Cricket

Fielding has evolved from being a mere addendum to batting and bowling to a crucial discipline in modern cricket. The era of selecting extraordinary batters or exceptional bowlers alone, even if they were poor fielders, is long gone. The T20 format has further elevated fielding to a glorious spectacle, with boundary-line catches and acrobatic saves becoming commonplace.The Indian cricket team has had a series of exceptional fielding coaches over the last decade and a half. R. Sridhar and T. Dilip have played pivotal roles in changing attitudes, mindsets, and approaches to fielding and catching. Dilip is credited with introducing the "fielding medal," which has become a symbol of the importance of this discipline.The fielding medal is not just an acknowledgment of the crucial role fielding plays in the game, but also a recognition of the often-overlooked performances that can alter the balance of a match. India's recent Test victory against Bangladesh is a testament to the importance of fielding. The team's exceptional catching and ground fielding played a significant role in their seven-wicket triumph.As India prepares for the upcoming five-Test series in Australia, their fielding will be put to the test. The larger grounds and the propensity of Australian batters to take risks will challenge their fitness, agility, and throwing arms. The emergence of Shubman Gill as an excellent poucher at slip and the increasing assurance of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul in the slip cordon are encouraging developments.However, India's ground fielding must also step up. The bigger grounds Down Under and the Australian batters' tendency to look for extra runs will test their staying power and ability to cover ground quickly. While fielding may not be the sole determinant of India's success in Australia, it could prove to be a significant factor.

The Global Super League T20, a groundbreaking five-team tournament, is set to ignite Guyana from November 26 to December 7. Sanctioned by Cricket West Indies (CWI) and backed by the Guyanese government, this inaugural event boasts a prize pool of US$1 million.As South America's first standalone cricket spectacle, the Global Super League will showcase Guyana Amazon Warriors, the reigning Caribbean Premier League (CPL) champions, alongside four renowned T20 teams from across the globe. ESPNcricinfo has confirmed that Hampshire, the three-time English T20 Blast winners, is among the invited participants.The tournament format features 11 matches, with each team playing four group stage encounters. The top two teams will advance to the final, with all matches taking place at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence."The passion for cricket in Guyana is unmatched," said Global Super League chairman Clive Lloyd. "We are thrilled to share our love of the game and our vibrant culture with fans worldwide."The Amazon Warriors, Guyana's home team, have a rich history in the CPL, having won the title in 2023 and finished as runners-up six times.Guyana's President, Mohammed Irfaan Ali, expressed his support for the Global Super League, stating, "Cricket is deeply ingrained in our heritage and plays a vital role in our economic diversification strategy, with a focus on tourism."The Global Super League will coincide with the Abu Dhabi T10 and Bangladesh's tour of the Caribbean. However, the Test matches in the latter series will conclude before the Global Super League begins.

In a resounding display of dominance, India cruised to a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the opening T20 of the series in Gwalior. The hosts' triumph was orchestrated by a lethal bowling attack led by debutant Mayank Yadav and the returning Varun Chakaravarthy, who stifled the Bangladeshi batters.Mayank, a 22-year-old pacer from Delhi, made an impressive debut, generating serious pace and claiming the wicket of veteran Mahmudullah. His opening spell of 2-1-3-1 included a maiden over, showcasing his potential as a genuine fast bowler.Varun Chakaravarthy, making his comeback after nearly three years, also troubled the Bangladeshi batters with his enigmatic spin. He dismissed Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 64 for five in 10 overs.Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh played his part in the powerplay, removing openers Litton Das and Parvez Hossain Emon. He returned to end Bangladesh's innings, claiming the wicket of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who top-scored for the visitors with 35 not out.India's chase was equally impressive, with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson setting the tone with aggressive batting. Samson played a delightful cameo of 29 off 19 before falling to Mehidy Hasan Miraz.Skipper Suryakumar Yadav continued the onslaught, picking up shots off pacer Taskin Ahmed in the fifth over. Debutant Nitish Reddy and Hardik Pandya guided India home in a canter, with Pandya finishing the game in style with a ballistic 12th over.The victory was a testament to India's depth and talent, as they showcased a formidable bowling attack and aggressive batting lineup. The series-opening win sets the stage for an exciting contest between the two sides in the remaining matches.

