How Data Analytics Is Revolutionizing Sports In India?
As Rajesh S. speaks at The Sportz Planet SportSci Summit Season 2 on how data analytics is shaping sports, the impact of this transformation in India has been most prominent. Here, his own understanding reveals increased application of smart statistics in augmenting player and team performance along with injury prevention. Wearable technology advancements have made sports science a high-stakes field; now, all levels of athletic training benefit – the grassroots and elite alike. Data Analytics Enhancing Performance and Strategy Rajesh S. pointed out how data and analytics are changing everything about coaching, training and competing. Having a sports data is now an ultimate game-changer in India because it allows for the monitoring of performance metrics like heart rate, distance covered, speed and movement patterns. As of 2024, about 30% of grassroot sports teams in India are adopting data and wearable technology for monitoring athlete performance, a sea change in the approach to grassroots sports. Data Analytics In Grassroots Sports This introduction of data analytics is crucially important at the grassroots level. Traditionally, athlete training and performance monitoring in India were restrained by limited infrastructure and resources. However, due to the rising accessibility of wearables, the coaches and trainers can now view real-time data on an athlete’s physical condition, movements and recovery processes. This very valuable data helps coaches design effective and personalized training regimens, which may result in improved performance and lower risk of injury. Further, data analytics acts as an enabler for India on the talent development side from the bridge that has to happen between talent identification and talent development. Grass-root level sports persons usually do not receive professional training; thus, sports science will help create a structured scientific approach toward developing an athlete. Also, with the use of wearable technology, key performance indicators can be tracked and measured so that better, more-targeted and efficient training would happen. Data-driven training programs to enhance performance while preventing injuries have benefited over 40% of India’s grassroots athletes by 2024. Future Of Data Analytics In Indian Sports Indian sports slowly transformed into a data-oriented model with the advent of data analytics. Today, wearable device insights influence every step in training and recovery for the athlete. As long as these innovations in data analytics improve outcomes for the individual athlete, they would lay down bases upon which stronger team structures could be framed. With the role of data now surfacing in sports and bright prospects emerging for Indian sports, now brightening under analytics’ leadership at the forefront, all prospects appear more positive. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Shreyas Iyer Is The X-Factor India Needs At Champions Trophy
As the selection talks begin for the Indian Cricket Team for the ICC Champions Trophy, Shreyas Iyer is one name that every sensible cricket follower would expect to be featured in the Indian Cricket Team. What Can Shreyas Iyer Do? As a classy stroke player, Shreyas Iyer can stabilize innings and hold his ground at pressure games. He would be the potential missing X-factor that Team India may require for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, which is to commence on 19th February. Shreyas Iyer’s potential as a match-winner during middle-order crises, especially at big-ticket events, makes him an asset India cannot miss. Why Will Shreyas Iyer Help India’s Middle Order? Shreyas Iyer is that stability which the Indian Cricket Team will need in the middle order. Soaking the pressure and delivering the goods while being in the middle order is an important feature of any ICC competition. Iyer can accelerate to a certain level if a situation gets really tough to handle and is a good finisher too. This quick adaptation of Shreyas Iyer under pressure will really be a big aspect for the Indian Cricket Team in the Champions Trophy. Shreyas Iyer Comes Back From A Rough Patch Coming into this series, Shreyas Iyer hadn’t been great since his last game for India, during India’s Tour Of Sri Lanka in August 2024. Iyer had played only three ODIs and had aggregated only 38 runs, averaging a 12.66, which indeed is low for a cricketer of that caliber. With the announcement of the Indian Cricket Team squad for the England limited-overs series and the Champions Trophy likely to come out in the coming days, Shreyas Iyer would also want to ensure himself a place in the team. Shreyas Iyer: From Struggles To Resurrection He was very bold after his no-shows for the previous matches against Sri Lanka. Shreyas Iyer batted extremely well in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, however, was not there in the list of BCCI central contracts; he was not there for the domestic tournaments. However, return to form is surely something that could only be described in superlative terms. Shreyas Iyer’s Impressive Records Shreyas Iyer has scored 4,300 runs with an average of 39.77 in international cricket, with 14 tests, 62 ODIs and 51 T20Is, with a strike rate of 96.57 and six hundreds. Shreyas Iyer showed