Author: Trisha Ghosal

The Indian women’s cricket team has been a force to reckon with in recent years, consistently inching closer to global titles and earning the respect they deserve. But under coach Amol Muzumdar, the team seems to be moving backwards, not forward. Since he took charge, the Indian camp has been defined by inconsistency, questionable decision-making and a visible lack of direction. With a World Cup looming just 8-10 months away, Muzumdar’s tenure raises more questions than it answers. The statistics paint an incomplete picture of the chaos. While India’s Test record under Muzumdar (three wins) offers a glimmer of hope,…

The Indian women’s cricket team finds itself in a troubling state since October 1, 2024, with performances in both T20Is and ODIs falling significantly short of expectations. Despite boasting experienced players like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma, the team has been plagued by inconsistency and questionable tactical decisions, exposing deep flaws in their approach. Batting Failures: A Clear Pattern of Underachievement In the four T20Is played during the T20 World Cup in Dubai, the openers managed just 172 runs at an average of 21.50 with a solitary fifty-run stand, highlighting a lack of foundation at the…

Game 6 of the ongoing FIDE World Championship match, being held in Singapore, ended in a tense draw as India’s Gukesh Dommaraju and defending champion Ding Liren of China fought a high-stakes battle. With the tie now locked at 3-3 after six rounds, both players remain firmly in the hunt for the coveted world title. The game was marked by fascinating tactical exchanges and subtle psychological warfare. Ding, playing with the white pieces, appeared content to push for a draw midway through the match. However, Gukesh, unwilling to settle, pressed on to test his opponent. At one point, Gukesh added…

Hits RCB’s revamped squad promises explosive batting firepower, especially at their high-scoring home ground, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The lineup boasts proven match-winners like Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Jitesh Sharma, complemented by the hard-hitting prowess of Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, and Tim David. These players, despite all being right-hand batters, have a knack for adapting and innovating under pressure, giving RCB the potential to set or chase imposing totals. The addition of Jacob Bethell provides an intriguing left-hand option. The youngster’s fearless approach and versatility could be a trump card in key situations. On the bowling front, RCB’s new-ball…

November 19, 2024 – how I dreaded this day. Ever since Rafael Nadal announced he would play his final professional singles match in the Davis Cup, I knew this moment was coming. Yet, no amount of preparation could soften the blow. How do you say goodbye to someone who wasn’t just a tennis player but a symbol of resilience, hope, and relentless determination? How do you let go of a man who didn’t just inspire you to watch tennis, but inspired you to live better? On Tuesday night, Málaga’s Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena was a cathedral of…

The Indian women’s team has long been seen as a rising force in the world of cricket. But their failure to make the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup – the first time that has happened since 2016 – has triggered alarm bells. With a home ODI World Cup looming in 2025 and the next T20 World Cup just two years away, India’s recent struggles call for urgent introspection and action. To avoid stagnation, the team must undergo significant changes – particularly in the leadership, coaching setup, and approach to developing talent. Here’s a roadmap for how Indian women’s…

As the Women’s T20 World Cup heads into its most crucial stage, India’s women’s team face an uphill battle against the reigning champions, Australia, in a match that could define their tournament. For India, it’s a must-win encounter, not just for the two points, but also to improve their net run rate (NRR) and secure a spot in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Australia sit comfortably at the top of the table, but will look to maintain their unbeaten run and fine-tune their game as they inch closer to yet another semifinal appearance. India’s Road to Qualification: A Fight for Survival With…

In the world of sport, certain moments are so powerful that they transcend the boundaries of the game, echoing into the hearts of all who witness them. Rafael Nadal’s retirement announcement is one such moment, sending waves of emotion through fans, players, and even those who don’t follow tennis. But for me, a Nadal fan since the 2005 French Open semifinals, this isn’t just the end of an era — it’s deeply personal. I’ve been in awe of Nadal not just for his incredible 22 Grand Slam titles, but because he represents something larger than victory. In a world…

India secured a win against Pakistan in their second game of the T20 World Cup, but the victory was far from convincing. Adding to India’s concerns, captain Harmanpreet Kaur retired hurt during the run chase after suffering what appeared to be a neck injury. Harmanpreet, who surprised everyone by coming at No. 4 instead of her usual No. 3 position, struggled to find her form. Known for her aggressive style, the Indian women’s team skipper played a reserved innings, managing just one boundary in her 29 runs as she tried to guide the team to victory without taking unnecessary risks.…

India’s women’s cricket team played their first game of this T20 World Cup against New Zealand on Friday. The fielding was disastrous, with missed chances, dropped catches, and overall below-par performances. Ahead of India’s crucial game against Pakistan, I spoke to Biju George, the former fielding coach of the Indian women’s team during the 2017 World Cup, to get his insights into the persistent fielding issues. Here are excerpts from the interview. Q: Fielding has been a consistent issue for the Indian women’s team, particularly in high-pressure matches. Against teams like New Zealand, the gap is quite evident. In your…