IPL 2024 : ‘I tried to bowl as many dot balls as possible vs RCB,’ says Punjab Kings’ spinner Harpreet Brar
Bengaluru, 26 March 2024: The Punjab Kings fought their hearts out but went down by four wickets against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Monday. RCB restricted the Punjab Kings to 176/6 before chasing down their target in 19.2 overs. However, Punjab Kings’ off-spinner Harpreet Brar shone on the night with magnificent bowling figures of 2/13. Speaking about his performance, Brar said, “I tried to dry up the runs as much as possible and I picked up two wickets in the process as well. I was trying to bowl as many dot balls as possible to create pressure on the batters. The dot balls give you wickets in the end.” Brar further expressed that the bowlers got a bit of help from the wicket at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, “It’s all about bowling on the right lengths in T20 cricket. I look to bowl a little far away from the batters’ hitting arc. We got a bit of help from the wicket in Bengaluru and it was not easy to strike the ball.” The off-spinner further added, “We assessed the wicket well while we were batting and we found out that it was better to bowl on the stumps on that pitch. I just looked to focus on bowling at good lines and lengths during the game.” The Punjab Kings will be next in action when they take on Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Saturday.
Preview: 2nd Khelo India Sub Junior Women’s Hockey League – Finals
Lucknow, 27th March: After the successful completion of Phase 1 in December 2023 and Phase 2 in January 2024, both in New Delhi, the Final stage of the 2nd Khelo India Sub Junior Women’s Hockey League is all set to take place from 28th March to 6th April at the Padma Shri Mohammad Shahid Synthetic Hockey Stadium in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Nine teams have been divided into two Pools. Pool A consists of SAI Shakti Team, Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre, Khelo India State Excellency Centre, Bilaspur, Bhai Behlo Hockey Academy, Bhagta and HAR Hockey Academy while SAI BAL team, Pritam Siwach Hockey Academy, Jai Bharat Hockey Academy and Raja Karan Hockey Academy form Pool B. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the Semi-Finals, which are scheduled for 5th April. Meanwhile, the teams finishing 3rd and 4th in their respective pools will compete in 5th/8th classification matches to determine their final positions in the tournament. Teams that lose their Semi-Finals will play in the 3rd/4th place play-off, while the winners will proceed to the all-important Finals scheduled for 6th April. Speaking about the upcoming event, Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey said, “This is yet another step in Hockey India’s commitment towards growing the game at grassroots levels. We have already completed the first two phases of the 2nd Khelo India Sub Junior Women’s Hockey League successfully and the Final stage will also, I have no doubt, be a wonderful tournament. This league serves as a platform for nurturing talents, providing them with the exposure needed at early stages to play in great conditions and hone their skills to become better players that may one day go on to bring laurels to the nation.” “It exemplifies our persistent efforts towards developing the future stars of Indian hockey and bringing about a competitive approach right from the grassroots levels,” said Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh. “We have seen that domestic tournaments like these have proven to be fruitful in identifying talents. The 2nd Khelo India Sub Junior Women’s Hockey League will aid us in our vision to take Indian hockey to greater heights,” he concluded.
IPL 2024 : A perfect day out at Chepauk for the CSK.
On an unusual Chepauk wicket offering a lot of grass on the surface, the Gujarat Titans skipper Shubhman Gill won the toss & elected to field. Ruturaj Gaikwad was accompanied by Rachin Ravindra opening the CSK batting. Azmatullah Omarzai had an amazing first over conceding just 2 runs. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) played wonderfully well on Tuesday and posted a high score of 206/6 against Gujarat Titans after 20 overs. Rachin Ravindra (46 off 20) and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad (46 off 36) provided Chennai with a powerful start. There was elegance, destruction & determination from both the opening batters. Be it on side, off side they punished everything. Ruturaj’s love for Gujarat continued. After which players like Shivam Dube (51 off 23), and Daryl Mitchell (24 off 20) played an explosive inning to finish with a high score. Shubhman Gill (8 off 5) couldn’t capitalize as the Gujarat Titans came out to bat. Wriddhiman Saha (21 off 17) tried to accelerate but soon fell to the bowling of Deepak Chahar. David Miller (21 off 16) made his intentions very clear with some boundaries against CSK bowlers. Sai Sudarshan (37 off 31) tried to hold on from one end but the wickets kept on falling right in front of his eyes. He soon perished as well playing a painful innings. With the variety CSK had with their bowling, wickets fell like the nine pins as the Gujarat Titans tried to chase the target with an aggressive stroke play. Deepak Chahar, Matheesha Pathirana, Tushar Deshpande & Mustafizur Rahman got rewards for their pace bowling. Rahul Tewatia (6 off 11) attempted a significant stroke, but ended up delivering the ball into Rachin Ravindra’s hands. Rachin Ravindra took hold of three catches. M.S. Dhoni grabbed a stunner behind the wickets. Thala’s catch made the crowds go bonkers at Chepauk. CSK marched on with another two points early on in the tournament as they went on beating the Gujarat Titans by 63 runs. The yellow army next plays the Delhi Capitals with a strong momentum with two back to back wins. Whereas the Gujarat Titans need to fix the loopholes and play their next game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
IPL 2024 : Top 5 overseas players vital for their franchises in IPL 2024.
The franchise cricket’s extravaganza is up and running and the players have already started making their presence felt in the IPL 2024. There are many sides who rely on their overseas contingents to fire and take them towards glory. Here are five overseas players who would be very much crucial for their sides this IPL. 1. David WarnerHe probably is the most experienced campaigner out of all the overseas contingents playing in IPL 2024. With the plethora of experience he comes with, the Delhi Capitals would be relying very much on David Warner to fire at the top. The team is expecting his bat to make some loud noises just the way it did in 2016 and in 2019. 2. Mitchell MarshFrequently referred to as the ‘gentle giant,’ Mitchell Marsh is poised to bring significant contribution alongside David Warner at the opening position and is anticipated to unleash explosive performances particularly on pitches conducive to bounce. Marsh possesses the unique capability to rapidly increase the run rate when needed. His knack for launching into action from the onset and his proficiency in making breakthroughs with the ball underscore his pivotal role in the Delhi Capitals’ pursuit of the title this season. 3. Jos ButtlerButtler’s ability to accelerate the scoring rate and his penchant for playing innovative shots make him a prized asset for the Rajasthan Royals. His adaptability to different match situations, coupled with his aggressive approach, has made him a fan favorite and a valuable player for his team. Buttler’s contributions with the bat and behind the stumps have played a crucial role in Rajasthan Royals’ campaigns so far in the IPL. The Royals would be anticipating a season like 2022 from Jos Buttler when he went on scoring four centuries. 4. Sam Curran Curran has emerged as a valuable asset for his teams. His knack for picking up crucial wickets and his ability to score quick runs down the order make him a versatile player in the T20 format. In the IPL, Curran has been instrumental in turning matches around with his impactful performances, often swinging the momentum in his team’s favor. Whether with the ball or the bat, Curran’s contributions have made him a player to watch out for in the IPL, and he continues to be a key figure in the tournament. 5. Gerald CoetzeeThe South African pacer has been quite impressive with his fast bowling abilities and it was not surprising that Mumbai Indians went for him as a replacement for Jofra Archer. Gerald Coetzee’s lower order batting ability is an added bonus. Coetzee’s ability to extract bounce off the surface will make him the ideal new ball partner with Jasprit Bumrah from the other end. With the IPL kicked off, the excitement is soaring and fans eagerly anticipate stellar performances from both their favorite franchises and the international players from their favorite franchises as well. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
Tennis : Caroline Garcia stuns Coco Gauff, advances to Miami Open Quarterfinals.
In a thrilling match at the Miami Open, Caroline Garcia caused a major upset by defeating US Open champion Coco Gauff in three sets, with a score of 6-3, 1-6, 6-2. This victory marked Garcia’s second consecutive win over a Grand Slam champion, following her triumph against Naomi Osaka in the previous round. Reflecting on her achievement, Garcia expressed her gratitude for the support she received during challenging times and emphasized the importance of maintaining positivity and perseverance in the face of adversity. Her win against Gauff, a top-10 opponent, serves as a testament to her determination and resilience on the court. With intense matchups and unexpected outcomes, the Miami Open continues to captivate fans with its thrilling tennis action. As the Miami Open unfolds, tennis enthusiasts eagerly await more electrifying matches and memorable moments from the world’s top players, as they vie for glory on the prestigious courts of Miami Gardens. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
Feature Story : Ian Bishop; In a league of his own.
