Rahul Thakur is a well-known name in Indian cricket, having made his mark as both a player and a coach. Born and raised in Mumbai, Thakur played in the prestigious Ranji Trophy for Mumbai and Railways, showcasing his skill and determination at the highest levels of domestic cricket. His experience as a first-class cricketer laid the groundwork for his successful coaching career.
Thakur’s coaching journey is backed by solid credentials. He is a BCCI Level 2 and ICC Level 2 certified coach, reflecting his deep understanding of the game and modern coaching techniques. His knowledge and expertise have made him a guiding force for many young and aspiring cricketers.
In 2018, Thakur took up the role of Bowling Coach at the Mumbai Cricket Academy. His expertise in bowling helped shape the academy’s programs and improve the performance of several young bowlers. Building on this success, he was later appointed as the Assistant Coach for the Mumbai Under-19 boys’ team for three consecutive seasons, from 2021-22 to 2023-24. During these years, Thakur played a crucial role in helping the team develop their skills and perform better in various tournaments.
In addition to these achievements, Rahul Thakur has been a dedicated coach at Shivaji Park for the past nine years. Shivaji Park, a historical hub for nurturing cricketing talent, has seen Thakur mentor numerous budding players. His consistent presence there has cemented his reputation as a trusted and inspiring coach.
What sets Thakur apart is his ability to connect with young players. He brings a player’s perspective to his coaching, offering practical advice and encouragement to those under his guidance. His focus on technical improvements, fitness, and mental toughness has made him an invaluable mentor.
Rahul Thakur’s journey is a testament to his passion for cricket. From playing in the Ranji Trophy to nurturing the next generation of cricketers, his contribution to the sport is inspiring. As a player, he showed grit and determination; as a coach, he imparts the same values to his trainees, ensuring a bright future for Indian cricket.
The Police Invitation Shield 2024-25 witnessed a stellar performance from PJ Hindu Gymkhana, who faced Shivaji Park Gymkhana at their home ground. The match turned into a showcase of exceptional talent, with Amogh Bhatkal and Rahul Sawant stealing the spotlight.
Batting first PJ Hindu Gymkhana amassed a colossal total of 459 runs. The standout performer was Amogh Bhatkal, who delivered a breathtaking knock of 184 runs off just 170 balls. His innings included 18 boundaries and 6 sixes, demonstrating his dominance over the bowlers. This innings followed his remarkable century in the previous match against Sponsors XI, making him the top performer in the tournament so far.
Kaushik Chilkhalikar added to the fireworks with a fine 105 off 119 balls, featuring 10 fours and5 sixes. Ajit Yadav also played a crucial role, scoring a quickfire 101 off 94 balls, including 11 boundaries and a six, providing the perfect support to Bhatkal’s innings.
In the bowling department, Rahul Sawant was the hero dismantling Shivaji Park Gymkhana’s batting lineup with a phenomenal six-wicket haul in 21 overs. His fiery spell left the opposition reeling at 127 all out. This performance came on the heels of his five-wicket haul in the previous match against Sponsors XI, establishing him as a force to reckon with in the tournament.
Brief Scores:
PJ Hindu Gymkhana 459 (Amogh Bhatkal 184, Kaushik Chilkhalikar 105, Ajit Yadav 101)
Shivaji Park Gymkhana 127 all out (Rahul Sawant 6/21)
Amogh Bhatkal’s explosive batting and Rahul Sawant’s devastating bowling have placed PJ Hindu Gymkhana as strong contenders in the tournament, inspiring teammates and fans alike with their exceptional performances
In a high-octane clash during the Police Invitation Shield Cricket Tournament 2024-25, Bombay Gymkhana secured a remarkable victory over Police Gymkhana, thanks to stellar performances by Onkar Jadhav and Parag Khanapurkar.
Onkar Jadhav’s Batting Brilliance
Opening the innings, Onkar Jadhav delivered a masterclass in batting, scoring a dazzling 131 runs off 124 balls. His innings, adorned with 13 fours and 4 sixes, set the tone for Bombay Gymkhana’s commanding total of 380 runs. Jadhav’s ability to dominate bowlers while maintaining composure showcased his exceptional form and timing.
Parag Khanapurkar‘s All-Round Heroics
Captain Parag Khanapurkar played a crucial supporting role with the bat, contributing a quick-fire 54 runs off 51 balls, including 9 boundaries and a six. However, his brilliance was not limited to batting; Khanapurkar was instrumental with the ball as well, taking 3 key wickets in 16 overs, ensuring his team maintained control over the game.
Match Highlights
Bombay Gymkhana’s Bowling Attack:
While Khanapurkar led from the front, Vijay Gohil was the standout bowler, picking up 4 wickets in 20 overs to dismantle the Police Gymkhana batting lineup.
Aaryaraj Nikam’s Resilience:
Police Gymkhana’s chase was spearheaded by Aaryaraj Nikam, who scored a determined 101 runs off 129 balls, including 14 fours. Despite his efforts, the team was bowled out for 333 runs, falling 47 runs short.
This thrilling encounter highlighted the leadership and versatility of Parag Khanapurkar and the dominance ofOnkar Jadhav whose contributions steered Bombay Gymkhana to a well-deserved win.
The Police Invitation Shield Tournament 2024-25 continues to deliver gripping cricketing moments, with more action-packed matches ahead.
Vineet Sinha, a name synonymous with resilience and passion, has risen from humble beginnings to carve a stellar cricketing career. Starting his journey at 19, Vineet proved age is just a number by winning the title of “Fastest Bowler of Mumbai (U-19)” in the Mid Day Race for Pace. His incredible talent took him to the MRF Pace Foundation, where he trained under Denis Lee, setting the stage for an illustrious career.
Vineet went on to represent Mumbai U-22 and became a Ranji Trophy probable, a testament to his skill. Corporate cricket giants Air India and MIG Cricket Club recognized his potential, recruiting him for prestigious A-division tournaments. His national recognition grew when he ranked 7th in India in the Scorpio Speedster Contest and dismissed Matt Prior while representing Mumbai in a match against the England National Team.
A defining chapter of his career unfolded at DY Patil Sports Academy, where he thrived under the leadership of Abey Kuruvilla, leading his team to victories in tournaments like the DY Patil T20 and Kanga League. His international stint saw him shine in the UK, playing for clubs like Cove Cricket Club and Aldershot Cricket Club for eight consecutive years.
Despite his stellar performances, Vineet faced setbacks in domestic cricket but rebounded by representing the Poland National Team, winning the Central Eastern European Cup and Baltic Cup, and earning the Best Bowler title.
Post-pandemic, Vineet embraced coaching, earning an ICC Level 1 Certification and mentoring young cricketers at Chicago Youth Cricket Academy (CYCA). Under his guidance, two players earned spots on the USA U-19 National Team. As a player, he has dominated US leagues, earning a place in the Master Cricket USA (Over-40) team for the World Series Cup 2025 in Brisbane.
Vineet’s journey is a testament to perseverance, proving that with determination, one can overcome any obstacle. From Mumbai to the world stage, his story continues to inspire cricketers globally.
Mumbai, December 31, 2024: ACTIVE SPORTS is thrilled to announce AVISA CUP 2025, a flagship cricket tournament that promises to deliver exciting matches and exceptional sportsmanship. The tournament will take place at the Asahi Cricket Ground in Taloja, starting from January 26th, 2025.
This prestigious event will feature 16 top-notch teams from across the city, each vying for the coveted AVISA CUP 2025 title. The participating teams include:
Axis Mutual Funds, Any Sports, Mumbai Incredibles, Master Blaster, Rising Stars, Palava Cricket Club, MMCC, Re-ignited, RTise, Thane Cricket Club, Mumbai Super Hawks, Infinite Warriors, Y-Not, Mighty Mavericks, Maitri XI, and Mulund Knockers.
ACTIVE SPORTS is committed to promoting sports excellence and providing a platform for corporate cricketers to showcase their skills. AVISA CUP 2025 is a testament to this commitment, with a focus on fair play, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
The tournament will feature special awards for outstanding performances, including:
– Best Batsman
– Best Bowler
– Man of the Match
– Player of the Series
Sponsored by AVISA
The organiser will also provide jerseys to all participating players.
“We are excited to host AVISA CUP 2025 and provide a platform for corporate cricketers to compete against each other,” said Vijay Kumar, CEO of AVISA. “We look forward to witnessing thrilling matches and exceptional sportsmanship throughout the tournament.”
2025 is the 2nd year in Succession that ACTIVE SPORTS is organizing AVISA CUP. We are happy and proud to be associated with a fast growing sporting entity in Mumbai- ACTIVE SPORTS said Vijay.
He also added:
On this occasion of the 2nd edition of AVISA CUP I take the opportunity of thanking the management of ACTIVE SPORTS who have been using AVISA premier leather balls for all of their tournaments.
We wish ACTIVE SPORTS and all the competing teams the very best and look forward for an exciting tournament
Catch all the action LIVE on the Active Sports YouTube channel!
Anjuman-I-Islam, a prestigious institution renowned for its excellence in education and sports, is making a remarkable resurgence in school cricket under the visionary leadership of its President, Padma Shri Dr. Zahir Kazi. Over the past two years, Dr. Kazi has implemented strategic reforms aimed at reviving the school’s cricketing legacy. These changes include bringing in seasoned professionals and fostering a culture of discipline and excellence.
As part of this transformation, former Indian Test cricketer Gulam Parkar has been appointed as the Head Coach. Joining him are Abid Khan, a former Anjuman cricketer, and Vaheed Shaikh, an ex-serviceman, along with Principal Rizwana Satare Ma’am, who oversees the initiative. This dynamic team, with their combined expertise and commitment, has created a strong foundation for the future of Anjuman’s cricket program. Their dedicated efforts, in collaboration with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), have already started yielding results, with Anjuman-I-Islam achieving new milestones in the Giles Shield 2024-25 tournament.
Mumbai, India – Young cricket talent Anuj Ajit Singh delivered a performance to remember in the 4th round of the Giles Shield Tournament, one of Mumbai’s most prestigious school cricket events. Representing Anjuman-I-Islam Allana English School, Fort, Anuj showcased his incredible bowling skills, taking 8 wickets for just 8 runs in 7.3 overs, including 4 maiden overs. The match was held at Navroz Azad Maidan, and Anuj’s efforts played a key role in his team’s dominant win.
A Match-Winning Performance
The match was against MKVV International Vidyalaya, who won the toss and chose to bowl first. Their decision backfired as their batting lineup crumbled under the relentless bowling of Anuj Ajit Singh. MKVV International Vidyalaya was bowled out for just 35 runs in 14.3 overs, thanks to Anuj’s magical spell.
Chasing a small target, Anjuman-I-Islam Allana English School comfortably secured victory by 9 wickets, making it a one-sided contest.
Anuj’s Gratitude to His Coach
Anuj, an Under-14 probables player for the Mumbai Cricket Association, credited his success to his coach, Kadir Patel, from Patel Cricket Club. He expressed his appreciation for the guidance and hard work of his mentor:
“It feels amazing to perform well in such an important tournament. I thank my coach, Kadir Patel Sir, for his support and training, which have helped me improve as a bowler. This performance motivates me to keep working hard and aim for bigger goals in cricket.”
Coach Kadir Patel has been instrumental in shaping Anuj’s talent, focusing on developing his bowling technique and confidence. Patel Cricket Club has a history of producing skilled cricketers, and Anuj’s performance is a testament to this legacy.
A Future Cricket Star
The Giles Shield Tournament has always been a platform for discovering young talent, and Anuj’s achievement stands out as one of the best performances of the season. His disciplined approach and passion for cricket have made him a promising prospect for Mumbai cricket.
With continued hard work and guidance, Anuj Ajit Singh is on track to becoming a name to watch in Indian cricket. His extraordinary spell has not only brought glory to his school but has also inspired young players across Mumbai to pursue their dreams in cricket.
Match Summary:
- Venue: Navroz Azad Maidan
- Teams: Anjuman-I-Islam Allana English School vs. MKVV International Vidyalaya
- Result: Anjuman-I-Islam won by 9 wickets
- Highlights:
- Man of the Match: Anuj Ajit Singh
- Anuj’s Bowling: 8 wickets for 8 runs (7.3 overs, 4 maidens)
- MKVV International Vidyalaya: 35 all out (14.3 overs)
Mumbai: In an inspiring gesture of generosity and passion for the game, the founder of the rising brand SASA Eyewear has gone above and beyond to support grassroots cricket. Over the past six months, the founder and the team have distributed cricket goods worth ₹2 lakhs to underprivileged players and cricket academies across Mumbai and Pune.
