India Beats South Africa to Win First Test at Mohali

Indian cricket team led by young captain Virat Kohli made impressive start to 4 match series against South Africa at Mohali. India beats South Africa by 108 runs to take 1-0 lead in the series. India made 201 and 200 while South Africa replied with 184 and 109 runs in their respective innings.

Murali Vijay (75 and 47) batted well in both innings while Pujara made gusty 77 in second innings to help India to post winning total. From South African side, Captain AB de Villiers made 63 runs in 1^st innings as all his teammates faltered against Indian spinners.

Ashwin took 5-24 and 3-39 while left arm spinner Jadeja bowled to get 3-55 and 5-21. Ravindra Jadeja was also adjudged as Man of the Match for his all-round performance in his comeback match.

Indian team would be happy to start very important test series on winning note as South Africa got better off them in ODI and T20 series recently. Second test match of the series would be played at Bengaluru between 14^th to 18^th November.  

You may like to read about Why Virender Sehwag is the greatest test cricket opening batsman of all time?

Tennis sensation Maria Sharapova becomes highest paid female athlete for 11th consecutive year

Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova topped Forbes highest paid athlete list for 11^th consecutive year by surpassing arch rival Serena Williams. With earnings of $29.7 million, Maria is highest earning female sportsperson in the world. Interestingly, $23 million out of $29.7 million comes from endorsements and appearances for Sharapova while just $6.7 million are as sports prize money.

On overall list, she ranked at 26^th position where boxer Floyd Mayweather dominates with $300 million. Among tennis players, Roger Federer is at top with $67 million.

Serena Williams who is one of greatest female tennis player is at second position with $24.6 million, 47^th overall. Caroline Wozniacki is at 3^rd with $14.6 million giving top 3 positions to Tennis. While, Nascar’s Danica Patrick at 4^th with $13.9 million. Tennis diva Ana Ivanovic completes top 5 list with $8.3 million earnings during 2015.

 

 

Indian Badminton League (IBL): Saina goes to Hyderabad Hotshots while Mumbai Masters grab Lee Chong Wei

IBL auctions were completed more or less on expected lines with Indian star Saina Nehwal getting highest price of $120,000 from Hyderabad Hotoshots while Chinese star Lee Chong Wei went to Mumbai Masters for $135,000.

Other notable deals were P Kashyap got $75,000 from Banga Beats (Bengaluru), Delhi Smashers got Jwala Gutta for just $31,000, Lucknow Warriors paid $80,000 for PV Sandhu and Pune Pistons won Ashwini Ponnappa for $25,000.

 Indian Badminton League (IBL) is a league proposed by Badminton Association of India (BAI) and its inaugural edition would be played between 14^th to 23^rd of August 2013. Currently, there are 6 franchises owned by various corporate.  

Indian Women’s Recurve Team creates history by winning Gold Medal in World Cup Archery

Indian women’s team of Rimi Buriuly, Bombayla Devi and Deepika Kumari created history today by beating higher rank Chinese team to clinch Gold Medal in Recurve Team event at Archery World Cup Stage 3. Indian women dominated the match and kept the pressure on their opponent to win 201-186. China started with “zero” in their first shot and never recovered and had to settle for Silver. USA beat Mexico to win Bronze 207-196. Gold Medal by Indian Women’s Team is followed by Bronze by Men’s team in Compound event a day earlier.

Indian women performed brilliantly throughout the tournament by beating Venezuela in Quarter Finals 224-201 and USA in Semi Finals 216-211.

Indian Compound Men’s Team won “Bronze” at Archery World Cup

Indian Archery got big boost as Men’s Compound team won Bronze medal at Archery World Cup Stage 3 being held in Medellin, Colombia. After losing to France during semi finals; Indian team took on host Colombia in Bronze Medal play off. The team of Rajat Chouhan, Sandeep Kumar and Ratan Singh Khuraijam played well under pressure to grab Bronze medal with a score of 215-210.

Indian team’s performance in the tournament was appreciable throughout as they beat Guatemala 227-216 in first round, El Salvador 236-229 in second round while they lost closely to France in semis 231-234.

Moreover, Indian women’s team made it to finals in Recurve event to fight against China for Gold Medal while Recurve mixed team would play Mexico in Bronze Medal match.

Sports Ministry recommends Hockey legend Dhyan Chand for “Bharat Ratna”

Indian Sports Ministry recommended name of legendary Hockey player Major Dhyan Chand for highest civilian honor – the Bharat Ratna. The Minstry had already sent the letter to the Prime Minister in this regard. Recently, Indian government included sports person to be eligible for Bharat Ratna.

By recommending Legendary Dhyan Chand’s name; Indian Sports ministry put an end to the debate about other names such as cricket great Sachin Tendulkar and Chess champiaon V. Anand. Dhyan Chand popularly known as “The Wizard” scored more than 400 international goals and played vital role in India’s Gold Medal wins during 1928, 1932 and 1936 Olympics.

Formula One 2013: Kimi Raikkonen triumph at Australian Grand Prix

Kim Raikkonen clinched season’s inaugural race at Australian GP to win 25 points. Lotus-Renault driver crossed chequered flag with more than 12 seconds lead over Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso who finished second with 18 points.  Current World Champion Sebastian Vettel finished 3^rd in his Red Bull racing car for 15 points.

Kimi started the race at 7^th position on the grid based on qualifying session which was dominated by stronger teams such as Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari. However, fantastic and gutsy racing by Finn resulted into memorable and thrilling victory.

Why Cheteshwar Pujara should play One Day cricket for India?

The selection of India’s One Day International team for home series against Pakistan creates more questions than giving any fruitful answers. In spite of performing extremely well against mighty English side during the test series, India’s latest batting sensation Cheteshwar Pujara could not find the place in One Day team.

Cheteshwar Pujara has played 9 test matches scoring 761 runs at an impressive average of 58.53 with 3 centuries. He has also played 30 T20 matches and batted with a strike rate of 108.44 showing that he certainly knows how to score runs quickly.

We must remember that India would be playing next World Cup in Australia where team would need few batsmen with sound technique and ability to play pace bowling effectively. On both these parameters, Pujara fits the bill.

With form and fitness of “Sehwag”, Puajara might prove handy as opener so that rest of lineup could attack while Puajara holds one side firm. Puajra had certainly showed that he possess the ability to play for long time without losing wicket.

If Indian team management are serious about their preparation for next World Cup and want to follow certain road map then you can’t cross many miles without taking player like Puajara on board!

“God of Cricket” – “Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar” retires from One Day cricket

Greatest cricketer of all time and biggest entertainer the game of cricket ever witnessed, Sachin Tendulkar, retired from One Day Internationals. He started his ODI career on 18th December 1989 against Pakistan at Gujranwala while his last ODI match was against arch rivals Pakistan at Dhaka on 18^th Match 2012.

During his magnificent career spanning across 23 years, Sahcin did not only broke all the records but forced statisticians to write new record book. He played 463 ODIs making 18,426 runs at an average of 44.83 with a strike rate of 86.23. The man of centuries scored 49 ODI hundreds and 96 fifties. Sachin created history by becoming first ever batsman to score double century in ODIs by making 200* against South Africa in February 2010.

Especially in One Day matches, Sachin contributed significantly as bowler taking 154 wickets with best of 5/32 against Australia. As one of fittest fielder on the ground, Sachin took 140 catches in his career. He has hit massive 2,016 boundaries while his devastating batting resulted in hitting 195 sixes.

We all salute to the God of Cricket for providing amazing entertainment for more than two decades and creating sense of pride among billion of Indian cricket fans. Thank you very much Sachin!

England created history by beating Indian test side at home after 28 years

With 4^th test at Nagpur ending in a draw due to determined efforts by English batting pair of Trott (143) and Bell (116*) on a fifth day; India lost test series to Barmy Army 2-1. Alastair Cook’s men created history by beating India on their home soil ending long wait of 28 years.

Fast bowler James Anderson was judged as Man of the Match for his sensational bowling performance of 81-4 during Indian batting. While Cook bagged Man of Series award for remarkable batting couple with inspiring leadership. Cook scored 562 runs at an average of 80.28 scoring 3 centuries.

England played as an outstanding cohesive unit during the entire span of test series overcoming unfamiliar conditions coupled with huge pressure from Indian crowd. Especially, batting of flamboyant Kevin Pietersen, gritty innings by wicketkeeper Matt Prior along with impressive bowling by spin duo of Swann and Panesar were key highlights for visitors.

From Indian point of view, two positives were brilliant batting by talented Pujara who scored 438 runs at an average of 87.60 and courageous batting by Ashwin who averaged 60.75 in the series coming at No.8. It would be tough time for rest of Indian cricket players in near future where pressure is mounting on Dhoni and Tendulkar due to their indifferent performances. 

Vettel creates history by clinching Formula 1 title for third time in a row

In a closely fought battle for Drivers Championship title, Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel from Germany beat arch rival Fernando Alonso of Ferrari by just 3 points. At the end of 2012 season, Vettel scored 281 points compared with Alonso at 278.

The last race of the season at Sao Paulo in Brazil was filled with drama and excitement which was won by Mclaren driver Jenson Button. Fernando Alonso who was fighting for Drivers Championship finished second while his teammate local boy Felipe Massa took 3^rd position at podium.

Although Vettel could manage only sixth position, it was sufficient for him to stay ahead of Ferrari’s Alonso on points to clinch 2012 title. It was a double celebration time for Red Bull team which had already seized Constructors Title with 460 points ahead of Ferrari (400 points) with comfortable margin.

Incidentally, legendary driver Michael Schumacher drove his last race of Formula 1 career as he already announced retirement at the end of 2012 season.

Gautam Gambhir’s place in Indian test side looks vulnerable

Indian team for upcoming 4 match test series against England has been announced. By selecting 4 openers in the 15 member squad, Indian selectors are sending strong warning signals for the opening duo of Sehwag and Gambhir. Especially, the place of Gautam Gambhir is under considerable threat.

Here are some of the reasons why Gautam Gambhir could be dropped if he does not performed in first two test matches

1.      Lack of batting form:

Gambhir is struggling to make runs at test level for considerable time. His last test hundred came in January 2010 which is about 34 months ago. His test batting averages were 2010 - 32.75, 2011 - 31.33 and 2012 - 24.77 spanning over 23 test matches.

With players like Rahane whose first class average is 63 sitting on the bench, Gambhir’s days are certainly counted as Indian test opener unless Gambhir plays few magical knocks.

2.      Poor away record:

Gambhir’s test batting record in counties such as England (average of 17 in 3 tests) and Australia (22.62 in 4) is not good. Also, out of 9 test hundred he scored 7 are in sub-continent and other 2 are in New Zealand against considerably weaker opposition. The fact that Gambhir is yet to score as test hundred in England, Australia, South Africa and West Indies in spite playing 50 tests spanning over 8 years says lot of things. Gautam Gambhir is an opener, hence scoring centuries or to play longer innings is primary evaluation criteria.

3.      Bad chaser:

Gambhir’s batting average in 1^st and 3^rd innings is 51 and 49.86, respectively with all of his 9 centuries scored. While averages in 2^nd (38.14) and 4^th (35.00) are significantly lower with no test hundred. This clearly shows that Gambhir has unable to bat well when put under pressure by opposition with score on the board.

4.      Age and Competition:

Gautam Gambhir has already crossed 31 years. As a result, age is certainly not on his side. Moreover, younger players like Rahane, Dhawan and Murali Vijay are knocking doors. This coupled with fact that Gambhir’s relationship with Captain Dhoni always had some “sparks” could make life difficult for the Delhi southpaw.

Who should bat at No.6 in Indian test cricket team?

Currently major point of discussion about Indian test team is “batting position No.6”. Especially, considering the fact that India is playing sides like England and Australia in the near future the issue has gained lot of momentum.

In the recently, concluded test series against New Zealand, Suresh Raina played at No.6 although without much success. With Yuvraj Singh getting fit, Raina’s place is certainly in danger for upcoming series against England.

However, looking at longer term view of Indian test side and flexibility for the team two more players namely R. Ashwin and Irfan Pathan deserves mention.

1.      Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina averages meager 28.44 in 17 tests with just one century against Sri Lanka. His record in England was 78 runs from 4 tests at 13.12 while on South African bouncy pitches he scored with an average of 3 in his only test! Even in India, he has scored at dismal average of 20.20 from 7 tests indicating his inability of adopt at longer version of the game.

Although Raina played relatively lesser number of test matches, he had failed to utilize his experience from 151 ODIs into Test matches. Moreover, he remained extremely susceptible against quality fast bowler and short balls.

2.      Yuvraj Singh

One of the best ODI batsman in the world, Yuvraj Singh is yet to make his mark in the test matches. Although Yuvraj played his first test in 2003, he has played only 37 matches till now. Yuvraj’s inability to cement his place in the test side coupled with his higher age weakens his case as long term option as India’s No.6 test batsman.

Yuvi averages 34.80 in 37 tests which is less than his ODI average of 37.62! Although he scored 3 test hundreds, all his centuries were against Pakistan in sub-continent. Yuvraj’s test average in Africa (18.50), Oceania (17.75) and West Indies (17.33) is not at all impressive.

Yuvraj’s return from fighting cancer coupled with his magical performance during the World Cup certainly makes as case for him but it would be more due to emotions rather than longer term view.

3.      R. Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin has already cemented his place as lead spinner in Indian test side. However, looking at his tremendous batting potential coupled with solid temperament, Ashwin makes strong case for No.6 position. Ashwin played 8 tests till now averaging impressive 39.22 with a century against West Indies. His strike rate of 73.23 is highly commendable at the test level. Now only he averages more than Raina and Yuvraj but his technique against fast bowling is far superior and solid.

Ashwin batting at No.6 provides lot of flexibility for Indian test team. In sub-continental conditions India can play with 3 spinners and 2 pace bowlers while in away tours India can go with 4 seam bowl attack. Moreover, Ashwin is an excellent off-spinner which provides lot of options for the captain.

4.      Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan has made tremendous comeback in 2012 making him one of strong contenders for test team spot. The guy who has taken 100 wickets from 29 tests scored more than 1000 test runs at an average of 31.57. Not only he averages more than Raina, but his quality fast bowling makes him better choice.

With inclusion of Irfan Pathan, India can play with 3 spinners at home while he provides option for his captain to play an extra bowler playing away tests. With the age on his side, Irfan could be developed as useful all rounder for India for the long term.

Hence, although India is playing next 8 test matches at home, it is necessary for Indian team management to find long term solution for No.6 spot which was vacated by legendary Sourav Ganguly.  It is important that India creates test side which can win matches in countries like Australia, England and South Africa. To do that, we need quality all rounder at No.6.

Test Cap must be earned!

Saina Nehwal wins Denmark Open

India’s ace shuttler and Olympic Bronze medalist Saina Nehwal continued her good form by winning Denmark Open Super Series title. Sains who earlier defeated world No. 1 Wang Yihan in semi finals thrashed her German opponent Juilane Schenk in the finals to clinch the title.

Saina coming from two months break since Olympics was in supreme form in the finals which she won 21-17, 21-7 in just 35 minutes. The world No. 4 badminton player would certainly cherish this title mainly for her memorable win over Chinese opponent in semi-finals.

West Indies is the new World T20 Champions

West Indies cricket experienced old glory when they defeated host Sri Lanka in World T20 finals by 36 runs. Darren Sammy’s spirited team fought hard against all odds to beat mighty Lankans in their own backyard to create history.

Winning the toss, West Indies opted to bat first but was in trouble when Chris Gayle went back to the pavilion scoring just 3 runs of 16 balls. However, Marvan Samuels batted extremely well to score 78 runs of just 56 balls with 6 sixers to take West Indies at respectable score of 137/6 in 20 overs. Bravo with 19 runs and captain Sammy with brisk 26 runs not out of just 15 balls played vital supporting role. For Sri Lanka, Off-spinner Mendis took 4 wickets for 12 runs while Malinga gave away 54 runs in his 4 overs.

Chasing the target of 138 runs, Sri Lanka lost its attacking opener Dilshan for a duck. Although, experienced pair of Sangakkara and captain Jayawardene tried to steady the ship it wasn’t enough in front of disciplined West Indian attack. All the bowlers bowled extremely well led by Narine who took 3 wickets for just 9 runs.   

Marvan Samuels named man of the match for his all-round contribution of 78 runs and 1 wicket while Australia’s all-rounder Shane Watson declared as man of the series. Incidentally, this is Sri Lanka’s fourth consecutive loss in the finals of the World Cup tournament.

The great Schumi to retire from Formula 1 by year end

Legendary Formula One racing car driver and seven times world champion, Michael Schumacher, announced his retirement from racing track by the end of current season. The 43 years old Schumi would be quitting the sport for the second time after coming back on the track from his earlier retirement announced in 2006. German driver is currently racing for Mercedes team where he will be replaced by British driver Lewis Hamilton for the next season.

Michael who holds almost all the records in Formula 1 racing participated in 302 races till date out of which 91 times won the race. Also, Schumi started at pole position for record 68 times during his career. Although he raced for teams such as Jordon, Renault and Mercedes during his two decades long career, his most successful was with Italian outfit Ferrari. Michael won 5 consecutive seasons during 2000-2004 for Ferrari.

Geeta Phogat clinched second bronze for India at World Wrestling Championship

Indian woman wrestler Geeta Phogat won Bronze medal at Women's World Wrestling Championship in Edmonton, Canada in the 55kg freestyle category. Geeta defeated Nataliya Synyshyn of Ukraine 3:0 in the Repechage 1 final to decide the bronze medal.

Geeta’s success came after her sister Babita Kumari won bronze medal in 51kg freestyle category. As a result, India’s medal tally increased to 2 medals at World Championship which is best ever till date. India has participated in all seven categories i.e. 48kg, 51kg, 55kg, 59kg, 63kg, 67kg and 72 Kg.  

Indian ace shooter Ronjan Sodhi bagged silver medal in the World Cup

Indian shooter Ronjan Sodhi won silver medal in the ISSF World Cup in Slovania in double trap event. Ronjan who was winner in last two editions of the tournament narrowly missed the chance to make a hat trick. After the disastrous performance at London Olympics where he finished disappointing 11^th, Ronjan bounced back strongly to finish with 191 (144 + 47) points to grab silver at ISSF World Cup.

Ronjan was at his near best defeated Olympic silver and bronze medalists in tournament where top 12 shooters fought for supremacy. Olympic gold medal winner Peter Wilson from UK did not take part. Although Sodhi tied at 47 points with Joshua Richmond from USA in the final round, one point deficit in preliminary round proved to be  decisive in favor of American shooter.

Saina Nehwal signed Rs 40 crore deal with Rhiti Sports

India’s top badminton player and Olympic Bronze medalist, Saina Nehwal, signed Rs. 40 crore ($7.2 million) deal with Sports Management Company – Rhiti Sports. As a part of 3 year deal, Rhiti Sports would exclusively manage Saina’s corporate profile, endorsements and brand associations, images, patents and digital rights, and other commercial rights.

Saina has become highest earning badminton player in the world after signing the deal with Rhiti Sports surpassing Olympic Gold medal winner Lin Dan from China who earns about Rs. 12.6 crore annually. With addition of Saina Nehwal, Rhiti Sports has expanded its esteemed clientele which includes Indian Cricket Team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Tennis - India beats New Zealand in Davis Cup Play-off

Indian Davis Cup Tennis team which got completely revamped due to inclusion of all new players defeated New Zealand Play-off at Chandigarh. India leads the tie 3-0 eliminating need for reverse singles to decide the tie.

Yuki Bhambri (World Rank – 179) won the first singles tie against 382^nd ranked Turner 3-6,0-6,6-2,6-4,6-2 in hard fought battler of five sets. While Olympian Vishnu Vardhan had relatively eaier match defeating Statham 6-2, 6-7(2), 6-4,6-2.

In the doubles match Indian pair of Vardhan and Sharan dispatched Kiwi pair of Turner / Venus 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-3. India will meet Chinese Taipei in next round of Asia – Oceania play-off.