KKR's Charter Flight Diverted Twice Due to Bad Weather

KKR’s Charter Flight Diverted Twice Due to Bad Weather

KKR’s Charter Flight Diverted Twice Due to Adverse Weather Conditions

Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) charter flight from Lucknow to Kolkata was forced to be diverted twice due to inclement weather conditions in Kolkata. The flight was initially diverted to Guwahati, but after failing to land there, it was further diverted to Varanasi.

The Shreyas Iyer-led squad was returning from Lucknow after their emphatic 98-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Sunday. The team’s flight updates were shared by the franchise on Twitter.

“Travel update: KKR’s charter flight from Lucknow to Kolkata diverted to Guwahati due to bad weather. Flight currently standing at the Guwahati Airport tarmac. More updates soon,” read the first tweet from KKR.

After taking off from Guwahati around midnight, the flight still could not land in Kolkata due to bad weather and was diverted to Varanasi.

“Flight diverted to Varanasi after another failed attempt at landing in Kolkata due to bad weather. Current status: At the Lal Bahadur Shastri International airport tarmac,” read the next update.

The team is now expected to fly from Varanasi on Tuesday afternoon. Table-toppers Kolkata will take on Mumbai Indians in their next IPL match at the Eden Gardens on Saturday.

The adverse weather conditions in Kolkata, which included heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, prevented the flight from landing safely. The team’s safety was paramount, and the decision to divert the flight was made to ensure their well-being.

Despite the flight delays, the KKR team remained in high spirits and expressed their gratitude to the pilots and crew for their professionalism and handling of the situation. The team is now looking forward to their next match against Mumbai Indians and will be hoping for better weather conditions in Kolkata.

Fraser-McGurk Accepts World Cup Omission, Focuses on Future

Fraser-McGurk Accepts World Cup Omission, Focuses on Future

Rising star Jake Fraser-McGurk has expressed his understanding of his omission from Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, acknowledging that he had not yet earned a place in the final 15-man roster.

Despite his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he smashed two 15-ball half-centuries, Fraser-McGurk was not selected for the World Cup. He admitted that the selectors had a clear plan and that he was not yet in a position to challenge the established players in the team.

“The communication was really good,” Fraser-McGurk said. “They probably had a good idea of what [the squad] was a month and a half ago, trying to build that and get the connection in the team.”

Fraser-McGurk praised the selectors’ decision to prioritize experienced players who provide flexibility in team combinations. He highlighted the presence of David Warner, Travis Head, and Mitch Marsh as key factors in his non-selection.

“I can’t really see myself batting five or six because we’re pretty set there with Tim David, Cam Green, and those sort of blokes,” he said. “That’s the way I think about it. That’s fine.”

Fraser-McGurk expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting, who has provided him with valuable batting advice. Ponting’s guidance has helped Fraser-McGurk improve his technique and swing at the ball with greater control.

“What he said to me that’s really stuck with me is ‘you hit the ball a lot further when you swing at 80% instead of 100%, you just have to find the middle and then it’ll go for six,'” Fraser-McGurk said.

Despite his disappointment at missing out on the World Cup, Fraser-McGurk remains optimistic about his future prospects. He hopes to gain experience as a traveling reserve and believes that his time will come to represent Australia in major tournaments.

Stars and Avalanche Set for High-Scoring Second Round Clash

Stars and Avalanche Set for High-Scoring Second Round Clash

The Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche are set to face off in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs, a matchup that promises to be a high-scoring affair.

The Stars, who defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in seven games, boast a franchise-record eight 20-goal scorers and rank third in the NHL with 3.59 goals per game. The Avalanche, meanwhile, led the league with 3.68 goals per game and had a league-high 28 goals in their five-game sweep of the Winnipeg Jets.

While the Stars hope to capitalize on their momentum from the first round, the Avalanche are drawing on their experience from last year’s Stanley Cup run, which included a week-long break between the first and second rounds.

“We’re going to have to work ourselves into the series to see how we’re going to have to win,” said Stars coach Pete DeBoer. “My initial reaction, just watching what they did to Winnipeg, is I don’t think we want to get in a track meet. … At the same time, we’re not going to sit and try to defend in the entire series. I think we’ve got other layers to our game.”

The Avalanche, led by Nathan MacKinnon, are confident in their ability to match the Stars’ offensive firepower.

