One of Indian badminton’s most vivacious and enthusiastic players is Tanisha Crasto because of her unending enthusiasm. But when she gets experience and learns shuttle’s temperance the hard way—through losses—that excess energy can occasionally explode into mistakes. Tanisha is full of fireworks, though, and her partner Ashwini Ponappa is happy about that.It’s been a  long time since I played it. Playing with someone who just wants to win big games on the court and  be successful every day is energizing. After winning their third title in Guwahati, the pair have also won the Abu Dhabi Masters and Nantes International Challenge since they started playing together earlier this year. andquot;As a couple, our strength is our ability to learn and execute plans,andquot; Ashwini says.Ashwini-Tanisha defeated Sung Shuo Yun and Yu Chien Hui of Chinese Taipei on Sunday, 21-13, 21-19. On Tuesday, they will move up to World No. 23. Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand is also pushing to make the cut, which nicely sets up India’s race for Paris qualification. “It’s fantastic that two pairs are currently competing. Even though everyone is always thinking about Paris, Ashwini states, “My only goal is to perform well in every tournament.”After the Taiwanese discovered their range and rallied from behind to tie the match at 19 all on Sunday, things got a little dicey. 

There were several serves that were attacked, racquet collisions, and wide returns. This week, the Indians showed resilience despite a number of unintentional mistakes made at critical times. Tanisha finished the final with some excellent variations while Ashwini remained composed.In Finland and in the Nationals quarterfinals, there were errors made in the Syed Modi final on Sunday, along with some devastating defeats. But the pair is learning how to work things out. “The body is subjected to pressure and strain. However, there’s an emotional cost to matches too. It was satisfying to triumph after two trying weeks, and we are learning to be much more composed and resilient, says Ashwini.

Overcoming Challenges and Adapting Strategies: Ashwini’s Journey in Competitive Sports

At 34, her body now demands that she take the greatest care of it in order to maintain her fiercely competitive appearance on the court. After all, she had an incredibly unpleasant lunch in Lucknow and seemed lethargic during the pre-quarters, “not fully in the moment.” The body felt more rigid, more confined, and another lesson was learned. I used to be that person who said, “I can eat anything,” and I had no idea what the food I was eating meant. The older I get, the less money I have to do that. The pairing has also had to pay for their own travel to a few tournaments in order to accrue ranking points since they joined forces at the Indonesia Masters at the beginning of the year, where they made the quarterfinals and set the tone. “That’s cool, I take it as a challenge,” I told myself. We need to demonstrate our worth. However, financial difficulties can arise, so I’m grateful for support from the Karnataka government, ONGC, and Victor. Taking care of things on your own is different after working as a team. However, the coaches are on board with us. People only talk about losses, but moving up the rankings is difficult, the woman claims.There was nobody sitting in the coach at Nantes. The all-out hitting was not working during the quarters. “I’m glad we were able to figure out what went wrong and adjust our approach that week,” Ashwini remarks.The financial side of their careers has also grown to be a significant obstacle. Because they had to pay for their own travel expenses to multiple competitions, the pair discovered the importance of resource management and budgeting in the cutthroat world of sports. Their path since the Indonesia Masters has served as evidence of their tenacity and will to triumph in the face of adversity.

The Karnataka government, ONGC, and Victor have provided invaluable support, but the experience has also highlighted the significance of independence.They demonstrated extraordinary adaptability in the face of tactical difficulties in Nantes. They changed their approach midway through the competition, without consulting their coaches, relying only on their own analysis and strategic thinking.Their story tells the story of learning, adapting, and thriving in the face of adversity more than it does of athletic achievement. In addition to stressing the value of mental toughness, tactical flexibility, and thorough self-care, Ashwini’s insights provide light on the intricacies of professional sports. In the fiercely competitive world of badminton, this story serves as motivation by highlighting the importance of tenacity, self-awareness, and never-ending learning.

