Sports
'Drew inspiration from Sachin to pursue my dreams', says India’s para-cricket captain Keni
New Delhi, Feb 18 (IANS) The Indian physical disability cricket team secured a 3-2 T20 series victory over England at the Narendra Modi Stadium ‘B’ ground in Ahmedabad from January 28 to February 6, in what was also the visitors’ first visit in the country since 2019.
Para-cricketer Vikrant Keni, who plays as an all-rounder, captained the Indian team to the noteworthy series win over England. Co-incidentally, Keni had captained India to a 36-run win over England in the Physical Disability T20 World Series final in 2019.
In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Keni talks about the series win over England, learnings from it, his cricketing journey and more about promoting para-cricket in the country.
Q. How did you initially feel upon learning that India would be hosting its first-ever para cricket series against England?
A. Discovering that para cricket in our country is receiving increased support and recognition, brings a sense of accomplishment. The announcement of course created excitement for para-players all over the country as the tournament marked a significant milestone for differently-abled cricket in India.
Being a para-athlete, I have had the opportunity to represent India at the national level multiple times, so this tournament felt immensely significant. We extend our gratitude to DCCI, BCCI, and Svayam for creating a huge impact by organizing the first-ever international para cricket series to further enable para cricketers to compete at an international level.
This has been a big win for us, and we are committed to striving for more such triumphs in the future. Having received the title of Svayam Batsman of the series, I feel proud to have been a part of this significant moment.
Q. Can you talk about your life journey and what sparked your interest towards playing para- cricket?
A. I have always been a cricket enthusiast but due to polio, I was hesitant to pursue my interest initially. Since 1993, I have been playing cricket, however, I started playing para-cricket post-2013 and eventually started participating in regional and college-level matches.
Throughout my career, I have had the honour of receiving several titles for Man of the Series for significant matches such as during the India vs Pakistan match held in Delhi in 2015, and India vs Afghanistan T-20 series hosted in Kabul.
Additionally, I was awarded the Man of the Series title in the 2016 match against Bangladesh, and the Best Man of the tournament in this year’s Physical Disability Cricket Tournament against England.
I have always been fond of Sachin Tendulkar, and I drew inspiration from him to pursue my dreams. It was because of the unconditional support I received from my family and the people around me that helped me achieve new heights.
Q. You have been affected by polio, and could you explain how you manage to play para-cricket with this condition?
A. Polio did affect me in many ways, but I was determined to turn my disability into ability. For 5 years, my problems used to affect me mentally however, I tried to draw inspiration from other para-players who were strong enough to lead their lives with problems that of course seemed bigger than mine. Accepting my condition as a permanent aspect of my life, I redirected it towards becoming one of my greatest accomplishments.
Q. Apart from cricket, what work do you do and how supportive your employers have been of your playing career?
A. Today, corporates are playing a crucial role in supporting and empowering players to represent India on a global stage. Organizations are acting as catalysts for positive social change in society and are also in a unique position to influence mindsets through several initiatives.
For the past 9 years, I have been working with a home furnishing brand in Mumbai. During this time, I was fortunate to become a member of the para cricket team, supported extensively by my corporate employer.
Through their immense support, I started leading the team as a captain and played against corporate companies. It is because of their efforts and trust that I have been able to reach here, and I am sincerely grateful to them.
Q. For this series against England, how was the preparation and how you managed to bond with the team?
A. We were going to play against England after almost 4 years. So, our training was quite intense, and we started practicing for the matches during our regular practice sessions as well. However, we began training rigorously for this series from October onwards.
England as a team has immensely powerful and great players and considering that we prepared ourselves well through rigorous training sessions, this helped us gain victory in the series.
Q. What are your thoughts about playing and promoting para cricket in the country, considering it gives a new lease of life to people who have disabilities?
A. I believe that society has always thought that differently abled players are not capable enough and several mental barriers further discourage budding players from even participating in sports.
Differently abled cricketers are now gaining recognition in the country and there is an increase in participation at the ground level. Mainstreaming of para-sports has further added to this growth by promoting inclusivity and diversity, changing perceptions, driving policy and infrastructural changes for better accessibility, and providing financial assistance to the players.
Government intervention, sensitization programs to spread awareness around the sport, and championships in collaboration with corporates, NGOs, and local communities can give a boost to para cricketers nationwide.
Sometimes, accessibility is also a major challenge in terms of travel and infrastructure barriers at sporting events. Enhanced accessibility can help build an inclusive environment for para players and foster increased participation.
We as a team are glad that Svayam, the Associate Partner for the series are rooted in their intention to make India inclusive and safe for people with reduced mobility and has helped take differently abled cricket to new heights.
Q. A word from you on the role of DCCI & the support from BCCI in promoting para-cricket. Also, are you aware of plans for series like this in future to get more game time for you and your team against various countries?