“We’re prepared to work our butts off and compete,” said MacKinnon. “We expect a very, very, very hard series. But we’re confident in ourselves. We feel like we have a deep team and we get the job done.”

In addition to the high-scoring potential, the series will also feature a matchup of two veteran players seeking their first Stanley Cup: Avalanche forward Zach Parise and Stars defenseman Ryan Suter. The former teammates and close friends have played over 1,400 regular-season games combined without winning a championship.

“I have zero concern that Joe’s fingerprints are going to be on our playoffs before this is said and done, regardless of what the stat lines say,” said DeBoer of Pavelski, who has 73 career playoff goals but was held scoreless in the first round against Vegas.

The series is expected to be a close and competitive one, with both teams having the potential to win the Stanley Cup.

Shastri Identifies Jaiswal, Dube as Key Players for India's T20 World Cup Hopes

Shastri Identifies Jaiswal, Dube as Key Players for India’s T20 World Cup Hopes

Ravi Shastri Identifies Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube as Key Players for India’s T20 World Cup Hopes

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has highlighted the importance of two debutants, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube, in India’s quest for glory at the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Both players have been included in India’s 15-member squad for the tournament, and Shastri believes they have the potential to make a significant impact.

Jaiswal, a left-handed opening batsman, has impressed with his explosive batting in the ongoing IPL, where he has scored 350 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 170.73. Shastri praised Jaiswal’s fearless approach and ability to hit big shots at the top of the order.

“He’s young, he’s fearless, and he’ll play shots,” Shastri said. “He’s got the potential to be a match-winner for India.”

Dube, another left-hander, has also caught Shastri’s eye with his power-hitting in the middle order. In the IPL, Dube has smashed 26 sixes in 11 matches, showcasing his ability to clear the boundary with ease.

“He’s explosive, he’s devastating, and he’s a match-winner,” Shastri said. “He hits sixes for fun, and when it comes to spin bowling, he can kill you.”

Shastri believes that Dube’s big-hitting ability could be crucial for India in the T20 World Cup, where teams often need to score big totals to win matches.

“His strike rate, which will be close to 200 most of the time, will help India immensely in going forward, getting those 190s, 200s that are needed in big competitions,” Shastri said.

With Jaiswal and Dube in the squad, India has added depth and firepower to its batting lineup. Shastri is confident that both players can deliver match-winning performances on the global stage.

“The two gentlemen you’ve got to watch out for, and both are left-handers, both playing their first World Cup,” Shastri said. “They hold the key for India.”

AICF Unveils ₹65 Crore Blueprint to Revolutionize Chess in India

AICF Unveils ₹65 Crore Blueprint to Revolutionize Chess in India

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has unveiled an ambitious ₹65 crore budget and blueprint to revolutionize chess in India. This comprehensive plan aims to provide financial and institutional support to players at all levels, from grassroots to the elite, and to popularize the game across the nation.

The initiative comes on the heels of India’s historic success in the Candidates Tournament, where 17-year-old D Gukesh became the first-ever teen winner and qualified for the World Championship. The tournament also witnessed an unprecedented Indian representation, with five players competing in both the Open and Women sections.

The AICF’s plan addresses key challenges, including integrating chess into school curricula, introducing chess e-learning, identifying and nurturing talent, strengthening grassroots academies, and ensuring the sustainability of the federation.

Key Initiatives:

* National Player Contracts: AICF will introduce two-year contracts for national-level players from U-7 to U-19 age groups, providing financial support ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000. These players will promote chess through grassroots initiatives like ‘Meet the Champions’ in educational institutions.
* Cash Rewards for Top Players: Cash rewards will be allocated to the top 10 male and female Indian players based on their Fide rankings. The top five players will receive ₹25 lakhs, while those ranked between 6th and 10th will be rewarded ₹12.50 lakhs.
* Supporting State Associations: AICF will provide financial assistance to state associations over three years, with funds allocated for prize money, chess development activities, and establishing offices. Quarterly seminars will be conducted for capacity building.
* Women In Chess: The Smart Girl Program will be expanded with a minimum of 50 annual events, each supported by a ₹100,000 grant. Additionally, a 33% reservation for women will be implemented in key areas like coach and arbiter certification, participation in AICF-recognized events, and the Campus Ambassador Program.
* Incentivising Chess Content Creators: AICF will collaborate with Youtubers, influencers, and streamers to foster a thriving community of chess content creators. Mentorship from established creators will be provided to nurture new talent.
* National Chess Awards and Development Conference: Exceptional coaches and players will be honored, and industry leaders and universities will come together to advance chess through strategic workshops and discussions.
* Corporate Chess League: Corporates will be allowed to host AICF-rated tournaments by becoming members. A minimum prize money will be set for AICF-rated events. Bilateral competitions with other nations will be organized to enhance chess diplomacy.
* Chess Development Fund: This fund will support initiatives such as trainer training programs, coach certification, outreach efforts, and integrating chess into school curriculums.
* Corporate Partnerships: A management board will be established to collaborate with strategic partners and finance programs and initiatives, aiming for governance excellence and long-term sustainability.

