Special Reports
Girja Shankar Dixit In the realm of Indian sports, while cricket often takes the spotlight, several athletes from other sports have also carved their niches, silently yet effectively shaping India’s sporting heritage. Among these athletes is Laxman Shanker, an outstanding Indian hockey goalkeeper whose skills and dedication have significantly contributed to the field of hockey…
As a former cricketer who has experienced the highs and lows of international cricket, I find it disturbing—if not outright disappointing—to see some veteran journalists and ex-players aiming Gautam Gambhir, India’s newly appointed head coach. Their criticism, often drenched in bias and nostalgia for his predecessors, is not only unfair but also completely tone-deaf to…
A Dynasty of Decline: Time for Shivlal to Step Aside MS Shanker As part of my ongoing series “Who Ruined Hyderabad Cricket,” this episode focuses on when and how the decline truly began. Much has been written—and far more whispered—about the rot in the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA). It all began with the rise of…
Peter Snell, a name synonymous with athletic excellence, remains one of New Zealand’s most celebrated sports figures. Born on December 17, 1938, in Opunake, Taranaki, Snell’s journey from a small-town boy to an international icon is a testament to his extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication. His achievements in middle-distance running have left an indelible mark…
A Forgotten Keeper’s Grief, and a Game in Ruins MS Shanker In my ongoing journey to uncover the root causes of Hyderabad cricket’s freefall—and more importantly, to spotlight voices that offer serious, constructive solutions—I caught up this week with a voice not often heard, but one that certainly deserves to be. Meet Youraj Singh, now…
How the Department of Pharmaceuticals Undermined Accountability at NIPER The unfolding saga at NIPER Mohali offers a disturbing glimpse into how powerful bureaucrats and pliable administrators can bury institutional integrity, stonewall due process, and reward questionable conduct — all while funded by public money. At the heart of the controversy is Mr. Jitender Kumar Chandel,…
MS Shanker With top office-bearers under arrest and Hyderabad cricket administration in shambles, club members demand answers from acting chief Daljit Singh. In what is fast becoming a daily soap opera of administrative chaos and credibility erosion, the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) finds itself once again under fire—this time not from investigative agencies or the…
Ghulam Ahmed remains one of the prominent names in the annals of Indian cricket, particularly noted for his contributions during the formative years of India’s Test journey. As a skilled off-spin bowler and a valuable team player, Ahmed’s career helped lay the foundation for future generations of Indian cricketers. Born on March 21, 1922, in…
Some time ago, on a weekend, two young women—now employed at a well-known entertainment company—came to visit my spouse, who had once taught them in their primary school years. These girls came from a backward-class background and had started their education in a non-English-medium school. However, thanks to sheer perseverance and timely support, they eventually…
I must admit, I was rather provoked into writing this piece for my weekly column after reading Ravi Shastri—former India captain, coach, and one of our better allrounders—name Washington Sundar as his top choice for India’s current allrounder slot. With all due respect to Shastri, I found the choice both surprising and somewhat underwhelming—especially when…
