Former head coach Ravi Shastri expects newly appointed India's head coach Gautam Gambhir to achieve success in his new role. Ravi Shastri believes that Gambhir can make an immediate impact as he has already played with a few players and has also mentored them. In the Indian Premier League, Gautam Gambhir played the role of mentor for Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders. "He's (Gambhir) contemporary, he just had a great season in the IPL. I think he's the right age where he's young, he'll come with fresh ideas. He knows most of the players, especially in the white-ball format, having been part of teams in the IPL. So I think it's refreshing," Shastri said on the recent episode of The ICC Review. "And we know with Gautam, he's a no-nonsense guy. He'll have his ideas as well. And the good thing for him is he's got a mature team. He's got a settled team, a mature team. I think even though you might think you're mature, you might benefit from some fresh ideas. So I think it'll be interesting times." Ahead of his new role, Ravi Shastri feels that managing the workload of bowlers will be Gautam Gambhir's biggest challenge. Also Read: Paris Olympics 2024: Prithika Pavade, Shanti Pereira and other Indian-origin athletes you need to know about "Obviously, player management becomes the key as a coach. So it'll be interesting to see how he goes. I think he's got the tools, he's got the goods for the job and he's got the experience." The three-match T20I series between India and Sri Lana will mark the first task of Gautam Gambhir after being appointed as the head coach of the "Men in Blue." With stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja retiring from the shortest format after last month's T20 World Cup triumph, Gambhir's other task would be to find replacements for the trio. "There's so many (good India) players out there and it's just about getting the right mix. I think a lot of the players that won this T20 World Cup will still be around two years later (at the 2026 T20 World Cup)," Shastri said. "You mentioned the three players who were retired, but barring them, I think most of the others will be still fit to be in that T20 World Cup team two years down the line in India." The former India cricketer feels there will be a problem of plenty for Gambhir. "I don't think there's much to be done there. In fact, you will get a problem on your hands because you'll have to choose from the new lot that's coming and there's some real exciting talent there." "It's the other way around. It's how do you get those guys in there that they're bursting at the scenes to get it. There's a queue out there and that will be his biggest challenge, but it's a good headache when you have that kind of talent." Player management is another aspect which will be pivotal to Gambhir's success, believes Shastri. "It's a question of just understanding his players as quickly as possible. What their strengths are, what kind of human beings they are and what kind of temperaments do they have? What are their personalities? A lot goes behind the scenes to understand a human being," Ravi Shastri said. "I think that will be his most important task, which I think again should not be a problem because he's contemporary. He's seen these guys from the outside, he's dealt with a lot of guys who might have played with KKR as well and for Lucknow (Super Giants) when he was there. "And he's been around the circuit, the moment he finished cricket and that was not too long ago, he still is around, plays a lot of the legends cricket as well." (With PTI Inputs)
