Premier League : Varane of Manchester United reveals enduring impact of concussions on his health.
Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has spoken out about the toll concussions have taken on his body, emphasizing the need for greater awareness among players regarding the risks associated with heading the ball. Varane recounted experiencing a concussion just days before playing in France’s 1-0 defeat to Germany in the quarterfinals of the 2014 World Cup, as well as during his tenure at former club Real Madrid, notably in a match against Manchester City in the last-16 second leg of the 2020 Champions League. The 30-year-old recently retired from international football following a successful 10-year career with Les Bleus, during which he clinched the World Cup in 2018 and finished as a runner-up four years later. “My seven-year-old son plays football and I advise him not to head the ball. For me, that’s essential,” Varane told French daily L’Equipe. “Even if it doesn’t cause any immediate trauma, we know that in the long term, repeated shocks can have harmful effects. “Personally, I don’t know if I’ll live to be 100, but I do know that I’ve damaged my body. The dangers of headers need to be taught on all amateur football pitches and to young people.” Research indicates a correlation between repetitive heading of balls in professional football and a heightened risk of cognitive impairment later in life, as highlighted in a study commissioned by England’s Football Association (FA). In response to these findings, the FA has undertaken trials aimed at reducing deliberate heading in matches at the Under-12 level, while other nations such as Scotland have implemented bans on heading on the days immediately preceding and following matches. The International Football Association Board announced in March that additional permanent concussion substitutions will be integrated into the laws of football, though it remains at the discretion of individual competition organizers to adopt this measure. “We also have to make the player understand that it’s not showing his strength to continue playing after a serious injury, but that the real strength lies in getting out, stopping playing and resting.” Varane further disclosed that he missed several games for Manchester United this season due to symptoms stemming from concussions. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
IPL 2024 : De Kock, Pooran shine as LSG clinch victory over RCB in a thrilling encounter at Chinnaswamy Stadium
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the crucial toss against the Lucknow Super Giants, with Captain Faf du Plessis opting for his team to chase. Local hero, KL Rahul eagerly anticipates opening the batting at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, aiming to set the stage for a strong start against LSG. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) posted a formidable total of 181/5 after 20 overs. Quinton de Kock showcased his prowess with a splendid knock of 81 runs, while Vice Captain Nicholas Pooran injected momentum during the crucial death overs. De Kock’s consecutive half-centuries laid a solid foundation for Super Giants. KL Rahul, back in action as the captain for the Lucknow Super Giants, could only manage 20 runs off 14 deliveries. However, Nicholas Pooran stepped up, exhibiting aggressive batting to notch an unbeaten 40 off 21 balls, steering his team past the 180-run mark on the tricky Chinnaswamy pitch. Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Glenn Maxwell proved pivotal, claiming two crucial wickets. In pursuit of 182 runs against Lucknow Super Giants, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru stumbled early, losing four wickets within eight overs. With the score at 152/9 in 19 overs, the situation seemed dire. However, the Impact Player, Mahipal Lomror, showcased his batting prowess, blazing to 32 runs off just 11 balls. Mayank Yadav, with his express pace, wreaked havoc once again, dismissing both Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green enroute to a three-wicket haul. Lucknow Super Giants successfully defended their total of 181, handing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru their second consecutive defeat in front of their home crowd at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
Cricket : Ben Stokes opts out of the upcoming ICC Men’s t20 World Cup campaign.
England’s flamboyant all-rounder, Ben Stokes has made himself unavailable for England Cricket’s next major assignment, the ICC Men’s t20 World Cup 2024. Stokes, being a crucial member during England’s last t20 World Cup campaign also being the one who hit the winning runs for England helping them lift the title back in 2022 has only played two T20 matches since. After initially retiring from ODI cricket in the summer of 2022, Stokes changed his mind to participate in the 50-over mega event, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup held late last year. However, this decision meant postponing knee surgery, limiting his bowling to just five overs during England’s recent 4-1 Test series loss to India. He plans to feature for Durham in the County Championship in the coming months, having decided against participating in IPL 2024. “I’m working hard and focusing on building my bowling fitness back up to fulfill a full role as an allrounder in all formats of cricket,” Stokes said in a statement released by the ECB on Tuesday. “Opting out of the IPL and the World Cup will hopefully be a sacrifice that allows me to be the all-rounder I want to be for the foreseeable future. In the absence of Ben Stokes, England will be roping in the all-round services of Liam Livingstone who can be effective with the bat and very much handy with the ball in their ICC Men’s t20 World Cup campaign. With a squad which was very much well balanced in the last t20 World Cup campaign, it would be interesting to see how far England can go in the upcoming t20 World Cup without the services of Ben Stokes. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
Cricket : Relive the history as India celebrates 13 years of lifting the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
On April 2, 2011, India secured their second ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup triumph, culminating in MS Dhoni’s iconic six that sealed the victory. This historic moment, witnessed by a packed Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai against Sri Lanka, remains deeply etched in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts. The final showcased stellar performances from former Indian Captain M.S. Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir, and Zaheer Khan, solidifying their places in Indian cricket lore. Throughout the 2011 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, both India and Sri Lanka demonstrated formidable prowess. Sri Lanka’s second-place finish in Group A mirrored India’s achievement in Group B, overcoming formidable opponents such as Australia and Pakistan in the knockout stages. Mahela Jayawardene’s century highlighted Sri Lanka’s innings, amassing 274/6. Although India’s chase faced initial challenges, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir’s partnership stabilized proceedings. Dhoni’s unbeaten 91, capped off with the winning six, earned him the Player of the Match accolade. The nation erupted in euphoria and pride following India’s World Cup triumph after 28 years. Led by captain MS Dhoni, the team’s remarkable performance united the nation in celebration, with streets adorned with jubilant fans brandishing the Indian flag. This victory not only marked a significant milestone in Indian cricket history but also ignited aspirations among a generation of budding cricketers. The players’ unwavering dedication and teamwork epitomized the essence of perseverance and determination, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s sporting spirit. Since the 2011 triumph, the journey has witnessed its share of highs and lows, yet the fervor and commitment of both players and fans remain steadfast. The team has undergone transformations, with emerging talents rising to the occasion alongside seasoned veterans showcasing their wealth of experience. The Sportz Planet,Atharva Shetye.
IPL 2024 : Rampant Rajasthan derails the Mumbai Local.
There’s no doubt that Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals, especially at Wankhade has always been a dramatic episode every IPL season. The rivalry once again commenced on Monday evening as the Rajasthan Royals gave a visit to the home of the Mumbai Indians. And once again, it was a fiery duel in between the two. The Rajasthan Royals won the toss and elected to field first. The Mumbai Indians were playing their first home game in IPL 2024 and were expecting to please the crowd with a fantastic performance but the Royals had some other ideas. Trent Boult started the proceedings for RR with the new ball and claimed Mumbai’s favorite son Rohit Sharma (0 off 1) in the very first over. Immediately the next delivery, Boult went on trapping Naman Dir (0 off 1). Mumbai brought their impact sub in the form of Dewald Brevis early on right after the first over but that didn’t work as well. Trent Boult sent Brevis (0 off 1) back to the sheds without allowing to open his account. Ishaan Kishan tried to slog but was soon sent back on a test match line & length delivery by Nandre Burger. MI, in front of their home crowd collapsed like a house of cards. The Rajasthan Royals’ bowling attack was literally breathing fire. Hardik Pandya walked in when he found his team 20 for 4 and started building a partnership. Tilak Varma alongside Pandya (32 off 29) took some risk but failed to convert his knock into a big innings. Just when a partnership was building, Chahal came into the attack and broke it. Yuzvendra Chahal tossed the delivery up and Hardik (34 off 21) lofted it straight into the hands of Rovman Powell in the deep. Tim David (17 off 24) tried to swing the bat but ended up being caught by Trent Boult. The Mumbai tail didn’t wag as well as they lost Gerald Coetzee (4 off 9). Jaspirt Bumrah & Akash Madhwal remained unbeaten on 8 and 4 respectively. With just 125 on the board, the Rajasthan Royals were all set to chase an easy total. Yashasvi Jaiswal (10 off 6) started with a boundary on the third ball he faced but soon was perished on a delivery by Mumbai’s 17 year old young bowling sensation, Kwena Maphaka. Jos Buttler (13 off 16) also was sent back early by Akash Madhwal. And so was the case with Sanju Samson (12 off 10). In walked Riyan Parag and once again proved why he is the next big thing at the IPL. The young batter once again carried the Rajasthani side and went on scoring a brilliant half century. A coming of age season this is turning out to be for the boy from Assam. Ravichandran Ashwin (16 off 16) too had a handy run a ball contribution. Parag’s cameo of 54 not out off 39 balls sealed the deal for the Rajasthan Royals as he went on scoring the winning runs as RR won by 6 wickets. Riyan Parag went for a hook hitting a four, guiding the Rajasthan Royals to their 3rd consecutive victory in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The recent victory by the Royals saw them sitting on the top of the league table. With their momentum roaring high, the Rajasthan Royals now go home and play against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday, 6th of April 2024. On the other hand the Mumbai Indians need to assess themselves and try making the most out of their home ground advantage as they stay in Mumbai and play against the Delhi Capitals at the Wankhade. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
IPL 2024 : Miller mania sets the game for the Gujarat Titans.
