NEW DELHI : Punjab Kings (PBKS), led by batter KL Rahul, finished sixth in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 points table and failed to qualify for the playoffs yet again. The unsuccessful campaign this season led to them achieving a dubious record which the franchise would want to forget quickly.

PBKS (earlier Kings XI Punjab) went past Delhi Capitals’ (earlier Delhi Daredevils) record of failing to make it to the playoffs for six consecutive seasons. This year, PBKS extended that record to seven seasons in a row, as their six wins in 14 matches could only earn them a sixth spot in the league phase.

PBKS finished runners-up in the 2014 IPL season but since then haven’t been able to make it to the last four stage. They also ended as the semi-finalists in the inaugural IPL season in 2008. After 2008, the dry run for PBKS stretched to five seasons before making it to the final in 2014. However, since then, PBKS have disappointed with poor campaigns over and over again.
Delhi Capitals endured a similar run from 2013 to 2018, where they failed to finish in the top four. However, they roared back with terrific performances in the 2019 and 2020 seasons to end at the third and second position, respectively. DC, PBKS and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are the three teams who are yet to win the competition. But that could change with DC and RCB both qualifying for the playoffs this year. DC topped the table with 10 wins while Virat Kohli-led RCB ended with 9 wins in 14 games this season
(NDTV).

NEW DELHI : After securing a hat-trick of gold medals at the Archery World Cup stage 3 in Paris, India’s Deepika Kumari is set to become the top-ranked archer among women when the new rankings are announced on Monday. Deepika Kumari won gold medals in the recurve women’s team, recurve mixed team and women’s individual recurve events on Sunday to cap off an impressive performance.
“This is going to take Deepika to the number one spot in the world rankings on Monday,” the official Twitter account of World Archery wrote after Deepika completed her treble.

Deepika beat Russia’s Elena Osipova in straight sets to capture a third title alongside the women’s and mixed team titles she won earlier in the day. “I’m happy, but at the same time I have to continue my performance like this,” Kumari was quoted as saying by World Archery’s official website. “I want to improve that, because the upcoming tournament (Tokyo Olympics) is very, very important to us. I’m trying my best to continue learning whatever I can.”She said that she is looking forward to winning medals in the Tokyo Games.
“It’s very important,” Kumari said. “Our country, in archery… it doesn’t have any Olympic medals. It’s very important to win Olympic medals, so it’s very important to me.” Deepika Kumari will be the sole woman representing India in Archery in the Tokyo Olympics.
(Agency Inputs).

t

CHANDIGRAH: Legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh was on Saturday cremated with full state honours here, marking the end of an era in which his pioneering accomplishments on the track galvanised a newly-independent India. Milkha, who was 91, was bid a tearful adieu in the presence of his family members and several dignitaries, including sports minister Kiren Rijiju.
‘The Flying Sikh’, as he was fondly called, died on Friday night due to COVID-19 related complications. His son and ace golfer Jeev Milkha Singh lit the funeral pyre. The 91-year-old sprinter died at a hospital in Chandigarh after a month-long battle with COVID-19, during which he lost his wife and former national volleyball captain Nirmal Kaur to the same ailment. He had contracted COVID-19 last month and his 85-year-old wife Nirmal Kaur, who had also been infected by the virus, passed away at a private hospital in Mohali on Sunday. Nirmal Kaur was a former national women’s volleyball team captain.
Milkha was admitted to PGIMER on June 3 after his oxygen levels dipped at home following treatment at the Fortis hospital in Mohali for a week. The legendary athlete is a four-time Asian Games gold medallist and 1958 Commonwealth Games champion but his greatest performance remains the fourth-place finish in the 400m final of the 1960 Rome Olympics. He also represented India in the 1956 and 1964 Olympics and was bestowed the Padma Shri in 1959.
Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore, Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal, Haryana’s Sports Minister Sandeep Singh were among the other dignitaries who attended the last rites. Prof Jagat Ram, Director of PGIMER where Milkha was admitted, was also present. A police contingent reversed arms and sounded the last post in the sprinter’s honour. Milkha was also given a gun salute.

The Punjab government had declared a one-day state mourning and a holiday as a mark of respect to the legend. Earlier, a wreath was also laid on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Wreaths were also laid on behalf of the Army. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had earlier in the day said the Punjab government will accord state funeral to Milkha Singh.