maturity and consistency in big games in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, scoring 530 runs in 11 innings with an average of 66.25 and a strike rate of 113.24. This shows how vital an asset, Shreyas Iyer is going to be for the Indian Cricket Team in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Shreyas Iyer’s Outstanding 2024-25 Domestic Season Shreyas Iyer has been playing exceptional cricket in the domestic season of 2024-25 for Mumbai. In just four matches of Ranji Trophy, Iyer had scored 452 runs with an average of 90.40 and strike rate of 88.80. His individual highest score had been 233 runs. Shreyas Iyer’s brilliant performances were also noticed in shorter formats where he gave a spectacular performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy where he scored 345 runs in nine matches of the tournament while maintaining an average of 49.28 with strikes at 188.52. He steered Mumbai to victory in the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy by taking the same. Shreyas Iyer’s Contributions In The Vijay Hazare Trophy Shreyas Iyer has been batting well in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. In five matches for Mumbai, he scored 325 runs. Against Puducherry, his unbeaten 137 saved his team from a precarious 82 for five. Iyer again came out with a match-winning performance under pressure. His explosive 114 off just 55 balls against Karnataka also showcased his striking range. Within 50 balls, Shreyas Iyer had completed his century. Shreyas Iyer’s Adaptability Shreyas Iyer close game experience together with his talent to make himself in any kind of changing situation means he’s that player who looks more dominating, especially for match-winning situations in high pressure games. He does boast excellent records both at home and away, on several instances, also showing he is the kind of chap who would genuinely come up at the right time when it matters. Missing a player like Shreyas Iyer from the ICC Champions Trophy would mean missing one out on key matches when it really counts. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AFI Strategies The National Camp For Indian Elite Athletes
Indian athletics is on the threshold of a new revolution in training. The AFI has finally decided to end long-duration national coaching camps for most athletes except those on relay teams. Now, athletes are free to train at their own choice centers which could include private academies, armed forces training facilities or any of the SAI-designated centers such as the National Centre of Excellence. AFI Aims For Athlete Expansion And Localized Training This will essentially help the organization increase its talent pool while providing the same talent with a platform to train near their home towns. The organization will still monitor the performances of these athletes through a specific team so that even though it’s decentralized, performance is still maximized. The policy was recently adopted in the AFI Annual General Meeting that took place in Chandigarh earlier this week. AFI To Depute Foreign Coaches At Important Training Centers Foreign coaches will be stationed at selected training centers to provide specialized guidance under the new plan. For example, Scott Simmons, a middle and long-distance running expert from the United States, will be deputed to the SAI NCOE in Bengaluru. Olympic and world medalist Sergey Makarov will be appointed in charge of the javelin program at the SAI Patiala center. Besides, the sprint coaches of Jamaica, Jason Dawson and Jerry Holmes, will henceforth coach men’s and women’s sprinters respectively at the SAI Thiruvananthapuram center. AFI Focuses On Relay Teams With Centralized Training While most athletes will train at decentralized locations, AFI will continue to have centralized training for specific groups, notably the 400m runners and mixed relay teams. The reason behind this decision is the disappointing performance of Indian relay teams at the Olympics. AFI has emphasized that these relay athletes will only be considered for selection if they commit to training together as a team at the national camp in Thiruvananthapuram. AFI Collaborated With SAI To Enhance The Facilities Of Athletes In collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), AFI is working to ensure that training facilities at major centers are upgraded to international standards. Some athletes, like steeplechaser Avinash Sable, have chosen to train at SAI centers. Sable, for instance, is now training at the Bengaluru center. Other athletes, including an Asian Games sprint medalist and a long jumper, have opted to train at private academies with their personal coaches. To maintain the sanctity of the program, the AFI monitoring cell will create a list of all athletes undergoing training at places across the nation. These lists would be handed over to NADA, making sure that out-of-competition testing is performed for all these athletes as a way of constantly ensuring clean sport in Indian athletics. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Women Take Centre-Stage In The New AFI Athletes Commission
