Nagal’s US Open campaign ends with first round singles loss
India’s top-ranked men’s player Sumit Nagal bowed out of the US Open event after a straight-sets loss to world No 40 Tallon Griekspoor, of the Netherlands. Griekspoor started off the match on a strong note, winning the first two sets 6-1 and 6-3 before Nagal was able to put up a tougher challenge in the third set. The Indian got the first break of the third set in the 11th game to lead 6-5 and served for the set. However, the Dutchman broke back right away to take the set into a tiebreaker. Nagal led 6-4 and earned himself two set points. However, a forehand error from the Indian and a service winner from Griekspoor levelled the tiebreak at 6-6. The Dutchman then went the next two points to close out the win 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (10-8) in two hours and 10 minutes on Court 15 at Flushing Meadows. Griekspoor will go on to play 21st seed Sebastian Baez in the second round. Nagal’s doubles partner Nishioka forced to pull out of the tournament Meanwhile, there was more bad news for Nagal as his doubles partner Yoshihito Nishioka was forced to pull out of the tournament after retiring during the fifth set of his first-round singles match. Nishioka was in the fifth set of his first round match against Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic when he fell to the ground due to full body spasms and had to receive medical attention on the court. Nishioka/ Nagal will be replaced in the men’s doubles draw by an alternate team. This was Nagal’s third appearance in the US Open main draw (now 1-3 record here) and marked the first time that the 27-year-old Indian has competed in the main draw of all the four Grand Slams in the same season. The Sportz Planet Desk,Haresh Ramchandani
Erling Haaland Shines Bright; Continues To Break Records
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland just does not seem to stop stepping up in the Premier League with his unbeatable striking skills. At the tender age of 24, the Norwegian forward has lit the footballing world and established his stature among the elites of the game, doing justice to every bit of lauding. In Manchester City‘s recent 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town, Haaland bagged a stunning hat-trick to further highlight City’s real attacking dominance in the league. Again, it was one of those nights meant to epitomize how Haaland can score and how quickly his instincts are with the ball, driving his team to another roaring victory. This hat-trick is nothing new in his illustrious career. Here are some of his major career highlights as he outshines football greats like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Fastest to 50 Premier League Goals Haaland’s goal rate has been nothing short of extraordinary. He recently became the top scorer in the Premier League at 48 matches only. This was a record-breaking feat as it had taken many more games by other record holders, like Andy Cole and Alan Shearer, to reach that same number. Record-Breaking Debut Season at Manchester City Haaland spent his first season at Manchester City savaging the history books by setting a new benchmark for scoring in a single Premier League season, banging in an incredible 36 goals in just 35 appearances. His consistency has seen him find the net against all 23 opponents in the Premier League he has faced, laying proof to him being one of the few players in the game who can be adept and skillful with numerous defences set up in a different manner. Outscoring Ronaldo and Messi at 24 Should one measure everything by this comparison and standard, Haaland’s feat will grow even more enormous. Already with 260 career goals, Haaland has scored more goals at this age than both Ronaldo and Messi combined. Meanwhile, he has played far fewer games. That latter comparison speaks to what a player of Haaland’s caliber is really capable of: to truly become one of the greatest football players of all time. Three Goals Away from the Aguero Hat-trick Record His ability to score hat-tricks has placed him on the edge of another big record in the English Premier League. With seven hat-tricks already, Haaland is now three away from breaking the record of 12 hat-tricks in the history of the league by Manchester City great Sergio Aguero. City Aiming for UEFA Champions League Glory Now more than ever, all the European ambitions of Manchester City will fall on Haaland’s shoulders as he goes into the UEFA Champions League draw, taking place on August 29. With UEFA modifying the format to stage a league phase of the top teams for next season, City will hope to continue its domination over the continent, led by Haaland. There are Halcyon Days in Store for Haaland with Manchester City Haaland is just 24 years old and keeps breaking records. Nobody knows how many more he is going to break as he keeps charging ahead. There is, therefore, a lot for Manchester City’s fans to smile about concerning the future with Haaland leading the strike-force. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
The Science of Athlete Recovery: A Sport-Specific Approach
The process of athlete recovery is as complex as it can get, depending on which sport they take part in. For instance, an endurance athlete, like that marathon runner, will need prolonged muscle recovery and cardiovascular revamping. On the other hand, sprinters require fast muscle repair and nervous system recovery. These contrasting recovery methods are what make the difference in their performance in the field with a view of ensuring the athlete is at their very best while back in the sport. Age Recovery also depends on the athlete’s age. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Indian contingent had athletes from 14-year-old swimming sensation Dhinidhi Desinghu to 44-year-old tennis legend Rohan Bopanna. Recovery for a competition to a teenage swimmer like Desinghu contradicts a 44-year-old veteran like Bopanna. Younger athletes may recover more quickly due to their age, while older athletes often require more focused strategies to maintain their physical condition. The Complexities of Female Athlete Recovery The added complications of female athletes and recovery are mostly related to the effects of the menstrual cycle on biomarkers and the associated signals that stimulate hormonal activity. This can have an effect on sleep and muscle repair as well. Therefore, a female athlete’s ability to perform at their best through different stages of life makes it necessary to have some special challenges in the recuperation plan. More and more, recovery plans are taking into account sport-specific methods, needs based on age and needs based on gender. The development of the history of sports scoping science has been one that lays it very clear—recovery is not one-size-fits-all. It needs an individual prescription in which the specifics of each athlete are taken in. Only then will there be a possibility of optimal sports performance and longevity. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Five Indian Cricketers with Highest Brand Value in 2024
In India, cricketers are much more than just athletes. Each of them is a national icon celebrated for their influence on and off the field. Here’s a look at the top five Indian cricketers in 2024 who have the highest estimated brand value. 1. Virat Kohli – $228 million (approx. 1912 cr) Leading from the front is Virat Kohli, whose brand value has risen meteorically because of his aggressive play, consistency and worldwide appeal. Kohli’s brand goes beyond cricket and is interpreted as a way of life representing fitness, lifestyle and aspiration. His endorsement deals range from sports equipment to personal care products, making him an absolute delight for brands looking to target the youth segment. 2. MS Dhoni – $91.4 million (approx. 766 cr) Even after his retirement from international cricket, MS Dhoni continued to be a brand powerhouse. With a cool demeanor and a mind that works like a strategy chart, Dhoni has been associated with brands that emphasize reliability and leadership. He endorses automotive, real estate and sports equipment—reflecting his status as a composed and successful leader. 3. Sachin Tendulkar – $91.4 million (approx. 766 cr) Even years after his retirement, Sachin Tendulkar‘s brand value remains. On account of his legendary status in the game of cricket, brand endorsements focus on legacy, trust and his affiliation with cricket-loving households across India. The image of a role model stays with brands related to education, health and sports. 4. Rohit Sharma – $41 million (approx. 344 cr) A rise in brand value for Rohit Sharma comes on the back of some stellar performances and leadership roles for the stylish batsman in limited-overs cricket. His endorsement portfolio comprises fashion, sports and lifestyle brands because of his stylish yet aggressive gameplay that modern urban Indians look up to. 5. Hardik Pandya – $29.6 million (approx. 249 cr) Hardik Pandya has risen really fast due to his dynamic all-rounder skills. Charisma and energy have made him a darling of the youth-centric brands in fitness, fashion and lifestyle—what has been enough to indubitably put him at the pinnacle of brand ambassadors. There is an exemplary case of these cricketers regarding how cricket has taken on cultural and commercial muscle in India, with athletes turning into icons who affected trends, lifestyles and market dynamics. The Sportz Planet desk,Atharva Shetye
Suresh Dhakshineswar’s run in Winston-Salem Open ends in semis
India’s Suresh Dhakshineswar’s run at the ATP Winston-Salem Open doubles event came to an end on Friday night as he and British partner Luca Pow were knocked out in the semi-finals. The Indo-British duo, who play together for Wake Forest University in the NCAA US College circuit and received a wildcard into the main draw, were beaten by fourth seeds Nathaniel Lammons and Jackson Withrow in straight sets. Lammon/ Withrow dropped only seven points on their serve in the contest, winning 6-4, 6-2 to reach the final where they will meet Julian Cash and Robert Galloway on Saturday. The loss brought Dhakshineswar’s ATP Tour debut to an end. His semi-final result in doubles should take his world ranking from No. 1710 to the top 550 next week. He also reached the second round in the singles qualifying draw last weekend. 19-year-old Vaishnavi Adkar through to ITF final in Thailand Meanwhile, in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, India’s Vaishnavi Adkar, seeded 8th, scored an upset win over third seed Rina Saigo 6-0, 6-3. The win moves her into the final where the 19-year-old will face fourth seed Patcharin Cheapchandej. Also, India’s Siddhant Banthia and American partner Tennyson Whiting are through to the doubles final of the ITF M25 Lesa event in Italy. Seeded second, the Indo-American duo defeated fourth seeds Gianluca Cadenasso /Noah Perfetti, both from Italy, 7-6(3), 7-5. Banthia and Whiting will face top seeds Giorgio Ricca/ Alexander Weis in the final on Saturday. The Sportz Planet Desk,Haresh Ramchandani
Big Blow For Australia As Hazlewood Is Ruled Out Of Scotland T20I’s
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been declared unfit to feature in the upcoming T20I series against Scotland due to a minor calf strain he suffered while training last week. While the injury is not major, Australian selectors have erred on the side of caution in treating Hazlewood’s recovery with care, given the stakes of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India later this year. However, Hazlewood is expected to be fit in time for the T20Is and ODIs against England in September. Riley Meredith Replaces Hazlewood Riley Meredith has been called up to the squad for the T20Is against Scotland in Hazlewood’s stead. Meredith is a tall right-arm fast bowler who came into the limelight due to his quick pace and ability to extract more bounce than most fast bowlers. He last represented Australia in 2021, and so far he has played 1 ODI and 5 T20Is. The tall pacer has 8 wickets in T20Is with an average of 23.50. While Meredith is a natural wicket-taker, his tendency sometimes to be a bit expensive makes his game quite unpredictable. Solid Domestic Form of Meredith While regularly featuring for the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League, Meredith has also had spells in English domestic cricket. Following a recent spell with Somerset, he performed well in the Vitality T20 Blast, where he took 14 wickets at an average of 22.78, and six wickets in three matches during the Royal London One-Day Cup; he proved to be a potent white-ball bowler. Australia’s Fast Bowling Woes With Hazlewood out, Australia suffered another blow to its fast bowling, as left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson had already been declared out of the tour of the United Kingdom with an injury. Sean Abbott has been drafted as a replacement for him in the squad. Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood Key for Border-Gavaskar Trophy The Australian team was originally getting ready to unleash its three pacemen who are arguably among the world’s best — Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood — during the UK tour. However, Pat Cummins has been rested for the entire tour, and Mitchell Starc found a place only in the ODI series against England. Upcoming Fixtures It will kick off with a T20I series against Scotland in Edinburgh on September 4. Following the commitment against Scotland, the Australians will head to England to play three T20Is and five ODIs. Focus on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy The Australia management will be hoping to field its full-on pace attack in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy later this year, an important test series against reigning champions India. Australia squad for Scotland T20Is Mitchell Marsh (C), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Riley Meredith, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Shikhar Dhawan Retires: Top 5 Knocks Of Gabbar In International Cricket
Very few cricketers evoke the same flair and tenacity as Shikhar Dhawan. Fondly nicknamed “Gabbar,” Shikhar Dhawan’s career has spanned a decade and is a story of grit, elegance, and an undying love for the game. His journey from the dust-bowl grounds of Delhi to the pinnacle of international cricket shall be remembered not only for the runs he scored but also for the style in which he played the game—always with an infectious smile and an aggressive yet graceful style. On the day Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from international cricket, what needed to be done was to turn back and see those innings which shaped his legacy. Be it his dazzling debut or the match-winning performances in high-pressure games, Dhawan’s career forms a collection of iconic moments forever etched in the memory of cricket fans globally. Here, revisit five of his most memorable innings that define his contribution to Indian cricket. 1. Debut – 187 vs Australia, 2010 Dhawan’s Test debut against Australia was nothing short of spectacular. Facing a formidable Australian bowling attack, the Delhi-born cricketer announced his arrival with a breathtaking 187, setting the record for the highest score by an Indian on Test debut. His innings was adjudged to be an exemplary combination of confidence and skill which put his skillful abilities with the bat in the limelight and scripted the foundation for India’s victory. This knock not only secured the victory but was also a starting point in Dhawan’s journey as one of the pivotal figures in the Indian batting line-up. 2. Champions Trophy 2013 – 137 vs England The situation was clear: any runs would count in the ICC Champions Trophy final in 2013. That 137 for Dhawan was of paramount importance in the context of India’s chase. His association with Virat Kohli turned out to be the deciding factor, and his ability to perform under pressure earned him the Player of the Tournament award. This knock testified more to his ability to rise to any situation and play match-winning innings whenever it really mattered. 3. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 – 137 vs South Africa One of Dhawan’s most memorable innings was saved for a strong South African bowling attack during the 2015 ICC World Cup. His 137 off 146 balls helped India post a challenging total and secure a crucial win against one of the tournament’s top contenders. Playing in Melbourne, Dhawan’s knock broke India’s jinx against South Africa in World Cups and proved he can perform on the biggest stage. 4. India’s Tour Of Sri Lanka 2017 – 190 vs Sri Lanka Dhawan’s 190 off 168 balls against Sri Lanka during the Galle Test was an example of his attacking bent of mind in the game’s longer format. His blistering innings set up the scene for a comprehensive Indian victory, underlining his reputation as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the team. This aggressive and incisive knock would go a long way in proving that Dhawan has the mettle to dominate any bowling attack in any format. 5. West Indies Tour Of India 2018 – 190 vs West Indies When Dhawan needed reaffirmation in his Test career, he came up with a masterclass in the form of a knock of 190 against the West Indies in Rajkot. Runs came both in terms of elegance and power, as Dhawan’s innings saw him hit 26 fours, proving very crucial to India’s victory. This not only reinstated his place in the Test team but also proved that Dhawan could adapt and do well in any situation. As Shikhar Dhawan walks into the sunset of international cricket, it will be recalled not only for the runs he scored but also for the manner in which he played the game—being infectious with his smile, fearless in his approach, and always rising to the occasion. His legacy thus is one of flair, resilience and rising to an occasion with what looked like never-say-die attitude—his contribution to Indian cricket, in general, cannot be belittled. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Gabbar Calls Time On His Cricketing Career
Shikhar Dhawan, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, announced his retirement from international cricket after a glorious 14-year stint. The 38-year-old left-handed opening batsman took to social media on Saturday morning, 24th August, 2024 to share the news, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by cricket fans worldwide. Retirement Announcement “It’s important to turn the page to move forward in life and that’s why I am announcing my retirement from international and domestic cricket,” Dhawan said in a video posted on his social media accounts. “I am leaving with peace in my heart that I played so long for India. I’ve told myself don’t feel sad that you won’t play for India anymore, but feel happy that you played for the country.“ Dhawan’s Final Appearance Dhawan last played competitive cricket in April 2024, turning out as the captain for Punjab Kings in the IPL. Across his international career, he compiled 24 centuries from 269 matches—17 in ODIs and seven in Tests—cementing his status as a modern-day great of the limited-overs format. Dhawan – A Modern Day Great Known for his consistency in ODIs, Dhawan retires as one of only eight players in the format’s history to score more than 5000 runs at an average of plus 40 with a strike rate above 90. Among Indians, he shared the feat with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Dhawan had last represented India in the ODI series against Bangladesh in December 2022. Dhawan’s Test Debut While Dhawan made his mark across all formats, it was his ODI performances that really set him apart. His journey to international stardom began with a sensational Test debut against Australia in Mohali in 2013, where he smashed an 85-ball century—the fastest by a Test debutant—and went on to score 187 runs in a match-winning effort. The Real ‘GABBAR’ Of The Champions Trophy Dhawan’s most prolific year came in 2013 when he scored 1162 runs in ODIs at an average of 50.52 and a strike rate of 97.89. The crowning moment of that year was his outstanding performance in the Champions Trophy, where he scored 363 runs in five innings with two hundreds, which piloted India to victory. This was the start of a potent opening partnership with Rohit Sharma, which, for now, is the fourth-best in ODI history and second-best for India, sitting only behind the legendary opening pair of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly. Key Contributions Over the next couple of years, Dhawan continued to excel in multi-team tournaments, topping the charts as India’s highest run-scorer in the 2014 Asia Cup, World Cup 2015, Champions Trophy 2017, and Asia Cup 2018. Thereby, pressure handling developed into his key asset in an India ODI setup. Injury Setback During the 2019 World Cup Dhawan’s ODI career was put on the brakes in 2019 when he got injured on the thumb during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 in England just after scoring a century against Australia at The Oval. Despite the setback, Dhawan’s contributions were recognized as he was entrusted with captaincy duties for India’s second string sides in the latter half of his career. Gabbar Belting It In The IPL Dhawan has had some success in IPL teams like Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings. Currently, he is the second-highest run-scorer in IPL history, just a run behind Virat Kohli, with 6769 runs from 221 innings, at a strike rate of 127.14. Dhawan’s Domestic Dominance But apart from his international and IPL exploits, Dhawan has also been an important domestic cricketer. He was a part of Delhi’s Ranji Trophy-winning team in the 2007-08 season, while at the Under-19 World Cup in 2004 he was the top run-scorer for India. Farewell to a Legend As Dhawan retires from international cricket, he leaves behind a legacy of being one of India’s greatest ODI players. What he has accomplished as a player and as a leader is for eternity, and the fans will always remember his fearless batting and trademark celebrations. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Shreyas Iyer Opens Up On How Rohit Sharma’s Distinct Way of Communicating Impacts Team
While Rohit Sharma continues to win hearts with his performance, both with the bat and with his on-field antics, the hilarious stump mic conversations and words like “ye” and “wo” at the time of playing have become sources of entertainment for Indian cricket fans. The endearing and occasionally forgetful nature of Rohit only seems to add to his charm, converting him in reality to a true entertainer on the field. Shreyas Iyer Shares Insights on Rohit’s Quirky Communication There was much buzz recently at the CEAT Cricket Awards held in Mumbai on Rohit’s quirky style of communication. One of his colleagues who has shared the cricketing field for several years now is Shreyas Iyer. He shed light on what it is like to work with Rohit Sharma and how the team handles situations where the skip constantly uses ambiguous words. “These are like fill-in-the-blanks for us. We just visualize whom he can refer to at that time and we understand his feelings. We have been playing together for so many years. And what he is trying to say is not that he keeps beating around the bush. We know what exactly he means,” said Shreyas Iyer. Simple Logic by Rohit Sharma in Response Rohit, who is known for his straight forwardness, turned around and replied to Iyer’s remarks with a simple logic in his way of communicating. He said that he wants every player to be himself on the field and, as a leader, he applies the same rule on himself. The relaxed and humorous approach would not only keep the team content but also positive in keeping an ambiance within the squad. A Night of Celebrations at the CEAT Cricket Awards It was a memorable night at the CEAT Cricket Awards for both cricketers. Rohit Sharma won the prestigious Men’s International Cricketer of the Year, where he was lauded for his spectacular performance on the international platform, and Shreyas Iyer bagged the award for “Outstanding Leadership” in the IPL 2024 season, where he led the Kolkata Knight Riders to a title win. Camaraderie and Success Donning the blue jersey, Rohit and Shreyas have been assets for Indian cricket, and both on and off the cricket field, the camaraderie they share is unmatchable. The friendship and mutual respect were there for all to see, and the camaraderie they shared was visible with the success they tasted together in the CEAT Cricket Awards. The fans will continue to have more fun, not just with Rohit’s comic timing but also with how effective a leader he can actually be. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
SL vs NZ: When Was the Most Recent ‘Rest Day’ in a Test Match?
This day and age, cricket fans are in for a nostalgic treat. Sri Lanka is gearing up to host New Zealand next month, with the inclusion of a “rest day” in a test match series that includes two tests. Since the first Test in Galle starts on September 18th, 2024, it will add a rest day on September 21st, 2024, because of the presidential election of Sri Lanka. History – Rest Days Rest days, once a regular feature of Test cricket, were usually witnessed in games in England where the game used to have six day Test matches with Sunday off. The occurrence though has fallen rapidly in recent times. Let’s glance at the recent instances of a test match having a rest day. Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, 2001 The last test match played in Sri Lanka that had a rest day was in Colombo in 2001 against Zimbabwe. The Test, which ran from December 27 to January 1, had December 30 off as a rest day for Poya Day, which is a full moon holiday in Sri Lanka. Despite the extra day off, Sri Lanka cruised to an innings and 166-run victory as the Zimbabweans collapsed. Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, 2008 The last time a rest day was taken during a Test match was in Dhaka in 2008. Bangladesh was hosting Sri Lanka when a rest day was taken on December 29 because of a parliamentary election. New Zealand vs Pakistan, 2014 2014 saw another unscheduled rest day in a test match between Pakistan and New Zealand, who were playing in Sharjah when news reached them of the tragic death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes. The match resumed the next day. Pakistan eventually lost by an innings and 80 runs. As Sri Lanka and New Zealand prepare to face each other, having a rest day would definitely bring back memories of cricket’s traditional format and add a unique twist to the upcoming fixtures. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye