Sundeep Verma to Coach Gaganjeet Bhullar at Paris 2024 Olympics

Sundeep Verma to Coach Gaganjeet Bhullar at Paris 2024 Olympics

Renowned clubmaker and golf coach Sundeep Verma is set to make his third Olympic Games appearance, this time as the coach of leading Indian professional Gaganjeet Bhullar at the Paris 2024 Games. Bhullar, an 11-time Asian Tour champion, will be making his Olympic debut as part of a four-member Indian golf team that also includes Shubhankar Sharma, Aditi Ashok, and Diksha Dagar.

Verma, with over 25 years of experience in the golf industry, has worked with some of India’s top golfers, including Jeev Milkha Singh, Anirban Lahiri, S.S.P. Chawrasia, Jyoti Randhawa, Himmat Singh Rai, Shiv Kapur, and Shubhankar Sharma. He accompanied Chawrasia to the Rio 2016 Olympics and Diksha to the Tokyo 2020 Games, playing a crucial role in their performances.

Bhullar, who is eager to make a mark in his maiden Olympic appearance, expressed his confidence in Verma’s guidance. “It was quite natural to pick Sundeep as my coach. He has worked with me during my early professional days and has always been a valuable source of advice. His experience at the Olympic venue and his understanding of the game will be invaluable to me. I am confident that with him on my side, I will deliver a remarkable performance in Paris,” said Bhullar.

Verma, who was also the coach of the Indian amateur golf team at the Eisenhower Trophy in 2022, is excited to share his knowledge and experience with Bhullar. “I am happy to be accompanying Bhullar to Paris. I would love to pass on the learnings from Rio and Tokyo to him. He is an accomplished golfer with the right temperament and attacking mindset to perform well in big events like the Olympic Games. We will give it our best shot to return with a medal from Paris,” said Verma.

Bhullar’s participation in the Paris Olympics has been supported by the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which has covered his expenses for airfare, boarding and lodging, registration fees, and training at the Olympic venue. He will depart for Paris along with Verma on July 28.

Gambhir's Appointment Raises Questions About Rohit, Kohli's Future

Gambhir’s Appointment Raises Questions About Rohit, Kohli’s Future

Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as India’s head coach has sparked speculation about the future of veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both players retired from T20Is after the recent World Cup, leaving their availability for future tournaments uncertain.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that Rohit will lead India in the ICC Champions Trophy and World Test Championship in 2025. However, it remains unclear whether he and Kohli will be available for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Gambhir has stated that both players are in his plans, emphasizing their experience and ability. However, former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has pointed out Gambhir’s previous comments suggesting that senior players would be dropped if they underperformed in the T20 World Cup.

Srikkanth believes that Kohli’s fitness levels could allow him to play in the 2027 World Cup, but he doubts Rohit’s ability to perform at a high level at the age of 40. The tournament will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, which could pose physical challenges for older players.

The BCCI has not yet made a decision on the future of Rohit and Kohli. The selectors will likely assess their performances in the upcoming series and make a determination based on their form and fitness.

Texas Super Kings Crush MI New York in MLC Eliminator

Texas Super Kings Crush MI New York in MLC Eliminator

In a thrilling Major League Cricket Eliminator match, the Texas Super Kings, led by captain Faf du Plessis, emerged victorious over defending champions MI New York by a comfortable nine-wicket margin.

Chasing a modest target of 164, the Super Kings displayed a dominant performance, reaching the winning total in just 18.3 overs. Du Plessis, the Player of the Match, anchored the chase with a superb 72 off 47 deliveries, including three towering sixes and six boundaries. His opening partnership with Devon Conway, who contributed an unbeaten 51 off 43 balls, laid the foundation for the Super Kings’ success.

After du Plessis’ dismissal, Conway and Aaron Hardie ensured a seamless finish. Hardie’s quickfire 40 not out from 22 balls, featuring two sixes and three fours, complemented Conway’s steady knock. The duo forged an unbeaten 66-run stand to seal the victory for their team.

Reflecting on the triumph, du Plessis emphasized the significance of a strong start and praised his teammates’ efforts. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy run rate throughout the chase and acknowledged the contributions of Stoinis and Hardie in the bowling department.

MI New York, on the other hand, struggled to gain momentum after being sent in to bat. Despite a promising start, they lost key wickets in quick succession, including opener Dewald Brevis and Nicholas Pooran. Shayan Jahangir and Monank Patel provided some stability, but their partnership was broken by Dwayne Bravo.

Rashid Khan attempted to boost the team’s total, but received limited support from his teammates. MI New York eventually ended their innings at 163/8 in 20 overs, falling short of a competitive score.

Skipper Kieron Pollard acknowledged the team’s shortcomings and expressed a commitment to return stronger next season. He emphasized the need for improvement in fielding and overall performance.

With this victory, the Texas Super Kings advance to the next round of the competition, while MI New York’s title defense comes to an end.

Sanju Samson's ODI Snub: Uthappa Questions Selection Process

Sanju Samson’s ODI Snub: Uthappa Questions Selection Process

Sanju Samson’s international career has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by both brilliance and frustration. Despite his exceptional talent, the wicket-keeper batter has repeatedly faced snubs from the white-ball teams, leaving many scratching their heads.

Samson’s latest setback came when he was overlooked for India’s ODI series against Sri Lanka, despite scoring a century in his last one-day international match. Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa, known for his blunt assessments, expressed his disappointment over Samson’s omission.

“This is not the first time Sanju has gone through this,” Uthappa said. “I don’t think it will be the last time either. But his one-day numbers have been incredible.”

Uthappa attributed Samson’s struggles to the constant changes within the Indian leadership group. “Things have to settle down a bit,” he said. “We as fans and supporters need to give them space.”

However, Uthappa believes that Samson is not out of contention for the ODI team. “He will get his opportunity,” Uthappa said. “But when it comes, he needs to grab it with solid performances.”

Samson’s future in the ODI team may hinge on his performance in the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka. An exemplary show in the shortest format could force the selectors to give him a longer run in the 50-over format as well.

Samson’s case highlights the complexities of team selection in modern cricket. With a plethora of talented players vying for limited spots, even the most deserving individuals can find themselves on the sidelines. However, Samson’s talent and determination suggest that he will continue to fight for his place in the Indian team.

Olympic BMX Champion Logan Martin's Equipment Stolen in Brussels

Olympic BMX Champion Logan Martin’s Equipment Stolen in Brussels

Reigning Olympic BMX freestyle champion Logan Martin’s title defense has gotten off to a rocky start after thieves broke into the Australian team’s van in Brussels, stealing equipment and personal belongings.

Martin took to Instagram on Wednesday to share videos of the incident, showing the smashed passenger side window of the vehicle and police officers speaking to a member of the Australian delegation.

“Our van got broken into last night,” Martin said in the video. “Luckily my bikes weren’t in there, although my bike bags were in there with some things in it.”

Martin lost his wallet, backpack, and other items in the theft. “What a crazy start to the trip,” he wrote in the caption of the video. “It’s unfortunate when people feel the need to do things like this.”

In a later video, Martin and his teammates discovered some of their stolen bags beside a bench nearby. They attributed this to the “bag tags” that were attached to the bags.

Martin, who won gold in Tokyo ahead of Venezuela’s Daniel Dhers, is currently in Brussels with the Australian team for a training camp before leaving for Paris on Wednesday.

The incident has cast a shadow over Martin’s preparations for the upcoming BMX Freestyle World Championships in Abu Dhabi, which will serve as a qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Martin is one of the favorites to win the gold medal in Paris, and he will be hoping to put the theft behind him and focus on his training.

Afghan Fan Drives 14 Hours to Meet Cricket Idol Marcus Stoinis

Afghan Fan Drives 14 Hours to Meet Cricket Idol Marcus Stoinis

Marcus Stoinis, the Australian all-rounder currently playing for the Texas Super Kings (TSK) in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the US, received a heartwarming surprise after TSK’s match against the Seattle Orcas in Dallas. A dedicated female fan from Afghanistan, who had traveled 14 hours from Colorado Springs, waited patiently to meet her idol.

