Mominul Haque's Masterclass: A Century of Tactical Brilliance in Kanpur

Mominul Haque's remarkable century at Kanpur showcased not only his technical prowess but also his astute tactical acumen. With a strike rate of 57, he maintained a steady tempo throughout his innings, deftly navigating the challenges posed by India's spin duo, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin.

Central to Mominul's strategy was his adept use of the sweep shot, which yielded him 23 runs off Ashwin and 21 off Jadeja. This shot allowed him to target the on-side regions, an essential tactic given the disciplined lines the spinners bowled. By focusing on mid-wicket, deep square leg, square leg, and long leg, he effectively capitalized on the scoring opportunities that emerged from their deliveries. Notably, only a single shot against Jadeja ventured to long-off, illustrating his calculated approach to shot selection.

Against the pace of Jasprit Bumrah, Mominul was more cautious, accumulating just 10 runs primarily through third man and cover. In contrast, he found greater success against Mohammed Siraj, where he skillfully crafted 20 runs on the on-side, utilizing his footwork to position himself effectively.

When faced with Akash Deep, Mominul demonstrated his command over the offside, amassing 28 runs through deft strokes to third man, cover, and backward point. This adaptability further underscored his ability to identify and exploit his strong scoring areas.

In the grand tapestry of Test cricket, every innings is a meticulous construction, demanding a batsman to be both self-aware and strategic. Mominul Haque exemplified this principle, building his innings on thoughtful decision-making and a keen understanding of the conditions. His performance stands as a testament to the blend of skill and intelligence that defines successful Test batting.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Why Vinicius Junior Plays Well for Real Madrid and not Brazil?

Since returning from the international break, the Brazilian players have been shining for the clubs. Players like Rodrygo Goyes, Eder Militao, Vinicius Junior, Bruno Guimaraes and others are rollicking for their respective clubs. But during the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, most of them, looked done and dusted. They could hardly cut a satisfactory figure leading to another abysmal campaign for the Selecao.

Vinicius Junior, in particular, received a lot of criticism for his poor show in yellow shirt. One of the contenders for the Ballon d’Or this year, Vinicius, was expected to inject life into the lifeless body of Brazil's Football Team, but, sadly, he was found wanting.

His numbers are for the Selecao: A single goal in 12 World Cup qualifier matches that was scored way back in 2022. Received more ore yellow cards (6) than goals (5). Completed 23/76 dribbles (30%) since the FIFA World Cup 2022. Scored less number of goals in 2024 than the 17-year-old Endrick who played 404 fewer minutes

As soon as he dons the white shirt for Real Madrid, Vinicius transforms into a beast and why this has been happening remains a moot question.

Obviously, there are key factors to look at:

1. Tactical Systems: Brazil vs. Real Madrid

At Real Madrid, Vinicius thrives in a system that allows him to play to his strengths—quick transitions, counter-attacking football, and space to exploit on the left flank. Madrid’s system under Carlo Ancelotti is often built around fast breaks, with Vinícius being a key outlet for those transitions. He plays on the left wing, where he has more freedom to take on defenders one-on-one, use his speed, and cut inside onto his stronger foot. Additionally, the presence of creative midfielders like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, along with a world-class striker in Karim Benzema (before he left), allows Vinicius to flourish as defences are preoccupied with multiple threats.

For Brazil, the tactical setup is different. Brazil often dominates possession against weaker teams in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and international tournaments, meaning Vinícius faces low blocks and tightly packed defences. This reduces the space he can exploit, which is critical to his playing style. Moreover, Brazil tends to have slower build-up play, with less emphasis on fast transitions. As a result, Vinicius doesn't get as many opportunities to utilize his speed and direct dribbling, which are key elements of his success at Madrid.

2. Positional Role and Competition

Vinicius plays as a traditional left-winger for club and country, but his responsibilities differ. At Real Madrid, he’s often the focal point of their attack on the left, where he has the creative license to roam and make runs. In contrast, Brazil’s left-wing has historically been a highly contested position, with players like Neymar often dominating that role. When Neymar plays, Vinicius is sometimes either moved to a more secondary role or asked to adjust his game to complement Neymar’s style.

Even when Neymar isn't available, the Brazilian team’s structure and expectations differ. Vinícius is often required to track back more defensively and play within a more rigid structure, whereas at Madrid, he has more freedom to stay forward and initiate counters. This difference in role could explain why his attacking impact for Brazil seems diminished compared to his explosive performances for Madrid.

3. Team Dynamics and Chemistry

At Real Madrid, Vinicius has built strong on-field chemistry with key players, particularly Benzema (before his departure), who often acted as a mentor and attacking partner. The understanding between these two players allowed Vinícius to excel. Benzema’s movement, positioning, and ability to draw defenders created space for Vinícius to operate. The team is designed to amplify his strengths, and the years spent together have built an intuitive partnership.

For Brazil, Vinícius hasn’t had the same continuity or connection with his teammates. The national team setup is more fragmented, with players coming together sporadically for international breaks and tournaments. 

This lack of regular playing time together can result in less cohesive attacking play. Additionally, Brazil’s squad features multiple star players, meaning the attack is not solely focused on Vinícius, unlike at Real Madrid, where he has increasingly become a central figure.

4. Pressure and Expectations

The psychological aspect of playing for Brazil could also be a contributing factor. Playing for the Brazil national team comes with immense pressure and expectations, as the team has a rich history of success and a demanding fan base. While Vinicius is a young player who has thrived under pressure at Real Madrid, the weight of representing Brazil on the international stage can be different. The expectations for individual brilliance are high, especially given Brazil’s footballing legacy, and this could affect his confidence and performance.

In contrast, at Real Madrid, although the pressure is also high, Vinicius has grown into his role over time. He wasn’t expected to immediately become the star of the team, and this allowed him to develop without the same intensity of scrutiny. Moreover, at Madrid, his progression has been seen as a part of the team’s long-term project, giving him the space to grow into his role rather than be an instant solution.

5. Style of Play: Transition vs. Possession

Real Madrid’s style of play, particularly in high-profile Champions League matches, is often predicated on fast-paced counter-attacks. This suits Vinícius perfectly, as his speed and dribbling allow him to exploit open spaces left by opponents who push forward. Real Madrid often invites pressure from stronger teams and hits them on the counter, a system that allows Vinícius to flourish.

For Brazil, especially against less formidable opponents, the team is expected to dominate possession and break down deep-lying defences. Vinícius struggles more in these situations because his game is based on exploiting space, which is limited when teams sit back. This style of play does not necessarily align with his strengths, as he is more effective when the game is open and there’s room to manoeuvre.

6. Coaching Philosophy

The coaching philosophy at Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti has also been key to Vinícius’ development. Ancelotti has given him the freedom to express himself on the pitch, encouraging his attacking instincts and minimizing tactical restraints. This trust has allowed Vinícius to take risks and become more confident in his decision-making.

On the other hand, Brazil’s national team coach, Tite (until his departure after the 2022 World Cup), employed a more disciplined tactical approach, where the wingers had to contribute more defensively. This system often limits the offensive freedom Vinícius enjoys at Real Madrid, leading to more cautious play and fewer chances to make the same kind of direct impact.

The reasons for Vinicius’ differing performances for Real Madrid and Brazil can be attributed to a combination of tactical, positional, and psychological factors. At Real Madrid, he benefits from a system tailored to his strengths - quick transitions, counter-attacks, and freedom in attacking play. The chemistry he has developed with his teammates, particularly in a more open style of football, allows him to thrive.

In contrast, Brazil’s more possession-based approach, the need to accommodate other star players, and the high-pressure environment of international football have constrained his performances for the national team. To see a more consistent version of Vinicius for Brazil, the national team may need to adjust its tactics to better suit his style, while Vinicius himself must continue to adapt to the unique demands of international football.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Abysmal Brazil digest Paraguay shock

Brazil struggled against Ecuador in their backyard but still managed to escape - but away from home, in Paraguay, they digested a defeat by dishing out another awful display. Brazil conceded an early goal and could not overcome the defensive stalwart of Paraguay. Despite slightly improving in the second half, Brazil lacked creativity and finished the international break abysmally.

With the defeat; Brazil remained at ten points, occupying fifth place in the qualifying table. Paraguay, who is in seventh place and in the play-off zone, has just one point less.

Even with Real Madrid's three forwards - Endrick, Vinicius. and Rodrygo Goes, Brazil had serious difficulties in the final third. In the first half, Brazil enjoyed 87% possession of the ball, but could not finish on goal. In a rare appearance in attack, Paraguay opened the scoring with a beautiful three-finger shot by Diego Gómez.

In the final stages, Dorival Junior sent Luiz Henrique and Joao Pedro onto the field, and the team improved slightly, posing more danger on the wings. However, Paraguay knew how to defend itself, holding the ball up front with Isidro Pitta and giving Brazil no chances. 

In the end; out of desperation, the team still had chances to score with Vinicius. and Gerson, but not enough to equalize.

The players that perform better at the club level look dull in national colours which is a mystery for Brazil. Coach Dorival Junior has not yet found out how to fix the problems that remain in the midfield, in the final phase of attack and the mental aspect of the players, who are consistently looking lost on the field. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Brazil overcome Ecuador scare

A win was much needed for Brazil to revive their hopes of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Their opponent was a team that had a better outing than Brazil in recent times.  

Ecuador had been a team that had only been beaten once in the competition, precisely by Argentina in Argentina by 1-0. A team that had a good Copa America and that had been beaten on penalties by the World Champions in a tight match.

Brazil is passing a period where they had to play cautiously against an opponent whom, once upon a time, was thrashed by the players from the bench. But we are living in a different era where Brazil is not a force, but a side which is in a rebuilding process.

As usual, Brazil struggled against Ecuador in Curitiba.

While the opponent defended with a five-man defence – two wing backs alternating positions between attack and defence, Brazil had its first big chance in the 25th minute with Vinicius Junior, who received a great pass from Andre but finished just over the marker. Four minutes later, Brazil scored. Rodrygo Goes dribbled past the Ecuadorian defence and finished from the edge of the area to spark the stadium and bring back the memories of the old days.

At the end of the first half, Gabriel Magalhaes saved Brazil on the line, in Ecuador's only chance in the first half, with a shot by Caicedo in a counterattack set up by Rodríguez.

In the second half, Brazil made changes to maintain what they had built as if they wanted more. Still, Ecuador remained compact by having possession on the ball with no intention to create opportunities but to attack on the counter – a similar tactic which every opponent follows against Brazil knowing the fragility of the Selecao defence.

Ecuador began to threaten the Brazilian backline on the counter, and the team lost strength in attack.

Dorival Junior brought on Estevao, Gerson, Lucas Moura, and Joao Gomes, but the team's performance dropped and the Ecuadorians dominated. Paez and Rodríguez had the best chances but did not convert into goals.

Brazil attacked the opposing line, especially in the first half. The Selecao combined movements between midfielders and wingers on both sides and had a good approach. Rodrygo found interesting spaces behind their marking line between the defensive midfielders. He interestingly projected himself, but as the match progressed, his efforts did not combine to become bigger and failed to penetrate the opponent's compactness.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar  

 

Grit and Determination: Bangladesh’s Journey Through Political Strife and Sporting Triumph

In the pursuit of success, few qualities resonate as universally as grit and determination. These attributes, often intertwined, form the bedrock of human achievement across various domains, be it sports, business, academia, or personal endeavours. Grit and determination empower individuals to overcome obstacles, push beyond perceived limits, and attain goals that once appeared unattainable.

Grit embodies the ability to maintain focus and sustained effort over time, regardless of the challenges encountered. It is the force that compels an athlete to train through injury, a student to study late into the night, or an entrepreneur to persist in launching a business despite repeated setbacks. This relentless pursuit, fueled by resilience, creates a framework for long-term success.

Determination, on the other hand, serves as the driving force behind an individual’s journey. It encompasses the internal resolve to keep moving forward in the face of overwhelming odds. This mental and emotional fortitude is what prevents one from capitulating, regardless of how daunting the challenge may seem. Often, determination is ignited by a profound sense of purpose or a deep belief in the significance of the goal, motivating individuals to rise after each fall and learn from their mistakes.

In Bangladesh, the recent Quota Reform Movement—evolving into a campaign against the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina—has vividly illustrated the power of grit and determination. As the regime shed the blood of innocents and declared its invincibility, the democratic forces rallied with unwavering resolve, ultimately leading to a quest for freedom. The success of this movement is poised to reshape the political landscape, serving as an inspiration for a broader demand for transparency and accountability throughout the nation. The mass protests of July and early August are likely to be etched in history as a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s pursuit of a just and equitable society.

Amidst this political activism, 2024 also witnessed a landmark achievement in sports, as Bangladesh secured a Test series victory against Pakistan. This triumph not only underscored the nation’s burgeoning prowess in cricket but also held profound cultural and emotional significance. The series epitomized the grit and determination of the Tigers, who, in both Tests, rallied from precarious positions to assert dominance over their opponents. Under pressure, Bangladesh displayed an indomitable spirit, exemplifying their refusal to concede defeat.

The victory against a historically formidable cricketing nation like Pakistan marked a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s evolution as a competitive force in the sport. The series highlighted the maturity and skill development of the Bangladeshi team, which has steadily improved over the years. Renowned for producing high-quality fast bowlers, Pakistan faced a challenging matchup as Bangladesh countered with their own pace attack, characterized by sheer discipline and aggression.