Ian Bishop in the commentary box is a class apart. His meticulous preparation stands out, diving deep into the backgrounds of even lesser-known IPL players and effortlessly introducing them to viewers with captivating anecdotes. From their birthplaces to their domestic cricket stats, Bishop leaves no stone unturned, providing a comprehensive overview of each player’s journey. What sets Bishop apart is his distinctive and easily recognizable voice, coupled with his impeccable command over language. Unlike many of his peers who resort to clichés, Bishop’s commentary is rich in substance, relying heavily on facts and figures. He excels in offering constructive criticism, a rarity in today’s broadcasting landscape, where many commentators lean towards cheerleading rather than analysis. While Bishop may not be on par with legends like Benaud or Greig, he undoubtedly stands among the best in the current crop of commentators. His presence in the commentary box is akin to attending a masterclass, where listeners are treated to a wealth of knowledge delivered with finesse. A recent example of Bishop’s expertise was his introduction of Naman Dhir during a match. The audiences were pleasantly surprised by Bishop’s insights into Dhir’s background, highlighting his birth in Haryana but representation for Punjab and his journey till the Mumbai Indians’ dressing room. It’s this level of detail and effort that sets Bishop apart, making him a true asset to the broadcasting team. The depth and detail in Bishop’s commentary shows the amount of homework he does before every game. In essence, Bishop’s commentary is a breath of fresh air, easy on the ears yet immensely informative. His dedication to research and presentation is commendable, earning him the admiration of fans and fellow commentators alike. Thank you, Sir Ian Bishop, for enriching our viewing experience with your unparalleled expertise in the commentary box. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
IPL 2024 : RCB comes home and treats the home crowd with a win.
On a lively wicket at the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) won the toss and elected to field. Few sights in cricket are more electrifying than witnessing RCB in action at this venue. Opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan set the tone by dispatching the very first ball to the boundary, signaling his aggressive intent. Jonny Bairstow followed suit, greeting Mohmeed Siraj with two consecutive fours on his fourth and fifth deliveries. However, the excitement soon turned into a roar of emotion as Bairstow skied one to Virat Kohli off Siraj’s bowling. Punjab Kings had a modest start in the powerplay, accumulating 40 runs for the loss of one wicket in the first six overs. Glenn Maxwell made crucial breakthroughs, dismissing Parbhsimran Singh (25 off 17). Liam Livingstone (17 off 13) was caught by Anuj Rawat on a delivery by Alzari Joseph.. Shikhar Dhawan’s (45 off 37) departure, caught by Kohli off Maxwell, further boosted RCB. Anuj Rawat’s acrobatic catch off Yash Dayal saw the end of Sam Curran (23 off 17), followed by Mohammed Siraj sending Jitesh Sharma (27 off 20) back to the pavilion. The Punjab Kings accelerated in the death overs, with Shashank Singh’s late flourish helping them reach a total of 176 runs in their allotted 20 overs. RCB’s response was swift as Virat Kohli launched an assault, hitting three consecutive boundaries off Sam Curran in the opening over. However, Faf Du Plessis (3 off 7) fell early to Kagiso Rabada, and Cameron Green (3 off 5) failed to make an impact. Kohli continued his onslaught, notching up his 92nd IPL fifty off just 31 balls. Rajat Patidar (18 off 18) departed, followed by Glenn Maxwell (3 off 5) falling to Harpreet Brar’s deceptive spin. Brar’s impressive figures of 2 for 13 in his four overs kept the pressure on RCB. Kohli’s aggressive innings came to an end at 77 off 45 balls when he mistimed a delivery from Harshal Patel. Anuj Rawat (11 off 14) fell soon after the strategic timeout, but Mahipal Lomror (17 off 8) and Dinesh Karthik (28* off 10) turned the tide in RCB’s favor. The duo carried on from where Kohli left off, guiding RCB to victory by four wickets in style. With momentum on their side, RCB will face their arch-rivals, Kolkata Knight Riders, on Friday, March 29, 2024. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings will regroup to take on the Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday, March 30, 2024. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
F1 Australian GP : Carlos Sainz surged to victory at the Australian Grand Prix 2024.
Ferrari triumphed over Red Bull with Carlos Sainz clinching victory at the Australian Grand Prix after a technical failure led to Max Verstappen’s retirement on lap 2. Verstappen missed his chance to win a record tenth consecutive Formula 1 race. Adding to Ferrari’s success, Charles Leclerc secured second place, with Lando Norris of McLaren taking third. Carlos Sainz made a remarkable comeback, securing victory at the Australian Grand Prix just two weeks after surgery for appendicitis, while reigning champion Max Verstappen retired early in the race. Initially, Sainz couldn’t pass pole-sitter Verstappen, but a mishap for Verstappen on Lap 2 opened the doors for Sainz to take the lead. Verstappen’s race came to an abrupt end when smoke emerged from his Red Bull, forcing his first retirement in two years. From then on, Sainz cruised to victory, with teammate Charles Leclerc securing a one-two finish for Ferrari. Lando Norris claimed third on the podium. Local hero Oscar Piastri finished fourth, ahead of Sergio Perez in the only remaining Red Bull in fifth. Mercedes faced more adversity as George Russell crashed out on the final lap, compounding their challenges after Lewis Hamilton retired earlier due to mechanical issues. In just the third race of the season, it’s clear that the only hope to halt Verstappen’s dominance is through a driver error or technical issue, as he maintains a substantial lead. Taking control from turn 1, the Red Bull led the race, closely pursued by Sainz, who began in second. Additionally, it was uncommonly smooth as no one stumbled at the start. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
Cricket : The Indo-Aus rivalry gets bigger as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy extended to five test series.
The most famous and exciting cricketing rivalry just got bigger as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket Australia (CA) announced the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be played as a five-Test series. For the first time, team India will play a five match test series against Australia with Perth Stadium as the newest venue addition in the calendar. Cricket Australia has solidified Perth’s Optus Stadium as the premier venue for the primary Take a look at match towards India in late November, marking a big determination geared toward revitalizing Take a look at cricket enthusiasm within the area. Jay Shah, BCCI secretary, said, “The BCCI remains steadfast in its dedication to preserving the rich heritage of Test Cricket, a format we hold in the highest esteem.” He later added “Our ongoing collaboration with Cricket Australia in extending the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to five Tests underscores our collective commitment to nurturing and elevating Test cricket’s significance.” Mike Baird, Cricket Australia Chair, added, “We are absolutely delighted the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been extended to five Tests given the intense rivalry between our two great cricketing nations and the excitement this creates.” Further stating “The eyes of the cricket world will be on Australia and I’m confident Pat Cummins’ World Champion team can overcome the skill and depth of the Indian team who played so brilliantly to win the last two series here and reclaim the trophy. In the past four Test series, India has consistently dominated, winning each time. Notably, they secured consecutive series victories in Australia in 2018–19 and 2020–21, both with 2-1 margins, making them the first Asian team to achieve this feat in 2018-19. The World Test Champions, Australia would be having some strong intentions to beat India in their minds. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
IPL 2024 : A shift in fortunes as Mumbai Indians’ first match curse continues.
In the most anticipated contest of IPL 2024, the Mumbai Indians won the toss and opted to bowl first in Pandya’s debut as MI captain. The Gujarat Titans appeared poised for a 200+ score, but Bumrah’s brilliance limited them to 168/6. Pandya opened Mumbai’s bowling attack, conceding 11 runs in his first over. Despite Luke Wood’s nine-run over, Pandya surprisingly returned for the third over instead of handing the ball to Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah’s trademark yorker claimed Mumbai’s first wicket, dismissing Wriddiman Saha (19 off 15). Spinners, PIyush Chawla and Shams Mulani further hindered GT’s progress, with Chawla removing the Gujarat captain Shubman Gill for 31 off 22. GT’s momentum was revived by Sudharsan 45 off 39, supported by Omarzai and Miller. Bumrah’s return in the 17th over saw the dismissals of Miller and Sudharsan. Despite losing two early wickets, Rohit Sharma and Dewald Brevis dominated, putting the Mumbai Indians in a commanding position. Azmatullah Omarzai removed Ishaan Kishan for a duck and Naman Dhir (20 off 10) early on. Rohit’s departure for 43 off 29 and the 77-run partnership with Brevis ended MI’s momentum. Rashid and Mohit stifled MI’s run flow, leading to Brevis’s dismissal for 46 off 38. Chasing 169, Mumbai Indians required 19 runs from the final over after tight bowling from Rashid Khan and Mohit Sharma. Pandya smashed a six and a four off the first two balls. However, Umesh Yadav struck back, dismissing Pandya and claiming another wicket. MI couldn’t recover, and Shubman Gill secured his first win as GT captain. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.