After Dhairya Patil’s recent success in the Under-14 West Zone tournament, Santosh Matkar’s reputation as a coach has reached new heights, with more of his players gaining recognition under his expert guidance. The ICC Level 1-certified coach, alongside former Afghanistan batting coach Umesh Patwal, has played a pivotal role in the growth of Ithinksportz, helping young cricketers from diverse backgrounds excel at the junior level and prepare for the bigger stage.
With Santosh Matkar’s ICC Level 1 certification and Umesh Patwal experience as an ex-batting coach of Afghanistan, their combined expertise is instrumental in nurturing young talents. Their coaching methods not only focus on skill enhancement but also on instilling a deep understanding of the game, ensuring players are well-prepared for higher levels of competition.
One of the most notable achievements under their guidance is the consistent participation of Ithinksportz’ players in Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) tournaments. Whether it’s the prestigious Young Comrade Shield or various Under-14 and Under-16 competitions, these young cricketers are trained meticulously, fully equipped to take their game to the next level.
While Dhairya Patil’s accomplishments have been highlighted previously, several other cricketers are also making a strong impact at the Under-14 level. Tanishq Jatushkararan, who recently played a well-composed innings of 80 against Worli Sports Club, is steadily establishing himself as a dependable top-order batsman. His crucial partnership with Dhairya Patil played a key role in the team’s success.
On the bowling front, Vedant Kadu, a promising left-arm chinaman bowler, delivered an impressive spell against Worli Sports Club. He conceded just 34 runs in his 10 overs while picking up two crucial wickets, demonstrating control and skill beyond his years.
Beyond the boys’ category, Ithinksportz is also fostering talented young female cricketers. Sarah Khatri, just 13 years old, has already been selected for the Under-15 summer camp. Her rapid progress indicates she is on the path to making significant strides in the game. Such success stories are a testament to Ithinksportz’ ability to shape raw talent into skilled cricketers with a deep understanding of the sport.
A major driving force behind this success is Umesh Patwal, a highly qualified coach with BCCI Level 2 and Cricket Australia Level 3 certifications. Having played competitive cricket himself, his mentorship has been invaluable in refining the technical and mental aspects of the young players’ games. His vast experience has helped create an environment where budding cricketers can flourish.
CricketGraph extends its best wishes to Umesh Patwal, Santosh Matkar, and the entire team at Ithinksportz, hoping they continue their outstanding work in shaping the future of young cricketers and helping them make a mark at the junior level and beyond.
Mumbai, March 8, 2025 – In a historic turn of events, Central Bank of India powered their way into the
Times Shield final for the first time in 37 years, dismantling Group Satellite in a one-sided semi-final clash.
Asked to bat first, Group Satellite struggled from the outset as Omkar Patil and Smit Patil found immediate
success with tight lines and movement off the seam. The rest of the Central Bank attack followed suit, with
every bowler conceding fewer than 25 runs. Anand Jagtap (3 wickets), Samek Jagtap (3 wickets), and
Shivam Gupta (1 wicket) capitalized on the early breakthroughs, bundling Group Satellite out for a modest
99 in just 27.5 overs.
Chasing 100, Central Bank of India kept things steady, with Smit Patil once again leading from the front—this time
with the bat. He struck a fluent 63* off 52 deliveries, providing the backbone of the innings. Wicketkeeper
Sarvesh Bharadkar (31 off 41) gave solid support in the middle, ensuring there were no major stumbles
along the way.
Speaking about the team’s incredible achievement, Shri. Dayanand Chavan, Sports Secretary, Central
Bank of India, expressed immense pride. “This was an exceptional effort from the team—a truly proud
moment for me. Reaching the finals after 37 years is a testament to the dedication and resilience of our
players. I am immensely grateful for the way they have performed throughout the tournament. Cricket,
without a doubt, has served as a platform to elevate the goodwill of Central Bank of India.
”I am deeply grateful to the higher management of Central Bank of India for their unwavering support and invaluable assistance throughout this journey”
Meanwhile, captain Shashank Vashishtha, who is leading the side for the first time, reflected on the
momentous occasion, “This is a completely new experience for me. Leading this side for the first time and
guiding Central Bank of India to the Times Shield final after 37 long years is an absolute honor. Our journey
so far has been remarkable, but the job isn’t done yet. A greater share of credit goes to Dayanand Sir,
whose unwavering guidance has been a beacon of light for me throughout this journey. Our focus is now on
lifting the championship and etching our names into history within the institution.”