His body was carried in a bedecked vehicle, with common people turning up along the short route to the Sector 25 cremation ground to pay their last respects to the legend. Interacting with reporters after the cremation, Rijiju spoke about Milkha’s last wish was to see India win an Olympic gold in athletics. “Today, Milkha ji is not among us, but we will fulfil his wish. He has given a big message,” he said.

When asked if any award would be instituted in his name, Rijiju said these things will be discussed with family at an appropriate time and whatever needs to be done by the Sports Ministry in this regard will be done. “We have told the family that right from the Prime Minister to Governor Sahab, who is present here, we are with them in their hour of grief. Entire nation is with them,” he said. He said he was also carrying the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the family.
(Bureau Report with Agency Inputs).

NEW DELHI: Days after Yograj Singh, father of former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh, stirred the world of social media with some outrageous comments at the ongoing farmers’ protests over the new laws, Yuvraj Singh has taken to social media to express his disappointment.
Yuvraj, on the occasion of his 39th birthday, prayed for a quick resolution to the deadlock situation between the farmers and the Indian government over the new farm laws while also distancing himself from the ideologies of his father.
In a statement on social media, Yuvraj highlighted the importance of farmers to the nation and hoped for a resolution through peaceful dialogue with the central government. “Undoubtedly, farmers are the lifeblood of the nation and he believed that the problem could be resolved through peaceful dialogue.”
Expressing disappointment with the hateful speech made by his father Yograj who had arrived at the Singhu border a few days ago, Yuvraj clarified that he doesn’t have the same views as his father in any capacity. The retired India cricketer, however, did say that the farmers are demanding the right thing and the government needs to listen to them.
Yuvraj said: “I am saddened and upset by the statements made by Mr Yograj Singh. I wish to clarify that his remarks have been made in an individual capacity and my ideologies are not the same in any manner.”
“Farmers are demanding the right thing, the government should listen to them. It is really high time that the government should come up with solutions in this regard and I back all those sportspersons who are returning their prestigious award,” Yograj had said.
Yuvraj concluded his statement with the slogan: ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan! Jai Hind.’
Yograj Singh on Monday urged the Central Government to listen to the demands of the farmers, and backed sportspersons who were returning their awards to show support with the protesting farmers.

“Farmers are demanding the right thing, the government should listen to them. It is really high time that the government should come up with solutions in this regard and I back all those sportsperson who are returning their prestigious award,” Yograj Singh had said.
Boxer Vijender Singh, who joined the farmers’ agitation at the Singhu border (Haryana-Delhi border), on Sunday, had said that he would return his Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award if the new agriculture laws are not withdrawn.

NEW DELHI : Captain KL Rahul became the fastest Indian to reach the 2000 run-mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday. Rahul broke an eight-year-old record held by Indian batting legend and former Mumbai Indians player Sachin Tendulkar, who reached the milestone in 63 innings.

The 28-year-old Rahul, who has been in prolific form since his move to Kings XI Punjab in 2018, brought up the landmark in his 60th innings against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Dubai. Rahul’s teammate Chris Gayle holds the record for the fastest batsman to 2000 runs. He reached the mark in his 48th inning in IPL.

“He’s (Rahul) class and reminds me a lot of Rohit Sharma and Damien Martyn before them, going back further to Gordon Greenidge,” Trent Woodhill, former RCB batting coach, had told this publication.
“They hit the ball so late and their swing is so pure that they generate so much power through a late weight transfer through an unimpeded back swing and follow through.”
Skipper KL Rahul and swashbuckling batsman Chris Gayle smashed a half-century each to help Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) register their second win of the ongoing 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with an eight-wicket victory over the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Chasing a decent target of 172 runs to win, skipper KL Rahul and his opening partner Mayank Agarwal (45) provided a perfect start to Kings XI by sharing a crucial stand of 78 runs for the opening wicket.
After Agarwal fell short of a half-century off a Yuzvendra Chahal delivery, Rahul not only hammered a fifty off 37 deliveries but also stitched a crucial partnership of 93 runs with Chris Gayle to help his side chase down the target on the last ball and seal a thrilling win over the RCB.
Rahul ended his innings unbeaten at 41-ball 61, which was decorated with one four and five maximums. Meanwhile, Gayle–who was playing his first match of the season after recovering from food poisoning–finished his innings with 45-ball 53 runs.
The KXIP skipper has further strengthened his position at the top of the Orange Cap table with 448 runs from eight innings. He is followed by Agarwal with 382 runs. Earlier, RCB won the toss and opted to bat first against Punjab in Match 31 of the ongoing lucrative T20 tournament.
Skipper Virat Kohli led from the front as he scored 39-ball 48 besides stitching a crucial 41-run stand with Shivam Dube (19-ball 23) for the fourth wicket.Chris Morris (25) and Isuru Udana (10) added 35 runs for the seventh wicket which included 24 runs off the last over from Mohammed Shami to help RCB post 171 for six in their stipulated 20 overs.
Murugan Ashwin and Mohammed Shami bagged two wickets each for Kings XI Punjab, while Arshdeep Singh and Chris Jordan chipped in with a wicket each.Interestingly, KXIP’s only other victory in the ongoing season came against the Kohli’s side when they sealed a crushing 97-run triumph at the Dubai International Stadium on September 24.
Despite the win, KXIP continue to stand at the bottom of the table with two wins from eight matches. RCB remain at the third spot with five wins in hand.Brief scores: RCB 171/6 wkts in 20 overs (Virat Kohli 48, Chris Morris 25; Murugan Ashwin 2/23) lost to KXIP 177/2 wkts in 20 overs (KL Rahul 61 not out, Chrus Gayle 53; Yuzvendra Chahal 1/35) by 8 wickets.
(Zeenews with Agency Inputs).).

NEW DELHI: Former Australian batsman and commentator Dean Jones died of a sudden heart attack at the age of 59. Dean Jones was one of the legendary batsmans of the Australian cricket team and a brilliant commentator. His entry into cricket was in 1984, during the West Indies tour. He scored 48 runs while being ill in his first match.

Jones suffered a massive heart attack in the lobby of the hotel where he was staying during the commentary stint. “It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing away of Mr. Dean Mervyn Jones AM. He died of a sudden cardiac arrest,” Star India, who host the broadcast of the IPL through Star Sports, said in a statement.
“We express our deep condolences to his family and stand ready to support them in this difficult time. We are in touch with the Australian High Commission to make the necessary arrangements
Dean Jones played 52 Tests in two years from 1984 to 1992 in which he scored 3,631 runs with the help of 11 centuries. His fiercest batting is said to have been seen in the 1986 Test match between India and Australia.
In this match, he hit a tremendous 210 runs, which no other Australian player has scored in an Indian stadium till date. Jones played 164 ODI matches in which he scored 6,068 runs at an average of 44.61.
It is understood that Brett Lee, his fellow commentator, tried to give him CPR but unsuccessfully. On Thursday morning Jones had breakfast with Lee and another commentator, Nikhil Chopra.
“He was a champion commentator whose presence and presentation of the game always brought joy to millions of fans. He will be sorely missed by everyone at Star and his millions of fans across the globe.”
Jones also played 164 ODIs and scored 6068 runs at 44.61 with seven centuries. He was part of Australia’s 1987 World Cup-winning squad. He made his Test and ODI debuts in 1984 and played his last international match in 1994.

The moniker “Professor Deano” stuck with Jones in his post-retirement career when he worked as a cricket analyst for many channels including Star, who hired his services as an expert on their show “Select Dugout.”
For Indian fans, one of Jones’ best memories is from that 1986 Test in Chennai when during the course of his epic 210-run knock he threw up on the field and had to be carried to the hospital after the innings.
“Shocked to hear about the tragic loss of Dean Jones. Praying for strength and courage to his family and friends,” tweeted India captain Virat Kohli.
“Really shocking to lose a colleague and a dear friend – Dean Jones. Gone so young. Condolences to the family and may his soul rest in peace,” tweeted Jones’ colleague in the commentary box and current India coach Ravi Shastri.
Harsha Bhogle, another colleague of Jones, sent out a series of tweets grieving the Australian’s passing. “No, Deano. No. I am speechless. And in shock. And refusing to accept,” Bhogle wrote on Twitter.
“Everyone has stories to tell of Deano. Always wonderful to talk to, always provocative and one of the great lovers of cricket. In grief.
“You disagreed with Deano, you pulled his leg more than you might with others. But that was because he was game. And when he came up with a theory, you always listened because it was backed by numbers. He loved cricket but that was only one of the reasons we loved him. So so sad,” Bhogle wrote.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) expressed sadness on Jones’ passing. “We are extremely sad to hear of Dean’s sudden death and I would like to extend our deep condolences to his family and friends on behalf of the ICC,” said Manu Sawhney, the ICC Chief Executive.
“Dean was a prolific batter playing in 52 Tests and 164 ODIs and was part of the 1987 Australia team who won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
“He had a significant impact on the game of cricket as a player, as an advocate for the development of the sport as a coach and latterly in his role as a broadcaster. He will be sorely missed by all those in the cricket family,” Sawhney added.
(With Agency Inputs ).

NEW DELHI : Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh on Saturday (September 12) created a flurry on social media when he posted the following message from his official Twitter account.

The 40-year-old wrote (translated): “Cricket is trending a lot in the news these days. I just got to know something that will change the way you look at cricket forever.” It remains to be seen what the veteran spinner means by this cryptic message but it surely has created a lot of frenzy in media.
“Cricket aaj kal kaafi news mein hai, aur abhi abhi mujhe aisa kuch pata chala hai that will change the way you look at cricket forever (Cricket is in news nowadays and I have just came across something that will change the way you look at cricket forever)!” the cricketer wrote on Twitter along with hashtag #CricketKaKhulasa.
He didn’t divulge any further details but the use of #hastag hints it could be a marketing tactic of a new cricket show or something and may not be any sensational scandal related to the cricketing world. Still, his tweet left social media users guessing.
The cricketer also used the hashtag “CricketKaKhulasa” which translates to “cricket revelation.”The cricketer had been in the news recently when he opted out of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad ahead of the upcoming IPL 2020 in the UAE for personal reasons.
The bowler didn’t come forward to explain as to what was exactly the reason for his decision and reports merely suggested that he had decided to exempt himself out of this edition for the sake of his family amidst a surging number of COVID positive cases.
CSK who already boast of a strong spin contingent with Imran Tahir, Mitchell Santner, Piyush Chawla and Ravindra Jadeja among others didn’t name a replacement for the veteran spinner. Cricket experts and several former players had said that CSK will miss Harbhajan’s experience on the slow tracks of the UAE – which are going to aid the spinners.

Harbhajan’s IPL record speaks for itself and he has been a vital cog for Chennai and also for Mumbai Indians, his former IPL side. In 160 IPL matches, Harbhajan has picked-up 150 wickets at a phenomenal T20 economy rate of 7.05.
“Share then why to wait paji you are known to be bold,” a user commented on his tweet. “Bol do bhai.. raaj khol do.. breaking news me kangana, Rhea ko dekhakr boar hot chuke hai..,” wrote another.
Another user urged him not to reveal something which will spoil the upcoming T20 league. One more user requested the cricketer to end the suspense, “We deserve to know the truth. Pls tell us. Don’t leave us in suspense.”
(With agency Inputs ).

MUMBAI: Star couple Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are all set to embrace parenthood, celebrated their pregnancy with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) squad in Dubai ahead of the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

RCB shared a video on Instagram, in which Anushka and Virat are seen marking the special occasion by cutting a cake. The couple later plants a kiss on each other’s cheeks and are seen beaming with happiness. Anushka looks radiant in a brown short dress and the glow on her face just cannot be missed.

Besides Anushka and Virat, cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal was also seen cutting a cake to celebrate his engagement with Dhanashree Verma.
Anushka and Virat announced the pregnancy on Thursday on their respective social media accounts. They shared a picture of them together with Anushka flaunting her baby bump and wrote, “And then, we were three! Arriving Jan 2021.”

The announcement broke the internet with scores of fans and friends of the couple flooding the social media with congratulatory messages. Anushka and Virat married in an extremely private wedding ceremony in Tuscany in December 2017.
(Zeenews).

NEW DELHI : In what may come as a big surprise to cricket fans around the world, experienced wicket keeper-batsman and India’s most successful captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Saturday announced his retirement from international cricket.

The reticent man from Ranchi will, however, go down as one of the finest to have played the game for India, turning up for the country in a whopping 350 ODIs, 90 Tests and 98 T20 Internationals. The last leg of his career was, however, marred by a drop in form, prompting several critics to question his resolve to continue.
The 39-year-old took to his official Instagram account to confirm that he is calling curtains on his illustrious 16-year-long international career. Sharing a video of his cricket journey, the former Indian skipper thanked everyone for their love and support throughout his cricket career.

“Thanks.Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired,” Dhoni wrote along with the video. Dhoni made his international debut for India during a One-Day International (ODI) match against Bangladesh in December 2004.
A year later, the wicket keeper-batsman made a Test debut for Team India against Sri Lanka in Chennai. Meanwhile, Dhoni received his maiden cap in the shortest format of the game against New Zealand in Manchester in July 9.
He notched up a total of 4,876 runs in 90 Tests, 10,773 runs in 350 ODIs and 1,617 runs in 98 matches he played for India in the shortest format of the game.
Dhoni was handed over the capataincy in 2007 during his early days of international career. He had a challenge of leading the likes of experienced players namely Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Rahul Dravid among others. However, Dhoni did justice to his role as he guided India to World Twenty 20 Cup in 2007.

Later, he also guided Team India to World Cup victory in 2011 after the team’s 28-year-long wait for the title and Champions Trophy final in 2003. Dhoni is the most successful skipper of India as he remains the only captain to win all the major ICC trophies namely 50-over World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Champions Trophy.
Under his captaincy, Dhoni had led India in a total of 199 matches in the 50-over format, guiding the side to 110 wins and 74 defeats.The wicketkeeper-batsman had also led India in 60 Test matches and helped the team clinch 27 wins.

Besides this, Dhoni also holds a decent captaincy record in the Twenty20I format. He had guided India to 41 victories out of the 72 matches the country played under his leadership. Dhoni had been on an indefinite break since India’s semi-final exit at the 2019 ICC World Cup at the hands of New Zealand.

As soon as he broke the news, his lakhs of fans on Twitter began pouring their love and respect for the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman. His former teammates, including cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, politicians and actors also wished him for the future.

MUMBAI: ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar has stepped down after two, two-year tenures as the head of the cricket body. The ICC Board met on Wednesday and decided that Deputy Chairman Imran Khawaja will take the charge until Manohar’s successor is elected.
The process for the Chairperson election is likely to be approved by the ICC Board within the next week. Manohar, as per the ICC rules, could have stayed for another two-year-term as a maximum of three terms is allowed.
However, he decided not to continue ahead of the all-important ICC meeting. As per reports, England’s Colin Graves is the frontrunner to succeed Manohar but recently, former Cricket West Indies chief Dave Cameron has also joined the race recently.
Manohar on Wednesday stepped down as the International Cricket Council’s first independent chairman, ending a stint which coincided with the BCCI losing its influence in the world body.
Manohar took charge as ICC Chairman in November 2015. His deputy Imran Khwaja, from Hong Kong, will be the interim chairman. “ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar has stepped down after two, two-year tenures at its helm.
The ICC Board met today and agreed that Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja will assume the responsibilities of the Chairperson until a successor is elected,” ICC stated in a release.
The process for the election of the next chairperson is expected to be approved by the ICC Board within the next week.The 62-year-old lawyer had previously been the BCCI President twice  first stint was from 2008 to 2011 and second time from October, 2015 to May, 2016, a part of which coincided with the ICC chairmanship.
“On behalf of the ICC Board and staff and the whole cricket family, I would like to thank Shashank for his leadership and everything he has done for the sport as ICC Chairman. We wish him and his family all the very best for the future,” said ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney who had worked with Manohar for the last year since taking over last summer.
ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja added, “There is no doubt that cricket owes Shashank a debt of gratitude for all he has done for the sport. He has left cricket and the ICC in a better place than he found it.”
Former ECB chairman Colin Graves and India’s Sourav Ganguly are the main contenders even though the former India skipper’s candidature depends on the whether Supreme Court would allow him to continue as BCCI President by relaxing the cooling off norms mandated by the Lodha administrative reforms.
As per the current constitution, Ganguly’s six years as office-bearer in state and BCCI end on July 31 and he is qualified to take over the ICC chairmanship.
Manohar’s exit from the scene couldn’t have come at a better time for the BCCI, which is desperate to hold the IPL in the October-November window instead of the ICC T20 World Cup which is scheduled to be held in Australia.
While none of the top BCCI bigwigs were ready to comment but Manohar’s strained relations with successive Board regimes from his bete noire N Srinivasan’s time meant that none of them were unhappy with his departure.

Those in the know of things believe that BCCI can have a better working relationship with the new chairman and if it is Ganguly, it will be nothing short of icing on the cake.The issues with regards to tax rebate for two ICC tournaments (T20 World cup 2021 and ODI World Cup 2023) is one thing that will be foremost on their agenda.
The BCCI will also like to have a re-look at the revenue sharing model after the ICC, under Manohar’s leadership, scrapped the ‘BIG Three’ model. Despite India being the biggest market for ICC’s advertisement revenue, there is currently no BCCI representation in the global body’s Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee (F&CA).
(With Agency Inputs ).