Gwalior, a city steeped in history and renowned for its royal lineage, is poised to witness the return of international cricket after a hiatus of over a decade. The Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue located on the outskirts of the city, will host India's first home T20 match since their triumph at the 2023 T20 World Cup in the West Indies.The match marks a significant milestone for Gwalior, which last hosted an international cricket match in 2010 when Sachin Tendulkar etched his name in history by becoming the first cricketer to score a double century in ODIs. The upcoming T20 encounter will provide a platform for India to begin preparations for the defense of their T20 World Cup title in 2026, which they will co-host with Sri Lanka.Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India will field a squad featuring a blend of experienced players and promising youngsters. Fringe players like Mayank Yadav, Harshit Rana, and Nitish Reddy will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and stake their claim for a place in the team.One of the key storylines surrounding the match is the return of Varun Chakravarthy, the Kolkata Knight Riders spinner who last represented India in 2021. Chakravarthy's impressive performance in the 2024 IPL has earned him a recall, and his tricky bowling could pose a significant threat to Bangladesh.Despite his strong T20I record, Ruturaj Gaikwad's omission from the Indian squad has raised eyebrows. In his absence, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma will be expected to step up and provide stability to the batting lineup.Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be eager to bounce back from their 2-0 Test series defeat against India. Captain Najmul Shanto will need to lead by example, while experienced campaigners like Mahmudullah will be crucial to their chances of success.The T20 series between India and Bangladesh promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams looking to make a statement ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The return of international cricket to Gwalior is a testament to the city's rich sporting heritage and its passion for the game.

South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt Anticipates Team's Peak Performance in Women's T20 World Cup 2024Ahead of South Africa's opening match in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 against West Indies, captain Laura Wolvaardt expressed optimism about her team's ability to reach their peak at the right time. The Proteas will face their Group B opponents at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday afternoon.Wolvaardt acknowledged the challenges of the tournament, stating, "We know it's going to be a tough competition, but we're confident in our abilities." She emphasized the importance of consistency and execution, adding, "We need to be consistent in all three departments of the game and execute our plans effectively."The South African skipper highlighted the team's recent performances as a source of encouragement. "We've been playing some good cricket lately, and we're starting to gel as a unit," she said. "We're looking forward to the challenge and believe we can make a strong impact in the tournament."Wolvaardt also praised the team's preparation, saying, "We've had a good build-up to the World Cup, and we're feeling well-prepared." She expressed confidence in the team's ability to adapt to different conditions and strategies.The Proteas will be looking to make a statement in the tournament after a disappointing performance in the previous edition. Wolvaardt believes her team has the potential to go far. "We have a lot of experience in the team, and we're all hungry for success," she said. "We're determined to make a mark in this World Cup and show the world what we're capable of."

The third edition of the SA20 auction, held in Cape Town, set the stage for another thrilling season of South Africa's premier T20 league. With the tournament scheduled to commence on January 9, 2025, and conclude on February 8, all six franchises aimed to complete their 19-player squads.The auction witnessed intense bidding wars and strategic purchases as franchises sought to bolster their squads. Reeza Hendricks emerged as the most expensive signing, acquired by MI Cape Town for a staggering R4.30 million. Hendricks's ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed makes him a valuable asset for MI Cape Town.Another high-value buy was Richard Gleeson, who joined Sunrisers Eastern Cape for R2.3 million. Gleeson's express pace and yorker-bowling prowess make him a potent threat, particularly in the death overs. His experience in international leagues will be invaluable for Sunrisers Eastern Cape as they look to defend their title.Evin Lewis, the West Indian powerhouse, was another exciting pick, joining the Pretoria Capitals for R1.5 million. Lewis's explosive batting and ability to score quick runs will bolster Pretoria Capitals' top-order firepower.Marques Ackerman's signing for Pretoria Capitals at R800K was a calculated move. The middle-order batter's ability to stabilize innings and accelerate during the death overs makes him a versatile addition to the team.In a bargain buy, West Indian fast bowler Shamar Joseph was snapped up by Durban's Super Giants for just R425K. Joseph's raw talent and genuine pace offer tremendous potential, and he could prove to be a surprise package on South African pitches.The SA20 auction showcased the strategic thinking and competitive spirit of the franchises as they assembled their squads for the upcoming season. With a mix of international stars and rising domestic talents, the third edition of the SA20 promises to deliver thrilling cricket and intense competition.

