Cricket

Newly appointed Delhi captain Ayush Badoni showcased his exceptional talent with a scintillating century, guiding Delhi towards a potential first-innings lead against Jharkhand in their Ranji Trophy Group D encounter.Badoni, known for his exploits with Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, displayed his hunger for runs with an unbeaten 116 off 144 deliveries. His knock propelled Delhi to 238 for 5 at stumps on Day 3, in response to Jharkhand's formidable first-innings total of 382.Badoni's innings was a masterclass in strokeplay, featuring 11 boundaries and four sixes. He fearlessly attacked the Jharkhand bowlers, hitting two sixes off former Mumbai Indians spinner Anukul Roy. His partnership with Sumit Mathur (19*) for the unbroken sixth wicket has added 80 runs, but Delhi still require 148 runs on the final day to secure three points and maintain their quarter-final hopes.The contrast between Badoni's quality and that of some of his teammates was evident. While Badoni played with confidence and aggression, others struggled to make significant contributions. Anuj Rawat (52) was the only other top-order batsman to make a notable impact.Delhi's designated skipper Himmat Singh, who was replaced by Badoni after a defeat against Chandigarh, continued his poor form with a duck. He is likely to be replaced by Jonty Sidhu in the next match.The most significant partnership for Delhi was the 60-run stand between Mayank Gusain (24) and Badoni for the fifth wicket. Badoni's ability to counterattack and take the aerial route set him apart from his colleagues.On the final day, Badoni will aim for a double century, but he will need support from Mathur and lower-order batter Siddhant Sharma, both of whom have shown their batting prowess earlier this season.

Sanju Samson's wife, Charulatha Remesh, expressed her admiration for her husband's remarkable performance in the 1st T20I against South Africa in Durban. Samson's century played a pivotal role in India's victory, marking his second consecutive century in T20Is.Samson's aggressive approach in T20Is has been a key factor in his success. He believes in trusting his shot-making abilities and attacking each ball. This mindset has led to both success and failure, but Samson remains focused on maximizing runs in the first innings.In preparation for the South Africa series, Samson made a conscious switch from playing Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy matches. He believes this adjustment has given him an advantage in understanding the South African conditions and replicating scenarios.Samson's preparation involves practicing on different pitches with various balls to simulate match conditions. He emphasizes the importance of being ready to perform at the international level, which requires hard work and mental effort.Samson's journey to the Indian team has been marked by dedication and perseverance. He is grateful for the opportunity to showcase his talent on the international stage and contribute to India's success.

Sanju Samson's recent resurgence has been a testament to his unwavering determination and hard work. The wicketkeeper-batter has notched up three centuries in his last six competitive matches, including a Duleep Trophy ton and two consecutive T20I centuries against Bangladesh and South Africa.Samson's impressive 50-ball 107 against South Africa in the first T20I in Durban was a masterclass in aggressive batting. He showcased his ability to clear the boundary with ease, hitting 10 fours and 6 sixes. This performance followed his equally impressive 111 runs against Bangladesh in the previous T20I.Samson's recent success has helped him shed the label of an inconsistent performer. He has consistently put in the hard work behind the scenes, and it is now paying off. India skipper Suryakumar Yadav praised Samson's dedication and commitment, highlighting his willingness to do the "boring work" that often goes unnoticed.Samson's aggressive approach to batting involves a degree of risk, but he is not afraid to take it. He believes in playing for the team and putting the team's needs ahead of his own. This selfless attitude has earned him the respect of his teammates and the admiration of fans.Samson's resurgence is a reminder that hard work and determination can overcome any obstacle. He has proven that he is a world-class batsman who can consistently perform at the highest level. As he continues to build on his current form, Samson is poised to become one of the most feared batsmen in the world.

Sanju Samson's century in the third T20I against Bangladesh has reignited hopes of a permanent spot in the Indian team. After a disappointing start to the series, Samson's blistering knock sent a strong message to the selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir.Samson's struggles in the first two matches had left him feeling hesitant to even make eye contact with Gambhir. However, the wicket-keeper batter was determined to prove his worth in Hyderabad."I was a bit hesitant to make eye contact with him [Gambhir] but I told myself that apna time aayega (my time will come)," Samson said in an interview.Samson's century was a testament to his talent and resilience. He opened the batting and played with aggression, hitting 12 fours and 5 sixes. His innings helped India chase down Bangladesh's total of 145 with ease.Samson's performance has also earned him praise from India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav."Me and Surya go a long way since we have played a lot of junior cricket together," Samson said. "We have spent a lot of time together discussing cricket."Samson's century has put him in contention for a place in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from T20 internationals, there is a big opportunity for Samson to establish himself as a key player in the team.

