Ajinkya Rahane urges Indian batters to be proactive against Sri Lanka

Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has urged Indian batters to adopt an aggressive mindset against Sri Lanka’s spin attack in the upcoming two-Test series starting August 15 in Galle.

"I think in Sri Lanka, the first day wicket generally is very good. But being top of the bowler as a batsman is very important. That's what I have learned in Sri Lanka. You cannot be too defensive," Rahane told PTI in an interview organised by ETPL. cricket-info.homes

He added that Sri Lanka’s home advantage and capable spin unit demand tactical dominance from the visiting batters.

"You have to probably be more proactive because they will have spin-friendly wickets, and Sri Lanka do have decent spinners in their side. And again, a home team is always a tough team to beat. Whatever I've learned playing cricket for so many years, you can't take anyone for granted. So it's all about, I think, having your own game plan as an individual and being proactive. Even in Test cricket, it's going to be the key," he added.

Rahane also highlighted how modern Test cricket has transformed with players regularly employing sweeps, ramps, and reverse hits.

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"The game has evolved massively. Talking about Test cricket, you see now a lot many T20 players do play in Test cricket as well. The scoop, the laps, switch hit, reverse sweep are being played and that too consistently. I think it is a very good thing," he said.

Rahane open to IPL mentorship role

Despite stepping away from international duty, the 38-year-old remains keen to continue playing while eyeing future opportunities in team management.

"I still have a few years. I still want to play cricket. I don't want to put any number, but I can still play cricket for, you know, how much a year I want because I try to keep myself really fit and that's what I have learned over the years. It helps you a lot," he said. "And that's why I'm playing this league, the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). But again, mentoring any IPL team, I feel I'll be really good at it because the experience I have, I understand players' mentality really well."

(With inputs from PTI)

Shikhar Dhawan on Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli: टीम इंडिया ने 2027 वनडे वर्ल्ड कप की तैयारियां शुरू कर दी हैं, लेकिन अभी भी यह तय नहीं है कि टूर्नामेंट के लिए किन 15 खिलाड़ियों को चुना जाएगा। रोहित शर्मा और विराट कोहली इस वर्ल्डकप में खेलने की इच्छा जता चुके हैं जो अपने करियर के आखिरी पड़ाव पर हैं, उनकी टीम में जगह को लेकर लगातार चर्चाएं होती रहती हैं। इस बीच पूर्व भारतीय सलामी बल्लेबाज शिखर धवन ने दोनों को लेकर बड़ी भविष्यवाणी की है। धवन का मानना है कि ये दोनों दिग्गज 2027 वर्ल्ड कप में शानदार प्रदर्शन करेंगे और भारत को विश्व चैंपियन बनाएंगे।

Phoebe Litchfield broke Shafali Verma’s record for the fastest fifty in Women’s Hundred history as the Sunrisers Leeds opener raced to a 20-ball half-century.

On Friday, in Birmingham, Litchfield guided Sunrisers Leeds to a comfortable 108-run chase against Birmingham Phoenix, remaining unbeaten on 71 off just 33 balls at a strike rate of 215.15, including 13 fours and a six.

It was her first half-century of this season, and it turned out to be a record-breaking one. Litchfield reached the milestone in just 20 balls, surpassing Shafali’s previous record of a 22-ball fifty for Birmingham Phoenix against Welsh Fire in 2021.

Fastest fifties in Women’s Hundred history

20 balls – Phoebe Litchfield (Sunrisers Leeds) vs Birmingham Phoenix, 2026

22 balls – Shafali Verma (Birmingham Phoenix) vs Welsh Fire, 2021

25 balls – Davina Perrin (Northern Superchargers) vs London Spirit, 2025; Tammy Beaumont (Welsh Fire) vs Trent Rockets, 2023; Sophie Luff (Trent Rockets) vs Manchester Super Giants, 2026

Earlier, Sunrisers Leeds’ bowlers laid the platform by restricting the Phoenix to 107/9. Litchfield then dominated the chase as the visitors reached the target with 31 balls to spare and nine wickets in hand.

She was deservedly named Player of the Match and shared her batting approach after the game, saying:

“I think you’ll either die by the sword at times, but I think putting the pressure back on the bowlers is the best way to go in T20 cricket or The Hundred. So, that’s part of my blueprint, and it came off today. But, it’s been a while, first 50 in The Hundred. That’s a nice little moment for me.”

The knock took Litchfield’s tally to 207 runs in six innings this season at an average of 41.40 and a strike rate of 153.33.

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 8 (ANI): Major League Baseball (MLB), announced that it will host MLBx, its innovative, fast paced 3-on-3 baseball competition in Mumbai, India for the first time on October 24, at Mumbai Football Arena, Andheri Sports Complex.

The event in Mumbai will feature India’s T20 World Cup-winning captain and MLB Ambassador Suryakumar Yadav, alongside former MLB All-Stars Nick Swisher and Adrian Gonzalez. Additional participants will be announced in the coming weeks, accoridng to a press release on Thursday.

The event will bring together baseball competition, interactive fan experiences and entertainment, offering Indian audiences a new way to experience the world’s most historic sporting league.

Created by Major League Baseball, MLBx is a dynamic, mixed 3-on-3 baseball competition that combines power hitting, athletic defensive plays and fast-paced gameplay. Following its appearance during MLB All-Star Week in Philadelphia, the competition now makes its debut in Mumbai.

The event has previously taken place at 15 US venues over the past three years, as well as internationally in London, Seoul and Mexico City.

The announcement builds on MLB’s continued investment in India, including its partnership with MLB Ambassador Suryakumar Yadav and strategic collaborations with RISE Worldwide (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited) and JioStar.

“India represents one of the world’s most exciting locations for large-scale events and a massive growth opportunity for baseball, which is why we’re thrilled to bring MLBx to Mumbai for the first time," said Jeremiah Yolkut, Major League Baseball, Senior Vice President of Global Operations and Events.

“Building on the incredible response to our recent partnerships in India, we’re looking forward to giving fans the opportunity to experience the energy of baseball firsthand through MLBx," he said.

Former MLB All-Star Nick Swisher played 12 Major League seasons, winning the 2009 World Series with the New York Yankees and earning an All-Star selection in 2010.

Adrian Gonzalez enjoyed a 15-year Major League career, earning five MLB All-Star selections, four Silver Slugger Awards and four Gold Glove Awards while playing for the Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers.

MLBx: Mumbai represents another milestone in Major League Baseball’s continued efforts to grow the game globally and introduce new audiences to baseball. By showcasing the excitement and culture of the sport through live music, interactive fan experiences and classic ballpark food with a local twist, the event celebrates the connection between baseball and India’s vibrant sporting culture. Additional programming and event details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets for MLBx: Mumbai are on sale exclusively on BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)