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

India vs South Africa 1st Test: R Ashwin celebrates a special number

The seven-wicket haul in the South Africa first innings thus was vindication of his skill on a slow pitch where the rest of the bowlers found the going not so easy.

R Ashwin equalled Muralitharan’s record.(PTI)

cricket

Updated on Oct 07, 2019 08:17 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

India vs South Africa: Rohit Sharma as Test opener a step back for India

IND vs SA 1st Test: Unlike Virender Sehwag, some years his senior, Rohit Sharma hasn’t been able to shake off the shackles of being a limited-overs specialist.

File photo of Rohit Sharma during Test match.(Getty Images)

cricket

Updated on Oct 02, 2019 07:31 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

Fast bowler in the slow lane

A rare genuine quick India has produced, Umesh Yadav has struggled to find a regular berth in the Test side. He will hope the South Africa series marks a turnaround.

File photo of Umesh Yadav.(BCCI/ SPORTZPICS)

cricket

Updated on Sep 30, 2019 08:52 AM IST

New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

Pakistan cricket and the thought of food

Old captain, batting mainstay not too long ago and now the chief selector and head coach rolled into one, Misbah-ul-Haq has delivered his first edict. And it is causing lot of rumbling, one is sure at least in the stomach.

File image of Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq.(AP)

cricket

Updated on Sep 19, 2019 10:13 AM IST

New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

Steve Smith: Redemption song now a chartbuster

Among batsmen to score 600 plus in an Ashes series in England, Steve Smith is only behind the Don, who amassed 974 runs at an average of 139.14 from seven innings with four 100-plus knocks in the 1930 series in England

Steve Smith has taken the Ashes by storm(Action Images via Reuters)

cricket

Updated on Sep 10, 2019 10:17 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

Lasith Malinga - This lion keeps roaring in the winter

Malinga’s mastery makes him a sight to behold on the cricket pitch. On Friday, he warmed up by bowling opener Colin Munro, becoming the first bowler ever to take 100 wickets in T20 internationals.

Sri Lanka's Lasith Malinga successfully appeals to dismiss New Zealand's Hamish Rutherford(AP)

cricket

Updated on Sep 08, 2019 10:38 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

India vs West Indies: Jasprit Bumrah steps up after Jofra Archer show

Jasprit Bumrah produced a sensational spell of swing, seam and pace at North Sound, Antigua on Sunday. His eight-over spell, returning a ridiculous five for seven runs, rolled West Indies over with over a day to spare.

India's Jasprit Bumrah celebrates with KL Rahul after taking the wicket of West Indies' Shai Hope.(AP)

cricket

Updated on Aug 27, 2019 12:30 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

Prince Jofra Archer: Heir to old-school tearaways

The young Barbados-born bowler is bringing back to cricket the idea of an old nemesis—the tearaway quick who extracts wicked bounce, clocking 90mph and above ball after ball, all coming at the batsmen in a tight cluster.

England's Jofra Archer during nets.(Action Images via Reuters)

cricket

Updated on Aug 22, 2019 08:10 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

India vs West Indies: Recession-proof Virat Kohli needed this century badly

The century came as a relief for Kohli, and the 125-run partnership with Iyer sent India on the way to take control of the match.

cricket

Updated on Aug 13, 2019 09:15 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

Steve Smith: Scoring spree next only to the Don

Steve Smith’s average in the 60s is Test stratosphere; the rate at which he churns centuries has left even his closest contemporaries behind

cricket

Updated on Jun 10, 2020 12:57 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

Hard to rule, links courses are closest to golf’s roots

Lowry’s triumph wiped out past frustration, especially a meltdown in the 2016 US Open after going into the final round four shots ahead.

Ireland's Shane Lowry poses with the Claret Jug, the trophy for the Champion golfer of the year after winning the British Open golf Championships at Royal Portrush golf club in Northern Ireland.(AFP)

sports

Updated on Jul 23, 2019 09:17 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

World Cup 2019: How India grew into a fast-bowling nation

All three of India’s pacers are express quick, if hitting the 90 mph or 145 kph mark is what separates the quick and the rest.

India's Jasprit Bumrah (2nd L) celebrates with teammates.(AFP)

cricket

Updated on Jul 09, 2019 03:19 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan, Sanjjeev K Samyal

ICC World Cup 2019: Kane Williamson - Kiwi captain cool, a study in serenity

The Kiwis will seal a semi-final berth if they beat England on Wednesday, but may not upstage a home team rejuvenated by their win over India unless the ice-cool Kane Williamson steps up again.

England vs New Zealand, World Cup 2019(Action Images via Reuters)

cricket

Updated on Jul 02, 2019 10:12 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

ICC World Cup 2019: Kuldeep Yadav and the one ball that turned the game

Kuldeep Yadav had already shaken Australia with a four-wicket haul in the deciding final Test in Dharamsala in March 2017, and the excitement over his value in limited-overs cricket began to build.

India's Kuldeep Yadav celebrates the wicket of Pakistan's Babar Azam.(Action Images via Reuters)

cricket

Updated on Jun 17, 2019 10:34 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

ICC World Cup 2019: Attitude is Jasprit Bumrah’s forte - Jeff Thomson

ICC World Cup 2019: The former Aussie pace merchant is confident the current lot will stand their ground even if they are confronted with batsmen weaned on T20 tactics on flat pitches.

India's Jasprit Bumrah prepares to bowl in the nets during a training session.(AP)

cricket

Updated on May 23, 2019 03:37 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

I like extremes, but similar surfaces better for players - Justine Henin

Henin, the former world No 1 from Belgium, and winner of seven Majors between 2003 and 2007, was in New Delhi as a brand ambassador for the French Open.

Belgian tennis legend Justine Henin seen at Hindustan Times House, in New Delhi, India, May 1, 2019(Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)

sports

Updated on May 02, 2019 01:37 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

IPL 2019: MS Dhoni, the last man standing in league of nail-biting finishes

Season after season, for India and his franchise, Dhoni has delivered. Thus, it came as no surprise that coach Stephen Fleming wasn’t surprised.

cricket

Updated on Apr 23, 2019 09:40 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

IPL 2019: Chennai Super Kings clinch last-over thriller against Rajasthan Royals

Mitchell Santner smashed Ben Stokes into the stands off the final delivery to guide Chennai Super Kings to a thrilling four wicket victory in an IPL game which saw a very public outburst from winning captain MS Dhoni.

Chennai Super Kings' Ravindra Jadeja, right, and Mitchell Santner celebrate their victory.(AP)

cricket

Updated on Apr 12, 2019 08:55 AM IST

Hindustan Times, Jaipur | ByN Ananthanarayanan

IPL 2019: Virat Kohli and a Royal mess - Analysis

Why is India’s ultra-competitive captain failing so miserably with his IPL team?

cricket

Updated on Apr 07, 2019 02:08 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

IPL 2019: Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody picks his favourites for World Cup 2019

Tom Moody, who was part of Australia’s 1987 and 1999 World Cup wins, and took Sri Lanka to the 2007 final as coach, sees India and hosts England as front-runners for World Cup 2019.

Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody during an interview.(Sanjeev Verma/HT PHOTO)

cricket

Updated on Apr 03, 2019 07:25 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

India vs Australia: Australia bounce back to beat India in 5th ODI, snatch series

Australia beat India by 35 runs in the fifth and final one-day international to clinch the series 3-2 in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Kedar Jadhav walks back to the pavilion after his dismissal.(AP)

cricket

Updated on Mar 13, 2019 09:45 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

India vs Australia: Virat Kohli & Co look to clinch series in 5th ODI against Australia

India vs Australia: The World Cup 2019 is almost three months away, but every hit and miss in this series has been magnified because it is seen as having a huge bearing on it.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, center without cap, celebrates with teammates the dismissal of Australia's captain Aaron Finch.(AP)

cricket

Updated on Mar 12, 2019 11:13 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

For India, well begun is often undone

Well begun but coming undone has been a strong theme in India’s performances overseas, with numbers from this millennium highlighting that

cricket

Updated on Dec 18, 2018 01:15 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

If we work like this, India will be a force at the 2028 Olympics, says Sports Minister Rathore

Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore is confident that the country would be a sporting power within the decade.

File image of Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.(PTI)

sports

Updated on Dec 09, 2018 09:11 PM IST

New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

Manchester City’s attractive football will keep fans happy: Lescott

Former England defender Joleon Lescott featured prominently in the first two City title wins, and is in India as the club’s ambassador in their victory parade dubbed the ‘Centurions trophy tour’.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts during the match against Liverpool.(REUTERS)

sports

Updated on Oct 09, 2018 09:10 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

India vs England: I don’t really think about retirement, says James Anderson

Anderson, England’s most capped (143) Test player after Alastair Cook (161) is fourth in the all-time list of Test bowlers.

England's James Anderson celebrates after England won the Oval Test.(REUTERS)

cricket

Updated on Sep 12, 2018 05:20 PM IST

London | ByN Ananthanarayanan

India vs England: Joe Root hails perfect finish after winning Oval Test

Alastair Cook got a winning farewell and spearhead James Anderson took the last wicket to emerge the most successful fast bowler in the game at the Oval on Tuesday.

English players celebrate after winning the five-Test series against India.(REUTERS)

cricket

Updated on Sep 12, 2018 08:44 AM IST

Hindustan Times, London | ByN Ananthanarayanan

India vs England: Virat Kohli wants this team to win series, not the odd Test

Virat Kohli’s three-year captaincy will come a full circle when India tour Australia at the year-end. However, the Indian skipper denied he was weighed down by the two series defeats in a row.

Joe Root and Virat Kohli shake hands at the end of the fifth Test at the Oval on Tuesday.(REUTERS)

cricket

Updated on Sep 12, 2018 10:36 AM IST

Hindustan Times, London | ByN Ananthanarayanan

KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant heroics in vain as England beat India in Oval Test

England beat India by 118 runs in their final test despite defiant centuries from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, as a series full of twists reached a compelling conclusion at the Oval on Tuesday.

