Comeback Archives

Rishabh Pant Set for Test Comeback, Earns Praise from WWE Legend

By Nilay September 11, 2024 0

Rishabh Pant, the dynamic wicket-keeper batter, is poised to make a triumphant return to international red-ball cricket after being named in the Indian squad for the first Test against Bangladesh, commencing on September 19. This marks Pant’s comeback after an extended absence of approximately 20 months, following severe injuries sustained in a car accident in 2022.

Pant’s return has been met with widespread anticipation, as he is widely regarded as a key member of the Indian cricket team. He played a pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign and recently made his ODI comeback against Sri Lanka.

WWE Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff has expressed his admiration for Pant’s resilience and dedication, commenting on his comeback with the words, “Discipline and commitment. Deadly combination.”

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has also hailed Pant’s potential, stating that he is on track to become an all-time great in Test cricket. However, Ganguly emphasized the need for Pant to improve his performance in shorter formats.

The Indian selectors have opted to give Mohammed Shami additional time to recover from ankle surgery, while including uncapped left-arm pacers Yash Dayal and Akash Deep in the squad. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will serve as the frontline pacers.

Ganguly expressed confidence in the Indian bowling attack, despite Shami’s absence, stating that it remains a formidable unit. He also highlighted the importance of spin in Indian conditions, with Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav forming a formidable quartet.

Pant’s return to the Indian Test team is a testament to his unwavering determination and the high regard in which he is held by the cricketing fraternity. As he embarks on this new chapter, he will be eager to prove his worth and contribute to India’s success on the international stage.

Categories: Cricket

Tiafoe Stages Epic Comeback to Reach US Open Quarterfinals

By Nilay September 2, 2024 0

Frances Tiafoe’s electrifying performance at Arthur Ashe Stadium left the crowd on the edge of their seats as he staged a remarkable comeback against Alexei Popyrin in the fourth round of the US Open.

Tiafoe, the American crowd favorite, had the first set in hand but faced an uphill battle when Popyrin surged ahead 5-2, 40-0 in the second. However, Tiafoe’s resilience shone through as he clawed back five consecutive points, including a crucial double fault from Popyrin.

The momentum shifted dramatically in Tiafoe’s favor, and he seized control of the tiebreaker with a blistering crosscourt forehand pass. Tiafoe’s relentless aggression and Popyrin’s uncharacteristic errors gave the American a 3-0 lead. Tiafoe’s confidence soared, and he unleashed a barrage of powerful forehands, forcing Popyrin to retreat.

Despite Popyrin’s double fault handing Tiafoe three set points, the Aussie remained unfazed and took the third set with ease. Tiafoe’s energy waned, but he reignited the crowd’s enthusiasm with a 3-2 lead in the fourth set. Another Popyrin double fault proved costly, and Tiafoe’s inspired play earned him a 5-2 advantage.

Tiafoe faced a tense service game to close out the match. After a stunning half-volley winner gave him two match points, he squandered the first with a missed volley and the second with a net error. Popyrin had a glimmer of hope with a break point, but his forehand pass sailed into the net.

Tiafoe sealed the victory two points later with a forehand winner, sending the crowd into a frenzy. “I always dreamt about playing on this court,” said Tiafoe. “It brings out the best in me.”

Tiafoe’s triumph marked a significant moment in his career, as he joined compatriot Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals. His resilience, determination, and crowd support proved to be an unstoppable force against a formidable opponent.

Categories: Tennis

Paula Badosa’s Resurgence: From Injury Woes to US Open Quarterfinals

By Nilay September 1, 2024 0

Paula Badosa’s journey back to the top of women’s tennis has been a testament to her resilience and determination. After a series of injuries threatened to derail her career, Badosa has emerged stronger than ever, reaching the quarterfinals of the US Open and setting her sights on a return to the WTA Finals.

Badosa’s struggles began during the clay court season, where she suffered early exits in several tournaments. The setbacks raised questions about her future in the sport, especially as she resorted to cortisone shots to manage her persistent back pain.

However, Badosa refused to give up. She found solace in her relationship with fellow pro Stefanos Tsitsipas and explored opportunities off the court. But her competitive fire burned brighter than ever, and she resolved to give herself one more year to prove that she could still compete at the highest level.

The hard-court season has been a turning point for Badosa. She won her first title in over two years at the Mubadala Citi DC Open and reached the semifinals of the Cincinnati Open. Her impressive form has propelled her into the last eight at the US Open, where she is now projected to make a Top 20 return.

Badosa’s victory over Wang Yafan in the fourth round was a testament to her newfound confidence and aggression. Despite being the overwhelming favorite, Badosa remained focused and executed her game plan flawlessly.

“I think I managed that, and I dealt with the pressure and the nerves pretty well,” Badosa said. “I was really aggressive. I think today the forehand worked really well and especially also the serve. I’m really pleased with that.”

Badosa’s next challenge will be an even tougher one. She will face either Emma Navarro or Coco Gauff, the defending champion, in the quarterfinals. While she is not expecting a home-court advantage despite being born in New York City, Badosa is relishing the opportunity to play on one of the biggest stages in tennis.

“I like these kinds of challenges,” Badosa said. “I was born to play on big stages, and I’m really looking forward for that.”

Badosa’s journey back to the top has been an inspiration to many. Her unwavering belief in herself and her ability to overcome adversity serve as a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

Categories: Tennis

Naomi Osaka Bows Out of US Open in Second Round, Expresses Gratitude

By Nilay August 30, 2024 0

Naomi Osaka’s return to the US Open ended in the second round, but the two-time champion expressed gratitude despite the straight-sets loss to Karolina Muchova. Osaka, who won the title in 2018 and 2020, missed last year’s edition due to the birth of her daughter.

Osaka’s comeback has been marked by inconsistent results, with her first-round win over Jelena Ostapenko being her first top-10 victory in four years. She acknowledged that she has been struggling with her form since before her maternity break.

“I feel like I’m coming back from pregnancy, but also it wasn’t like in 2022 I was the best version of myself,” Osaka said. “So in some way I had to catch up to that, and then also I’m trying to pass it at the same time.”

Despite the loss, Osaka expressed appreciation for the support she received from the crowd. “It was really fun,” she said. “I felt very grateful that there were so many people cheering. I missed it a lot.”

Muchova, who is also on the comeback trail after missing nine months due to wrist surgery, was satisfied with her victory. “It’s a long journey,” she said. “I’m for sure in a different position than I was last year. I don’t even want to compare myself to last year — it was kind of a bumpy road.”

Muchova praised the atmosphere at Arthur Ashe Stadium, saying, “The court and the atmosphere is amazing. They were mostly cheering for Naomi, but that’s natural. But I just think so many people coming out and the show and everything about that — I would say it’s why I play tennis and what I like about it, the atmosphere and the energy.”

Categories: Tennis

Reilly Opelka’s US Open Comeback Ends in Five-Set Loss to Lorenzo Musetti

By Nilay August 27, 2024 0

Reilly Opelka’s return to the US Open after a three-year absence was a bittersweet experience. The 27-year-old American, once ranked as high as No. 17 in the world, faced Lorenzo Musetti, the Italian who had defeated him in straight sets in their previous three encounters.

Opelka, known for his towering serve and aggressive net play, put on a dominant performance in the second set, winning 6-1. However, Musetti, who has made significant strides in his game since their last meeting, fought back to win the first, third, and fourth sets.

Opelka had five set points in the fourth set but failed to convert any of them, allowing Musetti to break back and eventually win the match 7-6 (3), 1-6, 6-1, 7-5.

Despite the loss, Opelka’s performance was encouraging. He served 23 aces and hit 55 winners, showing that his game is still intact. He also charged the net 51 times, although he only won 23 points from those attempts.

Opelka’s struggles in the fourth set may have been due to a lack of match fitness. He had not played a Grand Slam event since the 2021 US Open and had only recently returned to competition after a wrist injury.

Musetti, on the other hand, has been in excellent form this year. He reached the semifinals at Wimbledon and the final at Queen’s on grass, and won a bronze medal at the Olympics on clay.

The Italian’s victory over Opelka is a sign of his growing maturity and confidence. He has shown that he can compete with the top players in the world and is a threat to win any tournament he enters.

Categories: Tennis

Paula Badosa’s Resurgence: From Injury to Triumph

By Nilay August 26, 2024 0

Paula Badosa’s remarkable resurgence has been a testament to her resilience and unwavering determination. After a career-threatening injury sidelined her for nearly a year, the Spanish star has returned with a vengeance, soaring up the WTA rankings and reclaiming her place among the elite.

Badosa’s meteoric rise began in 2021, when she ascended from No. 80 to No. 2 in just 12 months. However, a persistent back injury halted her progress in 2023, forcing her to withdraw from three of the four Grand Slams. Despite the setbacks, Badosa refused to give up.

With the support of her coach, Pol Toledo Bagué, Badosa set a goal of being seeded at the 2024 Australian Open. Just one month and a half later, she had already climbed to No. 30 in the world, surpassing their expectations.

Badosa’s physical recovery has been equally impressive. Once known for her endurance in long matches, she has adapted to the faster conditions and lighter tennis balls, using them to her advantage. She credits her mental strength and positive affirmations for her ability to overcome adversity.

Off the court, Badosa has also found solace in her relationship with Stefanos Tsitsipas. After a brief separation, the couple reunited and have been supporting each other through their respective challenges.

As Badosa prepares for the US Open, she is eager to make a statement in the city where she spent her early years. Despite the challenges she has faced, she is confident in her abilities and determined to prove that she is back to her best.

Categories: Tennis

Sai Kishore Eyes Comeback as India’s Top Spinner

By Nilay August 20, 2024 0

Sai Kishore, the promising all-rounder from Tamil Nadu, is poised for a comeback after overcoming a debilitating neck injury. The Gujarat Titans player made waves in IPL 2024 with his match-winning spell against Punjab Kings, earning him the Player of the Match award. However, his success was cut short when he sustained a neck injury while playing golf.

Undeterred, Kishore sought rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. In July, he returned to competitive action in the Tamil Nadu Premier League for Tiruppur Tamizhans. Reflecting on his recovery journey, Kishore expressed gratitude for the support he received from various individuals, including his wife.

“The neck is essential for everything we do,” Kishore said. “I couldn’t move or sit without excruciating pain. I had to set alarms every two hours to wake up and walk.”

Despite the challenges, Kishore remained determined to return to the field. “Getting back to normal life was an achievement in itself,” he said. “Cricket was a bonus.”

Kishore exudes confidence in his abilities, declaring himself “one of the best spinners” in India. He aspires to play alongside Ravindra Jadeja in Test cricket, believing it would be an invaluable learning experience.

“I’ve never played alongside Jadeja in red-ball format,” Kishore said. “It would be a great opportunity to learn from him. I’m confident and ready more than ever.”

Kishore’s comeback has been bolstered by his selection in the Duleep Trophy. He has also represented India in three T20Is at the Asian Games.

Categories: Cricket

Holger Rune Raises Level, Reaches Cincinnati Quarterfinals

By Nilay August 18, 2024 0

Holger Rune, the former world No. 4, has been struggling to regain his form in 2024. However, he has shown signs of improvement at the Cincinnati Open, reaching the quarterfinals after a hard-fought victory over Gaël Monfils.

Rune admitted that he needed to raise his level to compete at the highest level again. He has been working on his game and is starting to see the results. Against Monfils, he played aggressively, taking the net away from his opponent and serving out the match in impressive fashion.

Rune’s victory over Monfils is a significant confidence boost for the young Dane. He has been through a lot of changes in his team over the past year, but he is now settled with Kenneth Carlsen as his new head coach. Rune believes that Carlsen, a former world No. 41, can help him reach his full potential.

Rune is also embracing adaptability, which he believes is key to success in tennis. He is willing to adjust his game to different conditions and opponents. This adaptability was evident in his match against Monfils, where he changed his tactics after losing the first set.

Rune is now looking ahead to the US Open, where he will be hoping to make a deep run. He knows that he will need to continue to play at a high level, but he is confident that he can do it.

Categories: Tennis

Ishan Kishan’s Stunning Return to Red-Ball Cricket

By Nilay August 16, 2024 0

Ishan Kishan, the wicket-keeper batter, is making a strong comeback to red-ball cricket with impressive performances in the Buchi Babu Invitation Cricket Tournament. Having been included in the India C squad for the Duleep Trophy, Kishan is determined to regain his place in the Indian team.

In the match against Madhya Pradesh, Kishan showcased his exceptional wicket-keeping skills, taking three well-timed catches. His final catch, a stunning diving effort to dismiss Ramveer Gurjar, was the highlight of the day. Kishan’s other two catches, off the bowling of Chanchal Rathore and Aditya Singh, demonstrated his presence of mind and quick reflexes.

Kishan’s return to form is a welcome sign for the Indian selectors, who have been monitoring his progress closely. After a disappointing IPL season with Mumbai Indians, Kishan was left out of the BCCI’s central contract list. However, his inclusion in the Duleep Trophy squad indicates that he is still in contention for a national call-up.

The Duleep Trophy, a prestigious domestic tournament, will provide Kishan with an ideal platform to showcase his skills and prove his worth to the selectors. If he continues to perform at a high level, he could earn a recall to the Indian team for the upcoming series against Australia.

Kishan’s journey back to the Indian setup has been a challenging one. However, his determination and resilience have been evident throughout. With his impressive performances in the Buchi Babu Invitation Cricket Tournament, Kishan has taken a significant step towards achieving his goal of representing India once again.

Categories: Cricket

Rishabh Pant Set for Red-Ball Comeback in Duleep Trophy

By Nilay August 14, 2024 0

Rishabh Pant, India’s star wicketkeeper-batter, is set to make his long-awaited return to red-ball cricket in the upcoming Duleep Trophy, which marks the commencement of India’s 2024-25 domestic season on September 5. This will be Pant’s first first-class appearance since his horrific car accident in December 2022.

Pant’s inclusion in the Duleep Trophy squad is a significant development, as it signals his recovery from the injuries sustained in the accident. He has been undergoing rehabilitation and training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and is now deemed fit to return to competitive cricket.

However, Mohammed Shami, India’s premier fast bowler, will not be part of any of the four Duleep Trophy squads. Shami is nearing full fitness and has begun bowling at full tilt, but he is targeting a comeback during the two-Test series against Bangladesh from September 19. He will continue his training under the NCA’s supervision in Bengaluru.

The Duleep Trophy squads also feature the return of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who had lost their central contracts for not prioritizing domestic cricket last season. Other top players included in the squads are KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, and Kuldeep Yadav.

Notably, Test captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah have been given an extended break ahead of India’s home season. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, who has been sidelined with a quadriceps tendon injury since January 2024, is also set to make a comeback in the Duleep Trophy.

The selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, has rewarded domestic form, as evidenced by the inclusion of Mumbai all-rounder Musheer Khan. The 19-year-old had a breakout year, playing a key role in India’s Under-19 World Cup squad and Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy triumph.

All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been included subject to fitness, as he is recovering from a sports hernia surgery in June.

The Duleep Trophy 2024-25 squads are as follows:

Team A: Shubman Gill (capt), Mayank Agarwal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel (wk), KL Rahul, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Tanush Kotian, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan, Vidwath Kaverappa, Kumar Kushagra, Shaswat Rawat.

Team B: Abhimanyu Easwaran (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Musheer Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy (subject to fitness), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd Siraj, Yash Dayal, Mukesh Kumar, Rahul Chahar, R Sai Kishore, Mohit Awasthi, N Jagadeesan (wk)

Team C: Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Abishek Porel (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, B Indrajith, Hrithik Shokeen, Manav Suthar, Umran Malik, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Anshul Khamboj, Himanshu Chauhan, Mayank Markande, Aryan Juyal (wk), Sandeep Warrier

Team D: Shreyas Iyer (capt), Atharva Taide, Yash Dubey, Devdutt Padikkal, Ishan Kishan (wk), Ricky Bhui, Saransh Jain, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Aditya Thakare, Harshit Rana, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Sengupta, KS Bharat (wk), Saurabh Kumar

Categories: Cricket

Rishabh Pant Set for Test Comeback, Earns Praise from WWE Legend

Tiafoe Stages Epic Comeback to Reach US Open Quarterfinals

Paula Badosa’s Resurgence: From Injury Woes to US Open Quarterfinals

Naomi Osaka Bows Out of US Open in Second Round, Expresses Gratitude

Reilly Opelka’s US Open Comeback Ends in Five-Set Loss to Lorenzo Musetti

Paula Badosa’s Resurgence: From Injury to Triumph

Sai Kishore Eyes Comeback as India’s Top Spinner

Holger Rune Raises Level, Reaches Cincinnati Quarterfinals

Ishan Kishan’s Stunning Return to Red-Ball Cricket

Rishabh Pant Set for Red-Ball Comeback in Duleep Trophy

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