India's batting stars fail once again

For the Indians it was a familiar story of top-order failure followed by a late revival

S Rajesh24-Feb-2008

The key requisites of one-day cricket are fitness, temperament, and a range of strokes, and Gambhir showed he has all three in abundance
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After being pushed on to the back foot by the bowlers throughout this tournament, the batsmen at last had something to smile about – the flat pitch, lack of seam movement and the quick outfield were all ideal for run-making, but for the Indians it was a familiar story of top-order failure followed by a late revival.Gautam Gambhir’s polished century and Robin Uthappa’s frenetic fifty shouldn’t hide the fact that India’s best batsmen have been worryingly absent in the CB Series, and the team has lived and died by the performance of the lower middle-order. When they have made significant contributions – as they did against Australia in Melbourne and against Sri Lanka in Adelaide – the team has gone on to win; when they have floundered, as they did against Australia in a low-scoring game in Adelaide, the result has been embarrassing.In six out of seven matches so far, India have lost their fourth wicket with less than 100 on the board, leaving Mahendra Singh Dhoni and the rest to do much more than their fair share of work. When the squad for the tournament was announced, there was plenty of concern about the lack of experience in the batting line-up, but ironically, it’s the most experienced ones who have been letting the team down so far.Yuvraj Singh played one exceptional innings against Sri Lanka in Melbourne, but that apart, he has scored 42 in five innings, while the opening act of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag – both of whom were in smashing form during the Tests – has been even more disappointing: Tendulkar has a highest of 44 from seven innings, while Sehwag has an aggregate of 81 from five. They are the three superstars of the batting order yet they all have an average of less than 20 in the tournament.Tendulkar has been in fine fettle in both forms of the game over the last couple of years, but just like the fourth innings has been a bit of a jinx for him in Tests, the run-chase has caught him cold in ODIs: over the last three years, Tendulkar averages a mere 26.94 in the 39 matches that India have chased, with 18 single-digit scores. During the same period, he has averaged 56.03 in the 32 innings when India have batted first, with four centuries and just seven scores of less than ten. The last time Tendulkar scored a century in a run-chase was nearly four years ago, when he stroked a glorious 141 in Rawalpindi against Pakistan.While the pressure of the run-chase hasn’t suited Tendulkar, it did little to rein in the flair of Gambhir, who has added consistency to his other virtues to make himself an indispensable member of the batting line-up. He scored fourth-innings hundreds in the semi-final and the final of the Ranji Trophy, and under the lights in Sydney showed once again that he doesn’t mind the pressures of a target.For long Gambhir hasn’t been given his due as an ODI player: critics question his technique around off stump and his tendency to open the face of the bat, but the key requisites of one-day cricket are fitness, temperament, and a range of strokes, and Gambhir showed he has all three in abundance.He came in to bat after India had lost Tendulkar, and they soon slumped to 4 for 51, but not once did Gambhir allow the seemingly hopeless situation to faze him. Equally, he didn’t allow himself to get into reckless mode either even though the asking rate was mounting.

When the squad for the tournament was announced, there was plenty of concern about the lack of experience in the batting line-up, but ironically, it’s the most experienced ones who have been letting the team down so far

Throughout, he kept up an impressive tempo, running hard between the wickets to keep the score moving, and improvising superbly to strike the boundaries which kept the required rate within achievable limits. He had shown the same composure in big-match situations during the World Twenty20, and further experience and exposure at the highest level will only increase his consistency.Uthappa proved his utility at No. 7, and has made a strong case to deserve a promotion up the order. The skills required to combat the new ball, though, are very different to those that are required down the order, and Uthappa’s energetic knock will probably tempt Dhoni to keep him at that slot.After a surprisingly strong start to the tournament, India have fallen away somewhat, with three defeats in their last four games, but thanks to the limp Sri Lankans, they are still the favourites to make the final cut. With the top order floundering like it is, though, Sri Lanka will believe they still have a chance to ensure that they’ll have all to play for against Australia next Sunday.

