In a remarkable season of the Kanga League, Shivaji Park Youngsters Sports Club have triumphed as the champions of the B Division, earning promotion to the A Division. Under the leadership of Salil Agarkar and Nikhil Patil, the team achieved an extraordinary feat, having been promoted to B Division just a year prior. Not only did they clinch the B Division title, but they also secured their place in the A Division—a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Throughout the entire season, the Youngsters remained undefeated, and in the final match of the Kanga League, they secured a crucial first innings lead to earn three vital points, thereby becoming the B Division champions.
A standout performer for the Youngsters was left-arm spinner Kunal Thorat, who emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the division. Time and again, he provided vital breakthroughs for the team, leading the bowling attack with confidence and skill. It is safe to say that Kunal Thorat’s stellar performance was instrumental in driving the Youngsters to this championship victory.
Reflecting on the final match of the league, Regal Cricket Club won the toss and chose to invite the Youngsters to bat first. The Youngsters posted a total of 140 runs before being bowled out. Akshay Ambike of Regal made a significant impact, claiming five wickets. In response, Regal’s batting lineup crumbled, managing to score only 61 runs before being bowled out. Kunal Thorat shone once again, taking an impressive seven wickets for just 18 runs in his seven overs. Following this performance, the Youngsters secured the first innings lead, leading to a match that concluded in a draw.
Shivaji Park Youngsters finished the season with 12 points from five matches, having drawn all their games—four of which were on first innings leads—demonstrating their resilience and competitive spirit. Having been promoted just a year ago, the team has rebuilt itself remarkably and has competed at a high level with great success. The dedication shown by the players throughout the season is nothing short of brilliant. Their commitment, from rigorous off-season practice to their performances in matches, has been a spectacle to behold. Another key contributor to this success has been Salil Agarkar, who excelled in the initial matches and played a pivotal role in the team’s achievements. One should also thank the people who made it possible, the support staff as well as team manager Wahid Shaikh who supported the team throughout the tournament.
The extraordinary journey of Shivaji Park Youngsters is one that everyone can take pride in and be inspired by. We look forward to seeing them bring the same intensity and determination to the A Division next year.
Kunal Thorat has been instrumental in leading the Shivaji Park Youngsters toward a coveted promotion from the B Division to the A Division. In a crucial encounter against New Hindu Sports Club, Kunal’s exceptional bowling performance helped the Youngsters secure a vital first-innings lead, earning them three valuable points. Following this match, Shivaji Park Youngsters now have nine points from four matches, placing them second in the B Division league table.
During the match, New Hindu won the toss and elected to bat first. However, their innings quickly stumbled thanks to the early breakthroughs by Vasudev Gharat, who claimed two wickets. Kunal Thorat, along with Sanket Yashwante, unleashed a bowling display that kept New Hindu’s batsmen under relentless pressure, resulting in their collapse to just 104 runs. Kunal shone brightly with an impressive four wickets, while Sanket backed him up with three crucial scalps.
Batting second, it was imperative for the Youngsters to establish a first-innings lead to strengthen their promotion aspirations. The team rose to the occasion, with nearly every player contributing to their score of 106 for 5 in just 27 overs. After this solid performance, they declared, eager to bowl out New Hindu once more. Thanks to their commanding first-innings lead, the Youngsters secured three crucial points by the end of the match.
This season has been nothing short of memorable for the Shivaji Park Youngsters, as they find themselves just one match away from promotion to the A Division. This success is a direct result of the remarkable teamwork displayed by the entire squad. Yet, one player stands out above the rest: Kunal Thorat. As a left-arm spin bowler, Kunal has been a revelation for the Youngsters this season. He currently holds the title of the highest wicket-taker in the Kanga League for the 2024-25 season within the B Division, having claimed an astounding 20 wickets in just four matches.
Kunal’s performances have not only been consistent but truly remarkable, transforming the season into one worth remembering for the Youngsters. His ability to turn matches around with his bowling has made him the go-to bowler for the team. Each time he takes the field, he demonstrates an impressive mix of skill, strategy, and determination, always rising to the occasion whenever his captain calls upon him.
As they approach their final match, the expectations for Shivaji Park Youngsters are sky-high. With Kunal Thorat leading the charge, the team is poised to seize the opportunity and secure the promotion they so richly deserve. Kunal’s extraordinary contributions will be remembered as a pivotal part of this remarkable season, and all eyes are on the Youngsters as they aim for A Division glory.
In an enthralling encounter, Matunga Gymkhana squared off against Worli Sports Club in a Kanga League D Division match that showcased remarkable talent and determination. The contest, held on a vibrant Mumbai afternoon, ultimately ended in a draw, but Matunga Gymkhana secured vital points by taking the first innings lead.
Worli Sports Club won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that would soon be scrutinized. Matunga Gymkhana took full advantage of the conditions, crafting a stunning innings that would be remembered for its explosive flair. They posted an impressive total of 213 runs for just 2 wickets before declaring, with an additional 44 penalty runs pushing their total to a noteworthy 255 runs in just 31 overs.
The standout performer was undoubtedly Bipin Waghela, the left-handed batsman whose record-breaking display left spectators in awe. Waghela set a new benchmark in Kanga League history by scoring the fastest fifty, reaching this milestone in a mere 20 balls. His final tally of 79 not out came from just 42 balls and included an astonishing nine sixes. Each of his powerful strikes resonated around the ground, creating an electrifying atmosphere as he dominated the Worli bowlers.
Ihsaan Amin also made significant contributions with a well-crafted innings of 86 not out off 87 balls. His composed batting style, combined with Waghela’s fireworks, created a formidable partnership that dismantled the opposition’s bowling attack and set an imposing target.
When it was time for Worli Sports Club to chase, they found themselves under pressure, struggling at 140 runs. Matunga Gymkhana’s bowlers, led by the exceptional Yogesh Dicholkar, turned the screws on the batting side. Dicholkar’s impressive spell of 5 wickets for just 33 runs in 11 overs proved crucial. His skillful bowling not only claimed key wickets but also stifled any momentum that Worli hoped to build.
In summary, while the match concluded in a draw, Matunga Gymkhana’s performance was characterized by outstanding individual contributions and a display of collective strength. Bipin Waghela’s record-breaking innings, Ihsaan Amin’s solid batting, and Yogesh Dicholkar’s exemplary bowling were the defining moments of the match. With their first innings lead, Matunga Gymkhana secured three vital points in the league, enhancing their prospects for the season ahead. As fans eagerly anticipate future matches, Matunga Gymkhana’s prowess on the field ensures that they will remain a team to watch in the Kanga League.
Anand Rajan has been appointed as the head coach of Pondicherry’s Ranji team for the 2024-25 season, marking an exciting new chapter in his coaching career. A stalwart of Indian domestic cricket, Rajan spent ten years representing Madhya Pradesh, showcasing his skills as a fast bowler. His impressive performances in the Ranji Trophy and the Indian Premier League (IPL) earned him recognition, playing for teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad and Deccan Chargers. After transitioning from player to coach, he has made a significant impact in nurturing young talent across various levels.
Rajan’s coaching journey has been marked by notable achievements and valuable mentorship roles. He recently served as the coach for the India Under-19 team during the 2024 World Cup, where he mentored Saumy Pandey, who emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament. His experience as an assistant coach for the Uttarakhand Ranji team in the 2023-24 season further solidified his reputation, guiding Gaurav Yadav to become the highest wicket-taker with 41 wickets under his guidance.
In the previous season, as the bowling coach for Uttarakhand, Rajan played a key role in leading the team to the quarter-finals of the Ranji Trophy. His coaching experience also extends to the Punjab Cricket Association, where he coached the India Under-16 team. Notably, he personally coached Adhiraj Mangat, who became the highest wicket-taker for Punjab in the Vijay Merchant Trophy.
Rajan’s credentials as a coach are impressive. He is a certified coach from the MRF Pace Foundation, having trained under cricket legends Glenn McGrath and Dennis Lillee. He also holds a BCCI Level 2 qualification, which he achieved in December 2022. His commitment to the development of budding players is evident through his spearheading of mentorship programs aimed at providing guidance and support.
Beyond his coaching roles, Rajan has worked with a number of prominent cricketers, devising tailored strategies that address the unique needs of each player. His mentorship has included guidance for talents like Venkatesh Iyer, Avesh Khan, Rajat Patidar, and Kuldeep Sen, among others.
Rajan’s impact is not only evident in the numbers but also in the respect he commands from his peers and players. His coaching style is built on encouragement and support, fostering a positive environment that resonates well with young athletes. Many players from various states seek him out for skill development, further underlining his reputation as a mentor.
One of his notable successes was as a player, where he was recognized as the Man of the Match in his first IPL game against the Mumbai Indians, claiming the wickets of legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Kieron Pollard. His impressive record includes significant contributions to the India Under-19 team, where he was the highest wicket-taker during the England series in 2005.
As he embarks on his role as the head coach of the Pondicherry Ranji team, Anand Rajan brings a wealth of experience and passion for the game. His dedication to nurturing talent and fostering a positive cricketing environment will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of cricketers in Pondicherry. With his proven track record and unwavering commitment, Rajan is set to leave a lasting impact on cricket in the region.
Rahul Ramugade is an athlete from Mumbai. He plays wheelchair cricket and has overcome many challenges. Polio affected his legs, but his love for cricket never faded. In India, cricket is a passion for many. As a child, Rahul didn’t let his disability stop him. He played cricket on a skateboard. Today, he is a member of the Indian Wheelchair Cricket Team. Since 2017, he has also captained the Mumbai Wheelchair Cricket Team.
A Versatile Athlete
Rahul is not just a cricketer. He is also a successful para-swimmer. He began swimming at a school for physically challenged children. Although the pools were not accessible, and financial support was lacking, Rahul continued to practice. He has competed in para-swimming events since 2015. His hard work earned him 8 Gold, 2 Silver, and 5 Bronze medals.
An Adventurer at Heart
Rahul has a passion for adventure sports. Traveling in India can be hard for people with disabilities due to limited accessibility. To maintain his independence, Rahul drives a hand-controlled car. He has driven over 80,000 kilometers so far. Every day, he also uses a skateboard to get around.
Rahul enjoys participating in marathons. In 2017-18, he completed a 5 km marathon in Mumbai in 50 minutes. He also finished a 6 km marathon in Pune in 45 minutes, both using his wheelchair. Besides marathons, Rahul plays wheelchair tennis and badminton. He has tried wall climbing in Mumbai and para-motoring in Chandigarh. Additionally, he went scuba diving in the Andaman Islands. Recently, Rahul completed scuba diving training with instructors from the Indian Armed Forces in Pondicherry. His next goal is skydiving.
Founder of Wheelchair Sports Association Mumbai
In March 2020, Rahul and his friends started the Wheelchair Sports Association Mumbai. Their goal is to raise awareness and support for wheelchair sports. The association helps athletes with disabilities by providing facilities, equipment, and travel support. Members compete in various sports, such as wheelchair cricket, basketball, handball, racing, tennis, badminton, para powerlifting, and para swimming.
Although the association lacks government support, it thrives on donations. It receives funds from individuals, NGOs, and corporate sponsors. The association is registered under the Societies Act of 1860 in Mumbai. Donations to the association are tax-exempt under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act. It is also registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for CSR projects.
Media Recognition
Rahul’s journey has received widespread media attention. He has been interviewed by Doordarshan Sahyadri Channel and leading Marathi news channels like ABP Maza and Zee 24 Taas. In these interviews, Rahul shared his experiences in swimming and cricket. His story has inspired many people and encouraged disabled youth across Maharashtra.
Rahul’s achievements have been featured in several Marathi newspapers, such as Maharashtra Times, Lokmat, and Pudhari. Disha Magazine, a popular Zee Group publication, has also covered his story. Additionally, the Times Group’s Indiatimes website highlighted his accomplishments. Rahul has been interviewed on All India Radio and featured on the Mumbai Indians YouTube channel.
