Suryakumar Yadav Excited for Gambhir Era, Emphasizes Humility and Leadership

Suryakumar Yadav Excited for Gambhir Era, Emphasizes Humility and Leadership

India’s newly appointed T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has expressed his excitement about working with head coach Gautam Gambhir, with whom he shares a special bond dating back to their time together at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Yadav, who has previously led India in seven T20Is, emphasized the importance of leadership and the lessons he has learned from various captains. He believes that being a leader on the field, even without the official title, has helped him grow as a player.

Speaking about his relationship with Gambhir, Yadav recalled their time together at KKR, where Gambhir’s guidance played a pivotal role in his development. He expressed his belief that Gambhir’s understanding of his work ethic and mindset will be invaluable in their new roles with the Indian team.

Yadav also highlighted the importance of humility and balance in life, lessons he has learned from his experiences in cricket. He believes that it is crucial to separate on-field performance from personal life and to maintain a sense of perspective.

India’s tour of Sri Lanka marks the beginning of a new era for both teams, with Gambhir and Sanath Jayasuriya taking over as head coaches for India and Sri Lanka, respectively. The series will feature three T20Is and three ODIs, with the first T20I scheduled for Saturday in Pallekele.

India’s T20I squad for the series includes a mix of experienced players and rising stars, with Yadav leading the charge as captain. The team will be looking to build on their recent successes and continue their dominance in the shortest format of the game.

India's Badminton Contingent Aims for Glory at Paris Olympics 2024

India’s Badminton Contingent Aims for Glory at Paris Olympics 2024

The 2024 Paris Olympics commenced with a spectacular opening ceremony on Friday, marking the beginning of the quadrennial sporting extravaganza. India has sent a contingent of 117 athletes to the Games, with high hopes of securing a significant medal tally.

India’s badminton contingent is led by the illustrious PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist. The dynamic duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will also represent India in the men’s doubles category, emerging as strong contenders for the gold medal. India’s badminton campaign commences on Saturday.

Former Indian shuttler Parupalli Kashyap has identified Lakshya Sen and HS Prannoy as the “dark horses” of the team. This is the first time since 2004 that two Indian men will compete in the Olympics. Kashyap believes that both players possess the potential to cause major upsets.

“I think Lakshya and Prannoy are one of the dark horses in the draw. Both of them, especially Lakshya, played the All-England final two years back. During the Olympic qualification, he came out of a tough qualification period. He had a couple of first-round losses, but the way he qualified by making it to two semi-finals and getting good wins against top-level opponents… It shows his caliber,” Kashyap stated.

Kashyap emphasized that both Lakshya and Prannoy have faced adversity and emerged victorious. He highlighted their experience in the Thomas Cup-winning team and their ability to perform in high-pressure matches. “They are capable of anything but are surely the dark horses. They can beat anyone in the draw, be it Li Shi Feng or Victor. I won’t say they are the favorites, but they have a huge chance to create upsets and progress in the tournament,” he added.

PV Sindhu will also be aiming to break her title drought. Kashyap believes that Sindhu, who last won the Commonwealth Games gold in 2022, will be an “underdog” but her opponents will be wary of her credentials. “It’s her third Olympics, she won two medals in the last two Olympics and several world championship medals. So I think she feels she has an edge already even though her ranking doesn’t say it or her recent form doesn’t say it,” said Kashyap.

“In major events, I think the opponents also are a little wary of her even though she’s not in form. I think she’s going as a dark horse and underdog considering the last two years of women’s singles,” he added.

Catch all the live action from Paris 2024 exclusively on JioCinema & Sports18.

Indian Rower Balraj Panwar Falls Short of Direct Olympic Quarterfinal Qualification

Indian Rower Balraj Panwar Falls Short of Direct Olympic Quarterfinal Qualification

Indian rower Balraj Panwar’s Olympic dream suffered a setback on Saturday as he narrowly missed out on direct qualification to the quarterfinals of the men’s single sculls event at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Panwar, the lone Indian representative in the category, clocked 7:07.11s to finish fourth in his heat, behind New Zealand’s Thomas Mackintosh (6:55.92), Stefanos Ntouskos of Greece (7:01.79), and Abdelkhalek Elbanna of Egypt (7:05.06).

Despite the disappointment, Panwar still has a chance to advance to the semifinals or finals through the repechage round on Sunday.

The 25-year-old Armyman from Haryana’s Karnal district made a strong start, but Mackintosh quickly took a commanding lead. Panwar held on to third place for much of the race, but Elbanna eventually caught up and overtook him.

Panwar, who only began rowing four years ago, is only India’s second representative in the discipline at the Olympics. He narrowly missed out on a bronze medal at the Asian Games last year but secured an Olympic quota for Paris by finishing third at the Asian and Oceanian Rowing Olympic Qualification Regatta in South Korea earlier this year.

Panwar’s performance on Saturday was a testament to his hard work and determination. Despite the setback, he remains focused on his goal of reaching the quarterfinals and beyond.

Manjrekar Sparks Debate: Coaches Not Key to India's World Cup Success

Manjrekar Sparks Debate: Coaches Not Key to India’s World Cup Success

Sanjay Manjrekar’s recent comments on the role of coaches in the Indian cricket team’s success have sparked a heated debate on social media. Manjrekar, a former India cricketer, suggested that there is no direct correlation between the presence of a coach and the team’s ability to win World Cups.

Manjrekar’s remarks came just as Gautam Gambhir, another former India cricketer, prepares to take over as the head coach of the Indian men’s national team. Manjrekar argued that India’s success in cricket is more dependent on the overall functioning of the system rather than the individual coach.

He pointed out that India won its first ODI World Cup in 1983 without a designated head coach. The team also enjoyed successful stints under MS Dhoni in 2007 and 2011, despite having different coaches on both occasions.

Under Rahul Dravid’s mentorship, India lifted the T20 World Cup 2024 title in Barbados, ending their 11-year-long ICC title drought. India also came close to winning the World Test Championship final and ODI World Cup final against Australia last year.

Manjrekar believes that the focus should be on the players and the system, rather than the coach. He emphasized that India’s success in cricket is a result of the collective efforts of the players, the support staff, and the overall cricketing ecosystem.

“No coach, Lalchand Rajput, Gary Kirsten & Dravid. Coaches when India won WCs in 1983, 2007, 2011 & 2023. It’s really about Indian cricket, not who the coach is. Time we stop thinking there is a direct correlation,” Manjrekar wrote on Twitter.

Many fans took to social media to criticize Manjrekar’s comments, especially considering the timing. Gambhir’s first coaching assignment will begin in Sri Lanka later in the day as Suryakumar Yadav-led India will take on the hosts in the first T20I of the three-match series in Pallekele.

Indian Shooting Contingent Aims for Medals at Paris Olympics 2024

Indian Shooting Contingent Aims for Medals at Paris Olympics 2024

As the Indian shooting contingent embarks on its quest for glory at the Paris Olympics 2024, the parents of two promising athletes, Elavenil Valarivan and Ramita Jindal, have expressed their unwavering belief in their daughters’ abilities.

Elavenil, a 10m air rifle specialist, will be making her second Olympic appearance after narrowly missing out on a medal in Tokyo. Her father, R Valarivan, is confident that she has the experience and preparation to make a podium finish this time around. “She has prepared well and is stronger than ever before,” he said. “We expect her to bring glory to India.”

Ramita, a rising star in the 10m air pistol event, has also been making waves on the international stage. Her parents, Sonika and Arvind, are equally optimistic about her chances of success. “She has been improving with every match,” said Arvind. “We are confident that she will win a medal for India.”

The Indian shooting team has been training diligently in the lead-up to the Olympics, and the athletes have received strong support from the government and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme. The team’s coaches are also confident in their abilities.

“The Indian shooting team is a strong contender for a medal in every category,” said national coach Jaspal Rana. “Our athletes have been performing consistently at the national and international level, and they are ready to give their best at the Olympics.”

The shooting competition at the Paris Olympics will begin on Saturday with the 10m air rifle mixed team qualification, featuring the teams of Sandeep Singh/Elavenil Valarivan and Arjun Babuta/Ramita Jindal. The medal rounds will take place later that day. The 10m air pistol qualifiers for men and women will follow on the same day.

The Indian shooting contingent is determined to make a mark at the Paris Olympics and bring home medals for the country. With the support of their families, coaches, and the nation, they are confident in their abilities to achieve their goals.

Pakistan's Olympic Contingent Draws Criticism for Meager Representation

Pakistan’s Olympic Contingent Draws Criticism for Meager Representation

Pakistan’s Disappointing Olympic Contingent Sparks Outrage

Pakistan’s participation in the 2024 Olympic Games in France has been met with disappointment and anger after a commentator’s remarks highlighted the country’s meager representation. Despite having a population of over 240 million, Pakistan has sent only 7 athletes to the global event, accompanied by 11 officials.

The controversy erupted during the opening ceremony when a commentator stated, “Pakistan is a country of over 240 million people, but only 7 athletes are competing at the Olympics.” This comment sparked outrage among Pakistani journalists and citizens, who took to social media to express their frustration.

“Shameful,” tweeted Basit Subhani, a Pakistani journalist. “Who is responsible for this?”

Farid Khan, another journalist, echoed the sentiment: “This is so shameful, and it hurts a lot. Who is responsible for this?”

The Pakistani contingent includes javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, the country’s only medal hope. Other athletes include shooters Ghulam Mustafa Bashir, Gulfam Joseph, and Kishmala Talat. Wildcard entries include Faiqa Riaz, Mohammad Ahmed Durrani, and Jahanara Nabi.

Pakistan’s participation in the Olympics has been hampered by a lack of funding and support for athletes. The country’s sports infrastructure is also inadequate, making it difficult for athletes to train and compete at the highest level.

The commentator’s remarks have reignited the debate about Pakistan’s poor performance in international sports. Critics argue that the government and sports authorities have failed to invest in athlete development and create a conducive environment for sporting excellence.

As Pakistan begins its Olympic campaign with the Women’s 10m Air Pistol qualification event on Saturday, the country’s hopes rest on the shoulders of a small group of athletes who have overcome significant challenges to represent their nation on the world stage.

Vijender Singh Backs Athletes' Right to Personal Coaches at Global Events

Vijender Singh Backs Athletes’ Right to Personal Coaches at Global Events

The debate over the necessity of personal coaches for athletes at global events has resurfaced, with Olympic medalist Vijender Singh expressing his support for athletes’ right to choose their own support staff.

Vijender, a former boxer and current politician, believes that athletes should have the freedom to select the coaches and sparring partners they feel most comfortable with. He cites his own experience as an amateur boxer, where he was given full autonomy in this regard and achieved significant success.

“When I used to box, we were given full freedom in this aspect. So we got the coaches and the sparring partners we wanted,” Vijender said. “They (authorities) said ‘we’ll give you what you want but we need the performance’. And we delivered.”

Vijender’s comments come amidst a trend of Indian athletes opting to bring their personal coaches to the Paris Olympics, despite the presence of national coaches. This has sparked a debate about whether such an arrangement is necessary.

Vijender argues that fulfilling the demands of athletes in training camps is crucial for their performance. He points to the fact that between 2006 and 2012, when he was given the freedom to choose his own support staff, he achieved remarkable results.

The Olympic contingent in Paris includes 140 support staff, with 72 being fully funded by the Indian government. This number largely comprises personal coaches requested by the athletes.

Vijender also highlights the role of social media in empowering athletes to voice their concerns. He believes that platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow athletes to share their experiences and seek support from the public.

“We didn’t have that power. There was no social media then. Social media is a huge power in the hands of the common man today. You can write about your problems on Instagram, Facebook, and people who are good they end up helping you,” he said.

Gambhir-Kohli Relationship Under Scrutiny as Head Coach and Player

Gambhir-Kohli Relationship Under Scrutiny as Head Coach and Player

The appointment of Gautam Gambhir as Team India’s head coach has sparked discussions about his relationship with star batter Virat Kohli. The duo’s past verbal altercation during IPL 2023 has raised questions about their compatibility in the national team setup.

However, former India cricketer Venkatapathy Raju believes that the incident should be put behind them. “They are very senior cricketers and they are mature sportsmen,” Raju said. “There will be a lot of discussions on social media. We should just leave them.”

Gambhir’s emergence as the frontrunner for the head coach position is attributed to his successful stint with the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL. Kohli’s decision to participate in the ODI series against Sri Lanka will mark the first time he works with Gambhir in the same team.

Both Gambhir and Kohli are known for their fiery personalities on the field. As captains of opposing IPL teams and later as mentors and senior players, they have had heated exchanges. However, their relationship seemed to improve after Gambhir joined the Kolkata Knight Riders as a mentor.

Gambhir has downplayed the significance of his relationship with Kohli, stating that it is a private matter. “My relationship is not public. What kind of a relationship I share with Virat Kohli… I think it’s between two mature individuals,” he said.

India’s upcoming T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka will provide an opportunity to observe the dynamics between Gambhir and Kohli in a national team setting. The series will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network, with Raju providing commentary in Telugu.

Gautam Gambhir Takes Over as Team India Head Coach, Receives Emotional Message from Rahul Dravid

Gautam Gambhir Takes Over as Team India Head Coach, Receives Emotional Message from Rahul Dravid

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of Team India, embarks on his tenure with the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. This marks a significant transition for the Indian cricket team, as Gambhir takes over the reins from Rahul Dravid, who guided the team to a successful ICC T20 World Cup campaign last month.

Dravid, in an emotional audio message, extended his heartfelt wishes to Gambhir and shared his experiences as the head coach. He expressed his hope that Gambhir would have the luxury of a fully fit squad, something he often lacked during his tenure. Dravid also highlighted the importance of maintaining composure under pressure and seeking support from players, staff, and fans.

Gambhir, in response, expressed his deep admiration for Dravid and acknowledged the emotional impact of his message. He described Dravid as the “most selfless player” he has worked with and committed to approaching his new role with honesty and transparency.

The series against Sri Lanka will comprise three T20Is and three ODIs, with Shubman Gill serving as vice-captain to Suryakumar Yadav in T20Is and Rohit Sharma in ODIs. This tour will provide Gambhir with an opportunity to assess the team’s strengths and weaknesses and implement his coaching philosophy.

Gambhir’s appointment as head coach has been met with mixed reactions. Some have questioned his experience at the international level, while others have praised his leadership qualities and his ability to work with younger players. As he begins his journey, the cricketing world will be keenly observing how he leads Team India through this new chapter.

Rahul Dravid's Heartfelt Message to Gautam Gambhir as Team India's New Coach

Rahul Dravid’s Heartfelt Message to Gautam Gambhir as Team India’s New Coach

As Gautam Gambhir embarks on his new role as head coach of Team India, he received a heartfelt message from his predecessor, Rahul Dravid. In a video shared by the BCCI, Dravid extended his well wishes and shared valuable insights with Gambhir.

Dravid began by welcoming Gambhir to the “most exciting job in the world,” recalling his own triumphant tenure that culminated in India’s T20 World Cup victory in 2024. He expressed his hope that Gambhir would have the same fortune of having a fully fit squad at his disposal.

Dravid also acknowledged Gambhir’s dedication and passion for Indian cricket, having observed his work as a coach and mentor in the Indian Premier League. He urged Gambhir to maintain his drive to extract the best from his team and to assist younger players.

Recognizing the intense scrutiny that comes with the role, Dravid offered words of support and encouragement. He emphasized that Gambhir would have the backing of the players, staff, and fans, even in challenging times.

Dravid concluded his message with a personal request: “In the most heated of times, exhale, take a step back, and even if it’s difficult for you, crack a smile. Whatever else happens, that will shock people.”

Gambhir was visibly moved by Dravid’s message, expressing his gratitude and admiration for his predecessor. He acknowledged the weight of the responsibility he had inherited and pledged to lead the Indian team with honesty, transparency, and a determination to make the nation proud.

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