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Ganguly Advocates for Kohli as T20 World Cup Opener

By Nilay May 10, 2024 0

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has strongly advocated for the inclusion of Virat Kohli as an opener in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Ganguly believes that Kohli’s exceptional form in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) warrants his promotion to the top of the order.

“Virat is playing exceptionally well. The way Kohli batted last night – 90 in quick time, you need to use him as an opener in the T20 World Cup,” Ganguly told PTI.

Ganguly expressed confidence in India’s T20 World Cup squad, commending its balanced composition and expressing optimism about their trophy prospects after a 17-year gap.

“This is an excellent squad. I think they have picked the best possible squad. Apart from batting depth, bowling looks excellent,” Ganguly remarked.

Reflecting on the high-scoring nature of T20 cricket, Ganguly acknowledged the trend of power-hitting and its impact on the game’s dynamics.

“This is going to be the trend in the years to come. T20 cricket has become a power-oriented game and that’s what it is going to be,” Ganguly observed.

Ganguly identified the Impact Player rule and the aggressive mindset of modern-day batsmen as factors contributing to the surge in mammoth totals in the IPL.

“Now, in IPL we are seeing scores like 240, 250 regularly… That’s how this game has gone and that’s how the players have started approaching the game,” Ganguly explained.

Ganguly stressed the need for bowlers to upskill themselves to counter the dominance of batsmen in T20s, citing examples of skillful bowlers thriving across formats.

“I don’t believe in formats. I believe in skills. These are exemplary players who will thrive in all formats,” Ganguly noted.

Referring to the selection of wicketkeeper-batsmen for the T20 World Cup, Ganguly backed the decision to prioritize Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson over Dinesh Karthik.

“Dinesh played well but there are better players than Dinesh. I don’t think you can leave Sanju or Rishabh out,” Ganguly remarked.

Ganguly refrained from commenting on the public reprimand of Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul, citing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

“It is not fair for me to make a comment based on a TV grab… So, I leave it at that,” Ganguly concluded.

Categories: Cricket

Defending Champion Rybakina Withdraws from Rome Due to Illness

By Nilay May 10, 2024 0

Elena Rybakina Withdraws from Rome Due to Illness, Title Defense Thwarted

Defending champion Elena Rybakina has regrettably withdrawn from the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome, citing illness. The No. 4 seed, who has been in impressive form on clay this season, expressed her disappointment at not being able to compete.

“I am disappointed to have to withdraw from Rome this year, but unfortunately I do not feel well enough to compete,” Rybakina said in a statement. “I have such good memories from last year and was looking forward to defending my title.”

Rybakina’s withdrawal is a significant blow to the tournament, as she was one of the favorites to win. Last year, she captured her first WTA 1000 title on clay at the Foro Italico, defeating Anhelina Kalinina in the final.

The Kazakhstani star has been known to suffer from allergies in Rome and at Roland Garros, and she appeared under the weather during Monday’s Media Day. She struggled to answer questions during her pre-tournament press conference, hinting at her discomfort.

Rybakina was scheduled to face Irina-Camelia Begu in her opening round after receiving a first-round bye. She will be replaced in the women’s singles draw by lucky loser Océane Dodin.

Rybakina’s absence opens up the draw for other contenders, including Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Ons Jabeur. The tournament will still feature a strong field of players, but Rybakina’s withdrawal is a notable loss.

Categories: Tennis

Khaleel Ahmed Returns to India Colors After Four-Year Absence

By Nilay May 10, 2024 0

Khaleel Ahmed, the Delhi Capitals pacer, has made a triumphant return to the Indian cricket team after a four-and-a-half-year absence. The 26-year-old left-arm pacer has been named as a standby for the upcoming T20 World Cup, a testament to his impressive performances for DC in the ongoing IPL.

Ahmed has been in scintillating form this season, claiming 14 wickets in 12 matches. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace has made him a formidable force in the DC bowling attack.

Speaking on the DC Podcast, Ahmed expressed his delight at being recalled to the national team. “The way the past few months were going and the way the IPL started, I had the intuition that something good would happen,” he said. “As the IPL matches progressed, my confidence continued to grow. I realized I was bowling well, and it has always been about moving one step ahead. Finally, when the name came, I was so happy, and it’s a step ahead for me.”

Ahmed’s last appearance for India was in a T20 match against Bangladesh in Nagpur in November 2019. Since then, he has endured a challenging period, missing out on selection for the national team.

“2019 was a long time ago. Every day, at the back of my mind, I missed that feeling of playing for the country,” Ahmed said. “Every time I used to watch India play, I used to imagine what I would have done if I was there in the team. So, every day was like a battle and these kinds of conversations were going on inside my head.”

Despite the setbacks, Ahmed remained determined to regain his place in the Indian team. He took just a week’s break after the last IPL and played all the domestic matches.

“It’s tough as a fast bowler, but I made up my mind that irrespective of what happens to me, I’m going to play all the matches. I pushed myself mentally in the past year and have grown with it,” he said.

Ahmed believes that the current IPL season, which has been a nightmare for bowlers, is the perfect opportunity for fast bowlers to shine.

“If a bowler performs in tough situations like these, he will be considered a King, and I want to be that King. So, this is what my mentality has been about the current scenario,” he said.

Ahmed’s return to the Indian team is a testament to his resilience and determination. He has overcome adversity to reclaim his place in the national setup and is now poised to make a significant contribution to India’s T20 World Cup campaign.

Categories: Cricket

Mohammed Shami Slams Sanjiv Goenka’s Public Reprimand of KL Rahul

By Nilay May 10, 2024 0

Star pacer Mohammed Shami has strongly condemned the public reprimand of his India teammate KL Rahul by Lucknow Super Giants team owner Sanjiv Goenka, calling it “shameful” and inappropriate for sports.

Goenka’s animated confrontation with Rahul after Lucknow Super Giants’ record-breaking defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad has sparked widespread criticism. Shami, the first Indian cricketer to speak out against the incident, expressed his disapproval in a recent interview.

“Crores of people are watching you and learning from you. If these things happen in front of cameras, and you see such reactions on screen, it’s shameful,” Shami said. “You should have boundaries in your communication, and this sends a very wrong message.”

Shami emphasized the importance of maintaining respect and professionalism in sports, regardless of the outcome of a match. He believes that such public confrontations undermine the integrity of the game and set a poor example for young players.

“It’s a team game; it isn’t a big thing if the plan isn’t successful. Anything is possible in the game. I understand there can be good or bad days, but every player has respect, and there’s a way to talk,” Shami said.

He added that while disagreements and heated moments can occur in the heat of competition, they should be handled privately and not in front of the public.

“A player talking to another player is different, but someone from the outside discussing something with the player is different. We are only speculating from what we are seeing, and only KL Rahul can tell what the conversation was about, but these kinds of reactions do not have any place in sports,” Shami said.

Shami’s comments have been widely supported by fans and fellow cricketers, who believe that Goenka’s behavior was unacceptable. The incident has raised questions about the role of team owners in professional sports and the need for clear boundaries in player-owner interactions.

Categories: Cricket

Clay-Court Season Turns Treacherous, Threatening Roland Garros Momentum

By Nilay May 10, 2024 0

The clay-court season, once a preparatory phase for Roland Garros, has transformed into a treacherous gauntlet, jeopardizing players’ momentum and health. The expansion of 1000-level events into two-week affairs has created a demanding schedule, leaving players exhausted and prone to injuries.

The recent Madrid Masters witnessed a string of setbacks, with top seeds Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz withdrawing due to injuries. Daniil Medvedev and Jiri Lehecka also succumbed to physical ailments, while Andrey Rublev played through excruciating pain to win the title.

Elite coach Craig Boynton believes the extended events have created an imbalance, favoring players who perform well but leaving others with insufficient playing time. Tennis analyst Paul Annacone initially supported the longer tournaments but now questions their impact on player well-being.

Players themselves have expressed concerns. Elena Rybakina lamented the grueling schedule, while Jimmy Arias, a former clay-court specialist, misses the intensity of one-week Masters events. The lack of uniformity in clay conditions across tournaments has also contributed to the injury crisis.

The 1000-level events have grown in stature, rivaling the Grand Slams they precede. However, the quality of tennis has suffered due to player fatigue and the absence of a Lucky Loser rule to replace injured players.

Novak Djokovic’s absence from the clay swing has raised questions about the strategic value of skipping the demanding events. The current state of the clay-court season suggests that the governing bodies of tennis may need to reassess the schedule to ensure the health and well-being of players while maintaining the integrity of the sport.

Categories: Tennis

Iga Swiatek Emerges as the New Queen of Clay-Court Tennis

By Nilay May 10, 2024 0

For the past two decades, spring tennis has been synonymous with Rafael Nadal’s dominance on clay. However, this year, a new era is emerging, with Iga Swiatek becoming the undisputed queen of the red dirt.

Since 2022, Swiatek has won all three top-tier WTA clay titles in Stuttgart, Madrid, and Rome. At just 22 years old, she has already claimed three Roland Garros titles, establishing herself as the heir apparent to Nadal’s throne.

While Swiatek’s dominance may not yet match Nadal’s at her age, her performances on clay have been equally impressive. She has won 58 consecutive matches on the surface after taking the first set, showcasing her ability to maintain an iron grip on her opponents.

With injuries sidelining the ATP’s top stars, Swiatek has seized the opportunity to cement her status as the world’s leading player. Her recent victory in Madrid, where she defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the final, further solidified her dominance.

Swiatek’s success is not limited to the court. She has graced the cover of Elle magazine in Poland and has held the No. 1 ranking for 102 of the past 106 weeks. Despite her demanding schedule, she remains enthusiastic about her life on tour.

“I love the food, the different vibe, the courts, the nature, and the fans,” Swiatek said of the Rome tournament. “It’s pretty crazy here usually with the fans. They’re loud and they’re everywhere.”

Swiatek’s ability to adjust to different clay conditions is a testament to her versatility. She has no trouble transitioning from the faster clay in Madrid to the slower surface in Rome, where her backhand return has proven to be a devastating weapon.

Despite her success, Swiatek remains grounded and focused on enjoying her time on tour. She recognizes the importance of maintaining a healthy perspective and not putting too much pressure on herself.

“This year I feel pretty comfortable because I felt like I played well,” Swiatek said. “I just want to enjoy, honestly, being on tour, and not put too much baggage on my shoulders because we have to survive to November.”

As the clay-court season reaches its climax, the question remains: Can Swiatek extend her Peak Iga season through Roland Garros? With her current form, it would be unwise to bet against her.

Categories: Tennis

BCCI Announces Departure Arrangements for Indian Team Players for T20 World Cup

By Nilay May 10, 2024 0

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the departure arrangements for the Indian team players participating in the upcoming T20 World Cup. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that players whose IPL teams fail to qualify for the playoffs will depart for the World Cup in two stages.

The first batch, consisting of players and coaching staff, will leave on May 24. The remaining contingent will depart after the IPL final on May 26. Shah emphasized that the IPL serves as a valuable platform for players to hone their skills, even for those whose teams do not make the playoffs.

“Look at how well Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma played the other day. If [Jasprit] Bumrah gets to bowl to Head, what better opportunity is there to practice?” Shah said during a media interaction.

Shah also provided an update on Lucknow Super Giants’ Mayank Yadav, who is currently sidelined with an injury. Shah acknowledged Yadav’s impressive performance earlier in the IPL season and revealed that the speedster will be under BCCI supervision.

Yadav joins a group of emerging pace bowlers without annual retainers, including Akash Deep, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal, and Vidwath Kaverappa. These bowlers will receive continuous monitoring and support from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) medical staff, reflecting the BCCI’s commitment to nurturing young bowling talent in India.

Categories: Cricket

Kohli’s Stellar IPL Form Impresses Kumble, Watson

By Nilay May 10, 2024 0

Former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble and ex-Australian all-rounder Shane Watson have heaped praise on Virat Kohli for his exceptional performances in the ongoing IPL 2024 season. They expressed confidence in his ability to maintain his prime form during the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Kohli’s scintillating knock of 92 off 47 balls, coupled with a collective bowling effort, propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a resounding 60-run victory over Punjab Kings. Kumble commended Kohli’s relentless pursuit of excellence, highlighting his remarkable contribution of 634 runs in the tournament.

“He’s been in outstanding form. He had a break coming into this IPL, and since then, he’s been relentless in his pursuit of excellence,” Kumble remarked. He emphasized the importance of Kohli’s performance in the T20 World Cup, saying, “For India’s sake, you’d want his form to continue in the World Cup as well.”

Watson lauded Kohli’s all-round impact and his ability to elevate the performance of his teammates. He acknowledged the significance of the opportunities presented to Kohli early on, allowing him to capitalize and showcase his batting prowess effectively.

“They got some opportunities early as Virat Kohli was dropped twice. This allowed him to get going in his innings and he batted so beautifully once he capitalized on those chances,” Watson remarked.

Furthermore, Watson highlighted Kohli’s contribution in the field, particularly his electrifying run-out to dismiss Shahshank Singh. “In the field, they made a couple of little errors, but you could see the intensity crank up in the field when they needed it to. Some great catches and a great run-out from Virat Kohli to get Shashank out,” Watson concluded.

Kohli’s exceptional performances have not only boosted RCB’s chances of success but have also raised expectations for Team India in the upcoming T20 World Cup. His ability to maintain his prime form and lead his team to victory will be crucial for India’s hopes of lifting the coveted trophy.

Categories: Cricket

Praggnanandhaa Stresses Need for Corporate Sponsors in Chess

By Nilay May 10, 2024 0

Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa, who recently made history as the youngest player to compete in the FIDE Candidates Tournament, has emphasized the crucial role of corporate sponsors in the sport. Despite the perception of chess as an inexpensive pursuit, Praggnanandhaa highlights the significant financial burden associated with training and competing at the highest levels.

Praggnanandhaa, who recently entered into a long-term sponsorship agreement with the Adani Group, expressed his gratitude for their support. He explained that chess training involves extensive travel, equipment, and coaching, making it a costly endeavor. The Adani Group’s sponsorship has alleviated the financial pressure on Praggnanandhaa and his family, allowing him to focus solely on his chess development.

The 18-year-old Grandmaster is currently participating in the Rapid and Blitz tournament in Poland, which marks the start of a packed schedule for him. He is set to compete in the Grand Chess Tour, including the Superbet Romania classical tournament, the Saint Louis Rapid and Blitz, and the Sinquefield Cup. Praggnanandhaa is also excited to participate in the Norway Chess and the Real Masters in Switzerland.

Praggnanandhaa acknowledges that his success is not solely due to his talent but also to the unwavering support of his family and sponsors. He emphasizes the importance of corporate sponsors like the Adani Group in fostering the growth of sports and providing financial assistance to athletes.

To maintain his peak performance, Praggnanandhaa follows a rigorous physical and mental regimen. He engages in physical sports, such as badminton and beach volleyball, to keep his body and mind sharp. He also undergoes extensive chess training, including opening preparation and calculation exercises.

Praggnanandhaa’s journey serves as a testament to the challenges and rewards of pursuing a career in chess. With the support of sponsors and a dedicated training regimen, he continues to push the boundaries of the sport and inspire young chess enthusiasts worldwide.

Categories: Others

Virat Kohli’s Dedication and Agility Fuel RCB’s Playoff Push

By Nilay May 10, 2024 0

Virat Kohli’s unwavering dedication to training has enabled him to overcome his limitations and maintain his status as one of the world’s top batters, according to former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody.

Despite being 35 years old, Kohli has showcased remarkable agility and fitness, as evidenced by his brilliant direct hit run-out against Punjab Kings. Moody praised Kohli’s ability to execute such a challenging play, highlighting his exceptional focus and determination.

Kohli’s season total now stands at 634 runs at an average of 70.44, placing him among the leading run-scorers in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Moody attributed Kohli’s success to his continued commitment to improving his skills, even if he may not train as intensely as he once did.

Kohli’s mastery of the slog-sweep has proven to be a potent weapon against spinners in the middle overs. Moody believes that Kohli’s ability to adapt and innovate has been crucial to his success.

With Kohli in top form, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have turned their season around, winning four consecutive games after a dismal start. Moody believes that RCB still have a chance of making the playoffs if they continue to play with the same intensity and determination.

Kohli’s exceptional performance has been a delight for fans, and Moody believes that his presence on the field is worth every penny. RCB will play their final two league games at home, and Kohli’s continued brilliance will be key to their playoff hopes.

Categories: Cricket

Ganguly Advocates for Kohli as T20 World Cup Opener

Defending Champion Rybakina Withdraws from Rome Due to Illness

Khaleel Ahmed Returns to India Colors After Four-Year Absence

Mohammed Shami Slams Sanjiv Goenka’s Public Reprimand of KL Rahul

Clay-Court Season Turns Treacherous, Threatening Roland Garros Momentum

Iga Swiatek Emerges as the New Queen of Clay-Court Tennis

BCCI Announces Departure Arrangements for Indian Team Players for T20 World Cup

Kohli’s Stellar IPL Form Impresses Kumble, Watson

Praggnanandhaa Stresses Need for Corporate Sponsors in Chess

Virat Kohli’s Dedication and Agility Fuel RCB’s Playoff Push

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