What Did These Footwear Brands Achieve In 2024?
There is a movement in the footwear landscape in 2024. While the big names maintain their strong positions, upstarts and underdogs begin to show promise and momentum. At the same time, Nike continues on its own strong course, sitting firmly on the first position. Nike Continues To Rule Footwear Market Nike holds the top brand with significant high-profile collaborations, notably with rapper Travis Scott, while it struggles to reproduce the dominance of the more iconic retro models in sneakers like Jordan 1, Dunk, and Air Force 1. This all helps the company maintain a place of leadership, although a fragile one, globally because of its brand strength and innovation. Adidas Grabs The Second Spot In Footwear Market Adidas rises to the second position as a resurgence in classics Samba, Campus and Handball Spezial benefits it. Those three SKUs have turned the brand from a want to a have for nostalgic buyers as well as for those interested in fashion. New Balance Sits On Third Place New Balance continues to hold a strong third place, thanks to models like 1906, which offer the right balance of performance and style. Its stable growth also speaks to its ability to attract sneaker enthusiasts as well as lifestyle consumers. Crocs Climb Up To The Fourth Place The most stylish yet comfy footwear brand, Crocs have been able to place themselves at number four in the race in the footwear market. Vans And Dr. Martens Experience Growth Vans’ four-place jump to number 9 from number 13 on the list is arguably the most spoken footwear success story of 2024. Brand appeal across skate culture and mainstream fashion, reinforced through strong collaborations, keeps Vans relevant with young customers while tapping into nostalgic-driven buyers. Dr. Martens had a major leap up, three notches to number 7. With the boots still being all over the place, there’s broad appeal, but its limited-edition collabs kept it at the forefront of both fashion and streetwear. Puma Puma has moved up to number 5, riding the increasing popularity of motorsport-inspired designs such as the Puma Speed Cat. It has managed to balance sporty looks with functionality that appeals to both fashion enthusiasts and performance enthusiasts. Asics Asics is renowned for its performance-oriented footwear. However it has slipped two notches to number 6. While it has had strong products like the Gel Kayano 14 and big collaborations, it still loses out to lifestyle-oriented competition. Other Footwear Brands Other strong performers include Birkenstock at number 8, which remains stable due to the comfort-first sandals’ popularity and Salomon at number 10, whose outdoor and trail-running shoes have found niches in both performance and lifestyle markets. Trends Driving The Footwear Market A few factors are driving the changes in the 2024 rankings. A mix of performance and fashion has become a defining trend, with running shoes and sports-inspired designs remaining popular. Brands like ASICS and New Balance are embracing their athletic roots, while others like PUMA are capitalizing on motorsport aesthetics. Collaborations are still an important part of the footwear business, as brands partner with celebrities, designers, influencers and artists to stay relevant. Nostalgia is also a major influence, with brands such as Adidas and Dr. Martens enjoying a revival due to their classic products. What’s Next In The Footwear Industry? It was always a tough competition in the market and 2024 did not change that at all. Nike and Adidas never seem to slow down their pace however lifestyle-driven brands like Vans and Dr. Martens are on the rise and prove that the market can be excitingly evolutionary. Innovation, nostalgia and collaboration are driving this trend and this promises to be another transformative year for the footwear industry. Which brand surprised you the most this year? Let us know your thoughts. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
The Dhawal Kulkarni Story
For generations in Indian cricket, it was a given that the place for batting brilliance had always been in the bastions of Mumbai. However, at one point, it was a young, anonymous fast bowler from the city of dreams who broke all that was known and went about winning everyone’s hearts. Not that this young wonder was a just any pacer, rather he was Dhawal Kulkarni, the most inspiring story of dedication and hardwork that now, is told to all the young fast bowlers in Mumbai. Dhawal Kulkarni’s Early Yet Impressive Years In Domestic Cricket The journey started in the under-17 Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2005-06, when a tall and lean boy with a pace clocking mid-130’s emerged as a force to reckon with. While Mumbai was known for its batting masterclass, Dhawal Kulkarni brought a refreshing change by storming into the domestic circuit with his lethal pace. He was soon noticed by the selectors and had fantastic performances at the Under-19 state level, where he took 8 for 47 