Cricket

Prithvi Shaw, the prodigious Indian opener, has faced a setback in his career after being dropped from the Mumbai Ranji Trophy squad due to fitness and disciplinary concerns. The exclusion has sparked a debate about the role of physical appearance in determining a player's fitness in cricket.Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has come to Shaw's defense, arguing that weight or body shape should not be the primary measure of fitness. He points to the example of Sarfaraz Khan, who despite facing scrutiny over his physique, recently scored a brilliant 150 against New Zealand.Gavaskar emphasizes that cricket fitness should be judged by a player's ability to perform on the field, such as scoring runs or bowling overs. He questions the relevance of body fat percentage, stating that it is not a reliable indicator of a player's fitness or ability.Sources indicate that Shaw has been irregular in attending training sessions and has been observed as being overweight. However, Gavaskar believes that these issues can be addressed through proper guidance and support. He urges Shaw to focus on his fitness and discipline, while also reminding him of his immense talent.The exclusion from the Ranji Trophy squad is a wake-up call for Shaw, who has been struggling to regain his form in recent times. He has been dropped from the Indian team and has faced criticism for his inconsistent performances.Shaw's exclusion has also raised questions about the culture within the Mumbai team. Some reports suggest that there may be a lack of discipline and accountability, which could be contributing to the team's poor performance in the Ranji Trophy.It remains to be seen how Shaw will respond to this setback. He has the talent and potential to be one of the best batsmen in the world, but he needs to address his fitness and discipline issues if he wants to fulfill his potential.

Prithvi Shaw's recent struggles have taken a significant turn as he has been dropped from the Mumbai squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches. The decision stems from concerns over his discipline and fitness, which have reportedly upset the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) and its selection committee.Shaw's inconsistent attendance at net sessions, even after early dismissals, has raised eyebrows. His lax attitude towards fitness has also become a concern for the team management. These factors have prompted the selectors to take a tough stance, resulting in Shaw's omission from the squad.The selection committee, led by Sanjay Patil, announced the Mumbai squad without Shaw's name. It is believed that Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane played a role in the decision, as he was reportedly against Shaw's selection.In response to the news, Shaw took to Instagram and posted a sarcastic message: "Needed a break thanks." The MCA released a statement confirming the squad selection but did not provide any explanation for Shaw's absence.While Shaw's appearances in net sessions have been sporadic, veteran players like Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, and Shardul Thakur have been working diligently to regain top form. Mumbai will face Tripura in their next Ranji Trophy match on October 26 at the MBB Stadium in Agartala.The Mumbai squad for the match includes:* Ajinkya Rahane (Captain)* Ayush Mhatre* Angkrish Raghuvanshi* Akhil Herwadkar* Shreyas Iyer* Siddhessh Lad* Suryansh Shedge* Hardik Tamore (WK)* Sidhaant Addhatrao (WK)* Shams Mulani* Karsh Kothari* Himanshu Singh* Shardul Thakur* Mohit Avasthi* Mohd. Juned Khan* Royston DiasShaw's omission from the squad serves as a reminder of the importance of discipline and fitness in professional sports. It remains to be seen whether he can address these concerns and regain his place in the team.

Pakistan's head coach, Jason Gillespie, has faced a challenging start to his tenure as the team struggles to avoid a series loss against Bangladesh. With one day remaining in the crucial Test match, Gillespie acknowledged the visitors' favoritism but emphasized the need for discipline and application from his players.In the first innings, Pakistan's bowlers had Bangladesh on the ropes at 6 for 26, but a resilient 165-run seventh-wicket stand propelled the visitors to a respectable 262, the highest score in Test history for a team losing their first six wickets under 50. Gillespie stressed the importance of managing such situations effectively, as Pakistan's bowlers faltered in the face of Bangladesh's resistance.On the fourth morning, Bangladesh replicated Pakistan's success from the previous day, dismissing the hosts for 172, with all ten wickets falling to the quicks. Gillespie criticized his bowlers for deviating from their game plan and urged them to maintain discipline and intent.Pakistan's off-field decision-making has also come under scrutiny. In the first Test, they opted for an all-pace attack, neglecting spinner Abrar Ahmed, a decision that backfired when Bangladesh's slow bowlers dominated the final day. This time, despite preparing a seam-friendly pitch, Pakistan omitted Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah from the playing XI, leaving them without genuine pace or old-ball threat.Gillespie defended the team's selection, stating that they considered the conditions and surfaces. However, he acknowledged that Afridi and Shah are valuable assets and that the team is working to build a squad mentality.Despite the odds being stacked against them, Gillespie expressed hope that Pakistan could still salvage a victory. He emphasized the importance of taking catches, seizing opportunities, and maintaining a positive mindset.However, the weather may play a significant role in the outcome. Steady rain has been falling for several hours, with more forecast overnight and on the final day. If play is not possible, Bangladesh will secure their most famous series win, while Pakistan will be left to rue their missed opportunities.

