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1. Wawrinka Beats Djokovic in Four Sets to Win US Open
Third seed Stan Wawrinka rose to the occasion once again to beat top-seeded defending champion Novak Djokovic 6-7(1) 6-4 7-5 6-3 and win the US Open on Sunday for the third grand slam title of his career.
The 31-year-old Swiss, who defeated Djokovic on his way to winning the 2014 Australian Open and 2015 French Open, denied the world number one a third grand slam title this year following his wins in Australia and France.
2. Pujara, Jackson Plunder Listless Red Attack in Duleep Trophy
Cheteshwar Pujara displayed his appetite for a big score with an unbeaten 256 as India Blue piled up a mammoth 693 for six in their bid to outbat the Reds on the second day of the Duleep Trophy final.
The pressure due to mountain of runs was telling as Pankaj Singh’s sharp first resulted in Reds losing Abhinav Mukund (0) and Sudeep Chatterjee off successive deliveries.
The Reds were 16 for 2 at end of day’s play.
India Blue 1st innings: 693 for 6 decl in 168.2 overs (Cheteshwar Pujara 256 not out; Sheldon Jackson 134, Gautam Gambhir 94, Amit Mishra 2/171)
India Red 1st innings: 16/2 in 9 overs (Pankaj Singh 2/12).
3. Focus on Rohit as Selectors Meet to Choose Test Squad
The below-par Test record of Rohit Sharma is expected to be the focus of discussion when the selection committee, headed by Sandeep Patil, picks the Indian cricket squad for the home Test series against New Zealand, today.
Despite Rohit’s poor form in the Tests, he has the confidence of captain Virat Kohli, who feels that the ODI specialist should be given a longer run to prove himself in the Test format.
Another top-order batsman who has come under the scanner is Cheteshwar Pujara. He was dropped for the final Test against the West Indies, along with successful opener in past Test rubbers -- Murali Vijay -- by the tour management. Pujara grafted his way to 62 runs from two innings, but has since then answered the selectors’ queries with back-to-back hundreds in the Duleep Trophy and is likely to be included in the squad.
4. Ahead of NZ Team Selection, Fans Chant ‘Bring Back Gambhir’
A group of young Gautam Gambhir fans carried a 20-feet-long banner that read ‘Bring back Gautam’, standing under scorching afternoon sun on day 2 of the Duleep Trophy.
Gambhir had a great Duleep Trophy with 320 runs at an average of 80 per innings, enough for these kids from Shivaji and Kamla Nehru College to show solidarity with their hero. Incidentally, the banner did attract the attention of national selectors Vikram Rathour and Saba Karim. Not to forget chief coach Anil Kumble, who was also present.
“We run a Gambhir fan club. We want him back in Indian team. He has been consistent,” said Asmita, wearing a KKR Jersey which was personally gifted to her by Gambhir.
5. Cricketer Praveen Kumar Now an SP Politician
Ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, cricketer Praveen Kumar has joined the Samajwadi Party.
“I have met CM and decided to join the party. I will do whatever is possible for the party,” he told reporters after meeting the CM, who is also state president of SP.
Asked whether he would contest the state assembly polls, Kumar said, “I am a kid in this field. As of now I will try to learn it (politics).”
Kumar, who plays for Uttar Pradesh cricket team in first class cricket, has been a part of the Indian cricket team in six test matches and 68 ODI’s, where he has to his credit, 27 and 77 wickets respectively.
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