Recently, Rahul launched his own YouTube channel called “Rahul On Wheels.” On this platform, he promotes wheelchair accessibility, disability awareness, and inclusion.
Rahul’s Message
“As a person with disabilities, we don’t need sympathy. We need inclusion and equal opportunities. With hard work and talent, we can achieve anything.”
Sanjay Bangar’s journey through the world of cricket is a remarkable story of transformation and leadership. Born on October 11, 1972, in Mumbai, Bangar began his cricketing career with a strong domestic presence, playing for Mumbai and Railways from 1996 to 2008. His all-round abilities, marked by powerful batting and effective off-spin, earned him a spot in the Indian national team. Debuting in 2001, Bangar quickly established himself as a dependable player, contributing significantly with both bat and ball.
Rise as a Coach:
Bangar’s transition from player to coach was a natural progression, reflecting his deep understanding of the game. His knack for analysing batting techniques and his motivational skills made him a valuable asset to the team during this period.
However, it was Bangar’s second stint as the Indian batting coach, from 2014 to 2019, that truly defined his coaching career. During these years, Bangar played a key role in shaping one of the strongest batting line-ups in international cricket. His influence was evident in the team’s consistent performances across formats, including significant achievements in bilateral series and major tournaments.
Under Bangar’s guidance, the Indian team saw substantial success in both Test and limited-overs cricket. His coaching was instrumental during the ICC World T20 2016, where India reached the semi-finals, and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, where the team made it to the semi-finals. His strategic insights and ability to adapt tactics to different situations helped India maintain a competitive edge. Bangar’s approach was not just about technical improvements; he also focused on mental conditioning and building a positive team environment.
Contributions in the Indian Premier League (IPL):
Beyond his national coaching roles, Bangar extended his expertise to the Indian Premier League (IPL), further showcasing his versatile coaching abilities. He served as the head coach of Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and held various coaching roles with other IPL franchises. His tenure in the IPL was marked by his ability to manage diverse teams, implement innovative strategies, and nurture emerging talent.
Bangar’s impact in the IPL was evident through his effective use of player resources and his emphasis on developing young talent. His strategic acumen helped his teams compete strongly in the league, contributing to the dynamic nature of the IPL and enhancing the overall quality of the tournament. Cricketgraph’s collaboration with Bangar presents a unique opportunity for players to benefit from his extensive experience and knowledge. His personal coaching focuses on technical proficiency, mental conditioning, and strategic thinking, providing players with a comprehensive approach to improving their game.
Legacy: Sanjay Bangar’s journey from a promising player to an influential coach underscores his profound impact on cricket at both national and domestic levels. His legacy is defined by his strategic brilliance, dedication to player development, and ability to foster team spirit. As he continues to shape the future of cricket through his coaching endeavors, Bangar remains a pivotal figure in the sport’s evolving landscape.
In a notable Kanga League encounter on August 15, 2024, Shashank Singh made a significant impact with a standout bowling performance, leading Dr. D.Y. Patil Sports Academy to a draw against Mumbai Police Gymkhana. The match, held at Sachivalay Oval Maidan in Mumbai, ended with Dr. D.Y. Patil Sports Academy securing the win on the first innings lead.
Dr. D.Y. Patil Sports Academy won the toss and chose to field first. Mumbai Police Gymkhana struggled early and were dismissed for 52 runs in their first innings. Dr. D.Y. Patil Sports Academy took advantage, scoring 87/3 before declaring. In their second innings, Mumbai Police Gymkhana posted 53/5 before declaring, leaving the match drawn, And with the help of 1st Innings lead DR. D.Y Patil get the crucial three points.
Shashank Singh was the standout player of the match, marking a memorable return to the Kanga League. Singh’s bowling was crucial in restricting Mumbai Police Gymkhana. In the first innings, Singh took 5 wickets for just 6 runs in 6 overs, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 1.00. His accuracy and control were key in dismantling the opposition’s batting lineup.
Singh continued his strong performance in the second innings, claiming 2 wickets for 3 runs in 4 overs, with an even lower economy rate of 0.75. His effective and disciplined bowling ensured Mumbai Police Gymkhana struggled throughout the match. Shashank Singh’s performance was a highlight of the match and demonstrated his skill and influence in the Kanga League.
Brief Score: Mumbai Police Gymkhana: 52 all out (30.0 overs) & 53/5 declared (29.0 overs) Dr. D.Y. Patil Sports Academy: 87/3 declared (18.0 overs)
The Kanga League has already seen its share of impressive performances, but Amit Mishra’s performance in the D Division was nothing short of spectacular. In the opening match of the season, Mishra not only claimed a hat-trick but also secured an astounding 7-wicket haul, playing a pivotal role in his team’s success.
In a crucial D Division clash between Kandivali Cricket Association (KCA) and Mazgaon Cricket Club (MCC), Mishra’s bowling was the standout feature. Winning the toss, KCA chose to bowl first, taking full advantage of the pitch conditions. Despite a promising start by MCC, who initially seemed solid with a partnership building after the loss of their first two wickets, the game shifted dramatically.
MCC was at a comfortable 53 for 2 when Mishra took over. With his skillful leg-break spin, he unleashed a bowling masterclass that dismantled MCC’s batting lineup. From 53 for 2, MCC collapsed to 79 all out, thanks to Mishra’s brilliance. His spell of 8 overs included 2 maidens and 6 wickets, culminating in a hat-trick that left the MCC batsmen in tatters.
With a modest target set, KCA came in to bat and managed to score 95 runs before being bowled out. This performance gave them a 16-run first-innings lead, enough to secure a valuable three points by the end of the day.
Brief Scores:
- MCC 1st Innings: 79 all out (Atharva 23, Vishal 20; Amit Mishra 6/16)
- KCA 1st Innings: 95 all out (Flinn 25, Ajinkya 22; Piyush 5/22)
Mishra’s extraordinary performance underscores his potential and sets a high bar for the rest of the season. His contribution was crucial in KCA’s triumph and promises an exciting season ahead.
The Kanga League opened with an exciting B Division match between Payyade Sports Club and Shivaji Park Youngsters, which turned out to be a gripping low-scoring encounter. On the opening day, Payyade won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that proved to be spot-on. The uneven pitch at Kanga made batting challenging, and Shivaji Park Youngsters struggled throughout their innings.
Batting first, Shivaji Park Youngsters managed to score only 63 runs. Their top scorer was Vasim Khan with 20 runs, followed by Himanshu Singh, who contributed 11 runs. Despite these efforts, the Shivaji Park innings faltered against a disciplined Payyade bowling attack.
For Payyade, the bowlers delivered a superb performance. Deepak Shetty and Aditya Giri led the charge, each claiming three wickets. On a sluggish surface, Payyade’s bowlers consistently troubled the Shivaji Park batsmen, not allowing any of them to settle. Their regular breakthroughs and relentless pressure put Shivaji Park on the back foot.
With just 63 runs on the board, Shivaji Park’s bowlers faced a daunting task. When Payyade came out to bat, they were determined to secure a first-innings lead and the crucial three points. However, Shivaji Park Youngsters’ Kunal Thorat had other plans. Thorat, who has previously played for Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy, delivered a devastating spell, taking 5 wickets. Alongside him, captain Salil Agharkar claimed 3 wickets. The Payyade batting line-up, despite its star-studded reputation, collapsed under the pressure and could only manage 45 runs. Ajay Mishra was their top scorer with 13 runs, while Bhupen Lalwani contributed 9 runs.
Thanks to this remarkable bowling performance, Shivaji Park Youngsters secured a significant first-innings lead and earned the full three points. Kunal Thorat and captain Salil Agharkar were the architects of this incredible performance, ensuring their team’s success in a thrilling and closely contested match.
Brief Score: Shivaji Park Youngsters 1st Innings 63/10 (Vasim Khan 20, Aditya Giri 3/8, Deepak Shetty 3/26) and Payyade 1st Innings 45/10 (Ajay Mishra 13, Kunal Thorat 5/12, Salil Agharkar 3/3)