Mizoram's Agni Chopra, son of renowned filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, has continued his stellar performance in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, following his impressive debut in the 2023-24 edition. In a Plate Division match against Arunachal Pradesh, Agni showcased his exceptional batting skills, scoring a double century and a century in the same game.In the first innings, Agni struck a fluent 110 off 138 deliveries, setting the tone for Mizoram's innings. However, it was in the second innings that he truly dominated, hammering a magnificent 238 off 209 balls. His innings was a masterclass in batting, featuring an array of elegant strokes and powerful shots.Agni's double century and century helped Mizoram secure a comprehensive 267-run victory over Arunachal Pradesh, earning him the Player of the Match award. His performance has further cemented his status as one of the most promising young batters in Indian domestic cricket.Earlier in January, Agni became the first batter to score four centuries in his first four first-class games, a remarkable feat that had never been achieved before. He struck 105, 101, 114, 10, 164, 15, 166, and 92 in his first four Ranji games, averaging an astonishing 95.87.Despite his impressive performances, Agni has yet to be picked for the Indian Premier League (IPL). He believes that he should be selected based on his own merit, rather than his father's connections. "I want to be picked for anything based on my pedigree, it shouldn't be because of anything else," he said.Agni's determination and talent suggest that he has a bright future in cricket. His performances in the Ranji Trophy have caught the attention of selectors, and it is only a matter of time before he earns a call-up to the national team.

Kamran Ghulam's unwavering determination to represent Pakistan in international cricket has finally borne fruit. After 11 years of toil in domestic cricket, the 29-year-old made a remarkable Test debut, becoming the 13th Pakistani to score a century on his first appearance.Ghulam's journey to the international stage has been marked by patience and perseverance. Despite being repeatedly overlooked for selection, he never lost sight of his dream. "I'd been waiting for my chance a long time but I never gave up," he said. "I had been waiting for my chance. That's all I thought about."His debut came under immense pressure, replacing the injured Babar Azam. With Pakistan struggling at 19 for 2, Ghulam walked out to face the daunting England spinners. However, he remained unfazed, drawing on his vast experience in domestic cricket.Ghulam's first-class record is impressive, with only 12 players scoring more runs in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy since his debut in 2013. His average of nearly 50 places him among the elite batsmen in Pakistan.In his Test debut, Ghulam showcased his aggressive style, banking his shots before lunch and setting the platform for a crucial partnership with Saim Ayub. He then built another solid stand with Mohammad Rizwan, reaching his century with a stylish slap over midwicket off Joe Root.Ghulam's innings of 118, his 17th first-class hundred, was a testament to his hard work and determination. "I've scored a lot of first-class runs," he said. "I didn't care about the venue or the team, I just needed to make my debut."Despite the pressure of replacing a legend like Babar Azam, Ghulam remained focused on giving his best. "Babar is a very good player and at the back of my mind I was thinking he's a legend, a very good player," he said. "But I thought I'd give 110% and play with a positive mindset."Ghulam's debut century has not only fulfilled his long-held dream but also given Pakistan a much-needed boost in the ongoing Test series against England. His performance is a reminder that perseverance and hard work can overcome any obstacle.

N. Jagadeesan, Tamil Nadu's prolific batsman, has carried his impressive form from last season into the new Ranji Trophy campaign. On Saturday, he notched up a magnificent century against Saurashtra at the Sri Ramakrishna College Ground, a venue that holds special significance for him.Jagadeesan, who began his cricketing journey at the same ground as a 10-year-old, expressed his emotions after scoring his third First Class century at the venue. "It's a special feeling because this is where I grew up playing the game," he said. "I started my career here on a matting wicket, and I've been playing matches here since my under-13 days."Reflecting on his knock, the 28-year-old explained the challenges he faced. "The conditions were overcast, and the new ball offered some assistance off the pitch," he said. "Given the circumstances, it was important to react quickly and then test my patience as they started bowling outside off."Jagadeesan's partnership with B. Sai Sudharsan was characterized by excellent running between the wickets. The duo has consciously worked on this aspect over the last two years, recognizing that their right-left combination can unsettle bowlers.Jagadeesan's performances last year earned him a spot in the Duleep Trophy recently. However, the TN vice-captain emphasized that his focus remains on continuous improvement rather than results. "I'm not looking forward to anything in particular," he said. "A result is not a given. The only thing that is given is my process and the way I approach every innings."

Teenage prodigy Sam Konstas has announced his arrival on the big stage with a stunning century for New South Wales against South Australia in Sydney. The 19-year-old opener struck 152 runs on day one of the Blues' Sheffield Shield season opener, showcasing his immense talent and potential.Konstas, who was a key member of Australia's U19 World Cup-winning team last year, has long been touted as one of the country's brightest young prospects. And he lived up to the hype on Tuesday, displaying a maturity and composure beyond his years.The right-hander cover-drove superbly throughout his innings, and took to spinner Ben Manenti by hitting him down the ground for three sixes. He brought up his century off his 163rd ball in the final over of the second session, nudging Brendan Doggett down to backward-square for a single.Konstas' first Sheffield Shield ton came with Australia's chief selector George Bailey in attendance. While the youngster is not yet in the conversation for the Test opening spot, good judges expect him to one day figure.Konstas made his Shield debut for NSW last summer, and amid glimpses of promise he brought up a maiden half-century in the last round against Queensland. But he looks a far more accomplished and confident batter this summer.He used his feet well to spin, and swept Nathan McSweeney for a big six before offering up his only chance with a missed stumping by Alex Carey. The youngster then brought up 150 by flat-batting a Lloyd Pope full toss over the legside. He was eventually caught at slip off the legspinner, when adjudged to have inside-edged a ball onto Carey's legs before it was caught by McSweeney."It was an amazing achievement. Obviously, it's good to get my first one," Konstas said. "I just have to be hungry for runs. And whatever teams I make, it's a bonus."With Shane Watson as his mentor, Konstas is a regular meditator before games and rushes to the wicket at the start of his innings."A big thing [I learned from last summer] was my mental stuff, just keeping simple plans and how can I do it for longer?" Konstas said. "I try to be calm.""I did [meditate] this morning, and then I was trying to do that on the field. Just breathing and using it to switch me on and off.""It worked today."Konstas' runs came as wickets fell around him under heavy cloud cover and light drizzle. Moises Henriques (five) and Matthew Gilkes (10) both fell to loose shots outside off stump, while Nic Maddinson was caught charging Manenti on 12.Oliver Davies provided some brief fireworks before being bowled by Jordan Buckingham for 37, while Josh Philippe hit 56 in his first Shield game for the Blues. Philippe was eventually stumped off Pope, as the South Australia spinner finished the day with 3 for 61 and NSW suffered a collapse of 3 for 17. Umpires called off play shortly after due to bad light, infuriating visiting captain McSweeney given he had kept his spinners bowling.

Tristan Stubbs' maiden ODI century propelled South Africa to a resounding 174-run victory over Ireland, securing the Proteas' series triumph with a match to spare. The 24-year-old Stubbs unleashed an explosive 112 off 81 deliveries, adorned with eight boundaries and three towering sixes, as South Africa amassed a formidable 343-4 in their allotted 50 overs.Ireland's response crumbled under the weight of the Proteas' onslaught, as they were dismissed for a paltry 169 with nearly 20 overs remaining. The defeat marked their second consecutive heavy loss, following a 139-run setback in the series opener.Stubbs, who had impressed with a 79 in the first match, continued his ruthless form on Friday. He reached his century in just 75 deliveries, exposing the deficiencies of the Irish bowling attack despite their rotation of seven bowlers.The Proteas' middle order provided ample support to Stubbs. Kyle Verreynne contributed a solid 67 off 64 balls, while Wiaan Mulder chipped in with a brisk 43 off 34 deliveries. At the top of the order, Ryan Rickelton added to his 91 from the opening fixture with a valuable 40."I thought in the first game, myself and 'Ricks' got out back to back. Today I didn't want that to happen," Stubbs explained. "That was the big focus. I thought they bowled quite well. They made us hit to the big side. We were rotating nicely and that helped us get the runs."The only concern for South Africa was the injury to skipper Temba Bavuma, who was forced to retire with an elbow injury sustained while attempting to avoid a run out. Bavuma had scored 35 when he was forced to leave the field, and he remained off the field during Ireland's innings, with Rassie van der Dussen taking over the captaincy."I think I aggravated an old injury on my elbow. We will get to know in the next few days. Right now, I am at the mercy of the doctors," Bavuma said.Ireland's reply began disastrously, with openers Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling dismissed cheaply, leaving the team reeling at 7-2 after three overs. The Proteas continued to make regular breakthroughs, but tailenders Craig Young (29 not out) and Graham Hume (21) provided some entertainment with a 52-run last-wicket partnership.South Africa fast bowler Lizaad Williams, who had claimed a career-best 4-32 in the first match, continued his impressive form with figures of 3-36 from five overs."It was a tough day at the office," said Stirling.The three-match series concludes at the same Abu Dhabi venue on Monday.