India could go top in sa odi series
dubai: The number one ODI status will be on the line when second-placed India and table-toppers South Africa clash in a six-match series, which starts in Durban on Thursday. The Virat Kohli led India can top the ODI table if they win the series by 4-2 or better, while to retain the top spot, South Africa will just have to draw the series. However, India will slip behind third-placed England by a fraction of a point if South Africa win the series by 5-1 or better. Meanwhile, India captain Virat Kohli continues to lead the ICC ODI Player Rankings for batsmen with 876 points, just above South Africa's AB de Villiers (872).
Sumit, Sarjubala assured of medals
new delhi: Asian silver-medallist Sumit Sangwan (91kg) and world silver-medallist Sarjubala Devi (51kg) were among the four Indian boxers, who assured themselves of medals after facile wins in the inaugural USD 100,000 India Open tournament for men and women here on Tuesday. Second seed Sumit defeated compatriot Virender Kumar 5-0 but sustained a cut above his eye, which might force him to skip the semifinals. Sarjubala Devi (51kg) and Pinki Jangra (51kg) advanced to the semis in the women's competition.
Saina, Sindhu at India Open
new delhi: In-form Saina Nehwal and defending champion P V Sindhu will be the cynosure of all eyes when they start their campaign at the $350,000 India Open, starting on Tuesday. The marquee event will also feature 2014 champion Kidambi Srikanth beginning his new season after missing last week's Indonesia Masters. Saina, who had clinched the India Open Super Series in 2015, has made a superb start to the new season as she reached the finals of Indonesia Masters after recovering from an ankle injury and she would be one of the favourites this week.
CABI hope of getting BCCI recognition
gurugram: Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) president G Mahantesh on Monday sounded optimistic about getting recognition from the BCCI. "BCCI recognition looks like happening. We heard in media about BCCI wanting to remove blind players' hardships in a week's time," he told reporters here. Committee of Administrators (CoA) chairman Vinod Rai, on January 27, had said that BCCI was working to remove all hardships of blind cricketers. Mahantesh said CABI is grateful to Union Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot for announcing Rs 2 lakh cash prize each for the World Cup-winning members of Indian blind cricket team.