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Imad Wasim Reverses Retirement, Available for Pakistan T20I Selection

By Nilay March 23, 2024 0

Pakistan’s versatile all-rounder Imad Wasim has reversed his retirement from T20I cricket, making himself available for selection ahead of the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup.

In a statement on social media, Wasim expressed his delight at declaring his availability for Pakistan in the T20I format leading up to the World Cup. However, he clarified that his availability does not extend beyond the tournament, which begins on June 1.

Wasim’s return to the international fold comes after a successful 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL) season, where he played a pivotal role in Islamabad United’s title triumph. His impressive performances, including a five-wicket haul in the final, sparked speculation about his potential return to the national team.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly approached Wasim earlier this week to reconsider his retirement, and the all-rounder agreed without any conditions.

Wasim’s all-round abilities and his impressive record in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) make him a valuable asset for Pakistan. In the CPL, he has amassed 61 wickets at an average of 18.88 and an economy rate of 6.20.

With the majority of the 2024 T20 World Cup scheduled to be played in the West Indies, Wasim’s experience in the CPL could prove invaluable for Pakistan.

While Wasim is not currently interested in a central contract, his availability until the T20 World Cup represents a mutually beneficial arrangement for all parties involved.

Wasim has represented Pakistan in 66 T20Is, scoring 486 runs at a strike rate of 131.70 and claiming 65 wickets with an economy of 6.26. His return to the national team is expected to bolster Pakistan’s chances of success in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Categories: Cricket

Abhishek Porel’s Impactful Knock Lifts Delhi Capitals to Competitive Total

By Nilay March 23, 2024 0

Abhishek Porel’s Impactful Performance Powers Delhi Capitals to Competitive Total

In a thrilling opening clash of IPL 2024, Abhishek Porel emerged as an unlikely hero for the Delhi Capitals (DC), delivering a sensational performance as an Impact Substitute against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mullanpur, Chandigarh.

Porel, batting at number nine, entered the crease with DC reeling at 147-8 in 18.3 overs. However, he displayed remarkable composure and power-hitting, scoring an unbeaten 32 off just 10 deliveries. His innings included a flurry of boundaries and a massive six off the final ball of the innings, bowled by Harshal Patel.

Porel’s aggressive approach not only lifted DC to a competitive total of 174/9 but also showcased his ability to thrive under pressure. His fearless stroke play turned the tide in favor of DC, giving them a fighting chance in the match.

“I knew I was going in before 3 overs. And the support staff told me to be ready as you are one of the impact players. I translated on the field today what I practiced before. My plan was to hit the ball where it came from. 174 is a good score and our bowling unit is good, so let’s see,” Porel said at the mid-innings break.

Porel’s performance highlights the importance of Impact Substitutes in the IPL, allowing teams to introduce a fresh player into the game at a crucial moment. His ability to make an immediate impact and contribute significantly to the team’s total is a testament to his talent and determination.

As the IPL 2024 season progresses, Porel’s performance will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most impactful and memorable moments. His fearless batting and ability to deliver under pressure have made him a valuable asset for the Delhi Capitals and a rising star in the Indian Premier League.

Categories: Cricket

Indian Doubles Pair Kadhe and Nedunchezhiyan Reach Challenger Final in Spain

By Nilay March 23, 2024 0

Arjun Kadhe and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan, India’s top doubles pair, have advanced to the final of the €74,825 Challenger tennis tournament in Murcia, Spain. The duo defeated Francisco Cabral and Henrique Rocha of Portugal 6-4, 7-6(4) in a thrilling semifinal match.

Kadhe and Nedunchezhiyan started the match strongly, breaking their opponents’ serve in the opening game. They maintained their advantage throughout the first set, eventually winning it 6-4. The second set was a closer affair, with both teams holding serve until the tiebreaker. In the tiebreaker, Kadhe and Nedunchezhiyan proved to be the more clinical pair, winning it 7-4 to seal the victory.

The Indian pair will now face the top seeds, Theo Arribage of France and Victor Cornea of Romania, in the final. Arribage and Cornea are a formidable team, having won multiple Challenger titles together. However, Kadhe and Nedunchezhiyan will be confident of their chances, having already defeated the second seeds in the quarterfinals.

If Kadhe and Nedunchezhiyan can win the final, it will be a major boost for their careers. They are currently ranked 104th in the world in doubles, and a victory in Murcia would see them move into the top 100. It would also be a significant achievement for Indian tennis, as it would be the first time an Indian pair has won a Challenger title in over a decade.

