Cricket

Mumbai's Ranji Trophy campaign has been a topsy-turvy affair so far, but they will be hoping to kick-start their season with a win against Odisha from Wednesday. The defending champions have been placed fourth in a group of eight, and their relatively inexperienced batting line-up will be banking on captain Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer to take the game away from Odisha.Iyer, who ended his three-year First Class hundred drought last month, will be making his return to the side after taking a break from the last round. His inclusion is a major boost for Mumbai, who will be looking to him to provide stability and experience to their batting order.Odisha, on the other hand, are yet to take off in this campaign. They have played three matches so far, losing two and drawing one. However, they will be confident of causing an upset against Mumbai, having beaten them in the Vijay Hazare Trophy last year.The match will be played at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy ground in Mumbai. The pitch is expected to be a good batting surface, and both teams will be looking to post big scores.

Off-spinner Lakshay Jain's remarkable performance propelled Chhattisgarh to a tame draw against TNCA XI in the Buchi Babu semifinal at the NPR College cricket ground in Natham. Jain's five-wicket haul in the second innings, coupled with his five-wicket haul in the first innings, gave him a match haul of ten for 216.Chhattisgarh, having secured the first-innings lead, opted not to enforce the follow-on. However, TNCA XI's batting lineup struggled against Jain's guile. Mohammad Irfan was dismissed leg before wicket, while Amandeep Khare's expansive cover drive was thwarted by the spinning ball.Khare, who had earlier struck two sixes, shared a 60-run seventh-wicket stand with left-hander Gagandeep Singh (30). However, Jain's relentless bowling proved too much for TNCA XI, as he dismissed Jeevesh Butte and Anuj Tiwari in quick succession.The umpires ended the match prematurely due to the lack of competitive play. Chhattisgarh's first-innings total of 467, featuring Ayush Pandey's 82, Anuj Tiwari's 93, Amandeep Khare's 97, and Prateek Yadav's 109, proved to be insurmountable for TNCA XI.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer, has emerged as the highest taxpayer among sportspersons in India for the financial year 2023-24. According to a report by Fortune India, Kohli paid a staggering Rs 66 crore in taxes, surpassing the likes of MS Dhoni (Rs 38 crore) and Sachin Tendulkar (Rs 28 crore).Kohli's remarkable tax contribution reflects his immense earnings and popularity. He is one of the most marketable athletes in the world, with endorsement deals from major brands such as Puma, Audi, and MRF. His social media presence is also unparalleled, with over 200 million followers across platforms.Beyond his financial success, Kohli is widely regarded as one of the greatest batters of his generation. Known for his aggressive style and exceptional technique, he has broken numerous records and achieved milestones throughout his illustrious career.However, Kohli's journey to the top was not without its challenges. Harbhajan Singh, a former teammate, revealed that Kohli initially struggled against certain bowlers and doubted his own abilities. It was Singh who provided him with the necessary encouragement and guidance, instilling in him the belief that he could achieve greatness.Kohli's transformation from a flamboyant young player to a mature and calculated batter is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has learned to adapt his game to different situations, pacing his innings and playing according to the team's needs.Despite his success, Kohli remains humble and grounded. He is known for his commitment to fitness and his unwavering determination to improve. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and fans alike, demonstrating that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.

Ajith Ram, a rising star in the Tamil Nadu cricket team, has emerged as a tireless workhorse in the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament semifinal against Chhattisgarh. Despite the wicket offering little assistance to spinners, Ram has toiled relentlessly, bowling 42 overs in two days and claiming four wickets for 109 runs.Ram's unwavering determination to bowl long spells stems from his belief that it provides ample opportunities to outwit batters. "I love bowling a lot. Long spells mean more chances to pick up wickets," he said. "I enjoy the challenge of plotting a batter's dismissal."The 24-year-old spinner has carried his impressive form from the previous Ranji Trophy season into this tournament. He credits his success to his ability to adjust his bowling to the conditions and the batter's strengths. "When you bowl a lot in the long format, you can build up patiently for a batter," he explained. "I like that a lot."Ram's contributions have been crucial for Tamil Nadu, who are aiming to reach the final of the tournament. He has not only been economical with the ball but has also chipped in with valuable runs down the order. "It'll be better if I could contribute to the team with the bat," he said.Ram's performance has caught the attention of cricket pundits, who believe he has the potential to become a mainstay in the Tamil Nadu team and even the Indian national side. His ability to bowl long spells, control the run rate, and take wickets makes him a valuable asset to any team.As Tamil Nadu continues its quest for victory in the Buchi Babu tournament, Ram is expected to play a pivotal role. His tireless work ethic and unwavering determination will undoubtedly be key factors in his team's success.