The victory propels Central Bank of India to the Times Shield final for the first time since 1988—a 37-year
wait that has finally ended. As the final beckons, the team will look to maintain the momentum and cap off
this fairytale run with the ultimate championship.
Mumbai- In a city where cricketing dreams often begin at a very young age, Sahil Chavan’s journey stands out as an inspiring example of perseverance and determination. The 22-year-old right-arm fast bowler from Kalyan began his cricketing career relatively late, at the age of 17. However, with hard work, the right guidance, and unwavering family support, he has steadily climbed the ranks in Mumbai’s competitive cricketing circuit.
A Determined Beginning
Sahil first took up cricket seriously when he joined a summer camp at SPG. Recognizing his passion for the game, he then trained at Dombivli’s DMC ground for two years, honing his skills. However, just as he was preparing to take his cricket to the next level, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, disrupting his plans. The unforeseen break meant that he missed out on crucial Under-19 opportunities, but Sahil was undeterred.
A Turning Point: Training Under Rahul Thakur
In 2022, post-COVID, Sahil made a decision that changed his cricketing journey—he began training under Rahul Thakur, an ex-Ranji Trophy player known for mentoring young cricketers. Under Thakur’s expert guidance, Sahil transformed his game.
“Rahul sir helped me improve from the scratch,” Sahil acknowledges. One of the key aspects of his development was refining his run-up, a crucial element for fast bowlers. Under Thakur’s mentorship, Sahil’s bowling saw significant improvement, leading to a breakthrough opportunity in 2023.
Breaking Into Competitive Cricket
Sahil’s hard work bore fruit when he got selected to play for Maskati Club’s C Division team. His impressive performances there opened the doors to higher levels of competition. Currently, he plays for Mumbai Port Trust’s B Division team, a testament to his steady progress in Mumbai’s cricketing structure.
Support System and Future Aspirations
Apart from his coach, Sahil credits his family for playing a huge role in his journey. Their constant encouragement allowed him to pursue his passion without hesitation. With each match, Sahil continues to improve, and his next goal is to break into Mumbai’s senior domestic cricket setup.
Rahul Thakur, who has seen his pupil’s growth firsthand, believes Sahil has the potential to make it big. “He has the right mindset, dedication, and work ethic. If he continues to work hard, there’s no limit to where he can reach,” says Thakur.
A Story of Hard Work and Dedication
Sahil Chavan’s story is a reminder that cricket is not just about early starts—it’s about determination, the right guidance, and relentless effort. With the unwavering support of his coach and family, this young fast bowler is on a promising path, aiming to make a mark in Mumbai’s cricketing landscape.
After the successful accreditation of ICC Level 1 and ICC Level 2 coach, Coach Kiran Desai takes one step further and gets the certification for ICC Level 3 in terms of High Performance training. Kiran, who decided to pursue coaching at a tender age of 19, piles on his tremendous coaching resume after the completion of ICC Level 3 accreditation.
Coaches who receive this level of certificate are applicable to work with the elite group of players and help them train at the highest level. Principles like mental skills, strength and conditioning, analyse players in terms of technical as well as tactical aspects all come under this level of certification.
Coach Kiran has also done a Video Analysis Course which allows him to analyse videos of players or matches through the help of a software. This helps the development of players as it analyses what mistakes the batter or the bowler is making and tackle such issues.
Apart from Video Analysis Course, Coach Kiran also a certificate from Str8bat as a SmartCoach. This is a technique analysis software that is used in a Video Analysis Course.
With a plethora of experience in the field of Coaching, Coach Kiran is certainly pushing himself to be one of the finest coaches India has ever produced. The ability to coach cricketers not just in the field of batting, but also in the bowling, fielding, wicket-keeping and all other aspects involved in the sport is what sets him apart from other coaches.
Just like there is an all-rounder while playing cricket, similarly Kiran Desai is an all-rounder in the Coaching department. With this amount of experience Coach Kiran has, it’s no surprise that he has won a Times Shield B-Division tournament for Route Mobile.
In addition to his personal academy, he maintains a close association with Vibgyor High School, where he plays a pivotal role in the development of aspiring cricketers. His coaching philosophy focuses on transforming players of average skill into well-trained and experienced athletes. Through his methods, these individuals are cultivated to achieve a level of competence that enables them to successfully represent their teams at higher levels of competition.
Navi Mumbai: DY Patil Red emerged victorious in the 19th DY Patil T20 League Final, defeating Income Tax by 8 wickets in a high-scoring encounter. The final, held at the DY Patil Stadium, saw an impressive chase led by captain Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Priyam Garg, who powered their team to a comfortable win.
Gaurav Jathar Shines for Income Tax
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Income Tax posted 175/5 in 20 overs, thanks to a stellar knock by Gaurav Jathar. The right-handed batter played a brilliant innings, scoring 74 runs off 47 balls, smashing 13 boundaries and a six. Despite his efforts, DY Patil Red’s disciplined bowling attack kept the scoring in check. Puneet Datey and Krunal Pandya were the pick of the bowlers, both grabbing two wickets each.
DY Patil Red’s Commanding Chase
Chasing 176, DY Patil Red dominated from the start, making light work of the target in just 16 overs. Captain Angkrish Raghuvanshi led from the front with a classy 63 off 43 balls, hitting 7 fours and a six. However, it was Priyam Garg, who provided the finishing touch with a blistering 68 off just 35 balls, smashing 7 fours and 4 sixes to seal the victory.
With this emphatic win, DY Patil Red lifted the 19th DY Patil T20 League capping off a fantastic campaign. Their commanding performance in the final showcased the strength of their squad and underlined their dominance in the tournament.
Mumbai, March 2024 – Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School has emerged victorious in the prestigious DSO U-14 Tournament, securing the City, District, and State titles under the expert guidance of Coach Kadir Patel and Coach Ghulam Parkar. The team showcased exceptional talent, resilience, and dominance throughout the tournament, with standout performances from rising star Aarav Yadav.
This remarkable achievement was made possible by the steadfast support of President Padmshree Dr. Zahir Kazi Sir, whose commitment has played a pivotal role in fostering a strong cricketing culture at the school. His vision and encouragement have been the driving force behind the team’s growth and success.
Additionally, the team’s accomplishments were fueled by the expert coaching of former Indian cricketer Ghulam Parkar and Kadir Patel, whose strategic insights have played a crucial role in shaping young talents.
City Finals: A Strong Start
In the DSO U-14 City Final, Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School faced Anjuman I Islam Urdu School in a high-intensity match. Anjuman Islam Urdu School batted first and posted 63 runs in 10 overs. Chasing the target with confidence, Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School secured a 6-wicket victory to qualify for the DSO District match.
District Match: A Quick Finish
Advancing to the DSO District stage, Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School went up against Mumbai Suburban in an intense 2-over match. Demonstrating aggressive batting, they chased down the total in just five balls, thanks to Aarav Yadav’s explosive 15 runs off 4 balls, securing their place in the DSO State Finals.
State Finals: Mumbai vs. Nagpur – A Commanding Victory
Representing Mumbai U-14 in the DSO State Final against Nagpur U-14, Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School put on a dominant performance. Batting first, they posted a formidable total of 143 runs in 15 overs.
Aarav Yadav was the star of the innings, smashing 75 runs off just 32 balls, including 6 fours and 6 sixes.
Laxman Prasad Vishwakarma provided strong support, scoring 40 runs in 20 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes.
Defending the total, Mumbai U-14’s bowling attack was relentless. Aarav Yadav once again made an impact, taking 2 crucial wickets in 3 overs, ensuring a comfortable victory. With this win, Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School was crowned the DSO U-14 State Champions.
Selected Players for Maharashtra U-14 National Team
1. Aarav Sanee Yadav
2. Vedant Mahesh Kadu
3. Mohammad Aafi Jalis Shaikh
4. Laxmanprasad Durgaprasad Vishwakarma
These rising stars played a crucial role in Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School triumphant DSO U-14 campaign, where they won the City, District, and State Championships. Their exceptional performances have now earned them the prestigious opportunity to compete at the national level, showcasing Maharashtra’s cricketing talent on a bigger stage.
A School Committed to Sporting Excellence
Under the leadership of Principal Rizwana Satare,Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School has consistently excelled in both academics and sports. The school prioritizes the growth of student-athletes by providing top-notch cricketing facilities, including bats, balls, pitches, and access to training grounds at Azad Maidan.
Pioneers of Cricket at Anjuman-I-Islam
The school’s cricketing success would not have been possible without the efforts of Abid Khan Sir and Vaheed Shaikh Sir, the driving forces behind its cricketing foundation. These two stalwarts initiated and built the cricketing culture atAnjuman I Islam Allana English High School , laying the groundwork for the school’s current dominance in Mumbai’s school cricket circuit. Today, they continue to play a crucial role as cricket coordinators, ensuring the program remains at the forefront of excellence.
Dombivli Gymkhana: In a high-scoring contest, BCC emerged victorious against Fastrack Sports Club, securing a commanding 111-run win. The match saw an impressive performance from BCC’s captain Smit Pomendkar, whose crucial knock of 51 runs off just 34 balls set the foundation for his team’s victory.
Smit Pomenkar Leads from the Front as BCC Posts 267
Opting to bat first, BCC put up a formidable total of 267 runs in 35 overs. Despite losing early wickets, Smit Pomendkar led from the front, stepping in at No. 5 to stabilize the innings. His 51-run knock, laced with four boundaries, provided much-needed momentum to the innings. BCC’s middle-order batters complemented his effort, ensuring a challenging target for Fastrack Sports Club.
Harsh Patankar’s Bowling Masterclass Dismantles Fastrack SC
Chasing 268 for victory, Fastrack Sports Club struggled against BCC’s disciplined bowling attack. They were eventually bundled out for 156 runs, falling short by a massive 111 runs. Harsh Patankar was the pick of the bowlers, scalping 4 wickets in just 4 overs, rattling the opposition with his precise line and length.
Man of the Match – Smit Pomendkar
For his exceptional captain’s knock, Smit Pomendkar was named the Man of the Match. His innings not only stabilized BCC’s batting but also ensured they posted a match-winning total.
With this victory, BCC continues to showcase its dominance, with Pomendkar leading by example. The team will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming fixtures.
Navi Mumbai – The 19th DY Patil T20 League witnessed an intense battle between CGST and BPCL, where BPCL emerged victorious by successfully chasing down a competitive target of 158. Despite the loss, CGST’s Ninad Kadam stole the show with a sensational knock of 72 runs off just 43 balls, displaying a masterclass in stroke play.
CGST Set a Competitive Total
After losing the toss and being put in to bat, CGST posted a respectable total of 157/7 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by the outstanding performance of Ninad Kadam , who played a fluent knock, smashing 11 boundaries on his way to a well-crafted 72. Supporting him was Vinay Kumar, who contributed with a steady 51 off 44 balls, including six fours and a six. Their partnership laid a strong foundation, but BPCL’s disciplined bowling ensured that CGST couldn’t accelerate much in the death overs.
BPCL’s Chase and Victory
In response, BPCL comfortably chased the target, reaching 158 and securing the win. Despite CGST’s efforts to put pressure on their opponents, BPCL’s batters managed to stay in control and successfully completed the chase.
Ninad Kadam Shines Despite CGST’s Loss
While CGST couldn’t cross the finish line, Ninad Kadam exceptional innings was the highlight of the match. His fluent stroke play and aggressive approach kept the scoreboard ticking and provided CGST with a fighting total. His performance once again proved his ability to deliver under pressure, making him the standout performer of the game.
As the tournament progresses, CGST will look to bounce back stronger, while BPCL will aim to carry forward their winning momentum. However, for cricket fans, Ninad Kadam innings will be remembered as a display of fine batting, even in a losing cause.
Delhi Capitals Alpha Cricket Academy, nestled in Patna, Bihar, stands as a beacon for aspiring athletes, offering unparalleled facilities and training programs designed to nurture and elevate sports talent in the region.
State-of-the-Art Cricket Facilities
The academy boasts a meticulously maintained 55-yard cricket ground with 3 centre turf wickets, complemented by five practice nets featuring diverse wicket types: three turf wickets, one astro-turf, and one cement wicket. This variety ensures that cricketers gain comprehensive experience across different playing surfaces, enhancing their adaptability and skills. To facilitate extended training sessions, especially during evening hours, the ground is equipped with floodlights, and modern bowling machines are available to simulate real-match scenarios.
Comprehensive Residential and Educational Support
Understanding the holistic needs of young athletes, Alpha Sports Academy offers hostel accommodations with 75 dormitory style rooms with AC, providing a comfortable and secure living environment. In collaboration with Prarambhika World School, a CBSE-affiliated school up to 10+2, the academy ensures that students can seamlessly continue their academic pursuits alongside rigorous sports training. This integrated approach ensures that budding athletes do not have to compromise on their education while chasing their sporting dreams.
Elite Coaching and Training Personnel
The academy’s coaching roster is adorned with experienced professionals dedicated to imparting top-tier training. The cricket program is led by Mr. Sunil Singh Ex Ranji Trophy Captain of Bihar and Mr. Pramod Kumar, a BCCI-accredited Level 2 as Head coach with immense experience. Their collective expertise ensures that each trainee receives personalized guidance, fostering both skill development and strategic understanding of the game.
Strategic Collaborations Enhancing Opportunities
Elevating its commitment to excellence, Alpha Sports Academy has forged a significant partnership with Delhi Capitals, marking Bihar’s first IPL grassroots development center. This collaboration opens avenues for local talent to be scouted and nurtured for professional leagues, bringing global exposure to the region’s cricketers. Additionally, the academy’s association with the Bihar Cricket Association further solidifies its stature as a premier training hub, ensuring adherence to high standards and offering players opportunities to participate in state-level competitions.
Holistic Development Amenities
Beyond cricket, the academy emphasizes the overall well-being and fitness of its athletes. A fully equipped gymnasium is available, allowing players to focus on strength and conditioning, essential components for athletic excellence. The academy also provides cricket kits, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder a player’s progress. For younger enthusiasts aged 5-10, the ‘Alpha Sports Lite’ program offers a fun and fitness-oriented introduction to multiple sports, fostering early development of stamina, endurance, flexibility, and teamwork.
Expanding Reach with Multiple Branches
To cater to a broader audience and make quality sports training accessible, Alpha Sports Academy has established branches in Neorganj and Veer Kuwar Singh Park, in the heart of the city. These centers aim to tap into local talent pools, providing them with the resources and guidance necessary to excel in sports.
Visionary Leadership Steering the Academy
The academy’s success and progressive approach are attributed to the visionary leadership of Mr. Sumit Prakash, the founder and director. His dedication to creating a robust sports ecosystem in Bihar stems from a desire to provide genuine opportunities to the region’s youth, raising awareness about organized sports and encouraging participation at the grassroots level for both girls and boys.
Testimonials Reflecting Excellence
The academy’s reputation is further bolstered by testimonials from trainees and their families, highlighting the quality of coaching, facilities, and the supportive environment that fosters both personal and athletic growth.
In essence, Alpha Sports Academy is not just a training ground but a nurturing environment where dreams are realized, and future sports stars are born, embodying the spirit of dedication, excellence, and holistic development.\
Kalyan- A thrilling individual match at Santosh Sports Cricket Academy saw Cricwiz Academy U-12 clinch a commanding win against SSCA U-12. Batting first, SSCA U-12 posted a strong total of 233/6 in 30 overs. However, Cricwiz Academy chased it down comfortably, scoring 238/4 in 30 overs, thanks to a brilliant century by their young captain, Yashmeer Gupte.
Just 10 years old, Yashmeer Gupte led from the front, scoring an unbeaten 108 runs off 93 balls, smashing 15 fours and a six. His stellar performance ensured Cricwiz Academy secured victory with ease. This knock adds to his growing reputation, as he has already registered four half-centuries in recent matches.
Yashmeer’s cricketing journey began at the tender age of 4, and he has been honing his skills at Cricwiz Academy for the past six years. He trains under the expert guidance of Coach Prashant Yelwe and Sagar Joshi, the founders of Cricwiz Academy. Their mentorship has played a crucial role in shaping young talents like Yashmeer, who is emerging as one of the most promising cricketers in his age group.
Cricwiz Academy structured coaching approach has consistently produced exceptional young cricketers, and Yashmeer’s knock is a testament to their commitment to grassroots cricket development. With his current form, he is undoubtedly a player to watch in the coming tournaments.
This remarkable innings not only secured a memorable win for Cricwiz Academy but also highlighted Yashmeer Gupte’s immense potential as a rising cricket star.