26 July,2024 06:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentName a Mumbai-based Indian hockey captain of the 1980s who played football at the school level.Merwyn Fernandes (Wrong answer) It is MM Somaiya Which sport was the late India actor David Abraham Cheulkar associated with as a referee?Boxing (Right answer) Also Read: Women's Asia Cup 2024: Team India hand over crushing 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh Who captained India in the first Test after the memorable 1974-75 home series against the West Indies?Bishan Singh Bedi (Wrong answer) It was Sunil Gavaskar. Bedi was the designated captain for the tour but he was injured for the opening Test at Auckland. Which coach and student pair opened the innings for India in a home Test?Lala Amarnath and his son Surinder Amarnath.(Wrong answer) It was Vinoo Mankad and Madhav Apte at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai v Pakistan in 1952. Which well-known journalist witnessed Garry Sobers hit six sixes in an over in 1968 as well as Ravi Shastri’s feat in 1984-85?Rajan Bala (Wrong answer) It was Dicky Rutnagur Which computing tabulating company were given the responsibility of feeding athletes and officials information during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics?IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) (Right answer) Gundappa Vishwanath’s success in the 1981-82 home series against England was also attributed to divine intervention. Details please. There is a famous story about a divine intervention involving a visit to the deity Venkateswara at Tirupati. Before the series, Viswanath was going through a lean patch. To seek blessings and regain his form, he visited the Tirupati temple and prayed for success. Following this visit, he scored a century in the first Test in Mumbai (then Bombay), and his performance throughout the series was remarkable. This led to the belief that divine intervention played a role in his success. Tirupathi is the right answer but Vishwanath did not get a century in the Bombay Test. His three-figures came in the Delhi 107) and Chennai (222) Tests. Who was the first black man to captain the West Indies?Frank Worrell (Wrong answer) It was George Headley — against England in 1947-48. Which famous Australian cricketer-turned-writer said this is of their 1992 World Cup team — “Every time we walk on to the field these days, we look like a pack of goats.”Allan Border (Wrong Answer) It is Bill OReilly Which Indian industrialist decided to name his new horse Bugs Bunny because his racing manager looked like the cartoon character?Vijay Mallya (Right answer) Final score3.5/10
26 July,2024 05:54 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentAfter registering three straight wins in the Women's Asia Cup 2024, Team India is all set to lock horns with Bangladesh Women. The Women's Asia Cup 2024 match, IND W vs BAN W is underway at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Also Read: Paris Olympics 2024: Indian-origin athletes to feature in marquee event IND W vs BAN W live score: Full Squads India Women's Cricket Team: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Richa Ghosh (WK), Uma Chetry (WK), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Sajana Sajeevan. Bangladesh Women's Cricket Team: Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Shorna Akter, Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorifa Khatun, Ritu Moni, Rubya Haider Jhelik, Sultana Khatun, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akter, Ishma Tanjim, Rabeya Khan, Rumana Ahmed, Marufa Akter, Sabikun Nahar Jesmin. IND W vs BAN W live score: Probable XI India: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Dayalan Hemalatha, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Tanuja Kanwar, Renuka Thakur Singh, Pooja Vastrakar. Bangladesh: Dilara Akter, Murshida Khatun, Ishma Tanjim, Ritu Moni, Rumana Ahmed, Nigar Sultana (c & wk), Rabeya Khan, Shorna Akter, Jahanara Alam, Nahida Akter, Sabikun Nahar. IND W vs BAN W live score: Confirmed XI India Women's Cricket Team: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Richa Ghosh (WK), Uma Chetry (WK), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Jemimah Rodrigues, Radha Yadav, Sajana Sajeevan, Tanuja Kanwar. Bangladesh Women's Cricket Team: Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Shorna Akter, Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Ritu Moni, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter, Ishma Tanjim, Rabeya Khan, Rumana Ahmed, Marufa Akter. IND W vs BAN W live score: Toss update Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty won the toss and elected to bat first against India. IND W vs BAN W live score:IND: 83/0 (11)10.1: NAHIDA TO VERMA: 1 RUN10.2: NAHIDA TO SMRITI: DOT 10.3: NAHIDA TO SMRITI: DOT10.4: NAHIDA TO SMRITI: FOUR!10.5: NAHIDA TO SMRITI: FOUR!10.6: NAHIDA TO SMRITI: FOUR!IND: 70/0 (10)9.1: RUMANA TO VERMA: 1 RUN9.2: RUMANA TO SMRIT: 1 RUN9.3: RUMANA TO VERMA: 1 RUN9.4: RUMANA TO SMRITI: 1 RUN9.5: RUMANA TO VERMA: DOT9.6: RUMANA TO VERMA: 1 RUNIND: 65/0 (9)8.1: KHAN TO VERMA: 1 RUN 8.2: KHAN TO SMRITI: FOUR!8.3: KHAN TO SMRITI: 1 RUN8.4: KHAN TO VERMA: DOT8.5: KHAN TO SHAFALI: 1 RUN8.6: KHAN TO VERMA: DOTIND: 58/0 (8)7.1: JAHANARA TO SMRITI: 1 RUN7.2: JAHANARA TO VERMA: 1 RUN7.3: JAHANARA TO SMRITI: FOUR! 7.4: JAHANARA TO SMRITI: DOT7.5: JAHANARA TO SMRITI: NO BALL!7.6: JAHANARA TO SMRITI: 1 RUN7.7: JAHANARA TO VERMA: 1 RUNIND: 49/0 (7)6.1: KHAN TO SMRITI: DOT 6.2: KHAN TO SMRITI: DOT6.3: KHAN TO SMRITI: 1 RUN6.4: KHAN TO VERMA: DOT6.5: KHAN TO VERMA: 1 RUN6.6: KHAN TO SMRITI: 1 RUNIND: 46/0 (6)5.1: JAHANARA TO SMRITI: DOT5.2: JAHANARA TO SMRITI: DOT5.3: JAHANARA TO SMRITI: 1 RUN5.4: JAHANARA TO VERMA: DOT5.5: JAHANARA TO VERMA: DOT 5.6: JAHANARA TO VERMA: DOTIND: 45/0 (5)4.1: NAHIDA TO VERMA: 1 RUN4.2: NAHIDA TO SMRITI: 1 RUN4.3: NAHIDA TO SMRITI: FOUR!4.4: NAHIDA TO SMRITI: 1 RUN4.5: NAHIDA TO VERMA: 1 RUN4.6: NAHIDA TO SMRITI: 1 RUNIND: 33/0 (4)3.1: JAHANARA TO VERMA: 1 RUN3.2: JAHANARA TO SMRITI: DOT3.4: JAHANARA TO SMRITI: DOT3.3: JAHANARA TO SMRITI: DOT3.5: JAHANARA TO SMRITI: SIX!3.6: JAHANARA TO SMRITI: DOTIND: 25/0 (3)2.1: MARUFA TO VERMA: 1 RUN2.2: MARUFA TO SMRITI: FOUR!2.3: MARUFA TO SMRITI: DOT2.4: MARUFA TO SMRITI: 1 RUN2.5: MARUFA TO VERMA: FOUR!2.6: MARUFA TO VERMA: 1 RUNIND: 15/0 (2)1.1: NAHIDA TO VERMA: FOUR!1.2: NAHIDA TO VERMA: 1 RUN1.3: NAHIDA TO SMRITI: 1 RUN1.4: NAHIDA TO VERMA: 1 RUN1.5: NAHIDA TO SMRITI: 1 RUN1.6: NAHIDA TO VERMA: 1 RUNIND: 6/0 (1)0.1: MARUFA TO VERMA: DOT0.2: MARUFA TO VERMA: DOT0.3: MARUFA TO VERMA: 1 RUN0.4: MARUFA TO SMRITI: FOUR!0.5: MARUFA TO SMRITI: WIDE!0.6: MARUFA TO SMRITI: DOT0.7: MARUFA TO SMRITI: DOTBAN: 80/8 (20)19.1: RADHA TO NIGAR: OUT! DEEPTI SHARMA TAKES THE CATCH AT THE BOUNDARY LINE19.2: RADHA TO NAHIDA: DOT19.3: RADHA TO NAHIDA: OUT! STEPS OUT AND BOWLED!19.4: RADHA TO MARUFA: DOT19.5: RADHA TO MARUFA: DOT19.6: RADHA TO MARUFA: DOTBAN: 80/6 (19)18.1: POOJA TO SHORNA: 2 RUNS 18.2: POOJA TO SHORNA: FOUR!18.3: POOJA TO SHORNA: DOT18.4: POOJA TO SHORNA: 1 RUN18.5: POOJA TO NIGAR: NO BALL18.6: POOJA TO NIGAR: FOUR!18.7: POOJA TO NIGAR: 1 RUNBAN: 67/6 (18)17.1: DEEPTI TO NIGAR: 1 RUN17.2: DEEPTI TO SHORNA: DOT17.3: DEEPTI TO SHORNA: 1 RUN17.4: DEEPTI TO NIGAR: 1 RUN17.5: DEEPTI TO SHORNA: 2 RUNS17.6: DEEPTI TO SHORNA: 1 RUNBAN: 61/6 (17)16.1: RADHA TO SHORNA: DOT16.2: RADHA TO SHORNA: DOT16.3: RADHA TO SHORNA: FOUR!16.4: RADHA TO SHORNA: 2 RUNS16.5: RADHA TO SHORNA: 1 RUN16.6: RADHA TO NIGAR: 1 RUNBAN: 53/6 (16)15.1: DEEPTI TO NIGAR: DOT15.2: DEEPTI TO NIGAR: DOT15.3: DEEPTI TO NIGAR: 2 RUNS15.4: DEEPTI TO NIGAR: DOT15.5: DEEPTI TO NIGAR: DOT15.6: DEEPTI TO NIGAR: 2 RUNSBAN: 49/6 (15)14.1: TANUJA TO NIGAR: 1 RUN14.2: TANUJA TO SHORNA: DOT14.3: TANUJA TO SHORNA: 1 RUN14.4: TANUJA TO NIGAR: DOT14.5: TANUJA TO NIGAR: 2 RUNS14.6: TANUJA TO NIGAR: 1 RUNBAN: 44/6 (14)13.1: DEEPTI TO NIGAR: DOT13.2: DEEPTI TO NIGAR: 1 RUN 13.3: DEEPTI TO MONI: OUT!13.4: DEEPTI TO SHORNA: DOT13.5: DEEPTI TO SHORNA: DOT13.6: DEEPTI TO SHORNA: DOTBAN: 43/5 (13)12.1: TANUJA TO MONI: 1 RUN12.2: TANUJA TO NIGAR: 1 RUN12.3: TANUJA TO MONI: 1 RUN12.4: TANUJA TO NIGAR: DOT12.5: TANUJA TO NIGAR: 1 RUN12.6: TANUJA TO MONI: 2 RUNSBAN: 37/5 (12)11.1: RADHA TO NIGAR: DOT11.2: RADHA TO NIGAR: 1 RUN11.3: RADHA TO MONI: 1 RUN11.4: RADHA TO NIGAR: 2 RUNS11.5: RADHA TO NIGAR: DOT11.6: RADHA TO NIGAR: DOTBAN: 33/5 (11)10.1: POOJA TO NIGAR: DOT10.2: POOJA TO NIGAR: 1 RUN10.3: POOJA TO KHAN: DOT10.4: POOJA TO KHAN: DOT10.5: POOJA TO KHAN: OUT! SHAFALI VERMA DIVES IN AND TAKES THE CATCH TO DISMISS RABEYA KHAN10.6: POOJA TO MONI: DOTBAN: 32/4 (10)9.1: RADHA TO RUMANA: OUT! BOWLED HER!9.2: RADHA