Indian Track Teams Secure Olympic Berths in Nassau

Indian Track Teams Secure Olympic Berths in Nassau

Jyothika Sri Dandi, the Indian sprinter who produced the fastest leg for India in the women’s 4x400m second Olympic qualifying round at the World Relays Bahamas, overcame a knee injury and personal setbacks to achieve her Olympic dream. Despite missing the Asian Games last year due to the injury, Jyothika’s determination to qualify for the Olympics fueled her recovery and return to the national camp.

On Sunday, in the final qualifying event in Nassau, Jyothika and the Indian women’s 400m quartet secured their spot in the Paris Olympics. The team, which includes Rupal Chaudhary, Machettira Raju Poovamma, and Subha Venkatesan, finished second in their heat with a timing of 3:29.35. Jyothika’s blistering second leg propelled them from last to second place.

“It was do or die for us,” said Jyothika. “After I lost out on the Asian Games last year, I had to qualify for this. I’m happy and relieved that we made it, and so is my father.”

The Indian men’s 4x400m team, which broke the Asian record at the Tokyo Games and continued to excel at the Worlds and Asian Games, also secured their Olympic berth. Despite a nightmarish first attempt that ended with a runner down and none at the finish line, the team regrouped and delivered a composed performance in their second heat.

Muhammad Anas, Muhammad Ajmal, Rajiv Arokia, and Amoj Jacob clocked 3:03.23 to finish behind the United States. Jacob’s quality anchor leg proved crucial in securing the second spot and the direct Paris berth.

Both the men’s and women’s teams faced challenges and strokes of luck on the day, but their determination and resilience ultimately prevailed. They will now represent India at the Paris Olympics, where they will aim to build on their recent successes and make their mark on the global stage.

Mumbai Indians Keep Playoff Hopes Alive with Victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad

Mumbai Indians Keep Playoff Hopes Alive with Victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad

Mumbai Indians’ playoff hopes remain alive after a crucial victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday. The win propelled MI to ninth place in the IPL 2024 standings with 8 points from 12 matches and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of -0.212. While their chances of reaching the playoffs are slim, victories in their remaining two matches could potentially secure a Top 4 finish.

Suryakumar Yadav’s sensational century and brilliant bowling performances from Hardik Pandya and Piyush Chawla led MI to a 7-wicket victory over SRH. However, the path to the playoffs remains challenging for the Mumbai-based franchise.

Conditions for MI to Reach IPL Playoffs:

1. Win Remaining Matches: MI must win their remaining two matches against Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants.

2. Other Teams’ Losses: No other team with 12 points (SRH, LSG, CSK) should win their remaining matches.

3. Improved Net Run Rate: MI’s current NRR of -0.212 needs to improve significantly through big wins in their remaining matches.

Despite these conditions, MI’s playoff chances are not promising. However, the team will be determined to finish the season on a high note and secure as many wins as possible.

Kuldeep Yadav Credits Rohit Sharma for Batting Improvement

Kuldeep Yadav Credits Rohit Sharma for Batting Improvement

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav has credited skipper Rohit Sharma for his improved batting skills, which have been on display during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Speaking ahead of Delhi Capitals’ (DC) match against Rajasthan Royals (RR), Kuldeep revealed that Rohit had provided valuable guidance during the Test series against England earlier this year.

Kuldeep’s batting prowess was evident in India’s 4-1 triumph over England, where he scored 97 runs in six innings, including a crucial 30. He also played a key role in DC’s recent match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), scoring an unbeaten 35 off 26 balls.

“Rohit bhai does not talk to me much about bowling because I am doing what he wants from me with the ball,” Kuldeep said. “He was concerned about my batting. He told me to improve my batting. I worked on it during the Test series against England and he was impressed by my hard work.”

Kuldeep explained that Rohit’s guidance focused on the nuances of batting, such as shot selection and footwork. “He used to be with me in the nets and speak to me about the nuances of batting. This helped me a lot and now I am enjoying my batting as much as my bowling,” he said.

DC will face RR in a crucial match on Tuesday, with both teams looking to improve their standings in the IPL table. DC currently sits in sixth place with five wins and six losses, while RR is in second place with eight wins and two losses.

Manika Batra Stuns World No. 2 Wang Manyu in Saudi Smash

Manika Batra Stuns World No. 2 Wang Manyu in Saudi Smash

Indian table tennis star Manika Batra has achieved the biggest win of her singles career by defeating World No. 2 Wang Manyu of China at the Saudi Smash tournament. Batra, ranked 39th in the world, stunned the second-seeded Chinese player 6-11, 11-5, 11-7, 12-10 in just 37 minutes.

Batra’s victory is a significant milestone in her career, as she has previously struggled against top-ranked opponents. In the World Cup last month, she lost 0-4 to Wang Manyu. However, in this match, Batra displayed exceptional resilience and determination.

After losing the opening game, Batra fought back to take the next two games quickly. Wang Manyu kept herself in the match, but Batra remained composed and claimed the last two points to seal the victory.

“It is the biggest achievement of my singles career,” Batra said after the match. “I am really happy that I won against her. I have been working hard in my training sessions with my coach Aman Balgu and my trainers.”

In mixed doubles, Harmeet Desai and Yashaswini Ghorpade also had a successful outing, defeating the Spanish fifth-seeded pair of Alvaro Robles and Maria Xiao 3-2 (11-5, 5-11, 3-11, 11-7, 11-7) to reach the quarterfinals.

Asian Games bronze medallists Ayhika and Sutirtha Mukherjee also advanced to the pre-quarters in women’s doubles, defeating Mariam and Marwa Alhodaby 3-0 (11-7, 1-3, 11-4).

However, Sreeja Akula, who recently surpassed Manika in the world rankings to occupy the No. 38 position, lost 7-11, 11-3, 11-9, 12-14 to Jieni Saho after leading the Portuguese player in two games.

Other Indian players, including A. Sharath Kamal, Archana Kamath, Manav Thakkar, and Sutirtha Mukherjee, also put up good fights in singles but ultimately fell short.

Suryakumar Yadav's Century Powers Mumbai Indians to Seven-Wicket Win

Suryakumar Yadav’s Century Powers Mumbai Indians to Seven-Wicket Win

Suryakumar Yadav’s scintillating century and Mumbai Indians’ disciplined bowling propelled them to a resounding seven-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Monday.

Yadav’s explosive innings of 102 not out from 51 balls, his second IPL century, powered Mumbai to an emphatic win in just 17.2 overs. Sunrisers had earlier recovered from a shaky start to post a competitive 173 for eight.

The victory lifted Mumbai Indians from the bottom of the points table to ninth place, while Sunrisers, despite the loss, remained in fourth place with 12 points from 11 games.

Joining forces inside the powerplay with Mumbai reeling at 31 for three, Yadav and Tilak Varma (37 not out off 32) stitched together a superb 143-run unbeaten stand to script a comprehensive victory. Yadav’s sensational knock included 12 fours and half a dozen sixes.

With their backs against the wall, Yadav picked Marco Jansen to attack, collecting 22 runs off the seventh over with two sixes and two fours. Shortly after completing his fifty off 30 balls, Yadav appeared to be struggling with a strain, but he hung on to guide Mumbai over the line, finishing the game with a flurry of boundaries.

Apart from Yadav’s heroics, Hardik Pandya’s return to form ahead of the T20 World Cup and veteran Piyush Chawla’s three-wicket haul were crucial for Mumbai’s success. Pandya returned figures of 4-0-31-3, while Chawla (4-0-33-3) troubled the Sunrisers batters.

However, Sunrisers skipper Pat Cummins chipped in with a quick 17-ball 35 (2x4s, 2x6s) late in the innings to take them past the 150-run mark. In contrast to their previous encounter in this IPL, where Sunrisers hammered 277/3, their batters struggled for momentum and initiative against Mumbai’s bowlers.

Travis Head top-scored with 48, while Cummins’ late cameo provided some respectability to the Sunrisers’ total.

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