With the bronze medal win on the second day of the ISSF Junior World Championship, India's medal tally increased to five (two gold and three bronze).
Indian pair stoop first among 34 pairs
Rifle shooters stood first and Gautami Bhanot and Ajay Malik stood third among 34 pairs with a combined score of 628.9 after 30 shots each. This performance qualified them for the bronze medal tie with fourth-placed Croatian pair Anamarija Turk and Darko Tomasevic, which they won 17–9.
Both the Indian pair finished third and fourth
China won its first gold of the competition by defeating France in the final. The other Indian pair, Abhinav Shaw and Shambhavi Kshirsagar, finished sixth with a score of 628.1. In the mixed pistol event, both the Indian pairs finished third and fourth respectively in the qualification, thereby deciding the fight for the bronze medal.
In the end Lakshita and Parmod won by defeating Kanishka Dagar and Mukesh Nelavali 16-8. Germany won the gold medal while Ukraine won the silver medal. This was Lakshita's second medal in the competition, before which she had won the gold medal in the air pistol team event on Saturday.
India leads the medal tally
India currently leads the medal standings, followed by Chinese Taipei and Romania, each with one gold and a silver.
Earlier in the ISSF Junior World Championship, Kanishka Dagar, Lakshita, and Anjali Chaudhary secured team gold in the women’s 10m air pistol event, while Kanak also earned an individual bronze.
In the men’s category, Umesh Choudhary, Mukesh Nelavalli, and Parmod bagged gold in the men's 10m air pistol event.
Manchester City trigger Gundogan Contract Extension amid De Bruyne departure
Manchester City has activated the clause to extend midfielder Ilkay Gundogan's contract by one more year at the club following De Bruyne's announcement to leave the club at the end of the season.
One of the Premier League's greats, De Bruyne, made an emotional post on social media on the 4th of April, announcing his plans to depart from City after a glorious decade which included winning various trophies. The Belgian midfielder now has new options in mind, with the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer (MLS) as possible destinations.
𝘽𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙆𝙄𝙉𝙂: Ilkay Gundogan’s one-year contract extension at #ManCity has been triggered. 🚨‼️
Pep Guardiola: “What’s going to happen I don’t know, but he has one more year contract now.” ❗️
Although De Bruyne's contract will expire this summer, he is not the only one who will experience a change. City intends to rejuvenate their squad after hiring several young talents in the January window. Nevertheless, in a contrasting action, Gundogan has won an extension at the club.
Gundogan will stay at Manchester City until 2026
(Image Source | Ilkay Gundogan on X)
Gundogan, who had played a central part in City's treble triumph in the 2022-23 season, had come back to Manchester following a season at FC Barcelona, signing for the Catalan club on a free transfer. He was not initially thought to feature as a main starter in his second spell at City.
However, following injuries to senior players, Gundogan has filled a bigger-than-anticipated role, playing 43 games across all competitions and recording more than 2700 minutes on the field.
Ilkay Gundogan: “He’s irreplaceable, what Kevin has done for the club is unbelievable. I think in the history of #ManCity, for me personally, there’s no better player than Kevin De Bruyne!
It was a pleasure for me to share the pitch with him for such a long time and seeing him… pic.twitter.com/YN8kl4Wth0
Gundogan, who has just turned 34, has now played more minutes than almost all of his teammates, except Josko Gvardiol. His regular performance and crucial contribution have earned him an automatic contract extension for one more season.
Pep Guardiola. (Image Source | X)
Guardiola affirmed Gundogan's contract status at a recent press conference, saying:
He has one more year contract, definitely. What’s going to happen in the summer, I don't know, but he has one more year contract now. The Gundo from Leicester, the Gundo from Bournemouth, the Gundo from today against Crystal Palace is the Gundo I remember, when we won the Treble and Quadruple and he was an important player. His activity, pace, and defensive intelligence have been massive for us. When the team plays well, the individuals rise. In modern football, you simply can’t do it any other way.
Even with this good news, Gundogan may still leave City again, with Galatasaray evidently showing great interest. If that happens, interested parties will need to present a transfer fee.
Despite being considered a City legend, Gundogan has struggled with his fitness and pace at times, citing a big difference on his return to the Premier League.
Guardiola himself admitted Gundogan's shortcomings by saying he doesn't "have the legs to run 40m", but now the German midfielder appears to be staying at the Etihad until 2026.
Bengal Cricket Exclusive: Inspired from Anustup Majumdar's journey, Sumanta Gupta wants to achieve bigger things for Bengal
Sumanta Gupta, at 35, is still scoring runs for his club Barisha Sporting Club in C.A.B First Division League. The middle order batter shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point.
Imagine working hard for nearly 20 years, enduring pain, sacrifices, and challenges, only to finally see your dream come true, but not being able to hold onto it for long. What would you do next?
What would you do after that?
Option one: you break down and never look at that dream again. Option two: you rise and chase down the dream once again.
Sumanta Gupta recieved his First-class debut cap from Manoj Tiwary. Image | C.A.B
Sumanta had only one choice that day. To leave his favourite batting order and open for Bengal. That did not work out that well for him. But, he knew life was not always fair.
Return to Bengal team for 2024-25 season
Sumanta scored 55 in his return to first-class cricket. Image | C.A.B
But, unlike others, Sumanta Gupta did not complain, and he did not try to give any excuses. He returned to doing what he does the best; scoring runs at club level. Heap of runs in club cricket and Sumanta was called back Vijay Hazare Trophy for Bengal.
After some valuable contributions in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Sumanta played his second first-class game against Punjab in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. At Eden Gardens, where he could not handle a firing Saurasthra bowling attack, Sumanta closed the circle by scoring a 55, at his favourite number five position.
Now, after another man-of-the-match performance to take Barisha Sporting Club into the quarter-finals of the C.A.B First Division Championship Playoffs, Sumanta Gupta feels he is blooming late but fine.
"Vijay Hazare trophy gave me confidence:" Sumanta
Sumanta Gupta with coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla during a training session. Image | C.A,B
But, even after two years, does that Ranji Trophy final hurt him?
"You cannot live in the past. The final is gone now. I have lots of things to achieve and win for Bengal cricket," Sumanta Gupta told Sportz Point in an exclusive interview.
"The Vijay Hazare Trophy has given me a lot of confidence and faith in myself. I was able to contribute to Bengal's success in tough situations. This has given me great confidence," Gupta added.
Playing at his favourite number five position
Sumanta Gupta going for a cut shot in a club game. | Image - C.A.B
For Gupta playing in his favourite number five position has helped him a lot this time. He has always played in the middle order in club cricket and playing in the middle order helped him control the game, the way he wanted.
"Firstly, a big thank you to Ruku da (Anustup Majumdar) and Laxmi (Ratan Shukla) da for trusting me again and allowing me to play in the middle order. I hope that I was able to prove myself in the opportunities I got," the man from Birbhum expressed.
After all of this, he is still disappointed for getting a ton in the Ranji Trophy game against Punjab, where he got out on 55.
Sumanta recieving a Man of the match award after a club game between Barisha Sporting and Rajasthan Club. Image | C.A.B
But, at 35, how much he has got left in his tank?
Well, Sumanta has an inspiration to look at in his Bengal dressing room, if he ever needs some motivation. Anustup Majumdar, another later bloomer in Bengal cricket, who saved Bengal enormous times and went on to lead Bengal in the Ranji Trophy after turning 40, is an inspiration to Sumanta.
"First of all, as you know age does not matter to me. I am still fit. Getting run-outs, catching well and running hard between the wickets."
"You have to expect the things God has given you. It does not matter I bloom late, but I have plenty left in me. Look at Ruku (Anustup Majumdar) da, he is an inspiration for all late bloomers like me."
