Sunday, December 3TRUSTED FEARLESS INTERNATIONAL & NATIONAL NEWS PORTAL

Day: June 25, 2023

Sports

Yashasvi Jaiswal at Idea Exchange: ‘I would see Wankhede floodlights and wish that I would play there one day’

In this Idea Exchange, batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal speaks on making his debut in the Indian team, keeping his focus, taking pride in his past, and the dream of starting a foundation for young players from Bhadohi. The session was moderated by Senior Assistant Editor Devendra Pandey.Yes, I’ve had a great domestic season but there’s a lot more I want to achieve. I’ve worked quite hard and more importantly, I’ve enjoyed all the games I’ve played. Devendra Pandey: When you were younger, matches used to be screened at Mumbai’s Press Club near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. As a cricket buff, you used to climb on trees to watch the games. Can you tell us about that experience? Anything to watch the match! At night, my roommate and I would try and watch the games. It was really a fun time for bot...
Sports

TNPL 2023: Sai Sudharsan’s knock helps Kovai Kings beat Dindigul Dragons; Batters set up easy win for Tiruppur Tamizhans against Ba11sy Trichy

Purple patch: Sai Sudharsan’s composed knock was instrumental in Kovai Kings posting a huge target that was beyond Dragons’ reach. | Photo Credit: E. LAKSHMI NARAYANAN B. Sai Sudharsan’s purple patch continued as the youngster came up with a scintillating 83 (41b, 8x4, 4x6) to set-up a thumping 59-run win for Lyca Kovai Kings against Dindigul Dragons at the Salem Cricket Foundation ground on Sunday.The 22-year-old’s well-composed knock and valuable cameos from the top-order powered Kovai Kings to 206 for five after being asked to bat first.The Dragons’ chase fizzled out within the PowerPlay when left-arm spinner M. Siddharth and pacer K. Gowtham Thamarai Kannan (three for 18) picked up two wickets each to leave the team struggling at 25 for four by the fifth over.Shivam Singh (61) and ...
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IND vs WI: How Ruturaj Gaikwad’s selection can be Indian cricket’s game-changing call

When selectors named the Test squad for India’s tour of the Caribbean, eyebrows were raised over Sarfaraz Khan and Abhimanyu Easwaran’s omission, as much as for the call-up of Ruturaj Gaikwad.The Gaikwad development is being viewed with great interest. Even Dilip Vengsarkar at whose academy Gaikwad blossomed, is in wait – and – watch mode. “He is definitely someone with a great potential, but you will only know when he plays,” Vengsarkar told the Express.There is no doubting Gaikwad’s potential, for he has shown what he can do in the IPL. But Test cricket remains a big leap for some of those who have not been able to replicate white-ball success into red-ball cricket. From Michael Bevan to Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina to Jos Buttler, a lot of big names, who despite looking comfortable aga...
Sports

Saudi’s Al-Hilal sign Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea

Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly is joining Al-Hilal from Premier League side Chelsea, the Saudi Arabian club announced on Sunday. “We’ll continue to make history together,” Al-Hilal wrote on Twitter, alongside a short video featuring Koulibaly. Koulibaly scored two goals in 32 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea after joining them from Napoli last July. 🎬 We’ll continue to make history together 🤝💙#AlHilal_Video #AlHilal pic.twitter.com/CsIQNVGyh8 — AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) June 25, 2023 The 32-year-old is the second player moving to Al-Hilal from the English Premier League after Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday. The Saudi Pro league has become attractive to Europe-based players since Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Al-Nassr las...
Sports

Meals turn into mentoring sessions as Magnus Carlsen takes India’s teenaged trio under wings

On Friday, after the SG Alpine Warriors had lost a game in the Global Chess League against the Viswanathan Anand-led Ganges Grandmasters, a message buzzed on the team’s WhatsApp group chat which has not only all the team players but also people from the ownership group. It was from Magnus Carlsen. The Norwegian World No 1 wanted the team to catch up for a meeting over dinner in the team hotel. The message was more than a dinner invitation. It was a step taken by the team’s enigmatic superstar to put the rest of the team, particularly the three young teenage prodigies — Gukesh D, Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa — into their comfort zone in a franchise-based mixed-team environment, that not many of them had played in before. It was Carlsen’s way of breaking the ice. Gukesh, talking to...
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Sutirtha-Ayhika pair clinches WTT Contender title | More sports News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Indian women's doubles pair of Sutirtha Mukherjee and Ayhika Mukherjee clinched the WTT Contender tournament title in Tunis on Sunday. The duo defeated the Japanese pair of Miyuu Kihara and Miwa Harimoto 3-1 (11-5, 11-6, 5-11, 13-11). The resounding win not only secured the championship for the Indian pair but also marked a historic moment as they became the first Indians to clinch a Contender title this year. Their achievement has come against the two rising Japanese teenagers who are both ranked among the top-25 in the world in singles.On Saturday, the Indian pair had advanced to the final after beating Korean duo of Shin Yubin and Jeon Jihi 3-2 (7-11, 11-9, 11-9, 7-11, 11-9) in a hard-fought last-four clash.Earlier on Saturday, the Indian mixed doubles pair of Manika Batra...
Sports

Cheteshwar Pujara, the quintessential Test batter with a steely resolve and huge appetite for runs, will be missed

Transition is in the air and when change is inevitable, an axe is just around the corner. Just as the BCCI’s press release announcing the Indian squads (Test and ODI series) for the West Indies tour, popped up through social media and in the email inboxes of cricket writers, it was time to accept that Cheteshwar Pujara had become the sacrificial lamb. The axe was on him, and this could be the last full stop on his storied international career or a mere comma, as India’s No. 3 batter in Tests had made a comeback after an omission in the recent past.The quest for a new-mix, be it among batters and bowlers, in the fresh World Test Championship (WTC) cycle may have forced the Indian think-tank of coach Rahul Dravid and skipper Rohit Sharma along with the selectors to plump for young talent....
Sports

Wanindu Hasaranga becomes first spinner in ODIs to take three consecutive five-wicket hauls | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga accomplished an extraordinary feat by becoming the first spinner and the second bowler overall in history to achieve three consecutive five-wicket hauls in ODIs.With Hasaranga's exceptional performance, Sri Lanka managed to restrict Ireland to a total of 192 runs, securing their Super Six spot with a resounding 133-run victory in their ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifiers match in Bulawayo on Sunday. Hasaranga's impressive figures in the match stood at 5 wickets for 79 runs.In joining the esteemed company of the legendary Pakistani bowler Waqar Younis, Hasaranga has equalled his record of securing five-wicket hauls in three consecutive one-day matches. Hasaranga's performances across these three matches showcase bowling figures of 6/24, 5/13, an...
Sports

Two-time champion Petra Kvitova warms up for Wimbledon with German Open title

Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova beat Donna Vekic of Croatia 6-2 7-6(6) on Sunday to lift the German Open title and confirm her form on grass just over a week before the Grand Slam in London. The 33-year-old Czech, who also beat Vekic en route to victory at the Miami Open this year, earned her 31st career title. The left-hander looked completely at ease on the surface as she captured her sixth title on grass, more than any other active WTA player, in a warning to her rivals ahead of Wimbledon. It is the first time Kvitova has won multiple titles in a single season since 2019 and she has now won 12 of her last 13 matches on grass dating back to her title run in Eastbourne last season. “I love grass, I love you,” Kvitova told a thinning crowd at the Steffi Graf stadium. “I have t...
Sports

Travis Head laughs off England’s ‘nice chat’ in Ashes | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Australia batsman Travis Head remains unperturbed by the "nice chat" initiated by the English team leading up to the second Test at Lord's.Following a thrilling two-wicket victory in the series opener at Edgbaston, Head's team currently holds a 1-0 advantage in the five-match contest. However, it appears that some members of the English side, buoyed by their aggressive 'Bazball approach, seem unaffected by the loss.England seamer Ollie Robinson faced criticism from Australian legends Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting for his profanity-laced send-off to Usman Khawaja at Edgbaston, expressed surprise this week at the defensive approach of the tourists. Robinson suggested that a change in strategy would be necessary for Australia to secure the series victory.And home opener Zak C...
Sports

Carlos Alcaraz claims Queen’s title and top ranking

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz fired a Wimbledon warning as he comfortably beat Alex de Minaur 6-4 6-4 to claim the Queen’s Club title on Sunday and return to world number one. In baking temperatures, the 20-year-old had too much firepower for his wily Australian opponent as he claimed his first grasscourt title in impressive fashion. It was only Alcaraz’s third tournament on grass, but the way he marched through the draw augurs well for his prospects at Wimbledon where he will be seeded number one. De Minaur, the first Australian to reach the London final since Lleyton Hewitt in 2006, had chances for a break of serve when leading 4-3 in the opening set but could not take them. Alcaraz then broke serve in the following game before wrapping up the set on serve. De Minaur double-faulted to ha...
Sports

Carlos Alcaraz returns to world no.1 after claiming Queen’s title | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Carlos Alcaraz blew away Alex de Minaur in straight sets for his first title on grass at Queen's Club in London on Sunday. With the fifth title of the season, Alcaraz reclaimed the world no.1 ranking, surging ahead of 23-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic. Firing a Wimbledon warning, the Spaniard eased past de Minaur 6-4, 6-4.In baking temperatures, the 20-year-old had too much firepower for his wily Australian opponent as he claimed his first grasscourt title in impressive fashion.It was only Alcaraz's third tournament on grass, but the way he marched through the draw augurs well for his prospects at Wimbledon where he will be seeded number one.De Minaur, the first Australian to reach the London final since Lleyton Hewitt in 2006, had chances for a break of serve when l...
Sports

Diksha Dagar wins Czech Ladies Open, her second Ladies European Tour title | Golf News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The talented India golfer Diksha Dagar on Sunday clinched the Tipsport Czech Ladies Open, registering a commanding four-shot win at Czechia in Czech Republic. It was her second Ladies European Tour (LET) event title, and her first since 2019.The 22-year-old southpaw Diksha won her first LET title back in 2019 in her rookie year and in 2021 she was part of the winning team at the Aramco Team Series in London.Diksha is in terrific form this season, registering four Top-10 finishes. This was her 79th start on the LET and she now has two individual wins and nine Top-10 finishes.Starting the day with a five-shot lead, Diksha, who hails from Jhajjar in Haryana, duly delivered the win with no hiccups.Diksha's final round 69 included four birdies and just one bogey in a week. She dro...
Sports

Sri Lanka win big to advance in World Cup qualifying, Ireland knocked out | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Dimuth Karunaratne smashed an impressive run-a-ball ton while Wanindu Hasaranga grabbed a third successive five-wicket haul as Sri Lanka stormed into the Super Six stage of the ODI World Cup qualifying tournament in Bulawayo on Sunday. The massive 133-run win for the Lankans eliminated Ireland from the qualifying race. Sri Lanka's win also took through Scotland and Oman from Group B.Opener Dimuth Karunaratne made 103 and Sadeera Samarawickrama hit 82 as Sri Lanka compiled an imposing total of 325 all out off 49.5 overs after being put in to bat in Bulawayo.Mark Adair took 4-46 and Barry McCarthy claimed 3-56 but Ireland's pace spearhead Josh Little conceded 78 runs in eight wicketless overs.Karunaratne and Samarawickrama put on 168 for the third wicket after Kusal Mendis was ...
Sports

Bublik powers past Rublev to win first grass title in Halle | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik claimed victory over the third-seeded Andrey Rublev in a thrilling final at the Halle Open on Sunday. Bublik secured a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 win, propelled by two crucial service breaks.This triumph marked his first-ever title on grass, arriving just over a week before the commencement of Wimbledon.For the 26-year-old Bublik, this victory not only signifies his breakthrough on grass but also represents his second tour-level title. He previously clinched the championship in Montpellier back in 2022.Bublik, currently ranked 48th in the world, made a strong start in the final encounter by swiftly breaking Rublev's serve in the very first game, thereby establishing a 2-0 lead.With his booming serve proving impenetrable for his opponent Bublik quickly bagged ...
Sports

Bagnaia wins attritional Dutch MotoGP, Binder loses third with penalty | Racing News – Times of India

Ducati's Francesco Bagnaia won the Dutch MotoGP at Assen TT on Sunday to extend his lead in the world championship standings while pole sitter Marco Bezzecchi finished second.Red Bull KTM's Brad Binder had finished third but just as in Saturday's sprint, his podium was snatched away from him for a second time when he was demoted to fourth for exceeding track limits, giving Aprilia's Aleix Espargaro third place. Bagnaia takes a 35-point lead over Jorge Martin into the summer break, with racing resuming in early August at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone."It's fantastic! It wasn't easy, they were pushing a lot behind," said the Ducati factory race winner."I was on the limit. I love this track,this crowd - Assen, you are fantastic!"A full house with 105,000 fans at a sweltering hot 'C...
Sports

Wrestlers share letter to sports ministry amid controversy over trials | More sports News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Amid the controversy over trials for the Asian Games and World Championships, the protesting wrestlers on Sunday made public a letter they wrote to the sports ministry, requesting an extension of the dates for trials. After Indian Olympic Association's ad-hoc panel announced a one-bout trial for six protesting wrestlers, the decision received strong criticism by coaches and parents of the other wrestlers including Yogeshwar Dutt.The wrestlers shared a picture of an undated letter which mentions six wrestlers requesting for some extra time for training ahead of the trials.These wrestlers have been protesting against the president of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment since the start of the year.The ad-hoc panel ha...
Sports

India call-up: Sarfaraz might have to work on his fitness as well as off-field discipline

File photo of Sarfaraz Khan. | Photo Credit: R.V. Moorthy Sarfaraz Khan's non-inclusion in the Indian team for the West Indies tour was criticised by none other than Sunil Gavaskar but BCCI sources claimed that his below-par "fitness level" as well as alleged "off-field conduct" has influenced the decision. The Mumbai batter scored 2566 runs in the last three Ranji seasons. He scored 928 runs in the 2019/20 season, 982 in the 2022-23 and 656 in the 2022-23 season) The 25-year-old has a very impressive career average of 79.65 after 37 red ball games, so it was very surprising that the two-time former India U-19 World Cupper had to make way for someone like Ruturaj Gaikwad, whose career average is 42-plus. “The angry reactions are understandable but I can tell you with some degree of cer...
Sports

India Call-Up: Sarfaraz Khan might have to work on his fitness as well as off-field discipline | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Sarfaraz Khan's non-inclusion in the Indian team for the West Indies tour was criticised by none other than Sunil Gavaskar but BCCI sources claimed that his below-par "fitness level" as well as alleged "off-field conduct" has influenced the decision.The Mumbai batter scored 2566 runs in the last three Ranji seasons. He scored 928 runs in the 2019/20 season, 982 in the 2022-23 and 656 in the 2022-23 season.The 25-year-old has a very impressive career average of 79.65 after 37 red ball games, so it was very surprising that the two-time former India U-19 World Cupper had to make way for someone like Ruturaj Gaikwad, whose career average is 42-plus."The angry reactions are understandable but I can tell you with some degree of certainty that the reason behind Sarfaraz getting igno...
Sports

Gauhati High Court stays Wrestling Federation of India elections

Gauhati High Court on Sunday stayed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections, scheduled for July 11, on a petition filed by the Assam Wrestling Association. Assam Wrestling Association, in its petition filed against the WFI, IOA ad-hoc body and the Sports Ministry, said that though it was entitled to be an affiliated member of the WFI, it was not granted one “despite recommendation made by the then WFI Executive Committee at WFI’s General Council in Gonda, on November 15, 2014. The ad-hoc panel has fixed June 25 as the last date for receiving the names for the electoral college while the while the elections to elect the new governing body would be held on July 11. The petitioner contended that unless their body is affiliated to the WFI, and they can nominate their representativ...