Author: Raghav Singh

Mumbai, Dec 18 (digihunt) – World Champion Dommaraju Gukesh and compatriot Arjun Erigaisi delivered in must-win situations, guiding PBG Alaskan Knights to their first victory of the tournament. Meanwhile, GM Alireza Firouzja secured his fifth consecutive win on the icon board, helping defending champions Triveni Continental Kings ascend to the top of the leaderboard at the halfway stage of the Global Chess League (GCL) held at the Royal Opera House in Mumbai on Thursday.

Match Highlights

• Continental Kings triumphed over upGrad Mumba Masters 9-5, earning 12 match points and taking sole lead in the standings.
• Alaskan Knights overcame Alpine SG Pipers 12-8, with all six boards concluding decisively.
• Ganges Grandmasters edged past Fyers American Gambits 8-7, securing third place with nine match points.

The standout performances of Gukesh and Arjun were pivotal in reversing the fortunes of last year’s runners-up, the Alaskan Knights. After starting the tournament with four consecutive losses, the Alaskan Knights were in a must-win situation against the Pipers. Another defeat at the Royal Opera House would have severely dented their hopes of finishing in the top two positions. Winning the toss, they chose to play white, and early in the contest, Arjun bested Anish Giri on the second board, providing the Knights with an early advantage.

However, Pipers’ in-form players, Nino Batsiashvilli and Leon Luke Mendonca, won their matches with black, putting pressure back on the Knights. Gukesh, who had struggled earlier in the tournament, stepped up with a clinical win against Fabiano Caruana in 39 moves. Leinier Dominguez also secured a win over R. Praggnanandhaa, and Kateryna Lagno defeated Hou Yifan, completing their victory.

Reflecting on his performance, Gukesh said, “It’s a very special feeling to get my first win. From the start, we felt we were in control, but towards the end, a few things became tricky. When I looked at the other boards, Dominguez’s game seemed around even, maybe slightly better for him, so I knew I had to push for a win. By then, I already had good chances, and my opponent was running low on time.”

Arjun, named the Player of the Match, remarked, “It was a special win as none of us had won any match so far and we won four today.”

Earlier, Alireza, who had previously defeated the reigning world champion, a former world champion, and the second and third-ranked players, capitalized on an error by Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, maintaining his perfect record. After Continental Kings opted to play black following the toss, Maurizzi, Marcandria, and Alexandra Kosteniuk could not convert early advantages, with the remaining boards ending in draws.

Alireza needed to win against his compatriot to secure a lead for his team. He chose the Najdorf Variation of the Sicilian Defense and, despite time pressure, exerted consistent pressure on his opponent. Following MVL’s blunder by moving his knight to d5, the 22-year-old Iranian-born GM seized the opportunity, forcing the Mumba Masters’ icon player to resign after 52 moves.

Alireza, also named Player of the Match, stated, “We needed this win to take the lead after the first half. We have had interesting matches in the past. He beat me many times, I beat him many times, but today it was a good game for me. I tried to take risks. I knew it would be a close match, but as black, I would get four points, and it paid off today.”

In the day’s concluding match, the 2025 World Cup winner Javokhir Sindarov claimed victory over Richard Rapport with black pieces, earning four game points, while Viswanathan Anand drew against Hikaru Nakamura on the icon board.

Action continues on Matchday 6, with PBG Alaskan Knights set to face Fyers American Gambits in the first match, followed by a clash against Triveni Continental Kings, who will begin the day against Alpine SG Pipers. UpGrad Mumba Masters will take on Ganges Grandmasters.

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New Delhi, Dec 18 (digihunt) – The fourth T20I between India and South Africa was abandoned due to excessive fog and poor visibility. Following this, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) is the “competent authority” for issuing full refunds to ticket holders.

Fans Seek Refunds

The abandonment of the match led to frustration among spectators, who are now expecting refunds for their tickets. According to the BCCI’s refund policy, fans can receive reimbursement (minus fees) if a match is cancelled or abandoned before any play occurs. Saikia clarified, “That is under the domain of the state cricket association, which is UPCA. So, this game’s hosting state is the UPCA. They will be able to tell you about this, and they are the competent authority.”

