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17Jan

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Rohit Sharma backs Ashwin’s idea of an early start for 2023 ODI World Cup matches | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's idea of an early start in the ODI World Cup matches got full support from his skipper Rohit Sharma who too wants it so that no one has to compromise too much on the toss factor.Rohit, who does not want any team to gain undue advantage in a major event, backed Ashwin who had proposed an 11:30 am start for the World Cup games to be played in India in October-November. Normally, the one-dayer starts at 1:30pm in India."It is a good idea. It is a World Cup right. You don't want to compromise too much on the toss factor. You want to completely take that away. I like the idea of an early start but don't know if it is possible. The broadcasters will decide (laughs)," said Rohit ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand in Hyderabad on Wednesd...

13Jan

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Inaugural Women’s U-19 World Cup: Young players finally get global platform to shine | Cricket News – Times of India

BENONI: Young female players will get their much awaited opportunity to shine on the global stage when the inaugural U-19 Women's World Cup begins here on Saturday.While the International Cricket Council has staged 14 Men's U-19 World Cup editions since 1988, the future stars of the women's game will finally get the much needed exposure they were craving for.Women's cricket has grown massively over the past five years but there is still a pressing need to unearth more talent to popularise the game further.A total of 41 games will be played across four venues in Benoni and Potchefstroom. The 16-team event was supposed to be held in 2021 but was pushed back to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.A total of 11 full members -- Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakis...

13Jan

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India U-19 women’s team has capability to stand out: Tendulkar | Cricket News – Times of India

DUBAI: Batting icon Sachin Tendulkar believes the Indian Women's U-19 squad could emerge as one of the standout sides of the inaugural ICC U-19 T20 World Cup.Senior players Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh are part of the 15-member Indian team which will compete in the ICC event starting in South Africa on Saturday."I would say that the women's team has the capability to be one of the standout sides this time," Tendulkar wrote in a column for the ICC."The team has a good balance of few experienced players as well as young talented prospects both in the batting as well as bowling department."Wishing @TheShafaliVerma and the entire U19 team, the very best for the Women's U19 T20 World Cup beginning tomorro… https://t.co/YOUQgi7rUY— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) 1673590755000As many as 16 teams wil...

13Jan

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Need to address batting woes before World Cup: Sri Lanka coach | Cricket News – Times of India

KOLKATA: Sri Lanka head coach Chris Silverwood has blamed the senior batters for failing to step up in the second ODI and said they will have to "learn their lessons" before they return to India for the World Cup later this year.From 103 for 1 in 17.2 overs, Sri Lanka were done in by some quality spin bowling and folded for a paltry 215 inside 40 overs after opting to bat on a beautiful flat deck at Eden Gardens.India overcame some early jitters to secure a four-wicket win that gave them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series."We got ourselves to blame. We had a great start which was superb. But when the spin came on we lost wickets at regular intervals and put us under pressure," Silverwood said at the post-match media conference here on Thursday."We can't keep losing w...

13Jan

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India vs Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI: CAB show at Eden Gardens a damp squib | Cricket News – Times of India

KOLKATA: The laser show planned by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) during the innings break of the second ODI between India and Sri Lanka at the Eden Gardens turned out to be a damp squib on Thursday.The show could not be carried on during the innings break as the Sri Lankan innings folded up almost 10 overs before their allotted 50 overs when complete darkness had still not set in. Hence the show was pushed back to the end of the match, but by the time it began most of the spectators had already left.There was little to appreciate as the stands were filled with mobile phone torchlights even before the real show began. The six-minute show without any theme and loud background music failed to set the stands on fire.Most of those who filled up the Eden stands on Thursday were not ...

12Jan

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India coach Graham Reid wary of ‘double-edged sword’ in home World Cup | Hockey News – Times of India

ROURKELA: Coach Graham Reid was keeping a close eye on the position of the defenders when the Indian players, donning their orange training kits, practiced inside the majestic 'bowl' -- the new Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium here. The feeling of overwhelm they experienced after their first feel of the stadium on December 27 had obviously settled, but not the awe."What's been achieved here in the last 15 months is incredible," said Reid, as he and skipper Harmanpreet Singh took their seats in the press conference room before joining the rest of the squad to train. "It was the first thing that hit us. Unbelievable!" he exclaimed in appreciation of the 20,000-seater stadium on the eve of India's World Cup opener against Spain on Friday.The massive structure has left most visitors mesmerized, a...

12Jan

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Inconsistent KL Rahul under pressure as Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson wait in the wings | Cricket News – Times of India

In Pant's absence, 'keeper's slot is wide openKOLKATA: Rishabh Pant's unfortunate accident has thrown open some new possibilities for Team India heading into the 50-over World Cup later this year. While the Delhi wicketkeeper-batter is expected to make a comeback ahead of the mega event, the India team management will be keeping options open.While skipper Rohit Sharma preferred to give Shubman Gill "a fair run" in the ODIs, many questioned the logic behind dropping an in-form Ishan Kishan, who hit a double hundred against Bangladesh last month. Although Gill grabbed his opportunity with both hands by hitting a classy 70 in the first ODI against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, the youngster cannot take his place for granted with Kishan waiting in the wings.But the fight between the two youngsters ...

11Jan

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Hockey World Cup: There is definitely pressure on Harmanpreet, but trying to divert it, says coach Graham Reid | Hockey News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: India captain Harmanpreet Singh is one of the star attractions of the men's hockey World Cup starting Friday because of his sheer calibre of penalty-corner conversions, but the team's chief coach Graham Reid has worked upon plans to divert the attention from his key player.Harmanpreet is currently regarded as one of the world's finest penalty-corner exponents but Reid wants his other dragflickers -- vice-captain Amit Rohidas, Varun Kumar and Nilam Sanjeep Xess -- to share the responsibility with their skipper."I would be lying if I say that there isn't pressure on him (Harmanpreet). We have been spending a lot of time on our variations and making sure that we can deflect some of the pressure from Harman," Reid told PTI in an interview ahead of their tournament opener against ...

10Jan

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Messi set for first PSG appearance since World Cup as contract talks go on | Football News – Times of India

PARIS: Lionel Messi is expected to make his first appearance for Paris Saint-Germain since his World Cup triumph in a Ligue 1 clash at home against Angers on Wednesday, as the Qatar-owned club look to tie the Argentine down to a new contract.The 35-year-old took part in training with his teammates on Tuesday, a little over three weeks after inspiring Argentina to victory over France on penalties in an epic World Cup final in Qatar.He was granted a two-week holiday back in his home country following the tournament, before returning to Paris and being given a guard of honour at PSG's training ground last Wednesday.The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, who scored 12 goals in 19 games this season for his club prior to the World Cup, did not take part in PSG's win at third-tier side Chateauroux...

10Jan

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Not possible to play all formats in World Cup year: Rohit Sharma | Cricket News – Times of India

Haven't decided to give up T20s yet, says RohitGUWAHATI: India captain Rohit Sharma on Monday dismissed speculation that Hardik Pandya was set to be the full-time T20I captain and that he would take a backseat in the shortest format."Firstly, it is not possible to play back-to-back matches. You need to give them enough break. I definitely fall in that as well. We have three T20Is against New Zealand. We will see what happens after IPL. I have not decided to give up the format," Rohit said."It was made clear in the past that it's a World Cup year for us, the 50-over World Cup, and for some of the guys, it's not possible to play all formats. If you look at the schedule, the matches are back-to-back. So, we decided to look at players' workload. We give them enough break and manage them," R...

9Jan

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Gareth Bale announces retirement from football | Football News – Times of India

LONDON: Gareth Bale announced his retirement from club and international football at the age of 33 on Monday, bringing to an end one of the most decorated careers in British football history.Wales' record appearance holder and goalscorer led his country from the international football wilderness to qualify for two European Championships, reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016, and a first World Cup since 1958.The Los Angeles FC forward, who previously played for Southampton, Tottenham and Real Madrid, made his final competitive appearance during Wales' World Cup group stage fixture with England on November 29.https://t.co/NNErxMVGCS— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) 1673277141000"After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international footbal...

9Jan

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It’s a very good preparation for the World Cup, says Dasun Shanaka | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka said on Monday that the three-match ODI series against India is good preparation for the 2023 ODI World Cup as the mega-event is happening in similar conditions in India later in the year."It's an important tournament for all Sri Lankans because the World Cup is going to be held here in India, so I'm looking forward to this series. It's a very good preparation, the conditions would be similar. The boys are ready for that, they know the importance of this tournament," Shanaka said on the eve of the first ODI in Guwahati. Sri Lanka lost the T20I series 1-2 before the upcoming ODI series, but they want to take advantage of the positives from the just concluded series. Shanaka also acknowledged that it is very tough to beat India in India."None of ...

9Jan

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Unfortunate for Ishan Kishan but we will give Shubman Gill a long run: Rohit Sharma | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: To choose between two in-form batsmen is ceratinly a big headache for any skipper but India captain Rohit Sharma is very clear in his approach as he made it quite clear by picking Shubman Gill over Ishan Kishan as his opening partner in the ODI series against Sri Lanka starting Tuesday in Guwahati.Terming it unfortunate, Rohit said Ishan, despite his fastest double hundred in his last ODI, would get share of chances as they have 15 ODIs and the Asia Cup lined up before the World Cup in October-November.Ishan, who stunned the cricketing world with world record breaking 131-ball-210 against Bangladesh in Chattogram last month, will have to wait for his chance but Rohit assured that the left-handed batter remains very much in the mix."Yes, Ishan is certainly going to miss out bu...

8Jan

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Al-Nassr coach wants Ronaldo to ‘rediscover pleasure of playing’ | Football News – Times of India

RIYADH: Al-Nassr coach Rudi Garcia hopes that Cristiano Ronaldo will "rediscover the pleasure of playing" when he brings a little stardust to the Saudi Arabian league."The only thing I wish for Ronaldo is that he rediscovers the pleasure of playing and smiles again because in recent months between Manchester United, the national team and then at a personal level he hasn't had easy moments," Garcia said Sunday on the sidelines of the Dakar Rally being staged in the kingdom."If he finds the pleasure of playing again, that will already be a goal achieved," added the coach who described the 37-year-old Portuguese international as a "tremendous athlete".Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, has penned a contract until 2025 with the Saudi club in a deal worth a reported 200 million euros.T...

5Jan

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Odisha CM Patnaik announces Rs 1 crore for each player if India wins Hockey World Cup | Hockey News – Times of India

BHUBANESWAR: Ahead of the upcoming FIH Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup 2023, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday announced that each player of the Indian hockey team will get Rs 1 crore if they win the world cup.Patnaik, who visited Rourkela also inaugurated the World Cup Village at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium Complex in Rourkela.The World Cup Village has been developed within a record nine months and flaunts 225 rooms with all amenities befitting the stature of the Hockey World Cup. The World Cup Village will house the teams and officials of the upcoming Hockey World Cup.Today, Chief Minister @Naveen_Odisha interacted with the National Men’s Hockey Team who are accommodated at the Wor… https://t.co/PlIdEY2Nb4— Odisha Sports (@sports_odisha) 1672917534000On this occasion, the Chi...

4Jan

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Deepak Hooda big option for India’s 2023 ODI World Cup team: Irfan Pathan | Cricket News – Times of India

MUMBAI: It can safely be said that since he made his debut for India in T20Is against Sri Lanka in Lucknow on February 24 last year, Deepak Hooda hasn't been given a fair run or used judiciously by India. However, if they intend to build a solid team for the next two white ball World Cups (50-over WC this year, and then the T20 WC in 2024), India need to give this big-hitting allrounder a longer run, especially in the role of a finisher.In 16 T20Is, the 27-year-old has scored 343 runs@38.11, including a 57-ball 104 against Ireland at Malahide on June 28, 2022, while batting at No 3. However, that innings failed to see Hooda seal a permanent spot in India's T20I team. He endured an ordinary time in the Asia Cup, but it didn't help that he batted at No 7 and wasn't used as a bowler. In th...

4Jan

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Players like Virat, Rohit who can anchor their innings will play a massive role in the ODI World Cup: Gambhir | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Former India opener Gautam Gambhir feels that players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who can anchor their innings and are good players of spin, will play a massive role in the upcoming ODI World Cup, to be held in India in October-November this year."I feel people like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and all those guys who can anchor their innings, who probably can play spin really well, will play a massive role in the coming World Cup," Gambhir said on Star Sports show 'Road to World Cup Glory'.Gambhir said India need to identify fearless players and have a good mixture of cricketers in the 50-over format."First, you need to identify the players who have that fearless approach and probably in a format like 50 overs you need to have a mixture of every kind of player. There are ...

3Jan

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Sourav Ganguly wishes Rishabh Pant a ‘speedy recovery’ | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly wished Rishabh Pant a speedy recovery and hoped the India wicket-keeper batter would soon recover from the injuries he sustained in his car crash.Pant, who met with a horrifying accident when he lost control of his car while driving on NH-58 on Friday, is currently admitted at Max Dehradun with multiple injuries on head, back, knee and ankle."I wish him a speedy recovery, that's all I can say. You know things happen in life and you need to move on so hopefully he'll recover soon and be back on the path soon," Ganguly said on the sidelines of a promotional event in Kolkata on Tuesday.Pant’s car went up in flames moments after colliding with divider railings on the highway at about 5.22am on Friday and was reduced to a mangled heap on fire.Th...

2Jan

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CAC query for selectors: Succession plan beyond Rohit, potential Test keeper, next big thing from U-19 pool | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: "What should be a three-year leadership plan across formats once Rohit Sharma's captaincy tenure ends?""What is the pool of Gen-Next spinners that we have across formats?""Is any 2022 U-19 World Cup-winning player ready to be upgraded to the highest level?""Can there be any other option apart from KS Bharath, who could be tried as Test keeper in Rishabh Pant's absence?These are some of the general queries that the Ashok Malhotra-led selection committee asked the potential national selection committee candidates during one-on-one interviews conducted on Monday, according to sources in the know of things.As reported by PTI on January 1, Chetan Sharma is the favourite to retain his chairmanship after being dumped along with his colleagues post the T20 World Cup semi-final exit."...

2Jan

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New Year resolution is to win the World Cup, says Hardik Pandya | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: India's new T20 skipper Hardik Pandya disclosed on Monday that there couldn't be any bigger "New Year Resolution" for him than winning the World Cup. "The biggest is to win the World Cup. I don't think any bigger resolution can be there. Really want to win the World Cup, so we will try to do everything possible in our capacity... to go out there and give everything. I think things are looking bright and let's hope it is," Hardik said on the eve of the three-match T20 series against Sri Lanka.Hardik said that he would ideally like his band of men to never deviate from the template of fearless cricket. Hardik also didn't shy away from admitting that tinkering of approach during the T20 World Cup did affect the team."Before the World Cup, I don't think we did anything wrong. Our...