The South African T20 league (SA20) is set to host its third season, and the upcoming player auction promises to be an exciting affair. With nearly 200 players shortlisted, including 115 South Africans, the six franchises will have their pick of some of the world's best T20 talent.Among the international players up for grabs are Shamar Joseph, Naseem Shah, Josh Little, and Josh Hull. These players have all impressed in recent T20 tournaments and will be looking to make a mark in the SA20.The Paarl Royals have the largest purse remaining at R11.95 million, followed by MI Cape Town with R8.275 million and Pretoria Capitals with R4.575 million. The Joburg Super Kings have R3.925 million, while the Sunrisers Eastern Cape hold R2.845 million. Durban's Super Giants have the smallest purse remaining at R2.35 million.Some of the notable international players on the shortlist include New Zealand opener Martin Guptill, Sri Lankan allrounder Kamindu Mendis, and Afghan wrist-spinner Qais Ahmad. Reeza Hendricks, released by the Super Kings, is the most notable South African in the shortlist.Each squad must have 19 players, including a minimum of 10 South Africans, a maximum of seven international players, a rookie, and a wildcard player. All franchises, except the Super Kings, have announced their wildcard picks. The Super Kings have until December 30 to name their wildcard player.The Paarl Royals have selected former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik as their wildcard. Karthik will be the first Indian to compete in the SA20.The SA20 Auction and Rookie Draft will take place on October 1. The tournament is scheduled to begin on January 9.

Dwayne Bravo, the legendary all-rounder, has bid farewell to cricket after a glittering career spanning over two decades. The 41-year-old, who holds the record for most T20 wickets, announced his retirement on Instagram, citing physical limitations.Bravo's international career ended in 2021, and he stepped away from the IPL last year. However, he continued to play in various T20 leagues around the world, including the CPL, where he was the most decorated player with five titles.In his retirement post, Bravo expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his career. He acknowledged that his body could no longer withstand the rigors of the game, and he did not want to compromise his performance or let down his teammates.Bravo's retirement marks the end of an era in T20 cricket. He was known for his exceptional bowling skills, particularly his variations and ability to bowl at the death. He also contributed with the bat, often playing crucial cameos in the lower order.Beyond his on-field achievements, Bravo was also a respected leader and mentor. He played a key role in nurturing young players, such as Dominic Drakes and Ali Khan, who have gone on to become stars in their own right.Bravo's retirement leaves a void in the world of cricket. He was a true entertainer and a role model for aspiring cricketers. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

The upcoming third season of the International League T20 (ILT20) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to witness a star-studded lineup of T20 specialists making their debuts. Among them are New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman, West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope, Guyanese all-rounder Romario Shepherd, England opener Jason Roy, and Afghanistan batter Ibrahim Zadran.Ferguson, who recently declined a national contract, has been signed by Desert Vipers. The Kiwi pacer has been in impressive T20 form, delivering four maidens in a T20I and taking ten wickets in seven games for Washington Freedom in the MLC. He will join left-arm quicks Mohammad Amir and Luke Wood at Vipers.Fakhar Zaman will also join Vipers, while Adam Milne will link up with Sharjah Warriors. Milne will reunite with New Zealand teammate Tim Seifert, who has also turned down a domestic contract to pursue franchise T20 opportunities.Dubai Capitals have signed Hope, who made his IPL debut earlier this year. The West Indian will captain the team in the absence of Imran Tahir. Former Australia batter Joe Burns and Sri Lankan slinger Garuka Sanketh are also among Capitals' new signings.Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have welcomed Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, who was part of Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL title-winning squad, and Terrance Hinds. Afghanistan's Ibrahim Zadran and Wahidullah Zadran have joined Gulf Giants.MI Emirates have signed Shepherd, who will reunite with Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo. Italian batter Thomas Draca will also join the team.The third season of the ILT20 will be played from January 11 to February 9, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah.