Rishabh Pant's Miraculous Return to Test Cricket Inspires Pakistan Legend Wasim Akram

Rishabh Pant’s Miraculous Return to Test Cricket Inspires Pakistan Legend Wasim Akram

Rishabh Pant’s remarkable return to Test cricket has left the cricketing world in awe. After a horrific car crash in December 2022, the wicket-keeper batter has shown immense resilience and determination to bounce back stronger than ever.

In the second innings of the series opener against Bangladesh, Pant scored a century, reminding everyone of his exceptional talent. His heroic performance brought tears to the eyes of many, including fans, pundits, and his peers.

Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram was among those who were deeply moved by Pant’s journey. “Look at Pant’s performance, the miracle that he has performed by showing he is superhuman by returning from his tragedy,” Akram said on Sportskeeda.

Akram praised Pant’s exemplary shots, particularly his reverse sweep against England pace great James Anderson. However, it was Pant’s mental strength that impressed Akram the most.

“The way he used to play in Test cricket, the way he performed in Australia with the century then,” said Akram. “The way he batted against England, playing a reverse sweep against [James] Anderson in Test cricket, even [Pat] Cummins. He’s special.”

“Especially what he has been through in that horrific accident, coming back from that, how mentally strong must that boy be.”

Akram believes that Pant’s story should be told to children for generations to come, as an inspiration to bounce back from difficult situations. “That’s a story to be told for generations and generations, in my opinion, to motivate young people of the world. You can come back the way Pant did,” said Akram.

“He came back and averaged 40 in the IPL, 446 runs at a strike rate of 155, he’s a miracle kid,” Akram concluded.

Pant’s return to form is a testament to his unwavering spirit and the power of human resilience. His story is an inspiration to all who face adversity, reminding us that anything is possible with determination and support.

India's Women's T20 World Cup Preparations Focus on Mental Strength

India’s Women’s T20 World Cup Preparations Focus on Mental Strength

India’s Women’s T20 World Cup Preparations Emphasize Mental Strength

As the Indian women’s cricket team prepares for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has highlighted the crucial role of mental strength in executing their plans.

Kaur, who has led India to numerous victories, believes that the last few overs of a T20 match are pivotal. “The last 3-4 overs are the most crucial. T20 cricket is not a small format; at the end of the day, you are playing 40 overs. In the last 4-5 overs, the team that is mentally strong wins the match,” she said.

The Indian team has been working diligently on their mental fortitude. “We have been focusing on this for a while. If we can remain mentally stable in those final 5 overs, we can execute what’s best for us. We are working on those aspects, and hopefully, we will overcome this hurdle in the tournament,” Kaur added.

India’s squad for the T20 World Cup includes experienced players like Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, and Jemimah Rodrigues. They will face tough competition in Group A, which includes Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

In the previous edition of the T20 World Cup, India reached the semi-finals but lost to eventual champions Australia. Kaur is determined to improve on that performance and lead her team to glory.

“We have a good team, and we are confident of doing well in the tournament. We have been working hard, and we are ready to give our best,” she said.

India will kickstart their campaign against New Zealand on October 4, followed by a highly anticipated clash with Pakistan on October 6. The tournament promises to be an exciting spectacle of women’s cricket, and India will be eager to make a mark on the global stage.

Yogesh Kathuniya Vows to Strengthen Mental Game After Fifth Consecutive Paralympic Silver

Yogesh Kathuniya Vows to Strengthen Mental Game After Fifth Consecutive Paralympic Silver

Indian discus thrower Yogesh Kathuniya has expressed the need to enhance his mental fortitude after securing a silver medal at the Paris Paralympics, marking his fifth consecutive second-place finish since the Tokyo Games.

Kathuniya, 27, achieved a season-best throw of 42.22m in the discus throw F-56 event, but acknowledged that his mental strength has been lacking. “I have lacked in mental strength. I will have to build up more, just as it was before, in 2022. Since I got injured, due to cervical, it has come down,” he said.

