News / Author / N Ananthanarayanan

N Ananthanarayanan

N Ananthanarayanan has spent almost three decades with news agencies and newspapers, reporting domestic and international sport. He has a passion for writing on cricket and athletics.

Articles by N Ananthanarayanan

Morocco’s Soufiane el Bakkali ends Kenya’s 3000m steeplechase domination

The last time Kenya entered the 3000m steeplechase and did not finish first was at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, 57 years ago.

Tokyo : Soufiane El Bakkali, of Morocco, celebrates after winning the men's 3,000-meter steeplechase final at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, in Tokyo.AP/PTI Photo(AP08_02_2021_000284B)(AP)

sports

Published on Aug 02, 2021 10:03 PM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan

Tokyo 2020: Biles' decision another example of radical shift in sporting world

Simone Biles withdrew first from the women’s team event, and then, on Wednesday, from Thursday’s individual all-around event citing mental health issues.

sports

Updated on Jul 28, 2021 10:56 PM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan, New Delhi

Yashpal Sharma, the quiet hero of India’s 1983 World Cup triumph, dies

He will be remembered though as a key member of Kapil Dev’s India that rocked the cricket world by toppling Clive Lloyd’s nearly indomitable West Indies in the Lord’s final, denying them title hat-trick and starting a new chapter in world cricket.

cricket

Published on Jul 13, 2021 07:14 PM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan, New Delhi

Roger Federer’s Wimbledon meltdown turns the when question to how soon

The Swiss made a phenomenal comeback, after serious injury and months off the tour, but the manner of his quarter-final defeat could hasten his retirement

Switzerland's Roger Federer reacts during his quarter final match against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz. (REUTERS)

sports

Published on Jul 08, 2021 05:57 PM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan

Wimbledon over-achiever, underdog? Roger Federer rolls into quarters

The Swiss, who turns 40 on August 8, is the oldest in the Open Era to reach the quarters at the grass court Grand Slam, on Wimbledon’s last Manic Monday

Switzerland’s Roger Federer celebrates after defeating Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego during the men's singles fourth round at Wimbledon on Monday. (AP)

sports

Updated on Jul 06, 2021 06:33 PM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan, New Delhi

Milkha Singh: Asia’s most dominant runner at his peak

Milkha Singh’s rise to athletic stardom is a story littered with great obstacles being overcome; it began with a horrifying tragedy

Indian sprint legend Milkha Singh died of post COVID-19 complications on Friday night. (PTI)

sports

Updated on Jun 19, 2021 07:44 PM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan, New Delhi

A point to prove for India in the WTC final

Victory over New Zealand in the WTC final, starting June 18, will give Virat Kohli’s team fresh boost as a great touring team as well

cricket

Updated on Jun 14, 2021 04:47 PM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan, New Delhi

Ollie Robinson ban shows fans can look back in anger

The probe launched into Robinson’s case though looks unlikely to bring about closure; it could instead lead to more uncomfortable truths.

England's Ollie Robinson(Action Images via Reuters)

cricket

Published on Jun 08, 2021 09:35 PM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan, New Delhi

Phil at 50: Mickelson’s historic golf Major win is a triumph of mental strength

On Sunday, at one of the toughest courses in the US, where a scratch player is expected to average 79 in a good round, Mickelson’s two-shot win in the US PGA Championship meant much more than the history he made as the oldest to win a Major, at 50.

sports

Published on May 24, 2021 05:29 PM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan

Table tennis stalwart Chandra loses fight to Covid-19

Chandra, as he was popularly known, was 64. He is survived by his wife and son. The Arjuna awardee was admitted to a Chennai hospital a week ago after testing positive and was on ventilator support after developing severe lung complications.

sports

Updated on May 12, 2021 10:11 PM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan, Rutvick Mehta, New Delhi, Mumbai

IPL's caravan into the unknown

At the moment, teams are based out of two cities--three franchises are in Chennai, while five are in Mumbai. Each team is in their own bio-bubble, which is a hotel where a section is closed off for just the team and its officials.

cricket

Published on Apr 09, 2021 07:41 AM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar, Sanjjeev K Samyal, N Ananthanarayanan, Kolkata/mumbai/new Delhi

Spinners hope to revive their mystery in IPL 2021

IPL 2021: Varun Chakravarthy missed his India berth due to fitness issues, but for other unconventional spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Sunil Narine it’s about regaining their touch.

