Tag: Indian Cricket

Sports

GCA Announces Cash Rewards Following Goa U-19’s Dominant Cooch Behar Wins

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The Goa Cricket Association has announced special cash rewards for the Goa U-19 cricket team and its support staff following their commanding innings victory over Assam in the Cooch Behar Elite Cricket Tournament. The decision comes on the back of two consecutive innings wins, marking one of the most impressive starts by the state in recent years. GCA President Mahesh Dessai, along with the Managing Committee, confirmed that a cash prize of ₹1 lakh will be awarded to Yash Kasvankar for his extraordinary knock of 243 in the opening match against Chhattisgarh, a performance that not only set the foundation for the first innings victory of Goa’s campaign but also gave the team early momentum in the tournament.

In appreciation of consistent all-round displays, each Goa player will receive ₹50,000, while the support staff will be rewarded with ₹25,000 each for their instrumental role in preparing and backing the young squad. Against Assam, Goa’s bowlers delivered a ruthless performance, dismissing the opposition for just 75 runs in the first innings and enforcing the follow-on before bowling them out again for 86. The match wrapped up in two and a half days, giving Goa their second straight innings victory and earning them seven points, including a bonus. With 14 points from two matches, Goa now stands joint-second in Elite Group D alongside Bengal.

The victory was built on disciplined bowling and important contributions with the bat. Dishank Misquin scored a valuable 88 in Goa’s only innings, while Mihir Kudalkar produced remarkable figures of 3 for 0 in the first innings and 4 for 9 in the second. Samarth Rane, Chigurupati Venkata, Shiven Borkar and Yash Kasvankar also chipped in with key wickets to ensure a dominant finish. GCA President Mahesh Dessai expressed immense pride in the team’s performances, praising their discipline and determination and acknowledging the crucial role of the support staff. He highlighted that Yash’s 243 will remain a standout moment of the season but emphasized that the team’s collective spirit has been the true driving force behind their success. With back-to-back innings wins over Chhattisgarh and Assam, Goa heads into their next fixture against Uttar Pradesh with confidence and growing belief in their abilities as they continue their impressive run in the tournament.

Sports

Hombale Films in Talks to Buy RCB

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Indian Premier League could be on the verge of a seismic shift as reports indicate that acclaimed Kannada powerhouse Hombale Films is exploring the possibility of acquiring Royal Challengers Bengaluru from current owner Diageo India. The development has created a surge of excitement, particularly in Karnataka, where both RCB and Hombale command immense loyalty and cultural influence. Early conversations between the two parties have reportedly taken place, although neither side has issued an official confirmation.

Hombale Films, known for redefining Indian cinema with massive hits like K.G.F., Kantara, and Salaar, is believed to be looking at long-term diversification, and a team with RCB’s stature offers a significant entry point into elite sports ownership. The connection between the two brands is not new; Hombale has been associated with RCB since April 2023 as their official digital partner, crafting cinematic promos, campaigns, and high-impact visual storytelling that strengthened the team’s cultural footprint. With RCB securing their maiden IPL trophy in 2025, their brand valuation has soared to an estimated USD 2 billion, placing them among the most valuable cricket franchises globally and attracting interest from several major players, including Nikhil Kamath, Adani Group, JSW Group, Adar Poonawalla, and Devyani International.

Despite multiple suitors, the potential Hombale–RCB partnership stands out due to its deep-rooted regional synergy. For Karnataka, this would symbolize the union of two icons: a beloved cricket team and a studio that brought Kannada cinema to national and international recognition. Such a collaboration could reshape fan engagement, build stronger cultural identity, and create a narrative that transcends sport. With Kannada cinema at its peak and RCB fresh off a historic title win, the timing feels particularly significant.

As the franchise prepares for IPL 2026, RCB has retained a solid core under new full-time captain Rajat Patidar. The retained roster includes stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, ensuring continuity and strength heading into the mega auction. A potential change of ownership, combined with a strong sporting foundation, could propel RCB into an exciting new era defined by cultural pride, cinematic storytelling, and cricketing ambition. The coming months may determine whether this unprecedented partnership becomes a reality, but the buzz it has already generated reveals how powerful such a union could be.

Sports

Goa Beat Assam by 3 Wickets in Men’s U-23 State ‘A’ Trophy

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Goa registered a commanding three-wicket win over Assam in the Men’s Under-23 State ‘A’ Trophy Elite One-Day Tournament, held at the Kotambi Stadium ‘B’ in Vadodara on Tuesday. With this victory, Goa strengthened their position in the Elite ‘B’ Group standings, collecting four points from two matches.

Winning the toss, Goa elected to bowl first and made full use of the conditions. Assam’s innings saw several starts but lacked a defining partnership. Roshan Topno top-scored with 53 runs, while Mayukh Hazarika (37), Sumit Kashyap (32), and Rohit Sen (31) offered useful contributions. Goa’s bowlers maintained consistent pressure, with Anuj Yadav producing a standout performance, taking four wickets for just 22 runs. He received excellent support from Kutbudin Jamadar, who claimed three wickets for 26 runs. Lakhmesh Pawne, Kaustubh Pingulkar, and Manish Kakode chipped in with one wicket each as Assam were bowled out for 215 in 42.4 overs.

Chasing 216, Goa’s innings got off to a steady start before a 102-run partnership between Sanath Nevagi and Chittem Jeevankumar changed the course of the match. Sanath continued his remarkable form, scoring a fluent 85 off 63 balls, laced with nine fours and five sixes. Having narrowly missed a century in the previous match, he once again fell short of the milestone but set up the chase perfectly. Jeevankumar played the anchor role initially before accelerating to 71 off 90 balls, striking six boundaries and two sixes.

Despite losing a few wickets in the middle overs, Goa maintained composure. Shivendra Bhujbal (14 not out) and Anuj Yadav (2 not out) ensured no further setbacks, guiding Goa to 216 for 7 in 38.5 overs and sealing victory with 67 balls remaining.

With this win, Goa now have four points from two games and continue to look strong in the Elite ‘B’ Group. Their next fixture is against Gujarat at the Motibaug Ground in Vadodara on Thursday, November 13.

Sports

Nevagi’s Power-Hitting Lights Up Goa’s Fighting Effort Against Odisha

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Panaji: Goa’s Under-23 men’s cricket team put up a valiant performance against Odisha in the Men’s State ‘A’ Trophy Elite One-Day Tournament, played at the GSFC Ground in Vadodara on Sunday. Despite an inspired innings from opener Sanath Nevagi, Goa lost the match by seven wickets.

After Odisha won the toss and chose to bowl, Goa faced early setbacks but found stability when Nevagi took control of the innings. The young opener played a fearless knock, smashing 91 runs off 78 balls, including eight boundaries and five sixes. His aggressive stroke play lifted Goa’s innings and gave the side much-needed momentum. Supporting contributions came from Aman Dhooper, who added 26 runs, and Shivendra Bhujbal with 19, while Anuj Yadav remained unbeaten on 15. Goa’s innings concluded at 166 in 36.4 overs.

For Odisha, Syed Tufail Ahmed was the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets for just 9 runs in a remarkable spell. Chasing a target of 167, Odisha’s openers Sasanka (56) and captain Om Munde (53) stitched together a 101-run partnership that set the tone for an easy chase. The team reached the target in 28.5 overs, losing only three wickets.

Goa’s bowlers, particularly leg-spinner Manish Kakode who picked up two wickets and Aman Dhooper who took one, showed spirit and control despite defending a modest total.

While the result did not go Goa’s way, the match highlighted the talent and resilience of the young side. Nevagi’s commanding performance and the bowlers’ determination were major positives as Goa look to regroup and come back stronger in their next fixture against Assam on November 11 at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.

Sports

Deepti Sharma: The Calm in India’s Storm and the Heart of a Historic World Cup Win

Tanisha Cardozo

In the storm of high-pressure moments, Deepti Sharma is India’s calm — steady, composed, and unshakeably resilient. Not just a cricketing star, she is also a proud Deputy Superintendent of Police in Uttar Pradesh, carrying both the India jersey and the police star with equal honour and pride.

Yesterday, as India created history by lifting their first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, Deepti stood right at the heart of that glory — named Player of the Tournament for her exceptional all-round performance. Her consistent contributions with both bat and ball turned tight moments into triumphs and inspired millions watching around the world.

As celebrations erupted across the nation, emotions overflowed in her home in Agra. Her mother, Sushila Sharma, holding back tears of joy, said, “Deepti has fulfilled the dream of the entire nation… She has made India proud.” It was a moment that captured the spirit of not just victory, but of perseverance, sacrifice, and love.

Born on 24 August 1997, Deepti’s journey began with one fateful throw at the age of eight that caught the attention of former India cricketer Hemlata Kala — an instant that changed her life forever. Her brother, Sumit Sharma, became her first coach and guiding force. Leaving behind the comfort of a stable job, he dedicated himself fully to Deepti’s cricketing dream. Against all odds and in the face of constant societal skepticism, the Sharma family stood tall — proving that belief can silence doubt and courage can conquer convention.

From her selection in the Uttar Pradesh state team at just 12 to making her international debut at 17, Deepti’s rise has been marked by relentless discipline and quiet determination. Over the years, she has become India’s crisis warrior — the one who steps in when pressure peaks and delivers when it matters most.

Her heroics in the 2025 World Cup, both with the bat and ball, have now etched her name permanently in India’s cricketing history. Beyond the numbers, Deepti Sharma’s story is a celebration of patience, perseverance, and purpose — a reminder that true champions are not born in comfort, but forged in courage.

Today, as both a World Cup champion and a DSP, Deepti stands as a symbol of discipline, service, and strength. She represents the new India — one where women break boundaries, wear multiple hats with pride, and lead by example. Her story continues to inspire a generation to dream beyond limits and to rise, every time, with unwavering belief.