Categories: Tennis

Rishabh Pant Makes Emotional Return to Cricket After Horrific Car Crash

By Nilay March 23, 2024 0

Rishabh Pant, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter of the Delhi Capitals (DC), made a triumphant return to competitive cricket in the IPL opener against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Saturday. After a 453-day hiatus following a horrific car crash in December 2022, Pant’s comeback was met with immense anticipation and emotion.

“It’s a really emotional time for me,” Pant expressed at the toss, his voice filled with gratitude. “I just want to enjoy the moment.”

Batting at No. 4, Pant showcased his characteristic aggression, scoring 18 runs off 13 deliveries before being dismissed by Harshal Patel. Despite his brief stay at the crease, Pant’s presence and positive intent were evident.

Pant’s return to the field is a testament to his resilience and determination. The accident in December left him with multiple injuries, including a damaged ligament in his right knee, wrist, and ankle. He underwent extensive rehabilitation to regain his fitness and form.

During his absence, Pant relinquished his captaincy of the Delhi Capitals to David Warner. Under Warner’s leadership, the team struggled, finishing ninth in the league table.

Pant’s return is a major boost for the Delhi Capitals, who are eager to break their IPL title drought. The left-handed batsman has played 129 internationals for India, scoring over 4,000 runs and six centuries. His attacking style and leadership qualities will be crucial for the team’s success in the upcoming season.

Categories: Cricket

Bhuvneshwar Kumar on Verge of 150 Wickets for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Shreyas Iyer Returns for Kolkata Knight Riders

By Nilay March 23, 2024 0

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the spearhead of Sunrisers Hyderabad, is on the cusp of a remarkable milestone as he prepares to face Kolkata Knight Riders in the opening match of IPL 2024. The seasoned fast bowler is just four wickets away from becoming the first Indian bowler to claim 150 wickets for a single franchise in the league. Only two other bowlers, Lasith Malinga (Mumbai Indians) and Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders), have achieved this feat in the IPL’s history.

Meanwhile, the spotlight will also be on Shreyas Iyer’s return from a lengthy injury layoff. The Indian batter, who missed the entire 2023 season due to a back injury, will lead Kolkata Knight Riders, who have made some strategic additions while retaining the core of their team. Iyer recently impressed with a 95 in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy triumph, but his availability for all matches remains uncertain due to fitness concerns.

Kolkata Knight Riders have welcomed back their most successful captain, Gautam Gambhir, as a mentor. His partnership with head coach Chandrakant Pandit, a renowned tactician in the domestic circuit, will be crucial to their revival. Team principal owner Shah Rukh Khan has emphasized the importance of ownership and accountability, urging Gambhir to lead the franchise to success.

Under Gambhir’s captaincy, Kolkata Knight Riders enjoyed a golden era from 2011 to 2017, winning two IPL titles, reaching five playoffs, and finishing as runners-up in the Champions League T20 tournament.

The biggest signing of this IPL season is Kolkata Knight Riders’ acquisition of Australian pacer Mitchell Starc for a record sum of Rs 24.75 crore. The left-arm quick will face immense pressure to perform, especially in the power-play and death overs. Starc and Andre Russell are the only experienced pacers in Kolkata Knight Riders’ ranks, making their workload management a critical factor.

Categories: Cricket

Hardik Pandya to Lead Mumbai Indians in IPL Opener Against Former Team Gujarat Titans

By Nilay March 23, 2024 0

Hardik Pandya, the dynamic all-rounder, will embark on a new chapter in his illustrious career as he takes over the captaincy of the Mumbai Indians in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The tournament, which commences on March 24, will mark Pandya’s return to the Mumbai franchise after a successful stint with the Gujarat Titans, where he led the team to the title in 2022.

Pandya’s appointment as captain is a testament to his leadership qualities and the high regard in which he is held by the Mumbai Indians management. He will be tasked with continuing the legacy of Rohit Sharma, who led the team to five IPL titles during his tenure.

The Mumbai Indians will face a stern test in their opening match against the Gujarat Titans, a team that Pandya himself marshaled over the last two seasons. The Titans, under the leadership of Shubman Gill, will be eager to prove that they are not a one-season wonder and will be looking to make a strong statement in their second IPL campaign.

The Mumbai Indians have been grappling with fitness issues to some of their key players, including star batter Suryakumar Yadav. However, the return of India skipper Rohit Sharma, who will be turning up as a player this season, will provide a much-needed boost to the team.

Another player whose performance will be closely scrutinized is Ishan Kishan, who will have a point to prove after losing his BCCI central contract for defying the Board’s diktat on domestic cricket. The southpaw will be looking to cement his place in the Indian team ahead of the T20 World Cup in the USA and Caribbean.

