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)
The Kanga League has kicked off in Mumbai with an array of impressive performances, but Arun Gupta’s recent display for Worli Sports Club truly stood out. His exceptional bowling was crucial in their D Division match against Dahisar Sports Club, playing a key role in securing a first-innings lead and ultimately earning Worli a comprehensive three points.
The match began with Worli winning the toss and opting to bowl first—an excellent decision that quickly proved its worth. From the outset, Worli’s bowlers were relentless, and Arun Gupta emerged as the standout performer. His spell was a masterclass in fast bowling.
Over the course of 7.2 overs, Gupta delivered two maiden overs, conceded just 8 runs, and took 5 vital wickets. His ability to bowl with pinpoint accuracy and extract movement from the pitch was crucial in dismantling Dahisar’s top order. Gupta’s spell featured a series of skillful deliveries that exploited the conditions perfectly, leading to Dahisar being bowled out for a modest total of 55 runs.
The impact of Gupta’s performance was immediate and significant. By restricting Dahisar to such a low score, he set the stage for Worli to take control of the match. With a small target to defend, Worli’s bowlers, buoyed by Gupta’s efforts, had the upper hand.
In their first innings, Worli scored 84 runs for the loss of 6 wickets before declaring. This declaration was strategically timed, putting Dahisar under pressure and giving Worli a crucial first-innings lead of 29 runs. The strong position built on the back of Gupta’s bowling allowed Worli to assert their dominance.
Dahisar’s struggles continued in the second innings as they could only manage 43 runs for the loss of 4 wickets before declaring. Gupta, still in fine form, added another wicket to his tally in this innings, further highlighting his pivotal role in the match.
Gupta’s relentless accuracy and strategic approach were instrumental in ensuring that Worli maintained control throughout the game. His ability to adapt to the conditions and consistently apply pressure on the batsmen was a major factor in the outcome. Arun Gupta’s five-wicket haul was not only a personal achievement but also a critical component in securing the lead and victory for Worli Sports Club.
Dharavi Dream Catchers: A Tribute To Shri Amol Kale In A Heartfelt Tribute To The Late Shri Amol Kale, A Pioneering Spirit Whose Dedication To Empowering Children Lives On, We Are Thrilled To Announce The Preview Launch Of Dharavi Dream Catchers. This Initiative Embodies Shri Kale’s Enduring Belief In The Potential Of Every Child, Providing Them With Opportunities To Turn Their Dreams Into Reality.
Dharavi Dream Catchers Is More Than Just A Project; It’s A Movement Inspired By Shri Kale’s Legacy. His Vision Was Clear: Every Child, Regardless Of Their Background, Deserves The Chance To Achieve Their Fullest Potential. This Initiative Aims To Carry Forward His Mission By Offering Support And Encouragement To Young Minds In Dharavi.
This Documentary Will Be Reflecting On Shri Amol Kale’s & Suraj Samat Vision Looking Forward To The Future Of The Children Benefiting From This Initiative.
At just 11 years old, Vaishnav Sharma has already made waves in the world of cricket, astonishing everyone with his skills and performance. This young left-arm spinner has recently captivated the attention of players and spectators alike during the All-India Energy-XI (U-19) cricket tournament. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing a blend of exceptional talent and remarkable dedication.
Playing for RS Cricket Academy, Vaishnav Sharma claimed 11 wickets across just 5 matches. His bowling was marked by precision and flair, and his impressive economy rate of 4.29 runs per over speaks volumes about his control and effectiveness on the field. With a remarkable average of just 16, his performance was a testament to his prowess and potential. He was also chosen as the emerging player of the season and looking at his exceptional performance the President of All India Energy Trust Mahendra Singh Negi Sir has given him the Sponsorship.
Hailing from Faridabad, Haryana, Vaishnav practices diligently at RS Academy Faridabad under the expert guidance of coach Rohit Sharma. His commitment to the sport is evident in his rigorous training schedule, where he spends 8 to 9 hours every single day honing his skills. Coach Rohit Sharma describes Vaishnav as someone who is so devoted that he seems to live at the ground, dedicating himself entirely to his craft. This level of dedication is rare and reflects his unwavering passion for the game.
Vaishnav’s journey in cricket is already impressive. Since the beginning of his career, he has played 241 matches and taken an astonishing 388 wickets, maintaining an average of 15.6. Such a record at the tender age of 11 is a clear indicator of his exceptional talent and immense potential. This remarkable achievement is a direct result of his hard work and the mentorship of his coach, Rohit Sharma, who recognized his talent early on and has guided him to reach new heights.
The dream of Vaishnav Sharma and his coach is to represent India and to play for India U-19. Given his outstanding performances and relentless dedication, it is clear that Vaishnav is on a promising path to achieving this goal. His journey is one of inspiration, and it is anticipated that he will not only make his coach and state proud but will also emerge as a future superstar in Indian cricket. His continued progress and the support of his coach and academy will be crucial as he aims to realize his full potential.
Vaishnav Sharma is truly a next-generation talent, and his future in cricket looks incredibly bright. With his exceptional skills, relentless hard work, and the guidance of his coach, there is no doubt that he will continue to make significant strides in the world of cricket, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.