Cricket

Women's red-ball cricket made a triumphant return to India's domestic calendar after a six-year hiatus, with the Senior Women Inter-Zonal Multi-Day Trophy kicking off in Pune on March 28. East Zone, led by Deepti Sharma, opted to bat first and put up a formidable 385 for 8 against North East Zone.East Zone's innings was anchored by a magnificent 140 from Dhara Gujjar, who batted for 216 balls and struck 22 boundaries. She shared crucial partnerships with Rizu Saha (109 runs) and Durga Murmu (99 runs), consolidating the innings after the early loss of Uma Chetry (47) and Deepti Sharma (49).North East Zone's bowling attack was led by Debasmita Dutta, who claimed 5/76 from 32 overs. Yasin Sariba also chipped in with 2/100.In the other match of the tournament, West Zone dominated Central Zone at the DY Patil Academy in Ambi. West Zone's spin duo of Anuja Patil (5/75) and Radha Yadav (3/55) shared eight wickets between them, bowling Central Zone out for 245 in 87.3 overs.Punam Raut top-scored for Central Zone with a resolute 84 off 209 balls, but her efforts were not enough to prevent West Zone from taking a strong position in the match. West Zone ended the day on 26 for no loss, trailing Central Zone by 219 runs.

Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) latest acquisition, Sameer Rizvi, made an unforgettable debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) against Gujarat Titans on March 26. The 20-year-old from Meerut announced his arrival in style, smashing two sixes off Rashid Khan's first two deliveries.Rizvi's fearless approach was a testament to the faith CSK had shown in him, shelling out a hefty ₹8.4 crore for his services. Despite being a relatively unknown quantity, Rizvi's performances in domestic cricket had caught the attention of the Super Kings' management.In his first innings, Rizvi was sent in at a crucial juncture, with CSK needing to accelerate their scoring rate. Unfazed by the pressure, he displayed his power-hitting prowess, sending the ball soaring over the boundary twice.Rizvi's innings was not only a personal triumph but also a sign of CSK's willingness to invest in young talent. The franchise has traditionally favored experienced players, but Rizvi's selection suggests a shift in strategy.After the match, Rizvi expressed his gratitude to CSK for believing in him. He also revealed that he had received valuable advice from M.S. Dhoni, the legendary former India captain and current CSK skipper."M.S. bhaiya gave me a few tips on handling pressure and playing in front of the crowd," Rizvi said. "He told me to play my natural game and to focus on performance as the price tag is different for everyone."Rizvi's impressive debut has raised expectations for his future with CSK. The young batter has shown that he has the talent and the temperament to succeed at the highest level. As the IPL progresses, Rizvi will be eager to prove that he is worth the investment and help CSK achieve their title aspirations.

Mumbai Indians' struggles in the ongoing IPL 2024 season have been compounded by the absence of star batter Suryakumar Yadav, who remains sidelined due to injury. The team has lost its first two matches, highlighting the void left by Yadav's absence.Ahead of MI's second game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, a fan on social media pointed out the advantage SRH had in facing Mumbai early in the tournament, given their current form. However, Yadav responded to the comment, revealing that his injury was more severe than initially thought."Little correction mate. Ankle plus I got operated for sports hernia," Yadav wrote on Twitter.The comment has since gone viral, with fans expressing concern for Yadav's health and recovery. The batter has been stationed at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for rehabilitation following surgery for a sports hernia. He has been out of action since December last year.Yadav's absence has been a significant blow to MI, who have relied heavily on him in recent seasons. The world number 1 T20I batter has been a key contributor to India's success in the shortest format, leading the team in Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya's absence during the recent series in South Africa.Yadav's recovery timeline remains uncertain, with the NCA yet to grant him fitness clearance. The batter has expressed optimism about his return, stating that he will be back "very soon."MI will hope to turn their fortunes around in their upcoming matches, but they will undoubtedly miss the services of their star batter. Yadav's return will be a major boost for the team, who will be eager to challenge for the IPL title once again.

Zak Crawley, England's leading run-scorer in the recent Test series against India, believes that the team will not abandon their aggressive approach despite their shortcomings in the subcontinent. However, he acknowledges the need for refinement to capitalize on their dominant positions.Crawley emphasized that England's faith in their attacking methods remained unwavering throughout the series, despite their eventual 4-1 defeat. He pointed to the fourth Test in Ranchi, where England squandered a significant first-innings lead, as a missed opportunity."We never really lost faith and had the same attitude," Crawley said. "We genuinely believed in ourselves and thought we could win the series. We were in all the games."Crawley expressed satisfaction with his personal performances, having emerged as England's most consistent batter with 407 runs at an average of 40.70. He attributed his improved form to a more positive mindset and a focus on smothering the spin."I am trying to embrace failure more and accepting it is part of the game," Crawley said. "So, I'm trying to stick with that."Despite his success against India's spinners, Crawley admitted that he was unable to replicate his remarkable 189-run innings from the Ashes against their seamers. However, he emphasized his confidence against pace bowling and his willingness to engage with the opposition's best bowlers."I just thought, 'there are a couple of good balls in here, I just need to put them under pressure early'," Crawley said. "I feel like a bit more pace on the ball has always suited my game a little bit more."Crawley also revealed that he had undergone laser surgery to correct his short-sightedness, which had previously required him to wear contact lenses. He believes that this has improved his ability to pick up the ball.While Crawley's series record paled in comparison to India's Yashasvi Jaiswal, he insisted that he is not driven by a desire for big scores. Instead, he focuses on staying present and playing one ball at a time."Whenever I have looked too far ahead like that, that is how you get out straight away," Crawley said. "Actually, a couple of those occasions I was thinking, 'I need to get a big score' and I wasn't in the process."Crawley believes that England need to refine their approach to absorbing pressure and putting it back on the opposition. He emphasized that the team will not become more negative but will seek to identify the right moments to absorb pressure."We always talk about absorbing pressure and putting pressure back on," Crawley said. "The last couple of years we've done the putting back on pretty well, and we've spoken about maybe picking those moments to absorb at the right times as well."

Riyan Parag's resurgence in IPL 2023 has been a testament to his hard work and dedication. After a disappointing campaign last year, where he managed only 78 runs in seven innings, Parag has bounced back with a vengeance, scoring 127 runs in just two innings this season.Parag's success can be attributed to his meticulous preparation during the off-season. He emerged as the top-scorer in the 2023-24 Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy, amassing 510 runs in ten innings at an average of 85 and a strike rate of nearly 183. This included a record-breaking sequence of seven consecutive half-centuries.Parag's partnership with Zubin Bharucha, the former Mumbai player and director of high performance at Rajasthan Royals, has also played a crucial role in his development. Bharucha has helped Parag fine-tune his T20 game, focusing on specific shot selection and execution.Parag's recent exploits have showcased his ability to adapt to different situations. Against Delhi Capitals, he played a patient innings, rebuilding the innings with R Ashwin. However, in the final over, he unleashed his power-hitting prowess, taking Anrich Nortje for 24 runs.Parag's confidence stems from his belief in his abilities. "I know I've got the power and the strength to dig out yorker balls or even hit sixes off the short balls," he said. "So, I'm just backing myself and whenever it comes, I'm going to hit a boundary."Parag's resurgence is a positive sign for Rajasthan Royals, who will be hoping for him to continue his good form throughout the season. His ability to score runs quickly and consistently will be crucial to the team's success.

Riyan Parag's scintillating 84 not out off 45 balls propelled Rajasthan Royals to a competitive 185 for 5 against Delhi Capitals in their Indian Premier League encounter on Thursday. Parag, who had impressed with a 43 in the Royals' previous match, unleashed a whirlwind assault on veteran South African pacer Anrich Nortje in the final over, plundering 25 runs with a barrage of boundaries and sixes.The 21-year-old's knock, studded with seven fours and six maximums, was the cornerstone of the Royals' innings after they were invited to bat first. He forged crucial partnerships with Ravichandran Ashwin (29) and Dhruv Jurel (20) to steady the ship after a shaky start.Royals captain Sanju Samson threatened to explode with another destructive innings following his unbeaten 82 against Lucknow Super Giants, but his stay was cut short by Khaleel Ahmed. The wicketkeeper-batter nicked a delivery to Rishabh Pant, leaving RR at 30 for 2.Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav then forced Pant to review a leg before wicket decision, which proved successful, dismissing Jos Buttler. Ashwin came to the crease and provided some impetus with two sixes off Kuldeep, but he was eventually caught by Tristan Stubbs for 29.Parag took center stage, showcasing his power-hitting prowess. He smashed two boundaries and a six off Ahmed to take RR past 100 in the 15th over. The youngster reached his maiden IPL fifty in style with a boundary off Mukesh Kumar in the next over.Parag continued to torment the Delhi bowlers, sending a Kuldeep delivery over the midwicket boundary. After Jurel's dismissal, Parag went on a rampage, entertaining the home crowd with a flurry of boundaries.Nortje, who had been economical until then, was taken for 25 runs in the final over as Parag sealed his highest T20 score. The Royals' total of 185 for 5 proved to be a challenging target for the Delhi Capitals.

Liam Dawson, the 34-year-old English spin-bowling all-rounder, has acknowledged that his Test cricket aspirations are over. Dawson, who last played a Test in 2017, was not selected for England's tour of India this winter, despite being the leading English spinner in last year's County Championship.Dawson had previously indicated that he would have to weigh up whether to accept an England call, having agreed a lucrative contract to play for Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20, a tournament that clashed directly with the start of the Test tour. He ultimately chose to prioritize his T20 commitments, a decision he does not regret."For me, probably Test cricket now is completely off the radar," Dawson said. "But it is what it is, I'm 34 and I want to enjoy my cricket and try to win trophies towards the end of my career."Dawson has won 20 England caps across three formats going back to 2016, as well as an ODI World Cup winners' medal in 2019. He was a travelling reserve for both the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cups, but said he does not expect to be in the mix for this year's tournament in the Caribbean and USA."I think with my age, 34, realistically that's probably gone to be honest," Dawson said. "I'm looking forward to playing for Hampshire this season, and the Hundred with London Spirit."Dawson's decision to prioritize T20 cricket reflects the challenge for young English spinners to come through the system. With the rain teeming down in England for much of the year, it can be difficult for spinners to get enough game time to develop their skills."Without doubt, it's very, very difficult," Dawson said. "If you're an out-and-out spinner it's not easy to play in these conditions, the time of the year we play. There's no ideal scenario, what gives, what doesn't? When do you play Championship cricket? It's a tough thing to do."Despite the challenges, Dawson believes that England have two promising young spinners in Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir, who both impressed on the tour of India."They [Hartley and Bashir] did very well," Dawson said. "They're good bowlers. I faced Bashir last year here, I thought he was a really good bowler, and the same with Tom Hartley when we played them in Southport, very consistent. Hopefully they can continue to do well."

Gujarat Titans' IPL 2024 campaign under the leadership of Shubman Gill has started with mixed results. After a thrilling victory over Mumbai Indians, they suffered a heavy defeat against Chennai Super Kings.Gill's captaincy has been a topic of discussion since Hardik Pandya's departure to MI. Former India pacer S Sreesanth believes that Gill's youth and lack of experience could be an advantage for GT. He suggests that Gill will give bowlers more freedom and responsibility, which could lead to improved performances.Against CSK, Gill struggled with the bat, scoring only 8 runs. He acknowledged that the team was outplayed and that they need to learn from their mistakes. Gill expressed optimism about the season, stating that it's better to have a setback early on than later.Despite the loss, Gill remains excited about his role as captain. He believes that the team has a lot of potential and that he is eager to lead them to success.GT will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in their next match on Sunday. They will be looking to bounce back from their defeat and establish themselves as a contender for the IPL title.

Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey has heaped praise on newly-appointed skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, hailing him as a "smart, cricket-savvy" leader who has excelled in rotating bowlers and setting fields. Following CSK's comprehensive 63-run victory over Gujarat Titans (GT), Hussey lauded Gaikwad's tactical acumen and understanding of the game."Ruturaj has been fantastic," Hussey said. "He's very well prepared and has a clear understanding of the game. He works closely with head coach Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni to develop tactics, and his ability to change bowlers and set fields effectively has been impressive."Hussey also commended all-rounder Rachin Ravindra for his explosive starts, noting that the Kiwi star has quickly adapted to the IPL stage. "Rachin is eager to learn and has a positive attitude," Hussey said. "He feeds off the crowd's energy and has shown great confidence in his abilities."One of the match's surprises was the cameo by 20-year-old Sameer Rizwi, who smashed two sixes in his six-ball innings. Hussey highlighted Rizwi's natural hitting ability, especially against spinners. "He has a lot of power and can hit the ball cleanly," Hussey said. "It was a bold move to send him in against Rashid Khan, but he delivered with two big hits."Hussey also praised the team's think-tank for promoting Rizwi ahead of MS Dhoni, a move that paid off with two sixes at the end of the innings. "It was a masterstroke," Hussey said. "We wanted to utilize Rizwi's power against spin, and he delivered."Hussey emphasized the team's directive to "keep pushing the game forward," especially with the introduction of the Impact Player rule. "We have extra batting and bowling options now," Hussey said. "This allows our batsmen to take risks and play aggressively, knowing they have support from the coaches and captain."