Cummins: Shamar was right up for it and we weren't good enough

Australia captain Pat Cummins was confident heading into day four of the Gabba Test, needing 156 with eight wickets in the bank in their chase of 216, but credited Shamar Joseph for his inspirational spell, and in turn West Indies’ historic eight-run win.Joseph bowled unchanged for 11.5 overs despite injuring his toe while batting on Saturday and finished with 7 for 68 in only his second Test to level the two-match Test series 1-1.”[There is] disappointment after a loss [but] that was a fantastic Test match and a fantastic series,” Cummins said at the presentation. “In particular, Shamar, the way he bowled today. He was right up for it and unfortunately, we were not good enough.”We were confident coming today. Our efforts yesterday were really good, to have a very low total. [A target of] 200-odd was achievable. [West Indies] had different ideas and bowled beautifully and unfortunately [it was] just a bridge too far.”Steven Smith, opening for the first time in Tests this series, stayed unbeaten on 91 as wickets fell at the other end. He had scores of 12, 11 not out and 6 in his first three innings as Australia’s Test opener. But the hosts had pinned their hopes on him, who was unbeaten on 33 overnight. He tried taking Australia all the way and when they were 20 away with just one wicket in hand, he played an audacious scoop off Alzarri Joseph for a six over fine leg. But with nine more to get, Shamar Joseph flattened Josh Hazlewood’s off stump to complete the dramatic win.”Don’t think we are surprised [with Smith’s innings],” Cummins said. “[We have] seen it for 15 years from Smithy. He was fantastic. [He] almost dragged us over the line single-handedly at the end.”The two Tests against West Indies cap a long home summer for Australia that saw them play three Tests at the turn of the year against Pakistan. The loss in the day-night Test in Brisbane – their first in a pink-ball game – saw them end the home summer with a 4-1 record.”We have had the same bowling group for five Test matches for a home summer,” Cummins said. “Yesterday was 37 degrees, 80-90% humidity. It is a big effort, but you still saw all the boys charging in and doing a great job. Great summer for the group, we can hold our heads high.”We have all played enough to know this game humbles you quickly when you think you are on top of the world. You start from 0-0 each game. West Indies were fantastic this week, sometimes you learn the lessons the hard way.”They are a great fun to watch. West Indies always had some exciting batters, pretty awesome celebrations and we saw that a lot this series, and a couple of new quick bowlers. They played fantastically well, one-all a pretty fair result for the series.”

Why Casemiro rejected Al-Nassr transfer & another reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Man Utd – revealed

Casemiro opted to remain at Manchester United over a transfer to Al-Nassr, with the 2026 World Cup a key factor in the Brazilian's decision.

Casemiro had Saudi Pro League optionCould have reunited with Ronaldo at Al-NassrWanted best chance of taking part in World CupFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The 33-year-old chose to remain at United, where he is "very happy", in order to have the best chance of representing his nation at the World Cup next summer, GOAL understands. Casemiro is a 'trusted man' of new national team manager Carlo Ancelotti and the former Real Madrid star will feel he still has a role to play for his country if he has a strong season in the Premier League.

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Casemiro has made 77 appearances for Brazil dating back to 2011 and has seen a return to the set-up under his former Los Blancos boss Ancelotti after the Italian took over the Selecao earlier this year. It has been 23 years since Brazil tasted World Cup glory – but the record five-time winners will hope that the appointment of a serial winner such as Ancelotti will give them the best possible chance in the USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026.

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Though a lucrative chance to reunite with former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo may have appeared enticing to Casemiro, the midfield destroyer opted to remain at Old Trafford and play his part in the Ruben Amorim rebuild. Casemiro has made 128 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 17 goals.

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The 33-year-old currently sees his contract at United expire next summer and may decide to revisit the option of a Saudi exit following the World Cup. In the meantime he will aim to do all he can to secure a spot on the plane to North America, knowing that World Cup glory could be the crowning moment in a glittering career.