TO KHAN: DOT9.3: RADHA TO KHAN: DOT9.4: RADHA TO KHAN: DOT9.5: RADHA TO KHAN: 1 RUN9.6: RADHA TO NIGAR: 1 RUNBAN: 30/3 (9)8.1: POOJA TO NIGAR: DOT8.2: POOJA TO NIGAR: 2 RUNS8.3: POOJA TO NIGAR: DOT8.4: POOJA TO NIGAR: DOT8.5: POOJA TO NIGAR: DOT8.6: POOJA TO NIGAR: DOTBAN: 28/3 (8)7.1: DEEPTI TO NIGAR: DOT7.2: DEEPTI TO NIGAR: 1 RUN7.3: DEEPTI TO RUMANA: DOT 7.4: DEEPTI TO RUMANA: DOT7.5: DEEPTI TO RUMANA: 1 RUN7.6: DEEPTI TO NIGAR: DOTBAN: 25/3 (7)6.1: RENUKA TO RUMANA: DOT 6.2: RENUKA TO RUMANA: DOT6.3: RENUKA TO RUMANA: DOT6.4: RENUKA TO RUMANA: DOT6.5: RENUKA TO RUMANA: DOT6.6: RENUKA TO RUMANA: DOTBAN: 25/3 (6)5.1: TANUJA TO NIGAR: DOT5.2: TANUJA TO NIGAR: FOUR!5.3: TANUJA TO NIGAR: DOT5.4: TANUJA TO NIGAR: DOT5.5: TANUJA TO NIGAR: DOT5.6: TANUJA TO NIGAR: DOTBAN: 21/3 (5)4.1: RENUKA TO MURSHIDA: DOT4.2: RENUKA TO MURSHIDA: 1 RUN4.3: RENUKA TO NIGAR: 1 RUN 4.4: RENUKA TO MURSHIDA: DOT4.5: RENUKA TO MURSHIDA: OUT! SHAFALI VERMA TAKES AN EASY CATCH TO SEND BACK MURSHIDA KHATUN4.6: RENUKA TO RUMANA: DOTBAN: 19/2 (4)3.1: TANUJA TO MURSHIDA: 1 RUN3.2: TANUJA TO NIGAR: WIDE!3.4: TANUJA TO NIGAR: DOT3.3: TANUJA TO NIGAR: DOT3.5: TANUJA TO NIGAR: DOT3.6: TANUJA TO NIGAR: DOT3.7: TANUJA TO NIGAR: DOTBAN: 17/2 (3)2.1: RENUKA TO MURSHIDA: DOT2.2: RENUKA TO MURSHIDA: 1 RUN2.3: RENUKA TO TANJIM: DOT2.4: RENUKA TO TANJIM: DOT2.5: RENUKA TO TANJIM: DOT2.6: RENUKA TO TANJIM: OUT! TANUJA KANWAR TAKES THE STELLAR CATCHBAN: 16/1 (2)1.1: POOJA TO MURSHIDA: DOT1.2: POOJA TO MURSHIDA: 1 RUN1.3: POOJA TO TANJIM: DOT1.4: POOJA TO TANJIM: FOUR!1.5: POOJA TO TANJIM: DOT1.6: POOJA TO TANJIM: FOUR!BAN: 7/1 (1)0.1: RENUKA TO DILARA: DOT0.2: RENUKA TO DILARA: WIDE!0.3: RENUKA TO DILARA: DOT0.4: RENUKA TO DILARA: SIX!0.5: RENUKA TO DILARA: OUT! UMA CHETRY TAKES AN EASY CATCH IN THE LEG SIDE0.6: RENUKA TO TANJIM: DOT0.7: RENUKA TO TANJIM: DOT
26 July,2024 04:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentImagine India chasing a 213-run target in a T20 World Cup match, with the game hanging in the balance at 107-3 in 11 overs. With strategic decisions pivotal at this stage, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can crunch data to suggest the best batting combination based on historical stats and current match conditions.This might sound like a great script for a cricket-based TV series on Netflix, but the reality is we aren’t there yet. AI is more complex than a code that answers all our questions. AI needs a lot of historical data to build its models. So where are we in terms of AI in the field of cricket? Let’s find out. As a cricket performance analyst, I’ve witnessed the evolution of technology in sports firsthand. Now, as we stand on the brink of a new era, it’s exciting to explore how AI is set to revolutionise cricket. Also Read: Mid-Day 45th Anniversary Special: Team India's iconic T20 World Cup 2024 triumph What is AI? With the popularity of ChatGPT, the whole world is astonished by the power of AI, and it is clearly the Google search moment of this generation. But understanding what AI actually is might be complex, so let me simplify it as best I can.Feed an AI System with thousands of car pictures, it learns what a car looks like. Feed it your own selfies, it learns how You look like. Using this knowledge, AI systems can identify cars in a video, it can identify you in a group photo. Think of Google Photos app, think of Automatic Toll Collection systems, they all use this concept. Higher amount of data fed in the system, the higher the accuracy. Feed in thousands of images of a cricket ball, and we have an automatic ball tracking system that can save each ball’s trajectory, speed, deviation and pitching area. Object detection is just one of the many applications of AI. A pitch map The rise of AI in cricket Over the past few years, we’ve seen an incredible surge in the development of mobile apps that use computer vision technology. These apps have transformed how we analyse practice sessions, providing insights that were previously time consuming. Imagine this: an analyst records a practice session, and within minutes, the app automatically plots pitch maps and even highlights areas of improvement. This isn’t science fiction; it’s the present. One of the most remarkable advancements is in object detection. AI algorithms can now accurately identify and track the ball’s movement even in the most chaotic scenarios. This precision has not only enhanced match analysis but also enriched the viewing experience for fans. With real-time ball tracking, viewers can see the exact trajectory, speed, and spin of the ball, adding a new layer of excitement to every delivery. My experiences with AI apps Let me take you behind the scenes of our National Camps. Pitch maps for bowlers are basic but crucial data points during any session. Using video cameras, I have been recording our net sessions and using analysis software to manually plot pitch maps. This process involved going through footage on my laptop much after the session was completed to show the coaches and the bowlers how they fared. Fast forward to today, and the process has become incredibly efficient. Now I just set up a tripod in the position of the umpire, calibrate the app, and boom! The videos are recorded, the ball tracking, and pitch map plotting all happen on the mobile device via Cloud Computing. At the end of a bowler’s spell, I tag the deliveries of all the bowlers. After a few minutes of AI processing, I can show the pitch map and every ball bowled right there on the ground, segregated individually. This type of timely data is invaluable for the coaches, who can instantly provide appropriate feedback to the bowler. Instead of getting feedback that they would try out in the next session, the bowler can implement changes in the very next spell. Isn’t that fantastic? Also Read: "There might be a day where we get 500-600 runs": Ollie Pope The Future of AI in cricket 1 Advanced match analysis: So, what does the future hold for AI in cricket? Let’s explore some exciting prospects: Imagine an AI system that not only tracks the ball but also analyses player movements, field placements, and even weather conditions. This holistic analysis could provide coaches with unparalleled insights, helping them devise strategies tailored to every nuance of the game. 2 Score predictions: Predicting match outcomes has always been a mix of art and science. With AI, more science can be brought into the equation. By analysing historical data, player form and match conditions, AI can offer highly accurate score predictions. This could transform how teams approach their innings, making every decision data-driven. Real-time strategy planning In the heat of the moment, making the right strategic decision can be the difference between victory | and defeat. AI can assist coaches and captains by providing real-time recommendations based on the evolving match scenario. Whether it’s deciding where the five boundary riders will be placed or which bowler to bring in, AI could be the silent strategist in the background.Real-time field placement changes: Field placement is a crucial aspect of cricket strategy. With AI analysing the active batter’s tendencies and the bowler’s strengths, it can suggest optimal field placements in real-time. This dynamic approach could outmanoeuvre even the most formidable opponents. Embracing the change As someone who’s deeply entrenched in both cricket and technology, I can’t help but be optimistic about the future. By leveraging AI, we can make more informed decisions, minimise errors, and ultimately, elevate the game to new heights. However, it’s essential to approach this evolution with a balanced perspective. While AI offers incredible potential, it’s crucial to maintain the human touch that makes cricket so special. The camaraderie, the gut feeling and the sheer unpredictability of the game are elements that no algorithm can replicate. Conclusion In conclusion, the future of AI in cricket is not just a technological advancement, it’s an evolution that promises to redefine how we understand and play the game. As we embrace these innovations, let’s remember to balance technology with the timeless spirit of cricket. After all, cricket is a gentleman’s game and with AI, we’re just adding a bit of futuristic flair to it. So, here’s to the exciting journey ahead. Keep your eyes on the pitch and your data streams flowing. The future of cricket is here, and it’s powered by AI. Devraj Raut works at BCCI’s National Cricket Academy. He has represented Mumbai in all age groups tournaments
26 July,2024 11:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Devraj RautIn a test drive, mid-day attempted to find out what AI can provide in terms of a match report with a scoreboard acting as a test paper, fed to AI-based ChatGPT. We chose the recent India v South Africa T20 World Cup final in Barbados, where Rohit Sharma & Co gave the country its second ICC silverware in the shortest format. Here’s what we got as a match report: India Clinches T20 World Cup Title with Thrilling Win Over South Africa In a nail-biting final at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados, India clinched the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 title with a 7-run victory over South Africa. Opting to bat first, India posted a competitive 176/7, thanks to Virat Kohli’s masterful 76 off 59 balls and Axar Patel’s crucial late blitz of 47 off 31 balls. Kohli’s steady innings laid a strong foundation, while Patel’s aggressive knock ensured a challenging total for South Africa. South Africa’s chase began cautiously, with their top order struggling to build momentum. Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive 52 off 27 balls revived their hopes, hitting 4 boundaries and 3 sixes. Despite Klaasen’s efforts, regular wickets hindered South Africa’s progress. Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah delivered crucial breakthroughs, with both bowlers taking two wickets each and maintaining tight lines, especially in the death overs. Also Read: "He knows how I work, what my mindset is": Suryakumar Yadav on relationship with Gambhir Key moments in the match included Kohli’s composed half-century, which provided stability to India’s innings, and Axar Patel’s quickfire runs that pushed the score beyond the reach of the South African bowlers. For South Africa, Klaasen’s rapid fifty kept them in contention, but the lack of substantial partnerships ultimately led to their downfall. India’s bowlers executed their plans perfectly, with Arshdeep Singh (2/26) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/28) showcasing their prowess in the final overs. Their disciplined bowling under pressure was instrumental in India’s successful defense of their total. South Africa finished at 169/8, falling just short of the target despite a valiant effort. India’s triumph in the final highlighted a perfect blend of experienced batting and strategic bowling. The victory crowned them T20 World Cup champions, adding another prestigious title to their illustrious cricketing history. What was missing . The report mentions Axar Patel’s ‘crucial late blitz’ of 47 off 31 balls. But Axar was dismissed in 13.3 overs, so how is it late blitz? . Klaasen’s boundary count in the reports says four and the sixes, whereas he hit two fours and five sixes, The report says Arshdeep Singh (2/26) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/28), whereas Arshdeep and Bumrah’s figures were 2-20 and 2-18 respectively. . There is no mention of India’s top wicket-taker Hardik Pandya (3-20) . Also no mention of India’s comeback and how SA choked after requiring just 30 off 30 balls. . Probably the most memorable moment of the final — Suryakumar Yadav’s match-turning catch which sent back South Africa dangerman David Miller does not figure in the report. . Ditto Rishabh Pant’s duck which was pivotal for the Proteas. Our summary AI can provide a match report if a scoreboard is provided as raw material. But descriptively it lacks punch and panache. Plus, AI cannot provide any input on the existing atmosphere in the game and hence the report doesn’t make the reader feel like he is at the stadium watching the game. So cricket reporters, chill. AI won’t take away most cricket-reporting jobs.
26 July,2024 11:29 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentAhead of the first T20I match against Sri Lanka, Team India's captain Suryakumar Yadav opened up on his bond with head coach Gautam Gambhir. They both earlier played for the same franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL. The "Men in Blue" will lock horns with the island nation for three T20Is and the same number of ODIs. Shubman Gill who led the side in the Zimbabwe series is appointed as vice-captain of the Indian team in both the formats. The series will also mark Gautam Gambhir's first task as Team India's head coach. In a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Suryakumar spoke about playing with KKR under Gambhir's captaincy back in 2014 and how their relationship has gotten strong over the years. ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐๐บ๐ฎ๐ฟ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ ๐ด๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐ฎ๐ #๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ๐๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฎ'๐ ๐ง๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป! ๐งข#SLvIND | @surya_14kumar pic.twitter.com/KmWz84jZnP — BCCI (@BCCI) July 26, 2024 "This relationship (with Gambhir) is very special because when I went in IPL 2014, I played under him for KKR. It was special because I got the opportunity to play for that franchise. My relationship is still strong with him. But he knows how I work, what my mindset is when I come to practice with him, and how he tries to work. as a coach it is all about that lovely relationship we have and very excited to see how it goes forward," said Suryakumar. Also Read: "We enjoy batting with each other": Shubman Gill on batting with Jaiswal Earlier in the IPL, Suryakumar Yadav featured in 54 matches for KKR. The swashbuckler smashed 608 runs in 41 innings with an average of 22.52 and a strike rate of above 131. Gambhir was one of Suryakumar's biggest early support systems and it was evident in the fact that the batter was once even the vice-captain of KKR. Leading the side in the Sri Lankan series, Suryakumar Yadav said he always enjoys being a leader on the field and has learnt a lot of things from other captains under whom he has played. "It is a good feeling and a great responsibility also," he added. Talking about one big lesson this sport has given him, Suryakumar Yadav said that it has taught him to be humble and add a sense of balance to his life. "I think the most important thing I have learnt from this sport is how humble you are after achieving something or even after when you are not doing well. That is one thing that I have learned. When you do something on the ground, you have to leave it on the ground and when you go off the field, that is it. This is not your life. It is just part of your life. So you cannot be... When you are doing well, you stay on the top and when you're not doing well, you are underground. That is one thing which I feel you should not do as a sportsman," he added. Suryakumar Yadav led India in seven T20Is last year during the home T20I series against Australia and an away series against South Africa, winning five matches and losing two. The three ODIs will be held on August 2, August 4, and August 7. Both teams will be taking to the field with new head coaches. While legendary all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya has been named as the interim head coach for Lankan Lions, this will also be the first assignment for former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir as the head coach, succeeding the T20 World Cup-winning coach Rahul Dravid. India's last tour of Sri Lanka for a bilateral white-ball series came back in July 2021, with Dravid coaching the Shikhar Dhawan-led side. India won the ODI series 2-1, while Sri Lanka secured the T20I series by the same margin. T20I Squad for Sri Lanka series: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj. ODI Squad for Sri Lanka series: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana. (With ANI Inputs)
26 July,2024 11:18 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTheir dominant run notwithstanding, opener Shafali Verma said India will need to improve in all areas of the game ahead of their women’s Asia Cup semi.-final against Bangladesh here on Friday. Also Read: Radhika fires as champions AVM rally to beat St Xavier’s Shafali is the second highest run-getter in the tournament with 158. India emerged winners by seven wickets against Pakistan, 78 runs against UAE and by an 82-run margin v Nepal. “It’s a nice feeling the way we are winning the matches and gelling well as a team. But the semifinal is very important for us. We are practising very hard, and hopefully we will execute [plans] tomorrow [Friday],” said Shafali. “As a batting unit, we are backing our strength. Bowlers are also doing well at nets. But we need to keep improving ourselves,” shesaid. “We’re working hard on our fielding. Hopefully, we’ll tick the boxes in all three departments—batting, bowling, fielding—against Bangladesh,” she added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 July,2024 08:05 AM IST | Dambulla | PTIEngland have named an unchanged side for the third Test starting on Friday at Edgbaston as they target a series clean sweep of the West Indies. Ben Stokes’s men won the second Testat at Trent Bridge by a crushing 241 runs after the West Indies collapsed against the spin of Shoaib Bashir. Victory gave England an unassailable 2-0 lead in a three-match campaign. Also Read: Paris Olympics 2024: Legendary Prakash Padukone predicts India's chances of winning medals This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 July,2024 07:34 AM IST | Birmingham | AFPFast bowler Nuwan Thushara has been ruled out of Sri Lanka’s upcoming T20I series against India due to a fractured left thumb. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has named Dilshan Madushanka as his replacement. Also Read: "We enjoy batting with each other": Shubman Gill on batting with Jaiswal Thushara is the second SL fast bowler to be ruled out in as many days, after Dushmantha Chameera was sidelined from the series due to him still recovering from a bronchitis and respiratory infection, with Asitha Fernando named as his replacement. SLC said in its statement on Thursday that Thushara suffered an injury to his left thumb while fielding during practice at Pallekele last night. It added that a medical report obtained shows a fracture on the player’s left thumb. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 July,2024 07:21 AM IST | Colombo | IANSThe picturesque Pallekele International Cricket Stadium will herald the beginning of a new chapter in Indian cricket. Come Saturday, recently appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir will kick off his tenure with the first of three Twenty20 Internationals against Sri Lanka, with Suryakumar Yadav as the captain in the wake of the retirement from international 20-over cricket of Rohit Sharma. India are embarking on a fresh start with former skipper Virat Kohli and seasoned all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja too joining Rohit on the T20I sidelines. Fresh start with SKY Suryakumar will, all other things being equal, lead the team into a brave new future, the side seeking to build on the momentum derived from the T20 World Cup triumph last month. India head coach Gautam Gambhir (left) with Sanju Samson during a training session in Pallekele. Pic/PTI For the third day in a row since their arrival in Sri Lanka on Monday, the full contingent of players hit the ground running for a practice session under lights. The initial focus was on fielding before the action shifted to honing of skills under the tutelage of Gambhir, new assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, and temporary bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule. “We are the world champions and we will try to play like world champions,” Shubman Gill, India’s new white-ball vice-captain, laid down the gauntlet on Thursday evening in the first official press conference of the tour by India. Also Read: "There might be a day where we get 500-600 runs": Ollie Pope Gill’s career has embarked on an upwardly mobile graph since he returned from the United States midway through the World Cup as one of four travelling reserves. Clear focus The classy right-hander led India to a 4-1 rout of Zimbabwe earlier this month, and now is being groomed for a future leadership role, evidenced by the responsibilities thrust on his shoulders in both limited-overs formats. “When I go out to bat, nothing changes,” Gill observed of his new status. “I will still be just a batter, focusing on how I can contribute to the team. Of course, when I am out there fielding, there will be extra responsibility in terms of decision-making.” Gill will open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was a part of the World Cup 15 without playing a game with India plumping for the Rohit-Kohli tandem. “We enjoy batting with each other,” Gill said of his chemistry with the Mumbai left-hander. “The way we bat, we complement each other. We have batted together previously and have had two huge partnerships, and I am looking forward to more.” Sri Lanka too are on the throes of transition with Charith Asalanka, the former Under-19 skipper, named as the new leader of their white-ball versions. Sanath Jayasuriya, the former captain who is currently the chief consultant of Sri Lanka Cricket, has slotted in as interim coach at the end of Chris Silverwood’s tenure. India have plenty of cricket ahead of them, but Gill isn’t looking too far ahead. ‘Test schedule is exciting’ “To play 10 Tests between September and January is very exciting, especially to play five Tests in Australia, but these six matches here—three T20Is and three ODIs—will be crucial before those Tests.”
26 July,2024 07:16 AM IST | Pallekele | R KaushikSenior player Deepti Sharma said India’s mantra in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup has been to take one game at a time as conditions haven’t really changed from the last time the team played here. India marched into the semifinals with a thumping 82-run win over Nepal on Tuesday after fireworks with the bat from Shafali Verma (81 off 48 balls) and Deepti’s impressive 3-13 with the ball. India amassed 178 for 3 after batting first and then restricted Nepal to a paltry 98 for 9 in their 20 overs. “From the first game we are pretty confident about each [match] and every situation and the condition as well. We are looking forward to semi-final as well,” Deepti told the media after the match. She said not much has changed in terms of the nature of the pitches and conditions in Sri Lanka from the team’s previous tour to the island nation in June 2022. “Nothing [has] changed, just keep it very simple and just focus for another match. I played [here] last time also and yeah, nothing changed,” she said. “We [are] only backing ourselves and conditions are really [the] same,” she added. Also Read: Dining with Federer to pep talk with Rathore, Sharath's 5 best Olympic moments The right-arm off-spinner is topping the bowling charts with eight wickets in three matches and she credited her success to her readiness to bowl in all situations. “I [am] always ready to bowl in any kind of situation. I like to take the challenges from the front. [It’s] nothing, just [that] I’m enjoying each and every match, plan accordingly and what we discussed in the meeting, I just apply myself,” she said. “If we win the toss, it’s [a] positive [approach] from the front. As a batting unit also, we are doing really well from the game one and we finished also well,” she added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 July,2024 07:05 AM IST | Dambulla | PTIADVERTISEMENT