He added, “Everything in ticketing is done by the state association, as the BCCI just gives them the hosting rights, and all these things are taken care of and are under the domain of the state association,” while speaking to digihunt on Thursday.

Match Details

Repeated inspections by on-field umpires K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan and Rohan Pandit, along with reserve umpire J.R. Madanagopal, did not yield favorable conditions, leading to the official call-off at 9:30 PM.

As a result of the match being abandoned at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, India maintains a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, with the fifth and final game scheduled at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday.

Scheduling Concerns

This situation has reignited discussions regarding the BCCI’s scheduling of international matches during winter months. The series against South Africa is crucial preparation ahead of the Men’s T20 World Cup in February-March.

This was the first time a T20I was held in Lucknow in December, marking it as India’s first significant international match abandoned due to heavy fog.

Health and Safety Issues

India’s seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya was spotted wearing a mask on the field, emphasizing the fog’s severity and the hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI). Concerns over scheduling fixtures in North India during winter have been longstanding, but Saikia regarded Wednesday’s abandonment as an exceptional circumstance.

Saikia’s Remarks on Weather

Saikia noted, “No, it is a solitary weather situation. Normally, we experience this kind of weather in January. This time, it is quite early, and we had a match in Dharamsala the other day, which is much colder. One cannot predict fog and rain. Nowadays, cricket is an annual event, and we must have matches.”

He explained, “When we observed disturbances from fog in northern India in January, we restructured our domestic cricket matches, resulting in a significant gap between Ranji Trophy matches in North India. From last year onwards, we are not scheduling matches in North India during the first part of January. This Lucknow incident is an exceptional weather condition.”

Past Rescheduling Examples

Saikia also referenced the rearrangement of fixtures due to smog in New Delhi post-Diwali, which led to the second Test against the West Indies being held in October instead of the originally planned opener against South Africa.

“If we had sensed any issues, we would have considered rescheduling, as with the West Indies Test match in New Delhi, which was swapped from Kolkata. However, Lucknow’s situation was unexpected, and such unpredictability in weather conditions cannot be foreseen.”

He concluded, “I don’t think Lucknow typically experiences this fog at this time. It is more common in early January, and considering we’re still in late December, we couldn’t have predicted this situation.”

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Prince Deep Singh Gears Up for HIL 2026 After Stellar World Cup

New Delhi, Dec 18 (digihunt) Following an outstanding performance at the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup, where he played a vital role in India’s bronze medal triumph, young goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh is entering the Hockey India League (HIL) 2026 with renewed confidence. The Tamil Nadu Dragons goalkeeper was instrumental during the tournament, making key saves in the shootout against Belgium in the quarterfinals and showcasing a steady performance throughout the event.

Confidence Boost from the World Cup

Reflecting on how the FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup has shaped his mindset, Prince Deep stated, “I am much more confident now after this tournament because I played well in front of such a big home crowd. When I used to make saves, the fans cheered me a lot and it was a great motivation for me.”

He added, “During the shootout, when I saw so many fans behind me in the stadium, I told myself that I have to stop the ball for them. After I saved the fourth shootout, there was a lot of noise again and my confidence went even higher. When the fifth one came, I believed that I would stop it, and it became a double-save. That moment was the best for me and it went viral as well.”

Rejoining the Tamil Nadu Dragons

As he prepares for the HIL, Prince Deep will reunite with the Tamil Nadu Dragons, playing alongside the legendary Irish goalkeeper David Harte, who was also his teammate last season. Talking about Harte’s influence on his growth, Prince Deep explained, “He is like one of the world’s best goalkeepers. He taught me how to handle pressure, which is the most important thing for us. Earlier, I used to fall very fast and commit early, but he told me to stay on my feet and react at the last moment. Playing and practising with such a big player will help me a lot and I am looking forward to learning more from him.”

Learning from a Legend

The young goalkeeper highlighted how observing Harte closely during training helped him refine his fundamentals and decision-making skills. “I used to watch him from behind during practice, to see what he does at different moments. He told me that during penalty corners you have to stay relaxed and keep yourself cool because there is so much pressure. He always said that negativity has to be kept out of the ground and you should only focus on what you are doing inside the field,” Prince Deep said.

Since last season, he feels he has made significant strides, attributing his growth to regular exposure at the international level and extensive training under PR Sreejesh, the former Indian goalkeeper and current head coach of the men’s junior team. Sreejesh also helped him secure medals in two major tournaments—a silver at the Sultan of Johor Cup and a bronze at the recent Junior World Cup.

Focus on Improvement

“There is a lot of change in my game now. Earlier, I was a little scared during matches, but now I am very different. My last two tournaments went well. In training, coach sir (Sreejesh) always taught me to not focus too much on the result, but to play simple, make basic saves, communicate more on the field, and stay connected with the game,” Prince Deep explained.

Both Sreejesh and David Harte are iconic figures in international hockey, having competed against each other in major tournaments and played together in the early seasons of the Hockey India League in 2014. Reflecting on his training under both, Prince Deep noted their similarities in approach, stating, “Both of them have taught me how to handle pressure and control myself. They always say that whatever decision you take, take it with full conviction. If you concede a goal, don’t lose confidence; forget it quickly and think about the next action. They both focus a lot on decision-making, defensive shape and staying calm.”

Looking Ahead to HIL 2026

Addressing the Tamil Nadu Dragons, Prince Deep expressed regret over their semi-final loss last season but remains hopeful about the upcoming campaign. “Last time, we made a few mistakes and we will work on that this season. Most of the team is the same and our camp starts soon. We have a good balance in the squad, and everyone is focused on improving from last year,” he stated.

As the Hockey India League approaches, Prince Deep anticipates the competition will heighten the excitement, especially since his Junior World Cup teammates will now be his opponents. “I know how many of these players play and their strengths and weaknesses, so it will be fun competing against them in the league. It’s going to be a very exciting season,” he concluded.

The Men’s Hockey India League 2026 starts on January 3rd, with Tamil Nadu Dragons hosting Hyderabad Toofans in Chennai for their opening match.

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New Delhi, Dec 18 (digihunt)

For Madhya Pradesh’s left-arm wrist-spin all-rounder Shivang Kumar, a dream became reality as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) selected him in the IPL 2026 auction for his base price of Rs 30 lakh.

A Reunion with a Dear Friend

Shivang’s move to SRH also brings him back together with his best friend and Madhya Pradesh teammate Aniket Verma, who stood out for the franchise during a disappointing 2025 season. “First of all, I am very excited to play for SRH. It’s a team of my teammate and best friend Aniket Verma. With me now going to his team, there is also this excitement feeling because I told him last year that if you get selected, then I will also get selected in it,” he shared in an exclusive conversation with digihunt.

Shivang, 23, had trials with various franchises prior to the auction, fueling his belief that he would make his IPL debut. “Before the auction, I went to trials of Punjab Kings, Mumbai Inddigihunt and Rajasthan Royals. So, I got a good response from them. SRH also called me twice, but unfortunately, I could not go as at that time, I was in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The other time, it got cancelled for some reason. But the trials were quite good and there was a good response everywhere. SRH showed their trust in me and I am feeling good.”

Pursuit of the Indian Dream

Shivang views his participation in IPL 2026 as the first step towards achieving his ultimate goal: playing for India. “IPL is a launching pad for an uncapped player to the Indian team. So, as per my skills, I think SRH will like me a lot. I do both batting and bowling, so I can be very useful for the team. I have heard a lot about Murali sir (Muttiah Muralitharan). He talks a lot about cricket. So, it will be good to talk to him as well because I also talk mainly about cricket,” he added.

Shivang also finds Aniket a significant source of motivation. “Because of Aniket, we felt that we can also do well at this level. Aniket’s season was very good, and he played well in SRH for 2-3 innings. So, we also believe that we can also do well at the top.”

Experience from the Madhya Pradesh Premier League

He emphasized the importance of the Madhya Pradesh Premier League for his growth. “The player gets a lot of experience and exposure there on how he will play internationally. The world also watches him – whatever he does, good or bad. So, it is also a benefit that we learn how to deal with it.”

A Supportive Family Background

Growing up in Rewa, home to renowned pacers Kuldeep Sen and Ishwar Pandey, Shivang was introduced to cricket by his father, Praveen Kumar, a Chief Ticket Inspector in the Railways currently based in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. Praveen, who played cricket in Bengal, including in the Ranji Trophy, had dreams of representing India himself. “We used to practice cricket in our MPCA camps in Indore. When I was 22, I went to Rewa. Before that, I used to play in the Gwalior division. Rewa supported me a lot and it was an opportunity for me.”

“My father put me into playing cricket. He also had a dream that my child should play for India. This dream has been passed on to me. Hopefully, I will be able to fulfill his dream,” he reflected.

A Joyful Family Moment

Shivang’s selection by SRH filled Praveen with joy. “My father is a very positive person. He was like, ‘Okay, beta, you have been selected. So, learn and go upwards from here. Your ultimate goal is to play for India’. He was also very happy that I was selected for SRH, which is known for a lot of power hitters and their fearless approach.”

From Right-Handed to Left-Handed

It was Praveen, Shivang’s first coach, who transformed him from a right-handed bowler into a left-arm spinner. “He taught me batting and actually, I bowled right handed. But he made me a lefty bowler. After I started my cricket under him, I found my way through MP and MPCA supported me a lot.”

Inspiration from MS Dhoni

The pivotal moment in Shivang’s cricketing journey came with the MS Dhoni biopic. “When I didn’t get selected for the U-14 team, I decided to leave cricket for 5 months. Luckily, I got a chance to watch the movie on MS Dhoni. I took a lot of inspiration from Dhoni sir. It made me realize that his life had a lot of struggles and I gave up too fast. I re-started playing cricket and scored 98 in the first match.”

A Dream to Meet His Idol

Meeting his idol Dhoni tops Shivang’s bucket list. “It is every youngster’s dream to meet Dhoni sir, especially during a match in Chepauk. The atmosphere is different. When he enters, I want to experience that.”

A Promising Debut

Shivang made an impact in the Madhya Pradesh T20 league and debuted in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against Hyderabad, scoring a crucial 45. “But I didn’t get a wicket in that game. After going wicketless, I spoke to Venkatesh Iyer, who motivated me a lot. I then took three wickets against Bihar, which felt good,” he noted.

Encouragement from Peers

Alongside Iyer, Shivang draws inspiration from RCB skipper and India batter Rajat Patidar. “Rajat bhaiya is especially an inspiration. His batting is world famous. Venky bhaiya has a positive attitude towards youngsters. He makes the environment casual, which helps us gel up with him.”

Looking Ahead to IPL 2026

With IPL just months away, Shivang is eager to challenge himself against international stars. “These are big matches and international players are present. I want to experience bowling to both international players and top domestic hitters.”

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Ticket Refund Process Initiated After Abandoned Fourth T20I

New Delhi, Dec 18 (digihunt) – The fourth T20I match between India and South Africa was abandoned due to excessive fog and poor visibility conditions. In the wake of this situation, Prem Manohar Gupta, Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), announced that the ticket refund process will commence from Friday.

Gupta confirmed that arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth reimbursement for spectators who bought tickets for the match, whether online or offline.

“The ticket refund process will start from tomorrow morning. Those who purchased online will be refunded online, with only the service charges being deducted. The rest of the amount will be fully refunded,” Gupta stated.

“For those who bought tickets offline, we will be setting up booths at the Ekana Stadium. The refund process will begin there, and an advertisement will be published in the newspapers. All the money will be reimbursed to all spectators,” he added in an interview with digihunt on Thursday.

After repeated inspections by on-field umpires K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan and Rohan Pandit, along with reserve umpire J.R. Madanagopal, the decision was made to call off the game at 9:30 PM at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium.

“We are very sorry that the match was not held. We had completed all preparations for the game to take place. We thank all our viewers who came from far with the hope to watch the match. They dedicated their time, but it is God’s will that the match was not held. We sincerely apologize for this,” Gupta expressed.

Currently, India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, holds a 2-1 lead in the five-match series against South Africa. The fifth and final game of the series is set to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday.

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BCCI Secretary Praises Uncapped Players in IPL Mini-Auction

New Delhi, Dec 18 (digihunt) – BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia expressed delight over the success of uncapped players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction, emphasizing that the tournament continues to fulfill its primary goal of offering a platform for young and emerging talent from across the nation.

Uncapped players were the highlight of the auction, with franchises making substantial investments to secure promising domestic talents. The Delhi Capitals made headlines by acquiring Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Dar for Rs. 84 crore. Meanwhile, the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings made significant moves by signing Rajasthan cricketer Kartik Sharma and Uttar Pradesh all-rounder Prashant Veer, each for Rs. 14.20 crore.

In response to the auction developments, Saikia shared his satisfaction at franchises supporting players based on their domestic performances, thus providing opportunities to talent from all corners of the country. He remarked, “I’m extremely happy because some uncapped players of India from various states, from their domestic performances, the franchises are picking up. You can take the example of that guy from J&K, Auqib Dar, another from UP (Veer), and one from Rajasthan (Kartik). So this is precisely what the IPL is all about, that we have to promote our young talents.”

He further added, “Although they’re not getting opportunities in the Indian team, or they are getting the cap, without getting the cap also they can do big in life and this is the perfect example. And that platform is ready for them, and I am sure in the coming times more and more youngsters from various states by participating and performing in domestic cricket will come to the limelight and attract the focus and attention of all these franchises, scouts, and persons who are involved.”

Saikia’s remarks underscore the IPL’s growing significance as a launchpad for domestic cricketers, offering both financial security and exposure as they aspire to represent their country on the international stage.

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Mount Maunganui, Dec 18 (digihunt)

Devon Conway shared New Zealand’s clear plan after opting to bat first in the third Test against the West Indies, stating that the team aimed to “bat big, bat well, and give our bowlers an opportunity to bowl in the fourth innings.”

After winning the toss, New Zealand chose to bat first, a decision they had not made in a home Test since 2011. By the end of Day 1, the hosts were in a commanding position at 334 for 1, with Tom Latham dismissed late in the day for 137 and Conway unbeaten on 178. The opening partnership proved New Zealand’s bold choice to bat first on a green top, as they combined for a formidable 323-run opening stand.

Reflecting on the decision to bat first, Conway mentioned that it was a collective choice made after finalising the playing XI. He said, “Once we made the decision that we were going to go with Jazzy (Ajaz Patel), we decided that we were collectively going to have a bat first. Mentally, I really knew that we were going to bat. It was a guaranteed bat day because I had a feeling that they would have seen a green wicket, and with the make-up of their bowling attack, they probably wanted to bowl first.”

However, the early stages were not easy. West Indies effectively exploited the conditions, and Conway admitted he struggled to find his rhythm. “In the first 15-20 overs, they seemed to be bowling in really good areas and moving the ball quite a lot. I was constantly fighting myself throughout that first hour. Funny enough, I spoke to Tom Latham at lunch, and I said I almost felt like I forgot how to bat after that first hour… Just everything felt really awkward. The trigger, it’s just part of the game, batting… That happens every now and then, but I just try to remind myself just to get through that,” he noted.

As the day progressed, batting conditions improved significantly. The ball softened, the pitch quickened, and Conway alongside Latham began to dominate. Conway hit 25 fours in an innings characterised by patience and controlled aggression. “I think it was a combination of two things. The ball got a little bit softer, a little bit older, and the wicket actually sped up a little bit. It offered up some good scoring opportunities for myself and Tom,” he explained.

Staying positive was crucial to capitalising on scoring opportunities. “One of my things is to play with freedom, play with a positive mindset, keep looking to score. I just try to remind myself to do that, particularly after lunch. If they miss, I want to capitalise and put them under pressure,” he added.

This innings comes at a pivotal moment for Conway, who has faced challenges in maintaining consistency recently, with two-thirds of his previous 39 Test innings ending before 30 runs. Still, he downplayed any personal pressure. “I just try and remind myself to just keep doing that – don’t worry about the runs. Just keep focusing on doing a job for the team and doing a role. I’m pretty happy that it turned over for me today, but I’ve just got to keep focusing on being present and just, as I say, doing a role for the team,” he said.

Conway also acknowledged the challenges of opening the batting, particularly in New Zealand conditions. “It is a very underappreciated job around the world, not just here. Yeah, it has been a tough ride. Quite often, you rock up day one of a Test match, and you see it’s pretty green,” he remarked.

He praised his opening partner, stating, “Already mentally you think, well, it’s going to do bits here on this pitch. I think a lot of credit needs to go to a guy like Tom Latham, who’s played 90-odd Tests, and he’s done so well. I think he’s scored his 15th Test century, and a lot of those centuries have been here in New Zealand.”

Discipline, Conway emphasised, is essential. “I think you’ve just got to try and remind yourself to get yourself into a good position and look to score because there is probably a ball with your name on it here in New Zealand. You’ve just got to be disciplined.”

Conway’s top Test score remains the double century he achieved on his debut at Lord’s. He will resume on Day 2, just 22 runs short of that milestone, but he stressed that personal records aren’t his focus. “I think if you look too far ahead, particularly when you’re batting, you can get yourself in trouble,” he observed. “I think it’s very important for us as a batting group to keep putting (West Indies bowlers) under pressure. Bat for a long period of time because that wicket is going to get flatter, and it will give our spinners an opportunity to do a role later in the Test.”

For now, his focus is simple: “I just want to go out there, stay in the process ball by ball, and just keep doing my thing – building a partnership with others at the other end.”

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Mumbai, Dec 18 (digihunt) – GS Shiva Shankara’s outstanding performance with the bat went in vain as India A clinched a victory in the three-match Physical Disability T20 series, concluding at the historic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.

In the third and final match of the series, India A chose to bat first, posting a total of 164 for eight in their 20 overs. Significant contributions came from Akash Sanap (32), Prasad Chavan (31), and Jitendra VN (25). For India Senior, the standout bowlers were Sunny Goyal, claiming 3 wickets for 17 runs, and Imran Khan with figures of 2 for 49.

In response, India Senior faced a challenging start, losing wickets frequently. They found themselves struggling at 38 for five and further slid to 81 for eight. The sole impressive performance came from GS Shiva Shankara, who scored a fighting 67 runs off 43 balls, including four boundaries and five sixes. Ultimately, India Senior was bowled out for 136 in 19.3 overs. On the bowling side, India A’s Nonsola Adil shone with 3 wickets for 40 runs, while G Prashant picked up 2 for 15 and Mohammed Sadiq finished with 2 for 3.

Each player of the match in the series received Rs 11,000, and the player of the series, Wasim Iqbal from India Senior, was awarded Rs 21,000 by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). Shiva Shankara, named player of the match in the final game, expressed his excitement about participating in the series.

“It has been a terrific experience to play at the iconic Wankhede Stadium,” stated Shiva Shankara.

Hailing from Bengaluru, Shiva Shankara plays using only his left hand and embraces the challenge of competing at this level. “It is difficult, but I train quite regularly in the gym at least three to four times a week. I play regularly with able-bodied cricketers in corporate tournaments and have scored heavily. I can only thank Mr. Ravi Kant Chauhan and his team for all their efforts,” he added.

Prof. Dr. Unmesh Khanvilkar, Secretary of the Mumbai Cricket Association, remarked: “This historic series—the first initiative of its kind in the country, undertaken under the visionary leadership of our President Ajinkya Naik—represents far more than a set of competitive matches. It reflects our collective belief in inclusivity, equality, dignity, and opportunity for every sportsperson, irrespective of physical or intellectual ability. Sport has always been a powerful platform for empowerment. Providing these talented athletes with a structured and competitive stage validates their skill, passion, and commitment. At the Mumbai Cricket Association, we remain firmly committed to backing every cricketer with talent, heart, and determination—because ability and excellence know no boundaries. I wish all the participants the very best and look forward to witnessing inspiring and memorable cricket.”

Ravi Chauhan, Secretary General of the DCCI, added: “Playing at the iconic Wankhede Stadium was a dream come true for our Physical Disability Cricketers. This opportunity proves that physical disability cricketers are now receiving the same respect, recognition, and platform as mainstream players. Heartfelt gratitude to ICC Chairman Jay Shah for his visionary efforts in bringing divyang cricket into the mainstream and securing BCCI support for a game that has been growing for over 40 years. A special thank you to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) for taking this historic step, and to MCA President Ajinkya Naik for fulfilling the dream of our divyang cricketers by giving them the opportunity to play at Wankhede and for leading from the front in support of differently-abled cricket. A milestone moment for divyang cricket and an inspiration for generations to come.”

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Rohan Dhole Patil Sets New Course Record at CIDCO Open 2025

Navi Mumbai, Dec 18 (digihunt) – Rohan Dhole Patil made headlines at the Kharghar Valley Golf Course (KVGC) by breaking the course record with an impressive seven-under 64. This performance propelled him to a tie for the lead at 10-under 203, alongside Veer Ahlawat, who posted a two-over 73 in the third round of the INR 1 crore CIDCO Open 2025, the inaugural professional event at KVGC.

Strong Performance from Patil

Pune’s Rohan Patil (70-69-64), in pursuit of his first title, surpassed the previous course record of 65 set by Veer Ahlawat (65-65-73) in Round One. Rohan made a significant leap of nine spots from his overnight tied 10th position as Veer, who led for the first two days, maintained his spot at the top of the leaderboard.

Notable Gains by Other Contenders

Subash Tamang (71-68-65) from Nepal, also vying for his first victory, posted a 65 on day three, which moved him up seven spots to nine-under 204. Italy’s Michele Ortolani (67-66-72) ended the day a further stroke back, securing fourth place at eight-under 205.

Patil’s Consistent Play

Rohan started the third round nine shots behind the leader but steadily gained momentum on the front nine, recording three birdies with precise shots close to the pins. Despite two bogeys on the back nine, he maintained his strong performance with an eagle and four additional birdies, showcasing solid chipping and putting, highlighted by an impressive 18-foot eagle on the 16th hole.

Rohan’s Reflections

Rohan shared, “It was a day when all aspects of my game came together and produced the desired result. I’ve been working towards achieving this. My chipping and putting were particularly sharp on the back nine.”

He further added, “I really enjoyed playing on this layout at KVGC. It’s a true test of skills. Breaking a course record is always a special feeling, and it gives me a lot of confidence going into the last round. CIDCO has done a great job with this golf course. I played here when it was a nine-hole course, but the layout has been changed since then.”

Veer’s Determination

Veer Ahlawat, who began the day with a three-shot lead, faced challenges with three birdies and five bogeys. Nevertheless, he managed to grind it out, staying in the lead for the third consecutive day.

Veer remarked, “I had a tough day today and didn’t putt that well. I also didn’t hit it well on the shorter holes where I should’ve taken advantage. But the game still feels good. My plan was to stay close to the lead, as I was aware that it was just a bad day today. I knew I had the opportunity to come back strong tomorrow if I endured the tough phase today.”

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Akshat Raghuwanshi’s Journey to IPL 2026: A Cricketing Dream Realised

New Delhi, Dec 18 (digihunt) Akshat Raghuwanshi’s cricket career achieved notable recognition after the Covid-19 pandemic, marked by a sensational century on debut in the Ranji Trophy. This achievement established him as one of the standout batting talents from Madhya Pradesh, contributing to the team clinching their first title.

Now, Raghuwanshi has been acquired by Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2026 auction for Rs 2.2 crore. The middle-order batter from Ashok Nagar is poised to make his debut in the ten-team tournament and views this as a significant turning point in his playing career. “A turning point came after Covid-19, when I was playing in the U-19. I played well in U-19, and then I was picked for the Ranji Trophy, where I played well and made a hundred in my debut game,” he shared.

“After that, I think I scored fifty-plus scores in four straight matches, as we won the Ranji Trophy that year. Yes, this is the best opportunity for me. I will try to make this IPL the turning point of my life,” he stated in an exclusive conversation with digihunt.

Raghuwanshi was glued to the IPL 2026 auction proceedings alongside his teammates during a division tournament. He recalled feeling a whirlwind of emotions as his name came up for bidding: tension, jubilation, and the receipt of a congratulatory message from India pacer Avesh Khan. “I was seeing the whole auction from the beginning itself. I was quite nervous. So, before my name was about to come, a few names were already running. Then suddenly it was a bit like, what will happen, will anyone take me or not? As soon as my name came, the first bid was made.”

“I had all my teammates with me, and the boys started screaming. They got happy and started singing and dancing. After that, the TV turned off. So, I didn’t even know what happened and to which team I went. But then I got a call from Avesh bhaiya, as soon as the bidding was completed. He told me that Lucknow has taken me, as he’s also in that team and congratulated me. That’s when I got to know that I would be a part of LSG,” he reminisced.