The fan, whose name was not disclosed in the video shared by TSK on social media, expressed her admiration for Stoinis, saying, “I am from Afghanistan…I always talked about him (Stoinis) with my school friends.” She had created a special poster for her favorite player and enthusiastically cheered for him from the stands.

“I thought this (MLC) is going to be a big opportunity to come and see him, cheer for him. That was like one of my dreams, which has come true…I had to drive for 14 hours from Colorado Springs…to just come and see him,” she said.

When asked how she would react if she met Stoinis in person, she replied, “I have no idea what I am going to do, maybe I will start crying or something.”

After the match, Stoinis made the fan’s dream come true by meeting her. The video of their encounter, captioned “The Yellove is unmatched,” went viral on social media.

Stoinis’s gesture not only touched the fan’s heart but also highlighted the global reach and impact of cricket. The MLC, a new professional cricket league in the US, is providing a platform for players from around the world to showcase their skills and connect with fans.

The fan’s dedication and Stoinis’s kindness serve as a reminder of the power of sports to inspire and bring people together.

Hardik Pandya's Captaincy Woes Continue, Suryakumar Yadav Takes Over

Hardik Pandya’s Captaincy Woes Continue, Suryakumar Yadav Takes Over

Hardik Pandya’s captaincy woes have continued since his appointment as Mumbai Indians skipper in 2024. Despite being touted as a potential T20 captain for India, Pandya has faced setbacks and criticism.

After a disappointing IPL season, where he was booed by fans, Pandya was overlooked for the T20 captaincy in favor of Rohit Sharma. Post the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he served as vice-captain, Pandya was again expected to take over the reins. However, Suryakumar Yadav was surprisingly named T20I skipper for the Sri Lanka Tour.

BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar attributed the decision to Pandya’s injury concerns. However, former Sri Lankan player Russell Arnold believes there may be more to the story.

“Hardik couldn’t really gain the respect of everyone around him,” Arnold told Sports Tak. “It’s about getting everyone to gel and keeping everyone calm and happy so that you can pull in the one direction.”

Arnold suggests that Pandya’s inability to command respect within the team may have influenced the BCCI’s decision. He also highlights the impressive form of Suryakumar Yadav, who is considered one of the best T20 batters in the world.

“It’s a great opportunity for Suryakumar to showcase what he can do and make it his own,” Arnold added.

Pandya’s captaincy struggles have raised questions about his leadership abilities. While he is an exceptional player, his inability to inspire and unite his team has been a concern. The BCCI’s decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as T20I skipper is a clear indication that they are looking for a different direction.

It remains to be seen whether Pandya can regain the trust of the BCCI and the Indian cricket team. His injury concerns and leadership challenges will need to be addressed if he wants to fulfill his potential as a captain.

Arshdeep Singh's T20 Brilliance Earns Test Team Consideration

Arshdeep Singh’s T20 Brilliance Earns Test Team Consideration

Arshdeep Singh’s Stellar T20 World Cup Performance Earns Him Test Team Consideration

Indian selectors are contemplating the inclusion of left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh in the Test squad for the upcoming tour of Australia. Despite his limited experience in red-ball cricket, Singh’s impressive showing in the recent T20 World Cup has caught the attention of the selectors.

During India’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign, Singh emerged as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, alongside Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi, with 17 scalps. His ability to swing the ball effectively in white-ball matches has prompted the selectors to consider him as a potential trump card alongside Jasprit Bumrah in the Test arena.

To enhance his chances of selection, Singh may be asked to participate in domestic red-ball matches, beginning with the Duleep Trophy on September 5. The selectors are also keen on adding another left-arm pace option to the white-ball side, which is why Khaleel Ahmed was included in the squads for the ongoing tour of Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, Riyan Parag’s selection for the Sri Lanka tour was facilitated by an injury to middle-order batsman Tilak Varma. Parag has shown significant improvement in his attitude and is now focused on staying at the wicket. His ability to bowl decently and field exceptionally makes him a valuable asset to the team.

The selectors are also nurturing pacer Harshit Rana for a specific role in white-ball cricket. Rana’s ability to bowl yorkers, slower balls, and other variations at the death makes him a suitable option for limited-overs matches.

Gautam Gambhir Takes Charge as India's T20I Head Coach

Gautam Gambhir Takes Charge as India’s T20I Head Coach

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, commenced his tenure with the team’s first practice session in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, ahead of the upcoming T20I series against the hosts. The Indian contingent arrived in Colombo on Monday and subsequently traveled to Pallekele for the three-match T20I series, which will be followed by as many ODIs in Colombo.

Following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the T20I format, Suryakumar Yadav has been entrusted with the captaincy for the series. Rohit will rejoin the team for the ODIs, along with Virat Kohli, who also announced his retirement from the shortest format of the game.

During the practice session, Gambhir was observed closely monitoring the players and providing valuable batting advice to wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson. The BCCI shared a video of the session on their official Twitter account, highlighting Gambhir’s active involvement in the team’s preparations.

Prior to the team’s departure for Sri Lanka, Gambhir addressed his first press conference alongside chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Agarkar explained the rationale behind appointing Suryakumar as the T20I captain over all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

“Suryakumar is one of the deserving candidates. He is one of the best T20 batters in the world. We wanted a captain who was likely to play all the games. We will see how he will do,” Agarkar stated.

Regarding Hardik Pandya, Agarkar emphasized his continued importance to the team. “As far as Hardik is concerned, he is still a very important player. And that’s what we want him to be. Fitness has been a challenge for him over the last few years…Then it becomes difficult for the coach or selectors. I think Surya has the necessary qualities to succeed as a captain,” he added.

The first T20I between India and Sri Lanka will be played in Pallekele on Saturday.

Gautam Gambhir Appointed Head Coach of Indian Cricket Team

Gautam Gambhir Appointed Head Coach of Indian Cricket Team

Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as head coach of the Indian cricket team has been met with mixed reactions. Some have questioned his experience, while others have praised his leadership qualities.

Gambhir, who replaced Rahul Dravid at the helm, is already in Sri Lanka with the Indian team for the upcoming white-ball tour. He was one of the two candidates interviewed for the role by BCCI’s COC, following his successful stint as mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

The likes of Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, Mahela Jayawardene, and Stephen Fleming, were also reportedly in the race. However, the BCCI’s priority was always an Indian.

While Gambhir’s appointment was made official on July 9, after Rahul Dravid’s contract came to an end, former India pacer Ashish Nehra was also floating in the media.

During a recent interaction, Nehra has opened up about why he didn’t apply. The 45-year-old insisted that his children are young, and he was not in the mood to travel for nine months.

“Meri abhi kabhi us tareh soch nahi gayi hai. My kids are young. GG ke bacche bhi abhi young hai par sabki soch alag alag hoti hai, toh I am very happy where I am. I am not in the mood to travel for nine months (I never thought about it. My children are still young. Gautam Gambhir also has young children, but everyone has different ideas. That’s why I am happy where I am. I am not in the mood to travel for nine months),” Nehra told Sports Today.

Meanwhile, Gambhir also confirmed the names of two assistant coaches that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has approved. Though the complete list of coaches will be confirmed only after the Sri Lanka tour, Gambhir is happy to see the board agreeing to most of his demands as the head coach of the Indian team.

During a media briefing, Gambhir revealed that his former Kolkata Knight Riders mates, Ryan Ten Doeschate and Abhishek Nayar have joined him as assistant coaches.

“This is going to be the crux of the support staff. As I said, we still have one month after the Sri Lanka tour. We will try and finalise after the Sri Lanka tour. But, I have worked with people like Abhishek Nayar, Ryan Ten Doeschate very closely. In the last two months, especially in the IPL, I have enjoyed working with them. They are thorough professionals. Hope Ryan and Abhishek can have a successful stint.”

“Hopefully, we can have a successful tenure as coaches. I am really looking forward to work with the rest of the other guys as well. I have had some really good feedback from the players about the other guys. I am really looking forward to working with them. My experience and learning have been been very simple,” Gambhir said.

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