Goalkeeper Savita will lead India in the women’s Asia Cup in Muscat (January 21-28) as Hockey India named a strong 18-member squad for the event, including 16 players that featured at the Tokyo Olympics. India will open their title defence against Malaysia on January 21. The Squad: Goalkeepers: Savita (captain), Rajani Etimarpu. Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka (VC), Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita. Midfielders: Nisha, Sushila Chanu, Monika, Neha, Salima Tete, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur. Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Vandana Katariya, Mariana Kujur, Sharmila Devi.
Jayant, Saini added to ODI squad
Off-spinner Washington Sundar was ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa after testing positive for Covid-19 and Jayant Yadav was named as his replacement for the assignment starting January 19. Pacer Navdeep Saini was also added to the ODI squad as a backup for pacer Mohammed Siraj, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. The ODI series begins on January 19. Squad: KL Rahul (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Shikhar Dhawan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Yuzvendra Chahal, R Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, Md Siraj, Jayant Yadav, Navdeep Saini.
Hyderabad to host Formula E Races
It now seems that at least one Indian city will make it to the Formula E world championship calendar in the future. A Letter Of Intent (LOI) has been signed between the Telangana State and Formula E, which promises to make this happen. While complete details have not been revealed yet, the announcement did say that the agreement will see Formula E work with the city and state officials to examine the viability of hosting a future E-Prix. At present, Formula E has an Indian team on the grid in the form of Mahindra Racing that's been a part of the championship since its inception. The Hyderabad E-Prix is likely to take place in 2023 or beyond and will see cars from the Gen3 era.
SA all-rounder Chris Morris retires
South Africa all-rounder Chris Morris announced his retirement from all forms of cricket and is set to take up a coaching role with domestic side Titans. The 34-year-old cricketer made the announcement on social media. “Today I announce my retirement from all forms of cricket! Thanks to all who have played a part in my journey whether it be big or small…it’s been a fun ride! Delighted to be taking up a coaching role at @titanscricket #lifebeginsnow,” Morris wrote on his Instagram page.
Ex-IPL and Ranji player alleges bribery offer
A former Indian Premier League and Ranji Trophy player has alleged that he was offered Rs 40,00,000 for match-fixing, and a complaint has been filed with Bengaluru Police in this regard. Rajagopal Sathish hails from Tamil Nadu, and apart from his home state, has also appeared for Assam in the premier first-class competition in the country. He has been on the roster of Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. He also played in the unsanctioned Indian Cricket League, and returned to the official fold after general amnesty. The 41-year-old now plays for Chepauk Super Gillies in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) and it is believed Sathish was offered the money to compromise matches in this tournament. Before approaching police, Sathish had also raised the matter with the BCCI. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has also been informed.
Djokovic deported from Australia
Novak Djokovic’s Australian sojourn for the year’s first Grand Slam came to a end on Sunday with the government deporting the Serbian after a federal court panel dismissed his appeal against cancellation of his visa. He boarded a plane to Dubai, on way to Serbia. He lost his final bid to stay in Australia when a three-judge panel upheld the government’s decision to cancel his visa. More broadly, he lost to a government determined to make him a symbol of un-vaccinated celebrity entitlement; to an immigration law that gives godlike authority to border enforcement; and to a public outcry, in a nation of rule followers, over what was widely seen as Djokovic’s disregard for others, after he said he had tested positive for Covid last month and met with two journalists anyway.