In the new AFI (Athletics Federation of India) Athletes Commission, which was formed recently after the elections that took place in October 2024 and was launched on January 8, 2025, Anju Bobby George has been appointed the chairperson. It is the biggest achievement of the AFI for equality as six of its nine members are women. Female Members Of The AFI Athletes Commission Anju Bobby George, a celebrated long-jumper and bronze medalist at the 2003 World Championships, is joined by five other women: former runners Jyotirmoyee Sikdar and Sunita Rani, discus thrower Krishna Poonia, hurdler M.D. Valsamma and steeplechaser Sudha Singh at the AFI Athletes Commission. George, who also serves as the AFI’s Senior Vice-President, leads the group of accomplished retired athletes. The increase in female representation from four in the previous AFI Athletes Commission to six brings to notice the AFI’s focus on gender parity. Male Members Of The AFI Athletes Commission The three male members in the AFI Athletes Commission are the two-time Olympic medalist in javelin throw, Neeraj Chopra, steeplechaser Avinash Sable and newly-elected AFI President Bahadur Singh Sagoo, a shot put gold medalist at the 2002 Asian Games. Neeraj Chopra, widely regarded as the most prominent male athlete in the panel, was nominated after consultations by the AFI’s Executive Council. Sagoo, who chaired the previous commission, has been appointed as a member in this new formation. Election Process And Transparency The treasurer of AFI, Madhu Kant Pathak, who headed the elections process, said the process was very fair and transparent. Adille Sumariwalla To Work As An Ex-Officio Adille Sumariwalla, the outgoing AFI President, will remain involved as an ex-officio member, representing the AFI on the World Athletics Council. Sumariwalla, 67, who led the AFI for three consecutive terms from 2012, will continue to guide the new leadership and serve as a spokesperson. He has also been appointed chair of a committee that will liaise with the government and international bodies and will join the AFI’s Ethics Commission. 2025 Domestic Athletics Calendar Announced Apart from the AFI Athletes Commission updates, the AFI announced its domestic competition calendar for 2025. Federation Cup, an important national-level event, would be held at Kozhikode in Kerala from April 21-24 after Panchkula withdrew from the race. The National Inter-State Senior Championships is scheduled for August 20-24 in Chennai. National Open Championships would be conducted in Ranchi from September 27-30. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Abhinav M On Nutrition Challenges Encountered By Grassroots Athletes
There is a very sound arrangement for the high-class nutrition supply to the elite level athletes in the country, professionally skilled dietitians and an optimized diet with respect to personal requirements and events for each discipline of sports which these elite players compete at globally. Nutrition For Elite Athletes From high-tech recovery meals to the latest supplements, top Indian athletes are well-stocked with the finest resources. Ensuring that the advanced sports science facilities and the expert guidance made available to them ensure that these athletes remain top of their games to come even closer to bagging medals and breaking records is not a daunting task. Nutrition Gaps At Grassroots Level The story goes drastically different with grassroots athletes of India. Although interest in sports is increasing throughout the country, most young athletes, who are at the very initial stages of their career, lack proper nutritional support. According to Abhinav M. who is the Head Of Performance at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy and a veteran sports nutrition expert during The Sportz Planet SportSci Summit Season 2, grassroots athletes generally do not have proper diet plans, professional nutritionists or even basic nutritional education. Nutrition Education And Access For Grassroots Athletes Most of the time, young athletes who remain in rural or underprivileged regions have to take home-cooked meals that are not good enough to fulfill the specific energy and nutrient requirements that they need to achieve in the process of developing as an athlete. Even among those residing in cities and gaining easy access to such facilities, lack of proper counseling on optimal fueling during training and recovery remains a factor that prevents them from reaching their full growth and performance potential as well as optimal well-being. Nutritional Coaching And Support Grassroot athletes lack any structures and qualified coaches that would sensitize them to nutrition as a determinant of better performance. Without clear nutritional plans, skilled athletes are disadvantaged in the position to compete against their counterparts in national or international levels. Crossing Over The Nutrition Divide As pointed out by Abhinav M, this will be of crucial importance to unlocking all the potential that the country holds in its sporting variety. Nutrition education needs urgent investment and access to better trained nutritionists and affordable and sustainable nutrition programs at all levels of athletes. Only then can India look forward to a more competing and successful sporting future when grassroot-level athletes receive as much nutritional attention as their elites. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Is Investing In Grassroots Athletes The Road To Success For India?
At The Sportz Planet SportSci Summit Season 2, held on November 21, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Atria in Bengaluru, Deepthi Bopaiah, CEO of GoSports Foundation, emphasized strategic planning for the future of Indian sports. Her discussion focused on how early investment in young athletes, particularly those under 15 years old, could shape India’s athletic portfolio in the coming decades, especially at the 2036 Olympics. Grassroots Level Sports Focus Bopaiah’s words in the panel discussion highlighted a crucial aspect often overlooked in the current sports ecosystem. The importance of grassroots level sports. While elite athletes who have already achieved international recognition often receive a decent amount of attention and resources, the real foundation for India’s future Olympic success lies in nurturing young talent from an early age. Thus, investments into athletes probably under 15, through this system, we create a robust talent bank with a sustainable sports culture and expected benefits at later dates. Early Identification And Holistic Development The advantages of investment in grassroots athletes are numerous. First, it assists early talent detection and offers a structured framework for the development of these athletes. This approach will ensure that athletes achieve proper education, physical training and the game awareness tools that can take them to the top in different disciplines. Moreover, by focusing on decision-making skills, nutrition and overall fitness, we prepare these young grassroots level athletes to become well-rounded people who can compete at the highest level. Adding Technology For Better Performance Incorporation of technology into training is another key factor that can help to increase an athlete’s performance. Data analytics, biomechanical analysis and performance tracking can be very insightful to help coaches tailor a program based on the needs of the athlete. This scientific approach will enable India to make athletes who are both strong physically and mentally prepared for the challenges of international competitions. Building Leadership And Communication Skills Investment in young athletes also means that communication skills and leadership qualities should be developed. These are often underrated, however, play a vital role in the performance of an athlete under pressure, teamwork with fellow players and representing the nation at the international level. A Bright Future For Indian Sports The future of Indian sports lies in strategic investments at the grassroots level. By supporting young athletes today, India can produce a new generation of stars who will not only compete in the 2036 Olympics but will also bring home a larger number of medals, paving the way for a new era of excellence. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Why Nutritional Literacy Is Important For Indian Grassroots Level Athletes?
In recent years, there has been a lot of hype surrounding nutrition and nutritional literacy in the sports arena. For grassroots level athletes, though, a clear-cut understanding of nutrition remains largely underdeveloped in India. Therefore, nutritional literacy plays a very critical role in enhancing an athlete’s performance, recovery, and general well-being, especially in India where the sports ecosystem is still emerging. The Role Of Nutritional Literacy In Athlete Development Nutritional literacy is the ability to understand and apply essential nutritional knowledge in daily life, especially in the context of sports science. It is very important for grassroots athletes as it directly impacts their energy levels, muscle development, and stamina. However, most grassroots-level athletes in India do not have the right resources or coaching regarding proper nutrition. Without proper nutritional literacy, athletes may lack the energy needed to perform during rigorous training or competition, which may cause them to underperform or become injured. Gap In Sports Science Education In India Sports science in India has grown quite well in recent times. However, the grass roots level is usually the worst affected. While elite athletes may have professional dieticians and trainers to help prepare them for their sport, young athletes in rural towns or cities of smaller population may not have the same resources available. This gap is what nutritional literacy fills. When young athletes understand the fundamentals of nutrition, including the needs for carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, they are better prepared to fuel their body for optimal performance and long-term health. Linking Nutrition To Athlete Health And Performance The connection between athlete health and nutrition is undeniable. Poor nutrition will lead to fatigue, immunosuppression, and even chronic injuries. Grassroots athletes, who generally lack professional guidance, can unknowingly neglect these elements, which can limit the potential in the sport. Nutritional literacy enables the athlete to make informed choices over what he consumes to ensure that it supports short-term performance and long-term athlete health. The Importance Of Nutritional Literacy For Sustainable Performance With the ongoing evolution of sports science in India, grassroots athletes need to outshine others by learning basic aspects of nutrition. A well-planned and balanced diet is of paramount importance for recovery and preventing injuries and building endurance. Nutritional literacy bridges the gap between the raw talent of the athlete and the peak potential. For example, knowing the right time to have meals and hydration along with appropriate nutrient combinations can optimize the results of the training of an athlete and accelerate the recovery process. Empowerment Of Athletes Through Nutritional Literacy For an Indian grassroots athlete, nutritional literacy is an integral part that will enable them to elevate their health status, elevate their athletic performance, and sustain their sporting career. As sports science in India evolves, nurturing such nutritional literacy as a grassroots initiative is one step that will lead to the creation of a stronger and healthier generation of athletes in the country. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Law And Ethics Gain Importance At Grassroots Level Sports In India
Law and ethics play a vital role in forming grassroots sports in India, making them fair and equitable. Law And Ethics For Foundation Of A Fair And Inclusive System The grassroots level is all about developing talent, promoting physical fitness and instilling sportsmanship in young athletes. In a nutshell, though, laws and ethics can be achieved if there are transparent laws that guide the morality of behavior. Laws guide the law that protects an athlete’s rights, whereas ethics helps mold moral principles that allow for positive sporting environments to be made. These therefore work to create a sport culture in integrity, fair and responsible ways that do not tamper with a young athlete’s potential. Law And Ethics For Safety And Protection Of The Athletes The laws and ethics are what make way for the protection of health and well-being of an athlete. Grass root sports in India are dominated by children and adolescents who are vulnerable in terms of physical injuries and exploitation and abuse. Mandate of laws about the protection of the players in which proper training, equipment, and medical care ensure that such sports activities do not endanger the athletes. Ethical considerations, including making certain that coaches and organizers respect athlete boundaries and rights, have equal importance. In general, when legal and ethical standards are both respected, athletes can compete with much more confidence, knowing their welfare takes precedence. Law And Ethics For Preventing Corruption And Exploitation At the grassroots level of sports, where resources may not be as available and monitoring may be lax, a culture of corruption and exploitation at times thrives. Law and ethics offer a way of controlling these problems since they ensure transparency and accountability. Laws that regulate funding, selection procedures and the distribution of resources prohibit favoritism, nepotism and bribery from finding their way into sports. Ethical principles such as fairness, honesty and respect for all participants make sure that sports are not utilized for personal or financial benefits. Together, they create a healthy competitive environment where every individual has an equal chance to achieve success, irrespective of the background. Law And Ethics For Social Inclusion And Equality India is a diverse country with various backgrounds in social, cultural and economic fields. Grassroots sports can help overcome societal barriers and create an environment of social inclusion. Laws that provide equal opportunities to all, irrespective of caste, gender or economic status, make sports accessible to every individual. Ethical principles also lay emphasis on treating all participants with respect and dignity. Adhering to legal and ethical standards will make grassroots sports in India a platform for social change, building unity and promoting equality across communities. Law And Ethics For Building Trust And Credibility Trust and credibility are also important for grassroots sports to boom. The existence of the laws and ethical guidelines implies that all stakeholders, that is, athletes, coaches, officials and parents, trust the system. When all the laws are followed and ethical standards are preserved, there is less opportunity for manipulation, cheating, or misconduct. This builds the credibility of grassroots sports for more people to get interested and support the cause. Ultimately, strong legal and ethical foundations help in building a sustainable and vibrant sporting culture at the grassroots level in India. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Are Indian Elite Athletes Over-Reliant On Wearable Technology?
Wearable technology has been the need of the hour in sports in recent times. Be it elite level sports or grassroots level sports, wearable technology has been a revolution that is helping athletes focus on numbers and data. Role Of Wearable Technology In Indian Elite-Level Sports Wearable technology has changed the world of sports and given elite athletes an edge through real-time data on performance, health and recovery. In India, sports technology and sports science are becoming increasingly important tools for enhancing athletic performance, especially in elite level sports. However, there is an increasing reliance on wearable tech in Indian elite level sports that raises questions regarding its implications on training, mental focus, and long-term sustainability. How Wearable Technology Helps Indian Athletes Wearable technology, such as fitness trackers, heart rate monitors and GPS devices, provides Indian athletes with detailed insights into their physiological condition during training sessions and competitions. This data helps coaches and trainers create personalized training programs, monitor workloads and prevent injuries. Sports science in India has increasingly incorporated these innovations, allowing for scientifically-backed decisions that aim to optimize performance. Indian athletes are, therefore, gaining a competitive edge in the global arena, especially in disciplines such as athletics, cricket and wrestling, where precision and performance are paramount. Risks Of Over-Reliance On Wearable Tech There is, however, an increasing debate on the over-reliance on wearable technology at the elite level of sports. While wearable technology can enhance performance, it may also lead to the neglect of fundamental training principles. Coaches and athletes may become too focused on data analytics, missing the mental training, intuition and holistic aspects of an athlete’s development. For example, sports technology provides exact metrics but may not capture the psychological or emotional state of the athlete, which is essential for performance. Challenges Of Access And Equity In Wearable Tech Usage Moreover, wearable technology in elite level sports in India may raise issues of accessibility and cost. Most sports organizations and athletes, especially in non-mainstream sports, will not be able to afford these technologies. Thus, this will create a divide between the best or the most funded sports programs and the less privileged ones. In fact, this trend may deter developing other ways of athletic improvement through alternatives such as traditional coaching methods and sports psychology. Blending Wearable Technology With Traditional Methods Of Training Bottom-line : In summary, wearable technologies is a massive part of sporting advancement across this sport sciences Indian discipline in most scenarios, though it has become to be more balanced by way of a comprehensive approach towards any training and athletes for India are supposed to seek these novelties to their advantages but not replacing the prime mental, tactic and physical sides with their games. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
AUS v IND: Steve Smith Finally Finds His Hands At The GABBA
He was never out of form, he was just out of runs. Or maybe he was just finding his hands. And today, he silenced his critics with a fantastic ton against the Indian Cricket Team. Yes, we are speaking about none other than Steve Smith. Steve Smith Returns To Form With 33rd Test Match Ton On Day 2 of the third test match at the GABBA, Steve Smith finally silenced his doubters and ended his yearlong century drought with a resolute and disciplined 101 runs against India. His 33rd Test century came before an electrified Brisbane crowd as the former Australian captain showed mental resilience and patience in a challenging battle against India’s relentless bowlers. A Steve Smith Sunday Masterclass Smith’s innings came off 185 balls and was a masterclass in composure. He found his rhythm despite the pressure of the moment and the testing spells from India. His drives and cuts were a reminder of the class that has defined his illustrious career. Dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah with an edge caught behind at slip, Smith departed with his trademark focus and poise, having re-established himself as one of cricket’s finest battlers. Steve Smith Celebrates Calmly The 82nd over of Australia’s innings was the turning point when Smith hit a boundary off Akash Deep and then took a single off the next delivery to take his hundred. Smith’s calm celebration was cheered by teammates and fans. Smith’s century was not just a personal triumph, it signaled his return to form during a crucial moment in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This century marked his first since December 2022 and his 10th century against India in 22 Tests and so far he has averaged over 60 against India. This was Smith’s first hundred in 2024. Therefore, it proved that Steve Smith is back to all guns blazing as more big knock would be needed in days to come. Steve Smith Century Sets Australia Through Fire Steve Smith shared an instrumental 241-run partnership with Travis Head for the fourth wicket, a partnership that proved crucial in pushing Australia past the 300-run mark on Day 2. Both Smith and Head capitalized on their opportunities to put Australia in a strong position against a competitive Indian Cricket Team. Rohit Catches Smith It was only by a spectacular catch from Rohit Sharma that ended Steve Smith’s innings at 101 while returning him to the pavilion. He had also given enough momentum and confidence to Australia going into the remaining parts of the game, despite being dismissed. Captain Cummins Backs Smith Steve Smith’s return to form came just days after Australian skipper Pat Cummins publicly backed him during his lean patch with the bat. Smith’s great display at the GABBA only seemed to reinforce that confidence, as he rode out the pressure and delivered when it mattered most. Over 2,000 runs against India alone and a proven record in big moments, Steve Smith has set the tone for a strong finish to the series. With this century behind him, all the remaining matches at Sydney and Melbourne will be focused on by Smith to continue his form, thus making his position stronger as one of the cricketing world’s most consistent performers. Steve Smith Turns To Be Mentally Strong Steve Smith’s drought-breaking century was a display of his mental toughness and ability to stay composed under pressure. In a year filled with challenges, Smith’s test match century against the Indian Cricket Team has not only lifted his personal confidence but has sent a clear message to the world, Smith is back in the groove and his hunger remains undiminished. As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy unfolds, all cricket fans and pundits can only wait to see if Steve Smith manages to maintain his rhythm with the bat and take Australian cricket to further heights of success. With his 33rd test match century now in the record-books and Australia in such a strong position at GABBA, Steve Smith has surely written another remarkable chapter to his storied career. Has there been a more popular hundred in the recent times? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye