Daily Sports News

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

IPL 2025: Will Rishabh Pant join MS Dhoni at CSK, Delhi Capitals co-owner makes BIG statement on retention…

Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant’s final destination in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season has been a major source of interest for most cricket fans around the world. Recently Pant was linked with a move to Virat Kohli’s side Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) which the Delhi Capitals captain vehemently denied.

Now ahead of the IPL 2025 retention deadline on October 31, there is rising speculation that Pant could be headed to five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to join his mentor and friend MS Dhoni. CSK are on the look-out for replacement for Dhoni, who will surely not be playing in the IPL beyond the next season.

In fact, it is still uncertain if Dhoni will play in IPL 2025 or if CSK will retain him as an ‘uncapped’ player even with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) bringing back the old rule that those cricketers who have not played international cricket for five years can be classified as ‘uncapped’ player. It remains to be seen if Dhoni will agree to a massive pay-cut from Rs 12.5 crore currently to Rs 4 crore if he is retained as an ‘uncapped’ player.

“We are not sure at this stage. We might not even use it for MS Dhoni. It’s still too early to comment on this because we haven’t had discussions with him. Dhoni was in the US and we haven’t had discussions yet. Now I am travelling this week, so there is a possibility of some discussions in the coming week. So there could be some clarity then. We are hopeful of him playing but it’s a call Dhoni will himself make,” CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said in an interview with Times of India.

Under these circumstances, CSK could be eyeing Pant as a potential replacement to possibly even lead the side in the future.

Trade details of Pant to CSK:

Pant & CSK have an verbal agreement
Pant will Take the top retention spot if the deal goes through
Final decision lies with Dehli Capitals
Ruturaj will be the captain as of now, pant hasnt asked for captaincy or any such as of now. pic.twitter.com/sst5Bn0L6H

— (@SergioCSKK) July 20, 2024

Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal opens up on retention targets

Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal discussed the players that the IPL franchise may look to retain apart from Rishabh Pant, led by Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Abhishek Porel, Jake Fraser-Mcgurk, Tristan Stubbs, Mukesh Kumar, and Khaleel Ahmed. “Yes, we definitely have to retain. We have some very good players in our team. The rules have just come out, so after discussing with GMR and our director of cricket, Sourav Ganguly, decisions will be made. Rishabh Pant will definitely be retained.

“We also have Axar Patel, who is excellent, Criston Stubbs, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Kuldeep Yadav, Abishek Porel, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, all very good players in our team. We’ll see what happens in the auction. But first, as per the rule, we can retain six players. After discussions, we will proceed with the auction and see what happens,” Jindal was quoted as saying by IANS news agency.

However, the call to retain players lies with co-owners GMR Sports this season. According to a deal between GMR and JSW, the co-owners take cricketing decisions in alternate years. However, when it comes to matters of retention it is usually a join decision.

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F1 Legend Michael Schumacher ‘Seen In Public’ 1st time in 11 Years after Skiing accident, arrives at daughter’s wedding

New Delhi: The Formula 1 world is buzzing about the possible first public appearance of Michael Schumacher since his accident in 2013. According to German media, the seven-time champion might have attended his daughter Gina-Maria’s wedding in Mallorca. The event was held under tight security, and guests had their phones taken away to prevent any photo leaks, which has fueled speculation about the former driver’s presence.

Metro.co.uk reported that “the wedding is believed to be the first time Michael has been allowed in public since his accident”. The report was titled “Michael Schumacher ‘seen in public for the first time in 11 years'”

The ceremony was not only a big moment for the Schumacher family but also for fans of the “Kaiser.” Although no photos have been released to prove his presence, outlets like Bild and The Mirror suggest he was there, which would mark his first public outing after 11 years of recovery. This has given hope for more transparency about his health condition.

Since his skiing accident in the French Alps with his son Mick, Schumacher has been receiving care at his home in Switzerland. His wife, Corinna, has kept things very private, shielding the ex-driver from the public eye. The last public update about his condition was in 2020 when he underwent stem cell treatment.

A few months ago, former world champion Sebastian Vettel, who is close to Schumacher and his family, recently revealed that the F1 legend “is not doing well”.

Schumacher’s lawyer, Felix Damm, however, has revealed that the former F1 driver’s family has decided not to make his final health report public due to privacy concerns.

