Month: August 2023

Bangladesh have been dealt with a massive blow on Day 1 of the Asia Cup 2023. Litton Das – Bangladesh’s best batter – has been ruled out of the tournament after failing to recover from a viral fever.
The Chairman of the National Selection Panel, Minhajul Abedin informed that the batter did not travel to Sri Lanka for Bangladesh’s opening match in Pallekele, set to be played on 31 August.
Asia Cup 2023: Preview
The Bangladesh Cricket Board’s National Selection Panel has named 30-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Anamul Haque Bijoy as his replacement, who is due to join the squad in Sri Lanka later on Wednesday, 30 August.
Bijoy has represented Bangladesh in 44 ODIs and has accumulated 1254 runs which includes three centuries. He last made an ODI appearance in December last year in a home series against India.
“He (Anamul) has been in the runs in domestic cricket and we have continued to monitor him in the Bangladesh Tigers programme. He was always in our consideration,” Minhajul Abedin said on Tuesday.
“Due to Litton’s unavailability, we needed a top-order batter who could keep wicket and Anamul got the nod,” he further added.
Earlier Bangladesh suffered a leadership crisis in the build-up to this tournament. Captain Tamim Iqbal vacated the leadership position and announced his retirement from ODI cricket. He later overturned his decision after Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina spoke with him personally. Litton was in line for the captaincy but experienced Shakib Al Hasan was handed the reins till the ODI World Cup 2023.
Updated Bangladesh Squad
Shakib Al Hasan (C), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Naim Sheikh, Shamim Hossain, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Anamul Haque Bijoy

Abhilash Gogoi to Saurav Dey, no run, Dot ball !! arm ball, good length, on the off stump, Abhilash Gogoi sends down a sharp delivery, and Saurav Dey hangs in the crease to defend it, but mistimes the shot and beats the bat, leaving the batter confused.

The future of India in chess is truly bright. While R Praggnanandhaa went as far as the final of the FIDE Chess World Cup, there remain many other Grandmasters who have really stepped up in the last few years. Praggnanandhaa couldn’t go all the way in the final, losing the title decider to World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. But, he still made history in Indian sports, giving inspiration to many others like him to continue dreaming. After the 18-year-old’s defeat in the final, however, a dream of his parents was also fulfilled by industrialist Anand Mahindra.
Making a big announcement on social media, The Mahindra Group decided to gift Praggnanandha an all-electric SUV, to honour his accomplishments in chess. Anand Mahindra himself floated the idea on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter).
“Appreciate your sentiment, Krishlay, & many, like you, have been urging me to gift a Thar to @rpragchess But I have another idea … I would like to encourage parents to introduce their children to Chess & support them as they pursue this cerebral game (despite the surge in popularity of video games!). It’s an investment in a better future for our planet, just like EVs. And so, I think we should gift an XUV4OO EV to the PARENTS of @rpragchess Shrimati Nagalakshmi & Shri Rameshbabu, who deserve our gratitude for nurturing their son’s passion & for giving him their untiring support. What do you think, @rajesh664?,” Anand Mahindra wrote.
“Congratulations @rpragchess for your spectacular achievement.Thanks @anandmahindra for the idea of recognising PARENTS of @rpragchess Shrimati Nagalakshmi & Shri Rameshbabu.The All Electric SUV XUV400 would be perfect-our team will connect for a special edition and delivery,” The Mahindra Group’s Executive Director and CEO responded.
Congratulations @rpragchess for your spectacular achievement.Thanks @anandmahindra for the idea of recognising PARENTS of @rpragchess Shrimati Nagalakshmi & Shri Rameshbabu.The All Electric SUV XUV400 would be perfect-our team will connect for a special edition and delivery
Rajesh Jejurikar (@rajesh664) August 28, 2023
Reacting to the gesture, Praggnanandhaa said that it was a long-term dream of his parents to own an electric car, which is now being completed.
“No words to express my Gratitude Thank you very much @anandmahindrasir and @rajesh664 sir. It is a long-term dream of my parents to own an EV car thanks for making it a reality!,” Praggnanandhaa said.
“The ultimate goal of a car manufacturer is to turn dreams into reality,” Anand Mahindra replied to the chess prodigy’s post.
The ultimate goal of a car manufacturer is to turn dreams into reality https://t.co/hoRiOIoQHH
anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) August 30, 2023
After his Chess World Cup stint, Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh D (another Grandmaster) will join the Asian Games camp on August 30.

IMAGE: Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in action during his first round match against Hungary’s Attila Balazs. Photograph: Mike Segar/Reuters
Daniil Medvedev had been the forgotten man coming into the U.S. Open, but the third seeded Russian popped up on everyone’s radar after steamrolling past Attila Balazs 6-1, 6-1, 6-0 and into the second round at Flushing Meadows on Tuesday.
With world numbers one and two Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic hogging the spotlight, Medvedev had gone pretty much unnoticed in the run up to the season’s final Grand Slam.
But with his clinical dissection of Balazs, he served notice that he remains a real threat to claim his second U.S. Open title in three years.
IMAGE: Daniil Medvedev, who hit 41 winners, seemed to be able to break his opponent at will. Photograph: Mike Segar/Reuters
“I don’t care it is normal Carlos and Novak are the biggest names right now,” said Medvedev when asked if he felt overlooked. “My goal is to play well and get to where they are and try to win that is all I can do.”
Balazs, who retired from competitive tennis in 2014 and began coaching before resuming his career in 2016, had no ideas on how to deal with Medvedev and the former world number one was in total control right from the start, breaking the Hungarian at the first opportunity in all three sets.
Medvedev, who hit 41 winners, seemed to be able to break his opponent at will while Balazs could not create a single break chance in the entire match.
The one bright moment for Balazs came with Medvedev up 5-0 in the third set and serving for the match when he chased down a ball and fired a cross-court winner that the Russian applauded, while the crowd roared their approval as the Hungarian broke into a big smile and raised his arms into the air in triumph.
The moment was brief, however, as Medvedev would close out the contest the very next point to move into the next round where he will take on Australian Christopher O’Connell.
After losing to eventual champion Alcaraz in the Wimbledon semi-finals, Medvedev has had a quiet U.S. Open buildup, getting to the quarter-finals of the Canadian Open and the round of 16 a week later in Cincinnati.
But Medvedev has always produced some of his best work in New York, reaching the final in 2019, semi-finals in 2020 and winning it in 2021.

Photographs: Kind courtesy Asian Cricket Council/X
Cricket, often revered as a religion in India, thrives on riveting rivalries and captivating clashes that etch unforgettable moments in millions of hearts.
While the India-Pakistan rivalry rightfully claims the spotlight, it’s imperative not to underestimate the significant challenges posed by Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
In recent times, Sri Lanka has risen as a noteworthy contender in the Asia Cup, while Bangladesh’s growth and potential have garnered attention.
Let’s delve into how the Indian cricket team should not only be cautious of Pakistan, but also mindful of the rising challenges presented by Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, especially in the context of the Asia Cup.
Beyond the India vs Pakistan rivalry…
Historically, the Asia Cup has witnessed intense battles among India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Although India and Pakistan often hog the limelight, Sri Lanka’s consistent performances demand recognition.
The 2008 Asia Cup Final stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s mettle when Sanath Jayasuriya’s century steered his team to 273 runs. Ajantha Mendis’ remarkable 6/13 then led Sri Lanka to a 100-run victory, overpowering Virender Sehwag’s valiant 60.
The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final showcased India’s hard-fought victory over Sri Lanka, while Sri Lanka gained redemption in the ICC T20 World Cup 2014 by besting India in the final.
With six runner-up finishes and as many championships, Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup journey remains commendable.
Their recent performances underscore their prowess. Led by Captain Dasun Shanaka and deputy Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka’s balanced team commands genuine caution from opponents.
Sunil Gavaskar aptly highlighted that while India-Pakistan clashes seize attention, Sri Lanka’s consistent excellence in the Asia Cup should not be overshadowed.
‘Don’t forget Sri Lanka are also there, and they have been winning the Asia Cup,’ Gavaskar remarked. ‘The rivalry between these three countries is always something special.’
Bangladesh’s steady ascent
Bangladesh’s cricket transformation from underdog to contender is remarkable. The 2007 World Cup upset against India marked a pivotal moment in their journey. Since then, Bangladesh’s progress has been unwavering.
Their appearances in successive Asia Cup finals in 2012, 2016, and 2018 underscore their determination to challenge cricketing giants.
While title victories eluded them, Bangladesh’s presence in the final stages emphasises their capacity for upsets. As Bangladesh continues to mature, they increasingly warrant acknowledgment as a force to reckon with.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland was named the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Player of the Year on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old was voted ahead of team mates Kevin de Bruyne and John Stones, as well as Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and former Tottenham player Harry Kane, who is now with Bayern Munich.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
Haaland’s remarkable performance saw him netting 52 goals in 53 matches across all competitions last season, contributing to City’s triple victory as they clinched the Premier League, FA Cup, and the Champions League titles.
The Norway international also achieved recognition in May, being awarded the titles of Premier League’s Player of the Season and Football Writers’ Association’s Men’s Player of the Year.
Saka was named the PFA Young Player of the Year for the first time after receiving a nomination for the fourth season in a row.
Aston Villa striker Rachel Daly secured the PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year award after finishing as the top scorer in the Women’s Super League with 22 goals.
Chelsea’s Lauren James was named as the Young Player of the Year.

Real Madrid are struggling with fitness issues again this season much like the last one. There have already been a number of injuries to key players in the team and many believe that the season might potentially be set up for failure already. Los Blancos did not have much depth to begin with and their expanding injury list has made things much worse.
Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois could potentially be out for the entire season due to their ACL injuries. Vinicius Junior is expected to miss several weeks of action as well and his injury is worse than first expected.
What some fans may have forgotten however is that two Real Madrid players suffered injuries in pre-season. Those are Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy. And it looks like there is finally a positive update on the injury front for the club.
As reported by AS, Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy are already advancing in their set-up. They probably will already be available for the next game against Getafe.
Ceballos picked up an injury in training before Real Madrid left for their pre-season tour in the United States and has been working on his recovery ever since. The Spanish midfielder is believed to have resumed light training and ball work over the past few weeks and is preparing for his full comeback to the squad.
As for Mendy, the Frenchman was injured during the pre-season El Clasico against Barcelona and has not played a single minute this season due to it. The fullback is also believed to be progressing well in his recovery process and is on the verge of a comeback, albeit in more of a backup role to Fran Garcia.
Both Ceballos and Mendy could be set to make their returns in Real Madrid’s next match against Getafe at home. With the squad already pretty light due to injuries, it will be good to have them back as part of the rotation.

• Published on 08/30/2023 at 12:35 AM GMT+0000
• Last updated on 08/30/2023 at 12:35 AM GMT+0000

The word “experimentation” has been the most commonly word used in the last couple of weeks to describe or criticise or give a verdict on the Indian team. And although head coach Rahul Dravid seemingly made it clear that he is rather bored and annoyed of the usage of the word when asked about India’s plan in the Asia Cup with the ODI World Cup in mind, he opted for a more composed approach to the query. Speaking to the media at the end of India’s six-day camp in Alur for the continental event, Dravid explained how the Indian team went from having a set of clear middle-order options to desperately looking for back-ups just weeks before the event.
Indian cricket team head coach Rahul Dravid during a press conference ahead of the Asia Cup 2023, in Bengaluru, Tuesday, Aug 29(PTI)
The word “experimentation” crept its way into discussion when Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid were seen altering their batting positions and trying new options while the captain himself and Virat Kohli took a backseat during the West Indies limited-overs tour. Dravid had cleared it up back then saying that with uncertainty over the return of mainstay middle-order options, India have been forced to keep their back-up options ready for a worst-case scenario.
KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, the middle-order batters, who have missed the international matches since June owing to their injuries, returned to the Asia Cup squad. Although Rahul won’t be available for the first two matches of the tournament, Dravid was pleased with the progress of the twoduring the training camp. But the question on “experimentation” was posed to the batting legend, yet again.
“To be very honest with you, this word experimentation gets thrown around a lot without actually sometimes being thought through,” Dravid began. “It’s not that we are trying to sometimes experiment for the sake of experimenting. Sometimes there are specific reasons why you have to do certain things.”
India were clear about No 4 and No 5 batters 18 months ago
Iyer and Rahul were India’s No. 4 and 5 in the ODIs before they went out with injuries and Dravid reminded the media of the same as he continued explaining. He revealed that the two along with Rishabh Pant were India’s clear options for the middle-order before the most unfortunate news struck the team. Pant was ruled out of the entirety of 2023 owing to a tragic car accident last December, Iyer incurred a lower back stress while Rahul was down with a hamstring injury.
“Just to give you an example, the No. 4 and 5 spots seem to get discussed and talked about a lot,” Dravid said. “It gives the impression that we don’t have clarity on who was going to be there, but to be very honest with you, I could have told you 18 or 19 months ago the top two-three candidates we were looking at for the No. 4, 5 slots. It was always going to be Shreyas [Iyer], KL [Rahul] and Rishabh [Pant] for those spots, right?
“If you look back on some of the teams that we picked from 18 months ago, there was no doubt in our minds. Obviously, it’s unfortunate that all three of them ended up with injuries in the space of two months. What are the odds of that happening? And I don’t think we can, nobody can, calculate for that, especially with the limited number of games that we had in one-day cricket. All three guys pushing for those two spots, had serious injuries, had to go under the knife. So, you have to react to that, put other people in those positions and see who can do it. Just in case come a World Cup they are not fit. In that situation we tried a few people.”