"Ruku (Anustup Majumdar) da tells me that batters mature after 30, and I feel the same thing is happening with me," Sumanta shared.
Sumanta after scoring a hundred in a club match. Image | C.A.B
Just like many other middle-order batters in Bengal, Sumanta too had to wait long to get a chance in the middle order. Because there was someone like Manoj Tiwary performing day and day out for Bengal. But, with Manoj Tiwary and Wriddhiman Saha retiring, can he fill in the boots?
"Replacing someone like Manoj Tiwary is not easy. But, when Manoj (Tiwary) da, himself motivates and guides me, it becomes easier. Last time when we met, Manoj da told me that if I worked hard and stayed fit, I could win matches for Bengal. Things like this give me confidence," Sumanta stated.
"Super League helped me become more mature"
But, saying one thing and scoring consistently for your team, are not the same things. According to Sumanta, the Super League structure in Kolkata Club Cricket has helped him prepare better for tougher situations.
"I feel the Super League has made everyone better. This structure allows you to play against stronger teams more often than not. This has made me a better and more mature batter in the last few seasons," Sumanta told Sportz Point.
Bengal Cricket Exclusive | "Teams sign us to help them win trophies:" Subham Chatterjee after a double ton in CAB first-division pre-quarter-final match
Subham Chatterjee scored 200 from 275 balls against Sporting Union to help Kalighat Club qualify for the quarter-finals of the C.A.B First Division League Qualifier & Championship Play-offs.
Subham Chatterjee is a name that has been floating in Bengal cricket for a long now. Performances in U19 and U23 level had given him a stamp of being the "next big thing" in Bengal cricket.
But, at 29 years of age, the stylish middle-order batter from Asansol has only played one first-class match so far. After his another double ton in a knockout match for Kalighat, Subham now feels he is ready for the bigger stages.
Subham scored 200 from 275 balls against Sporting Union to help them qualify for the quarter-finals of the First Division League Qualifier & Championship Play-offs.
What's the secret of big scores in knockouts?
Subham Chatterjee during a club game. Image | CAB
This was Subham's second double ton in a knockout match in the last three seasons. The middle-order batter always had the knack of scoring in big games for Kalighat. But what is the reason behind that?
The answer is better preparation, Subham told Sportz Point.
"Although I take every game as a normal one, I prepare more for a knockout match," Subham shared with Sportz Point in an exclusive interview.
"From childhood, I knew one thing, if you perform well in a knockout game, you will get noticed. Teams sign players like us to win them big games, and I feel preparing that extra bit for a knockout game helps me do better in these kinds of matches," he added.
Can he fill Manoj Tiwary's gap?
Subham during a club game for Kalighat against East Bengal in 2022-23 season.
In the last decade, Bengal had a strong middle order comprising Manoj Tiwary, Anustup Majumdar, and Wriddhiman Saha, which made it tough for young batters like Subham to find a place in the team.
But, after the retirement of Manoj Tiwary and Wriddhiman Saha, there is a void in the batting lineup which Subham feels he can surely try to fill up.
"There are many middle-order batters like me who are fighting for that place in the middle order. I think I am mature enough as a batter now and ready to take my game to a higher level."
"Obviously, you can not replace a giant of the game like Manoj Tiwary. But surely, if we can help teams win, I feel we will be doing good, " Subham shared.
Meantime, Subham knows it won't be easy for him to straightway get into the team. For that, he now only wants to focus on the controllables and do what is in his hands.
Subham after a hundred in a club game. Image | CAB
To help him in his progress, Subham this season got the guidance of Anustup Majumdar and Manoj Tiwary, with whom he is sharing the Kalighat dressing room this season. Both the Bengal stars along with Shahbaz Nadeem signed for Kalighat to play this season, which helped him grow as a player.
