timesofindia.indiatimes.com - India vs Australia, 3rd T20I: Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal's form in focus ahead of series decider

India vs Australia, 3rd T20I: Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal's form in focus ahead of series decider

Harshal Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal, are back to their best when the hosts take on Australia in the series-deciding third T20 International here on Sunday. India were able to plug the gaps in Nagpur to level the three-match series with a comprehensive win in the eight-over-a-side contest. But they will need their bowlers, especially Harshal and Chahal, to overcome their struggles ahead of the T20 World Cup. India had got off to an electric start in the last game with Axar Patel bowling a fiery two-over spell that included a couple of wickets but they are struggling at the back end of the innings. While Jasprit Bumrah is sure to carry the responsibility, senior seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar's poor show at the death overs is a real concern. He struggled in the Asia Cup and in the opener against Australia.

2nd T20I, India vs Australia: Sunless wet patch in front of pavilion in Nagpur haunts VCA

Though it did not rain much in the city in the last couple of days, the area was not in a playing condition, raising a few eyebrows over the preparedness of the association. This particular area in the stadium does not receive sunlight throughout the year due to the elongated roof of the top floor of North end. It has proved to be a chronic problem for VCA. The hosts are always caught on the wrong foot when it rains ahead of or during the match.

I don't practice too much but like to be specific: Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik come up with the big hits in extreme pressure situations. One such case was on Friday night when he smashed a six and four to seal the game for India after nine runs were needed off the last six balls. Asked about his process, the designated finisher in the team said creating scenarios in the nets helps him perform in the middle. "Over a period of time, I've been practising for this, I've been doing it for RCB now and I'm happy doing it here. So it's a consistent routine for a period of time. "I do a lot of scenario practices and also Rahul (Dravid) bhai and Vikram (Rathour) bhai has been accommodating of how I want to practice, what are the kinds of shots I want to practice.

WADA rejects calls to remove marijuana from banned list

World Anti-Doping Agency's list of banned substances after the body rejected calls to change its status on Friday. WADA was urged to remove cannabis from its prohibited list last year in the wake of the positive test that resulted in US sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson missing the Olympics. World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe was among those who had called for marijuana's status as a banned substance to be reviewed.

Part of me leaves with Roger Federer, says emotional Rafael Nadal

Roger Federer, bid an emotional farewell to tennis at the Laver Cup on Friday, later saying an important part of him was also leaving the men's Tour with the retirement of the Swiss. Pictures and videos of Federer and Nadal - who shared one of tennis's most enthralling rivalries - crying together after combining for Team Europe in a doubles defeat at London's O2 Arena went viral on social media, leaving their legions of fans highly emotional.

Bamboo sticks, all-in-one coaches for budding fencers in Madhya Pradesh

These schoolkids have never seen a real fencing sword. Coaches admit it's an embarrassment for both players and the team. The question is, where have the crores spent by the school education and tribal welfare departments in 'developing fencing infrastructure' in the region gone? Sandeep Verma, coach of the under-19 category players of Mandla division, told TOI that despite several requests, facilities were never provided to them.

Harry Brook, Ben Duckett help England thump Pakistan in third T20I

Brook scored a 35-ball 81 not out while Duckett cracked an unbeaten 42-ball 69 to lead England to an impressive 221-3 in their 20 overs after they were sent in to bat at National stadium. Shan Masood led Pakistan's recovery in a 40-ball 65 not out but they finished well short on 158-8 in 20 overs to give England a 2-1 lead in the seven-match series. The match proved an anti-climax to Pakistan's big ten-wicket win in the second game on Thursday that avenged their first game defeat by five wickets two days earlier, both in Karachi.

Wrestler Bajrang Punia to skip National Games due to head injury

Bajrang, who became the first-ever Indian wrestler with two or more medals at the World Championships, had originally planned to compete for his home state of Haryana in the men’s freestyle 65kg category. But he withdrew due to a deep cut on his skull, which he sustained during his pre-quarterfinal bout against Cuban Alejandro Valdes Tobier.

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Timesofindia.indiatimes.com Sport News

India vs Australia, 3rd T20I: Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal's form in focus ahead of series decider

2nd T20I, India vs Australia: Sunless wet patch in front of pavilion in Nagpur haunts VCA

I don't practice too much but like to be specific: Dinesh Karthik

WADA rejects calls to remove marijuana from banned list

Part of me leaves with Roger Federer, says emotional Rafael Nadal

Bamboo sticks, all-in-one coaches for budding fencers in Madhya Pradesh

Harry Brook, Ben Duckett help England thump Pakistan in third T20I

Wrestler Bajrang Punia to skip National Games due to head injury