KKR’s Varun Chakravarthy bagged 17 wickets in 13 matches in IPL 2020 in the UAE.(BCCI)

cricket

Published on Apr 01, 2021 08:54 AM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan

The open season: India make it fizz at the top

A quality opener is like a “fox in the box” striker in football, in the sense that the search for a great fit is constantly on. Indian openers continue to be judged on performances in seaming, overseas conditions.

cricket

Updated on Mar 19, 2021 09:46 AM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan, Sanjjeev K Samyal, New Delhi

Open season in Indian cricket

Just like the pace bowling unit measured up to the demand, the opening department too withstood the churn, though the talk was more about technique of the personnel than discussion about growing options.

cricket

Published on Mar 18, 2021 02:18 PM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan, Sanjjeev K Samyal

The extraordinary longevity of Mithali

Mithali Raj on Friday climbed her own summit, becoming the first Indian to complete 10,000 runs in women’s international cricket.

cricket

Published on Mar 13, 2021 07:53 AM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan

Prithvi Shaw sets scoring record as he battles the demons of 2020

Two years younger to Pant, the 21-year-old Shaw blasted 165 on Thursday at Delhi’s Palam ground to help Mumbai defeat high-flying Karnataka in the semi-finals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy national one-day tournament.

cricket

Updated on Mar 12, 2021 11:45 AM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan, New Delhi

Who defines good pitches, asks Ashwin

Ashwin is an angry man over what he sees as too much importance being given in India to criticism of the pitches prepared for the second Test in Chennai and the pink-ball game in Ahmedabad.

cricket

Published on Feb 28, 2021 11:11 AM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan, New Delhi

Ishant Sharma’s ton, one of resolve and dedication

The 32-year-old Sharma, who started off as a teenager in May 2007, has only now hit triple figures, but his longevity without shedding the tag as a genuine new-ball bowler is a tribute to his unwavering dedication as a subcontinent seamer.

cricket

Published on Feb 22, 2021 07:51 AM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan, New Delhi

Can Glenn Maxwell turn RCB star power into big performances?

Virat Kohli's team spent Rs14.25 crore to buy the explosive Australian batsman, who has not justified his abilities in IPL.

cricket

Updated on Feb 19, 2021 08:13 PM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan

Trying to play catch-up always tough in India: Jonathan Trott

England batting coach says having firm plans in place against India's spin as well as pace will be crucial to do well in the four-Test series starting on Friday.

Jonathan Trott said it is important to get ahead of the opposition early in the Test. (ECB Media)

cricket

Published on Feb 03, 2021 08:50 PM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan, New Delhi

IND vs ENG: For Joe Root this series could mean more than a ton of Tests

Among the other famous five, Root has plenty to look forward to in the four-Test series starting in Chennai on February 5. For one, he will be the first to play in his 100th Test.

File photo of England Test captain Joe Root.(REUTERS)

cricket

Published on Feb 01, 2021 07:49 AM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan, New Delhi

Rishabh Pant packs power, patience and new-found maturity to emerge as a hero

His sensational, unbeaten 89 to steer India to a historic Brisbane Test victory and help the visitors clinch their second successive series in Australia, also completed his transformation, merging mind and matter with steely performances by Indian players.

cricket

Updated on Jan 19, 2021 10:50 PM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan

India vs Australia: Why India’s list of walking wounded is getting longer

Sharma may still get away with the niggle in his right ankle, but Brisbane provided only the latest episode in India’s running saga of the walking wounded.

cricket

Published on Jan 17, 2021 05:32 AM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan, Abhishek Paul

India vs Australia: ‘Ended up looking a fool, didn’t I,’ says Tim Paine

Tim Paine's plan crumbled as he was picked up on stump mic having a go at Ashwin, who in turn, held up play several times in retaliation.

