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“You have to express yourself”: Nehal Wadhera recalled PBKS head coac…

“You have to express yourself”: Nehal Wadhera recalled PBKS head coach Ponting’s advice during difficult IPL 2026 season

New Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], August 14 (ANI): Punjab Kings (PBKS) batter Nehal Wadhera has credited head coach Ricky Ponting with creating a positive and encouraging environment within the franchise, saying the Australian great’s approach motivates players to push themselves, learn from those around them and continuously work towards improvement.

Speaking to ANI, the 25-year-old left-handed batter said being surrounded by experienced coaches and senior players naturally influences younger cricketers and motivates them to raise their standards.

“When you have positive people around you, you tend to have positive thoughts. As there’s a very good saying, ‘You are an average of the five people around you,'" Wadhera told ANI. mchezo.life

The PBKS batter highlighted the influence of the franchise’s support staff and senior players, including captain Shreyas Iyer, assistant coach Brad Haddin, bowling coach James Hopes, and teammates such as Arshdeep Singh, Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya and Shashank Singh.

“So if you’re surrounded by such people around you like Ricky Ponting, Shreyas Iyer, Brad Haddin, and then we have James Hopes, the coaching staff, then all the players, Arshdeep Singh, Prabhsimran, Priyansh, Shashank, you feel really motivated to do well for the IPL, for the country," he said.

According to Wadhera, players often learn through observation rather than direct instruction, particularly when senior members of the squad lead by example.

“And you tend to pick certain things from them when you see everyone is working hard on their game, and everyone wants to put their best foot forward. If someone is working really hard, you don’t want to be the laziest person in the room," he said.

The left-handed batter explained that witnessing teammates dedicate extra time to training often encourages others to put in additional effort as well.

“Even if you’re the laziest, when you see someone working so hard, you also tend to get up out of your bed and do something extra. So that’s how, without even saying it to players, they set an example by doing things themselves," he added.

Wadhera singled out PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer for his disciplined approach, revealing that the India batter’s commitment to training, fitness and diet left a lasting impression on younger players.

“Like Shreyas Iyer, he used to go to the ground early, do his training, do his gym, do his batting, focuses on his diet. So these are certain things which senior players don’t have to say to the other players, but you just tend to pick them up," he said.

He added that consistency and attention to detail are essential in a sport as demanding as cricket.

“Cricket is such a competitive game; you can’t take anything for granted. You have to tick every box," Wadhera said.

Wadhera enjoyed a productive IPL 2025 season, scoring 369 runs in 16 matches at an average of 30.75 and a strike rate of more than 145. However, he struggled to reproduce that form in the 2026 edition, managing just 65 runs.

Despite his difficulties with the bat, Wadhera said Ponting personally approached him and offered reassurance at a time when his confidence was affected by his lack of runs. The batter said the former Australian captain’s words reminded him of the trust the franchise had placed in him.

“He was the first person to come to that player. Even though I wasn’t doing well this season, he came up to me himself, and I was really disappointed. I was talking to him, and he was like, ‘You are our senior player, we back you, and you just have to express yourself, enjoy yourself,'" Wadhera recalled.

The PBKS batter believes such reassurance can only come from a coach who has experienced the highs and lows of international cricket firsthand.

“These kinds of words just boost your confidence. So I think this happens only if you have an experienced coach who has himself gone through such things," he concluded.

Wadhera’s association with PBKS came after Mumbai released him ahead of the 2025 mega auction. He entered the bidding process with a base price of Rs 30 lakh, with Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals among the franchises that showed interest in securing his services. PBKS eventually acquired the left-handed batter for Rs 4.20 crore.

The move proved beneficial for both Wadhera and the franchise, as he produced his most productive IPL season in 2025. He amassed 369 runs in 16 matches at an average of 30.75 and a strike rate of more than 145, playing a key role in PBKS’ journey to the final as part of the team’s strong Indian core.

Meanwhile, PBKS commenced a five-day off-season training camp in New Chandigarh on August 11, with the programme set to run until August 15. The current batch includes six players including, Prabhsimran Singh, Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Pyla Avinash, Praveen Dubey, and Nehal.

The pre-season camp is being conducted under the supervision of the franchise’s coaching group, with Trevor Gonsalves leading the programme at the venue. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Was Breaking Undertaker’s Streak a Good Decision?

WrestleMania 30 was a landmark event in WWE history. It is most remembered for what happened at the end of the match between The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar. The Undertaker’s 21-0 undefeated streak at WrestleMania was shattered by Lesnar. The moment stunned fans and forever changed the landscape of professional wrestling.

The event took place on April 6, 2014, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. It was the first pay-per-view to air on the WWE Network. The night featured two huge moments. Daniel Bryan overcame the odds to win the world title. But before that, Brock Lesnar ended the streak.

The question of whether Lesnar was the right man to end the streak is still debated. Many wondered if a younger talent would have benefited more. But at the end of the day, Lesnar became the one to conquer The Undertaker. He became the final boss of WWE.

On The Broken Skull Sessions, The Undertaker revealed that he got concussed within the first five minutes of the match. He said he does not remember the night. His last clear memory was from the afternoon when his wife came backstage. He remembered nothing else from that day.

According to wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, Vince McMahon decided to end the streak on the day of WrestleMania 30. McMahon assumed this would be Undertaker’s last match. He thought it was better to lose on your way out. One source said McMahon talked Undertaker into it. Another said Undertaker agreed to the decision.

In an interview with Steve Austin, McMahon said Undertaker wanted to give back to the business. He said Lesnar made the most sense on the roster to break the streak. He said it was the right time and the right person.

Paul Heyman later implied that Lesnar went into business for himself and stole the win. But there is no evidence to support this claim. It has been rumored that Lesnar was not a fan of breaking the streak. He wanted to lose to Undertaker. He was reportedly unhappy that Undertaker had to go to the hospital due to the concussion.

Brock Lesnar Opens Up About Ending The Undertaker’s WrestleMania Streak

Brock Lesnar has reflected on his historic victory over The Undertaker at WrestleMania 30. He ended Undertaker’s undefeated streak after 21 straight wins. It remains one of the biggest moments in WWE history.

Lesnar said the decision to win was not his call. He said this is a business. He acknowledged that Vince McMahon chose him because he had a legitimate background and people could believe he could end the streak. He said many people were upset that it was him, but it was not his decision.

Lesnar said he was excited to win, but he also felt bad for Undertaker. He said they have always had a good relationship. He called Undertaker a mentor. He said he spent many years working with him.

Undertaker suffered a concussion early in the match. Lesnar said Undertaker was not himself and the match became difficult. He said they just had to get through it.

Out of respect, Lesnar went to the hospital with Undertaker to make sure he was okay. He said that was part of the deal and part of the respect he had for him.

Undertaker continued his career until WrestleMania 36. He finished with a record of 25-2 at WrestleMania.

How The Undertaker’s WrestleMania Streak Became Legendary

The streak began at WrestleMania 7 in 1991. Over the years, Undertaker had some great matches. He also had some forgettable ones. It was not until WrestleMania 25 with Shawn Michaels that the streak became legendary.

Shawn Michaels lost to Undertaker at WrestleMania 25. He became obsessed with ending the streak. He put his career on the line the following year for another shot. He lost again. His matches with Undertaker elevated the streak to legendary status.

Triple H then stepped in for two more classic matches. CM Punk also delivered a memorable performance. By the time WrestleMania 30 arrived, the streak was the stuff of legend. Many fans hoped Undertaker would retire undefeated.

But instead, Brock Lesnar shattered that hope. He conquered The Undertaker and ended the streak in New Orleans. He etched his own name into wrestling history. Randy Orton later said he thought breaking the streak was wrong. He said it did not tarnish Undertaker’s career, but he hated that the streak was lost.

FAQs

Q. Who ended The Undertaker Streak in WrestleMania ?

A. Brock Lesnar ended the streak at WrestleMania 30.

Q. When did Brock Lesnar beat The Undertaker?

A. Lesnar defeated him on April 6, 2014.

Q. Did Brock Lesnar choose to end the streak?

A. Lesnar said the decision was not his.

Q. Did Brock Lesnar visit Undertaker in the hospital?

A. Yes. Lesnar went with him to the hospital afterward.

Q. When did The Undertaker retire?

A. The Undertaker continued wrestling until WrestleMania 36.

Q. Did Randy Orton agree with breaking the streak?

A. No. Orton said he hated that the streak was lost.

Get the Latest WWE News at IceCric.News and Follow for Live Updates – Facebook & Instagram.

Tanzid Hasan becomes first Bangladesh player to score Test hundred in Australia

Darwin [Australia], August 14 (ANI): Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim scripted history on Friday by becoming the first Bangladeshi cricketer to score a Test century in Australia.

The left-handed batter reached the milestone during Day 2 of the opening Test of the two-match series against Australia at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin.

Tanzid brought up his maiden Test hundred in 188 balls, reaching the landmark during Bangladesh’s first innings after Australia were bowled out for 198 on Day 1.

His century also ended a long wait for a Bangladesh player to score a Test hundred away from home. The last such instance came in 2022, when Mahmudul Hasan Joy scored 137 against South Africa in Durban.

Tanzid’s hundred is only the second century by a Bangladesh batter against Australia in Tests. Shahriar Nafees had previously scored 138 at Fatullah in 2006.

The 25-year-old was dismissed after scoring an impressive 101 off 197 balls, with his innings comprising eight fours and a six. His knock helped Bangladesh take the lead over Australia. Bangladesh are currently 238/3 after 67 overs, holding a 40-run lead.

On Day 1, Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmud dismantled the Australian batting attack as he claimed a career-best 6/55 that helped his side bowl out the hosts for 198 in 53 overs.

Hasan’s figures have outdone Rafique’s (5/62 at Fatullah, 2006) for the best figures by a Bangladeshi bowler against Australia, condemning a struggling line-up, facing so many questions to their lowest Test score against Bangladesh since 217 at Mirpur back in 2017.

In 15 Tests, Hasan now has three five-fors, the second-most by a Bangladesh pacer in Tests, with only Shahadat Hossain (four in 38 Tests) at the top. With fifers in India, Pakistan and now against Australia, Hasan has made a name for himself as a force to be reckoned with in away conditions. Australia just could not keep going after a 45-run stand between Travis Head (22) and Jake Weatherald (23) for the first wicket, sinking to 74/4.

Steve Smith (71 in 109 balls, with seven fours and a six) did try persisting with the middle-order/lower-order, but to no avail as Hasan continued his storm. Taskin also became the sixth bowler to reach 300 international wickets in Bangladesh cricketing history, with a spell of 2/55.

Now he has exactly 300 wickets in 204 matches, with 13 four-wicket hauls, three five-fors and an average of above 28. Shakib al Hasan (712), Mashrafe Mortaza (389), Mustafizur Rahman (384), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (369) and Taijul Islam (302) stand above Taskin in Bangladesh’s all-time bowling charts. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Sri Lanka name 15-member squad for Asia Cup title defence

Colombo [Sri Lanka], August 14 (ANI): Sri Lanka have named a 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup in Dubai, where they will look to defend their title.

Chamari Athapaththu will continue to captain the side, with Harshitha Samarawickrama serving as her deputy, according to the ICC.

Right-arm pacer Mithali Ayodhya has returned to the squad after an impressive showing at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Despite making her international debut only in April, Ayodhya picked up four wickets at the tournament and finished as Sri Lanka’s second-highest wicket-taker.

Leg-spinner and all-rounder Dewmi Vihanga has received her maiden T20I call-up. She has previously represented Sri Lanka in 12 ODIs.

Sri Lanka have also brought back Chethana Vimukthi to strengthen their bowling attack.

Athapaththu and Samarawickrama will anchor the batting line-up, with Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne and Nilakshika Silva among the other batting options.

The squad also features 17-year-old Sanjana Kavindi, who made her T20I debut in the recent series against Pakistan. Imesha Dulani has retained her place after becoming only the second Sri Lankan woman to score a T20I century during the same series.

Sri Lanka have been placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. The defending champions will open their campaign against the UAE on August 29.

Sri Lanka squad for Asia Cup: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Mithali Ayodhya, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Vishmi Gunaratne, Kawya Kavindi, Sanjana Kavindi, Sugandika Kumari, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Hasini Perera, Chamudi Praboda, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika Silva, Dewmi Vihanga, Chethana Vimukthi. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Mooney’s Big-Game Record Gives Trent Rockets Hope

Beth Mooney (PC-ECB)

Trent Rockets have booked a spot for themselves in the 2026 Women’s Hundred final after winning seven out of the eight league matches. Led by Ashleigh Gardner, the team is balanced with experience, quality and key players like Sophia Dunkley, Beth Mooney, Kim Garth, Samantha Bates and Georgia Elwiss to name a few.

The number one ICC Women’s T20I batter and the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup 2026 player of the tournament, Beth Mooney, has suffered a string of low scores in the Hundred. She came into the tournament high on confidence after scoring 74* against New Zealand, 61* against the West Indies in the semifinals and 64 against England in the final at Lord’s. But before that, the scorecard tells a different story. Apart from those three crucial knocks, Mooney had scored 7, 10, 0 and 22 in the group stages.

Her numbers in the Hundred have followed a similar pattern. Mooney, initially, struggled to convert her starts but managed to score 54* against MI London and 57 against Welsh Fire. The other scores were 4, 0, 2,2,7 and 6.

At the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, teams have tried to expose Beth Mooney’s early vulnerability with pace and movement. Shabnim Ismail, Marizanne Kapp and Lauren Filer have tested her with hard lengths, while Sophie Ecclestone, Sadia Iqbal and Deepti Sharma have used spin to restrict her scoring options.

In The Hundred, the same approach has been used through specific match-ups. Grace Ballinger, Charis Arlott, Louise McCarthy and Bryony Smith have targeted Mooney early, looking to stop her from settling and building the innings that makes her so dangerous.

Beth Mooney’s recent scores may not have been consistent, but her record in high-pressure matches offers Trent Rockets plenty of reason to back her in the final.

Mooney has repeatedly delivered when the stakes have been highest. She scored 78 off 54* in the 2020 T20 World Cup final, 62 off 47 in the 2022 ODI World Cup final, 74 off 53* in the 2023 T20 World Cup final and 61 off 41 in the 2022 Commonwealth Games final. In the WBBL, she made 65 off 46* in the WBBL|04 final and 56 off 47 in the WBBL|07 final.

That record is significant for Trent Rockets. Mooney does not need to be in peak form throughout a tournament to influence a final. She has shown repeatedly that she can adapt to the situation and produce when the pressure is greatest.

The Rockets will hope for exactly that on the big night. If the game demands patience, Mooney can build the innings. If the situation calls for acceleration, she has the range to take the attack on.

Trent Rockets are not looking at her recent scorecard alone; they are banking on her proven ability to deliver when the stakes are highest.

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The post Mooney’s Big-Game Record Gives Trent Rockets Hope appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.

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