Kalyan : GM Cricket Academy showcased an impressive all-round performance as they triumphed over Sankalp Cricket Academy by six wickets in the U-11 Masters Cricket Tournament at Santosh Sports Cricket Academy, Kalyan.
Sankalp Cricket Academy’s Batting Struggles
After winning the toss, Sankalp Cricket Academy opted to bat first, posting 121/7 in 20 overs. Despite a fighting total, GM Cricket Academy’s disciplined bowling attack kept them under control.
GM Cricket Academy’s Bowling Highlights:
Yash Baraskar: 2 wickets for 12 runs
Prathamesh Mhatre: 4 overs, 1 wicket, 16 runs
Arnav Parab: 3 overs, 1 wicket
Their effective bowling effort restricted Sankalp from accelerating in the final overs, setting up a manageable target for their batters.
GM Cricket Academy Clinical Chase
In response, GM Cricket Academy’s young batters played with confidence and successfully chased down the target in 17.2 overs, securing a six-wicket victory. Their well-paced innings demonstrated maturity and control, ensuring a smooth finish.
Coach Gopal Shriyan’s Impact on GM Cricket Academy
The victory is a testament to the strong coaching structure at GM Cricket Academy, led by Founder and Head Coach Gopal Shriyan. Recognized for his outstanding coaching, Shriyan has earned the Best Coach Award in Dombivli, reflecting his dedication to nurturing young cricketing talents. Under his mentorship, GM Cricket Academy continues to develop promising cricketers who excel in competitive tournaments.
With this win, GM Cricket Academy further solidifies its reputation as a dominant force in youth cricket, with Coach Gopal Shriyan playing a pivotal role in their success.
Mumbai, February 11, 2025 – Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School (CST) put on a dominant display as they secured a comprehensive 9-wicket victory over Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar School (Vikhroli) in theMI Junior Inter School Cricket Tournament at Western Railway, Cross Maidan.
This outstanding achievement was made possible by the unwavering support of President Padmshree Dr. Zahir Kazi Sir, whose dedication has been instrumental in nurturing a strong cricketing culture at the school. His vision and encouragement have been the foundation of 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.
After winning the toss and electing to field, Anjuman I Islam Allana’s bowlers restricted Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar School to 170/6 in 40 overs. Advit Tiwari played a resilient knock, remaining unbeaten on 75 off 86 balls, hitting nine boundaries and one six. He was well supported by Sanmit Kothmire, who scored a patient 44 off 84 balls with five fours.
Chasing 171 for victory, Anjuman I Islam Allana’s openers took complete control of the game. Aarav Yadav was the star of the match, smashing a scintillating 102* off just 53 balls, laced with 13 fours and four sixes. His aggressive stroke play took the game away from the opposition in no time. Arhaan Patel provided solid support with a well-crafted 39 off 36 balls, including seven boundaries.
Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School reached the target in just 19.3 overs, losing only one wicket, sealing a dominant victory.
Match Summary:
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar School (Vikhroli) – 170/6 in 40 overs
Advit Tiwari – 75* (86), 4s: 9, 6s: 1
Sanmit Kothmire – 44 (84), 4s: 5
Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School (CST) – 173/1 in 19.3 overs
Aarav Yadav – 102* (53), 4s: 13, 6s: 4
Arhaan Patel – 39 (36), 4s: 7
Result:
Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School (CST) won by 9 wickets
Man of the Match:
Aarav Yadav – 102 (53 balls)*
With this dominant performance, Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School continues to make a strong statement in the tournament.
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 at Anjuman 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.
LIC, Cross Maidan – February 11, 2025 Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School delivered a dominant performance, defeating Modern School by 7 wickets in the MI Junior Inter School Cricket Tournament at LIC, Cross Maidan. The match was defined by exceptional bowling, with Adarsh Rajbhar leading the charge with a stellar four-wicket haul.
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.
Modern School Struggles to Post a Competitive Total
After winning the toss, Modern School elected to bat but struggled against a disciplined bowling attack. Their batting lineup collapsed, managing to score only 32 runs for 9 wickets in 16.4 overs.
The bowlers from Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School made run-scoring extremely difficult, keeping the pressure on from the very first over.