Resilience and Growth: The Inspiring Journey of Badminton Duo Tanisha Crasto and Ashwini Ponnappa

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The fact that Tanisha’s physiotherapist was in Abu Dhabi was helpful. What was good was that the physiotherapist had released the body. It’s challenging to play consistently hard games without a physiotherapist,” she explains. She used to take the body’s ability to regenerate and prepare itself for healing, but as time went on, recovery has also grown harder for her.Tanisha considered it advantageous that her physiotherapist was in Abu Dhabi. Because of the strain of playing intense games nonstop, the therapist was especially helpful in helping her body heal. She initially underestimated the body’s recovery requirements, but as time went on, she came to understand the importance of expert assistance and the growing difficulty of healing.Before achieving stoic composure and mastering harsh assessments, Ashwini struggled greatly with mental health spirals. “Our own and our loved ones’ criticism of us is sufficient.” We should all be mindful of our mental health even though it is free for everyone to express negative opinions. We don’t need someone if they can’t offer anything insightful to say. Our social media accounts don’t need to be accessible to them, the woman claims.Even though the duo overcame setbacks to rank in the Top 25, Tanisha and Ashwini took their time and shared dinners to discuss the specifics of their partnership. After about twenty years, Ashwini took a memorable day off in a Danish amusement park. She exclaims, “I was happy Tanisha was game for everything.” Because Ashwini is not one to pass up the roller coasters in life.

Ashwini and Tanisha: Triumph Over Adversity in Badminton and Life

Tanisha’s partner Ashwini struggled with mental health issues of her own, made worse by criticism from loved ones, friends, and social media. She emphasized the value of mental health and made the case that burdensome uninvited criticism is unnecessary. She defended personal boundaries, particularly with regard to social media access, in order to safeguard mental health while highlighting the importance of constructive criticism.In spite of these personal obstacles, Tanisha and Ashwini were able to advance to the Top 25 in their respective sports. Their partnership was nurtured over time, with frequent mealtimes spent discussing tactics and strengthening their bond. Ashwini, who had been training hard for almost 20 years, relished a rare day off at a theme park in Denmark. Tanisha eagerly participated in this amazing adventure, which included exhilarating roller coasters and other thrilling experiences. Ashwini demonstrated her strong and daring nature by being open to riding life’s roller coasters, both literally and figuratively.

Also Read: Key Highlights of WPL 2024 Auction : Team Strategies, Player Auctions, and Squad Dynamics

The experiences of Anisha Crasto and Ashwini Ponnappa in women’s doubles badminton serve as a prime example of resiliency, flexibility, and the value of both physical and mental health in elite sports. Their victories in a number of championships, such as the Guwahati Masters Super 100, demonstrate not only their talent but also their capacity to rise above hardship and take lessons from every setback. Their dynamic synergy—Ashwini’s experience and Tanisha’s youthful energy—leads them to world rankings ascents and top performances.They have encountered obstacles along the way. They’ve had to deal with the financial strains of self-funded travel, the psychological strains of public scrutiny, and the physical demands of their sport. However, they stand out for their dedication to mutual support, strategic match adjustments, and self-care. This team has demonstrated that mental toughness and flexibility are just as important to athletic success as physical skill.Their narrative shows the value of cooperation, tenacity, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence on and off the court as they get ready for upcoming competitions. Their story serves as motivation for young athletes and highlights the need for comprehensive support systems in sports by illuminating the complex difficulties faced by professional athletes.

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As the Women’s Premier League (WPL) gears up for its much-awaited auction in Mumbai, the spotlight falls on the strategies of the participating teams, especially after an exhilarating debut season. The champion Mumbai Indians, runner-up Delhi Capitals, and the third-placed UP Warriorz have shown commendable faith in their core groups, making minimal changes to their lineups. In contrast, the Gujarat Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore, who had a challenging season, are poised for significant revamps. This auction presents a pivotal moment for these teams to bolster their squads, particularly focusing on the blend of domestic and international talent, and shaping their game plans for the upcoming season. The champion Mumbai Indians, the runner-up Delhi Capitals, and the third-placed UP Warriorz have all chosen to have faith in the core group of players that performed well for them during the Women’s Premier League’s debut season. One indicator of this is the fact that UPW only released one player from their starting lineup, whereas MI and DC’s playing lineups from the championship game were kept intact. With the certainty that they would only require minimal reinforcements for the upcoming season, these three clubs may confidently enter the Mumbai auction on Saturday.