The athlete, who competes from a seated position, has faced challenges including chickenpox and cervical radiculopathy. Despite these setbacks, he remains determined to improve. “It’s okay. I am still young. I can easily play two more Paralympics. I will do better. I will change my style this time. I have a World Championship next year. I will perform well next year,” he said.

Kathuniya’s silver medal in Paris follows similar results at the 2023 and 2024 World Championships, as well as the Asian Para Games last year. He believes that participating in more competitions leading up to the Paris Games would have been beneficial. “I think I made a mistake. I should have played a little more competition. I should have played more events. I was not ready. I played only two events this year. I should not have done that.”

Despite his recent string of silver medals, Kathuniya’s hunger for success remains strong. “To be honest, my hunger will never end. Even if I hit 50m, my hunger will not end. I want to show the world that it was Yogesh Kathuniya who crossed 50m in a seated throw, the first person in the world.”

Kathuniya is now planning a two-month break, including a solo trip to Switzerland, to focus on his mental well-being. “I think my mind should be relaxed. And I will have to go away from sports once. So that I can focus more on mental strength.”

Liudmila Samsonova's Mental Breakthrough Fuels US Open Hopes

Liudmila Samsonova’s Mental Breakthrough Fuels US Open Hopes

Liudmila Samsonova, the enigmatic Russian-born Italian tennis star, has long puzzled observers with her inconsistent performances. Despite possessing exceptional ball-striking abilities and all-court prowess, she has struggled to maintain consistency, often falling short in the early rounds of major tournaments.

However, as the 2024 US Open unfolds, Samsonova appears to be on the cusp of a breakthrough. She has reached the fourth round, where she will face world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, and her recent performances suggest that she has finally found the mental fortitude to match her technical brilliance.

Samsonova attributes her newfound confidence to a shift in mindset. She has realized the importance of managing pressure, both external and internal, and has vowed to fight until the last point. This determination was evident in her hard-fought second-round victory over Marie Bouzkova, where she rallied from a set and 5-2 deficit.

“I don’t know how I won that match,” Samsonova said. “But I felt like I could do it. I felt like, ’til the end, I will try to do my best because I felt I had the chance to win even if the score was really down.”

Samsonova’s mental growth was further tested in the third round against Ashlyn Kreuger. Despite the pro-American crowd, she shut out her opponent, allowing her just two games.

“I think playing against an American is crazy,” she exclaimed. “It’s better not to play one, but the energy is unbelievable, honestly.”

Samsonova’s journey to the second week of the US Open has been marked by a sense of kismet. She was initially projected to face Serena Williams in her final tournament, but Williams’ loss to Ajla Tomljanovic opened the door for Samsonova to make her Arthur Ashe Stadium debut against Swiatek.

“When I stepped on court here for the first time since Cincinnati, I said, ‘Ah, I like these conditions,'” Samsonova said. “I like the ball with the courts, so I was feeling from the first practice that I could play my best game.”

With her newfound mental strength and affinity for the US Open conditions, Samsonova is poised to make a deep run in the tournament. She may not have the same level of experience as Swiatek, but she has the talent and determination to challenge the world’s best.

Indian Football Embraces New Era with Manolo Marquez as Coach

Indian Football Embraces New Era with Manolo Marquez as Coach

Indian Football Embarks on New Era with Manolo Marquez at the Helm

Spanish coach Manolo Marquez has taken over as the head coach of the Indian men’s football team, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the nation. Marquez, who will also continue to coach FC Goa, has wasted no time in identifying areas for improvement, emphasizing the need for a shift in mentality among Indian players.

With qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup out of reach, Marquez has set his sights on enhancing the overall level of the players. He believes that Indian players can achieve significant growth by stepping outside their comfort zones and playing abroad.

“The level of Indian players can be better and can improve faster,” Marquez stated. “Everyone knows my feeling – maybe some players don’t like – that they are very comfortable playing in the Indian Super League (ISL). They are very comfortable in India.”

