5 Times Ravichandran Ashwin Saved India in Test Cricket
We all are aware of Ravichandran Ashwin’s ability to spin a web and trap the opposition, especially when playing for the Indian Cricket Team in the whites. However, very little do we speak of Ashwin rescuing the Indian Cricket Team in crucial test matches – not with the ball we are talking about, but with the bat. Just what he proved once again in the on-going 1st test match against Bangladesh at Chennai, his all-round ability has been crucial to India’s success over all these years. Ravichandran Ashwin piled on a mammoth score of 113 off 133 deliveries and saved the Indian Cricket Team from a batting collapse. Alongside him was Ravindra Jadeja who supported him with a steady 86 run knock coming off his bat off 124 deliveries. Here are five such instances when Ravichandran Ashwin’s batting heroics pulled India out of trouble in test cricket. 1. 106 vs England, Chennai (2021) At a precarious 106/6 with a lead of 301 runs, Ravichandran Ashwin’s century (106 off 148) in the second innings helped India set an uphill target of 481, which England could not chase and India emerged victorious by 317 runs. 2. 124 vs West Indies, Kolkata (2013) The score card read India 156/6 in their second innings with the West Indies posting 234 in the first innings. Ravichandran Ashwin and Rohit Sharma combined to help India amass 453. India thus went on to win by an innings and 51 runs. 3. 91* vs England, Kolkata (2012) After posting 523, England had made it clear in their batting that it was going to be tricky for India to see them off. It was 122/6 in the second innings, and after this, it was not the best of days for Indians as Ravichandran Ashwin batted his way to an unbeaten 91 to take India to a respectable score of 247. 4. 118 vs West Indies, St. Lucia (2016) Ravichandran Ashwin’s 118, coupled with Wriddhiman Saha’s 104, helped India recover from 87/4 to 353, after which it gained momentum for a 237-run win. 5. 72 vs England, Mohali (2016) When India was in trouble at 156/5, Ravichandran Ashwin’s subdued 72 got India to a total of 417, which gave the team a comfortable victory over England. These performances aptly describe the treasure bag Ravichandran Ashwin brings out under pressure and thereby proves he is more than a world-class bowler. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
IND vs BAN: Anna Sets The Tone In Chennai With His Sixth Test Match Ton
Ravichandran Ashwin and his marvelous performances at Chepauk is literally a match made in heaven. For on Thursday, the hometown hero danced his way to a spectacular sixth test match century, pulling India from a wobbly 144/6 to a much more respectable 339/6 on the first day of the first test against Bangladesh. It was also Ashwin’s second consecutive test match century at Chepauk, his last one coming off against England, back in 2021. Wrecking Ball Moment For Bangladesh Hasan Mahmud takes a Miley Cyrus turn for India’s misery as the top order goes for a toss. Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and even Virat Kohli perished quickly. Mahmud was an unspent volcano, getting four wickets, as a band without its lead singer, India stumbled to 144/6. Chennai’s Familiar Faces To The Rescue In walked Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. Ranked No.1 and No.2 in the ICC Men’s Test all-rounder rankings, this dynamic duo was not letting the party end early. Together, they stitched an unbroken 195-run stand that left Bangladesh scratching their heads and India back in the game. Jadeja, always the cool-headed sidekick, closed the day on 86*- a stone’s throw away from his own century. Ashwin’s Century: Chepauk’s Favorite Repeat Performance Ravichandran Ashwin, the showman smashed 10 fours and 2 sixes, robbing the opposition of every chance, taking his century in a mere 108 balls. The man clearly reveals in an encore; after all, his last test match ton came right here in 2021. Much like before, Ravichandran Ashwin swooped in at a critical moment to save the day. Chepauk, of course, loved every second of it. Ashwin’s Magic Brings India Back On Track By stumps, India was sitting pretty at 339/6. Bangladesh, high on its own ambitions, woke up scratching its collective head, wondering how things unraveled so quick. One thing is for sure: when Ravichandran Ashwin is batting at Chepauk, expect magic. The Sports Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Innovative Solutions for Meniscal Repair and Knee Health
The menisci are of vital importance for the stability of the knee joint, exert crucial influences on the forces distribution in load transmission between femoral and tibial bones, support joint biomechanics, and induce cartilage nutrition. Effect of Meniscal Tears and Meniscectomy Meniscal tears are one of the most common types of knee injury, which results in significant functional loss. However, when these tears are symptomatic and cannot be preserved, partial meniscectomy often becomes necessary. Nevertheless, excision of meniscal tissue elevates contact stresses on the articular surface, thus increasing the rate of early cartilage damage and hastening the onset of osteoarthritis. Effects of Functional Loss This functional loss from meniscectomy leads to a vicious cycle of increased joint stress and rapid degeneration of the cartilage, thus leading to what is termed post-meniscectomy syndrome. The syndrome is noted through chronic pain, lack of proper functions, and further cartilage degeneration. Enhanced Surgical Solutions In response, exciting new innovations include meniscal allograft transplantation, or MAT, and biodegradable scaffolds. MAT was first researched in the 1980s and aims to minimize the negative impact of meniscus loss. Such a procedure can help alleviate symptoms and support returning to sporting activities, as long-term results continue to improve with advances in surgical techniques. Hope for Maintaining Knee Health These innovations fill a person with hope that they can keep their knee healthy and as functional even after meniscus damage or removal. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Sports Science To Win The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
While the show will begin on October 3rd at Dubai and Sharjah as part of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, one secret weapon remains quietly gearing up to steal the show and no, it’s not a mystery spinner or a big-hitting all-rounder. It’s sports science. Yes, the geeky gamers in lab coats and whiz-bang gimmicks are just as essential to the game as the athletes themselves. Let’s get into how sports science is literally keeping the game going, one nifty solution at a time. Sports Science of Keeping it Cool Dubai weather? Hotter than your morning chai! Meet sports scientists with hydration solutions that might make a camel jealous. Armed with electrolytes and ice baths, the support staff are the unsung heroes behind a player’s ability to withstand scorching temperatures as if it’s just another day at the office. Wearable sensors and GPS will track a player’s every heartbeat while also monitoring how quickly they run between wickets so that no one collapses from exhaustion during play. Players will run like gazelles and not sweaty sloths. Biomechanics: Artistry in Batting Literature Meets Physics Books Science is strictly for classrooms, you think? Think again! In the labs, bowlers and batters tweak their techniques like engineers fine-tuning a rocket launch. From Smriti Mandhana’s cover drive to bowlers perfecting their yorkers, biomechanical analysis helps players find that perfect sweet spot. Need to tweak your follow-through to avoid injury? Science has your back. Expect a great mix of art and algorithms when the teams hit the field in Dubai and Sharjah. Mind Games: Because Cricket is 90% Mental, 10% Skill We all know how nerve-wracking a T20 match can be. Just when you start reaching for those breath control exercises, visualization techniques and mental tricks that are sharper than a googly, the sports psychologists come in. When pressure’s on—in this case, in the 19th over of a nail-biter—these mental gymnasts help players keep their cool and hit sixes like they play in the backyard. It’s like having a superpower all in the head! The Real MVP? Sports Science As the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 continues to unfold, where cameras capture every moment of these athletes in action, remember that somewhere in the background, sports science is winning every match – one neat little hack at a time. From hydration to headspace, it is the sports science that stands as a whipping boy for modern cricket and is going to make the tournament so exciting. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Kinetic Chains in Athletic Functionality
Kinetic chain is also another term that is used to refer to the performance of the musculoskeletal system in sports. Instead of individual muscles acting independently, it is usually a system of working bodies, termed as kinetic chain. It refers to multiple joints and associated muscles acting together in order to power movements such as throwing, sprinting, or jumping. Sprinting: Power from the Bottom Up In the sprinting biomechanical study from the International Journal of Sports Science (2024), investigators calculated that 45% of sprinting speed is due to the proper activation of the kinetic chain from the ground up-the hips, knees, and ankles. So, proper timing of muscle activations from the bottom up is critical for maximum speed. Throwing Sports: Energy Transfer in Action Overhead and horizontal throwing sports, such as cricket and baseball, make extensive use of upper body kinetic chains. According to a 2024 report in the Journal of Sports Biomechanics, more than 60% of the forces that provide throwing velocity are obtained from the kinetic transfer initiated from the legs, followed through by the torso and concluded by the arm and wrist. Jumping: Optimizing Vertical Power According to Sports Biomechanics Reviews, research reveals that athletic activity like basketball and volleyball could be accomplished with a proper kinetic chain between the legs and the core in a jump. With synchronization between the legs and the core, it is possible to increase a difference of 12 to 15% in vertical jump height. In case there is no synchronization, then there is the probability of losing some energy in the athlete, which eventually leads to poor performance in activities. Injury Prevention Through Kinetic Chains One of the major reasons for injury prevention is an understanding of training the kinetic chain. Poor coordination between these muscle groups leads to overuse injuries; according to the Sports Injury Epidemiology Journal, knee and ankle injuries will represent 40% of sports injuries by 2024. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates Second Edition of Inclusion Conclave
Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the Second Edition of Inclusion Conclave organised by National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), India in New Delhi today. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Ms. Raksha Nikhil Khadse was also present on the occasion. Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Mandaviya said “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India has made remarkable strides in sports. Our focus remains on providing quality training, developing inclusive infrastructure, and discovering talent from the grassroots. This holistic approach ensures that everyone, regardless of background or ability, has the chance to excel and contribute to India’s sporting success.” He highlighted India’s commitment to prioritise the promotion of sports by empowering the Divyang sportsperson, under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also underlined India’s strengthened role in anti-doping through international cooperation and enhanced capacities. During the conclave, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya also released the “NADA India’s Anti-Doping Guide” in Braille Script, breaking the barriers of exclusion in the anti-doping landscape. In her address, Ms. Raksha Nikhil Khadse highlighted India’s deep-rooted commitment to ensure that every individual, regardless of background, gender, age, or ability has the opportunity to participate and excel in sports and reaffirmed the commitment to inclusion, ethical practices, and anti-doping efforts. Mr Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities also addressed the gathering. Dr. Mayumi YaYa Yamamoto, Director, Asia/Oceania Office, WADA also joined the NADA India Inclusion Conclave virtually. UNESCO COP9 Bureau Chairperson Mr. Matar Bâ & its members and Mr. Neil Murrell, Chairperson of UNESCO Anti-Doping Convention’s Fund Approval Committee and its members graced the occasion. The Conclave featured engaging panel discussions on key topics like legal framework, technology, sport values, along with insightful reflections from our para-athletes, and an inclusive anti-doping workshop on significant topics which will help shape the future of inclusion in anti-doping. The conclave witnessed an overwhelming participation of over 500+ participants, serving as a vital platform for attendees to collaborate, share insights, and develop strategies for ensuring fair play and tailored anti-doping programs for all athletes. National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) India, successfully concluded its second edition of the Inclusion Conclave today, building upon the momentum of its maiden event.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: A Team-by-Team Preview
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is all set to get underway from the 3rd to the 20th of October, 2024 at Sharjah and Dubai. Ten teams would be rubbing their shoulders against each other to have their hands on that elusive title at the Dubai International Stadium on 20th October, 2024. Let’s quickly go through the 10 participating teams in this edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. India India had to face a setback in the 2023 semi-final in an incredible game against Australia at Cape Town. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is where they will look to repeat that for a second final appearance and possibly a first title win. Australia Four times in a row, Australia come in as the tournament favorites, after dominating the competition in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, which they won for the sixth time in South Africa. The Australians have never lost since 2020 and are expected to try to maintain the grip on the trophy. England Traditionally a strong team, England made its debut as champions in 2009 and will expect an easy comeback from the loss in the semi-finals of last year. England has made it to the final thrice since winning their first title. Hence, they are again one of the favorites to win. South Africa South Africa, the runners-up of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, are going to try that little extra inch further this time round since they managed history to make it to the very first final of their lives. They have all it takes to go deep again, and a rightful push to attain their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup trophy. New Zealand New Zealand have been the runners-up in 2009 and 2010. The Kiwis do have a good account of World Cup performances, and they would be looking to get it to the final this time around. Qualification increased following their crushing victories against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at the fag end of last year. West Indies West Indies, champions in 2016, qualified solely based on their group play in South Africa. The Caribbean team will look to reignite the good old days with another title victory. Sri Lanka Sri Lanka qualified by winning the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Qualifier. Having done quite well in 2023, where they opened with a win over South Africa, they will look forward to delivering when it matters the most this time around. Scotland The only first-time team participating in this event is Scotland, which gained qualification through the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier. This is actually the first taste of action on the world stage for the team. Pakistan Pakistan had qualified as the highest-ranked side, not including those that had otherwise already qualified for the event. As first-timers to the semis, they will look to make it big in the 2024 edition. Bangladesh Bangladesh, who had qualified as hosts before the competition was switched to the UAE, start against Scotland at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. It is Bangladesh’s sixth visit to the tournament; however, they have failed to go beyond the group stage so far. With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 round the corner, teams are in full preparations to make their presence felt in the tournament. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Prize Money Increases By 134%
The ICC is pouring a whopping USD 7.95 million into the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, starting October 3 in the UAE. That’s a massive 225% boost from last year’s prize pot in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023. Equal Pay: Game On! The winners of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will pocket USD 2.34 million—134% more than the USD 1 million Australia snagged in 2023. The ICC is leveling the playing field with equal prize money for men’s and women’s events, a game-changer they introduced in June 2023. Prize Money 2023 Edition (in USD) 2024 Edition (in USD) Total Pool 2.45 million 7.96 million Winner 1 million 2.34 million Runner-up 500,000 1.17 million Losing semifinalists 210,000 675,000 Men vs Women: The Prize Face-Off Curious how the women’s prize stacks up? India’s men snagged USD 2.45 million in their T20 World Cup victory earlier this year. The slight difference? The men’s tournament had 20 teams, while the women’s event featured 10. More Money, More Drama The runners-up will grab USD 1.17 million—double what South Africa took home last edition. Losing semi-finalists will net USD 675,000, a major upgrade from USD 210,000 in 2023. Plus, every team gets a minimum of USD 112,500. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Mirabai Chanu has unfinished business, says weightlifting coach Vijay Sharma
New Delhi, Sept. 18: Mirabai Chanu still has a lot of weightlifting left in her, said veteran weightlifting coach Vijay Sharma. Tokyo Olympics silver medallist, finished fourth at the Paris Olympics last month, missing a bronze medal by the barest of margins in women’s 49kg category. Speaking on the sidelines of the ASMITA women’s weightlifting league in Modinagar last week, Sharma, who has been working with Mirabai since 2014, said: “After Paris, we both discussed the future and decided that Mirabai must continue in competitive weightlifting,” said Dronacharya-winning Sharma to SAI Media. In a tight four-way competition at Paris, Mirabai was edged out by Thailand’s Surodchana Khambao of Thailand for the bronze medal. Khambao lifted a total of 200 kgs (88 snatch + 112 kg clean and jerk) to Mirabai’s 199 (88 + 111) kgs. China’s Hou Zhihui (206 kgs) defended her Tokyo Olympics gold while reigning European champion Mihaela Cambei of Romania (205 kgs) won the silver. “I have been working with Mirabai since 2014 and she is a very disciplined athlete. Mirabai finished fourth in Paris and we both feel that there is some more work to do. We are looking at the next Commonwealth Games (in 2026) and the Asian Games (in 2026 Nagoya, Japan). An Asian Games medal is missing from her cabinet and we will give it all to secure that,” 54-year-old Sharma, who is developing a weightlifting facility in Modinagar, said. The Hangzhou Asian Games held in 2023 turned out to be a nightmare for Mirabai. Within sniffing distance of a maiden Asian Games medal, the 29-year-old Manipuri lifter injured her hip and was out for five months. She made a splendid recovery and made it to Paris Olympics as a medal hope. “I did my best and was happy to finish where I did after coming back from the injury,” Mirabai said, adding that she was somewhat handicapped by her menstrual cycle. “It is part of the game in women’s sport,” said Sharma. Saying that league like ASMITA have created a good space for women to pursue a sports career, the national coach said India’s weightlifting future depended how well women worked hard. “In India, women’s weightlifting has a bright future. You have seen how Karnam Maleshwari won an Olympic medal in 2000, then Mirabai Chanu in 2020…I have been in weightlifting for 25 years, I can emphatically say that only women can win us Olympic medals in 2028 and 2032. Men have to really work very hard to come up to Olympic expectations.” ABOUT ASMITA ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women) is part of Khelo India’s initiative to promote sports among women through leagues and competition. As such, the Sports Authority of India supports National Sports Federations to conduct Khelo India women’s leagues across multiple age groups at both zonal and national levels. ASMITA leagues not only aim to increase the participation of women in sports but to utilise the leagues as a platform for identification of new talent across the length and breadth of India.
A Jackpot At The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
Hold on to your cricket hats, folks! The ICC has just cranked up the excitement for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 with a prize pool that is dazzling enough to make even the most seasoned cricket fan do a double-take. This year, the total prize purse has risen through the roof to a jaw-dropping $7.96 million — more than two times what it was dished out last year. And yes, the champions will take home an astonishing $2.34 million. That’s a 134% hike from the $1 million Australia won back in 2023. Talk about hitting the jackpot! Runners-up and Semi-finalists Pockets Full of Money To the runners-up, as usual, no bad deal here. They will take home a nice $1.17 million, a 134% increase from last year’s booty. If you get to the semi-finals in this event, then you are going to be good. Each semi-finalist will score $675,000. In fact, these payouts are tripled from what the last lot received! Group stage wins have been increased to $31,154, compared to the previous one of $17,500. And so, no matter when you get knocked out, you’re still raking it in. Everyone Gets a Slice of the Pie No team is going out this season without taking some money back. Even if you leave your team at the group stage, you get to go home with $112,500. And that’s just right; all 10 participating teams do go home with handsome amounts. Fifth to eighth-placed teams get $270,000, while the last two get $135,000 each. All in all, very much like the cricket treasure hunt, but everyone goes home with a share! Dubai and Sharjah: The Cricket Capital of the World Action will get underway in Dubai and Sharjah from 3rd to 20th October. Expect epic cricket battles as the semi-finals are scheduled for 17 and 18 October while the grand finale is scheduled for 20 October. Do not miss a great double-header on 5 October as Australia locks horns with Sri Lanka and England squares off against Bangladesh. Crickets and Cash: A World Cup Like No Other So sit back and enjoy, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be a spectacular show of cricketing excellence and riches that would abound with a highly singular juxtaposition. The drama is set, the stakes high and the excitement would surely go off the charts! The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye