cricket action.

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The IPL is renowned for uniting cricket’s finest talents, showcasing brilliance from established stars to emerging talents. With its legacy of delivering thrilling moments and gripping contests, the IPL promises to captivate cricket enthusiasts globally.

Don’t miss out on the excitement of IPL 2024—tune in to the ‘Willow by Cricbuzz’ app and immerse yourself in the cricketing extravaganza. Stay updated with the latest news, ball-by-ball coverage, and insights on TimesofIndia.com, your ultimate source for IPL updates.

Swiss Skiing Stars Odermatt and Gut-Behrami Dominate World Cup

Swiss Skiing Stars Odermatt and Gut-Behrami Dominate World Cup

SAALBACH-HINTERGLEMM, Austria – Swiss skiing sensation Marco Odermatt continued his remarkable season by securing the World Cup super-G crystal globe on Friday, adding to his already impressive haul of overall and giant slalom titles.

Under the warm Austrian sun, Odermatt skied cautiously in the final super-G race, finishing fifth to clinch the season-long title. The victory was particularly sweet as three other Swiss skiers swept the podium places, with Stefan Rogentin claiming his maiden World Cup win.

Rogentin, Loïc Meillard, and Arnaud Boisset finished 1-2-3, showcasing the depth of Swiss skiing talent. Odermatt, who started immediately after his closest challenger Vincent Kriechmayr, praised Rogentin’s performance.

“Roggy deserved his first victory,” Odermatt said. “I watched from the start and they skied amazing.”

Odermatt’s super-G triumph marks his third consecutive overall World Cup title at the age of 26. He now has a commanding lead in the overall standings with 1,947 points, putting him in contention to break his own record for the highest points total in a single season.

Earlier in the day, Lara Gut-Behrami, another Swiss skiing star, secured the women’s super-G season title by finishing seventh in the race. Gut-Behrami, who also holds the overall and giant slalom titles, leads the downhill standings going into Saturday’s season-ending race.

Both Odermatt and Gut-Behrami have been dominant forces in the World Cup this season, showcasing the strength of Swiss skiing. With the downhill races remaining, they have the opportunity to further extend their impressive records.

Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings Clash in Indian T20 League Opener

Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings Clash in Indian T20 League Opener

The Indian T20 League 2023 kicks off with a thrilling encounter between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Mohali. Both teams will be eager to start their campaign on a winning note.

Delhi Capitals, led by Rishabh Pant, have a balanced squad with a mix of experienced and young players. They will be looking to Prithvi Shaw and David Warner to provide a solid start at the top of the order, while Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav will be key in the bowling department.

Punjab Kings, captained by Shikhar Dhawan, will be hoping to improve on their performance from last season. They have a strong batting lineup with Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, and Liam Livingstone, but their bowling attack may be a concern.

The pitch at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium is known to be balanced, with both pacers and spinners expected to play a role. The average first innings score at this venue in the last 20 matches is 147 runs.

In terms of fantasy cricket, Harpreet Brar, Samuel Curran, and Axar Patel are among the top picks for bowlers, while Prabhsimran Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, and David Warner are expected to be popular choices for batters.

The match promises to be a close contest between two evenly matched teams. Delhi Capitals will be slightly favored due to their experience and depth, but Punjab Kings have the potential to surprise.

India Drawn in Tough Thomas Cup Group, Faces China in Uber Cup

India Drawn in Tough Thomas Cup Group, Faces China in Uber Cup

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has unveiled the draws for the prestigious Thomas Cup and Uber Cup, scheduled to take place from April 28 to May 5, 2024. Defending Thomas Cup champion India has been placed in Group C alongside 14-time winner Indonesia, Thailand, and England.

In the Uber Cup, India has been drawn into Group A with 15-time champion China, Canada, and Singapore. India’s best performance in the Uber Cup remains the bronze medals they secured in 2014 and 2016.

Last year, India made history by defeating Indonesia 3-0 in the Thomas Cup final, claiming their maiden title. The tournament, which began in 1949, is the pinnacle of men’s badminton competition.

India’s Thomas Cup group will be a challenging one, with Indonesia seeking revenge for their defeat in the previous edition. Thailand and England are also formidable opponents, making Group C one of the most competitive.

In the Uber Cup, India will face a daunting task against China, who have dominated the competition for years. Canada and Singapore will provide additional challenges, but India will need to be at their best to advance from the group stage.

The draws were announced by BWF on Twitter, with the organization stating, “Thomas Cup Group C: Indonesia, India, Thailand, England.” The Badminton Association of India (BAI) also tweeted the Uber Cup draw, stating, “Draw – BWF Uber Cup Finals 2024 #TeamIndia has been drawn in Group A. Group A: China, India, Canada, Singapore #ThomasUberCupFinals.”

India’s goal will be to defend their Thomas Cup title and improve upon their Uber Cup performance. The team will be led by star shuttlers such as Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, and P.V. Sindhu, who will be eager to make their mark on the international stage.

Virat Kohli in Top Form as RCB Gears Up for IPL Opener

Virat Kohli in Top Form as RCB Gears Up for IPL Opener

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are poised to kick off their Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign on Friday, and star batter Virat Kohli is in prime form, according to the team’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat.

Bobat, who has been closely observing Kohli during training, praised the batter’s exceptional form. “Virat’s in a good place. He’s an absolute champion cricketer, and he’s at a stage in his career where most of what he does is hardwired into him. He’s coming in fresh, which is what we’re excited about,” Bobat said at a pre-match press conference.

Kohli has had a break from cricket and is eager to get involved, Bobat added. “He’s had a good bit of time off, he’s in a great frame of mind, and he’s hitting the ball brilliantly.”

Bobat, who joined RCB this season along with new head coach Andy Flower, expressed excitement about the team’s balanced squad. “We’ve got a fantastic group of players, we’re in good shape, and we’re fully fit. We’re going to pay most of our attention to how we want to play our cricket,” he said.

Bobat highlighted the team’s strong bowling attack, which includes international and IPL-winning experience. “We’ve got a lot of international experience and IPL-winning experience. In our Indian quicks, we’ve got some high-quality players as well, with international and ‘A’ team experience,” he said.

The spin department also boasts potential and experience, with players like Himanshu Sharma, Mayank Dagar, and Karn Sharma. “We feel like we’ve got a really good balanced side. We’ve got some good all-rounders as well that will contribute. Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green. We’re very confident with our bowling attack,” Bobat concluded.

KKR vs SRH: Shreyas Iyer Returns, Starc and Cummins Clash in IPL Opener

KKR vs SRH: Shreyas Iyer Returns, Starc and Cummins Clash in IPL Opener

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will kick off the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season on March 23 in Kolkata. The match will feature the return of Shreyas Iyer, who missed the entire 2022 season due to a back injury. Iyer will lead KKR, who have made some tactical additions while keeping the nucleus of the side intact.

KKR’s most successful captain, Gautam Gambhir, is back as a mentor. His partnership with head coach Chandrakant Pandit, a shrewd tactician in the domestic circuit, will be key to their revival. The team’s biggest signing is Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, who will be under huge pressure to perform. His spell in power-play and the death overs will be crucial.

SRH, under the leadership of Australian captain Pat Cummins, will also be looking to make a strong start. Cummins is the second-most expensive buy in this IPL and all eyes will be on him to revive the fortunes of the side that has had two wooden-spoon finishes in the last three seasons.

On paper, KKR with a star-studded batting and spin-heavy attack to complement Starc’s pace, will be overwhelming favorites. But SRH, under the shrewd captaincy of Cummins, will definitely fancy their chances. Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen’s batting firepower in the power-play and death overs will be vital. Their bowling also looks balanced with the experienced Cummins and India’s veteran death-overs specialist Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the lineup, while the likes of Washington Sundar and Wanindu Hasaranga will be crucial in the spin department.

Rishabh Pant's Resilient Return to Lead Delhi Capitals in IPL Opener

Rishabh Pant’s Resilient Return to Lead Delhi Capitals in IPL Opener

Rishabh Pant’s remarkable return to cricket after a life-threatening car crash in December 2022 has become a testament to his resilience and determination. The star wicketkeeper-batter is set to lead Delhi Capitals in their IPL opener against Punjab Kings on March 23, marking a significant milestone in his recovery.

Pant’s miraculous escape from the accident has been followed by an accelerated rehabilitation process. He has been cleared to play as a keeper-batter and has taken on the additional responsibility of captaining the side, replacing David Warner.

Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting expressed confidence in Pant’s abilities, stating that he has “probably batted more in the last week than he has ever batted leading into most of the IPLs.”

The team’s potent fast bowling arsenal, led by Anrich Nortje, will be complemented by an explosive batting lineup featuring Warner, Prithvi Shaw, Mitchell Marsh, and Tristan Stubbs.

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings, who have never won the IPL, will be looking to turn things around under the leadership of Shikhar Dhawan. The team boasts a strong all-rounder contingent, including Sikandar Raza, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, and Rishi Dhawan.

However, Delhi Capitals are considered the favorites for the day game, given their overall strength and Pant’s return. The match promises to be an exciting clash between two teams eager to make a statement in the new IPL season.

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