Australia captain Tim Paine looks on(Getty)

cricket

Updated on Jan 13, 2021 09:01 AM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan, New Delhi

Under siege, R Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari deliver a draw for ages

Ravichandran Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari produced pure grit for 42.4 overs, smothering everything the formidable Australian bowlers threw at them to ensure one of Test cricket’s memorable draws.

India's Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin celebrate their partnership on the 5th day of the third test match between Australia and India, at Sydney Cricket Ground.

cricket

Published on Jan 11, 2021 09:18 PM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan

Runtime error compounds India’s plight at the SCG

India vs Australia: The Sydney Test turned on its head during an eventful Day 3. Australia executed their aggressive bowling plans to perfection as India faced defeat amid mounting injuries

Australia players celebrate Pat Cummins' wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara of India during day three of the third test match between Australia and India at the SCG, Sydney, Australia, January 9, 2021. AAP Image/Dean Lewins via REUTERS(via REUTERS)

cricket

Published on Jan 09, 2021 09:58 PM IST

ByN Ananthanarayanan

Bumrah, Ashwin and hunting in tandem

The 34-year-old off-spinner has been sensational, tactically and in terms of fitness; with Jasprit Bumrah, he is spearheading the bowling that has left Australia rattled in a series tied 1-1.

Jasprit Bumrah, centre, is congratulated by teammates after taking the wicket of Australia's Joe Burns for no score during play on day one of the Boxing Day cricket test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.(AP)

cricket

Updated on Dec 30, 2020 08:19 AM IST

New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

India vs Australia: Countering the off-stump line of attack

India vs Australia: In the record book, it will simply go down as India’s lowest total. But it has to be mentioned that 36 all out occurred in a pink-ball Test. The challenges for the batsman in a pink-ball game are greater.

cricket

Updated on Dec 21, 2020 08:02 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | BySanjjeev K Samyal/N Ananthanarayanan

India vs Australia Test series Preview - India’s balancing act: Meeting fire with fire

India vs Australia: After a sterling show in India’s historic first series victory in 2018-19, all eyes are on Bumrah. He has the pace and a knack of hitting the right length to extract bounce on Australian wickets.

Virat Kohli of India stretches during a nets session at Adelaide Oval on December 15, 2020 in Adelaide, Australia.(Getty Images)

cricket

Updated on Dec 17, 2020 01:52 AM IST

Mumbai/New Delhi | BySanjjeev K Samyal and N Ananthanarayanan

A spin battle in the shadows of the fast and furious

Australia is the mainly the playground of genuine quicks and batsmen who can counter fire with fire, with positive stroke-play. The combative Ashwin though will hope to engage in a meaningful spin battle with seasoned off-spin rival Nathan Lyon.

cricket

Updated on Dec 15, 2020 08:25 AM IST

Mumbai/New Delhi | BySanjjeev K Samyal/N Ananthanarayanan

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N Ananthanarayanan

N Ananthanarayanan has spent almost three decades with news agencies and newspapers, reporting domestic and international sport. He has a passion for writing on cricket and athletics.

The last time Kenya entered the 3000m steeplechase and did not finish first was at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, 57 years ago.

Simone Biles withdrew first from the women’s team event, and then, on Wednesday, from Thursday’s individual all-around event citing mental health issues.

He will be remembered though as a key member of Kapil Dev’s India that rocked the cricket world by toppling Clive Lloyd’s nearly indomitable West Indies in the Lord’s final, denying them title hat-trick and starting a new chapter in world cricket.

The Swiss made a phenomenal comeback, after serious injury and months off the tour, but the manner of his quarter-final defeat could hasten his retirement

The Swiss, who turns 40 on August 8, is the oldest in the Open Era to reach the quarters at the grass court Grand Slam, on Wimbledon’s last Manic Monday

Milkha Singh’s rise to athletic stardom is a story littered with great obstacles being overcome; it began with a horrifying tragedy

Victory over New Zealand in the WTC final, starting June 18, will give Virat Kohli’s team fresh boost as a great touring team as well

The probe launched into Robinson’s case though looks unlikely to bring about closure; it could instead lead to more uncomfortable truths.