Gujarat's batting lineup showcased resilience and determination on the opening day of their Buchi Babu Memorial All India invitational cricket tournament match against TNCA President's XI. Despite losing four wickets early on, they rallied to end the day on a strong note, scoring 321 for seven wickets.Left-handed batsman Jaymeet Patel played a pivotal role in Gujarat's recovery. Coming in at number six, he struck an unbeaten 125 runs off 214 deliveries, including 11 boundaries and two sixes. His innings was a display of both power and finesse, as he punished loose deliveries and rotated the strike effectively.Patel's partnership with Kshitij Patel (62 runs off 106 balls) was crucial in stabilizing Gujarat's innings. The duo put on a 73-run stand for the fifth wicket, providing a solid foundation for the team's recovery. Kshitij's contribution was characterized by his ability to score runs off the backfoot, hitting all his boundaries in that manner.After Kshitij's dismissal, Jaymeet Patel continued to anchor the innings, finding an able ally in Urvil Patel (33 runs). Together, they added 70 runs for the sixth wicket, further consolidating Gujarat's position. However, Urvil's run-out at the non-striker's end brought an end to their partnership.The TNCA President's XI bowlers had a strong start to the day, with left-arm spinner M. Siddharth claiming four wickets before lunch. The turning pitch and close-in fielders created challenges for Gujarat's batsmen, but Jaymeet Patel and Kshitij Patel managed to overcome these obstacles.In the latter stages of the day, Dhrushant Soni (44 runs) provided valuable support to Jaymeet Patel. The pair put on 101 runs for the seventh wicket, extending Gujarat's lead and putting them in a commanding position heading into day two.

Sport, often hailed as the epitome of life's exuberance, is a realm where physical prowess, determination, and the pursuit of excellence intertwine. However, the sudden demise of an athlete can shatter this illusion, leaving us grappling with the stark reality of mortality.The news of a sportsperson's death, whether on the field or off, evokes a profound sense of shock and disbelief. The public, accustomed to witnessing their triumphs and resilience, struggles to reconcile the image of an invincible athlete with the fragility of life.The traditional stages of grief—shock, denial, and acceptance—often fail to fully capture the complex emotions surrounding an athlete's death. The denial phase can linger indefinitely, as the mind refuses to accept that someone who seemed so vibrant and invincible could be gone.In the wake of such tragedies, we are confronted with the harsh reality that even the most gifted athletes are not immune to the perils of life. Injuries, accidents, and illnesses can strike at any moment, reminding us that the pursuit of athletic glory comes with inherent risks.Recent events have brought this truth into sharp focus. The passing of former India opener Aunshuman Gaekwad and England's Graham Thorpe, both victims of cancer, has cast a pall over the cricketing world. Thorpe's death by suicide has further highlighted the mental health challenges that can afflict even the most successful athletes.Sport, with its emphasis on competition and achievement, can create an illusion of invincibility. Athletes are often seen as superhuman, capable of overcoming any obstacle. However, the pressure to perform, the relentless training, and the constant scrutiny can take a heavy toll on their physical and mental well-being.The death of Ayrton Senna, the legendary Formula One driver, in a crash in 1994, remains a haunting reminder of the fragility of life. Senna, known for his fearless driving and unwavering determination, was at the peak of his career when tragedy struck. His untimely demise left a void in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.Similarly, the loss of Indian opener Raman Lamba, who died after being struck on the head while fielding, and Australian batsman Phillip Hughes, who succumbed to a bouncer injury, have left an enduring mark on the cricketing fraternity. These incidents serve as a sobering reminder that even the most mundane aspects of the game can have devastating consequences.The death of an athlete is not merely a loss to the sporting world; it is a loss to society as a whole. Athletes inspire us, motivate us, and bring joy to our lives. Their passing leaves a void that is difficult to fill.As we mourn the loss of these sporting icons, it is important to remember that their legacy extends beyond their achievements on the field. They have taught us the value of perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Their stories will continue to inspire generations to come.

Cricketers, like all athletes, have defining performances that reveal their unique style, personality, and essence. These performances often occur in challenging conditions, against the odds. They inspire captains to exclaim, as Don Bradman did during Stan McCabe's innings, "Come and watch this, you'll never see the likes of it again."Sourav Ganguly may have uttered similar words as V.V.S. Laxman compiled 281 in Kolkata, leading India to victory after following on. Not all defining innings result in victories. Sunil Gavaskar's 221 at the Oval ended in a draw, while Sachin Tendulkar's 136 in Chennai against Pakistan couldn't prevent defeat. Was that Tendulkar's best innings, or should that title go to his 143 against Australia in Sharjah, the so-called Desert Storm in a One-Day International? Perhaps it was the 114 he made on a bouncy Perth track as a 19-year-old?Not all such innings are centuries either. Gundappa Vishwanath's unbeaten 97 in the Chennai Test against the West Indies was more Vishy-like than even his double century against England.It's worth noting that India won Laxman's Test thanks equally to Harbhajan Singh's 13 wickets, including India's first hat-trick. That must rate as the off-spinner's defining performance, just as Anil Kumble's 10 for 74 in Delhi in the second innings against Pakistan will remain his.Although Kapil Dev once took nine wickets in a Test innings, his defining performance may be the unbeaten 175 he made against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup. However, my favorite was his 129 in Port Elizabeth on India's first tour of South Africa, where he seemed to be playing at a different level from everyone else. The next highest score was 17.The Kolkata Test also showcased the quintessential Rahul Dravid—calm, supportive, classical—as he made 180 in a partnership with Laxman. Dependable, as a current commercial featuring him has it. There was a brief 'Indiranagar ka goonda' in one of his early Tests, at the Wanderers where he made 148 after showing fast bowler Allan Donald who was boss!Statistician Anantha Narayanan recently calculated that Ravichandran Ashwin will finish with 656 Test wickets, more than any other Indian. Ashwin reinvents himself regularly, and his defining performance will probably come closer to the end when he has mastered all his variations and worked out his tricks.I once wrote—my only excuse being I was young and raw—that Sunil Gavaskar's batting, like history, repeats itself. It was a silly thing to say, and I was taken to task by the sports editor. No two innings by any batter are exactly alike, and part of a reporter's job is to train himself to notice the differences.Variety and surprise are keys to mastery. If Gavaskar hit a straight drive off every ball that was pitched up to him, or Virat Kohli played that unique on-drive suggestive of a tennis player's cross-court shot, cricket would be so much poorer. Variety and surprise are keys to mastery.Every player is capable of one moment of greatness in a career, but the best players have many of them, and closer together. After he had made 192 in Auckland where he dominated the New Zealand bowlers, Mohammad Azharuddin was asked which was his favorite stroke. "The one that goes exactly where I want it to," he answered. Virender Sehwag would agree.His 195 at Melbourne where he perished attempting the six that would get him to his double, was probably that batter's defining innings. He shook the bowling by the scruff of the neck, hit 25 fours and five sixes and was out hitting a full toss to long on. He was a stranger to caution.In his first Test as captain, Virat Kohli made two centuries, the second of which nearly took India to victory. In the end they fell short by 48 runs, but Kohli's aggressive approach as batter and captain captured the cricket world's imagination. Especially since it all began with a knock on the helmet from a Mitchell Johnson express.Will someone else have the same list? Unlikely. And that's part of the joy of sport.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the 2023 Champions Trophy will be held entirely within Pakistan, with matches scheduled to take place in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. The decision comes amidst speculation that the tournament could adopt a "hybrid model" to accommodate India's participation.The PCB remains adamant about hosting the tournament within the country's borders, despite ongoing rumors suggesting a potential 'hybrid model' to accommodate India's participation. The board has sent the schedule for the matches to the ICC and is confident that it can provide a safe and secure environment for the event.The ICC's security team has already visited Pakistan and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. The PCB is also working to upgrade the facilities at the three proposed venues to ensure they meet international standards.PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said at a press conference in Lahore, "We are trying to ensure we host a very good tournament in Pakistan." He added that the board is committed to providing a memorable experience for all participants and fans.The PCB has been steadfast in insisting that the tournament will not be altered in any way to accommodate India. The 'Hybrid Model' of hosting was used in the Asia Cup last year, with India's matches held in Sri Lanka even though Pakistan was the official host.However, the PCB has made it clear that it will not accept any such arrangement for the Champions Trophy. Naqvi said, "We have not received any official communication from the ICC regarding a hybrid model. We are confident that we can host the entire tournament in Pakistan."The PCB is confident that it can host a successful Champions Trophy in 2023. The tournament will be a major boost for Pakistan cricket and will help to promote the country as a safe and welcoming destination for international sports events.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have endured a dismal start to the IPL 2024 season, losing seven of their eight matches. However, despite their struggles, they remain mathematically in contention for a playoff berth.To secure a top-four finish, RCB must win all six of their remaining matches. If they achieve this feat, they will finish with 14 points. The best-case scenario for RCB is if the top two or three teams dominate the league, leaving the remaining teams to battle for the remaining spots.Assuming Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad win four, five, and five of their remaining matches respectively, RCB could finish fourth with 14 points, while the other teams would be left with 12 or fewer points.RCB could even finish third if Sunrisers and KKR suffer a sudden slump and finish with only 12 points. In this scenario, Lucknow Super Giants could win five of their last six matches and finish in the top two alongside Royals. RCB would then finish third with 14 points, ahead of six teams tied on 12 points.However, for any of these scenarios to materialize, RCB must start winning consistently and by significant margins. They must also rely on favorable results from other teams.