Author: Trisha Ghosal

In a match that will be remembered for its intensity and drama, Iga Swiatek, the World No. 1, faced off against four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in the second round of the French Open. After maternity leave, Osaka was making her highly anticipated comeback, and she did not disappoint, pushing Swiatek to the brink in a thrilling contest. The Pole finally prevailed 7-6, 1-6, 7-5. Osaka, who had joked in a pre-match press conference about the potential for a great rivalry with Swiatek, made good on her promise, delivering a performance that left fans in awe. The match began…

Iga Swiatek, the defending French Open champion, began her campaign at Roland Garros with a resounding victory in her first-round match. Following her win, Swiatek was asked if she could be considered the “Queen of Clay,” a title akin to Rafael Nadal’s moniker, the “King of Clay.” Swiatek, known for her humility and respect for the game, responded thoughtfully, saying, “It’s too early to call me the Queen of Clay. Yes, this is a surface I love to play on, and I feel great when I play on clay. I enjoy it the most, but to reach his level, I…

We’ve often heard sportspersons talk about how media criticism and negative fan reactions affect their mental health, especially when their performance dips. They describe how such negativity can make their lives insufferable. But where is this narrative against a particular sportsperson set? Has anyone ever considered this perspective? Before blaming the media and so-called “toxic” fans, perhaps it’s time for athletes to introspect and examine their own community. Ever since RCB defeated CSK in the IPL 2024 and qualified for the Playoffs, Ambati Rayudu has been relentlessly criticising RCB on the host broadcaster’s shows, attacking their passion, aggression, and celebrations.…

In the wake of India’s T20 World Cup squad announcement, the spotlight has shone brightly on the exclusion of Rinku Singh and the inclusion of Shivam Dube. While Dube’s IPL performances initially justified his selection due to his dual role as a power-hitter and a bowler, recent matches have brought his bowling prowess into question. Despite being part of the playing XI in the last four matches, Dube has only bowled one over, raising doubts about his all-round utility. This begs the question: if Dube’s bowling isn’t trusted in the IPL, how can he be relied upon in the international…

Manchester United’s hopes of securing a spot in next season’s Champions League were dashed following a disappointing 1-1 draw with Burnley, leaving them with the daunting task of fighting for Europa League qualification. As they brace themselves for a crucial clash against Crystal Palace, injury concerns loom large over the Red Devils. Star midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who has been a pillar of consistency for United, is now a doubt for the upcoming match after encountering an issue during the Burnley fixture. Manager Erik Ten Hag remains hopeful for Fernandes’s swift recovery, emphasising his determination to reclaim his spot on the…

As a sports journalist and ardent Rafael Nadal fan, witnessing the conclusion of his journey at the Madrid Open evoked a flood of emotions. The two-set loss that marked the end of his campaign felt like the turning of a poignant page in the annals of tennis history. Yet, amidst the bittersweet farewells, Nadal’s unwavering assurance of “not finished yet” reverberated, encapsulating the essence of his indomitable spirit that has defined a legendary career spanning over two decades. For me, and countless other fans, Nadal’s story transcends the boundaries of tennis; it’s a testament to the power of resilience, determination,…

As European football’s summer transfer window looms closer, the future of Mohamed Salah at Liverpool has become a topic of intense speculation. With just one year left on his contract, rumours have been swirling about the possibility of the Egyptian star departing Anfield, with potential suitors from Saudi Arabia reportedly interested in securing his services. However, amid the speculation, Salah himself has remained tight-lipped about his intentions. Despite a recent on-field disagreement with Jurgen Klopp – the manager who will bid adieu and be replaced by Arne Slot at the end of the season – during a Premier League clash…

As the IPL 2024 season reaches its halfway mark, the transformation of teams like KKR and SRH, compared to the stagnancy of others like RCB, has become increasingly evident. KKR, in particular, has surged to the forefront with an impressive record, currently occupying the second spot in the points table with four wins from five matches and a remarkable Net Run Rate of +1.688. Let’s delve into what transpired between the last season and this one that has propelled KKR to the status of a formidable contender in this year’s IPL. In recent seasons, the West Indian duo of Sunil…

As the IPL 2024 season gathers steam, the anticipation among Indian cricket aficionados is palpably shifting towards the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA. Central to their debates and speculation is the role of Virat Kohli, whose place in the squad has become a hot topic. Critics argue that Kohli’s style may not align with the aggressive batting ethos dubbed the “modern T20” approach. This article delves into a nuanced analysis of Kohli’s performance for RCB this year, using it as a lens to evaluate his suitability for the Indian T20 squad. Through a detailed examination,…

In a thrilling match between Mumbai and RCB, Ellyse Perry’s exceptional performance propelled the latter to a comprehensive victory and secured their spot in the next stage of the tournament. Despite an initial challenge from Mumbai, Perry’s brilliance with both bat and ball ensured RCB emerged triumphant. Perry’s Stellar Performance: Throughout the match, Perry showcased her all-round prowess, dominating both with the ball and the bat. Mumbai briefly held the upper hand during the initial overs, scoring 43 runs for the loss of just one wicket. However, Perry’s fiery bowling spell turned the tables, as her precise nip-backers…