“It was always about protecting private things. We considered whether a final report about Michael’s health could be the right way to do this,” Damm told German media outlet LTO, as quoted by SI.com.

Damm also stated that Schumacher’s family would have come under pressure from the media to release timely health updates, had they released the final health report.

“But that wouldn’t have been the end of it and there would have had to be constantly updated ‘water level reports’ and it would not have been up to the family when the media interest in the story stopped.”

“They [the media] could pick up on such a report again and again and as ‘and what does it look like now?’ one, two, three months or years after the message,” he added. “If we then wanted to take action against this reporting, we would have to deal with the argument of voluntary self-disclosure,” he added.

Why MS Dhoni punched a screen after RCB vs CSK handshake controversy, ex-teammate reveals…

New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has opened up with a piece of important information on the infamous handshake controversy involving MS Dhoni after the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

It is worth mentioning that RCB hosted CSK in the last league stage match of the season for both teams. Coming into the games, CSK had 14 points on the board while RCB were just behind them in the table with 12 points. A victory would have confirmed a spot in the playoffs while the Bengaluru-based franchise needed to win by at least 18 runs.

Talking about the match between CSK and RCB, in a high-scoring clash that saw rain stop and momentum shift multiple times, RCB emerged victorious with 27 runs. In the last over of the game, it looked likely that CSK would cross the threshold needed to ensure qualification with MS Dhoni looking in fine touch. The five-time IPL-winning captain put out a strong statement of intent by smashing a huge six on the first ball over the 20th over before Yash Dayal made a confident comeback to Dismiss Dhoni (25 of 13) on the second ball of the over to all but ended CSK’s title defence.

The Handshake Controversy:

This controversy caused a lot of chaos between MS Dhoni fans and Virat Kohli fans while the match was one of the greatest in IPL history, it sparked a major controversy after the match finished. In scenes that shocked the cricketing fraternity, Dhoni was spotted evidently fuming as Virat Kohli-starred RCB celebrated their victory and left the field before shaking hands with their opponents. The issue divided opinions as many blamed Dhoni for not waiting for RCB players to greet them while some accused the home team of over-celebrating.

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh revealed insider details on the incident and recalled seeing the events transpire first-hand as he was part of the commentary team and covering the match from the ground. The ex-CSK star stated that Dhoni punched a TV screen while walking back to the dressing room after not shaking hands.

“RCB was celebrating and they deserved to celebrate because of the way they won. I was watching the whole scene from above because I was present there. RCB was celebrating and CSK had lined up to shake hands, RCB were a little late to reach CSK. By the time Team RCB finished their celebration, (Dhoni) went inside and he punched a screen outside the dressing room. I was watching from above but it is okay that every player has his own emotions, it happens.

“Yes, but he was not so calm that day maybe because his dream of retiring with the trophy was shattered in front of his eyes that day. Because after winning the trophy, Dhoni could have retired in 2023. But this is MS Dhoni’s decision. Maybe we will see him this year and next year as well. It depends on him. We are no one to tell him when he should retire, if he is fit, he can play for CSK for the next 10 years. Who are we to tell him when and for how long to play,” said Dhoni in an interaction with Sports Yaari.

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: Team India make it two-in-two, beat 2023 runners-up South Africa in warm-up clash

Indian women cricket team continued their winning build-up to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, posting their second successive win in warm-up matches – this time over Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 finalists South Africa. The Indians survived a five-wicket haul from SA’s Ayabonga Khaka to post a comprehensive 28-run win in the warm-up clash in Dubai on Tuesday.

Khaka picked up a five-fer as South Africa restricted India to 144/7 from their 20 overs. The seam bowler dismissed Shafali Verma for a duck, also removing the dangerous Harmanpreet Kaur (10) and Richa Ghosh, who top-scored with 36 from 25 balls.

#TeamIndia register a 28-run win in their second warmup fixture!

A solid bowling display as they successfully defend 144 against South Africa

: ICC

Scorcard – https://t.co/2bxYYzLGH1 #T20WorldCup | #WomenInBlue pic.twitter.com/Bq9R2kCDeI

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) October 1, 2024

Ghosh was one of three wickets to fall in the final over as Khaka denied India the chance to capitalise in the death overs, with only Deepti Sharma only able to hang on, making 35 not out. However, South Africa were cautious in their reply, reaching the halfway stage having made just 56, with Laura Wolvaardt departing the 11th over for 29.

Deepti Sharma conceded just two runs from her two overs before Chloe Tryon and Annerie Dercksen provided some late hope with 24 and 21 not out respectively but could not stop India from winning by 28 runs.

Earlier, fine middle-order batting by Jemimah Rodrigues (30), Richa Ghosh (36) and Deepti Sharma (35 not out) and all-round good bowling helped India Women beat South Africa Women.

Asked to bat first after South Africa won the toss, India Women lost explosive opener Shafali Verma for zero and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur for 10 as they slumped to 18/2 in the fourth over. But Smriti Mandhana (21) and Jemimah took the score to 58 before the former was caught by Nadine de Klerk off Nonkululeko Mlaba.

Jemimah, who scored 30 off 26 balls, too departed as India slumped to 67/3 before Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh raised 70 runs for the fifth wicket. Richa struck 36 off 25 balls, studded with two fours and two sixes. Deepti hammered 35 not out off 29 balls, hitting two fours, as India posted a decent total.

Champions Australia fight back to win over West Indies

Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner were required to rescue Australia in a 35-run win over the West Indies. Having been put into bat, four of Australia’s top six scored single figures, but Gardner built steadily amongst the chaos as she and Sutherland added 56 for the sixth wicket with Sutherland departing for 38.

Gardner (31) was the final wicket of the innings to fall, with Alana King crunching 21 off 13 to end the innings and help Australia to 144 for eight. In response, Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph made 68 for the first wicket before Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle added 24 for the second.

From there, the wheels fell off the chase for the West Indies, with wickets coming in pairs in four of the final five overs, beginning with Campbelle (9) and Deandra Dottin (0) being dismissed from back-to-back Sutherland deliveries.

Matthews did what she could to resist, making 42 before she fell to leave Windies at 104 for 8. Only five runs were added before the win was wrapped up for Australia thanks to King, who ended with four for 30.

This top cricketer lost two fingers at birth, even Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev were afraid of him

There were very few bowlers in the 1970s and 1980s who could trouble the likes of legendary Indian cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev. That this bowlers was missing two fingers since his birth makes him even more special.

We are talking about little-known Pakistan fast bowler Azeem Hafeez, who had replaced injured Imran Khan in the national team and carried a massive workload in Test series in India and Australia – two of the toughest places for any bowler. Born in Jhelum area of Punjab in Pakistan, Hafeez played in 18 Tests in an 18-month period in the 1980s and claimed 63 wickets at an average of 34.98 with four five-wicket hauls.

His best of 6/46 came on a lifeless Lahore pitch against India in a Test match, this despite being born with two fingers missing in his right hand since birth. He made his debut was against India in 1983-84 and on the subsequent tour of Australia, he bowled marathon spells, taking 19 wickets with five-wicket hauls at Adelaide and Perth. He then took 22 wickets in the six consecutive Tests against the Kiwis.

Hafeez started playing cricket in the bylanes of Pakistan in 1977-78 and stayed in the same ‘mohalla’ as legendary Pakistan cricketers Hanif Mohammad and his brothers Mushtaq Mohammad and Sadiq Mohammad. He was thrust into Test cricket against India in 1983-84 series in spite of his limited first-class experience.

He bowled a whopping 116 overs in three Tests against India at Bangalore, Jalandhar and Nagpur to pick up 10 wickets. The wicket which made him a household name was that of legendary Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar – bowled around his legs for 5 in the Jalandhar Test.

Happy Birthday to former Test cricketer Azeem Hafeez. The left-arm fast bowler played 18 Tests & 15 ODIs, taking a total of 7⃣8⃣ international wickets. pic.twitter.com/7Fo7YmlwCK

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 29, 2018

But his maiden Test wicket was former India captain and legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev, who had only recently led India to a win in the 1983 ODI World Cup. “My success on docile wickets was acknowledged by Indian Cricket magazine choosing me as Cricketer of the Year 1984. I also recall kite-flying during the rest day of Jalandhar Test and given a pair of batting gloves, tailor-made by a Sardarjee for my needs,” Hafeez was quoted as saying.

