Cricket

Rohit Sharma's Unfortunate Dismissal Mars India's Fightback in Bengaluru TestIndia's hopes of salvaging the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru suffered a setback on Friday as opener Rohit Sharma was dismissed in an unfortunate manner. After trailing by 356 runs in the first innings, India had made a promising start to their second innings, with Sharma leading the charge.However, the Indian captain's impressive stay at the crease was cut short by a moment of misfortune. Facing left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, Sharma attempted a defensive stroke to a ball on the off-stump. The ball, however, glanced off the inside edge and trickled onto the stumps before Sharma could react.The dismissal left Sharma and the Chinnaswamy crowd in disbelief. The Indian opener had looked solid in his innings, scoring 52 runs off 83 balls. His departure was a major blow to India's hopes of building a substantial lead.Earlier in the day, New Zealand had been dismissed for 402 in their first innings. Rachin Ravindra (134) and Tim Southee (65) had put together a brisk 134-run partnership for the eighth wicket to extend the visitors' advantage.India's bowlers, led by Ravindra Jadeja (3/72), had struck early to reduce New Zealand to 233 for seven. However, Ravindra and Southee's partnership helped the Kiwis add valuable runs to their total.With Sharma's dismissal, India's task became even more challenging. The hosts will need to bat with patience and determination to avoid a heavy defeat in the first Test.

The highly anticipated first Test match between India and New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru was marred by incessant rain on Day 1, delaying the toss and preventing any on-field action. However, the crowd found solace in the appearance of local hero Virat Kohli, who emerged on the field under an umbrella, sparking thunderous applause from the stands.Kohli, a beloved figure in Bengaluru due to his long association with the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has a special connection with the city's fanbase. His presence on the field, albeit briefly, provided a much-needed boost to the spirits of the rain-soaked spectators.The heavy showers, which began overnight, continued throughout the morning, forcing the ground staff to keep the pitch covered. The scheduled 9:30 AM (0400 GMT) start time was pushed back indefinitely, with rain forecast to disrupt play for the first two days of the match.The inclement weather also affected preparations for the series opener. Training sessions for both teams were canceled on Tuesday, leaving them with limited time to acclimatize to the conditions.Despite the weather setbacks, India remains the firm favorite in the three-Test series. Rohit Sharma's in-form side is coming off a 2-0 sweep of Bangladesh, while New Zealand will be without injured leading batsman Kane Williamson for at least the first match.New Zealand, who lost both Tests in Sri Lanka last month, will be led by Tom Latham for the first time in a full-time capacity after Tim Southee stepped down as captain following the Sri Lanka series.The second Test of the series will begin in Pune on October 24, while the third and final Test will be played in Mumbai from November 1.

Rachin Ravindra, the India-origin all-rounder, is set to make a special Test debut in Bengaluru against India, the city where his family hails from. Ravindra, who turns 25 in November, made his Test debut in 2021 against India in Kanpur."I guess it makes it extra significant because of the family connection," said Ravindra. "It's amazing and I am very proud of my Indian heritage and to be able to play where a lot of my family is based is something very special."Ravindra has had a promising start to his international career, scoring 672 runs in 9 Tests at an average of 50.98, including one century and three half-centuries. He has also played 25 ODIs and 23 T20Is."There will be a bunch of them (family members) in the crowd, and I know dad will be here watching," added Ravindra. "Those moments, you pinch yourself on the journey and this is definitely one of them."Ravindra announced himself in a big way during the ODI World Cup in India last year, scoring 578 runs in 10 matches that included three centuries. He then went on to represent the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League earlier this year, scoring 222 runs."Obviously when I was here last, there was the IPL and then before that it was the ODI World Cup. Two pretty cool experiences to have. (I was) part of two very good teams and had those experiences but I guess it's something different about playing a Test match," said Ravindra. "You are here for five days, it's tradition, Test cricket is the pinnacle. So it's always nice to play Test cricket, not just in New Zealand but also away."Ravindra's useful spin bowling has also yielded 10 Test wickets so far. He is expected to play a key role in New Zealand's quest to win their first Test series in India since 1969.

India's Long-Awaited Centre of Excellence Opens in BengaluruAfter years of anticipation, the Indian cricket fraternity has finally unveiled its state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Located near the Kempegowda International Airport, the academy was inaugurated on September 28 by BCCI President Roger Binny and Secretary Jay Shah.The facility boasts world-class infrastructure, including:* Indoor and outdoor practice nets: With advanced technology for ball tracking and analysis.* High-performance gym: Equipped with the latest fitness equipment and expert trainers.* Sports science and medicine center: Providing cutting-edge medical care, nutrition, and rehabilitation services.* Residential facilities: Accommodating up to 100 players and support staff.* Cricket museum: Showcasing the rich history of Indian cricket.The academy aims to nurture young talent and develop elite cricketers for the national team. It will provide comprehensive training programs, including:* Technical coaching: By experienced coaches using innovative techniques.* Physical conditioning: Tailored to the specific needs of cricketers.* Mental training: To enhance focus, resilience, and decision-making.* Nutritional guidance: To optimize performance and recovery.The Centre of Excellence is a testament to the BCCI's commitment to developing Indian cricket. It is expected to play a pivotal role in producing world-class players who will represent the country with distinction on the international stage.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) faced off in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match in Bengaluru on May 4. RCB won the toss and elected to bowl first.RCB remained unchanged for the match, while GT made two changes. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, making his IPL debut, and left-arm pacer Joshua Little replaced R Sai Kishore.GT's innings got off to a solid start as Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill put on a 50-run partnership. However, RCB's bowlers fought back, with Mohammed Siraj dismissing Gill for 21. Sai Sudharsan and David Miller then steadied the innings with a 40-run stand.But RCB's spinners, Karn Sharma and Shahbaz Ahmed, applied the brakes on GT's scoring rate. Suthar and Noor Ahmad chipped in with useful cameos, but GT could only manage 168/5 in their allotted 20 overs.In response, RCB's openers, Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli, got off to a flying start. They put on 50 runs in just 4.2 overs before Kohli was dismissed for 25. Du Plessis continued to anchor the innings, scoring a well-paced 44.Glenn Maxwell and Dinesh Karthik then played crucial knocks of 33 and 32 respectively, guiding RCB towards victory. Despite a late flurry of wickets, RCB chased down the target with 8 balls to spare.

Former Indian cricket captain and current head coach Rahul Dravid exercised his democratic right by casting his vote in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in Bengaluru on Friday. Dravid, known for his humility and dedication, stood in line like any other citizen before casting his ballot at a polling booth in the Malleswaram constituency.After casting his vote, Dravid urged fellow citizens to participate in the electoral process. "Everyone must come out and vote. It is an opportunity we get in a democracy," he said to the media. Dravid's former teammate and legendary spinner Anil Kumble also cast his vote in Bengaluru, emphasizing the importance of exercising one's franchise.Karnataka, where Dravid and Kumble reside, is voting in two phases for the Lok Sabha elections. The second phase, held on Friday, saw polling in 14 constituencies, including Udupi Chikamagalur, Hassan, Dakshina Kannada, and Bangalore South. The BJP, which won 25 out of 28 seats in Karnataka in the 2019 elections, is contesting in 25 seats this time, while its ally JDS is contesting in the remaining three.The first phase of the seven-phased Lok Sabha election was held on April 19, with over 62% voter turnout. The third phase will take place on May 7. The Election Commission has implemented strict measures to ensure free and fair elections, including the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter-verifiable paper audit trails (VVPATs).Dravid's participation in the electoral process serves as an inspiration to all citizens to fulfill their democratic duty. His message of urging people to vote highlights the importance of active participation in shaping the future of the nation.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Lake Restoration Project: A Lifeline for Water-Stressed BengaluruIn the face of Bengaluru's severe water crisis, professional cricket franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has emerged as an unlikely savior. Through its "RCB Go Green Initiative," the team has undertaken a transformative project to restore three lakes in the city, providing a lifeline to water-stressed communities.Launched in October 2023, the Lake Improvement Works Project focused on desilting and developing the Ittgalpura and Sadenahalli lakes, located in areas with limited access to water. Over 1,20,000 tons of silt and sand were removed, recovering nine acres of lake land. The creation of stabilization ponds and wetlands has enhanced biodiversity, attracting local bird and animal populations.The project has significantly increased the water holding capacity of the lakes, covering up to 17 acres. This not only facilitates groundwater recharge but also supports agricultural activities in the surrounding areas. Fishermen and farmers can now harvest up to three times more than before, providing additional livelihood opportunities.At Kannur Lake, the focus has been on fostering community ownership through the creation of civic amenities. Ethno-medicinal plant parks, bamboo parks, and butterfly parks are being established to improve and sustain biodiversity."These lakes are not just critical groundwater sources but also the backbone of local livelihoods," said Rajesh Menon, VP and Head of Royal Challengers Bengaluru.Bengaluru's rapid growth has strained its water infrastructure, with over a third of its population relying on rapidly depleting groundwater. RCB's lake restoration project is a testament to the power of sports organizations to make a tangible impact on their communities.