Bowling Performance (Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School):
Adarsh Rajbhar: 6 overs, 11 runs, 4 wickets
Abdurrahman Khan: 7 overs, 2 maidens, 13 runs, 3 wickets
Yuvan Sharma: 3.4 overs, 7 runs, 2 wickets
Adarsh Rajbhar was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4 wickets for just 11 runs, playing a key role in dismantling the opposition. Abdurrahman Khan also impressed with 3 wickets, while Yuvan Sharma chipped in with 2 wickets to ensure Modern School never found momentum.
Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School Cruises to Victory
Chasing a modest target of 33 runs, Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School lost a few early wickets as Vivaan Jobanputra bowled a fiery spell, picking up 3 wickets. However, with such a small target, Anjuman comfortably reached 33/3 in 8.4 overs, sealing the victory with ease.
Bowling Performance (Modern School):
Vivaan Jobanputra: 3 overs, 1 maiden, 15 runs, 3 wickets
Man of the Match – Adarsh Rajbhar
For his match-winning spell of 4 wickets for 11 runs, Adarsh Rajbhar was named the Man of the Match. His outstanding bowling effort set the tone for his team’s dominant victory.
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.
Mumbai, February 2025 – In a high-intensity Giles Shield final at MCA BKC, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Vidyalaya emerged as the champions, defeating Dnyandeep Seva Mandal School in a gripping contest that showcased exceptional individual performances.
First Innings: Dnyandeep Seva Mandal School Struggles Against Om Lokhande’s Brilliance
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Dnyandeep Seva Mandal School was bundled out for a mere 66 runs. The star of the innings was Om Lokhande, who produced a stunning spell of bowling, scalping 7 wickets, while Advit Tiwari complemented him with 3 wickets. Their lethal bowling attack dismantled the opposition, giving Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Vidyalaya a solid advantage early on.
Om Lokhande’s Heroics With the Bat
In reply, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Vidyalaya found themselves in a precarious position at 100/8. However, Om Lokhande, who came in at No. 8, played a sensational knock, scoring 81 runs, guiding his team to a respectable total of 203 runs. His all-round brilliance turned the tide of the match.
Second inning: Dnyandeep Seva Mandal School Puts Up a Fight
In their second innings, Dnyandeep Seva Mandal School showed resilience, scoring 190 runs. This time, it was Aayush Chavan and Advit Tiwari who dominated with the ball, both claiming 3 wickets each. Their consistent bowling efforts ensured that Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Vidyalaya secured a first-innings lead of 56 runs.
Final Chase: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Vidyalaya Seals Victory
Needing just 57 runs to win, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Vidyalaya chased down the target comfortably, securing victory with six wickets in hand, and lifting the Giles Shield title in style.
Top Performers of the Tournament
Sanmit Kothmire – Crucial Contributions with the Bat
Sanmit Kothmire had an impressive tournament, amassing a total of 548 runs. He played a pivotal knock of 69 runs against General Education High School while chasing a massive target of 307 runs, guiding his team through a challenging situation. Additionally, he delivered an important 47-run innings against Swami Vivekananda High School when the team was struggling with wickets falling around him.
Advit Tiwari was a standout performer, bagging the Best Batsman of the Tournament award with an outstanding tally of 708 runs and also proving his all-round ability with 32 wickets
Aayush Chavan finished as one of the tournament’s top bowlers with 33 wickets, playing a crucial role in his team’s title-winning campaign.
Arnav Shelar – Best Fielder of the Final
Arnav Shelar was exceptional on the field, making a significant impact in the final with 3 catches, 2 stumpings, and 1 run-out. His sharp reflexes and awareness played a crucial role in his team’s triumph.
Guidance Under Coach Jayesh Utekar
The success of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Vidyalaya was driven by the expertise of coach Jayesh Utekar, who is also the founder and head coach of Saeesh Cricket Academy. His mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s performance throughout the tournament.
Conclusion
With their dominant bowling attack and match-winning performances from Om Lokhande, Advit Tiwari, and Aayush Chavan, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Vidyalaya rightfully claimed the Giles Shield championship. The tournament saw exceptional individual performances, proving that Mumbai’s school cricket circuit continues to produce remarkable young talent.
Pune, February 11, 2025 – The Maharashtra Senior Men’s Invitation League witnessed an enthralling contest at MCA Pune Ground as the match between Vijay Senior Men and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Senior Men ended in a draw. The highlight of the match was a spectacular double-century by Aadarsh Jain, who showcased his batting brilliance with a remarkable 219-run knock.
Batting first, Vijay Senior Men posted a total of 344/10 in 72.2 overs. In response, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Senior Men put up a dominant performance, scoring 447/7 in 90 overs, courtesy of Aadarsh Jain’s masterclass innings. The young batting sensation faced 251 balls, smashing 34 boundaries and 3 sixes, displaying a fine blend of technique and aggression. His monumental effort not only put his team in a commanding position but also solidified his reputation as a rising star in Maharashtra cricket.
With limited time left in the match, Vijay Senior Men resumed their second innings and managed 140/4 in 11.2 overs, before the game concluded in a draw.
Gurukul Cricket Academy’s Rising Star
Aadarsh Jain’s phenomenal performance is a testament to his training under the expert guidance of Shreyas Magar, the founder and head coach of Gurukul Cricket Academy. Located within Gurukul Olympiad School in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, the academy has been nurturing young cricketing talents, and Aadarsh’s innings is a reflection of the high-quality coaching and mentorship provided by Magar.
Coach Shreyas Magar’s Vision for Young Cricketers
Shreyas Magar, a reputed coach in Maharashtra’s cricketing circuit, has been instrumental in shaping young talents at Gurukul Cricket Academy. Under his mentorship, players are trained to excel in all formats of the game. Aadarsh’s performance on such a big stage is a result of years of hard work and discipline, reinforcing the academy’s growing reputation as a breeding ground for future cricketing stars.
With performances like these, both Aadarsh Jain and Gurukul Cricket Academy have firmly placed themselves on the cricketing map. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on this young talent and the academy that continues to produce quality cricketers under the leadership of Shreyas Magar.
The Star Warrior Cricket Championship 2025 witnessed outstanding performances from DM Cricket Academy’s rising talents, Kshitij Pal and Atif Zakaria, who played a crucial role in Speedster XI’s successful campaign. Under the expert guidance of Coach Durgesh Mahant, these young cricketers showcased their immense potential on the grand stage.
Kshitij Pal – A Dominant Left-Handed Batsman
Kshitij Pal, an explosive left-handed batsman, finished as the third-best batsman of the tournament, delivering match-winning knocks that left spectators in awe. His fearless stroke play and ability to score at a rapid pace were key highlights of Speedster XI’s journey.
78 runs off just 31 balls (7 fours, 6 sixes) against Star Warriors Cricket Club
80 runs off 33 balls (8 fours, 6 sixes) against Young Star CC
With his aggressive approach and impeccable timing, Kshitij proved to be a game-changer for his team, dismantling bowling attacks with ease.
Atif Zakaria – The Tournament’s Best Bowler
Atif Zakaria, a promising left-arm medium-fast bowler, earned the prestigious Best Bowler of the Tournament award. His disciplined line and length, combined with his ability to strike at crucial moments, made him a nightmare for opposition batters.
1 over, 2 wickets, 6 runs vs. Star Warrior Cricket Club
3 overs, 2 wickets, 10 runs vs. Young Star CC
2 overs, 1 wicket, 23 runs vs. Vision Sports Academy
4 overs, 3 wickets, 24 runs vs. Vision Sports Academy (Finals)
Atif’s lethal spells played a pivotal role in Speedster XI’s success, especially in the finals, where his three-wicket haul ensured his team’s dominance.
DM Cricket Academy – A Hub of Future Stars
Both Kshitij and Atif hail from DM Cricket Academy , Miraroad, where they train under the expert mentorship of Coach Durgesh Mahant. The academy has been instrumental in shaping young talent, focusing on technical skills, match temperament, and overall cricketing excellence.
Coach Durgesh Mahant’s dedication and structured training regimen have played a crucial role in developing these young cricketers into match-winners. His commitment to nurturing talent is evident in the performances of Kshitij and Atif, who have now established themselves as players to watch out for in the future.
With such remarkable performances, DM Cricket DM Cricket Academy continues to be a breeding ground for top-tier cricketers, and under the leadership of Coach Mahant, many more stars are set to emerge.
At just 23, Aquib Nabi has emerged as a key pace-bowling prospect for Jammu & Kashmir. The right-arm seamer from Baramulla has impressed with his natural outswing and aggressive approach, making significant contributions to his team’s success. His standout moment came in the Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Karnataka, where he dismissed Karun Nair with just his second delivery of the day, setting the tone for a crucial match.
Early Struggles and the Bengaluru Breakthrough
Growing up in Baramulla, where cricketing infrastructure was limited, Nabi initially gravitated toward football. However, the thrill of fast bowling soon drew him in. His breakthrough came when he moved to Bengaluru and joined Chintamani Club in the KSCA League’s second division. His debut performance was nothing short of remarkable—scoring a century from No. 9 while also claiming a five-wicket haul. This experience exposed him to structured coaching, top-class facilities, and high-level competition, significantly shaping his cricketing journey.
Transition to Fast Bowling and Cricketing Development
Interestingly, Nabi started as a leg-spinner before switching to pace. He realized that leg-spin with a tennis ball lacked impact, and a freak injury—where he was struck on the nose—cemented his decision to focus on fast bowling. His ability to bowl full and generate movement quickly set him apart, allowing him to develop both pace and control.
His career stats reflect his growing impact:
First-Class (2020–): 28 matches, 84 wickets, Economy 3.04, Average 22.5
List A (2018–): 29 matches, 42 wickets, Economy 5.07, Average 28.9
T20 (2019–): 27 matches, 28 wickets, Economy 7.83, Average 26.4
With the bat, he has shown glimpses of being a handy lower-order contributor:
First-Class: 638 runs at an average of 17.7, Strike Rate 49.6
List A: 351 runs at an average of 20.6, Strike Rate 97.5
T20: 99 runs at an average of 9.9, Strike Rate 103.1
Family Support and the Rise of J&K Cricket
Coming from a non-cricketing background, Nabi initially faced pressure to focus on academics. His father, a government school teacher, was skeptical at first but later became one of his biggest supporters after witnessing his dedication. Now, his family closely follows his progress, celebrating his achievements at the domestic level.
Nabi credits J&K’s cricketing transformation to coach Milap Mewada and mentor Irfan Pathan. Their focus on skill-based training and mental resilience has helped unify the team, breaking barriers between players from Jammu and Kashmir.
Mumbai has always been a hotbed for cricketing talent, with several academies nurturing young players. However, RK Sports Academy in Kandivali, under the leadership of coach Ravi Tiwari, has carved out a unique identity by focusing not just on skill development but also on behavioral and strength development, making it one of the best academies in the Malad-Kandivali region.
A Holistic Approach to Cricket Coaching
RK Sports Academy stands out for its comprehensive coaching methodology, which is designed to cater especially to beginners. coach Ravi Tiwari, and his team of experienced assistant coaches ensure that students receive well-rounded training that goes beyond just batting and bowling. Their focus on skill refinement, mental discipline, and physical fitness helps young cricketers develop into well-prepared athletes ready to compete at higher levels.
Unlike traditional cricket coaching setups, the academy believes in progressive learning, where students gradually build their game while simultaneously working on their discipline, teamwork, and fitness. This combination of technical expertise and personality development sets RK Sports Academy apart from others in the region.
Encouraging Players Through Competitive Matches
One of the key initiatives at RK Sports Academy is its frequent in-house tournaments and inter-academy matches. These matches are aimed at instilling a competitive spirit in the students and providing them with real match experience. Young cricketers not only sharpen their skills but also gain the confidence needed to perform in school and club-level tournaments. Many students from the academy have already made a mark in such competitions, proving the effectiveness of this approach.
A Unique Concept: Parents’ Cricket League
RK Sports Academy has also introduced a one-of-a-kind initiative—a Cricket League for parents of students. This fun and engaging concept allows parents to experience the thrill of playing the game while fostering a stronger bond between the academy, students, and their families. This initiative has been well received and has created an interactive community of cricket enthusiasts within the academy.
Why RK Sports Academy Stands Out
In a cricket-loving city like Mumbai, several academies focus purely on cricketing techniques, but RK Sports Academy takes a more holistic approach. It is the only academy in the Malad-Kandivali region that incorporates a mix of skill development, strength training, behavioral development, competitive matches, and family engagement.
Coach Ravi Tiwari’s vision is to not just create skilled cricketers but also individuals who understand the ethos of the game and discipline required for long-term success. With a dedicated coaching team, a structured training system, and innovative ideas like the Parents’ League, RK Sports Academy is proving to be a game-changer in grassroots cricket coaching.
Aspiring young cricketers looking for the right balance of structured training and competitive exposure need not look further—RK Sports Academy is the place to be!
The third season of ACC is about to begin, and it’s even bigger than ever! After the successful completion of the previous two editions, the Advocate Cricket Championship is about to commence starting from 19th of February.
The eight teams participating in the tournament are namely:
AAWI Warriors
CMM Challengers
Mavericks
Bar Hitters
BABA Challengers
Legal Eagles
Borivali
AAWI Elites
Cricket Graph got in touch with Advocate Kaustubh Gupte to get more details on the much anticipated Advocates Cricket Championship 2025. Here’s what he has to say, “The previous two editions were focused mainly on Men’s cricket but this year we are expanding towards Women’s Advocate Cricket too in order to reach more masses. This will be a two-day tournament with four overs to be bowled at the powerplay and the option of the other two overs which the teams can use between the overs 10-16 to enhance the experience of the game. Another thing that is special about this year’s event is that the two senior players will be felicitated for their achievement in Advocates Cricket Championship.”
Matches will be played at Oval Maidan, Churchgate on the 19th and 22nd of February. This year, Fast and Up Nutrition, Royal Trading Company, Ankita Enterprises and Saanvi Star Hospitality will be the sponsors hosting the event with Advocate Sanjeev Kadam as the Title Sponsor, Jagdale Foundation as Jersey Sponsor and Advocate Ravi Hirani as Trophy Sponsor.
The advocates that were part of the second edition will feature once again for the third season. Adv. Kaustubh Gupte, Adv Suraj Gupte, Adv. Chinmay Gaonkar, are all set to feature once again for the two-day tournament.
Rohan Nagvekar is a dedicated cricket coach with years of experience in grooming young talent. His journey, from a passionate player to a respected coach, reflects his commitment to developing the next generation of cricketers.
Cricketing Career
Rohan began his cricketing journey at I.E.S. High School (1997-2002), where he played in MCA Summer Camp U14, Kalpesh Koli U16, and Star Sport Trophy U19. He later represented Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar College (2003-2006) and Ratnagiri Maharashtra District (2008-09). His club career spanned 2008-2013 with New Hind Sporting Club, competing in the Kanga League (A Division) for six years.
Coaching Journey
Transitioning into coaching in 2009, Rohan started at New Hind Sporting Club (Matunga) before taking over as Head Coach at Don Bosco High School (2011-2022). He currently coaches at DPY High School (since 2023) and MCA Summer Camp (Goregaon Prabodhan Centre U14, 2023-2024).
RN Cricket Academy – His Own Legacy
In addition to coaching at top schools, Rohan founded RN Cricket Academy in Matunga, where he continues to mentor and train young cricketers. Under his leadership, the academy has won several private tournaments, solidifying its reputation as a top training center.
Coaching Achievements
- New Hind Sporting Club (U12) – Multiple club tournament victories.
- Don Bosco High School
- DSO Championship Winner (U14) – 2014
- DSO Runner-up (U14 & U16) – 2017, 2018
- Harish Shield Runner-up (U16) – 2019 (after 25 years)
- Multiple private school tournament victories.
- RN Cricket Academy – Won several private tournaments.
Personal Achievements
- DSO Championship Winner (2001) – I.E.S. School
- Harish Shield Semi-finalist (1999) – I.E.S. School
- DSO Championship Runner-up (2004) – Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar College
A Mentor Committed to Excellence
Rohan Nagvekar’s coaching philosophy focuses on technical skills, discipline, and mental toughness. His dedication to RN Cricket Academy, school teams, and MCA camps has shaped many young players into competitive cricketers. With his experience and passion, Rohan continues to be a key figure in Mumbai’s cricket coaching fraternity, helping aspiring cricketers achieve their dreams.