
Devieka Palshikaar appointed as Lead Performance Coach of Ratnagiri Jets men's and women's teams
Mumbai, (Maharashtra) [India]May 29, (ANI): Ratnagiri Jets, the two-time champions of the Maharashtra Premier League (MPL), announced the appointment of Devieka Palshikaar as the Lead Performance Coach for both the men's and women's teams, ahead of the eagerly awaited Season 3. Ranjit Pande will continue in his role as Head Coach for both squads, according to a release from MPL. Season 3 of the Maharashtra Premier League kicks off on June 4, 2025, with the men's team beginning their title defence against Eagle Nashik Titans. The inaugural edition of the Women's Maharashtra Premier League (WMPL) follows from June 5 - 14, where Ratnagiri Jets will open their campaign against Raigad Royals.
A former India international, Devieka Palshikaar, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the franchise. Her coaching career includes impactful stints as Batting Coach of the Mumbai Indians in the Women's Premier League and Head Coach of the Kerala Senior Women's Team, where she played a pivotal role in grooming some of India's emerging women cricketers.
In her new role, Devieka will work closely with Head Coach Ranjit Pande on strategic planning, performance development, and match preparation.
Her dual responsibility across both MPL and WMPL squads is aimed at ensuring a seamless integration of coaching philosophy and training excellence throughout the franchise. Notably, her prior association with Smriti Mandhana is expected to further strengthen player mentorship and foster greater team cohesion.
Devieka Palshikaar, commenting on her new role, said: 'It's a privilege to join the Ratnagiri Jets franchise, which has already set high standards in Maharashtra cricket. I look forward to working closely with the players and the coaching staff to build a culture of excellence, discipline, and continuous improvement. My goal is to help shape a fearless, confident, and cohesive unit that plays with purpose. With Smriti leading the way and a passionate support team around us, we have the foundation to inspire and achieve something truly special. The dual role across both men's and women's teams is an exciting challenge--one that I embrace wholeheartedly, as we work together to shape future champions of Indian cricket.'
Praful Chandawarkar, CEO of Ratnagiri Jets, added: 'At Ratnagiri Jets, our mission goes beyond winning titles--it's about building a sustainable ecosystem for cricketing talent to thrive. Devieka's appointment reflects our commitment to providing world-class coaching, especially as we set the stage for our women's team this season. Her leadership, deep understanding of the game, and dedication to developing players will be instrumental in our pursuit of cricketing excellence across both teams.'
JetSynthesys, the driving force behind the Ratnagiri Jets, fuels both the men's and women's teams through its grassroots initiative - the 'Jets Club'. Dedicated to identifying and nurturing cricketing talent from underserved regions across Maharashtra, the initiative reflects the franchise's long-term vision for cricket development. With Devieka Palshikaar now leading the charge as Lead Performance Coach, the women's team is not only poised to make a strong impression in the inaugural WMPL season but also to become a beacon of inspiration for aspiring young cricketers across the region. (ANI)
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News18
36 minutes ago
- News18
Why Is D Gukesh Being Attacked With Racist Comments After Beating Magnus Carlsen In Chess?
D Gukesh was subjected to nasty, racist comments on TikTok after he beat Magnus Carlsen in classical chess in the Norway Chess 2025 tournament. Norwegian chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen knows a thing or two about chess. Considered a legend of the board game, the five-time World Chess Champion had a moment of honesty, an emotional outburst when Indian prodigy D Gukesh defeated him in the Norway Chess 2025 tournament. Playing white, Carlsen looked in control of the proceedings for most of the game. However, Gukesh held his nerves despite being on the back foot, and a late blunder by the Norwegian helped the 19-year-old stun the GOAT. Realising that he had messed up, Carlsen couldn't hold back his emotions as he slammed the table before swiftly leaving the arena. Gukesh, in stark contrast, had subdued celebrations as he marked his first classical win over the World No. 1. The Internet was soon filled with videos of the exact moment when Gukesh emerged victorious on the historic day. A section of social media focused on Carlsen's uncharacteristic reaction to being undone by the 19-year-old champion. But the worst was yet to come. Reactions On Social Media The moment of marvel and shock emoted by the chess champs captured the pure, raw human emotions in all its glory. Those who chanced upon the video of the exact moment wondered if Carlsen may have gone too far in the way he expressed his disappointment and agony. 'For what he has such attitude, disgraceful," a user on X, reacting to the video uploaded by Norway Chess, wrote. Another wrote: 'Unprofessional behavior by Magnus." 'This a ridiculous behavior and against the sportsmanship. He must be penalized for his conduct." A few focused on the quality of the game instead. 'It's a lucky break for Gukesh. But still had to capitalize it by playing accurately; hard luck for Magnus to lose it from a near winning position. However, this is how Magnus has won many games in the past and was feared for; At least a good news for the game to have some momentum to the rivalry, (sic)" quipped one commenter. A user on X noted that there were nasty, racist comments directed towards Gukesh on TikTok. The ugly remarks were left under the official Norway Chess's TikTok video, the user further added. Note: could not verify these comments independently as TikTok has been banned in the country since 2020 due to national security concerns. 'This is exactly what I've been trying to explain to my fellow Indians who think I am overreacting. I've seen the amount of racism Gukesh faces from people outside India. Here is one from the official Norway Chess TikTok account which has been liked by thousands of people," the user, who goes by the handle @MeruBhaiya, claimed. The irked user also attached a screenshot of the said comment targeting Gukesh. This is exactly what I've been trying to explain to my fellow Indians who think I am overreacting. I've seen the amount of racism Gukesh faces from people outside India. Here is one from the official Norway Chess TikTok account which has been liked by thousands of people. — Meru (@MeruBhaiya) June 2, 2025 Attaching another comment of a purported attack, the X user reacted to it by saying: 'Another one. Just see the likes on the racist remark." Another one. Just see the likes on the racist remark. — Meru (@MeruBhaiya) June 2, 2025 In yet another post on X, the same user (@MeruBhaiya) tagged the official Norway Chess account and questioned them about the moderation of comments on their video. They also wondered why such blatantly racist comments had thousands of likes on them and if any effort was made to moderate them. 'Can I ask Why isn't @NorwayChess moderating its TikTok account, despite repeated racist comments targeting Gukesh? These comments are visible, liked by thousands, and consistently appear at the top." Magnus Acknowledges Gukesh's Spirit Coming back to chess, Carlsen lauded Indian teenager's fighting spirit and energy. 'I think, like, I remember being that age myself, and sometimes kind of your energy, like fighting qualities, and just the optimism is sometimes, you know, bigger than the quality of your moves," Carlsen said. Also Read: 'He Really Fights Well', Acknowledges Magnus Carlsen After Defeat To Gukesh 'What he Gukesh does well, as I alluded to, is he really fights very, very well, and he was there to take his chance, so he deserves credit for that," Carlsen added. In a moment of honesty, Carlsen admitted that he did not particularly like classical chess. 'I think I'll play the last three games in Norway Chess, and then I will have to make some decisions about next year here or potential other tournaments later, because, yeah… I just don't enjoy Classical chess that much," the five-time World champion said stating that Blitz, Rapid or Freestyle were his preferences. PM Modi Has Special Message Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Gukesh on his historic win. 'An exceptional achievement by Gukesh! Congratulations to him for triumphing over the very best. His first-ever win against Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of Norway Chess 2025 showcases his brilliance and dedication. Wishing him continued success in the journey ahead," PM Modi wrote on 'X'. About the Author Anurag Verma Anurag Verma, News Editor at works independently for the Viral section. Bollywood, Cricket, Science, Tech, YouTube, Reddit, Meme Origins and everything Pop-culture are his forte. He covers More Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Magnus Carlsen TikTok Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 03, 2025, 10:36 IST News explainers Why Is D Gukesh Being Attacked With Racist Comments After Beating Magnus Carlsen In Chess?


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Magnus Carlsen meltdown: Pieces fly off the board as D Gukesh shocks World No. 1
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And Gukesh would say that you have to find dynamic moves to deny a decisive winning path to the opponent and hope that a series of good moves will induce an error. In fact, Gukesh conceded that he was lucky not only to survive this game but also to win it, 'but I will take it any way'. Gukesh was so confident about his calculation at the end and queening his a-file pawn (and denying Carlsen's 'd' and 'e' pawns), that he took his queen in his left hand in anticipation in front of the undisputed king. Carlsen realised his folly after Gukesh made the perfect knight manoeuvre in a bid to stop the Norwegian's pawn. Carlsen banged the table in anger, made the pieces on the board fall before resigning. He then tried to calm himself down, giving a pat on Gukesh's back before storming out of the playing hall. The Indian wanted to prove himself against Carlsen badly. 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They played sevengames in this phase, Kasparov winningone and six ending in draws. Kramnik dethroned Kasparov in in the subsequent 11 Classicalgames against the world No.1, hecould not score a single win losingone and drawing 10 games Karpov, official world championfrom 1993 to 1998, played Kasparovthrice in this phase, winning noneand drawing two. The Norway Time Control Gukesh had lost to Carlsen in the first round of the ongoing Norway tournament. On that occasion too, lack of time to make the strongest move (to draw) may have played a part. Carlsen suffered from the time suffocation in trying to win. The tournament's time control is unique: 120 minutes for the entire game with only 10 secs increment and that too from the 41st move. Most elite players are used to a 30-sec increment per move for the large part of the games.


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
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