Author: Atreyo Mukhopadhyay

It was about that time in the game when he could have afforded a smile. He was nearing 80, the runs remaining to be scored were under 50 and overs were never a problem. It had become clear by then that Australia had almost given up, after seeing India claw back from a tight spot in what was the World Cup opener for both teams. Virat Kohli mistimed a shot off his pads. It was a delivery he tried to push into the gap. He did not make proper contact and the ball did not travel much, denying him the…

Let’s check some history first. India hosted Australia in six ODIs on Indian soil this year. They won three each. The series in March was clinched by Australia. India prevailed in September. It’s an almost exact reflection of how these two teams have done against each other in this format in India. After 70 outings, it’s Australia 33-32. That’s a hint of the kind of opposition India will be expecting in the first match of their home World Cup, in Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday (October 8). The venue itself is witness to a World Cup heart-stopper between India…

This is what Kane Williamson had to say on being asked if his team were the underdogs, a day before the 2019 World Cup final against England at Lord’s: “Whatever dog we are, the focus is on playing good cricket. Anyone can beat anyone, we’ve seen that. Regardless of what breed of dog you are.” It sparked laughter among the media attending that pre-match captains’ interaction. One of them even ran up to the New Zealand skipper after the session to check if he had pets. He then had to reveal what breed they were! Williamson’s words made headlines. New…

1987: A first-ever venture outside of the UK, to a place where cricket as a business was just about emerging, with signs of promise. 1996: A rip-roaring commercial success, in a region which had unquestionably become the most happening destination for cricket. 2011: Another grand success, culminating in a triumph for the home team, in a country where Twenty20 had started capturing the imagination of the fans. 2023: India sole host for the first time. The place has changed. The IPL is what sells. Takers for Tests are almost extinct. Interest in ODIs is not the same, but they still…

Expectations This is generally high when the Pakistan team plays. The World Cup in India makes it even more exciting, because emotional factors may come into play. And this is a team capable of big things. There is a lot of potential and firepower. Despite missing speedster Naseem Shah, they are enviably equipped in key departments. They definitely start as one of the teams to watch out for. Where they finished last time They were in contention for a semi-final berth until the end of the league stage. There were some strong performances, including wins over both the finalists —…

Atreyo Mukhopadhyay Dictionary defines ‘javelin’ as ‘a light spear thrown in a competitive sport or as a weapon’. For Indian athletics, it’s both. It’s spearheading a never-before period in the country’s athletics history. And, our athletes are using it as a weapon to break open new frontiers at the international level. Importantly, the spear is causing a revolution in track and field, not only in javelin throw. Neeraj Chopra’s unthinkable success has changed thought processes. Proof of that came at the World Championships in Budapest in August, where five individuals and a team reached the finals, for the first time…

Expectations Quite high. They are the glamour boys of cricket, the richest and the most famous team. When India play a World Cup on home turf, expectations will soar. That they won it the last time it was played in these conditions will add spice to every discussion. And India do seem to have a good chance. They are peaking at the right time, and a lot of things have fallen into place. Some of the most vital positions in batting and bowling appear to be in perfect shape. Where they finished last time Semi-final exit: Those two days in…

If it’s about ticking the right boxes ahead of a major tournament, the Indian team has done that. Things were looking barely half as good when the Asia Cup commenced a few weeks ago. There were grey areas and corridors of uncertainty. Beginning with a batting line-up containing holes, to questions about the potency of the bowling attack and the wicket-keeping options, concerns were there aplenty. There were persistent problems, like no clarity over the No. 4 slot and no certainty regarding the fitness of the most effective bowler. It should not be said right now that everything is perfect…

Writing on somebody who’s been written off! This is not a story about how good a bowler Ravichandran Ashwin is. That, you all know. It’s about a system that labels someone as something and discards him. Shamelessly, the same system then welcomes him back into the fold for the very format he had been ruled out of. World Cup cricket in India. Everyone knows pitches in these parts will not be like what you get in New Zealand. So, if one of your spin bowlers is absent due to reasons beyond your control, you will call up another spinner in…

Winning laurels for the country is not the only attraction drawing athletes to multi-discipline events like the Olympics and the Asian Games. For many, the combination of living in the games village, dining with fellow athletes, watching other sports and bumping into their heroes is equally exciting. That’s what they remember and look forward to, apart from the medals. Golfer Anirban Lahiri feels such events present a unique experience. The India No. 1 has been to the Olympic Games twice. He was part of the team which won the Asian Games silver in Doha in 2006. For Hangzhou 2023, he…