On Sunday, at one of the toughest courses in the US, where a scratch player is expected to average 79 in a good round, Mickelson’s two-shot win in the US PGA Championship meant much more than the history he made as the oldest to win a Major, at 50.

Chandra, as he was popularly known, was 64. He is survived by his wife and son. The Arjuna awardee was admitted to a Chennai hospital a week ago after testing positive and was on ventilator support after developing severe lung complications.

At the moment, teams are based out of two cities--three franchises are in Chennai, while five are in Mumbai. Each team is in their own bio-bubble, which is a hotel where a section is closed off for just the team and its officials.

IPL 2021: Varun Chakravarthy missed his India berth due to fitness issues, but for other unconventional spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Sunil Narine it’s about regaining their touch.

A quality opener is like a “fox in the box” striker in football, in the sense that the search for a great fit is constantly on. Indian openers continue to be judged on performances in seaming, overseas conditions.

Just like the pace bowling unit measured up to the demand, the opening department too withstood the churn, though the talk was more about technique of the personnel than discussion about growing options.

Mithali Raj on Friday climbed her own summit, becoming the first Indian to complete 10,000 runs in women’s international cricket.

Two years younger to Pant, the 21-year-old Shaw blasted 165 on Thursday at Delhi’s Palam ground to help Mumbai defeat high-flying Karnataka in the semi-finals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy national one-day tournament.

Ashwin is an angry man over what he sees as too much importance being given in India to criticism of the pitches prepared for the second Test in Chennai and the pink-ball game in Ahmedabad.

The 32-year-old Sharma, who started off as a teenager in May 2007, has only now hit triple figures, but his longevity without shedding the tag as a genuine new-ball bowler is a tribute to his unwavering dedication as a subcontinent seamer.

Virat Kohli's team spent Rs14.25 crore to buy the explosive Australian batsman, who has not justified his abilities in IPL.

England batting coach says having firm plans in place against India's spin as well as pace will be crucial to do well in the four-Test series starting on Friday.

Among the other famous five, Root has plenty to look forward to in the four-Test series starting in Chennai on February 5. For one, he will be the first to play in his 100th Test.

His sensational, unbeaten 89 to steer India to a historic Brisbane Test victory and help the visitors clinch their second successive series in Australia, also completed his transformation, merging mind and matter with steely performances by Indian players.

Sharma may still get away with the niggle in his right ankle, but Brisbane provided only the latest episode in India’s running saga of the walking wounded.

Tim Paine's plan crumbled as he was picked up on stump mic having a go at Ashwin, who in turn, held up play several times in retaliation.

Ravichandran Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari produced pure grit for 42.4 overs, smothering everything the formidable Australian bowlers threw at them to ensure one of Test cricket’s memorable draws.

India vs Australia: The Sydney Test turned on its head during an eventful Day 3. Australia executed their aggressive bowling plans to perfection as India faced defeat amid mounting injuries

The 34-year-old off-spinner has been sensational, tactically and in terms of fitness; with Jasprit Bumrah, he is spearheading the bowling that has left Australia rattled in a series tied 1-1.

India vs Australia: In the record book, it will simply go down as India’s lowest total. But it has to be mentioned that 36 all out occurred in a pink-ball Test. The challenges for the batsman in a pink-ball game are greater.

India vs Australia: After a sterling show in India’s historic first series victory in 2018-19, all eyes are on Bumrah. He has the pace and a knack of hitting the right length to extract bounce on Australian wickets.

Australia is the mainly the playground of genuine quicks and batsmen who can counter fire with fire, with positive stroke-play. The combative Ashwin though will hope to engage in a meaningful spin battle with seasoned off-spin rival Nathan Lyon.

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