A. I am extremely grateful to DCCI and BCCI to work collaboratively to promote para cricket across the country. This will further motivate para cricketers nationwide to pursue their interests in sports.
With the help of government interventions and support from such organizations, para-sport is becoming mainstream in India by bringing inclusivity. We are looking forward to representing our country on different platforms to reach new milestones when it comes to differently-abled cricket.
Our team is also aiming to participate in the Physical Disability World Cup 2024. Our goal is to secure a place in the World Cup, and we are fully committed to giving our best effort to achieve it.
Q. What have been the learnings for you and your team from this T20 series against England?
A. From the T20 series against England, one of the key learnings for our team has been the importance of proper planning. We realized the significance of emphasizing on the need for meticulous planning and goal-oriented focus in our own game, as it can lead us toward our goal in a much more structured way. Along with that, we realized the importance of setting clear targets and aiming towards them with precision and determination.
Q. Svayam was an associate partner for this series. How important was it for an organisation like them to come on board for the England series?
A. Svayam is playing a pivotal role in promoting accessibility and mobility for all and has been supporting DCCI for the last 3 years. Svayam believes in providing equal opportunities for all and has been playing a crucial role in bringing inclusivity in sports.
By sponsoring match fees and prestigious awards like “Man of the Match”, “Best Bowler”, and “Best Man of the Series”, Svayam is sending a powerful message that financial constraints should not be a barrier to achieving your goals.
This significant contribution is fostering a positive environment for aspiring para-players who want to pursue their dreams in sports. Moreover, Svayam’s initiatives at the grassroot level create opportunities for increased participation among players in rural India, serving as a motivational force for them to actively take part in sporting activities.
–IANS
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Bengaluru, Aug 22 (IANS) Shivamogga Lions’ woes continued as they suffered a 28-run defeat to the Mysore Warriors in the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday.
Mysore Warriors delivered a well-rounded performance, anchored by Karun Nair’s (45) swift knock, supported by a few other good contributions in the middle order, and highlighted by late-innings fireworks from J Suchith (22*) and Manoj Bhandage (23).
On the bowling front, Vidyadhar Patil (3/29) and Karthik CA (3/31) played crucial roles in restricting the Shivamogga Lions. Sharath HS’ (4/29) lethal spell with the ball and valiant efforts from Abhinav Manohar (46) and Nihal Ullal (46) with the bat couldn’t turn the tide in Shivamogga’s favour.
Chasing 180, Shivamogga Lions got off to a disastrous start, with Vidyadhar Patil’s lethal first over leading to the dismissals of Mohith Bangalore (2) and Dheeraj Mohan (0) in consecutive deliveries. Skipper Nihal Ullal (46) managed to crack a few early boundaries, but Hardik Raj (17) was also removed by Krishnappa Gowtham, leaving the Lions reeling at 41/3 by the end of the powerplay.
K Gowtham then engineered the run out of Rohan Naveen (11), further denting the chase. The in-form Abhinav Manohar (Impact Player) joined Ullal, and the duo breathed life into the innings, putting together a 70-run partnership in just 43 balls.
However, Ullal fell short of his first half-century of the season, leaving the Shivamogga Lions at 123/5 in 15.1 overs. Manohar also narrowly missed his milestone, holing out to K Gowtham off Karthik CA. Manohar’s 26-ball knock included four sixes and three fours, adding valuable runs to the total.
Karthik CA struck again two deliveries later, dismissing Shivraj S and leaving the Lions in deep trouble. With 47 runs needed from the final 18 balls, Ashok D tried to keep the chase alive by smashing a six and a four off Vidyadhar Patil, but perished in the same over, effectively ending Shivamogga’s prospects. Shivamogga Lions finished at 151/9 in 20 overs, enduring their sixth consecutive loss.
Batting first, Mysore Warriors faced an early challenge as Sharath HS unleashed a menacing spell. He struck in the powerplay, dismissing Karthik SU (8), and then returned in the seventh over to remove CA Karthik (30), who smashed three sixes in a 34-run stand with Karun Nair (45) and Harshil Dharmani (0).
Nair continued in fine touch and peppered the boundary with six fours and two sixes during his 23-ball stay before falling to Ashok D in the 11th over.
Kishan Bedare (17) steered the innings, forming a 28-run partnership with Nair and adding another 29 runs with Sumit Kumar (28) before being caught and bowled by Bharath Dhuri, leaving the Warriors at 116/5 in 16.1 overs. The depth of Mysore’s batting lineup came to the fore as Manoj Bhandage and J Suchith launched a late assault.
Vasuki Koushik, tasked with the 18th over, began with a six and a four from Sumit Kumar. Bhandage then took charge, hammering three consecutive sixes off Koushik in the same over before falling as Sharath’s fourth wicket in the 19th ending a blistering 23-run cameo off just seven balls. J Suchith, carried on the momentum, smashing two sixes and a four in an 8-ball flurry, pushing the Mysore Warriors to a competitive 179/7 in their 20 overs.
Brief scores: Mysore Warriors 179 for 7 in 20 overs (Karthik CA 30, Karun Nair 45, Sumit Kumar 28; Sharath HS 4-29) beat Shivamogga Lions 151/9 in 20 overs (Nihal Ullal 46, Abhinav Manohar 46 runs; Vidyadhar Patil 3-29, Karthik CA 3-31) by 28 runs.
–IANS
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Castle Rock (Colorado), Aug 22 (IANS) Indian Americans Sahith Theegala and Akshay Bhatia who failed to make it to the Top-10 last week at the St Jude Championships, the first of the three Play-offs events, will be looking for a better showing as they move towards the finale at the Tour Championships after that.
Last week Hideki Matsuyama, after leading by five at one time, had to birdie the last two holes to win the St Jude Championships. He became the first Asian to win a Play-off event and it was his 10th PGA Tour win, the highest from the continent.
Last week Bhatia was T-12, Rai was T-16 and Theegala was way behind in T-46, but all three have entered the second of the three Play-offs events.
World No, 2 Xander Schauffele, a two-time Major winner in 2024, was tied second last week with Viktor Hovland, while World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler was fourth last week, though World No. 3 Rory McIlroy had a poor week in T-68 place.
Among Asians Korea’s Si Woo Kim has all to play for at the BMW Championship, the second of three FedExCup Playoffs events, in Colorado this week, with two big goals providing the drive for him to step up his game.
The four-time PGA TOUR winner tees up at Castle Pines Golf Club with the intention of breaking into the top-30 of the FedExCup points list and qualify for the Playoffs Finale, the TOUR Championship next week. Kim is presently ranked 44th after last week’s FedEx St. Jude Championship.
A strong week is also required for Kim to keep alive his hopes of earning a spot in the International Team to face the U.S. Team in the Presidents Cup in Royal Montreal next month. Currently 14th on the team roster, the top-6 after this week’s BMW Championship will secure automatic spots, with captain Mike Weir naming six more picks after the TOUR Championship.
Compatriots Sungjae Im and Byeong Hun An, who are 10th and 15th respectively on the FedExCup rankings, are virtually assured of teeing up at the TOUR Championship, which will use a staggered-scoring format based on positions after this week.
Irrespective of how his week plays out, Kim is pleased to secure his top-50 status, which guarantees starts in all eight Signature tournaments next season.
–IANS
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New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) The packed schedule of men’s county cricket in 2025 will remain largely unchanged, despite concerns raised by the majority of players over the impact on their physical well-being.
According to a survey conducted by the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) earlier this season, more than 80 per cent of players expressed fears that the current schedule is too demanding and poses risks to their health.
However, despite these concerns, the 2025 schedule is set to continue as usual. Each county will still compete in a minimum of 14 County Championship matches, eight Metro Bank Cup fixtures, and 14 Vitality T20 Blast games. The changes for next season will be largely cosmetic, offering little relief for players concerned about the gruelling calendar.
The PCA has been advocating for adjustments that would spread out the T20 fixtures across the week, aiming to reduce tight turnarounds and introduce more consistent three-day breaks between Championship games.
“There’s definitely room for improvement in 2025 compared to 2024,” said Daryl Mitchell, the PCA’s interim chief executive, in an interview with ESPNcricinfo. “The schedule can definitely be managed better. Certainly, the Blast was very much looked at through a commercial lens, trying to squeeze as many games as possible into Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Utilizing the majority of the week is probably the way forward, trying to spread them out to give that time for recovery, travel, and preparation.”
The T20 Blast, in particular, has been the main point of debate when it comes to scheduling. The timing of the knockout stages has been a significant concern. In 2023, these stages were held immediately after the group matches in July, allowing counties to retain their overseas players. This year, however, the knockout stages will be pushed to September, giving clubs an extended six-week window to market and sell tickets for home quarter-finals.
While these adjustments offer slight improvements, the overall schedule remains packed, leaving many players apprehensive about how much more they can push themselves physically in the long term. Despite the calls for change, it appears that any significant reduction in the number of fixtures is unlikely in the future, with commercial considerations still driving much of the decision-making process around county cricket.
–IANS
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New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) After ending his T20I career with an elusive T20 World Cup title in Barbados, captain Rohit Sharma revealed that it was his dream to transform the team without thinking too much about the results.
Rohit-led Indian team ended the decade-long ICC title drought after beating South Africa in the final of the T20 World Cup 2024 to lift their second title in the format. In 2023, the Men in Blue failed to win the World Test Championship and 2023 ODI World Cup under Rohit’s leadership after losing to Australia in the finals.
The swashbuckling opening batter also credited the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah, former head coach Rahul Dravid and chief selector Ajit Agarkar for their support in transforming the team and creating a fearless culture in the squad.
“It was my dream to transform this team and not worry too much about stats and results and also to make sure that we create an environment where people can go out and play freely, without thinking too much. I got a lot of help from my three pillars Jay Shah, Rahul Dravid and chairman of selector Ajit Agarkar. That was critical for me to do what I did. Obviously, not to forget players who came in at different points in time and helped the team to achieve what we have achieved today,” Rohit said in a video posted by BCCI on X.
On Wednesday, Rohit was awarded ‘Men’s International Cricketer of the Year’ while Dravid was accorded the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at Ceat Cricket Rating Awards 2023-24 in Mumbai. India’s batting stalwart Virat Kohli was named the ‘Men’s ODI Batter of the Year’ while on the bowling front, Mohammed Shami was awarded the ‘ODI Bowler of the Year’.
The 37-year-old batter finished as the second-highest run-getter in the T20 World Cup with 257 runs including three half-centuries and at a strike rate of 156.70. He played a major role in providing solid starts for the team on the slow pitches of the USA and the West Indies.
After lifting the title, Rohit joined Kohli to announce his retirement from the T20I. With 4,231 runs, Rohit is the leading run-getter in the format behind his teammate Kohli (4188 runs). Both batters will continue to play the other formats of the game. The duo last featured for India in the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka earlier this month.
–IANS
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Gotemba (Japan), Aug 22 (IANS) A year after being the youngest ever to make the cut at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, Kartik Singh, now 14 years of age, is the highest ranked among the four Indians set to take part in the 15th AAC to be held in Japan.
As of date Kartik is the highest ranked Indian at 199 while the other three players to have received the invitation for this prestigious event are Krishnav Nikhil Chopra and Vedant Sirohi, both past participants in the event and Rakshit Dahiya will be in the four-player team.
Kartik Singh has also been named to the 2024 Junior Presidents Cup team. A regular winner in junior and amateur events, Kartik will spearhead the Indian challenge.
Apart from India’s Kartik Singh, there are seven others named to the 2024 Junior Presidents Cup International Team. They are Joshua Bai, Warut Boonrod, Xihuan Chang, Rayhan Latief, Khanh Hung Le, Thangwin Lee, Anh Minh Ngyuyen,
As many as 113 players have been confirmed for the Championship, which will be held October 3-6, 2024, at Taiheiyo Club Gotemba in Gotemba, Japan. A full list of confirmed players can be found. The field will be 120 with a few more names to be added by the Organisers.
India’s best ever placing has been second place by Rayhan Thomas, who was runner-up in Sentosa, Singapore in 2018. The Dubai-based Indian Rayhan has since turned professional, and last week won his first pro title on India’s Professional Tour of India Tour.
Krishnav, who plays college golf in the US, is the son of former India cricketer turned commentator, Nikhil Chopraa, who often takes the role of a caddie for his son.
Created in 2009, the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship was established by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), The R&A and the Masters Tournament to further develop amateur golf in the Asia-Pacific region.
The champion will receive an invitation to compete in the 2025 Masters Tournament and The 153rd Open, while the runner(s)-up will gain a place in Final Qualifying for The Open.
The confirmed list which has players from 38 APGC member organizations is highlighted by defending champion Jasper Stubbs of Australia and four players representing China inside the top 100 of the World Amateur Golf Ranking: Wenyi Ding (No. 4), Xihuan Chang (No. 36), Xiangyun Bai (No. 61) and Paul Chang (No. 97).
Ding finished runner-up to Stubbs in the 2023 Asia-Pacific Amateur while Xihuan Chang reached the semi-finals of the U.S. Junior Amateur in July.
Other top-100 participants include Vietnam’s Anh Minh Nguyen (No. 68) and Japan’s Rintaro Nakano (No. 78).
Notable past competitors include 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama, a two-time winner of the Asia-Pacific Amateur, and 2022 Open champion Cameron Smith. Over the Championship’s 14-year history, the Championship has served as a springboard to some of the world’s top players, including Matsuyama, Smith, Cameron Davis, Ryan Fox, Si Woo Kim, Satoshi Kodaira, Kyoung-Hoon Lee, Min Woo Lee, Keita Nakajima and C.T. Pan. Collectively, alumni of the Asia-Pacific Amateur have gone on to win 27 tournaments on the PGA Tour to date and more than 130 across the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.
As the host nation, Japan will lead the list of up to 43 APGC member nations represented with 10 players in this year’s field. A player from Japan has won four of the 14 editions of the Championship (Matsuyama/2010, 2011; Takumi Kanaya/2018; Nakajima/2021).
–IANS
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