Marquez stressed that playing in a more competitive environment abroad can accelerate player development. “You will grow when you play abroad. I’m not saying the top level, like the Premier League or La Liga. If you play in one division where the opponents are the same or better than you, you will improve 100 per cent,” he added.

While acknowledging the importance of comfort, Marquez pointed to the example of FC Goa defender Sandesh Jhingan, who had an unsuccessful stint at Croatian club HNK Sibenik. “I understand that life is very good for most of them in ISL and it’s difficult for them to go abroad. For example, Sandesh tried to do it in Croatia,” he said.

Marquez also emphasized the crucial role of mental strength in football. “In football, technique, tactics, and physique are very important. But if this doesn’t work (points to head), you cannot do anything, not only in football but also your life,” he stated.

The Indian men’s football team will next play on September 9, 2024, in a friendly against Syria. Marquez’s appointment and his focus on improving mentality and encouraging players to seek opportunities abroad signal a new era for Indian football, with the aim of raising the level of the team and achieving greater success on the international stage.

Mirra Andreeva's Mental Strength Shines at Mutua Madrid Open

Mirra Andreeva’s Mental Strength Shines at Mutua Madrid Open

Mirra Andreeva, the 16-year-old tennis prodigy, has returned to the Mutua Madrid Open, the site of her breakthrough performance last year. In an interview with Prakash Amritraj at the Tennis Channel Desk, Andreeva revealed that she has framed a comment from her childhood idol, Andy Murray, praising her mental strength.

Andreeva’s journey in Madrid last year was remarkable. As a wildcard ranked just inside the Top 200, she reached the fourth round, defeating Leylah Fernandez, Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Magda Linette without losing a set. Her performance earned her the WTA’s most impressive newcomer award in 2023.

This year, Andreeva has continued to impress, overcoming similar challenges to those she faced last year. In her second-round match against Linda Noskova, she lost the first set but rallied to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. She also came from behind to defeat American Taylor Townsend in her opening match.

Andreeva attributes her success to her mental strength and her ability to think through difficult moments. “I’m trying to play using my brain,” she said. “I’m not trying to hit every ball as hard as I can. Maybe that helps me sometimes to think through hard moments.”

Andreeva’s maturity on the court is evident in her approach to the game. “I feel more mature even though there’s not much of a difference in my age,” she said. “Last year, I was hoping for some kind of miracle when I was playing against everybody, that on these pressure points they would give me something with their mistakes or something will happen for me to just win the match. Now I know and I’m sure that I will not be able to win a match without doing something myself.”

As Andreeva prepares to turn 17, she is excited about the future. “I’m just trying to always think in a positive way and that’s it,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to the next few years and seeing how far I can go.”

Kohli and Shami: Contrasting Personalities, Unwavering Mental Strength

Kohli and Shami: Contrasting Personalities, Unwavering Mental Strength

Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, two contrasting personalities, share an unwavering mental fortitude that has propelled Team India to remarkable success.

Kohli, the aggressive batsman, and Shami, the composed bowler, topped the batting and bowling charts at the 2019 ODI World Cup, leading India to a runner-up finish. Their mental strength, according to bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, is a key factor in their achievements.

“Both are different personalities altogether, but in terms of mental strength, both are up there,” Mhambrey said. “Virat is purely aggressive, on the face all the time. Shami is complete in contrast, never on his own.”

Despite their contrasting approaches, Kohli and Shami share a deep understanding of their roles and a relentless work ethic.

“Virat is one of the best in chasing,” Mhambrey said. “He’s the prime reason why India have chased mammoth scores.”

Shami, on the other hand, is a master of his craft. “He knows what’s expected of him,” Mhambrey said. “He’s completely different in terms of training and he will do something that suits him.”

Kohli’s dedication has inspired the younger players in the Indian team. “To be able to see the work put in by Virat day in and day out is an eye opener,” Mhambrey said. “You see youngsters talking to him and trying to learn from him.”