against Tamil Nadu, which got him into the India U-19 team for the 2007 tour to Sri Lanka. There, Kulkarni again stunned everyone and got himself a place in the Mumbai Ranji Team for the 2008 season, where his debut season was phenomenal. Dhawal Kulkarni ended the season as the Ranji Trophy’s highest wicket-taker, with 42 wickets, playing an important role in Mumbai’s title-winning campaign. Dhawal Kulkarni’s Maiden India Call-Up Dhawal’s career didn’t stop there. His exceptional rise led him to the national team, with a call-up for the India Test squad in 2009 for the tour of New Zealand. However, it was in the 2012-13 Ranji Trophy season that he made history for himself. Dhawal has led Mumbai to their 40th Ranji Trophy win by taking the match-winning five-wicket hauls both in the semifinal and final, out of which his spell is worth mentioning of 5/32 against Saurashtra in the finals. His performances were so consistent that he was soon called into the India A team for the 2014 Quadrangular series, where he played an important role in India’s title win. Dhawal Kulkarni Shines With Both Bat And Ball At The Rajasthan Royals Dhawal Kulkarni’s IPL journey started with the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2008, however he truly found himself as the lead bowler of a bowling attack the year he joined the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2014. His line and length immaculate, Dhawal was one of the most dependable bowlers for the Royals, often coming up when it mattered the most – delivering crucial breakthroughs. Dhawal was bowling brilliantly. What came as a shock to everyone was his batting. He struck some serious blows out of the park in one of the games against the Chennai Super Kings in Dubai. With such high-scoring nature of IPL 2014, Dhawal’s bowling economy rate of 8.18 stood out as he showed how to control the game and stop the runs from flowing. Dhawal Kulkarni’s International Debut September 02, 2014 will always have some fond memories. Dhawal Kulkarni made his international debut in September 2014 when India toured England. In the home series that was held later the same year at home against Sri Lanka, Dhawal performed even better, taking eight wickets at an average of just 18.62. His career reached a new height when he represented India at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2015 in Australia. Dhawal Kulkarni At IPL 2015 Dhawal Kulkarni continued to dominate in the IPL. Playing for the Rajasthan Royals in 2015, he single-handedly dismantled the batting line-up of Sunrisers Hyderabad with figures of 2/9 in three overs, providing the critical breakthroughs when his team needed it most. Dhawal Kulkarni Blows RCB Top Order In IPL 2016 In IPL 2016, the Rajasthan Royals were suspended along with the Chennai Super Kings due to obvious reasons and Dhawal Kulkarni found himself donning the orange kit of the newly established Gujarat Lions. Speaking of Dhawal at the Gujarat Lions, how can we even forget him dismantling the ferocious Royal Challengers Bengaluru top order. Dhawal and his Gujarat Lions were up against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in front of a daunting Chinnaswamy crowd in the playoffs of IPL 2016. The dangerous looking Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle were out to bat. We all know Virat was only upto smashing every bowler for a four or a six in IPL 2016. Dhawal Kulkarni was given the charge to handle the new ball. He marked his run-up in the second over of the innings and soon dismissed Virat Kohli for a duck. Dhawal soon came in for his second over and bamboozled the dangerous looking Chris Gayle this time for a score of 9 off 11. https://www.iplt20.com/video/5031 Dhawal was breathing fire. He went on dismissing KL Rahul for a duck the very next ball. It seemed that Dhawal was bowling rockets at the RCB batters and RCB were falling like a pack of cards in front of Dhawal Kulkarni. Dhawal’s fourth wicket came in the form of Sachin Baby. Through the innings Dhawal Kulkarni made sure that RCB was completely under pressure. Dhawal Kulkarni roared at Chinnaswamy as the lead bowler for the Gujarat Lions. Dhawal Kulkarni continued with the Gujarat Lions for IPL 2017 as well. Dhawal Kulkarni Shows Athleticism In IPL 2019 Dhawal was back with the Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2018-2019 season. Dhawal’s 2019 IPL season will always be remembered for his outstanding catch at long-off against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. SRH just needed 82 off 55 and were right in the hunt while chasing a target of 199. SRH’s Jonny Bairstow was set on 45 off 27 deliveries with the intention to go hard and cross the boundary rope as much as he can. However there was no escape. Dhawal Kulkarni was at the boundary and his fielding was as tight as that of a high security prison. Dhawal took a screamer just as the ball was going to cross the boundary ropes. Bairstow was
How Visualization Assists Grassroot Level Athletes In India?
Visualization is one of the most important tools in sports psychology that has received much attention in the last few years, particularly at the grassroots level amongst Indian athletes. Sports science in India has emerged as a discipline in the last few years which enables grassroots level athletes to harness the power of visualization for better performance. This technique, in the psychology of performance, is about picturing successful actions in the mind and trains the mind just like one trains the body. The Role of Visualization At Grassroots Level Sports In India The grassroots-level sportspersons of the country often do not get expensive training equipment or world-class coaches. Visualization can hence be used as a cost-effective method to help improve performance and no high tech device is needed for the purpose. Sport sciences in India have changed its direction from physical trainings towards mental preparations because a mind also owns a great deal in respect of succeeding in sports events. More and more grassroot level athletes are introduced to the idea of visualization where they rehearse in their minds what it is they will do so that success is achieved through imagined steps and actions. Visualization And Sports Psychology The sport psychologists have long recognized visualization as an intervention for enhancing focus, reducing anxiety, and building confidence. For grassroots level athletes in India, many of whom may face huge pressure or lack of resources, visualization is a game changer. These athletes develop mental resilience through regular practice, which enables them to stay calm during competition and react to challenges. More athletes are learning how to incorporate visualization into their training routines to better achieve results as sports science continues to grow in India. Overcoming The Challenges In Grassroots Level Sports Indian grassroots level sports face many challenges such as poor infrastructure, financial constraints, and lesser exposure. Nevertheless, sports science in India has newly opened avenues for grassroots athletes with the help of techniques like visualization, allowing the athletes from remote areas in India to perform well in their respective activities despite these challenges. An athlete visualizes the goals to equip his brain in the right actions and strategies thus increasing his chances of success on the field. The Growth Of Sports Science And Mental Training In India The rising prominence of sports science in India makes it easy for grass-root level athletes to utilize tools like visualization. It teaches the athletes to visualize victory but also to perfect their skills, overcome their weaknesses, and prepare their minds to meet the physical demands of the sport. Psychological training will ensure that the athletes are left with a positive mindset that would be necessary to overcome the setbacks and achieve long-term success. Empowering Grassroots Level Athletes It’s one of the valuable tools changing the face of grassroots level approach towards sports in India. Growing sports science in India continues to offer grassroots level athletes with mental tools to accompany physical training. Visualization helps unlock all this potential in such athletes so that they improve performance and help them compete at a different level, overcoming various barriers which come their way. What are your thoughts about visualization affecting an athlete’s performance at grassroots level? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Is Sports Sponsorship On A Verge Of Evolution In India?
The sports sponsorship landscape in India is experiencing a rapid transformation, driven by evolving consumer behaviors, digital innovation and the rising popularity of non-cricket sports. As the industry matures, brands are shifting from traditional sponsorship models to more targeted, performance-driven partnerships, capitalizing on new digital platforms and technologies to enhance their reach and impact. The future of sports sponsorships in India looks promising as diverse sports are gaining traction, creating new opportunities for brands to reach a growing, engaged audience. Rise Of Digital-First Sponsorships Cricket has long been the biggest sport in India’s sports sponsorship landscape. However, there is a noticeable shift toward other sports like football, kabaddi and even esports, as they capture the attention of younger, urban viewers. The core of these changes is found in OTT platforms, social media and influencer collaborations, which enable brands to engage audiences in innovative and measurable ways. With the possibility of tracking real-time fan engagement and digital interactions, sponsors now demand more from their partnerships, seeking tangible returns that go beyond logo placement and traditional media exposure. Targeted Engagement Through Technology This is one of the defining trends of Indian sports sponsorships to be digital-first. The brands are now using data-driven insights to craft bespoke campaigns through digital platforms like social media, OTT services and influencer-led activations. It has shown that with the success of fantasy sports like Dream11 and MPL and with the popularity of esports, digital engagement can be nicely amalgamated with sponsorships. These platforms allow sponsors to directly connect with tech-savvy, younger demographics who are increasingly consuming sports content online rather than through traditional TV broadcasts. The Growth of Regional Sports Sponsorships Regional sports and localized partnerships have also gained much attention. The more regional media and vernacular content become prominent, the more brands are tapping into Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets through sponsorships of regional leagues, such as the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and local football tournaments. These partnerships are especially attractive to brands that want to be hyper-localized, thus helping them build deeper connections with communities outside of India’s larger metropolitan areas. The other important trend within the industry is the growing emphasis on sustainability and social impact in sponsorship strategies. Brands are now partnering with causes that resonate with their target audiences, such as youth development programs, women’s empowerment and environmental sustainability. Sponsorships focused on social good, such as initiatives supporting grassroots football programs or promoting inclusivity in sports, are becoming more common. This fits the larger consumer trend-calling for brands to take a stance on social issues-since young generations expect such engagement. Role Of In-Stadium Advertising In-stadium advertising remains an essential factor, alongside the growth of digital advertising. Virtual LED boards and new technologies like AR/VR allow targeting specific audiences by region or even broadcast platform. In-stadium branding, including LED displays, fan engagement zones and activation activities, produces such memorable moments that they develop strong associations between brands and sports properties. For instance, through integration of their products in stadiums, automotive brands provide forms of advertising that go beyond classic billboards and create emotional connections with fans. However, one thing that has emerged is the fact that sponsorships are expensive to secure, especially for marquee events like IPL. The commercial success of IPL has led to a very high bar that other sports have had to try and match, because it sets a great value proposition. While no one else can compete with IPL on viewership and appeal to a global audience, the smaller leagues and non-cricket sports need to find similar compelling reasons for brands to invest in them. The Future Of Sports Sponsorship In India The sports sponsorship landscape in India is becoming integrated, digital-first, and increasingly dependent on performance metrics, fan engagement and social responsibility. In the future, further diversification is expected as the sector matures in terms of sports, sponsorship strategies and types of brands involved. For companies willing to embrace innovation and adapt to the changing landscape, India remains an exciting and dynamic market with vast potential for growth in the sports sponsorship space. In which direction do you think are the sports sponsorships in India heading to in 2025? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: India’s Pink-Ball Struggles Highlights Need For More Day-Night Test Exposure
India suffered a heavy 10-wicket defeat at the hands of Australia in the second test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Adelaide Oval and the debacle has reignited the debate surrounding the pink-ball and day-night test match cricket. Even though India is considered a cricketing powerhouse with a proven track record in the toughest of conditions, a lack of experience with the pink ball was the prime culprit behind India’s loss at Adelaide and in the process, highlighted a glaring gap in the preparation of modern-day test match cricket. India’s Performance In Perth vs In Adelaide The Adelaide test match, a day-night fixture, saw India struggle under the lights, a stark contrast to their performance in the first test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Optus Stadium, Perth. Despite having some of the world’s finest players—Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jasprit Bumrah—India was caught off guard by the pink-ball’s unpredictable movement and the unfamiliar batting conditions in a test match at night. It was tough to get familiar with the pink-ball’s behavior, especially in lights, as India collapsed in both their batting and bowling performances. Pink-Ball Turns Out To Be A Test For India The main issue has been India’s lack of exposure to pink-ball cricket. A format that is ever-so-present in international test match cricket, especially in Australia. The pink-ball swings very differently than the red-ball, as well as being much brighter to see, which translates to playability under artificial lights. This means the cricketers have to learn different techniques and strategies, all of which India’s men are still getting used to. India Needs Regular Pink-Ball Exposure In Home Tests To avoid such shocking losses in future day-night test matches, it is essential for India to make pink-ball cricket a regular feature in their home season. With the top level facilities in arenas like the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad now available, it presents an ideal venue for hosting a day-night test match, with the best facilities and infrastructure for such an event. Alternatively, the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, known for its lively crowd and an excellent wicket, could also host such matches, drawing full-capacity crowds and maximizing ticket sales, if at all revenue is a concern. India Must Embrace Pink-Ball Tests Just as Australia has included the pink-ball test in their calendar for their home series, India must do the same and make sure that their players get enough practice to get accustomed to the day-night format. Regular exposure to day-night test matches would help Indian cricketers understand the challenges of playing with the pink ball and provide the necessary practice to master its peculiarities. A Wake-Up Call for India Ultimately, India’s loss in Adelaide serves as a wake-up call. If they are to compete successfully in day-night test matches, both at home and abroad, they need to make the pink-ball format a permanent fixture in their test cricket calendar. What is your opinion on inclusion of pink-ball day-night test matches in the yearly calendar for every Indian cricket home-season? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Ball-Related Sports Injuries: A Physician’s Perspective
Ball sports, while exhilarating, carry inherent risks of injury. The type of ball, its speed, and the impact force can significantly influence the severity of these injuries. As a sports physician, I’ve witnessed the devastating impact of these injuries and the importance of preventive measures. Understanding Injury Risks Cricket Football (Soccer and American) Baseball Tennis Squash Volleyball Basketball Handball Golf Prevention Strategies To minimize the risk of ball-related injuries, consider the following: By understanding the risks and implementing preventive measures, athletes can enjoy their favourite sports while minimizing the risk of injury. The Sportz Planet Exclusive,Dr. Amol Patil Consultant Sports PhysicianFormer Team Doctor (Indian Boxing Team) | Former Consultant MY&S (Mission Olympic Cell)
Will Price Reduction In Wearable Technology Increase Its Affordability At Grassroots Level In India?
Wearable technology has revolutionized sports science across the globe, especially at the grassroots level, enabling athletes to have real-time access to data that can improve their performance, reduce the risks of injury and also provide optimal training regimes. Is Wearable Technology Affordable At Grassroots Level? In countries like India, grassroots level sports are beset by resource and infrastructural constraints. So high price tags for wearable technology effectively excludes many of the young sports talent from benefiting from them. If prices of sport wearables come down, it could change everything at grassroots levels and may create new potential future sporting talent. Wearable Technology And Sports Science Gradually sports science in India is picking up pace with wearable technology being the prime component to this development. The use of fitness trackers, smart watches and heart rate monitors gives an athlete an incredible amount of information regarding a person’s performance, providing even the minutest detail for heart rate, speed, distance travelled and recovery rates. A detailed data enables the coach and the sportsperson to tweak the training process, analyze their strengths and weaknesses and also minimize the possibility of suffering from injuries through accurate monitoring. However, there is this cost factor that is deterring mostly from the grassroots. Many grassroots athletes in India can’t afford advanced wearables at the base level, especially the ones living in underdeveloped rural areas. They miss some of its advantages in getting their self-maximized potential through sporting science Price Tag Plays A Major Factor While Purchasing Wearable Technology Grassroots level sports in India are the foundation of the nation’s sporting ecosystem. Here is where passion, talent and potential are juxtaposed with the harsh realities of limited resources. In stark contrast to this reality are the top-tier athletes, who enjoy the most up-to-date training facilities and technology at their disposal. The price tag associated with wearable technology-often perceived as an elitist tool-means that only the most privileged groups can actually access the data-driven insights that it offers. Reducing The Cost Of Wearable Technology Reducing the cost of sports wearables can democratize access to sports science and bring it within easier reach at the grassroots level. More athletes would monitor their progress and train better, thereby improving performance at all levels. Grassroots coaches can then use such insights to craft personalized training programs for every athlete to maximize development while minimizing injury. Potential Impact Making sports wearables affordable, India could unlock the hidden talents of young athletes in different parts of the country, thereby making sports science outreach to the remotest part of the country where talent otherwise goes unnoticed for a want of resources. With data-driven training becoming more accessible, India’s sports ecosystem could experience a significant uplift with improved grassroots level sports through better-informed coaching and improved athlete performance. This could help in bringing cost advantages to grassroots levels, that would benefit the most and hence help in bringing into play the benefits of sport science among athletes. Going by this aspect, the progress of wearable devices in furthering the cause of grassroots level sport in India would be at the forefront; helping the future sporting stars to flower in this sector. Do you also think that a reduction in the costs of wearable technology will increase its usage more at the grassroots levels in India? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Is Women’s Sports In India On A Rise?
India is witnessing a revolutionary change in the world of sports where women athletes are no longer relegated to the sidelines but are on center stage. Despite all the challenges they continue to face, the tide of women’s sports in India is irreversible. From pioneering leagues to governmental initiatives, Indian sportswomen are gradually breaking barriers and the future of women’s sports looks brighter than ever. Is Women’s Sports Overcoming Barriers And Challenges? While the rise of women’s sports in India has been nothing short of impressive, female athletes still grapple with various challenges. One of the primary obstacles remains the lack of investment. Indian women in sports often struggle with limited access to world-class training facilities, coaching, and sponsorship. This systemic shortfall stifles potential growth and limits the business of women’s sports, preventing many from reaching their true potential. However, with growing awareness and support, women’s sports are beginning to make waves in the country. Is Women’s Participation In Sports Confronting Cultural Barriers? Since time immemorial, in India, the participation of women in sports has been bogged down by deeply ingrained cultural and societal norms. Traditional gender roles often discourage girls and women from pursuing an athletic career, thus creating an enormous gap between men and women in sports participation. These social barriers, coupled with the lack of access to quality training, have stagnated women’s sports for many years. However, through initiatives like Khelo India and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, the current narrative is changing by empowering young girls to take part in sports and break free from such constraints. Is The Government Taking Initiatives For Empowering Women’s Sports? The Indian government has realized the need for women’s sports and established a range of programs that encourage women athletes. One such initiative is the Khelo India program, initiated in 2018, focusing on the nurturing of grass-roots level young talent. Likewise, the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign encourages girls to engage in sports, helping break down the social stigma attached and provides essential resources. These initiatives are building an inclusive sports ecosystem in India. Women’s sports have stronger foundations to flourish here. Are Women’s Sports Leagues Creating The Way To Future Success? Many sports organizations in India are now taking steps toward providing a platform for women’s sports. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) launched the Women’s T20 Challenge in 2018 and the Indian Super League (ISL) introduced a Women’s League in 2020, which has helped increase the visibility of female athletes. The IWL in football is also promoting women’s football, while the AIFF is taking lead in improving the infrastructure and support for female players. These leagues are a reflection of the growing recognition and support for women’s sports in India and their success is laying the ground for the next generation of female athletes. Is Women’s Sports In India Battling Inequality? Despite the progress being made, women in sports in India remain unequal in areas like remuneration and support. The most glaring example here is the pay disparity between Indian male and female cricketers. In 2018, it was announced that the BCCI has given a 200% hike to male cricketers, while females get an increase of just 10-30%. This pay gap works against women athletes and forms a barrier towards success in this field at the highest level. The situation is now slowly changing, but enough needs to be done to normalize the playing field for female sports persons in all arenas. How Coverage Of Women’s Sports Is A Shifting Landscape? The other major aspect through which women’s sports face obstacles is through restricted media coverage and sponsorship. Women’s sports leagues in India, such as the Women’s T20 Challenge, have always been given much less attention than men’s leagues like the IPL. This limited exposure stunts the growth of women’s sports and fails to attract crucial sponsorships. But with the WPL, this is slowly changing. The WPL’s first season broke all records with more than 10 million new viewers in its pocket, surpassing even the viewership numbers globally for well-established women’s sports leagues like the WNBA and Barclays WSL. That is a turning point in terms of the visibility and profitability of women’s sports in India and it shows that there is huge potential waiting to be unlocked. Is The Future Bright In Women’s Sports Business? With more and more deals coming about in terms of sponsorship, media interests, and fan engagement, Indian women’s sports are at the cusp of an era that has not been witnessed before. The WPL specifically is bound to change the complexion of India’s women’s sports industry with increased global sponsorships and viewership and popularity across borders. As the tide rises, it will most likely bring better infrastructure, more investment and a more inclusive sports culture in India that would empower women athletes. Is This The Beginning Of Women’s Sports Revolution? The rising tide of women’s sports in India is a powerful movement reshaping the future of sports in the country. While much still needs to be done, the journey so far speaks volumes about the grit and skill of India’s female athletes. With greater support, media coverage and investment, women’s sports are bound to reach even newer heights in the years ahead. The rise of Women’s IPL and similar initiatives signal the beginning of a new era for women’s sports in India—an era of empowerment, growth and success. The future is bright and the revolution is just getting started. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: The Travis Head-Ache Continues For India
Travis Head continued to torture the Indian Cricket Team as he struck a brilliant century on Day 2 of the second test in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Adelaide. One who always comes good at the right moment, Head’s knock was yet another reminder of his dominance against India, having already made his mark in the ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Final. Travis Head’s Second Test Century Against India This is Travis Head’s eighth career test match century and second against India in test match cricket. Having played a dogged 89 in the first test in Perth where Australia lost heavily, Head faced India’s pace attack yet again and sent Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana and Mohammed Siraj packing. Head’s first test match hundred against India came in the WTC Final in 2023 when he was sublime to post an innings of 163 as Australia took control. Travis Head’s Masterclass At The Adelaide Oval Travis Head became the first South Australian cricketer to achieve three centuries at the legendary Adelaide Oval. Head’s consistently managed to find openings with relative ease and ensured continued momentum for his side in an important 65-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Marnus Labuschagne, who made 64. His controlled batting kept the game in play for the hosts and hence he was a vital participant in Australia’s innings. Travis Head A Constant Hurdle For India Travis Head has been the thorn in the side of India across formats. Be it test match cricket or ODIs, Head at the crease often sends out trouble signals for India. If Indian bowlers fail to get him out early, Travis Head can snatch the game from them as he did once again in this series. Travis Head And Marnus Labuschagne Steady The Ship Australia started Day 2 at 86/1, appearing very stable until Jasprit Bumrah made a quick breakthrough with the wicket of Nathan McSweeney. He followed that up with another important wicket, Steven Smith, back to the pavilion for just 2 runs. Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the Australian ship by combining for a 65-run partnership before Labuschagne was dismissed for a well-made 64 by Nitish Kumar Reddy, providing India with much-needed breakthrough. At the time of writing, Australia were at 280 for 5 in 76.3 overs, with Travis Head on 119* off 128. Head’s presence at the crease remains crucial as Australia aim to extend their lead in this crucial second test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Will Travis Head continue to wound India or will the Indian bowlers stop the bleeding? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: Mitchell Starc Runs Riot With The Pink-Ball On Day 1
The Indian Cricket Team’s batting was completely exposed as the Australian pacer Mitchell Starc wreaked havoc during day 1 of the pink-ball test at the Adelaide Oval, which began on Friday, December 06, 2024. Starc ‘Bowls Fast’ To Jaiswal In a thrilling sequence of play, Mitchell Starc struck early, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal off the very first ball of the match. He then went on to take two more quick wickets before the dinner break, leaving India reeling. Starc Dismantles India’s Top Order Starc’s relentless pace did significant damage, sending back KL Rahul (37 off 64) and Virat Kohli (7 off 8) in quick succession, leaving Australia well and truly in the driver’s seat. Earlier, Rahul and Shubman Gill (31 off 51) had added a steady 69 for the second wicket, giving India a decent base. However just when it seemed India was off to a good start, disaster struck. Starc And Boland Continue The Carnage Scott Bolland delivered another crushing blow to send Gill packing in the final over before the break with a full ball, which trapped the opener plumb in front. India’s collapse happened in quick time and decisiveness since the last three wickets yielded just 12 runs; it left the team facing a precarious situation. Rohit Sharma Departs Early Rohit Sharma, who had been watching from the dressing room, was soon called to join Rishabh Pant (4 not out) at the crease, with India’s hopes hanging by a thread. Having dropped himself down the order to accommodate K.L Rahul at the top, Rohit found himself thrust into a growing crisis. Starc Completes His Five-Wicket Haul Mitchell Starc came in after the break and pulled off a memorable five-wicket haul against India, adding two more wickets to that list of R. Ashwin and Harshit Rana. India Lose Their Momentum Under Starc’s Pressure The day 1 had begun so promisingly for India when they decided to bat on a grassy pitch however, the innings soon became one-way traffic in favor of the Australians. Jaiswal, who had just completed his memorable debut in Australia, was out first ball to a full, swinging delivery by Starc, leg before wicket. Gill And Rahul Fight Back But Fall To Starc’s Short Balls Shubman Gill, coming in after injury, looked confident at the crease, while Rahul, after a slow start, started playing aggressively. The pair did well against Starc, whose inconsistent lengths let Gill in particular thrive, with several stylish cover drives and off-drives off the left-arm pacer. However, India’s progress was halted as Starc’s short-pitched deliveries caught Rahul and Kohli off guard. Both were dismissed in successive overs with sharp bounces sending them to the slips. Boland then sent back Gill as tea arrived and India now was in a vulnerable state. Australia In Command With Starc’s Blitz Australia now has the upper hand in the contest as India’s promising position now is shattered in a marvelous display of seam bowling. Australia Playing At Adelaide Is A Test For India Australia has a strong track record in Day-Night Tests at Adelaide, consistently posting impressive first-innings totals. In their last four outings at the venue, Australia has scored 442/8 declared, 589/3 declared, 473/9 declared, and 511/7 declared, showcasing their ability to dominate the batting-friendly conditions with long partnerships. India’s Struggles In Adelaide’s Pink Ball Tests In contrast, India has had a tough time batting first in Adelaide’s pink-ball tests. The best they could do was 259/9 declared in 2018. Their other three tests have seen much lower totals in the first innings, such as 202, 244, and 180. That is quite a stark difference, really, to say that India has not really managed to adjust to the pink ball and to Adelaide conditions generally, usually failing to meet the high Australian standards. Will India bounce back the way they did in the 1st test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth or will Australia dominate the second test and make the series scoreline equal? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye