SPORTS

Rohit Sharma-led Team India began their home season with a bang. Playing the Kieron Pollard-led West Indies in the three-match ODI series opener, in Ahmedabad, Rohit & Co. thrashed the visitors by six wickets at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad to go 1-0 up in the series.

Bowling first, India dismissed WI for a paltry 176 in 43.5 overs, courtesy Yuzvendra Chahal's 4 for 49 and Washington Sundar's 3-fer. In reply, Rohit's 60 and vital unbeaten knocks from Suryakumar Yadav and debutant Deepak Hooda took India home, in only 28 overs. 

India beat West Indies in the first of the three match ODI series in Ahmedabad after they were reduced to 112/4 at one stage. Earlier skipper Rohit Sharma’s 44th half century made sure that the team was off to a great start with the score reading 84/0. But then timely wickets made sure Men in Blue were four down. Even skipper Virat Kohli was out for just eight runs.

Earlier Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and Washington Sundar spun a web around the West Indies batters to bundle them out for just 176 on Sunday in Ahmedabad. Chahal picked four wickets, while Sundar claimed three. Jason Holder was stand-out performer with the bat as he hit 57 runs. Earlier, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bowl against West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Deepak Hooda got his debut cap from the former skipper Virat Kohli. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav missed his place and have to wait for his comeback.

Sourav Ganguly was appointed as the BCCI President in late 2019, after India's ODI World Cup campaign. In September 2022, he will complete three years as the BCCI chief. Under his tenure, BCCI have had a lot to deal with.

With the Covid-19 pandemic leading to various obstacles for hosting the last two IPL seasons, the Virat Kohli captaincy saga, pressure building up to start Women's IPL, etc., the Ganguly-led board has had a lot on their plate. In recent times, the image of the board officials and selectors have also taken a toll following the Kohli captaincy saga. Moreover, many have accused the BCCI chief Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah of interfering in selection meetings. 

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke heaped huge praise on talented India opener Prithvi Shaw and compared him with Virender Sehwag. Shaw grabbed the limelight at a very young age for his ferocious batting in the domestic circuit. He further led the Under-19 team to the World Cup title in 2018 and which helped him get a place in India’s Test side. However, inconsistent performances and constant injuries pushed him back and other players grabbed the opening slot in the team.

Clarke compared Shaw’s batting approach to Sehwag and called the veteran India opener a genius. The former Aussie skipper said that he loves the attacking brand of cricket.

A dominant India brushed aside Australia for a big 96-run win to enter a fourth successive U19 world cup final on Wednesday. Chasing 291, Australia were bowled out for 194 in 41.5 overs with Vicky Ostwal taking 3/42 while Nishant Sindhu and Ravi Kumar chipping in with a couple of wickets each.

Earlier, a century from captain Yash Dhull and his double-century partnership with deputy Shaik Rasheed who missed out on his hundred by six runs powered India to a challenging 290/5 the world cup semi-final today. Australia struck early by sending back both the Indian openers cheaply. However, Dhull and Rasheed rebuild the innings nicely before opening up. And then in the final 10 overs, India racked up 108 runs to finish with a flourish.