Besides Pandya, Mohammad Nabi and Romario Shepherd are the other quality all-round options Mumbai possess. Domestic players like Akash Madhwal and Nehal Wadhera will be looking to build on their performances of the previous season.

On the Titans’ front, Gill has been tasked with ensuring that the team maintains the remarkable consistency it showed in its first two seasons. Gill could be one of the future leaders for India, but for that to happen, he must prove himself on the IPL stage. He was the leading run-getter last season, and the franchise would be hoping that captaincy doesn’t impact his batting in any way.

The Titans will miss the services of Mohammed Shami, who recently underwent surgery to repair an Achilles tendon and will be back only in the second half of the year. However, the return of trump card Rashid Khan from a back surgery is a massive boost for Titans. The Afghanistan spinner made his comeback in the series against Ireland last week.

Among the new joinees, left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson and Azmatullah Omarazai will be looking to make a mark in the world’s biggest T20 league.

Categories: Cricket

Dube Credits Dhoni for Finishing Skills, Guides CSK to IPL Opener Triumph

By Nilay March 23, 2024 0

Shivam Dube Credits MS Dhoni for His Finishing Prowess, Guides CSK to Thrilling IPL Opener Victory

Shivam Dube, the dynamic all-rounder for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has attributed his ability to finish crucial games to the invaluable guidance of his legendary teammate, MS Dhoni. Dhoni, renowned as one of the greatest finishers in cricket history, has served as a mentor for Dube, who played a pivotal role in CSK’s thrilling six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL opener on Friday.

Reflecting on his match-winning performance, Dube expressed his elation at contributing to CSK’s triumph. “Finishing the game for Chennai is always something that amazes me. That’s what I have learnt from Mahi bhai, and I try to do it every game,” he stated.

Dube’s crucial 34-run cameo, coupled with an unbeaten 66-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, guided CSK to chase down RCB’s target of 174 runs with confidence and composure. Acknowledging his partnership with CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dube praised Gaikwad’s composed approach to the chase, highlighting the calming presence he brought to the team. “It was nice to have a partnership with Rutu. Obviously, he’s done this for a long period for Chennai,” he noted.

Dube also commended the unwavering support from the Chepauk crowd, describing it as “incredible” and among the loudest he has ever experienced. “It was crazy; the crowd was incredible, one of the loudest I have ever experienced. It was unbelievable,” he added.

Looking ahead, CSK will face last season’s runner-up, Gujarat Titans, in their next game, with Dube aiming to continue his impactful performances and keep the Chepauk crowd entertained with more victories.

Categories: Cricket

KL Rahul’s Return to LSG: Fitness and Form Under Scrutiny in IPL Opener

By Nilay March 23, 2024 0

KL Rahul’s return to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the Indian Premier League (IPL) opener against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on March 24 will be a crucial test of his form and fitness. Rahul missed the last four Tests against England due to a quadriceps injury and was out for four months last year after undergoing thigh surgery.

As LSG captain, Rahul will aim to lead the team to a strong start, especially after guiding them to successive playoffs in the first two seasons. He is likely to play purely as a batter, at least initially, but the additional burden of keeping could strengthen his chances of making the T20 World Cup squad.

RR’s Sanju Samson, Rahul’s opposite number on March 24, is also a candidate for the wicket-keepers’ role in the India squad for the ICC event. Samson will be keen to find his rhythm right from the start. RR came tantalizingly close to clinching a second title before Gujarat Titans broke their heart in the final in 2022.

Both teams face tough decisions in selecting their best XI. RR boasts a solid batting line-up, including in-form Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, and skipper Samson. They also have a finisher in Dhruv Jurel, who made an impressive India debut in the recent five-match Test series against England. Samson may consider strengthening the middle-order by bringing in West Indies’ Rovman Powell to join countryman Shimron Hetmyer.

LSG, on the other hand, will rely on Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stonis, and Nicholas Pooran to do the bulk of the scoring alongside skipper Rahul. The team will have to contend with spin wizards Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal, who can run through any batting line-up on a given day.

Lucknow also has a shrewd customer in leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, who will be eager to put up a good show to put himself in line for a place in the T20 World Cup squad. Veteran leg-break bowler Amit Mishra is also a threat. However, their pace battery looks dim after foreign recruits Mark Wood and David Willey were ruled out and Indian talents Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan are plagued by fitness issues.

The inexperience of pacer Yash Thakur and lack of game time for Shivam Mavi mean LSG might hand the responsibility to experienced Naveen ul Haq and West Indies sensation Shamar Joseph. It will be interesting to see how Justin Langer goes about his business in his first IPL assignment as coach of LSG.

