Cricket
Delhi Capitals Lead the Way in Cricket Development with Global Academy Model
Ray Sportz Web Desk: Once known solely for its on-field exploits in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Delhi Capitals is now drawing attention for its off-field strategy — one that aims to reshape the future of cricket through grassroots development, international expansion, and holistic athlete nurturing.
Over the past few years, the franchise has invested heavily in building a structured, scalable academy network across India and overseas. This long-term initiative now stands as a cornerstone of the Capitals’ brand identity — a commitment to talent development, global reach, and sustainable sporting excellence.
Laying the Groundwork: The Rise of DC Academies
Since its rebranding in 2019, Delhi Capitals has made a deliberate shift from functioning as a professional T20 team to building a comprehensive cricketing ecosystem. The franchise now operates more than a dozen academies and training centers across India — including in the National Capital Region, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar — as well as in global markets like the United Kingdom and Canada.
These academies cater to thousands of aspiring cricketers aged 6 to 18, offering access to high-quality coaching, modern infrastructure, and performance pathways that mirror professional setups. But the Capitals’ model goes far beyond technical training. Each center promotes a well-rounded curriculum that includes physical fitness, nutrition education, sports psychology, and mental toughness — attributes vital for success in the modern game.
By embedding a culture of high performance and holistic growth, Delhi Capitals academies have become more than talent pools — they are hubs of cricketing character-building.
Creating a Global Talent Pipeline
Unlike many franchise programs that focus on short-term gains, Delhi Capitals has committed itself to the long game. The franchise’s grassroots initiative is structured to identify, nurture, and promote talent not only for the IPL squad, but for Indian domestic cricket and even the global stage.
Several players scouted from DC academies have gone on to represent their state and junior national teams, marking the initiative’s growing success. Moreover, the integration between the academies and the franchise’s elite scouting and analytics units ensures that standout performers are tracked and mentored in real time.
The initiative also empowers aspiring coaches, trainers, and support staff, offering structured growth opportunities across the sports ecosystem — a step that broadens the academy’s impact beyond just players.
The Pratik Puri Effect
At the heart of this transformation is Pratik Puri, who took over as Head of Academies at Delhi Capitals in late 2023. A passionate sports management professional, ex-national level cricketer, and BCCI-certified coach, Puri has been instrumental in bringing structure, scale, and strategy to the Capitals’ grassroots vision.
Since his appointment, the network has grown significantly — both in numbers and effectiveness. New academies have been launched in key hubs, existing ones have been standardised with data-backed curriculums, and a results-oriented approach has been introduced across the board.
Under Puri’s leadership, the Capitals also launched their first international academy, complete with performance tracking initiatives, scholarship programs, and one-on-one sessions with senior IPL team coaches. Additionally, he has helped forge partnerships with top physiotherapists and sports psychologists to ensure young athletes receive 360-degree development.
“Pratik has brought a disciplined, data-driven approach to the grassroots vision. He’s not only scaling the network but is building a culture that could define how academies are run across sports in India,” a Delhi Capitals insider commented.
Ownership Vision: Building for the Long Haul
The franchise’s ownership group — comprising the JSW and GMR groups — has long believed in building legacy through substance. For them, the academy program is not a branding exercise or CSR initiative, but a core business philosophy aimed at creating long-term value and relevance in the cricketing world.
Their goal is to establish Delhi Capitals as a “global cricketing brand with Indian roots.” That vision is supported by a comprehensive player development architecture — from grassroots academies to elite analytics — that nurtures both cricketing excellence and brand equity.
By fostering a pipeline that stretches from the first coaching session to the IPL dugout, the Capitals are building more than a team; they are building a cricketing institution.
Looking Ahead
As cricket continues its rapid evolution into a global, multi-format sport, the demand for smart, physically robust, and mentally prepared athletes has never been higher. Delhi Capitals is not only answering that demand but positioning itself at the forefront of it.
With a model rooted in purpose, planning, and passion, the franchise is proving that long-term investment in grassroots infrastructure isn’t just a moral win — it’s a strategic one.
By developing the next generation of cricketers, coaches, and thinkers, Delhi Capitals isn’t just preparing future stars — they’re shaping the future of cricket itself.
Cricket
South Africa Crush India by 408 Runs, Seal Historic Series Triumph
Ray Sportz Web Desk: South Africa completed a remarkable 408-run victory over India on the final day of the second Test in Guwahati, sealing a 2–0 series sweep and recording their first Test series win on Indian soil in 25 years. The emphatic result also marked India’s heaviest home defeat by runs, underlining a sobering end to a disappointing campaign for the hosts.
Resuming the day under immense pressure in their pursuit of an improbable 549-run target, India faltered quickly as South African off-spinner Simon Harmer ran through the batting order with clinical precision. Harmer, exploiting turn and uneven bounce, claimed six wickets in the innings, leaving the Indian side with few answers to his consistent probing.
Amidst the collapse, Ravindra Jadeja stood tall with a fighting 54 off 87 deliveries, offering brief resistance before becoming one of Harmer’s victims. Apart from Jadeja, no Indian batter managed to build a partnership of substance, and the innings folded for 140, sealing a lopsided contest.
South Africa’s dominance throughout the match was built on disciplined batting, sharp pace bowling, and Harmer’s decisive spell on the final day. Their commanding performances over both Tests signaled a significant shift in the balance of power, challenging India’s long-standing home supremacy.
For India, the series defeat raises urgent questions about batting resilience, strategic planning, and adaptability to pressure situations—even in familiar conditions. With the home fortress breached, the team faces a period of introspection ahead of future assignments.
South Africa, meanwhile, celebrated a landmark achievement—one that places this tour among their most memorable triumphs abroad, reaffirming their strength and cohesion in the longest format of the game.
Cricket
India Fight to Stay Afloat as South Africa Leave Hosts Chasing the Impossible
Ray Sportz Web Desk: South Africa tightened their grip on the second Test on Monday, declaring their second innings at 269 for 5 and leaving India an improbable 549-run target on a wearing fourth-day surface at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
The visitors, who already held a commanding position after posting 489 in the first innings and bowling India out for 201, chose aggression over caution as they accelerated through the morning. Tristan Stubbs once again led the charge with a fluent 94, falling agonizingly short of a century but ensuring South Africa’s lead swelled beyond India’s reach. Ravindra Jadeja offered resistance with the ball, returning figures of 4 for 62, but his effort was insufficient to halt the Proteas’ momentum.
Set a mountain to climb, India’s chase faltered almost immediately. Yashasvi Jaiswal looked promising but edged out for 13, while KL Rahul followed for 6, leaving the hosts wobbling at 27 for 2 by stumps. With 15.5 overs faced, India now stand not only far from the target but also perilously close to a defeat that would seal the series for South Africa.
As the final day approaches, India’s task has shifted from the realm of unlikely heroics to sheer survival. The pitch has shown increasing signs of deterioration, providing both seam movement and turn—conditions that South Africa’s bowlers are expected to exploit ruthlessly.
With the visitors firmly in control, the final day’s script hinges on whether India can summon enough resistance to push the contest into the afternoon, let alone threaten a miraculous comeback. For now, survival appears their only realistic ambition.
Cricket
India Clinch Historic Women’s Blind T20 World Cup in Colombo; Sri Lankan PM Graces Grand Finale
Ray Sportz Web Desk: India carved their name into sporting history on Saturday, emerging as the inaugural champions of the Women’s T20 World Cup – Cricket for the Blind 2025 with a decisive seven-wicket victory over Nepal at the P Sara Oval. The thrilling finale was further elevated by the presence of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, whose attendance underscored the growing global spotlight on women’s blind cricket. The championship clash began with Nepal choosing to bat first after losing key early ground. India’s disciplined attack paid off when B2 Sunitha Srathe dismissed Nepal skipper Binita Pun for just 5 in the second over. Nepal recovered through Sarita Ghimire’s gritty 35 off 38 balls and Bimala Rai’s quick 26 off 26, supported by 25 extras, taking the total to a defendable 114/5 in 20 overs. India’s chase, however, got off to a shaky start, with captain Deepika and star batter Anekha Devi falling early to Ghimire’s fiery spell. But the innings soon transformed into a showcase of resilience. B1 Karuna powered the comeback with an explosive 42 off 27 balls, while B3 Phula Saren anchored the innings with a match-winning 44 off 27. Basanti Hansda added a steady 13 to steer India to 117/3, sealing the nation’s first-ever Women’s Blind T20 World Cup crown. Phula Saren (B3) was named Player of the Match. Player of the Series honours went to Nepal’s Sushma Tamang (B1), Nepal’s Mankeshi Chowdhary (B2), and Pakistan’s Mehreen Ali (B3). In a celebratory gesture, Chintals Group announced a cash prize of INR 1 lakh for each Indian player, with promises of further support. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya hailed the athletes as “true inspirations,” applauding their courage and commitment. She emphasized that Sri Lanka was honoured to host a milestone event advancing disability inclusion and women’s participation in sport. “When guided by vision, discipline, and purpose, the dreams of women and persons with disabilities in sport are not just possible — they are unstoppable,” she remarked. Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, Chairman of CABI, praised both finalists for raising global standards in women’s blind cricket. He urged Sri Lanka to strengthen pathways for its visually impaired women cricketers, noting, “These athletes have proved their talent — now they deserve the systems and backing to soar even higher.” The award ceremony was attended by distinguished diplomats, sports administrators, and corporate leaders, including Ms Meenakashi Lekhi, Mr Santosh Jha, Mr Sulthan Shah, and global representatives from Australia, the United States, and India. India’s triumph signals a transformative chapter for women’s blind cricket — a victory built on grit, solidarity, and a collective belief in redefining what is possible.
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