Rishabh Pant Set for Special Return in Delhi Capitals' IPL Opener

Rishabh Pant Set for Special Return in Delhi Capitals’ IPL Opener

Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Ricky Ponting has expressed immense confidence in captain Rishabh Pant’s ability to make a remarkable return to competitive cricket in their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season against Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Pant, who suffered a life-threatening car crash in December 2022, has been out of action since then. However, the 26-year-old has undergone an impressive recovery during his rehab process.

Ahead of the game against PBKS, Ponting revealed that he had to forcefully drag Pant out of the nets on several occasions, indicating the skipper’s eagerness to return to the field. “We had a week’s training in Vizag before coming here and trust me Rishabh is back and ready to play. He is batting and moving behind the stumps beautifully. Sometimes he bats too much and I have to drag him out of nets,” Ponting said.

Ponting believes that Pant is capable of producing something special in the opening match. “I’ve seen where his game is at, and don’t be surprised if something special happens tomorrow. His attitude and smile and what he wants to do for the team is infectious. Everyone wants to be like Rishabh,” he added.

Pant, who is making his comeback after a long and arduous rehab, expressed his gratitude for being able to return to the field. “Jittery, nervous, excited…all of it, but at the same time, just happy, being able to come back to professional cricket. I’m just looking forward to playing my first game tomorrow,” Pant said.

However, Pant acknowledged that it will take time to regain his previous form and is taking a cautious approach. “Every time I take the field, it’s a different feeling altogether. I think, as a batter, as long as I can bat. It is better because the more I bat, I will be in a better position to execute shots, muscle memory is intact even though I haven’t played for nearly a year and half,” the swashbuckling batter said.

“But I have been playing since childhood, so it doesn’t go away that easily. So, the more I practice, the better chance I will give myself as a cricketer,” he added.

With Pant’s return, DC will be hoping to make a strong start to their IPL 2024 campaign. The team will be looking to Pant to provide stability and leadership as they aim to challenge for the title.

Kidambi Srikanth Reaches Swiss Open Semifinals, Lone Indian Survivor

Kidambi Srikanth Reaches Swiss Open Semifinals, Lone Indian Survivor

Star Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth has emerged as the lone Indian survivor at the Swiss Open Super 300 badminton tournament, advancing to the semifinals with a convincing straight-game victory over Chinese Taipei’s Chia Hao Lee in Basel.

Srikanth, who has been struggling for form this season, finally found his rhythm in the quarterfinals, dominating Lee 21-10, 21-14 in just 35 minutes. This marks his first semifinal appearance in 16 months, since the Hylo Open in November 2022.

The 2021 world championships silver medalist will now face Chinese Taipei’s world no. 22 Lin Chun-Yi in the semifinals on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Kiran George’s valiant effort came to a heartbreaking end in the quarterfinals, as he narrowly lost to Denmark’s Rasmus Gemke 23-21, 17-21, 15-21. Another promising Indian, Priyanshu Rajawat, also bowed out in the quarterfinals, falling to Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei 15-21, 19-21.

Srikanth’s victory is a much-needed boost for Indian badminton, which has been facing a slump in recent months. The shuttler will be hoping to continue his momentum and secure a spot in the final, where he could potentially face world no. 1 Viktor Axelsen of Denmark.

England's Kane Out of Brazil Friendly, Doubtful for Belgium

England’s Kane Out of Brazil Friendly, Doubtful for Belgium

England’s captain, Harry Kane, will miss the upcoming friendly match against Brazil on Saturday due to an ankle injury sustained during Bayern Munich’s victory over Darmstadt last weekend. Kane’s absence extends to the potential match against Belgium next week, leaving him “extremely doubtful” for participation.

The injury setback comes at a crucial time for Kane, as England manager Gareth Southgate prepares to announce his squad for Euro 2024 in June. However, Kane remains confident in his place on the team despite the injury.

Other notable absentees from the England squad include Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson and Chelsea forward Cole Palmer, who are also sidelined with injuries. Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka withdrew from the squad on Thursday due to an injury.

Southgate expressed concern over Kane’s injury, stating that he would be “extremely doubtful” for the Belgium match. However, he acknowledged the opportunity for Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney to prove their worth as potential understudies to Kane at the Euros.

Watkins has scored three goals in nine international appearances, while Toney made his England debut as a substitute against Ukraine last year. Southgate emphasized the importance of versatility in his squad, hinting at the possibility of selecting players who can fulfill multiple roles.

Despite the absences, England remain favorites to defeat Brazil in their first match under new head coach Dorival Junior. The Selecao have won 10 of their last 11 friendlies against European opposition but will be eager to avoid a fourth consecutive loss since 2001.

Southgate acknowledged England’s poor record against Brazil but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to create history and test themselves against a formidable opponent.

Nicholas Pooran's Support Bolsters Rishabh Pant's Comeback

Nicholas Pooran’s Support Bolsters Rishabh Pant’s Comeback

Rishabh Pant’s much-anticipated return to competitive cricket in the IPL 2024 clash between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings has garnered immense support and encouragement from fellow cricketer Nicholas Pooran. Pooran, who himself faced adversity after surviving a car crash, empathized with Pant’s struggle to return to the cricket field after a life-threatening car accident in December 2022.

Expressing his joy for Pant’s comeback, Pooran remarked in an exclusive conversation with IANS, “I think everyone is looking forward to seeing how he goes, and I am really excited and very happy for him.” Recognizing the challenges Pant faced during his recovery, Pooran reached out to him to provide moral support and guidance. He emphasized the importance of having a supportive network during tough times, stating, “You just need people to be there to support you, and I was trying to do exactly that.”

Throughout their conversations, Pooran offered words of encouragement and shared his own experiences of overcoming adversity. He recalled reassuring Pant that he would eventually return to cricket, emphasizing the importance of staying positive during challenging moments. Pant’s journey to recovery demanded patience and resilience, traits that Pooran admired in him. He noted, “He handled the recovery process admirably like a champ, so well done to him.”

Witnessing Pant’s progress, including moments like being crutches free and returning to the nets, brought immense joy to Pooran. He emphasized the significance of these small victories in the recovery journey, stating, “Those little victorious moments mean a lot.” As Pant prepares to resume his role on the cricket field, Pooran believes that embracing every moment and having fun will be key to his success. He expressed confidence in Pant’s ability to thrive in his multiple roles, including batting, wicketkeeping, and captaining Delhi Capitals.

Pant’s resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to many, and his return to cricket symbolizes his unwavering belief in himself. With the support of friends like Pooran, Pant’s journey from adversity to triumph exemplifies the power of perseverance and faith.

Anand Mahindra Gifts Thar to Sarfaraz Khan's Father, Honoring His Sacrifices

Anand Mahindra Gifts Thar to Sarfaraz Khan’s Father, Honoring His Sacrifices

Anand Mahindra, the renowned industrialist and owner of the Mahindra Group, has fulfilled his promise to gift a Mahindra Thar to Sarfaraz Khan’s father, Naushad Khan. The gesture was a testament to Naushad’s unwavering support and sacrifices that paved the way for Sarfaraz’s remarkable Test debut for India.

Mahindra’s promise stemmed from a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which captured the heartwarming story of Sarfaraz’s journey to the international stage. Touched by Naushad’s dedication as Sarfaraz’s coach and mentor, Mahindra pledged to reward him with a Thar.

True to his word, Mahindra presented the Thar to Naushad in a heartwarming ceremony. The video of the unveiling, shared on social media, showcased the joy and gratitude of the Khan family.

Sarfaraz’s Test debut was a memorable affair, as he became the fastest batter to score a fifty on his maiden outing. His impressive performances, including half-centuries in both innings, earned him a place in the Indian team for the subsequent Test matches against England.

The Mumbai-based batsman’s success is a testament to his talent and the unwavering support of his father. Naushad’s guidance and encouragement played a pivotal role in shaping Sarfaraz’s career, instilling in him the belief that he could achieve his dreams.

Sarfaraz’s father urged him to approach domestic matches with the same intensity and determination as if he were playing for India. This mindset helped Sarfaraz maintain his focus and consistently deliver impressive performances, eventually earning him a call-up to the national team.

The young batter’s journey has also resonated with fans on social media, leading to a surge in his Instagram followers. Sarfaraz expressed his gratitude for the support, acknowledging that it has been a significant boost to his confidence.

Anand Mahindra’s gesture of gifting a Thar to Naushad Khan is a fitting tribute to the sacrifices and dedication of parents who play a crucial role in shaping the careers of their children. It is a reminder that behind every successful athlete, there is often a support system that deserves recognition and appreciation.

Ashwin Surprised by SRH's Cummins Captaincy Appointment

Ashwin Surprised by SRH’s Cummins Captaincy Appointment

Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s off-spinner, has expressed surprise over SunRisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) decision to appoint Pat Cummins as captain. SRH had previously sacked Aiden Markram, who led their sister franchise, SunRisers Eastern Cape (SEC), to consecutive SA20 league titles.

Ashwin stated that he was shocked by the move, especially considering Markram’s success with SEC. He suggested that SRH could have benefited from Markram’s experience and leadership skills.

“SunRisers have hit two titles back to back at the SA20. They’ve done it with two extraordinary teams. I was quite shocked, actually. They have made Pat Cummins the captain. I was having a small hunch that they would go with Markram. Markram had an extraordinary season for his franchise in the SA20. The cross-pollination would have been amazing,” Ashwin said.

While acknowledging Cummins’ credentials as a world-class player, Ashwin raised concerns about the potential for a “problem of plenty” in SRH’s leadership department. He suggested that the franchise could struggle to accommodate the leadership aspirations of multiple star players.

“Pat Cummins is a no-brainer. But with Cummins as a captain, they will have a problem of plenty in the team with so many stars. Keeping Travis Head as backup, they would go for Markram, Pat Cummins, (Heinrich) Klaasen, and (Wanindu) Hasaranga. Because Hasaranga is a crucial facet for them. If they decide Hasaranga is not needed, in some venues they can play (Fazalhaq) Farooqi or Marco Jansen instead of him. This is what I thought because it makes sense,” he added.

Cummins, who has never captained a team in T20 cricket, expressed his excitement about leading SRH in IPL 2024. He emphasized the importance of an aggressive start to the season and praised the team’s young talent.

“So, a bit of planning to go and then just wanna get off to a really good start. T20s are hard. Kolkata’s a good team, but I think just wanna see a really aggressive, start to the season,” Cummins said.

SRH will begin their IPL 2024 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens.

TopSpin 2K25 Returns with Legends and Rising Tennis Stars

TopSpin 2K25 Returns with Legends and Rising Tennis Stars

TopSpin 2K25: A Tennis Revival with Legends and Rising Stars

The beloved tennis video game franchise, TopSpin, is making a grand return with its latest installment, TopSpin 2K25. Scheduled for release on April 26, the game promises to bring the thrill of the court to your fingertips, featuring an impressive roster of current and former tennis icons.

Headlining the game are tennis legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who grace the cover of the “Legends” edition. Joining them are other retired greats like Serena Williams, Steffi Graf, and Andre Agassi. The active player roster boasts 18 top-notch athletes, including Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Frances Tiafoe, Daniil Medvedev, and Coco Gauff.

While many players are excited to play as themselves, Coco Gauff has a different preference. “It’s pretty cool to be in a video game,” she said. “But I don’t know how I would feel playing as myself.” Instead, she would rather step into the shoes of one of the “Big Three.”

TopSpin 2K25 not only captures the essence of tennis but also pays homage to the sport’s iconic brands. Players can choose from a wide range of gear and apparel from Nike, Adidas, Babolat, Lacoste, and more. This attention to detail enhances the game’s authenticity and immerses players in the world of professional tennis.

The game’s developers have also unveiled a first look at the character designs, showcasing the realistic and expressive animations of the players. Carlos Alcaraz expressed his eagerness to experience the game firsthand, while Coco Gauff admitted that the swings looked “funny” in the video she saw.

With its impressive roster, authentic gameplay, and attention to detail, TopSpin 2K25 is poised to become a must-have for tennis enthusiasts. The game promises to deliver an immersive and entertaining experience, allowing players to relive the glory days of tennis legends and witness the rise of the next generation of stars.

MS Dhoni Steps Down as CSK Captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad Takes Over

MS Dhoni Steps Down as CSK Captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad Takes Over

MS Dhoni Relinquishes CSK Captaincy, Hands Over Reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ahead of the commencement of IPL 2024, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni has made a significant decision by stepping down as the team’s captain. The mantle has been passed on to rising star Ruturaj Gaikwad, marking a new era for the franchise.

Dhoni’s decision, while anticipated by many, has evoked a wave of emotions among fans and within the CSK dressing room. As the “Thala” announced his resignation, tears flowed freely, reflecting the deep bond and respect he commands.

Former SunRisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody offered an insightful perspective on Dhoni’s move. He suggested that physical considerations may have played a role, given Dhoni’s age and the demanding nature of wicket-keeping. Moody speculated that Dhoni may have questioned his ability to endure the entire tournament, leading him to make this decision to ensure the team’s success.

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming described the emotional atmosphere in the dressing room when Dhoni broke the news. “There were a lot of emotions. A whole lot of tears. There wasn’t a dry eye in the dressing room. Everyone was moved,” Fleming said. He also expressed confidence in Gaikwad’s leadership abilities, despite his reserved nature.

This is not the first time Dhoni has relinquished the CSK captaincy. Two years ago, he handed over the reins to Ravindra Jadeja, but that move proved unsuccessful, with Dhoni being reinstated mid-season. However, Fleming believes this transition will be different, with Gaikwad having the qualities to lead the team effectively.

Dhoni’s decision marks a significant chapter in CSK’s history. The legendary wicketkeeper-batsman has been an integral part of the franchise since its inception, leading them to four IPL titles. His departure as captain signals a changing of the guard, with Gaikwad now tasked with carrying the legacy forward.

CSK Triumphs Over RCB in Thrilling IPL 2024 Opener

CSK Triumphs Over RCB in Thrilling IPL 2024 Opener

Chennai Super Kings Triumph Over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024 Opener

In a thrilling encounter that marked the commencement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) emerged victorious against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by six wickets at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai.

RCB, led by Faf du Plessis, won the toss and elected to bat first. However, their innings got off to a shaky start as they lost five wickets within the first 10 overs. Du Plessis and Virat Kohli provided a promising opening partnership, but the CSK bowlers, led by Mustafizur Rahman, kept the pressure on.

Anuj Rawat and Dinesh Karthik came to RCB’s rescue, scoring 48 and 38 runs respectively. Their contributions helped RCB post a respectable total of 173/6 in their allotted 20 overs.

In response, CSK’s Rachin Ravindra provided a blistering start, scoring 37 runs off just 15 balls. Despite RCB’s efforts to contain the chase, Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten on 34 and 25 runs respectively, guiding CSK to victory with eight balls to spare.

Du Plessis acknowledged that RCB fell short by about 15-20 runs, attributing it to the pitch being less challenging than they had anticipated. He also praised Mustafizur Rahman’s impactful spell, which played a crucial role in restricting RCB’s batting.

CSK’s comprehensive victory marked a successful start under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad. Mustafizur Rahman’s stellar performance earned him the coveted ‘Player of the Match’ award, capping off a memorable start to the tournament for CSK.

Capitals Rally for Shootout Win, Milano Nets Hat Trick

Capitals Rally for Shootout Win, Milano Nets Hat Trick

In a thrilling encounter that could shape the Eastern Conference playoff race, the Washington Capitals rallied from a 4-2 deficit to defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 7-6 in a shootout on Friday night.

Sonny Milano stole the show with his first NHL hat trick, including a remarkable goal where he juggled the puck on his stick and batted it into the net. Alex Ovechkin continued his scoring tear with his 846th career goal, moving him closer to Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record.

The Capitals’ comeback was sparked by John Carlson’s goal early in the third period, followed by Connor McMichael’s tally minutes later. Dylan Strome sealed the victory with the lone goal in the shootout.

Carolina, who had won five straight games, was led by Sebastian Aho’s hat trick. Jaccob Slavin, Brady Skjei, and Seth Jarvis also scored for the Hurricanes.

Goaltender Charlie Lindgren was a key factor in the Capitals’ victory, making seven saves in the third period and overtime after replacing Darcy Kuemper. Pyotr Kochetkov allowed six goals on 25 shots for Carolina.

The win moves the Capitals one point behind Detroit for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference and two points behind Philadelphia for third place in the Metropolitan Division. They have played one fewer game than both teams.

Carolina, a potential first-round playoff opponent for Washington, suffered only their second loss since acquiring Jake Guentzel and Evgeny Kuznetsov at the trade deadline.

Kuznetsov, who was traded from Washington to Carolina two weeks ago, received a standing ovation during and after an emotional video tribute.

The Capitals were without injured forwards T.J. Oshie and Aliaksei Protas and played their first game without winger Tom Wilson, who is serving a six-game suspension.

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