The initiative, driven by the ethos of “giving back to cricket selflessly,” has made a significant impact on the lives of many budding cricketers. The distributed equipment included over 80 pairs of batting pads, 30 pairs of gloves, more than 300 pairs of cricket whites, 30-35 helmets, 10 pairs of shoes, along with inners, skins, and other essentials.
Among the academies that received this vital support were DY Cricket Academy, Achievers Cricket Academy, Elevate Cricket Academy, Nirvana Cricket Academy, Divine Cricket Academy and few academies in Pune. This wide outreach has ensured that the gear reaches players who need it the most, enabling them to focus on their training and performance.
Speaking about the initiative, the founder said, “Cricket has given us so much, and this is our way of contributing to the sport we love. It’s heartening to see the joy and hope on the faces of young cricketers as they receive equipment that can help them pursue their dreams.”
The initiative has also been applauded by several cricket academies and coaches, who highlighted the crucial role such support plays in nurturing talent at the grassroots level.
SASA Eyewear, though primarily recognized for its premium eyewear, is steadily carving a niche in the cricketing community through initiatives like these. The brand’s commitment to excellence and a community-first approach have made it a trusted name not just in eyewear but also in sports philanthropy.
This act of kindness underscores the founder’s vision of empowering the next generation of cricketers. With plans to continue supporting cricket and its players, SASA is becoming a brand synonymous with not just quality but also compassion.
For more details about the brand and its offerings, visit sasaeyewear.com.
Mumbai: In a thrilling encounter at the High Court Oval maidan, Our Own Club emerged victorious against Mulund Challengers Cricket Club in the Cosmopolitan Shield Cricket Tournament 2024-25. The match saw a brilliant bowling performance by left-arm orthodox spinner Shreenesh Shah, who played a key role in the win.
After winning the toss, Our Own Club chose to field first, a decision that paid off as Mulund Challengers were bowled out for just 142 runs in 37 overs. Shreenesh Shah delivered an outstanding spell, taking 5 wickets for 31 runs in his 9 overs, dismantling the opposition’s batting lineup. He was well-supported by right-arm off-spinner Prakash Aswani, who also bowled a superb spell of 9 overs, taking 3 wickets for just 14 runs.
Chasing a modest target of 143, Our Own Club faced some challenges but managed to secure a hard-fought victory by 3 wickets in the end.
Shreenesh Shah’s exceptional performance with the ball was the highlight of the match, earning him well-deserved praise. His ability to control the game and deliver under pressure proved to be the turning point in the contest.
The win adds valuable momentum for Our Own Club as they continue their campaign in the Cosmopolitan Shield Tournament.
DPC Matunga – Sundar Cricket Club registered a massive victory over Dadar Parsee Colony (DPC) in the Cosmopolitan Cricket Shield, thanks to outstanding performances by Atif Khan and Naufil Rozani.
Sundar Cricket Club won the toss and chose to bat first. The team had a shaky start, losing their first wicket in the opening over and their second wicket in the third over. However, Atif Khan came in at one down and turned the game around with a stunning innings. He scored a brilliant 172 runs off 134 balls, hitting 14 fours and 8 sixes. Atif’s knock was the backbone of the innings, as Sundar Cricket Club posted a strong total of 304 for 5 in their 50 overs.
In the second innings, Naufil Rozani stole the show with the ball. He bowled an incredible spell, taking 5 wickets in 9 overs while giving away just 20 runs. His accurate and smart bowling completely dismantled DPC’s batting lineup.
Despite some efforts from the DPC batsmen, the team was bowled out for just 145 runs in 34.3 overs. Sundar Cricket Club won the match by a huge margin of 159 runs.
Atif Khan ’s incredible batting and Naufil Rozani’s brilliant bowling were the highlights of the game. Their performances played a key role in Sundar Cricket Club’s dominant win and set a high standard for the team in the tournament.
This win will surely boost Sundar Cricket Club confidence as they look forward to their upcoming matches. Fans are excited to see more amazing performances from these talented players.