There cannot be another Kapil Dev, says Azharuddin

Agencies
January 30, 2018

Kolkata, Jan 30: Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin said there cannot be another Kapil Dev, amid growing comparisons between Hardik Pandya and the World Cup winning skipper.

Pandya's whirlwind innings of 93 in the first Test against South Africa on a difficult track at Cape Town gave further fuel to the comparison between him and Dev.

"It is not advisable to do that. It is not good because there can never be another Kapil Dev. It is very difficult to get another Kapil Dev as the amount of hard work and workload he took over a period of time - he used to bowl 20-25 overs in a day - not many people can do it now," the 54-year-old told reporters at the sidelines of a school event.

Indian team suffered humiliating back-to-back defeats in the first and the second Test against South Africa but bounced back to win the final Test on the back of a splendid bowling show.

Terming the result as "unlucky", Azharuddin said: "The bowlers won the last Test match. They really put South African batsmen under pressure. We were bit unlucky that we could not get the series our way.

"It is good that we won the last Test. We redeemed our prestige. The team played very well in tough conditions. It was not an easy wicket to play on," he said.

"They batted well, bowled well everything clicked together. I am very happy with the team's victory. In the ODIs, hopefully, our batting will click and we will win the series," Azharuddin added.

On the debatable issue of dropping Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the second Test, and not playing Ajinkya Rahane till the third Test, Azharuddin said: "I think they could have been played, but the captain and the team thinks in a different way. Outside everybody in India thinks they should have played."
The former skipper also praised captain Virat Kohli for his leadership skills and said his records speak for him.

With Prithvi Shaw's India on a roll in the Under-19 World Cup after their 203-run thrashing of Pakistan, Azharuddin hopes they will claim a fourth title.

"All the best boys. They have done the nation proud. Today's game - to get a team all out for 69 speaks volumes of the talent they possess. I hope they comeback with the World Cup," he said.

Asked about Shubman Gill and Kamlesh Nagarkoti, the two Under-19 star performers striking it rich in the IPL auctions, Azharuddin said: "It is always good to give them opportunities when they are doing well. Look at Pandya and Bumrah."

Azharuddin, who is in loggerheads with the Hyderabad Cricket Association after charges were levelled against him by president G Vivek, was barred from attending the SGM earlier this month.

"I will meet (Committee of Administrators chairman) Vinod Rai. He was travelling and I was not able to have a word with him. I will definitely like to give back to the game whether it will be coaching or as an administrator," he said.

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News Network
September 20,2024

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The Israeli military has carried out airstrikes against the Lebanese capital Beirut. On Friday, the military said it had staged a “targeted strike” against the city.

At least five children are among those killed in the attack.

Lebanon’s al-Mayadeen television network said a drone had fired several missiles against Beirut’s heavily-populated Dahiyeh suburb.

According to Lebanon’s official National News (NNA), “five children were martyred in the hostile airstrike.”

The agency added that an F35 jet targeted residential areas with two strikes.

Media outlets cited sources as saying that the attack targeted Ibrahim Aqil, a senior commander of Lebanon’s Hezbollah resistance movement.

Aqil is a member of Hezbollah’s Jihad Council, which is responsible for directing the group’s military and security activities.

He has replaced Fuad Shukr, who was assassinated in an Israeli targeted killing attack against Beirut on July 30. 

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News Network
September 19,2024

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Mangaluru, Sep 19: Following the recent Nipah virus-related fatalities in Kerala, health authorities in Dakshina Kannada are taking proactive measures to monitor for potential cases of monkey fever. While typically found in African countries, monkey fever has raised concerns within the district, prompting increased vigilance.

To ensure early detection, travelers arriving at Mangaluru’s international airport and local ports will undergo health screenings. Additionally, a dedicated ambulance has been placed on standby for any emergent cases, and Wenlock Hospital has set aside a special ward with six reserved beds specifically for monkey fever patients.

"We currently have no confirmed cases of monkey fever in Dakshina Kannada, and there are no direct orders from the state government," said Dr. Timmaiah, the District Health Officer. "However, we are taking preventive measures, including continuous screening of incoming passengers. A special meeting is also being planned to discuss future action steps."

Dr. Timmaiah further highlighted the rise in general viral infections following the region's recent shift in weather patterns. "With the decline in rainfall, we are seeing an uptick in viral cases, particularly fevers accompanied by cough, cold, and throat pain, especially in children. Though Mangaluru has experienced mostly sunny weather, occasional rain at night has contributed to the spread of illnesses. It’s crucial for the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures."

Health officials are urging residents to seek timely medical advice and follow recommended precautions to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases.

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News Network
September 17,2024

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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday halted unauthorised bulldozer action against private property, anywhere in the country, till October 1, dismissing concerns by the government that demolitions sanctioned after following due process could be impacted. 

The "heavens won't fall if we ask you to hold your hands till the next hearing", a bench of Justice BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan declared.

An irate top court - which has already come down hard, twice this month, on 'bulldozer justice' meted out by various state governments - also warned the government against "grandstanding" and "glorification" of this practice. "No demolition, till next, date, without permission of this court," the government was told, and warned the Election Commission may also be put on notice.

The court's reference to the poll panel is significant given elections are due in Jammu and Kashmir (the first Assembly election in a decade) and Haryana, where the Bharatiya Janata Party is looking to return to power. Elections are also due this year in BJP-ruled Maharashtra and Jharkhand.

The court, however, also clarified its order is not applicable to removal of encroachments in public spaces such as roads, railway tracks, water bodies, etc.

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