SPORTS

Continuing his dream run in the domestic circuit, Mumbai youngster Sarfaraz Khan slammed yet another hundred. His latest century came in the first innings of the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy final, which is being played between Mumbai and Madhya Pradesh at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. 

The 24-year-old once again top-scored for his state team, finishing with 134 in a 234-ball marathon knock. Thanks to his brilliant knock, the record Ranji Trophy champions were able to post 374 runs in their first innings. 

The youngster has shown unreal consistency in the last 12 months. This was his seventh hundred in his last 12 Ranji Trophy encounters. In addition to centuries, he also scored five half-centuries. 

Despite being restricted to only four venues for the majority of the season, the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League was a huge success as the fans enjoyed some high-quality cricket.

It was all possible due to the relentless hard work of the groundsmen who worked tirelessly to ensure that the pitches stayed true throughout the tournament.

Acknowledging their contribution to making the tournament a huge success, the BCCI had declared prize money of Rs 1.25 crore to be distributed among the ”unsung heroes” at six venues that hosted the tournament.

Forty-one-time winners Mumbai are a dominant force in the Ranji Trophy. However, the past few seasons have not brought them much joy. The last time they made it to the final was in 2016-17. Chandrakant Pandit was the head coach then and Prithvi Shaw had just made his debut. This time around, Shaw is leading Mumbai in the final against a Madhya Pradesh side coached by the man he calls Chandu sir.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Shaw said, "It's an honour to lead Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. Five years ago when we reached the final, he [Pandit] was our coach and now playing against his team will be a challenge. I made my debut in that season and now I want to bring that trophy home."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Mysuru Palace Ground where he will perform Yoga, along with others on on the eighth International Yoga Day. Extending his greetings to all on the occasion and stressing on the benefits of Yoga, he said, “Today, Yoga is being practiced in all parts of the world. Yoga brings peace for us. The peace from Yoga is not only for individuals, it brings peace to our nations and the world.”

As the world gears up to mark the International Yoga Day on Tuesday (June 21), India is also looking forward to celebrate it in physical mode after a gap of two years due to the coronavirus pandemic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead a mass yoga event at the Mysuru Palace grounds in Karnataka. Modi will be joined by 15,000 yoga enthusiasts who will participate in the event.

Team India head coach Rahul Dravid on Sunday (June 19) made it clear that the under-fire Rishabh Pant is a 'big' and 'integral' part of the set-up heading into the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. Pant, who led the side in the five-match series against South Africa that ended in a 2-2 draw after the last game was called off due to rain, managed only 58 runs in the five innings that led to some questions being raised about his place in the shortest format. However, Dravid was very clear that Pant is going nowhere.