Categories: Cricket

KKR Vice-Captain Rana Hopes Iyer Leads Team in IPL 2024

By Nilay March 23, 2024 0

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vice-captain Nitish Rana expressed optimism about star batter Shreyas Iyer’s fitness and leadership role in the upcoming IPL 2024 season. Iyer, who missed the previous season due to injury, has returned to the KKR camp with a back issue.

Rana, who led KKR in Iyer’s absence, acknowledged the challenges faced by the team last year. “We did not achieve everything we wanted, yet it was the greatest experience for me,” he said. Despite finishing seventh in the points table, Rana believes there is a renewed sense of determination within the team.

“This time, our team is very positive and you can feel it in the dressing room. There is a determination to win, which wasn’t so strong last year. Everyone is thinking about the trophy,” Rana added.

Regarding Iyer’s fitness, Rana expressed hope that he would be able to lead the team throughout the season. “Shreyas is back with the team and is quite fit. Of course, he had fitness issues in the past, but I hope I do not have to take up this responsibility again,” Rana said.

Rana also highlighted the strength of the KKR squad, which includes experienced players like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Venkatesh Iyer, as well as promising youngsters like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rinku Singh.

“We have a good mix of experience and youth. We have a lot of match-winners in our team. We are confident that we can go all the way this time,” Rana concluded.

Categories: Cricket

Verstappen Grabs Pole in Melbourne, Targets Record 10th Consecutive Win

By Nilay March 23, 2024 0

Max Verstappen, the reigning three-time world champion, continued his dominance by securing his third consecutive pole position of the season at the Australian Grand Prix. The Dutch driver’s blistering lap time of 1 minute 15.915 seconds at Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit put him 0.270 seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.

Sainz, who returned to the cockpit just two weeks after undergoing appendicitis surgery, put in a valiant effort to secure second place on the grid. He will join Verstappen on the front row, setting the stage for an intense battle on Sunday.

“A bit unexpected today, but very happy — both (Q3) laps felt very nice,” said Verstappen, who is aiming to repeat his 2022 victory in Australia. “A bit of a tricky weekend so far, Ferrari seem very quick in the long runs so that makes tomorrow exciting.”

Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate, will start third, while Lando Norris of McLaren surprised with a fourth-place finish. Charles Leclerc, the 2022 Melbourne winner, qualified fifth in the second Ferrari, followed by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in sixth.

Mercedes’ George Russell secured seventh place, ahead of Yuki Tsunoda of Red Bull and the Aston Martin duo of Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso. However, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton suffered a setback, failing to make it into Q3 and starting in 11th position.

“It’s been a tough couple of weeks, a lot of days in bed waiting to see if I could be here today,” said Sainz, expressing relief at his performance. “To put it on the front row after leading through qualifying, I was almost not believing it.”

Despite Sainz’s efforts, Verstappen remains the favorite for victory. The Dutchman has won the opening two races of the season and is chasing a record-breaking 10th consecutive win. Red Bull, meanwhile, is aiming for its third straight 1-2 finish.

Sainz topped Q2 ahead of Verstappen and Leclerc, while Hamilton’s elimination was a major upset. Tsunoda, the only driver outside the top five teams to make it into Q3, benefited from Hamilton’s misfortune.

Haas’ Kevin Magnussen and Valtteri Bottas of Sauber also missed out in Q2, along with Esteban Ocon of Alpine and Alex Albon of Williams. Sainz was also fastest in Q1, followed by Perez and Verstappen.

Zhou Guanyu of Sauber finished last, while Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull, Pierre Gasly of Alpine, and Nico Hulkenberg of Haas failed to progress beyond Q1. Logan Sargeant was absent after his Williams was given to teammate Albon, who crashed on Saturday. With no spare chassis available, Williams opted to field only one car.

Categories: Others

Imad Wasim Reverses Retirement, Available for Pakistan T20I Selection

Abhishek Porel’s Impactful Knock Lifts Delhi Capitals to Competitive Total

Indian Doubles Pair Kadhe and Nedunchezhiyan Reach Challenger Final in Spain

Rishabh Pant Makes Emotional Return to Cricket After Horrific Car Crash

Bhuvneshwar Kumar on Verge of 150 Wickets for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Shreyas Iyer Returns for Kolkata Knight Riders

Hardik Pandya to Lead Mumbai Indians in IPL Opener Against Former Team Gujarat Titans

Dube Credits Dhoni for Finishing Skills, Guides CSK to IPL Opener Triumph

KL Rahul’s Return to LSG: Fitness and Form Under Scrutiny in IPL Opener

KKR Vice-Captain Rana Hopes Iyer Leads Team in IPL 2024

Verstappen Grabs Pole in Melbourne, Targets Record 10th Consecutive Win

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