Betis eye ambitious bid to bring Real Madrid midfielder back as injured Isco faces several months out

The long-running saga of Dani Ceballos' potential return to Real Betis has been reignited, as the club scrambles to find a replacement for Isco.

Betis are targeting the return of CeballosCeballos has reportedly requested to leave Real MadridThe main hurdle for the transfer is the feeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Ceballos is once again the subject of a potential move to his former club, Real Betis, according to reports from Mundo Deportivo. The speculation has intensified following a long-term injury to Betis star Isco, who recently suffered a non-displaced fracture to his left fibula. Ceballos has reportedly formally requested to leave Real Madrid this summer to rejoin the Seville-based side. However, a significant obstacle remains in the transfer fee, with Real Madrid seeking up to €20 million (£17m/$23m), while Betis are looking to pay a much lower figure.

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Ceballos' return to Betis has been a recurring rumour since he left for Real Madrid in 2017. Despite a series of injuries and a struggle for consistent playing time at the Bernabeu, Ceballos has a strong desire to return to his boyhood club. Betis' need for a creative midfielder to replace the injured Isco, who is expected to be out for several months, has made the move a more realistic possibility. The midfielder's willingness to take a salary cut could also be a key factor in making the transfer financially viable for Betis, whose president, Angel Haro, has previously stated the club won't pay a "huge transfer fee."

DID YOU KNOW?

Despite his desire to return to Betis, The three time Champions League winner has a contract with Real Madrid until 2027. His current salary and the asking price set by Real Madrid have been the main stumbling blocks in previous transfer windows.

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With the La Liga season fast approaching, Real Betis must act quickly to find a replacement for Isco. The club's interest in Ceballos is clear, but they will need to negotiate a fee that works for both clubs. If the transfer goes through, Ceballos would provide a much-needed boost in midfield, filling the creative void left by Isco and bolstering the squad for their upcoming La Liga campaign as they start their campaign next week against Elche.

Former Cricket Scotland Chair raises 'serious concerns' over damning McKinney Report

The review, published on Monday, found a “high degree of prejudice towards female staff and players” within Cricket Scotland

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Mar-2024

Tony Brian was Cricket Scotland’s chairman between 2015 and 2022•Peter Della Penna

Former Cricket Scotland chair Tony Brian has raised “serious concerns” over a damning review which has called into question the organisation’s culture and attitude towards women.Responding to Monday’s publication of the McKinney Report, an independent neutral assessment carried out by a leading Scottish HR firm which found a “high degree of prejudice towards female staff and players” within Cricket Scotland and that “antiquated attitudes and behaviour towards women in the game are still prevalent, particularly at club level”, Brian – who chaired Cricket Scotland from 2015 to 2022 – said sexism and inequality had no place in society or cricket and that “proven cases must be addressed”.But he urged those reading the review “to look at the conclusions with high degree of caution as some lack the supporting investigative work and evidence required”.”I fully recognise that some staff in Cricket Scotland were very unhappy in their work in 2021, something I deeply regret,” Brian said in a statement on Wednesday. “While clearly acknowledging those, I do however have serious concerns with some of the conclusions reached in the McKinney review, its selective use of interviewees and its admitted absence of investigative rigour.”Firstly, the review’s conclusions are based principally on questionnaire feedback from 21 existing staff (just over half of the 41 current staff) and three former staff who McKinney, very surprisingly, allowed to be nominated by an interested third party. Other former staff have been excluded from the review for reasons which are not explained – their voices have therefore not been heard.Related