Mhambrey believes that becoming a GOAT (Greatest of All Time) requires a combination of innate talent, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

“I think you’re born with certain skills,” he said. “Skills that Shami has cannot be replicated unless you have it… Same with (Jasprit) Bumrah. These are guys who are born with that skill.”

“You become GOAT with the attitude that you have, the work that you put in, the vision that you had about yourself, the inspiration that you want to be. These combinations with other factors will make you a GOAT.”

Kohli and Shami's Mental Strength Key to India's Success, Says Mhambrey

Kohli and Shami’s Mental Strength Key to India’s Success, Says Mhambrey

India’s bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, has lauded the exceptional mental strength of Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, attributing it to Team India’s success.

Kohli’s aggressive batting style and Shami’s calm and composed bowling approach may differ, but their shared mental resilience has been instrumental in India’s achievements. During the 2019 ODI World Cup, Kohli topped the batting charts with 765 runs, while Shami led the bowling charts with 24 wickets.

Mhambrey highlights Kohli’s ability to chase down mammoth scores, a skill that has significantly improved India’s performance in shorter formats. He also praises Shami’s deep understanding of his game and his ability to adapt his training to suit his needs.

Despite their contrasting personalities, Kohli and Shami share a common understanding of their roles within the team. Their mental strength allows them to absorb pressure and deliver consistent results.

Mhambrey believes that Kohli’s work ethic has inspired younger players in the Indian team. He observes that youngsters seek guidance from Kohli, eager to learn from his wisdom and preparation techniques.

Mhambrey emphasizes that becoming a GOAT (greatest of all time) requires a combination of innate skills, hard work, vision, and inspiration. He believes that Shami and Bumrah possess exceptional skills that cannot be replicated, but their greatness is also attributed to their attitude and dedication.

Haaland Admits to Missing Chances, Vows to Shut Out Critics

Haaland Admits to Missing Chances, Vows to Shut Out Critics

Erling Haaland, the prolific Norwegian striker for Manchester City, has acknowledged that he will continue to miss chances despite his remarkable goal-scoring record. However, he remains determined to silence critics and strive for perfection.

Since joining City in 2022, Haaland has netted an astonishing 80 goals in just 84 games, helping the club secure a treble of Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup titles in his debut season. This season, he has already scored 28 goals in all competitions.

Despite his impressive tally, Haaland endured a brief goal drought earlier this season, failing to score in six out of seven games. He also missed a glaring opportunity in City’s recent 3-1 victory over Manchester United.

“I’ve been missing,” Haaland admitted. “I miss a lot of chances. I will still keep on missing chances, I will still score goals so I’ll probably miss a big chance in the future as well and people are going to criticize me and what can I do then?”

“Should I think of that? No. I should focus on scoring more goals and helping the team.”

Haaland recognizes that he has room for improvement despite his exceptional numbers. “There’s a lot of things I can become better at, everything by the way,” he said. “People say I’m good at scoring goals but I missed the biggest chance in the world ever two days ago so I can also become better at that.”

The Norwegian has worked on the mental aspect of his game, but admits that coping with lean spells can be challenging. “It’s with everything in life — if you over-think something, it’s not good, if you stress in your life it’s not good,” he said. “My focus is to become the best possible version of myself and the main thing then is the mental part.”

Amidst speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid, Haaland expressed his contentment at Manchester City. “I’m really happy, especially with the people that I’m surrounded with, the manager, the directors, the board,” he said. “They are a group of amazing people and I’m really happy.”

“If I say this now there’s probably going to be a massive headline tomorrow — ‘you never know what the future brings’ — but again, I’m happy.”

Haaland emphasized his focus on upcoming matches rather than contract negotiations. “My focus mainly now is on the pitch,” he said. “There’s a lot of games. Two days ago it was a Manchester derby and now it’s Champions League and next Sunday it’s Liverpool so I think I should focus on that and not anything else at the moment.”

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