His selection for LSG fulfilled a long-standing family dream. “My family was very happy. I mean, they had this dream from the beginning that I should do well in cricket. So, they are very happy and celebrated this feat very well,” Raghuwanshi expressed.

Growing up in Ashoknagar, a place celebrated for its Sharbati flour, Raghuwanshi’s father laid the groundwork for his cricketing skills. “I started playing cricket when I was 4-5 years old. My father used to make me play with a plastic or a rubber ball. I used to play all day long.”

“But when I was 10-11 years old, I decided that I had to play cricket. Because they made me start playing very early, I started liking it a lot. It was a lot of fun to play, and so, it was a very quick decision in my life to play cricket (professionally). When I was 10 years old, I shifted to Indore, as playing facilities weren’t present in Ashoknagar.”

His coaching evolution also came at a pivotal time. “My father was my coach when I was young. But when I was 10-11 years old, my coach was Amay Khurasiya sir. He was the head coach at the MPCA academy, so he taught me the techniques and basics of the game.”

Since his featured role in Madhya Pradesh’s Ranji Trophy-winning campaign, Raghuwanshi’s career had faced a lean phase. However, his recent performances in white-ball cricket signal a promising revival. In this year’s Madhya Pradesh Premier League, Raghuwanshi stood out as the tournament’s most notable batter, even though he didn’t top the run charts.

His explosive innings of 105 off 45 balls against the Bhopal Leopards attracted the attention of scouts as he accumulated 239 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 177. Acknowledging the weight of expectations, Raghuwanshi views it as validation of his talent and abilities.

“Yes, absolutely. If you get to know that people have their eyes on you, then there is a little bit of pressure. But it also increases your self-belief a lot when other people are talking positively about you everywhere. So, you get a lot of confidence that I deserve to be at that level. With everyone saying good things about me, it helps a lot, and it feels really good when someone talks like this about me,” he said.

His impressive strokeplay reflects his aggressive style in T20 cricket. He approaches batting with the intent to capitalize on every opportunity. “My aim while batting is always the same in T20s. If I get a little chance that I can hit this ball for a four or six, then I give it a proper crack – whether it is the first or second ball. I don’t see if I have gone or if I am set or not. If I feel that there is a ball in my area, then I take a proper chance on it, and it works for me.”

Raghuwanshi has honed his signature shot – the no-look upper cut over the third man – through rigorous practice. “Not instinctively, but I have practised it a lot in the last one or two years, especially with plastic balls for facing the bouncer, because in T20s, the third man is always up. In any situation, that area is always empty. So, whenever a bouncer comes, I try to hit it. While practicing, I got so used to it that even without looking at the ball, if I put the bat on the ball, it comes out. Now, with practice, it has come so much in my muscle memory that it automatically comes out,” he explained.

Raghuwanshi credits fellow Madhya Pradesh batting stars Rajat Patidar and Venkatesh Iyer for shaping his mental resilience. “I get to learn a lot from people like Patidar and Iyer because in any tough situation, they tell me how to stay calm and composed.”

“They always say that no matter what the situation is, have faith in yourself and keep batting. Normally, just don’t think that this is the situation I have to get out of it or not. They just say, just keep batting and the team will get out of the situation. If you try to get out of it, then nothing can be done. But if you keep playing, you will get out of the situation. So, just try to stay there on the wicket.”

As Raghuwanshi readies for his IPL debut after fulfilling his commitments in Madhya Pradesh, his focus remains on learning and enhancing the mental strength required to excel at the highest level.

“My goal right now is to learn as much as I can from them about cricket. Like how to play, what should be the mindset, how to be calm in a situation, and how to increase my self-belief, these are my main goals. If I get a chance to play for the team, I will do my best to win the game for the team, and this is also one of my goals right now,” he concluded.

Raghuwanshi emphasized self-belief as the cornerstone of his success, viewing IPL 2026 as a pivotal moment in his career. “I want to learn how to have self-confidence. The main thing in cricket these days is how good your self-belief is. The more self-belief you have, the better you can do in cricket. So, the main thing I want to learn is how to improve my self-belief.”

–digihunt

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