"Having both Manoj (Tiwary) da and Ruku da (Anustup Majumdar) in the dressing room helps a lot. Because, each day, you are watching them preparing for a game. And, you can learn a lot of things just by observing them."
"Their work ethics is something I want to incorporate into my game, which I believe, surely can help me be consistent for a longer time," Subham expressed.
Three seasons back, Kalighat was demoted to the B Group of First division cricket in Kolkata Club Cricket. From then, they not only came up the ranks but went on to win the First Division Championship as well.
In the last three seasons, they have gone on to win 1 Championship trophy and became runners-up in three tournaments. In this whole journey, Subham was an integral part of the Kalighat club.
"Kalighat made me a more mature cricketer"
Subham had joined the club as a youngster but in these vital years for the Kalighat Club, he has matured into a solid cricketer. Not only that, he also went on to lead the club as well, which was one of the most prestigious moments for the batter.
"I have been lucky enough to see this entire progress of the club and be a part of it. I was fortunate to lead the team as well."
"These seasons have made me mature as a player, and I feel this maturity has given me composure to do well in tough games," Subham told Sportz Point.
Kalighat will face either of Aryan Club or Town Club in the quarter-final, starting from 18th April, 2025.
David Warner is the player with the most fifties (and over) in IPL history. Virat Kohli, with 65 fifty-plus scores, is just one fifty away from equalling Warner's record.
Virat Kohli has 65 fifty plus scores in IPL history. Image | BCCI
Indian Premier League has been one of the toughest yet entertaining cricket leagues in the world since its inception in 2008. Since then, many Indian and overseas batters have gone on to score plenty of runs for their teams. In this article, we will discuss all those batters who have scored the most fifties (and over) in IPL history.
David Warner tops the list with 66 fifties
Currently, former Australian batter David Warner holds the record for the most fifties (and over) scored in IPL history with 66 fifties. Indian legend Virat Kohli follows him on the list with 65 fifties. With his consistency, Virat Kohli can go past Warner any time and become the batter with the most fifties (and over) in IPL history.
Shikhar Dhawan, who is considered one of the best openers in IPL history, has 53 IPL fifties to his name. However, he will not be able to increase that number as he has already hung up his boots.
Among the active player, KL Rahul has the third ost most fifties (and over) and over in IPL history.
Rohit Sharma, with 45 IPL fifties, and KL Rahul with 43 fifties can surely get close to David Warner's number. Rahul has been in tremendous form and has already scored two fifties in IPL 2025. However, Rohit Sharma has struggled to get going this season.
AB de Villiers and Suresh Raina, two of the greatest middle order batters ever to play in Indian Premier League history, also come upon the list with 43 and 40 IPL fifties to their names.
Faf du Plessis (38) is another name among the active cricketers who ranks among the top 10 players with most IPL fifties so far.
The Blues took the lead in the 49th minute of the game through an own goal from the Mariners. However, the 2024-25 ISL League Shield Winners turned the tables around in the 72nd minute when they pulled off the equalizer from the spotkick.
In the added extra time, Mohun Bagan SG netted the winner in the 96th minute to ensure their historic league double: winning the shield and the cup in the same season!
Atletico de Kolkata were the IPL 2014 Champions | Image: X
In the inaugural season, ATK, formerly known as Atlético de Kolkata, were crowned the winner as they defeated Kerala Blasters 1-0 in the final. Mohammed Rafique scored an injury-time goal to win the game for his side under head coach Antonio Lopez Habas. The 2014 season featured eight teams, each playing 14 matches during the regular season.
Who have won the most ISL titles?
ATK have been the most dominant team, having secured the title three times. They were dissolved and merged with Mohun Bagan SG (ATK Mohun Bagan previously), who have won the title twice, in the 2024-25 and in the 2022-23 season.
Chennaiyin FC and Mumbai City FC are the teams who have lifted the titles twice. Hyderabad FC and Bengaluru FC have also won one title each.
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