The Resurgence of Dinesh Karthik.

On March 18, 2018, a senior player of the Indian cricket team made a remarkable comeback, proving his worth not only to the opposition but also to Indian fans. The match was the final of the Nidhas Trophy, where India faced Bangladesh. Bangladesh batted first and set a target of 166 runs. As the Indian batters began chasing, Captain Rohit Sharma scored 56 off 42 balls, but the strike rates of the other batters were not quite up to the mark considering the target. By the 18th over, everyone thought India might lose the match, as they needed 34 runs off the last two overs. Then, the show began: Rubel bowled to Dinesh Karthik (DK), who hit a six on the first ball, followed by a four on the second ball, and another six on the third ball. DK smashed 22 runs in that over, easing the pressure on the Indian team. However, the tension was not completely alleviated, as India needed 5 runs off the last ball of the innings. Indian fans hoped for the ball to reach the boundary so they could have a super over, but DK delivered a spectacular six on the last ball, securing the victory. In 2022, DK was picked by RCB (Royal Challengers Bangalore), marking a resurgence in his T20 career. Some of his impressive stats included 66 runs off 34 balls against Delhi Capitals, 37 runs off 17 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders, 52 runs off 28 balls against Chennai Super Kings, 45 runs off 18 balls against Mumbai Indians, and his highest score after his comeback, 85 runs off just 35 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He became a crucial support for RCB as a middle-order batsman and finisher. In 2024, DK announced his retirement across all formats and later returned to RCB as a mentor and batting coach. This masterful coach assembled a very balanced team for RCB, showing his knack for making the impossible possible.
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Game On: The Story of Sahaij Sekhon’s Rise in Indian Hoops

There’s an Indian basketball player making quiet but powerful strides in the world of hoops Sahaij Pratap Singh Sekhon. Born on September 1, 2001, he plays as a point guard, and honestly, he’s someone who truly stands out. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall, he brings both height and hustle to the court. But what really sets him apart is his game sense, his confidence under pressure, and his ability to make things happen when it matters most. Sekhon didn’t always have basketball in his sights. Like many kids growing up in India, he started with cricket and soccer. His switch to basketball happened thanks to coach Rakesh Kumar, who spotted his potential early on and encouraged him to pursue the sport seriously. At Vivek High School in Chandigarh, he started making waves, playing for the U-19 team in 2017. Later, when he transferred to SD School, a growth spurt combined with hard work really took his game to the next level. Since then, his journey has been nothing short of inspiring. He’s represented India on the international stage, including the FIBA Asia Cup in 2022. Even though he was relatively new to that level of play, he still averaged 6.5 points per game, which is a solid performance for someone just stepping onto the big stage. But he didn’t stop there. In the 2023 Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Syria, he came back even stronger, averaging 11.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. That kind of progress in just one year says a lot about his work ethic and growth. His momentum has continued into the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, where he remains a core player for the Indian team. He’s matured into a playmaker, someone who not only scores but also creates opportunities for teammates and plays tough defense. In a team that’s still finding its identity on the global stage, Sekhon has started to emerge as a leader. Domestically, he represents Chandigarh and continues to leave his mark in tournaments across the country. But beyond the court, what’s really commendable is his dedication to giving back. He’s been actively organizing basketball clinics to help younger players develop their skills and gain exposure to the game. At just 23, he’s already thinking about how to uplift the sport in India, which shows a lot of character. Watching him play, you get the sense that he’s not just playing for the present he’s building something for the future. Sahaij Pratap Singh Sekhon is more than just a name on a jersey. He represents belief, grit, and the hope that Indian basketball can rise higher. If he keeps pushing forward the way he has, there's no doubt he’ll be remembered as one of the key players who helped take Indian hoops to the next level.
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