England's James Anderson (L) celebrates with England's Alastair Cook after taking the wicket of India's Mohammed Shami.(AFP)

cricket

Updated on Sep 11, 2018 10:37 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByN Ananthanarayanan

India vs England: Rishabh Pant slams maiden ton, creates history at Oval

Rishabh Pant struck Adil Rashid for a six over long-on to reach his century during Day 5 of the final Test match between India and England at the Oval.

cricket

Updated on Sep 11, 2018 08:34 PM IST

Hindustan Times, London | ByN 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 seven-wicket haul in the South Africa first innings thus was vindication of his skill on a slow pitch where the rest of the bowlers found the going not so easy.

IND vs SA 1st Test: Unlike Virender Sehwag, some years his senior, Rohit Sharma hasn’t been able to shake off the shackles of being a limited-overs specialist.

A rare genuine quick India has produced, Umesh Yadav has struggled to find a regular berth in the Test side. He will hope the South Africa series marks a turnaround.

Old captain, batting mainstay not too long ago and now the chief selector and head coach rolled into one, Misbah-ul-Haq has delivered his first edict. And it is causing lot of rumbling, one is sure at least in the stomach.

Among batsmen to score 600 plus in an Ashes series in England, Steve Smith is only behind the Don, who amassed 974 runs at an average of 139.14 from seven innings with four 100-plus knocks in the 1930 series in England

Malinga’s mastery makes him a sight to behold on the cricket pitch. On Friday, he warmed up by bowling opener Colin Munro, becoming the first bowler ever to take 100 wickets in T20 internationals.

Jasprit Bumrah produced a sensational spell of swing, seam and pace at North Sound, Antigua on Sunday. His eight-over spell, returning a ridiculous five for seven runs, rolled West Indies over with over a day to spare.

The young Barbados-born bowler is bringing back to cricket the idea of an old nemesis—the tearaway quick who extracts wicked bounce, clocking 90mph and above ball after ball, all coming at the batsmen in a tight cluster.

The century came as a relief for Kohli, and the 125-run partnership with Iyer sent India on the way to take control of the match.

Steve Smith’s average in the 60s is Test stratosphere; the rate at which he churns centuries has left even his closest contemporaries behind

Lowry’s triumph wiped out past frustration, especially a meltdown in the 2016 US Open after going into the final round four shots ahead.

All three of India’s pacers are express quick, if hitting the 90 mph or 145 kph mark is what separates the quick and the rest.

The Kiwis will seal a semi-final berth if they beat England on Wednesday, but may not upstage a home team rejuvenated by their win over India unless the ice-cool Kane Williamson steps up again.

Kuldeep Yadav had already shaken Australia with a four-wicket haul in the deciding final Test in Dharamsala in March 2017, and the excitement over his value in limited-overs cricket began to build.

ICC World Cup 2019: The former Aussie pace merchant is confident the current lot will stand their ground even if they are confronted with batsmen weaned on T20 tactics on flat pitches.

Henin, the former world No 1 from Belgium, and winner of seven Majors between 2003 and 2007, was in New Delhi as a brand ambassador for the French Open.

Season after season, for India and his franchise, Dhoni has delivered. Thus, it came as no surprise that coach Stephen Fleming wasn’t surprised.

Mitchell Santner smashed Ben Stokes into the stands off the final delivery to guide Chennai Super Kings to a thrilling four wicket victory in an IPL game which saw a very public outburst from winning captain MS Dhoni.

Why is India’s ultra-competitive captain failing so miserably with his IPL team?

Tom Moody, who was part of Australia’s 1987 and 1999 World Cup wins, and took Sri Lanka to the 2007 final as coach, sees India and hosts England as front-runners for World Cup 2019.

Australia beat India by 35 runs in the fifth and final one-day international to clinch the series 3-2 in New Delhi on Wednesday.

India vs Australia: The World Cup 2019 is almost three months away, but every hit and miss in this series has been magnified because it is seen as having a huge bearing on it.

Well begun but coming undone has been a strong theme in India’s performances overseas, with numbers from this millennium highlighting that

Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore is confident that the country would be a sporting power within the decade.

Former England defender Joleon Lescott featured prominently in the first two City title wins, and is in India as the club’s ambassador in their victory parade dubbed the ‘Centurions trophy tour’.

Anderson, England’s most capped (143) Test player after Alastair Cook (161) is fourth in the all-time list of Test bowlers.

Alastair Cook got a winning farewell and spearhead James Anderson took the last wicket to emerge the most successful fast bowler in the game at the Oval on Tuesday.

Virat Kohli’s three-year captaincy will come a full circle when India tour Australia at the year-end. However, the Indian skipper denied he was weighed down by the two series defeats in a row.

England beat India by 118 runs in their final test despite defiant centuries from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, as a series full of twists reached a compelling conclusion at the Oval on Tuesday.

Rishabh Pant struck Adil Rashid for a six over long-on to reach his century during Day 5 of the final Test match between India and England at the Oval.

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