Bengaluru's acute water shortage has raised concerns about the fate of the three Indian Premier League (IPL) matches scheduled to be played in the city. However, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has assured that it is well-equipped to meet the water demand for the matches.The city is facing its worst water crisis in four decades, prompting calls to shift the IPL games out of Bengaluru. However, KSCA CEO Shubendu Ghosh expressed confidence that the association can adhere to the government's water usage guidelines."We are not facing any crisis at the moment," Ghosh said. "We have received the state government's notice on water usage, and we are constantly meeting to ensure we follow the guidelines."The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has prohibited the use of potable water for non-essential purposes, such as gardening and vehicle washing. Ghosh stated that the KSCA will rely on water from the sewage treatment plant (STP) within the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for watering the outfield and pitch."We are already using STP water for these purposes," Ghosh said. "We estimate that we will need 10,000-15,000 liters of water for match purposes, which we are confident we can generate from the STP."Ghosh emphasized that the KSCA will not use groundwater for watering. "We are closely monitoring the government's water usage policy, but we are confident that we can meet all the requirements," he said.The first IPL match in Bengaluru will feature the local franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) taking on Punjab Kings on March 25. RCB will then face Kolkata Knight Riders on March 29 and Lucknow SuperGiants on April 2.RCB officials also expressed confidence in conducting the matches despite the water scarcity. "We are aware of the situation and are in touch with the KSCA," an official said. "We have two weeks before the first match, so we are confident that we can ensure a smooth conduct of the games."The M Chinnaswamy Stadium complies with the norms of the National Green Tribunal, which has implemented systems to address water scarcity scenarios.

Gujarat Giants Face Uphill Battle Against Delhi Capitals in Women's Premier LeagueBengaluru, India - The Gujarat Giants will face a formidable challenge when they take on the in-form Delhi Capitals in Match 10 of the Women's Premier League at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Giants have endured a difficult start to the tournament, suffering three consecutive defeats, while the Capitals have emerged as one of the early favorites with three impressive victories.The Giants' struggles have been evident in their batting, where they have failed to post a competitive total in any of their matches. Captain Harleen Deol has been the only consistent performer, but the rest of the lineup has struggled to find form. The Capitals, on the other hand, have a well-balanced batting unit led by the experienced Jemimah Rodrigues and the explosive Shafali Verma.The Giants' bowling attack has also been inconsistent, with only Sneh Rana and Mansi Joshi showing any signs of promise. The Capitals, in contrast, have a potent bowling lineup that includes the experienced Shikha Pandey and the young and talented Titas Sadhu.The Giants will need to find a way to improve their batting and bowling if they want to have any chance of upsetting the Capitals. Deol will need to lead from the front and inspire her teammates to perform at their best. The Capitals, meanwhile, will be confident of extending their winning streak and consolidating their position at the top of the standings.The match promises to be an exciting contest between two teams with contrasting fortunes. The Giants will be desperate to break their losing streak, while the Capitals will be looking to maintain their momentum and continue their march towards the playoffs.