WPL Auction: Strategic Planning for New Season

As a result, as the teams head to the auction tables to assemble their squads for the rematch, all eyes will be on the Gujarat Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Despite their struggles for most of the season, RCB outperformed the Giants in the net run rate category of the points table. In the eight games that they played, neither club was able to win more than two. The Giants need a complete makeover after cutting 11 players from their roster. To their credit, RCB refrained from making many wholesale changes because their team had a strong roster heading into the season and had a bad start that they were unable to overcome. They let go of seven players and have confidence in the Indian core that has produced players like Shreyanka Patil and Kanika Ahuja who have gone on to become well-known and earn Indian caps. There are 165 cricket players in all vying for the 30 spots (9 overseas) that are open, including 104 Indians and 61 foreign players. The teams’ purse for this auction has been increased from the Rs 12 crore that was offered the previous time to Rs 1.50 crore.

Gujarat Giants

Purse available: Rs 5.95 crore

Slots to fill: 10 (Overseas: 3)

Retained Players: Ashleigh Gardner*, Beth Mooney*, Dayalan Hemalatha, Harleen Deol, Laura Wolvaardt*, Shabnam Shakil, Sneh Rana, Tanuja Kanwer.

Released Players: Annabel Sutherland*, Ashwani Kumari, Georgia Wareham*, Hurley Gala, Kim Garth*, Mansi Joshi, Monica Patel, Parunika Sisodia, Sabbineni Meghana, Sophia Dunkley*, Sushma Verma.

With Mithali Raj and Nooshin Al Khadeer in their decision-making group, the Giants had an intriguing approach in the 2023 auction as they relied heavily on foreign players early on and trusted their understanding of the indigenous potential. Though the reasoning made logical, they ultimately ran out of Indian weaponry, which proved to be costly. This time around, there aren’t many high-end capped Indian players in the auction mix, so they won’t be able to quickly address that. However, the Giants have a strong batting core in Mooney, Wolvaardt, Gardner, Deol, Hemalatha, and Rana, so they will concentrate on developing their bowling options. It wouldn’t be shocking to see the Giants spend much on a pacer such as Shabnim Ismail and one of the Australian wrist-spinners, King or Jade-Wellington, given that there are three foreign berths available. They will probably also have first dibs on any available India A or U19 talent.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Purse available: Rs 3.35 crore

Slots to fill: 7 (Overseas: 3)

Retained Players: Asha Shobana, Disha Kasat, Ellyse Perry*, Heather Knight*, Indrani Roy, Kanika Ahuja, Renuka Singh, Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil, Sophie Devine*, Smriti Mandhana.

Released Players: Dané Van Niekerk*, Erin Burns*, Komal Zanzad, Megan Schutt*, Poonam Khemnar, Preeti Bose, Sahana Pawar.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Retained and Released Players

With Luke Williams taking over as head coach after Ben Sawyers resigned, Royal Challengers Bangalore  (RCB) will have a new look at their think tank. Williams most recently guided the Adelaide Strikers to back-to-back WBBL titles, and he has experience in the world of franchise cricket. Despite their disappointing first season, RCB performed well in providing a platform for the domestic talent to shine and they have retained their superstar firepower in the overseas department. With their top order in good shape, RCB will look to build a good bowling attack with overseas options while concentrating on domestic batting talent. Don’t be surprised if Williams goes hard for Amanda Jade-Wellington, the leggie with Adelaide Strikers, who had a fantastic WBBL campaign. After letting go of Megan Schutt, RCB may also choose to bring in a foreign fast bowler. allrounder.

UP Warriors

Purse available: Rs 4.0 crore

Slots to fill: 5 (Overseas: 1)

Retained Players: Alyssa Healy*, Anjali Sarvani, Deepti Sharma, Grace Harris*, Kiran Navgire, Lauren Bell*, Parshavi Chopra, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, S. Yashasri, Shweta Sehrawat, Sophie Ecclestone*, Tahlia Mcgrath*, Laxmi Yadav.

Released Players: Devika Vaidya, Shabnim Ismail*, Shivali Shinde, Simran Shaikh.

UP Warriorz Retained and Released Players

Throughout the season, Healy stated many times that her squad was eager to provide emerging Indian talent with a platform, even though winning matches was vital. The U19 World Cup champions, Parshavi, Shweta, and Yashasri, were given their opportunities. Given that they only have one foreign seat remaining and a sizable money to deal with, expect them to hunt for a couple more such Indian stars. The choices with Indian batting potential were a worry for UPW because of their inconsistent play. They may consider adding S Meghana to the team to balance out Healy. They may now search for a less expensive foreign backup since they have freed Ismail, whom they were forced to sideline due to their abroad pairings.

Mumbai Indians

Purse available: Rs 2.1 crore

Slots to fill: 5 (Overseas: 1)

Retained Players: Amanjot Kaur, Amelia Kerr*, Chloe Tryon*, Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews*, Humairaa Kaazi, Isabelle Wong*, Jintimani Kalita, Natalie Sciver*, Pooja Vastrakar, Priyanka Bala, Saika Ishaque, Yastika Bhatia.

Released Players: Dhara Gujjar, Heather Graham*, Neelam Bisht, Sonam Yadav.

Mumbai Indians Retained and Released Players

MI was distinct from the other teams even before the season started. It seems sense that the world champions were in great demand overseas, but the Charlotte Edwards-coached team only acquired one Australian player from the auction. The lone Australian on their roster, Heather Graham, who didn’t participate in the inaugural campaign, has been released for this edition. Although the MI team is full of all-rounders, it is hard to detect any flaws in the lineup. However, they might consider rotating Issy Wong with one of the several Australian pacers who can bat. Although it might use some reinforcement, its lower order was hardly needed to bat during the season. MI would mostly be searching for up-and-coming Indian talent since Mannat Kashyap and other like individuals are accessible. Additionally, they might go for a Mumbai player who had a successful domestic season leg-spinner Prakashika Naik. To strengthen their opening options, MI may also make a sly bid for Danni Wyatt or Chamari Athapaththu, should they be available at a reasonable price.

Delhi Capitals

Purse available: Rs 2.25

Slots to fill: 3 (Overseas: 1)

Retained Players: Alice Capsey*, Arundhati Reddy, Jemimah Rodrigues, Jess Jonassen*, Laura Harris*, Marizanne Kapp*, Meg Lanning*, Minnu Mani, Poonam Yadav, Radha Yadav, Shafali Verma, Shikha Pandey, Sneha Deepthi, Taniyaa Bhatia, Titas Sadhu.

Released Players: Jasia Akhter, Tara Norris*, Aparna Mondal.

Delhi Capitals Retained and Released Players

Having released just three players, DC can mostly observe the auction with no strain. The greatest news for DC before to this auction, according to coach Jonathan Batty, is that skipper Lanning, who has resigned from international cricket, is very much a part of the plans for this season. Batty made this statement to the Indian Express. During the auction, Batty commented, “It was so unique.” I have never in my life experienced anything like it. It was captivating. It was thrilling and a great time. Seeing how other teams felt differently about the guys was intriguing. When two clubs are competing for the same player, it is intriguing to watch. The dynamics of auctions are amazing because they may shift quickly.

The wicket-keeping spot is undoubtedly the one area they would be aiming to improve upon. Taniya Bhatia is among the top glove workers in the nation, but her bat-related contributions are few, thus DC should consider adding Uma Chetry or another player. The desire to pursue Amy Jones of England also exists, but they already have a sizable international contingent. Another acquisition that DC may consider is an Indian batting all-rounder.

Also Read: IPL 2024 Auction: The Anticipated Cricketing Showdown in Dubai Unveils

Final Thought

Strategic Moves Shape WPL Teams’ Future

As the Women’s Premier League auction concludes, the participating teams have laid down their strategies and selected their squads with an eye on the upcoming season. For the likes of Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and UP Warriorz, it was more about fine-tuning their already robust lineups, while Gujarat Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore embarked on a more comprehensive overhaul to rectify last season’s shortcomings. The auction has not only highlighted the teams’ trust in their core players but also their keenness to explore emerging talent. With a mix of seasoned international stars and promising local players, the WPL is set to witness another thrilling season where strategy, skill, and team dynamics will determine the new champions of the league.

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In a recent revelation that has stirred the cricketing world, the International Cricket Council (ICC) disclosed its rating for the Ahmedabad pitch used in the ODI World Cup final. This announcement has garnered significant attention, particularly due to the contentious nature of the pitch, which played a pivotal role in the final match of the tournament. The final, held at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, was not just a display of top-tier cricket but also a subject of intense discussion among cricket enthusiasts, experts, and players alike. The pitch’s condition and its impact on the match’s outcome have been at the forefront of this debate. According to the report, the ICC, through its match referee Andy Pycroft, rated the Ahmedabad pitch as “average.” This rating is critical as it reflects the ICC’s assessment of the pitch’s quality and its suitability for a match of such high stakes. An “average” rating typically indicates a pitch that offers a balanced contest between bat and ball but does not significantly favor either.

The 2023 ODI World Cup, held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, was not only a testament to the cricketing skills on display but also a vivid illustration of how pitch conditions can significantly influence the narrative and outcome of a cricket match. Central to this discourse was the final match, a gripping contest that saw Australia triumph over India, halting their impressive 10-match winning streak and clinching their sixth World Cup title. This match, more than mere competition, served as a profound case study in understanding the strategic implications of pitch conditions in cricket. The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium, renowned for its distinct characteristics, played a crucial role in shaping the final’s proceedings. It was a sluggish track that proved to be a challenge for the Indian team, who batted first and put up a total of 240 runs.

 This score was effectively chased down by Australia, with Travis Head leading the charge with a remarkable century. The nature of this pitch, previously used for other high-profile matches like the India-Pakistan game, became a focal point of discussion, as it deviated from the expected norm and impacted the game’s dynamics. The concept of pitch conditions playing a significant role in cricket matches is not a new phenomenon. However, the recent focus on this aspect has brought to light the evolving perception of pitches. No longer seen as mere neutral facilitators, pitches are now considered active elements that can decisively sway a match’s outcome. The ability of teams to adapt to these varying conditions is a testament to their skill and strategic planning. The diverse pitch conditions encountered during the 2023 World Cup underscored this point, presenting unique challenges to each team, especially the host, India.

The “average” rating assigned to the Ahmedabad pitch by ICC match referee Andy Pycroft sparked widespread discussions, raising questions about the standards for pitch evaluation and what constitutes fairness in international cricket. This rating, alongside others given to pitches in different matches, played a pivotal role in influencing the performance of the Indian cricket team throughout the tournament. The varied conditions across matches, rated from “average” to “good,” were significant factors that the Indian team had to contend with. The reactions to the pitch conditions from prominent cricketing figures added depth to this debate. Australian captain Pat Cummins expressed concerns over the pitch used in the final, given its prior use in the high-stakes India-Pakistan match. Contrarily, Indian captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid chose to focus on the team’s performance rather than dwell on pitch conditions. 

Overview of the Final Match

The showdown on November 19 witnessed a tactical battle on a used track. India, batting first on a sluggish pitch, were restricted to 240 runs, a total that Australia overhauled with ease, thanks to Travis Head’s remarkable century. The pitch’s behavior, not favoring the home team’s strengths, became a focal point of discussion. The pitch, a central character in this drama, was a used track, having previously seen action in the tournament, including the high-profile India-Pakistan match. Its sluggish nature set the stage for a challenging contest. India, winning the toss and electing to bat first, faced an uphill battle against the pitch’s slow and low nature. The team managed to muster a total of 240 runs, a score that, under normal circumstances, would have been competitive. 

However, the Australian team, led by the indomitable Travis Head, approached the chase with a calculated strategy. Exhibiting remarkable adaptability and skill, the Australian batsmen navigated the tricky conditions with ease, ultimately reaching the target with seven overs to spare. This final match was a classic example of how cricket is not just a contest between bat and ball but also a nuanced battle against the conditions. The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium played a pivotal role, influencing strategies and outcomes, and reminding everyone of the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the sport. The victory of Australia, clinching their sixth World Cup title, was a testament to their superior adaptation and execution in challenging conditions.

ICC’s Rating and Its Implications

The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) assessment of the Ahmedabad pitch, used for the 2023 ODI World Cup final, has been a subject of considerable discussion within the cricketing community. The pitch was given an “average” rating by ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, a decision that carries significant implications for the sport. This rating, seemingly unassuming, speaks volumes about the ICC’s current standards and expectations for international cricket pitches. The term “average” in this context is indicative of a pitch that, while not significantly flawed, didn’t exceptionally favor either the batsmen or bowlers. It suggests a playing surface that provided a fair challenge to both teams but lacked the distinctive qualities that make for a more dynamic or unpredictable game.

The implications of this rating extend far beyond the confines of the Narendra Modi Stadium. For one, it sets a precedent for how pitches are prepared and evaluated in major tournaments. An “average” rating could push curators and cricket boards to strive for pitches that not only challenge players but also enhance the spectator experience by providing a more balanced contest between bat and ball. Furthermore, this rating prompts a wider conversation about the nature of pitch preparation and its role in the modern game. It raises questions about the balance between maintaining traditional aspects of pitch preparation and adapting to evolving standards that cater to a more equitable and exciting form of the game. As cricket continues to evolve, the ICC’s pitch ratings will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sport, influencing everything from ground preparation to match strategies and team selections.

Analysis of India’s World Cup Journey

India’s journey in the 2023 ODI World Cup was a compelling narrative of highs and lows, deeply influenced by the varying pitch conditions they encountered. The team, known for its formidable batting lineup and versatile bowling attack, navigated through the tournament with a blend of strategic acumen and skill, culminating in their appearance in the high-octane final. Throughout the tournament, India played on a mix of pitches, some rated as “average” and others as “good” by the ICC. These diverse conditions tested the adaptability of the Indian team. In matches on “average” rated pitches, including notable games against South Africa in Kolkata, England in Lucknow, and the crucial Pakistan encounter in Ahmedabad, the team had to constantly recalibrate their strategies. These pitches typically offered a balanced contest between bat and ball but lacked the distinct characteristics that could have played to India’s strengths.

The semifinal against New Zealand in Mumbai, played on a pitch rated “good,” showcased India’s ability to excel on a more favorable track. The team demonstrated their prowess, seamlessly adjusting their game plan to exploit the conditions. However, the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium presented the ultimate challenge. The “average” rated pitch, a used track, required India to muster all its tactical and technical expertise. Despite a commendable effort, the team fell short against a well-prepared Australian side. India’s performance in the 2023 World Cup was a testament to their cricketing excellence but also highlighted the critical role of pitch conditions. The varying nature of the pitches encountered served as a crucial determinant in the team’s journey, ultimately shaping their path to the final and the outcome of the tournament.

Final Thought:

The 2023 ODI World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was a definitive moment that underscored the profound impact of pitch conditions on the game of cricket. The performance of Team India, against the backdrop of a challenging and sluggish pitch, highlighted not just the technical and strategic aspects of the game, but also the critical role of adapting to varying playing environments. This match, especially how Australia adeptly navigated the pitch to clinch their sixth World Cup title, served as a stark reminder of the importance of versatility and resilience in cricket. The pitch’s characteristics, which diverged from conventional expectations, provided a unique context that tested the mettle and adaptability of both teams. Ultimately, the 2023 ODI World Cup’s narrative, particularly India’s journey, was shaped not only by skill and strategy but also significantly by the dynamic and unpredictable nature of cricket pitches. This tournament, therefore, stands as a vivid testament to the complex interplay between pitch conditions and cricketing excellence, reiterating the game’s ever-evolving and multifaceted nature.

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