Shubman Gill has refuted allegations of indiscipline following his departure from India's T20 World Cup squad. The young batsman took to social media to dismiss rumors, posting a photo with Rohit Sharma and his daughter, captioned "Sammy and I learning the art of discipline from Rohit Sharma."Gill was among four reserve players accompanying India's squad for the tournament. With the group stage complete, he and Avesh Khan are set to return home. Unconfirmed reports suggested Gill's departure was due to disciplinary issues, but India's batting coach Vikram Rathour has denied these claims.Rathour explained that the management team had pre-planned to release two reserve players after the Caribbean leg. "This was a plan from the beginning. When we come to the US, four players will come together. After that two will be released and two will travel with us to West Indies," he said.India's group stage concluded with a washed-out match against Canada. They topped Group A with seven points from three matches and qualified for the Super 8 stage. They will face Australia, Afghanistan, and potentially Bangladesh in the next round.Gill's departure has sparked speculation about his future with the Indian team. The 23-year-old has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League. He was expected to play a significant role in India's T20 World Cup campaign, but his exclusion from the squad has raised questions about his standing within the team.Despite the rumors, Gill remains a highly-rated prospect. His performances for Gujarat Titans in the IPL have earned him praise from experts and fans alike. He is likely to be recalled to the Indian team in the near future and will be determined to prove his worth.

Chandrakant Pandit, the mastermind behind Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) maiden IPL triumph, has revealed the secrets to his coaching success. After guiding Mumbai, Vidarbha, and Madhya Pradesh to Ranji titles, Pandit has now etched his name in IPL history.In an exclusive interview, Pandit emphasized the importance of discipline and respect for the game. "I always believe in discipline. There's a routine that I always follow. Respecting the game is most important. I don't go above the game, and never allow the others to do that," he said.Despite facing criticism from some players for his "dictatorial" style, Pandit remained steadfast in his approach. "I always stick to my style of working. I don't get distracted or react to that because you cannot keep everyone happy," he explained.Pandit acknowledged the role of mentor Gautam Gambhir in KKR's victory. "His presence in the dugout was a great motivation for everyone. It was a great boost for us. He came in with a lot of cricketing experience. He's been a part of the IPL for so many years. We took all the decisions collectively," he said.Pandit praised KKR captain Shreyas Iyer for his leadership qualities. "I would give a lot of credit to Shreyas. He's been a fantastic captain, very calm and cool. He was receptive to our suggestions and handled the team well on and off the field. With KKR, he showed the qualities which make him worthy for India captaincy in the future," he said.Pandit also highlighted the contributions of assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, bowling coach Bharat Arun, and spin-bowling coach Carl Crowe. "Nayar's contribution was huge, while Arun and Crowe deserve credit for the bowlers' fine show," he said.Pandit's coaching philosophy revolves around creating a positive and supportive environment for his players. "I always try to create a good atmosphere in the team. I want the players to feel comfortable and confident. I believe in giving them the freedom to express themselves," he said.Pandit's success as a coach is a testament to his unwavering belief in discipline, respect, and teamwork. His ability to motivate and inspire his players has made him one of the most sought-after coaches in Indian cricket.

Suresh Raina, the former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter, has attributed the team's success in the Indian Premier League (IPL) to its strict no-partying culture. Raina, who spent the majority of his IPL career with CSK, believes that franchises that have not won the league have indulged in excessive partying.In an interview, Raina took a subtle dig at these franchises, saying, "Only those who are used to partying haven't won (the league)." He further elaborated, "Chennai never partied. That's why they have been the most successful. 2-3 teams who partied have not won the IPL yet."Raina emphasized the importance of discipline and focus in achieving success in the IPL. He questioned how teams could expect to perform well on the field if they were partying late into the night. "If you party late into the night, how will you play in the morning? In May-June's heat, how will you play afternoon games if you have partied all night?" he asked.The former India star also highlighted the fact that many players in the IPL are also representing India. He stressed the need for players to prioritize their national commitments and maintain a healthy lifestyle. "We are also playing for India, keep in mind. If I don't play well, why will my captain select me?" he said.Raina's comments have sparked a debate about the role of partying in the IPL. While some believe that it is a harmless way for players to relax and socialize, others argue that it can negatively impact their performance on the field.