Cricket

Shikhar Dhawan's remarkable cricketing journey owes a significant debt to the astute judgment of two Mumbai stalwarts: Dilip Vengsarkar and Sandeep Patil. Their unwavering belief in Dhawan's talent paved the way for his meteoric rise in Indian cricket.In 2004, Vengsarkar, then chairman of the BCCI's Talent Research Development Wing, played a pivotal role in Dhawan's selection for the Under-19 World Cup. Despite Dhawan's initial omission due to poor performances in trial matches, Vengsarkar's insistence on his inclusion proved to be a masterstroke. Dhawan emerged as the tournament's highest run-getter, showcasing his exceptional talent.Years later, in 2013, Patil, as chief national selector, made the bold decision to select Dhawan for the third Test against Australia in Mohali. Replacing the legendary Virender Sehwag, Dhawan seized the opportunity with both hands, smashing a magnificent 187 on debut. His 85-ball century remains the fastest by any batter on Test debut.Patil's unwavering support for Dhawan, despite opposition from his fellow selectors, underscores his keen eye for talent. "Getting the right opportunity at the right time is extremely important," Patil said. "Shikhar had just returned from India A's South African tour after scoring a double century and a century there. He proved my decision right. He saved me!"Dhawan's success is a testament to the importance of mentors and selectors who recognize and nurture young talent. Vengsarkar and Patil's foresight and unwavering belief in Dhawan's abilities have played a significant role in shaping his illustrious career.

Aiden Markram, the captain of the South African cricket team, holds a unique distinction: he is the only South African captain to have led a team to victory in a World Cup. Markram's triumph came in the 2014 Under-19 World Cup, the only global cricket trophy won by South Africa.While Markram acknowledges the significant difference between a junior tournament and the men's Twenty20 World Cup, he draws upon his experience as a source of confidence. "There aren't so many eyes watching you in an age-group tournament," Markram said. "Now there is a lot more planning and preparation."Markram's leadership in 2014 was exemplary, as he scored 370 runs at an average of 123.33 and was named player of the tournament. He was also supported by the precocious fast bowling talent of Kagiso Rabada, who was the side's leading wicket-taker.However, South Africa's T20 results under Markram and coach Rob Walter have been less than impressive. The team has managed only two wins in eight matches, all played at home. Markram believes the results don't tell the full story, as South Africa has seldom fielded a full-strength team.Despite their low ranking, Markram is confident in his team's abilities. South Africa boasts a potentially powerful batting line-up, with players of the quality of Quinton de Kock, Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs.Coach Walter has selected bowlers who he believes can strike in the crucial early overs of a T20 contest. Anrich Nortje, the team's fastest bowler, is a key player but has struggled in recent matches.Markram, Klaasen, and Marco Jansen arrived at the team's training base in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday night after being involved in the IPL final in Chennai on Sunday. Markram believes the travel is a reality for many players these days and is focused on getting ready for Monday's match against Sri Lanka.

New South Wales (NSW) has bolstered its squad for the 2024-25 season with the addition of three promising youngsters from the Under-19 World Cup-winning team: Sam Konstas, Ryan Hicks, and Charlie Anderson. These talented players join experienced recruits Nic Maddinson and Josh Philippe, who bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to the team.Konstas, a 19-year-old batter, made an impressive debut for NSW last season, scoring a century in the Under-19 World Cup and a half-century in the Shield. He has earned a full contract, while Hicks and Anderson have been awarded rookie deals.Hicks, a wicketkeeper-batter, showcased his potential with a century in an Under-19 Youth Test against England. He will develop behind established keepers Philippe and Matthew Gilkes. Anderson, a bowler, impressed at the Under-19 World Cup and takes Jack Nisbet's rookie spot. Nisbet has been upgraded to a full contract after a successful debut Shield season.NSW chief of cricket performance Greg Mail expressed his delight at adding the trio to the squad. "Sam and Jack confirmed their talent last season and deserve their full contracts," he said. "Ryan and Charlie have also shown their readiness for professional opportunities."The addition of Maddinson and Philippe further strengthens NSW's squad. Maddinson, a former NSW captain, returns after six seasons with Victoria, while Philippe brings his experience from Western Australia."Players of their caliber don't become available often," said Mail. "They will enhance our balance and depth."Jason Sangha and Baxter Holt have departed the squad, with Sangha likely to join South Australia and Holt heading to Western Australia. Kurtis Patterson remains on the list despite exploring options elsewhere.The NSW squad for 2024-25 includes:* Sean Abbott (CA contract)* Charlie Anderson (rookie)* Jackson Bird* Pat Cummins (CA)* Joel Davies (rookie)* Oliver Davies* Ben Dwarshuis* Jack Edwards* Matt Gilkes* Chris Green* Ryan Hackney* Ryan Hadley* Liam Hatcher* Josh Hazlewood (CA)* Moises Henriques* Ryan Hicks (rookie)* Daniel Hughes* Hayden Kerr* Sam Konstas* Nathan Lyon (CA)* Nic Maddinson* Blake Nikitaras* Jack Nisbet* Kurtis Patterson* Josh Philippe* Will Salzmann (rookie)* Tanveer Sangha* Lachlan Shaw (rookie)* Steve Smith (CA)* Mitchell Starc (CA)* Chris Tremain* Adam Zampa (CA)