In a warm afternoon clash in Ahmedabad, SRH skipper Pat Cummins elected to bat after winning the toss. Despite their recent record-breaking performance, SRH had a more conservative start compared to their previous game. Travis Head (19 off 14) showed aggression, while Mayank Agarwal (16 off 17) was cautious before being dismissed in the fifth over. Abhishek Sharma (29 off 20) welcomed Rashid Khan with two sixes but was later dismissed. SRH lost wickets at regular intervals despite promising starts, with Abdul Samad (29 off 14) and Shahbaz Ahmed’s (22 off 20) partnership being the highest at 45 runs. However, no SRH batsman crossed 30, with Abhishek and Samad top-scoring at 29 each. Mohit Sharma’s three wickets for GT played a crucial role in restricting SRH to 162. GT chased down the target of 163 with a strong start from Wriddhiman Saha (25 off 13) in the powerplay. Saha’s aggressive shots were a highlight, but he was dismissed by Shahbaz. Sai Sudharsan (45 off 36) and Shubman Gill (36 off 28) built a steady partnership, with Gill accelerating after Saha’s departure. David Miller (44 off 27) joined Sudharsan to manage the chase cautiously. A crucial 24-run over against Mayank Markande, including big hits from Miller and Sudharsan, tilted the game in GT’s favor. Despite Sudharsan’s dismissal for 45 off 36 deliveries, the required rate was manageable. Vijay Shankar (14 off 11) and Miller guided GT to victory with composed batting, with Miller finishing unbeaten on 44, sealing the win with a six. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
IPL 2024 : Thala treats the crowds but CSK loses the game.
Delhi Capitals earlier ditched their opening stand of Mitchell Marsh and David Warner by demoting the former and bringing in Prithvi Shaw in his place. While they got off to a sluggish start, both Prithvi Shaw and David Warner took off dramatically towards the end of the powerplay. The pair ensured that DC scored 62 runs for the loss of no wickets in the powerplay. Warner went past fifty but the stand ended soon thereafter with the Australian falling to a screamer of a catch from Matheesha Pathirana. His innings ended on 52 off 35 after which Shaw was dismissed for 43 off 27. Pathirana then turned it on with the ball, dismissing Mitchell Marsh and Tristan Stubbs in the same over with two searing yorkers. Pant then let lose and scored his first half-century of the season. He was dismissed by Pathirana on 51 off 32 balls and DC eventually ended their 20 overs with a score of 191/5. Delhi Capitals’ pacers Khaleel Ahmed and Ishant Sharma put an almighty stranglehold on Chennai Super Kings after they batted first and scored 191/5 in 20 overs. Openers Rurutaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra fell to Khaleel and CSK were tottering at 7/2 at the start of the third over. Ajinkya Rahane then gave them some impetus towards the end of the powerplay but CSK could never quite get going in their chase in the middle overs. Rahane eventually fell for 45 off 30, leaving Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube chasing a steepling required run rate in the death overs. Dube eventually fell to Mukesh, his third wicket, which meant that MS Dhoni walked in to bat for the first time this season. M.S Dhoni’s entry to bat was all that the entire nation wanted to watch. The crowd went bonkers as Thala (MSD) went on launching massive sixes over the fence and treated the crowd with those massive hits. The decibels hit 130 knots, which recorded the loudest cheer at the tournament. CSK eventually went on losing the game as yet another home team, Delhi Capitals won by 20 runs. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
“Vizag is our second home for this tournament, not a neutral venue,” says DC Head Coach Ponting ahead of the first home game of IPL 2024.
Visakhapatnam, 30 March 2024: After suffering two defeats in two matches, the JSW and GMR co-owned Delhi Capitals will look to turn things around when they take on the Chennai Super Kings in their first home match of the IPL 2024 at ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. Reflecting on the results so far, Delhi Capitals’ Head Coach Ricky Ponting said, “We had a couple of chats about our cricket and the consensus out of those meetings is that we have played some really good and bad cricket. So, we need to find somewhere in the middle where we can play consistently good cricket over 40 overs. We could have easily won both our first games, with Ishant going down in the first game didn’t really help and the other day we went for a few more runs in the bowling innings of that match.” “However, we are very confident that we’re going to be able to turn things around against a good CSK team, but it’s just a matter of us playing our best cricket for 40 overs,” he added while addressing media during the pre-match press conference. Speaking about the approach going forward in the tournament, Ponting said, “It’s not a short tournament, it’s quite a long tournament, but by saying that, you would prefer to get off to a good start than get off to a slow start. We have still got 12 games to play. I’m pretty sure we’ll have a more positive intent going into this game, we’ll be a lot more aggressive in this game than we’ve been in the first couple of games, and I think if we take the right attitude into this game then we can definitely win.” When asked about playing two home matches in Visakhapatnam, the former Australia Captain said, “This is our second home for this tournament, this is not a neutral venue by any chance.” “We have got our first two games here and we want to make sure that this is a place that we can win,” he concluded. The Delhi Capitals will take on Chennai Super Kings in their next game at the ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.
IPL 2024 : LSG rattles the PBKS, grabs 2 points.
In a riveting showdown in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Lucknow Super Giants came out victorious against the Punjab Kings in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. Lucknow Super Giants won the toss and elected to bat first, setting the stage for an enthralling encounter. The hosts lost two key wickets – KL Rahul (15 off 9) and Devdutt Padikkal (9 off 6) within the power play. Bolstered by strong performances from their top-order batsman, Quinton De Kock (54 off 38), stand in captain, Nicholas Pooran (42 off 21) and Krunal Pandya (43* off 22) the Lucknow Super Giants posted a formidable total of 199 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. PBKS bowlers got the better of the remaining LSG batters. PBKS were given a brilliant start to the chase by skipper Shikhar Dhawan (70 0ff 50) and Jonny Bairstow (42 off 29) as the pair put up a 100-run partnership before Bairstow fell to Mayank Yadav. Dhawan’s knock came to an end as he was scalped by Mohsin Khan, who removed Sam Curran (0 off 1) in the very next ball to rattle Punjab. Liam Livingstone(28 off 17) and Shashank Singh (9 off 7) remained unbeaten, but the Punjab side were limited to 178 by the Lucknow bowling unit. Debutant Mayank Yadav showcased his prowess with rapid pace, proving instrumental in Lucknow Super Giants’ victory over Punjab Kings by 21 runs. Yadav consistently clocked speeds of 150 kph, posing significant challenges for Punjab Kings’ batsmen while defending the 200-run target. Yadav’s impressive debut included claiming three wickets and delivering the fastest ball of the season so far, registering at 155.8 kph, thus making a resounding statement. With their momentum soaring, Lucknow Super Giants are set to face RCB on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, while Punjab Kings are gearing up for their next encounter against GT on Thursday, April 4, 2024, undoubtedly preparing diligently for the challenge ahead. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
IPL 2024 : Matt Henry in for David Willey as Lucknow Super Giants announces replacement.
New Zealand paceman Matt Henry has joined forces at the Lucknow Super Giants. The fast bowler was signed as a replacement for injured English bowling all rounder, David Willey. Willey’s withdrawal marks him as the second player this season to opt out of the LSG squad following the withdrawal of his fellow Englishman, Mark Wood, who pulled himself out of the tournament to manage workload ahead of the ICC Men’s t20 World Cup in June 2024. Willey had to opt out of the tournament due to personal reasons. LSG bought the kiwi quick, Henry for an amount of INR 1.25 crores. Matt Henry had previously represented the Punjab Kings in IPL 2017. So far, Henry has represented New Zealand in 25 Test matches, 82 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 17 T20 Internationals. LSG’s winless streak this season could find a turnaround with Henry’s arrival, benefiting both the team and the player. His addition as a proven international pacer might strengthen their bowling unit, enhancing their overall performance. Lucknow started their campaign with a loss against Rajasthan Royals and are now gearing up to face PBKS in their second fixture. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.