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“Secondly, McKinney used a methodology called a ‘Neutral Assessment’ defined as: ‘an informal fact- finding process, generally used to explore areas of concern or to explore current cultures. It is not an investigation’.”Having acknowledged that investigative work was not undertaken, the review then ignores that obvious limitation and goes on to draw conclusions on various issues based on the perceptions and feelings of the survey respondents. No attempt has been made to gather readily available evidence from others who were close to the individual issues.”The 35-page report comes just two years after Cricket Scotland was found to be institutionally racist by another independent review – entitled “Changing The Boundaries” and carried out by Plan4Sport – in July 2022. That document led to the entire Cricket Scotland board resigning on the eve of its publication.The McKinney report analysed behaviours, cultures and practices within Cricket Scotland, both prior to the publication of the Changing the Boundaries report in 2022, and in the two years since. Its six key themes covered culture and inclusion, leadership, general behaviours, employment practices and wellbeing, psychological safety and sexism and misogyny. Nine recommendations have been developed, with its priorities centred around general behaviours, and sexism and misogyny.Brian, who has been a vocal critic of the Changing The Boundaries Report, took issue with the McKinney review’s “contention that Cricket Scotland did not devote enough attention and resource to women and girls’ cricket up until 2022 and that amounted to inequality”.”If they had spoken to the relevant people, they would have understood that between 2016 and 2023 Cricket Scotland grew women and girls’ playing numbers in Scotland many times over,” he said. “In 2015 there was a tiny number of a hundred or so players, and the women’s game was at serious risk of dying. That number has risen to a sustainable base of approaching 1,000 women and girls’ participants across all formats in 2023. And that was despite two years of very restricted development activity during 2020 and 2021 due to Covid.”As well as much better participant numbers, Scotland now has a much higher quality of representative player with one Scottish player playing in the biggest women’s domestic competition in the world (the Indian Women’s Premier League) and eight Scottish players appearing in the Hundred (the top level of the English domestic game) – performance standards that are light years away from 2015.”These improvements were as a result of a long-term strategy established in 2016/17 which invested in the essential building blocks of club and school structures, of coaching expertise, of a range of playing opportunities and of a wider and deeper talent pool, all to create a sustainable and long-term future for women and girls’ cricket. Taking the simple investigative steps described above would quickly have demonstrated to McKinney the true position.”And Brian refuted claims by a respondent contributing to the McKinney review that an investigation into allegations made in 2021 was “botched”.”The investigation referred to was carried out to conclusion robustly and in detail by a panel of two with relevant skills,” he said. “If McKinney had taken the trouble to speak to those involved, it would not have left a wholly misleading impression on such an important point.”But, upon its release, Cricket Scotland CEO Trudy Lindblade described the McKinney report as “a damning indictment of the treatment of female players and staff within our organisation” and apologised “to every single person who was affected and let down by the governing body”.

تشكيل سيراميكا كليوباترا أمام الزمالك في الدوري.. موقف عمرو السولية

أعلن علي ماهر، المدير الفني لفريق سيراميكا كليوباترا التشكيل الأساسي الذي سيخوض به مواجهة اليوم أمام الزمالك، في الدوري المصري.

ويلتقي الزمالك مع سيراميكا كليوباترا، اليوم الجمعة، على استاد هيئة قناة السويس، ضمن منافسات الجولة الأولى من مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز 2025-2026.

طالع| الزمالك يقص شريط الدوري المصري بمواجهة قوية أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا

وتنطلق مباراة الزمالك وسيراميكا كليوباترا، في تمام الساعة التاسعة مساء بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية.

ومن المقرر أن تنقل مباراة الزمالك وسيراميكا كليوباترا، على شبكة قنوات “أون سبورتس”، الناقل الحصري لمباريات الدوري المصري الممتاز.

ودعم سيراميكا كليوباترا، صفوفه بصفقات مميزة، شملت محمد مغربي، كريم الدبيس، خالد عبد الفتاح، عمرو السولية، كريم نيدفيد، فخرى لاكاي وأحمد سمير. تشكيل سيراميكا كليوباترا اليوم أمام الزمالك

حراسة المرمى: محمد بسام.

خط الدفاع: حسين السيد، رجب نبيل، سعد سمير، أحمد هاني.

خط الوسط: عمرو قلاوة، عمرو السولية، إسلام عيسى.

خط الهجوم: أحمد بلحاج، فخري لاكاي، أيمن موكا.

Jadon Sancho 'very close' to accepting offer to leave Man Utd in €25m transfer after snubbing move to Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce

Jadon Sancho is reportedly on the brink of joining Juventus after Manchester United accepted a €25 million bid from the Turin-based club. The 24-year-old is said to be “very close” to agreeing personal terms, with discussions progressing rapidly following United's approval of the transfer fee. He had also attracted interest from Turkish giants Fenerbahce, but is understood to have declined a switch to the Super Lig.

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  • Sancho nearing Juventus switch
  • Rebuffed approaches from Fenerbahce
  • Inclined to continue his career in Europe
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    According to Sancho is ready for a fresh challenge in Italy after failing to make an impact in the Premier League. Sporting director Damien Comolli, who has been leading Juventus’ negotiations, has reportedly received positive signals from Sancho’s camp, and final confirmation of the deal is expected shortly after Comolli’s return to Europe next week.

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    Sancho had spent the previous season on loan at Chelsea, where he found a measure of form that had eluded him at Old Trafford. He featured in 42 matches across all competitions, scoring five goals and assisting 10 more. Although Chelsea initially seemed poised to make the loan permanent, they ultimately opted against paying the agreed £25m ($34m) fee. Instead, the Blues reportedly chose to pay a £5m ($7m) penalty to avoid activating the purchase clause as they were not eager to meet Sancho's wage demands.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    United paid £73m ($100m) to sign him from Borussia Dortmund in 2021. With just 12 months left on his current contract, the Red Devils are eager to offload him rather than risk losing him on a free next summer. Hence, they have settled on a €25m (£21.34m/$30m) fee.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR SANCHO?

    If all progresses as expected, Sancho could be unveiled as a Juventus player before the end of next week. The transfer represents a fresh start for the England international, who has had a turbulent few years at Manchester and is seeking to reignite his form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

'Onus on Christian Pulisic to bring it' – Alexi Lalas says the USMNT star's decision to skip Gold Cup will put pressure on him 'live up to the hype' for the 2026 World Cup

Lalas said the public pressure on Pulisic after opting to sit out this summer could increase when he does rejoin the USMNT

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Lalas says Pulisic failed to "read the room"Questions Milan star's commitmentSays Pulisic's expectations grow with Gold Cup absenceFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Former U.S. international Alexi Lalas has questioned Christian Pulisic's commitment to the U.S. men's national team amid his absence from the 2025 Gold Cup roster.

Pulisic made the decision ahead of the international window that he would not participate with the USMNT, taking the Gold Cup off due to fatigue. Lalas said this week that the the public pressure on Pulisic after opting to skip the Gold Cup could increase for the 2026 World Cup.

"So, yeah, I mean, look, Christian Pulisic is going to be fine," Lalas said on The Herd with Colin Cowherd on FOX. "He's a big boy, alright? He's going to take his licks right now, publicly, which is fine. He may hit back. I don't know. And I think he's going to be there next summer. And maybe in a strange way, this puts the burden, if you will, or the onus on Christian Pulisic to bring it, because he's rested, and we are going to expect more.

"Fine, Christian, you got to take the summer of 2025 off. That means that when you come in the summer of 2026, you live up to the hype."

USMNT legends such as Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey are among others who publicly criticized Pulisic's decision. On Thursday, the 26-year-old winger said those questioning his commitment were "way out of line." He also claimed he offered to play in two pre-Gold Cup friendlies against Turkey and Swizterland, but the USMNT coaching staff declined.

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Lalas said that Pulisic needs to embrace the challenge and perform at a higher level when he does rejoin the USMNT.

"The bigger problem for Christian Pulisic not to be here this summer, is that that you got to read the room, dude," Lalas said. "I would think if this really means something to you, that you would move heaven and earth to be there to try to set this right. Now, does it mean that it's all going to go great? No, but at least you are there in the trenches in the most important moment before this World Cup helping this team."

DID YOU KNOW?

The USMNT last won the Gold Cup in 2021, and in 2019, Pulisic was a part of the roster that lost to Mexico 1-0 in the final of the competition. That was the last time he played in the Gold Cup.

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The U.S. begins their Gold Cup journey Sunday against Trinidad and Tobago in the group stage opener.

Like his idol Lara, Alick Athanaze bursts into the spotlight

West Indies batter smacks joint-fastest half-century on ODI debut to help whitewash UAE

Deivarayan Muthu10-Jun-2023

Alick Athanaze scored the joint-fastest half-century on ODI debut•AFP/Getty Images

Alick Athanaze has admitted to being nervous before making his international debut, but he shook it off quickly and went onto make it a memorable one by slamming the joint-fastest half-century on ODI debut. Athanaze’s 65 off 45 balls, including 51 which came in the powerplay alone, set the tone for West Indies’ successful chase of 185.”I was a bit nervous actually, but the nerves went away when I got my first runs and it was good,” Athanaze told CWI media after West Indies swept UAE 3-0 in Sharjah. “It was a really good experience [on debut]. [I] haven’t batted much in the night, so it was a first for me actually. But normally that’s how I play in the powerplay – I always look to get the team off to a good start.”Athanaze grew up idolising Brian Lara and more recently when he was with West Indies’ Test side in South Africa, he worked with Lara, who was on tour as the team’s performance mentor. Athanaze said that the conversations with Lara have had a positive influence on his batting approach.”For me, it has been really good,” Athanaze said. “Basically, what we spoke about was judging lengths and trying to get ahead of the bowler. It worked really nicely, and I got myself into some good positions and it was really good to bat out there tonight.”Athanaze put left-arm fingerspinner Aayan Afzal Khan out of the attack in the powerplay with a brace of sixes. Then when UAE’s seamers bowled into the Sharjah pitch, Athanaze countered them with a variety of pulls, including the short-arm jab.Related

India to begin next WTC cycle with two-match series in Caribbean

Athanaze's joint-fastest fifty on debut helps West Indies sweep UAE 3-0

Athanaze was the top run-getter in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand, ahead of Shubman Gill, but it has taken him five years to make the step-up to international cricket. Athanaze isn’t part of West Indies’ ODI squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup Qualifier but could get a run in the following home series against India. Spinner Kevin Sinclair, who had been part of the Under-19 and West Indies A set-ups with Athanaze, was impressed with Athanaze’s fearless strokeplay on debut.”For me, I’ve always known Alick since Under-19 [cricket],” Sinclair said. “He’s a good player and a good batsman. To watch himself express himself tonight at a higher level is something really good to see from the sidelines. I always knew he could bat and he did bring form from Bangladesh and he did very well.”Athanaze also spoke of how the new team management, under the leadership of Daren Sammy and Shai Hope, has encouraged the youngsters to play with confidence and freedom.”The team did really, really well,” Athanaze said. “One thing the captain stresses about is always improving and as you saw right throughout the series, we improved – not just on the batting but fielding as well and bowling. As a young player, it’s always good to be in a winning team and it gives you the confidence to go out and express yourself.”Kevin Sinclair brought out his signature celebration during his four-wicket haul•AFP/Getty Images

Sinclair dedicates Player-of-the-Match award to his grandfatherFriday’s match was a special one for Sinclair, too, who marked his international return with figures of 4 for 24. Carlos Brathwaite, who was on TV commentary, noted that Sinclair is now getting his offbreak to grip and turn more than he did in the past. This has in turn made his slider more effective and put him in West Indies or West Indies A contention across formats.”We were in a bit of a bother, so my thing was just to keep it simple and keep it as tight as possible,” Sinclair said. “Hence, getting a breakthrough as well, and that was really good for myself.”Sinclair credited former Guyana allrounder and coach Esuan Crandon for his recent progress. During the Headley-Weekes tri-series, Sinclair also benefitted from working with Nikita Miller.”As I mentioned I couple of weeks ago, Esuan Crandon,” Sinclair said. “The support he has given me and every time I step out [onto the field], I try and do what I can do with the bat, ball and in the field as well.”It’s all about consistency and I just want to take that moving forward and try to be consistent in what I do.”After winning the Player-of-the-Match award, Sinclair dedicated it to his grandfather Carlton, who was employed as a security guard. Carlton has doubled up as Sinclair’s mentor over the years.”Just want to mention that two days ago was my grandfather’s birthday,” Sinclair said. “It was his 75th birthday. He has been behind me since my tender age of seven, so I want to say this performance is for him.”

Dhoni grateful for Chennai's 'love and affection' during 'last phase of my career'

“I am definitely old, you can’t really shy away from that, but however long I play, it’s very important to enjoy the IPL”

Ekanth21-Apr-2023MS Dhoni is 41 years old and has been part of 240 IPL games, but he came into this season after close to a year-long gap following last year’s edition. He knows he’s at the twilight of his career, but believes that it will not stop him from cherishing every moment of a tournament he has won four times with Chennai Super Kings.”[I am] Definitely old, you know, you can’t really shy away from that. Whatever said and done, it’s [the] last phase of my career,” Dhoni said after leading Super Kings to victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Chepauk.But he put a positive spin on the situation by drawing upon the loyal and vigorous support of his fans in Chennai, who came out in droves and sent out a cheer so loud that Dhoni had to wait before he could speak.Related

Jadeja and Conway lead CSK to comprehensive win

Chennai to host Qualifier 1 and Eliminator of IPL 2023

“However long I play, it’s very important to enjoy the IPL. After two years, it has been a case where they [the crowd] can come [and] enjoy the game. It’s a full house, they have the new stand, so it feels good to play here.”And I said at the start of the tournament, we haven’t played in Chennai a lot, we have only played like six seasons. So it feels good to be here. They have given a lot of love and affection, and they always stay back to hear me out.”This year, Dhoni has had to mentor a mostly young bowling line-up with limited experience. On Friday, it featured the likes of Akash Singh, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande and Matheesha Pathirana, who bowled 14 of the 20 overs. While Ravindra Jadeja did the bulk of the damage by taking three wickets, Dhoni trusted Akash and Deshpande with the new ball and used spin to tie down the batters in the middle overs. Super Kings conceded 60 runs and took two wickets between overs 6 and 16, including a 36-ball period where no boundaries were scored. When asked about his methods of guiding the youngsters, Dhoni said he offers the first say to the bowlers.”I always tell them that the first preference of field and whatever you want to bowl is with you. Yes, you can convey to me, I may say that, ‘no, I am looking for something like this.’ Other than that, from behind, if the batter is somebody who can play the scoop shot behind, then I try to tell them, ‘okay, we’ll keep the fielder behind then bring in some other fielder on the top.”With [Dwayne] Bravo it was difficult because he would never agree. But the good thing was he would keep an eye on the batters. But with these youngsters, you can tell them, and after that it is their call as to what field they want.”When asked about his wicketkeeping despite his age and lack of game time coming into the tournament, Dhoni let out his competitive spirit by half-jokingly complaining about not being awarded the best catch award for his take to dismiss Aiden Markram. Dhoni, standing up to the stumps, had little time to react and was wrong-footed, but managed to move his hands across and take a sharp catch.”Still they didn’t give the best catch [award], I was in such a wrong position,” Dhoni said. “Just because you wear gloves, people think it’s very easy but I felt that was a fantastic catch. Not because of your ability but at times you’re at the wrong place at the wrong time when you catch it.”

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