But being a left-arm pacer, Hafeez was unfortunate to be playing in the same era as Wasim Akram. As the legendary Pakistan all-rounder followed Hafeez into Test cricket soon after curtailed his Test career.

“I was aware of meteoric rise of Wasim (Akram) and return to full fitness of Imran (Khan), during the World Championship in Australia. In what was till that time the biggest limited-overs game played by Pakistan, we were beaten by India by eight-wicket margin in the final at Melbourne. We were all naturally disappointed and headed back home, eager to settle the score with our arch enemy.

“Little did I know this would turn out to be my last outing for Pakistan. Six months down the line Miandad would step down to make way for Imran to return to the helm. I was disappointed when the new captain, despite apparently in ‘favour’ of my inclusion, looked elsewhere. Even though invited for training camps and verbal assurances, I never returned to the national side. You may call it destiny,” Hafeez had said.

Ravi Ashwin names ‘two pillars’ for India in upcoming overseas tour, responds to Ben Duckett’s Bazball remark on Yashasvi Jaiswal

Kanpur: India’s ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal will emerge as the future pillars in the overseas tours next month. After taking a 1-0 lead, India fended off rain and a wet outfield to sweep the Test series against Bangladesh in Kanpur despite losing more than two days of play.

Throughout the series, it was youngsters who were willing to fight side by side with the mainstays who laid the foundation of India’s series victory.

Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal continue to mark themselves as players to fill the shoes when stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have their last dance in India colours.

Ashwin acknowledged the budding talents that have risen through the ranks to build a name for themselves. He feels that the duo will be the pillars for India in the highly anticipated BGT series that could arguably decide the fate of the World Test Championship final.

For the seasoned spinner, the overseas tour could be a journey for the youngsters, where new experiences will come their way, allowing them to enhance and enrich it.

“Jaiswal is a special talent. plays free willingly. Gill and Jaiswal will be the future pillars of the overseas tours, which we will encounter shortly, and will also enhance and enrich their experiences going forward in their test journey. They need to encounter newer experiences and be able to identify themselves where they need to work; both are high-quality players,” Ashwin said in the post-match press conference.

During the two-match Test series, one aspect that blew away everyone was the way India approached Day 4 in Kanpur.
England gave birth to ‘Bazball’, the modern way of playing Test cricket. But India gave its own touch to it, making the concept feel familiar but completely distant from it as well.

Ben Duckett made a controversial statement that the credit for Jaiswal’s success during the Test series should go to England batters as well.

Ashwin doesn’t feel that Jaiswal’s approach to his game is instigated by ‘Bazball’. The 38-year-old sees the young southpaw as a next-generation player who wants to perform with a touch of aggression in red-ball cricket.

“I know Ben Duckett a little bit. I think he meant it in a funny manner. Those who have seen Jaiswal bat would know that it was never instigated by Bazball, and he was never coached by Brendon earlier, it’s just the way he plays. It’s probably the next generation of players, and they will be like that, and it is us that we have to adapt to their style and provide the best environment to be nurtured and prosper,” Ashwin added.

In Kanpur, when Bangladesh were bowled out on 233, India’s willingness to stick to an aggressive approach even at the risk of folding on a low score was evident in the way the players carried themselves.

The rollicking shots, classic drives, and variations of sweeps were all on display, as India declared after posting 285/9 in just 34.4 overs.

Rohit selflessly played his part by setting the momentum for India with his sheer attacking nature. But Jaiswal, on the other hand, was aggressive yet in a controlled manner.

He scored 50 in both innings and ended the series as the leading run-scorer with 189 runs to his name at an average of 47.25.
Jaiswal’s compatriot, Gill, who raised his bat for a century in the Chennai Test, ended the series as the second-highest run-getter with a tally of 164.

Monday, September 30, 2024

IND vs BAN, 2nd Test Day 5 LIVE Score & Updates: Ashwin strikes early, Shadman key for Bangladesh

IND vs BAN, 2nd Test Day 5 Live Score And Updates

India would be looking to pack Bangladeshi bags as early as possible on Day 5 of the ongoing second Test at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur on Tuesday. After two days were washed off due to rain, Bangladesh managed 233 runs in the first innings. In reply, India declared at 285/9, thus taking a 52-run lead. Bangladesh were 26/2 in the second innings at the stumps on Day 4.