Rohit Sharma’s Battle With Red-Ball Continues In Domestic Cricket

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma‘s much-awaited return to first-class cricket ended abruptly on a cool winter morning in Mumbai as the Indian Captain lasted just 19 balls in his Group A fixture for Mumbai against Jammu and Kashmir.  Rohit Sharma’s Brief Stay At The Crease Rohit Sharma has been struggling with form in red-ball cricket, managing only three runs before being dismissed in an uncharacteristic manner. His brief stay at the crease was the focal point of attention in the lead-up to the match, especially after he confirmed his participation in the game during a Champions Trophy squad announcement last week. His presence was eagerly awaited, but Rohit’s return to Mumbai’s Ranji side could not deliver the hoped-for revival of form. Rohit Sharma And Jaiswal Open The Batting For Mumbai Mumbai skipper Ajinkya Rahane decided to bat first and he opened the innings sending the regular test cricket opener, Rohit Sharma, with whom he shares an opening stand for India. The duo of Jaiswal and Sharma had to push Ayush Mhatre out of the playing XI. Mhatre had been the find of the season, basking in glory with some sensational performances. Rohit Sharma Tested By Jammu & Kashmir Bowlers Though the air was fresh early in the morning as Mumbai began the day with a break from last week’s scorching heat, Jammu and Kashmir’s opening bowlers, particularly Umar Nazir Mir, capitalized on the early-morning nip. Rohit faced a probing spell, well bowled, especially by Mir, who bowled a tight line outside the off stump and varied his lengths, not allowing the India captain to settle. After seeing two maidens from Mir, Rohit was able to get a single off Auqib Nabi but otherwise was subdued by the tight bowling. Rohit Sharma Gets Dismissed After Brief Struggle The breakthrough came on his 17th ball, when Mir got one to move away and Rohit, looking to play his trademark pick-up shot, only managed to edge it to a well-placed Paras Dogra at mid-off. Rohit’s lean run in red-ball cricket continues, with his first-class average for the 2024-25 season now sitting at a dismal 10.43. His brief outing only adds to the growing concern over his form in the longer format of the game. Rohit Sharma Accompanied By Jaiswal With Lack Of Form The big hit in Rohit Shrama’s dismissal came after Nabi removed Jaiswal for 4, making Mumbai reel at 9 for 2 at a relatively early stage of the game. A game that started off promisingly for the top order of Mumbai had begun to slip away from the team, as two top-order openers were sent back to the pavilion without scoring too heavily. Rohit Sharma’s Lean Run In Red-Ball Cricket Continues For Rohit Sharma, it was another reminder of the challenge he faces in red-ball cricket. His inconsistency at the top order continues to be a talking point ahead of India’s international commitments. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye

A Spike In Crowd Anticipated As Rohit Sharma And Co. To Feature In Ranji Trophy

Rohit Sharma

Fresh from a break after their recent tour to Australia, India’s marquee players such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are set to feature wearing their respective Ranji Trophy kits.  Will Rohit Sharma And Yashasvi Jaiswal Open The Batting Together? Mumbai’s game against Jammu & Kashmir at the BKC Ground will garner plenty of attention, especially with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal possibly opening together. With Mumbai in the hunt for a top-two finish in Group A, their lineup also features Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Shardul Thakur and Shivam Dube. However, without Sarfaraz Khan, owing to a rib injury, Mumbai face a dilemma in managing to accommodate an in-form opener like Ayush Mhatre in his debut first-class season. Is Virat Kohli Set To Make A Ranji Return? Recovering from neck spasm aside, Virat Kohli will not feature in the next round of Ranji Trophy. He should be back for the final round from January 30, though-when Delhi entertains Railways. Kohli will now have only four days to switch gears from first-class cricket to the Indian ODI squad for this crunch series with England, where much is at stake as it will be the last ODI outing before Champions Trophy. How Much A Difference Will Rishabh Pant Make For Delhi? Despite Virat Kohli’s possible return, Delhi will have Rishabh Pant for their crucial match against Saurashtra starting January 23, 2025 in Rajkot. Pant will be playing his first Ranji game since December 2017, however, won’t be leading the side. Ayush Badoni will captain the team instead, with Pant focusing on his role in the team. The game is pivotal for both Delhi and Saurashtra, as both teams need a win to stay in the knockout race. How Good Will Shubman Gill Be For Punjab? Shubman Gill will come back to the domestic circuit, playing for Punjab, against Karnataka, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Indian batting may just be done watching Gill at a tour that started rather torturous against Australia; after averaging 18.60 in five innings, the opener would seek a good form restoration ahead of Ranji Trophy. However, their bench is enriched by Gill’s comeback. Their three men left for the India’s T20I squad of England tour will not play Abhishek Sharma and Arshdeep Singh. Karnataka, fresh off winning the Vijay Hazare Trophy, will see Prasidh Krishna and Devdutt Padikkal return to their XI. Which Injuries Are Affecting Key Players In The Ranji Trophy? Bengal will lack two important players as injuries have been carried out on Akash Deep and Abhimanyu Easwaran. Akash Deep is ruled out from the game because of the back issue, while finger fracture sidelines Easwaran for approximately three weeks. Mohammed Siraj will also not be a part of Hyderabad’s team due to workload management as he played all five test matches in Australia. Who Are The Emerging Players To Watch In The Ranji Trophy? One of the players to keep an eye on will be Karun Nair, fresh off a great Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign with five centuries and 772 runs and with Vidarbha all but confirmed for the Ranji knockouts, he has a few more chances to make his case for a spot in India’s Test middle-order ahead of the focus on the England tour. Which Indian star do you think is set to make a strong comeback in the second leg of Ranji Trophy? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye

Team India Champions Trophy 2025 Squad To Be Announced Soon

Team India

As per reports, the Team India’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 and England ODI’s is expected to be announced today, ie – Saturday, January 18, 2025.  Team India Captain And Chief Selector To Address The Media As per reports, Team India Captain, Rohit Sharma and the BCCI Chief Selector, Ajit Agarkar are set to address the media today, ie – Saturday at 12.30 pm IST. Team India is scheduled to kickstart their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, 2025 before taking on arch rivals Pakistan three days later. Team India is supposed to play their last fixture of the group stage against New Zealand on March 02, 2025. Dubai will host all the Champions Trophy 2025 games for the men in blue. Sanju Samson Likely To Be Dropped Out Of Team India Squad It is understood that wicket-keeper batter, Sanju Samson won’t make it to the Team India squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 and for the ODI series against England. BCCI had asked their players to feature in the domestic circuit however Sanju Samson remained unavailable for Kerala in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.  Jasprit Bumrah’s Selection Depends Upon Injury As per reports, the medical team from BCCI had asked Jasprit Bumrah to at least have a 5 week rest post the Sydney test which ended on January 05, 2025. Jasprit Bumrah is however expected to be up and running before Team India starts their campaign for the Champions Trophy 2025. Jasprit Bumrah’s selection currently completely depends upon his recovery and fitness. Team India would be hoping to have Bumrah in their white-ball set up if not for the England ODI’s then for the Champions Trophy 2025. KL Rahul May Feature For Team India As per reports., KL Rahul is expected to feature for Team India during the Champions Trophy 2025. KL Rahul was pretty decent for Team India during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 where Team India played the final against Australia. However, it is also understood that KL Rahul won’t be featuring during the England ODI’s. He would be rested for the series.  Kuldeep Yadav Looks Uncertain For Team India Kuldeep Yadav is still recovering from a sports hernia. Therefore his selection for the England ODI’s and the Champions Trophy 2025 looks uncertain. Kuldeep has been brilliant with the ball for Team India. Varun Chakravarthy will probably replace Kuldeep if he fails to make it to the Team India squad. Will Mohammed Shami Feature For Team India? The National Cricket Academy (NCA) had recently declared Shami fit. He also played three 50 over domestic games in the Vijay Hazare Trophy bowling 26 overs in total. As of now, it seems that Mohammed Shami is set to return to Team India’s ODI set up. Varun Chakravarthy Might Get A Team India Surprise Call It is also understood that spin bowler, Varun Chakravarthy might be included in Team India squads for the England ODI’s as well as for the Champions Trophy 2025. Chakravarthy has been impressive with the ball in the domestic games picking up 18 wickets from six games he played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.  Will Karun Nair And Devdutt Padikkal Make It To Team India Squad? Karun Nair and Devdutt Paddikkal have been fantastic with the bat during India’s recent domestic season. As of now, the Team India top order looks full, so it’s very unlikely for them to get picked. However, they might get a chance to feature in the 15 member squad.  Team India Champions Trophy And England ODI’s Squad The Team India squad for the Champions Trophy and England ODi’s is expected to be out anytime today. Till then, let us know whom do you think can put on the India blue and hit the field.  The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye

AUS v IND: India’s Tour Of Australia Dissected

Team India

Team India has had a disastrous Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The men in blue were expected to do much better by their fans. However, let’s understand  what went wrong with the Indian Cricket Team during their tour of Australia.  Team India’s Early Concerns India’s tour of Australia started with a question mark over Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness, many wondering what the team would do if he wasn’t available. However, Bumrah not only played but also produced a series of scintillating performances, almost single-handedly keeping India in the hunt. His leadership and bowling inspired the rest of the attack. However, despite his heroics, India’s chances of success ultimately crumbled without him in the final stages of the series. Team India’s Batting And Leadership Struggles The most notable subplot of the series was the disappointing batting. While Rohit Sharma led by example, his own batting form let him down, whereas Virat Kohli, even at his best attempt to rally his team, made only an indelible mark in the second innings of the Perth test with a crucial century but couldn’t convert stars into substantial innings. Virat and Rohit, who form the spine of Indian batting were not well supported by the rest of the batters. KL Rahul, starting quite sensibly, again became invisible in important moments of the game, something like his ill-judged shot against Scott Boland at the SCG. Team India’s Haphazard Selections And Missed Chances What was concerning at the selection end too. Introducing Harshit Rana at Perth when things were already down and not sending Washington Sundar to bat before the overcast SCG is a dubious policy. Further changes in opening combo, like asking Rohit Sharma to bide time to bat below five, haven’t helped. Among these selection mistakes, all through the series it was such strategic blunders also that provided flavor to chaos this tour epitomized. Australia’s Consistent Performances With chaos all around, India’s bowling remains a strength still led by Jasprit Bumrah. Nevertheless, without appropriate support from their batting lineup, the bowlers did not win any of the moments where they needed them to win this series. It was a case of a very balanced performance by Australia. For Pat Cummins, his tie-up with Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland as well as great contributions from the bat of Steven Smith and Travis Head kept his team ahead. Gambhir’s Tough Decisions In the end, team India’s failure to bring their best games through key individuals in addition to few tough selections they made in a series resulted to be very pricey. Now the series ends losing the BGT, the head coach Gautam Gambhir needs to take many tough calls on players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Ahead team India will have to find a gap and rebuild again for challenges it will face again in the upcoming WTC cycle. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye

Why Is It Important To Back Athletes Even If They Don’t Perform?

Rohit Sharma

Understanding the ‘Dos and Don’ts’ for spectators, support staff and coaches when an athlete doesn’t reach his mark comes from the different insights that Dr. Chaitanya Sridhar shares about the situation at The Sportz Planet SportSci Summit Season 2. Dr. Sridhar reiterates the importance of keeping the situation supportive, constructive and empathetic while building a rapport with the athlete and creating an atmosphere if things seem to go wrong. This view can be applied directly to the current furore against Rohit Sharma being left out of the Indian Cricket Team while the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is ongoing and the verbal bashing that he is undergoing from fans. Mental And Emotional Pressure According to Dr. Sridhar, facing such tough times for someone like Rohit Sharma really is hard to bear with all the mental and emotional pressure that’s building up. What the fans, support staff and coaches need to understand is that bad performances are not a sign of lack of effort or less commitment. Support and constructive criticism can help a person come out of such a situation rather than falling prey to harsh criticism that makes the pressure more severe. Verbal Bashing And Its Effect The recent verbal bashing by the fans in the case of Rohit Sharma adds further to his burden. What this athlete needs from society right now is some encouragement and empathy, says Dr. Sridhar. When there is all this pressure built up outside from him, the athlete is unable to come back fast. Thus instead of fueling the fire with negativity, one should provide succor and remembrance of earlier success stories with faith that this athlete would also come back. Empathy And Patience Another key point made by Dr. Sridhar was that empathy and patience need to be displayed. Fans and stakeholders must understand that even the most accomplished athletes experience periods of bad form. Rohit Sharma has been a match-winner for India in several high-pressure situations and deserves to get his rhythm back. Judgment rather than being instantaneous, long-term development calls for patience and understanding. In regard to the management of athletes’ mental well-being, the role of support staff is very enormous, according to Dr. Sridhar. Coaches and team management will have to establish an environment of growth and recuperation for their athletes. To Rohit Sharma, it will offer a chance of re-grouping and reassessing and coming back to form and his coaches as well as his teammates would be very important in the course. Replace Criticism With Support The current criticism around Rohit Sharma should be replaced by support and empathy. Now is the time to acknowledge his previous contributions and give him space to recover. It will only benefit Rohit but also Indian cricket. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye

AUS v IND: Rohit Sharma Opts To ‘Rest’ At Sydney

Rohit Sharma

How many times have you ever seen a Captain of a side himself getting dropped out of the side due to a reason?  Was It Rohit Sharma’s Decision To Rest? Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has left everyone stunned when it was declared that he won’t be in the playing eleven for the fifth and final test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This has raised an all-round furore as people are now left wondering whether it was Rohit Sharma who took the decision to rest or it was the team management who is sugarcoating things? Stand-In Skipper, Bumrah Confesses The Reason Rohit Sharma is indeed one of the master architects who have been successful in India’s success story for recent times as well as to the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. He was not found in the playing eleven for the series decider against Australia. It was official communication from the Indian stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah right at the toss that he has been ‘rested’ for the Sydney test. Since the official declaration was to come from Bumrah, a bundle of speculations about the reasons for dropping Rohit Sharma took place; in this way, some ambiguity and vagueness behind the event was created. Is Rohit Sharma The First Indian Captain To Be Dropped? This is the first time in a while that an Indian captain has been left out of the playing 11 in the mid-series. Historically, Polly Umrigar was dropped from the Indian test side against the West Indies. The second incident was when Sourav Ganguly was left out after a string of poor scores and a strained relationship with coach Greg Chapell. Rohit Sharma’s Test Career The exclusion of Rohit Sharma has raised numerous questions due to his test career. Since his test match debut in 2013, Rohit has scored more than 4300 runs in 67 Tests with 12 centuries at an average of 40.57 runs. Rohit Sharma’s Last Chance In Limited-Overs Cricket Just when his international future hangs in the balance, February’s 2025 ICC Champions Trophy might just become Rohit Sharma’s last crack at delivering on the international platform. India is all set to fight it out against other teams that are competing at the cricketing event that begins on February 19, 2025 and would end on March 9, 2025 across Pakistan and the UAE. It could very well be the swansong for one-day and limited-overs cricket careers of the experienced campaigner in Rohit Sharma, who would be looking at one final hurrah on the international field. As the Indian Cricket Team sets off to Sydney without the skipper, everyone is thinking, has this finally been the last word on Rohit Sharma’s test match career or one last go at redemption? Only time will tell. The Sportz Planet  Desk,Atharva Shetye

Is Rohit Sharma Stepping Down From Captaincy Really The Solution?

Rohit Sharma

The defeat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was a bitter pill to swallow for Indian cricket fans. Australia’s win by 184 runs was something that the Indians would rather forget and while Pat Cummins was rightly the Player of the Match, the focus was on the Indian captain, Rohit Sharma and his leadership. It hurts to see our leader battle through a lean patch and more heart-wrenching is the sound of voices clamoring for his retirement. Is this how we must treat a man who has given Indian cricket so much? Rohit Sharma Deserves Our Support Of course, Rohit Sharma’s recent numbers are not upto the mark. At an average of 6.2 runs in five innings in the present series, he managed just 31 runs. Since September he has had 164 runs in 15 innings-a far cry from the powerful hitter we know and love to watch. However, before judging Rohit, let us take one step back and think on this issue. Rohit Sharma is also a human and like any great cricketer there have been moments in his career as well, where he did struggle. Those overs without a single run scored during those crucial minutes at the crease are nothing but moments. It would be tragic to judge a man who has carried the Indian batting lineup for more than a decade on the basis of a few difficult weeks. Rohit Sharma’s Legacy Of Glory Let’s not forget the heroics Rohit Sharma has delivered over the years. Double hundred in test match cricket against South Africa, game saving knocks over the years against teams like England, New Zealand and some truly epic leadership performances when India wins. This man has provided the base for Indian Cricket Team’s success not merely with the bat but also under his tranquil leadership. His current struggles at the bat do not and should not, overshadow everything he has achieved. Rohit is a player of rare elegance, a batsman whose presence at the crease inspires the crowd to play fearless cricket. His ability to rise to the occasion, when it matters most, is one of the reasons we place our trust in him as captain. And now, in his time of need, it is our turn to show the same trust and patience. A Leader Beyond The Runs The value of a captain far outweighs the runs he scores. It’s about leadership, about motivating your team when the chips are down, about staying composed when the pressure is suffocating. Rohit Sharma embodies all these qualities. His leadership has sent India to the summit of test cricket, his judgment calls many times have proven right and his ability to stay afloat in extremely testing times is what makes him the backbone of this side. A captain’s worth is not solely determined by his personal performance. It is defined by his ability to inspire his team, to lead them with courage and conviction. In these trying times, when his bat has remained silent, Rohit Sharma has stood tall as a leader India needs. His composure, his confidence and his belief in his team have not wavered at all. It is in such moments that a true leader shines-not in the easy victories but in the tough times when the team looks up to him for guidance. Rohit Sharma Needs Support, Not Criticism As fans, as supporters of Indian cricket, we have a responsibility to lift our captain when he is down. Rohit Sharma has given us moments of sheer joy, moments we will never forget. To ask him to retire based on a rough patch is to disregard everything he has contributed to the game and to the team. No player should be judged by their worst moments and no captain should be deserted by the very fans who cheered for him when he did well. True loyalty will be shown in standing up for a man when he most needs us to stand. Rohit has given us everything – his passion, his dedication, his heart. He has shown up for us when we needed him and now it’s time we show up for him. Let’s not forget that a true champion always finds a way back. The best players rise from their struggles and Rohit Sharma is no exception. Rohit Sharma Is A Hero Who Deserves Our Faith For us, Rohit Sharma is more than just a cricketer. He is the epitome of leadership and consistency. His journey from Mumbai to Melbourne has been to what it means to play for the love of the game, for the pride of the country and for the millions who look up to him. His current form does not define him. It is just a chapter in an illustrious career. We also have to note that champions are not made from victories but from how they rise above adversity. We should stand by our captain and give him all the support he needs and remind him that he is still our leader. Let’s not rush to replace a man who has given us everything. Let’s rally behind him and show the world that we believe in Rohit Sharma. The road to redemption might be long. However, if there is one player capable of coming through, it’s Rohit Sharma. The best is yet to come and we, as his loyal supporters, will be there every step of the way. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye

A Matter Of Patience And Faith For The Indian Cricket Team

Indian Cricket Team

New Zealand had an upper hand over the Indian Cricket Team in the third test match at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. It turned out to be a 3-0 whitewash. Indians are not accustomed to such sort of loss at home so the outpour has been pretty strong too. However, as a die-hard fan, it’s very important to take a step back and evaluate the bigger picture. Does this loss indicate a downfall of intent, lack of leadership or poor coaching? Let’s dive into these pressing concerns with a balanced perspective. 1. Has The Indian Cricket Team Lost Its Intent? It is easy to get frustrated when the team we respect so much does not perform as per our expectations. However the difference between losing intent and losing to a good opponent is a world of difference. India did not lose because they lacked intent. New Zealand played super disciplined cricket that checked India’s aggression at bay. Moments of victory and defeat go hand in hand in sports. Every game, lost or won, presents an opportunity for introspection. The Indian Cricket Team would have come back to attack the next series with more precision and intent, as is their norm after suffering defeats. India is a side which draws momentum from losses and infuses that into their next match. This could just give them the fuel to rise against Australia in the much-hyped Border-Gavaskar series. So, instead of doubting their intentions, maybe we should believe in their resilience and wait for them to display it. 2. Should Rohit Sharma Be Sacked As India’s Test Captain? A big no.This is the most debated question, however Rohit Sharma’s contribution to the Indian Cricket Team is more than just a win-loss record. Rohit is someone who brings aggression and inspiration to his role and leads by example. He is a great player who does not care to place his wicket on the line for the team, something that is rarely seen in modern-day cricket. The leadership brand he delivers is of a willingness to counter-attack to set the tone for a bold innings. Every captain has ups and downs. What distinguishes them is that they can support their players through it all. The very fact that Rohit gives confidence to younger cricketers like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel and Aakash Deep all of whom have already gone on to become talent prospects under his mentorship he has proven to be players’ captain who trusts other teammates and creates a nourishing atmosphere that goes onto create long-term success although it also brings short term failure. Fans can now look past the last couple of losses and remember how many times Rohit’s leadership has instilled fearlessness into the Indian Cricket Team. And patience, they say, is a test of loyalty. I do not think we need to forget the devotion for the game in Rohit Sharma when we talk about him. 3. Is The Current Coaching Panel Not Up To The Mark? Judging the coaching panel after a few series would be rather premature. Coaching at national level often needs time to make an impact and success isn’t what you can expect instantly. It would be a different ball game indeed, however Gautam Gambhir has shown what potential he holds as a tactician in his stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), guiding them to the trophy in 2024. Fans must remember that each coaching team brings a different vision to the table and for Gambhir and his unit to establish theirs, they require time and trust. Success stories are seldom built overnight and a hasty judgment only undermines their efforts. Just as we have seen past coaches shape the team over seasons, Gambhir and his panel need a chance to build their legacy. With defeat, come accusations and despair. Each of the players, coaches and leaders has put in years of practice and sacrifice to bring themselves to that playing field. So let us rally behind them with understanding and encouragement rather than bash them. As in life, the sadness makes the wins that much sweeter in sport. The Indian Cricket Team’s journey was full of heart-stopping moments of glory and times of learning. Now, when they are at a crossroads, they need their supporters to stand with them and not bashing them. After all, faith is not tested in the moments of victory however in times of adversity. Let’s hold on to that faith and let’s watch the Indian Cricket Team bounce back. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye

IND vs NZ: Sports Technology Advancements Provoked Sarfaraz To Appeal For DRS

Sports Technology

The day one of the second test match between India and New Zealand witnessed timely intervention from India’s Sarfaraz Khan to convince his captain, Rohit Sharma to go for the review at the Decision Review System (DRS) that actually proved to be vital for the Indian Cricket Team. The dismissal, overturned from not out, of Will Young against New Zealand was the turning point of the day. That this has been the game-changer wherein Ravichandran Ashwin claimed his second scalp of the morning speaks largely to just how DRS has reshaped modern-day cricket. How is DRS technology changing the landscape of contemporary cricket? The integration of DRS in modern cricket alters the way teams strategize their decisions on the field. Just a few years back, decisions provided by umpires were final and often became controversial. With DRS, there is an improvisation that allows players and teams to challenge close calls. The change in the game now has made players play an active role concerning decision-making. DRS gives fair play and adds to the level of transparency in places of decision in the game. How technology in cricket has benefitted Players, Umpires and Match Referees? For players like Sarfaraz Khan, the DRS system meant they could influence the game directly, providing information to their captain. That this was in fact an example where wicketkeepers like Rishabh Pant were not solely responsible for calls. Technological advancements in cricket are not limited only to DRS. All of them have been game-changers for players, umpires and match referees. For instance, ultra-edge, ball-tracking systems and Hawk-Eye can help the umpires make tough decisions. Snickometer and HotSpot proved to be very useful tools in checking minor edges or bat-pad touches that one may miss with his naked eyes. Thus, not only do these innovations decrease errors but also they ease a bit of burden from umpires who can now make decisions based on technological support. Snickometer Invented by English computer scientist Allan Plaskett in the mid-1990s, the Snickometer was first broadcast on UK Channel 4 in 1999, accompanied by such technologies as Hawk-Eye and the Red Zone. The Snickometer helps umpires decide whether or not the ball has made contact with the bat by measuring differences in magnitude of sound waves. Renamed “Ultra Edge” after its premiere, it eventually lost first position to the more advanced Real-Time Snicko in 2013. Hawk-Eye Hawk-Eye is ball-tracking technology which predicts whether a delivery would have hit the stumps had it not been obstructed by the batsman, most of the times his pad. It is really crucial in making LBW decisions. It was developed by British computer scientist Paul Hawkins and launched in 2001. Ten years later, the Sony company bought the technology, so it plays a leading role in making modern sports officiating more high-tech. Hot Spot Hot Spot is a television imaging technology which employs infrared cameras to detect whether or not the batsman has made contact with the ball. The first part of this technology was invented by French scientist Nicholas Bion. A Melbourne-based company BBG Sports introduced Hot Spot into cricket. Data Analytics The ICC employs analytics software such as SAP HANA Cloud Platform and SAP Lumira to analyze scorecard statistics, player performances, profiles and other key data. Techniques in data mining are also applied to determine dynamic rankings for players. The main idea is to enable real-time, engaging statistics for the fans through the ICC app and website. How is sports technology taking the game of cricket forward? The match referees and analysts also gain from technological integration. This allows them to carefully watch the incidents that occur in the field and assess the players’ adherence to the rules before disciplining them when necessary. Detailed data analytics assist teams in planning. Coaches and players can then study the strengths and weaknesses or patterns of the opponents as an edge in competition. Technology advancements are changing the way fans experience the game. Slow-motion replays, tracking of the ball, virtual reality just make the viewing experience far more immersive and gives fans access to a whole new perspective in action and cricket becomes widely appealing across borders. In other words, cricket would just adapt new equipment to include more as a sure and fair principle of the game, thus raising the enjoyment quotient for a player who plays the game today. To Sarfaraz Khan and all those like him, DRS and all the technological assistance means he will be able to tap instinct, analytic ability and above everything else, bring the balance in which to propel the game on. On the first day of the second test match in Pune, for example, we observed changes in cricket that surely is going to take the game forward. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye

BGT 2024: Rohit Sharma’s Participation Uncertain In The First Two Tests

Rohit Sharma

Indian Cricket Team Captain – Rohit Sharma might not be available for early matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 due to personal reasons. Rohit Sharma To Miss These Many Matches Sources revealed that Rohit Sharma has already informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his situation. With this, he will, therefore, have to miss at least one of the first two test matches or quite probably, both the test matches in the five-match series which will get under way on November 22, 2024. When Will Rohit Sharma Join The Team? While reports suggest that the BCCI is aware of the situation where Rohit may miss a couple of games in the series owing to a personal reason, little is known of this particular issue. There is still hope that he will be able to sort out the problem and make it into the series with his fellow mates.. How It May Affect The Team India may receive in a high-pressure series against the reigning World Test Championship Winners – Australia. Rohit Sharma had to be present. India may face a huge problem without him, both leadership vise as well as batting as the tourists eye good performance on the Australian soil. Who Might Lead In Rohit’s Absence? There is no official statement from the BCCI regarding who might be at the help of affairs for India in the absence of Rohit Sharma. However, guys like Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav (if selected for the red ball side) are in the train. Fans and teammates are excitedly waiting for the BGT 2024-25, along with updates on Rohit Sharma’s situation. Everybody wants an early resolution so that he can join the squad for the complete five tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye