Latest news with #Chopra
India Today
a day ago
- Sport
- India Today
ENG vs IND: Aakash Chopra slams England's spin bowling choices for Oval Test
Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has raised eyebrows over England's decision to go into the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy without a specialist spinner. The decider, set to begin on Thursday, July 31, at The Oval, will settle a closely contested series between India and on his YouTube channel, Chopra questioned England's curious selection strategy, highlighting the contrast with India, who are expected to field two or even three spinners. In stark contrast, the hosts have opted for an XI devoid of a frontline spinner, instead banking on part-time options like Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, and Harry Brook-whom the England camp themselves had jokingly dismissed as a "ghatiya" (terrible) you call him filth, we'll also call him right-arm filth," Chopra said bluntly, referring to Harry Brook's part-time off-spin. The young batter has bowled just eight overs in the series, gone wicketless, and conceded 55 runs-hardly a threat to a strong Indian batting line-up. Jacob Bethell, a left-arm spinner, is also known more for his batting, while Joe Root, despite his experience, has struggled with the ball, picking up only two wickets at an average of 114.50 from 52.1 overs."You said he's a terrible bowler, not us-and now you expect him to play a serious role in a Test match?" Chopra added, mocking what he called confusion within the English camp regarding Brook's the spin conundrum, England's pace unit has undergone a complete overhaul. Ben Stokes, nursing a knee injury, has been ruled out, while Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, and Brydon Carse are also unavailable. In their place, England have brought in Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson, and Jacob Bethell."Why didn't Ben Stokes use his best bowlers when the mandatory overs began in the last match? That's when you needed your strike bowlers, but you held them back," Chopra questioned, pointing to questionable decisions in the previous Woakes is the only survivor from the original pace attack, but his series returns-10 wickets at an average of over 52-have been underwhelming, and his batting hasn't provided much value Tongue's inclusion offers some hope, having taken 11 wickets in two Tests at an average of 33.63. Atkinson and Overton, both playing their first match of the series, bring raw pace and bounce, but lack match rhythm and recent red-ball exposure."England have changed almost everything for the final match. They're entering a crucial Test with an inexperienced attack and no specialist spinner. It's a bold gamble-let's see if it pays off," Chopra concluded, calling the selection "puzzling".- EndsTune InYou May Also Like
NDTV
a day ago
- Sport
- NDTV
Jasprit Bumrah Out Of Asia Cup Squad? Ex-India Star Says "Can't Be Dissimilar..."
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) head Mohsin Naqvi announced that the 2025 Asia Cup will take place, quashing rumours that the tournament might not be held this year owing to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. While India are the hosts for this edition, the tournament will be played from September 9 to 28 in the UAE. India and Pakistan have been clubbed in the same group, and might even face each other as many as three times in the space of 20 days if both reach the final. It is likely that India's squad will be announced in the coming days. Former India batter Aakash Chopra feels that pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah 's availability might not be a sureshot thing. "Bumrah, once again, availability will be a question. However, if he is available, because if he doesn't play the fifth Test as well, then he should be playing the Asia Cup, is what I am thinking. It will be interesting to see what sort of team is picked, but it cannot be too dissimilar to the one that was picked last time," Chopra said on his YouTube channel. Chopra also suggested Bumrah's fellow pacer Mohammed Shami might not be picked for the tournament owing to his fitness issues. "I can almost guarantee that Mohammad Shami won't be there in that because Shami was only being played to test his fitness and prepare him for the Champions Trophy. Now that the bus has sailed, and if he is not part of Tests, I don't see him playing T20 cricket at this point in time," he added. Group A in the Asia Cup features India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong make up Group B. Meanwhile, the tournament opener is placed between Afghanistan and Hong Kong on September 9. India will kick off their campaign against UAE on September 10, while the high-voltage game against Pakistan is scheduled for the 14th. India will play their final group stage fixture against Oman on September 19. After the group stage, the tournament will proceed to the Super 4, where the top two teams from each group will qualify. The final is scheduled on September 28.
News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
JB Pharma profit rises 14 pc to Rs 202 cr in Q1
Agency: New Delhi, Jul 30 (PTI) JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd on Wednesday reported a 14 per cent rise in net profit to Rs 202 crore in the June quarter. The company had posted a net profit of Rs 177 crore in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals (JB Pharma) said in a regulatory filing. Revenue in the first quarter stood at Rs 1,094 crore as against Rs 1,004 crore in the same period a year ago, up 9 per cent, it added. 'The domestic business recorded approximately 14 per cent value growth. This was driven by acute and chronic segments, including our ophthalmology portfolio. Our major brands & their franchises are also performing well," JB Pharma CEO and Wholetime Director, Nikhil Chopra said. He further said, 'The CDMO (contract development and manufacturing organisation) business momentum is likely to sustain in coming quarters." The company said its domestic formulations business recorded revenue of Rs 678 crore as against Rs 595 crore in the first quarter last fiscal year, up 14 per cent driven by good growth in acute including opthal portfolio and the chronic portfolio. International business revenue declined marginally to Rs 283 crore in the first quarter as compared to Rs 290 crore in the year-ago period, it added. Going forward, Chopra said, 'We will maintain focus on driving topline growth, cost optimisation and organisational efficiencies. I am confident that the organisation will continue to perform well, with our domestic and CDMO segments leading the way on growth and profitability." PTI RKL TRB view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra strikes gold with endorsements
Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra is elevating India's non-cricket endorsements. His recent Diamond League win and the launch of the Neeraj Chopra Classic are attracting major sponsors. His brand value is estimated at $30 million. Emerging sports endorsements are increasing, driven by athletes like Chopra. He partners with brands like Tata AIA and Audi India. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads MUMBAI: Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra is adding momentum to India's non-cricket endorsement space following his recent win at the 2025 Paris Diamond League and the launch of Neeraj Chopra Classic , India's first global javelin rising influence off the field reflects a broader shift in India's sports marketing brand value is estimated at $30 million by Kroll, placing him just behind the country's leading on July 5 at Bengaluru's Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Neeraj Chopra Classic brought together top international athletes and drew several major sponsors, including Visa, Audi India, Duolingo English Test, and a country where cricket has traditionally dominated the sports landscape, it was once rare for a non-cricket athlete to attract the interest of top linked to emerging sports made up 14% of India's ?1,224-crore sports celebrity endorsement market in the last year—a 46% increase that industry executives say is driven by athletes like who won India's first ever Olympic gold medal in athletics at the Tokyo 2020 Games and followed it up with a silver at 2024 Paris Games, has sustained his brand relevance over time.'Over the last fiscal year, we've seen a clear and strategic evolution in Neeraj's brand portfolio,' said Karan Yadav, chief commercial officer at JSW Sports , which manages Chopra's commercial endorsement roster has nearly 20 high-profile brands including Tata AIA, Audi India, Visa, Krafton, and Under said the focus has always been on being selective. 'Instead of maximising volume, our goal has been to align with brands that resonate with Neeraj's personality, values, and passions,' he cited the recent tie-up with Audi—a brand that Chopra always had a deep admiration for due to his passion for automobiles. 'The alignment was so strong that the collaboration became a seamless extension of Neeraj's identity,' Yadav now commands endorsement fees of around ?4 crore for shorter engagements, with overall deal values ranging from ?4-6 crore. 'One recent renewal is nearing the ?10 crore mark over three years,' Yadav said Chopra has a consistent public image—'authentic, grounded, disciplined, and sincere.''Unlike many public figures, there's no difference between Neeraj off-camera and on-camera,' Yadav brand partners agree.'Neeraj Chopra exemplifies what it means to be grounded and disciplined while pursuing excellence. Attributes that mirror our ethos,' said Venky Iyer, managing director and CEO of Tata AIA Life said the wide variety of brands that partnered with the Neeraj Chopra Classic reflects the event's strong potential. It is likely to become a recurring event on the international athletics circuit, he approach to endorsements avoids one-off influencer campaigns in favour of deeper, long-term in the digital space, Chopra is highly selective. He has taken an equity stake in regional OTT platform Stage and is open to similar cash-plus-equity models, but only when the fit is right, and the brand offers long-term value."We're also in advanced conversations with a couple of other brands across different categories where Neeraj would come on board as both an ambassador and stakeholder," Yadav may also consider launching his own brand, though any move in that direction would be approached with caution, he said.'If the right opportunity arises where Neeraj is deeply invested emotionally and strategically, we will pursue it,' Yadav said. 'It has to be built around authentic interest and long-term commitment, not just capitalising on short-term fame.'Chopra's trajectory points to a shift in how brands view athletes outside the cricketing arena.'Cricket will continue to dominate, but the non-cricket space is evolving,' Yadav said. 'What we are seeing is that brands that want differentiation, authenticity, and long-term storytelling are turning to athletes like Neeraj.'
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
‘Why can't Bumrah play his fourth Test?': Aakash Chopra on India's playing XI for Oval Test
With the Anderson-Tendulkar series on the line, Indian management will need to hammer their heads for the match-winning bowling attack for the fifth and final Test at the Oval, which appears to be a far cry for now. Having already played his three Tests, the question around Jasprit Bumrah's availability for the Oval Test will be the major talking point. With Mohammed Siraj also grinding his body for the last four Tests on the bounce, skipper Shubman Gill will need to take a call on his inclusion as well. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra feels there will be a definite change in the bowling attack as India trail the five-match Test series 2-1 ahead of the final Test. 'I feel there will be changes. Bumrah has decided that he will play three (Tests) only. Should he play three only? I feel a fourth can be played. Why can't he play his fourth Test and the fifth Test of the series? I feel he should play,' said Chopra on his YouTube channel. Chopra said he is not too sure about the fitness of the rest of the Indian pacers as well. 'I don't know about Siraj's fitness, although Gauti came and said that everyone is available. However, is he available? Is he 100 per cent? Akash Deep and Arshdeep, I don't know,' said Chopra. However, Chopra vouched for Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav's place and said he deserves to play on the Oval surface, which will assist spinners in the latter half of the match. 'I feel Kuldeep Yadav should definitely be played at The Oval ground because this is a surface that eventually helps spin, and he is also crafty and skillful. You need to bring such bowlers into the game. The Bazball-playing English team might look to slog him a lot,' he said. 'It might backfire if they are unable to read him from the hand. I will put the stamp for Kuldeep Yadav. I have no idea about the rest of the bowling combination that should be played for the fifth Test. I see Jaddu and Sundar playing. So you have got these three spinners, but then, you also need fast bowlers,' Chopra added.
