Cricket

Domestic Cricket Thrills: Patidar's Century, Delhi's Dominance, and Mumbai's DrawThe Ranji Trophy, India's premier domestic cricket tournament, has witnessed a thrilling week of action. Madhya Pradesh's Rajat Patidar stole the show with a lightning-fast century, while Delhi and Baroda registered emphatic victories. Defending champions Mumbai, however, were held to a draw by Tripura.Patidar's Blazing CenturyMadhya Pradesh batter Rajat Patidar set the stage alight with a blistering century against Haryana. He reached the three-figure mark in just 68 balls, becoming the fifth-fastest centurion in Ranji Trophy history. Patidar's innings helped Madhya Pradesh post a formidable total, but Haryana fought back to earn a hard-fought draw.Delhi's Dominant WinDelhi secured their first outright victory of the season with a comprehensive 10-wicket triumph over Assam. Openers Sanat Sangwan and Gagan Vats chased down the target of 59 runs without losing a wicket, securing a bonus point for their team.Mumbai Held to DrawMumbai, the defending champions, were held to a draw by Tripura after taking a first-innings lead. Tripura's Bikramkumar Das and Jiwanjot Singh played unbeaten knocks to guide their team to safety.Baroda's Innings VictoryBaroda skipper Krunal Pandya led from the front with a century, while Shivalik Sharma and Vishnu Solanki also made significant contributions. Their efforts helped Baroda secure an innings and 98-run victory over Odisha.Other Match ResultsIn other matches, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Baroda, Karnataka, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Jammu & Kashmir, Chandigarh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Railways, and Vidarbha emerged victorious. Punjab and Uttar Pradesh played out a draw, while Bengal and Kerala's match was unfinished.

Aaryavir Sehwag Makes Impressive Debut for Delhi in Vinoo Mankad TrophyAaryavir Sehwag, the son of legendary Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag, has made a promising debut for Delhi in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, an U-19 one-day tournament. Playing against Manipur in Pondicherry, Aaryavir showcased his batting prowess, scoring a notable 49-run knock that helped Delhi secure a comfortable six-wicket victory.Chasing a target of 169, Aaryavir opened the innings for Delhi and provided a solid start. He played with maturity and composure, hitting six fours and a six during his 64-ball stay at the crease. Aaryavir missed out on a well-deserved half-century but played a crucial role in setting the foundation for Delhi's successful chase.Aaryavir's innings was particularly impressive considering that he had missed out on a century in the trial game, where he had smashed 183 runs off 136 balls for the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA). His performance in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy suggests that he is a talented batsman with the potential to follow in his father's footsteps.Aaryavir's knock was complemented by a quick-fire 75 off 45 balls from skipper Pranav Pant, who remained unbeaten. The duo stitched together a 61-run partnership for the third wicket, which helped Delhi accelerate the chase.Delhi eventually reached the target with ease, securing a six-wicket victory. Aaryavir's impressive debut has raised expectations for his future in cricket. As he continues to develop his skills and gain experience, he has the potential to become a valuable asset for Delhi and the Indian cricket team.

Virat Kohli's journey with Delhi cricket has been a remarkable one, marked by both triumphs and challenges. His association with the Ranji Trophy, India's premier domestic cricket tournament, began in the 2006-07 season.Kohli's performances in the Ranji Trophy were instrumental in his rise to prominence. His consistent batting and leadership skills caught the attention of selectors, leading to his debut for the Indian national team in 2008.However, Kohli's path to success was not without its obstacles. In a recent interview, he revealed that he was once dropped from the Delhi Under-14 team at 1 AM due to "compensations" being offered to others. Despite this setback, Kohli's determination remained unwavering.One of Kohli's most memorable moments in the Ranji Trophy came in December 2006, when he scored 90 runs against Karnataka just a day after his father's death. This innings showcased his mental strength and dedication to the game.Kohli's last Ranji Trophy appearance for Delhi was in 2012. Since then, his international commitments have limited his participation in the domestic tournament. Nevertheless, his early success in the Ranji Trophy played a crucial role in his development as a world-class cricketer.Kohli's contributions to Delhi cricket extend beyond his on-field performances. He has been a mentor to young players and has played a significant role in promoting the sport in the region. His legacy as a Delhi cricketer will continue to inspire generations to come.

Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant Return to Delhi's Ranji Trophy Probables ListStar Indian batsmen Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant have been included in Delhi's probables list for the upcoming Ranji Trophy, scheduled to commence on October 11, 2024. The premier domestic red-ball event in Indian cricket has produced numerous Indian stars, including Kohli and Pant.Delhi will face Chhattisgarh in their Elite Plate Group D encounter on the opening day of the tournament. Other notable players on the probables list include Ayush Badoni, Anuj Rawat, Yash Dhull, and Navdeep Saini.Pant recently made a comeback to the Test team in the Duleep Trophy, where he scored a century in the opening match against Bangladesh. His return to form has been a welcome boost for the Indian team ahead of the home series against Bangladesh.The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) announced the list of 84 probables, stating that a fitness test for the selected players will be held on September 26, 2024. Players on international duty are exempted from the fitness test.The Ranji Trophy match on October 11 precedes India's first Test match against New Zealand in Bengaluru, which begins on October 16. This match provides Kohli with an opportunity to gain valuable game time in home conditions before the international series.

Rishabh Pant to Grace Delhi Premier League T20 Opener, Boosting Young TalentIn a significant development for the inaugural Delhi Premier League T20 (DPLT20), Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has confirmed his participation in the opening match of the season on August 17. Pant will don the colors of Purani Delhi 6 against South Delhi Superstarz, led by Ayush Badoni, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.Pant's presence will be a major boost for the tournament, which aims to provide a platform for aspiring cricketers in Delhi. The 25-year-old has been a key figure in India's recent success, playing a pivotal role in the team's Test and limited-overs victories.Purani Delhi 6 will also field another experienced campaigner in Ishant Sharma alongside Pant. Pant's participation was initially uncertain due to his busy international schedule. However, he has made a commitment to play the first match to support the initiative and acknowledge the role Delhi cricket has played in his career."Rishabh has agreed to play the first match of the DPLT20 as he wanted to be a part of this initiative that is likely to provide a great platform for youngsters in Delhi," a source close to Pant told TOI.While Pant is eager to gain match practice after missing 15 months of cricket due to a car accident, his preparation for the upcoming international season remains a priority. He will return to red-ball training after the first match of the DPL and focus on preparing for the long-format season, starting with the Duleep Trophy in early September.The DDCA and Purani Delhi 6 management have expressed their appreciation for Pant's gesture while respecting his commitments. Pant's participation in the DPLT20 opener is expected to generate significant excitement and inspire young cricketers in Delhi.