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Showing posts from January, 2025

For Delhi’s next Ranji Trophy game, Pant says no to captaincy

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Delhi’s squad for the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches has been announced, with Rishabh Pant declining the captaincy to allow Ayush Badoni to continue as skipper. Notably, ViratKohli has also been included in the squad, although his participation remains uncertain and depends on his availability. This announcement comes shortly after the BCCI introduced a 10-point guideline aimed at promoting discipline and unity among contracted players. A significant aspect of this guideline is the mandatory requirement for players to participate in all domestic cricket, with non-compliance potentially affecting their selection for international matches and central contract renewals. Exceptions will only be made in extraordinary circumstances, requiring approval from the selection panel head. Both Kohli and Pant were part of the Indian team that faced a disappointing 1–3 defeat in the recent Border-Gavaskar series against Australia. As Delhi prepares for their next match against Saurashtra on January 23...

In the ODI Series India W completed Clean Sweep against Ireland

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India Women completed a clean sweep against Ireland Women, securing a 3–0 victory in the ODI series with a commanding performance in the third match held on January 15, 2025. Skipper Smriti Mandhana led from the front, scoring a remarkable 135 runs off just 80 balls, which included 12 boundaries and seven sixes. Her explosive innings set the tone for India, who posted an impressive total of over 400 runs for the first time in women’s ODIs. Pratika Rawal also shone brightly, contributing significantly with her own century, helping to solidify India’s dominance throughout the series. The Indian bowlers then restricted Ireland effectively, ensuring that they could not mount a serious challenge. This series victory comes after India won the first two ODIs convincingly, showcasing their strength and depth in women’s cricket. Mandhana’s leadership and the team’s overall performance highlight their readiness as they prepare for future challenges. With this clean sweep, India Women not only de...

Salman Khan announces Shreyas Iyer as Punjab Kings captain

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On January 12, 2025, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan officially announced that Shreyas Iyer will be the new captain of Punjab Kings (PBKS) for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The announcement took place during the Bigg Boss 18 Weekend KaVaar, where Iyer was joined by fellow cricketers Yuzvendra Chahal and Shashank Singh. The trio entertained the audience with dance performances before Iyer’s leadership role was revealed. Watch the video here . Iyer, who previously led Kolkata Knight Riders to victory in IPL 2024, was acquired by PBKS for an impressive ₹26.75 crore, making him one of the most expensive players in IPL history. His appointment comes as PBKS aims to strengthen its leadership after struggling to find a consistent captain in previous seasons. In addition to Iyer, PBKS also secured Yuzvendra Chahal for ₹18 crore and retained explosive batsman Shashank Singh for ₹5.5 crore. With a strong mix of talent and experience, Iyer expressed gratitude towards the Punjab Kings mana...

Team India’s suffering, Sanjay Manjrekar blames “Icon Culture & Hero Worship”

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Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed concerns about the impact of India’s “icon culture” on the team’s performance, particularly during its current transition phase. He believes that this culture fosters hero worship among fans, which can lead to a decline in rationality as iconic players near the end of their careers. Manjrekar argues that this phenomenon results in a “generational slump,” where selectors hesitate to make bold decisions, fearing backlash from fans if they drop established players. As India prepares for a significant transition similar to that of 2011–12, Manjrekar highlighted that cricketing logic often gets overshadowed by emotional ties to legendary players. He noted that when these icons struggle, it negatively impacts the entire team. “This transition phase affects India the most among top teams due to our hero worship,” he stated. Manjrekar emphasized the need for selectors to take decisive actions without being swayed by public sentiment, as it ...

As per Reports, KL Rahul might Sit Out For England Series

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KL Rahul is set to be rested for India’s upcoming World Cup series against England, which includes three ODIs and five T20Is starting January 22. This decision comes after Rahul’s solid performance in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he showcased his technical skills, even if he wasn’t the highest run-scorer. The move to rest him appears strategic, allowing him to manage his workload after a lengthy Test series. In addition to this, Rahul has opted out of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy to ensure he remains fit and well-rested. Reports suggest that this decision may have been made at his request, reflecting his desire to recover fully before the international commitments ahead. Despite speculation about his future in the squad, it is believed that KL Rahul will be included in the Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for February. His versatility as a wicketkeeper-batter adds significant value to the lineup, making it unlikely that India would overlook him for suc...

What to Know Before You Share Your Online Betting ID

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Protecting Your Privacy: What to Know Before Sharing Your Online Betting ID Sharing your  online betting ID  can seem harmless. However, understanding the risks and implications involved is critical. This guide highlights what you need to know for safer online betting. The Risks of Sharing Your Online Betting ID Financial Fraud and Identity Theft Online gambling can expose you to financial fraud and identity theft. According to statistics, nearly 30% of betting-related fraud cases involve stolen IDs. Real-life examples include cases where users found their accounts drained without their consent. Experts warn that online betting accounts are easy targets due to minimal security checks. Account Takeover and Unauthorized Betting When your account is compromised, the consequences can be severe. Hackers can quickly drain your funds, rack up losses, or even place bets without your permission. Common methods for stealing IDs include phishing emails and malware. There have been numero...

After hamstring surgery, England captain Ben Stokes calls himself ‘bionic man’

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England Test captain Ben Stokes humorously referred to himself as the “Bionic Man” following surgery to repair a torn left hamstring. The injury occurred during England’s final match of 2024 against New Zealand, necessitating a three-month recovery period. Stokes confirmed the surgery via an Instagram post, sharing a photo of himself with his leg in a brace, propped up in a car. He reassured fans, saying, “Bionic Man for a while. Surgery done. In a bit…” Despite his determination to return, Stokes has been ruled out of England’s squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy. With no Test matches scheduled until May, he has time to focus on rehabilitation. Reflecting on his injury, he stated, “It’s just one of those unfortunate things. I ain’t holding back.” He acknowledged the inherent risks of playing cricket but remains committed to returning stronger. Stokes expressed disappointment but emphasized his work ethic, stating he would continue to strive for peak performance. England’s next cha...

New Secretary of BCCI told to send Agarkar ‘strict message’, drop Kohli and Rohit

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India’s humiliating loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series has sparked widespread debate about the future of senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. After winning the first Test in Perth, India lost three of the remaining four matches, missing out on a spot in the World Test Championship final. This performance, combined with Kohli’s inconsistent run and Rohit’s decision to drop himself from the final Test, has raised questions about their roles in the team. As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prepares for its Special General Meeting, new secretary DevajitSaikia has been instr”cted to convey a “strict message” to chief selector AjitAgarkar regarding the need for a fresh approach. Kohli managed only 190 runs in nine innings during the series, while Rohit scored just 31 runs across five innings, leading to calls for a new direction. Former BCCI officials have emphasized that no player should consider themselves bigger than the game, suggesting that both Kohli and ...

Jay Shah proposes two-division Test cricket with CA, ECB

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Jay Shah, alongside Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), is engaged in discussions to restructure Test cricket into two divisions. This initiative aims to facilitate more frequent matches between cricketing powerhouses India, Australia, and England, enhancing the competitive landscape of the format. The proposed division would allow these nations to play each other more regularly, addressing concerns about dwindling interest in Test cricket. By creating a system where top teams face off more often, the stakeholders hope to rejuvenate the format and attract larger audiences. Shah’s leadership has been pivotal in these talks, reflecting his commitment to prioritizing Test cricket alongside the growing popularity of T20 leagues. The plan also seeks to ensure that players from countries outside the “Big Three” receive fair compensation for their participation in Test matches, potentially introducing a dedicated fund for match fees. This move comes at a crucial t...

Rishabh Lost His Wickets, Leaving India at 124/5 on Day 2 of 5th Test Match

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Rishabh Pant delivered an explosive performance on Day 2 of the fifth Test against Australia, scoring a quickfire 61 runs off just 33 balls. His half century included six boundaries and three sixes, showcasing his aggressive batting style and ability to dominate the Australian bowling attack. Pant’s half-century was particularly notable as it was the second-fastest fifty by an Indian in Test cricket, achieved in just 29 deliveries. Despite Pant’s heroics, India faced challenges, losing wickets at regular intervals. He was eventually dismissed, caught behind off the bowling of Pat Cummins, leaving India at 124 for 5 and leading by 128 runs. His departure added pressure on the Indian batting lineup as they aimed to build a substantial lead. The match remains finely poised, with India looking to capitalize on their first-innings total of 185. Pant’s innings provided crucial momentum for the team, especially in a match where they are striving to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. As play c...

Sheldon Jackson Wicketkeeper-batter announces retirement from white-ball cricket

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Saurashtra’s experienced wicketkeeper-batter Sheldon Jackson has announced his retirement from white-ball cricket. Over his career, Jackson played 86 List A matches, amassing 2,792 runs, including nine centuries and 14 fifties. He was instrumental in Saurashtra’s victory in the Vijay Hazare Trophy during the 2022-23 season. In T20s, Jackson scored 1,812 runs in 84 matches, featuring one century and eleven fifties. His contributions to Saurashtra have been significant, and he has been recognized for his dedication and hard work throughout his career. Jaydev Shah, president of the Saurashtra Cricket Association, praised Jackson’s commitment to the game, stating, “His dedication and passion for cricket have made him a key player for Saurashtra. As he bids farewell to white-ball formats, his contributions will continue to inspire budding cricketers.” While Jackson steps away from limited-overs cricket, he will continue to participate in red-ball cricket, remaining active in the ongoing Ran...