Sri Lanka Selectors Prioritize Experience for T20 World Cup

Sri Lanka Selectors Prioritize Experience for T20 World Cup

Sri Lanka’s selectors are prioritizing experience over youth as they finalize their squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in June. This approach has led to the recall of Niroshan Dickwella for the T20I series in Bangladesh, following Kusal Perera’s withdrawal due to a respiratory infection.

The decision to favor experience means that promising young players like Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Dunith Wellalage, Lasith Croospulle, and Shevon Daniel may have to wait for further opportunities with the national team. Viyaskanth, in particular, has impressed with his performances in the recent ILT20, claiming eight wickets in four games for MI Emirates at an economy rate of 5.43.

However, the selectors believe that Viyaskanth’s limited experience in international cricket (just one T20I) makes him a risk to include in the World Cup squad. “In T20s, we need a wicket-taking option, which is why we opted for Jeffrey [Vandersay] over someone like Dunith [Wellalage],” explained Upul Tharanga, the chairman of selectors. “We felt that Jeffrey was more of an attacking bowler in T20s.”

The selectors also had a lengthy discussion regarding Viyaskanth and Vandersay, with differing opinions within the committee. Ultimately, they decided to go with Vandersay’s experience, given the impending World Cup.

A similar rationale was applied to Dickwella’s selection ahead of Croospulle and Daniel. “We were looking for someone to play in the top order [with the injuries to Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera],” said Tharanga. “We looked at Shevon Daniel, Lasith Croospulle, and Dikka [Dickwella], but the first two are still quite young. It was difficult to pick them based purely on their most recent performances.”

Tharanga emphasized the importance of discipline within the team, acknowledging Dickwella’s past disciplinary issues. “Discipline is very important. We spoke to Dikka. The team is playing well, and we really haven’t had any issues with discipline in recent times. That’s a very important thing, it shows the unity of the team as well. Discipline needs to be the number one thing.”

Sahaja Yamalapalli Leads Indian Charge at Maha Urja ITF Women's Tennis Tournament

Sahaja Yamalapalli Leads Indian Charge at Maha Urja ITF Women’s Tennis Tournament

The Maha Urja $25,000 ITF women’s tennis tournament, set to commence on Tuesday at the MSLTA Academy in Ramnagar, will witness the participation of Sahaja Yamalapalli as the sole Indian seed. Ranked fifth, Yamalapalli will face Vaidehi Chaudhari in her opening match. She is placed in the third quarter alongside fourth seed Diana Marcinkevica.

In the absence of India’s top player Ankita Raina, who is competing in the Petroleum tennis tournament in Delhi, the Indian challenge will be led by national champion Shrivalli Bhamidipaty. Bhamidipaty will begin her campaign against qualifier Anastasia Zolotareva. Zeel Desai will take on Akiko Omae of Japan in her first-round match.

Akanksha Nitture displayed remarkable resilience in the qualifying rounds, saving six match points in the super tie-break to defeat Joel Nichole 14-12. Her reward is a first-round encounter with top seed Irina Maria Bara of Romania.

Other Indian players who have qualified for the main draw include Anjali Rathi, Vaishnavi Adkar, Humera Baharmus, and Soha Sadiq. Wild cards have been awarded to Sowjanya Bavisetti, Maithili Mothe, Sonall Patil, and Sejal Bhutada.

The tournament will provide a stern test for the Indian players, who will face a strong contingent of foreign competitors. The seedings for the tournament are as follows:

1. Irina Maria Bara (Rou)
2. Dalila Jakupovic (Slo)
3. Justina Mikulskyte (Ltu)
4. Diana Marcinkevica (Lat)
5. Sahaja Yamalapalli
6. Fanny Ostlund (Swe)
7. Miriana Tona (Ita)
8. Thasaporn Naklo (Tha)

Lancashire Assistant Coach Carl Crowe Departs for New Opportunities

Lancashire Assistant Coach Carl Crowe Departs for New Opportunities

Carl Crowe, Lancashire’s assistant coach, has bid farewell to the club after a mutually agreed departure on the cusp of the 2024 county season. The 48-year-old, who played 83 professional games between 1995 and 2009, has decided to explore new coaching opportunities.

Crowe’s coaching journey with Lancashire began as a consultant coach for the spinners in 2020 and 2021. He then transitioned to a full-time assistant role in late 2021. Prior to his time at Emirates Old Trafford, Crowe had established a strong reputation on the T20 franchise circuit, notably through his work with Sunil Narine.

“I have cherished my time at Emirates Old Trafford, but I believe it’s the right moment in my coaching career to move on and embrace new challenges,” Crowe said. “It was an honor to serve the Red Rose, and I am confident that this team has a bright future ahead. I extend my best wishes to Dale, Keaton, the players, and our loyal supporters.”

Director of Cricket Performance Mark Chilton expressed his gratitude for Crowe’s contributions. “Carl has made the decision to pursue new opportunities, and we fully support his choice. We appreciate his hard work since joining us permanently in 2021 and wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” Chilton said.

“Our relationship with Carl has been extremely positive, and we would welcome the opportunity to collaborate again in the future if the right circumstances arise. We are actively seeking a replacement for the coaching staff and will announce the appointment in due course.”

Rajasthan Royals Unveils Majestic New Jersey for IPL 2024

Rajasthan Royals Unveils Majestic New Jersey for IPL 2024

Rajasthan Royals Unveils Majestic New Matchday Jersey for IPL 2024

The Rajasthan Royals have unveiled their highly anticipated official matchday jersey for the upcoming IPL 2024 season, paying homage to the indomitable spirit of Rajasthan’s warriors and the vibrant culture of the state.

The jersey’s design is a testament to the resilience and fighting spirit of the Royals on the cricket field. The shield-like design on the front and back symbolizes the unwavering determination of the team’s players. Intricate white elements woven into the shield narrate the tales of Rajasthan’s regal history.

Inspired by the traditional attire of Rajasthani women, the jersey features a distinctive bandhani pattern with vibrant colors. These dots represent the joy and festivity of the Royals’ home state. The design also incorporates patterns reminiscent of the jali work found in Rajasthan’s historical palaces and forts.

The jersey’s color scheme is a blend of hot pink and admiral blue. Hot pink symbolizes the strength and hospitality of women, while admiral blue exudes royalty and poise. These elements are incorporated into both matchday and training kits, with the latter predominantly featuring admiral blue as the primary color and hot pink accents.

The new jersey is a reflection of the Rajasthan Royals’ commitment to honoring their heritage while embracing modernity. It is a symbol of the team’s fighting spirit, cultural pride, and unwavering determination to succeed on the cricket field.

RCB Seek Redemption Against Resurgent UP Warriorz in WPL Clash

RCB Seek Redemption Against Resurgent UP Warriorz in WPL Clash

Women’s Premier League: RCB Aim to Rebound Against Confident UP Warriorz

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is heating up as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and UP Warriorz clash in Match 11. RCB, who started the season with two impressive wins, have suffered back-to-back defeats, while UP Warriorz have bounced back from two initial losses to secure two consecutive victories.

RCB, led by Smriti Mandhana, will be eager to get their campaign back on track after disappointing performances against Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians. The team’s batting lineup, which boasts the likes of Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, and Sophie Devine, has failed to fire in recent matches.

UP Warriorz, on the other hand, have shown resilience and determination in their recent wins. Led by Deepti Sharma, the team has a balanced squad with a strong bowling attack featuring Anjali Sarvani and Rajeshwari Gayakwad. Their batting lineup, anchored by Alyssa Healy and Tahlia McGrath, has also been in good form.

The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two teams with contrasting fortunes. RCB will be desperate to break their losing streak and regain their early momentum, while UP Warriorz will be looking to extend their winning run and solidify their position in the standings.

Yash Rathod's Unbeaten 97 Puts Vidarbha in Control Against Madhya Pradesh

Yash Rathod’s Unbeaten 97 Puts Vidarbha in Control Against Madhya Pradesh

Vidarbha’s Yash Rathod’s unbeaten 97 and Akshay Wadkar’s 77 propelled the team to a commanding position in their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Madhya Pradesh. Resuming on 13 for one, Vidarbha lost nightwatchman Akshay Wakhare early but Dhruv Shorey and Aman Mokhade steadied the innings with an 84-run stand.

However, left-arm spinner Kumar Kartikeya broke the partnership, and Vidarbha found themselves in trouble at 161 for five. Enter Rathod and Wadkar, who forged a crucial 158-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Rathod, playing in only his seventh First-Class game, showed maturity beyond his years, while Wadkar provided solid support.

The pitch, which had been lively in the first two days, seemed to have eased out, allowing Rathod and Wadkar to play with confidence. They exploited the conditions to pile on runs, leaving the MP bowlers frustrated.

Towards the end of the day, Wadkar fell to pacer Anubhav Agarwal, but Rathod remained unbeaten on 97. Vidarbha ended the day on 343 for six, leading by a handy 261 runs.

Rathod’s innings was a testament to his talent and determination. The 22-year-old has been in impressive form this season, and his knock in this crucial match has further enhanced his reputation.

With two days remaining in the match, Vidarbha will be confident of pushing for a victory. Madhya Pradesh, on the other hand, will need to find a way to break the Rathod-led resistance and get back into the contest.

Wicketkeeper's Hilarious Run-Out Attempt Goes Viral

Wicketkeeper’s Hilarious Run-Out Attempt Goes Viral

Cricket, a sport known for its intense competition, occasionally provides moments of hilarity that leave fans in stitches. In a recent video shared by former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra, a wicketkeeper’s comical attempt at a run-out has gone viral.

The video captures a wicketkeeper attempting to run out a batter at the non-striker’s end. As the batter attempts to steal a single, the wicketkeeper collects the ball and aims to throw it at the stumps. However, in a moment of misjudgment, the wicketkeeper’s throw goes astray and hits his own team’s bowler.

“There is no single, where are you running? We have been looted by our own, what can strangers do,” quips Aakash Chopra, a renowned commentator, in the video.

The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of cricket and the occasional moments of absurdity that can occur even in the most serious of matches. It serves as a reminder that even in the midst of intense competition, there is always room for a bit of laughter.

Meanwhile, former India opener Aakash Chopra has expressed surprise over the exclusion of leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal from the BCCI’s central contracts. Chopra believes that Chahal’s omission indicates that the selection committee is exploring other options.

“I am a bit surprised that Yuzi Chahal’s name is not there. Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and Shikhar Dhawan – their names not being there, I can understand. Even Deepak Hooda for that matter. But Chahal’s name not being there – what does that signify? It seems to indicate that they (BCCI) are looking in a different direction,” said Chopra on his YouTube channel.

The BCCI’s decision to exclude Chahal has raised questions about his future in the Indian team. The leg-spinner has been a consistent performer for India in limited-overs cricket, but his recent form has been inconsistent. It remains to be seen whether Chahal will be able to regain his place in the team and prove his worth to the selectors.

Joe Root Praises Ashwin's Unpredictable Bowling and Aggressive Mindset

Joe Root Praises Ashwin’s Unpredictable Bowling and Aggressive Mindset

Ravichandran Ashwin’s exceptional bowling prowess has left an indelible mark on the cricketing world, earning him accolades from renowned batters like Joe Root. The veteran Indian off-spinner’s relentless pursuit of wickets and aggressive mindset have made him a constant threat to opposition batsmen.

Ashwin’s versatility is a key factor in his success. Unlike traditional off-spinners, he employs a wide range of deliveries, including over-spin, side-spin, and the deceptive carrom ball. This unpredictability keeps batters guessing and forces them to adapt constantly.

Root, who has faced Ashwin on numerous occasions, highlighted the off-spinner’s ability to bowl six different deliveries in an over. Ashwin’s clever use of the crease and seam position allows him to exploit different angles and create wicket-taking opportunities.

In contrast to Nathan Lyon, another premier off-spinner, Ashwin focuses on getting batters out rather than wearing them down. He uses his variations to disrupt the batter’s rhythm and force them into mistakes.

Despite England’s struggles in the ongoing Test series against India, Root remains optimistic about the team’s approach. He believes that the top order has shown consistency, and the team is committed to finding the best balance between attacking and pragmatic batting.

Jonny Bairstow, who is set to play his 100th Test in Dharamsala, has faced some challenges with the bat. However, Root expressed confidence in his fellow Yorkshireman’s ability to overcome these setbacks and make a significant contribution to the team.

Rohit Sharma Set for 600-Run Season in IPL 2024, Predicts Aakash Chopra

Rohit Sharma Set for 600-Run Season in IPL 2024, Predicts Aakash Chopra

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has predicted a stellar season for Mumbai Indians’ Rohit Sharma in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. With Hardik Pandya taking over the captaincy, Chopra believes Rohit will be relieved of the burden and unleash his full potential as a batsman.

Despite Mumbai Indians’ success under Rohit’s leadership, winning a record five titles, his batting performance has been underwhelming in recent years. From IPL 2017 to 2023, Rohit averaged a mere 24.76 with the bat. However, Chopra believes that the upcoming season will be different.

“You have released Rohit Sharma from captaincy. When you talk about top players like Rohit Sharma, you see a 600 plus season. But no season seemed like that for him. This could be that season. Because there is nothing to prove per say, but there is a lot to prove. Kaptaan nahi hain toh phir todenge aisa lag raha hai mujhe (Since he is not the captain, he is going to pile a lot of runs),” said Chopra on his YouTube channel.

Chopra’s prediction is based on the belief that Rohit will be more focused on his batting without the added responsibility of captaincy. He believes that Rohit has the potential to score over 600 runs in IPL 2024, a feat he has not achieved in any previous season.

IPL 2024 is set to begin on March 22 with a match between defending champions Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore at Chepauk. Mumbai Indians will open their campaign against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. The BCCI has released the schedule only for the first 21 matches of IPL 2024, owing to the Lok Sabha Elections. The remaining schedule will be announced after the date for elections is out.

Meg Lanning Embraces Joy and Competition in Post-Retirement Cricket

Meg Lanning Embraces Joy and Competition in Post-Retirement Cricket

Meg Lanning, the former Australian cricket captain, has emphasized the importance of enjoying the game after retiring from international cricket. In a recent press conference, Lanning expressed her desire to “have fun and enjoy cricket” while leading the Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

Lanning, who retired in November 2023, believes that the pressure and expectations have diminished since her retirement. However, she remains competitive and determined to contribute to her team’s success. “I still have the competitive edge when I need to,” she said.

The 31-year-old has found a supportive and enjoyable environment at Delhi Capitals. “The environment at Delhi is great, it’s fun, it’s really relaxed,” she said. “We back each other to go and play to our strengths. It makes my job easier.”

Lanning’s performance in the WPL has been impressive, with 148 runs in four matches, including two half-centuries. She attributes her success to her newfound freedom and enjoyment of the game. “I am just enjoying playing cricket,” she said. “I feel like there’s a little bit less pressure and expectation.”

Despite her retirement, Lanning has not yet fully processed the transition. “I actually haven’t had a lot of time to do that [explore new things] yet,” she said. “Once the tournament finishes, there will be a big chunk of time. It will probably hit me harder and you know, sort of come to terms with it a little bit more.”

Lanning is exploring various options for her future, but she is in no rush to make any decisions. “I can keep playing and keep being involved,” she said. “When an opportunity pops up, I can take it.”

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