Emerging players like Nahid Rana have captured attention, and his development must be nurtured carefully to ensure that the shorter formats do not disrupt his momentum. Hasan Mahmud, too, has shown commendable progress, mastering the nuances of line and length.

Furthermore, the Bangladeshi batsmen displayed remarkable resilience under pressure, transforming it into a catalyst for performance rather than a source of surrender. Their cultured approach to batting, blending resolve with technical efficiency, was pivotal in turning the tide against Pakistan.

Credit is also due to Najmul Hossain Shanto’s captaincy and Chandika Hathurusingha’s coaching, both of whom successfully balanced the tumultuous off-field environment with on-field performance. Under Hathurusingha’s guidance during his second tenure since 2023, Bangladesh has achieved a remarkable win percentage of 62.5 in Test cricket, scoring at an impressive rate of 3.72 runs per over. The pace attack has thrived with a strike rate of 43 and an economy of 3.35, alongside an average of 27 on flat pitches—an indication of significant improvement.

In a nation grappling with the upheaval wrought by the fascist regime, alongside the psychological toll of recent flash floods, the cricket team’s ability to focus and deliver joy to the people was no small feat. The determination to uplift a country that gained its independence amidst such turmoil reflects a profound commitment to not just sport, but to national pride and unity.

In this backdrop of resilience and hope, the events of July 36 and July 65 resonate deeply, marking a journey toward a brighter future.

Thank you, 

Faisal Caesar

 

Litton Kumer Das: Battling Adversity and Resurrecting Bangladesh's Innings with Grit

Batting under pressure has become a familiar battleground for Litton Kumer Das, and his latest outing was no exception. As he strode to the crease against Pakistan, Bangladesh found themselves in dire straits, mirroring past challenges he faced—most notably three years ago in Chattogram, where he entered at 49 for 4, and again a year later in Mirpur against Sri Lanka at 24 for 5. On both occasions, Litton responded with hundreds, and the circumstances at Rawalpindi demanded nothing less.

The Pakistani pace attack, led by Khurram Shahzad and Mir Hamza, unleashed a relentless assault, wreaking havoc on the Bangladeshi batting order. In a mere 34 balls during the first hour of Day 3, they struck six times, showcasing their ability to swing the ball while maintaining a disciplined line. Hamza exerted the pressure, while Shahzad capitalized, particularly targeting the left-handers with precision and discipline.

With Bangladesh teetering at 26 for 6—threatening to register their lowest total in Test cricket—the situation was dire. The fundamentals of Test cricket dictate that when the ball is new and moving, the first hour belongs to the bowlers. Litton and in-form Mehidy Hasan Miraz knew they had to weather the storm, allowing the shine to fade, as the current Pakistani bowlers lacked the finesse to exploit an older ball.

Post-lunch, Litton began to assert his presence, attacking Shahzad with vigour. He dispatched the bowler for two boundaries in three balls and followed up with three more in the next over, igniting Bangladesh's recovery. In the first six overs after lunch, the team amassed 40 runs, signalling a shift in momentum.

Together, Litton and Mehidy orchestrated a remarkable partnership, adding 165 runs for the seventh wicket and pulling Bangladesh from the brink of disaster. Their fight continued into the final session; resuming at 193 for 8 after tea, Litton and Mahmud made the Pakistani bowlers toil for over two hours. Litton, exhibiting shrewdness, farmed the strike, often denying singles to give Mahmud only a handful of balls. This strategy allowed Litton to reach his century with a deft dab to backward point, overcoming cramps that threatened his performance.

Litton's innings can be likened to an adventure reminiscent of Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones—an interplay of attack and counter-attack that defied the odds without succumbing to haste. Naturally adept at playing off the back foot, Litton skillfully exploited the vacant third-man area by pivoting quickly and executing late cuts with finesse. When the ball was pitched in the middle and off, he showcased nimble footwork, crafting straight drives and creating space for offside strokes. Anything aimed at his pads was dispatched to midwicket, showcasing his range and intent.

Despite Pakistan's attempts to manipulate the field, their strategy backfired; Litton’s ability to rotate the strike kept their bowlers off balance, preventing them from settling into a rhythm. His pull and hook shots against the short deliveries drained the energy from the Pakistani attack. In that zone of confidence, Litton felt invincible, commanding the game with an assurance that suggested nothing could thwart his mission to save Bangladesh.

Ultimately, Bangladesh concluded their innings trailing by a mere 12 runs—a margin that could have been far more daunting had Litton not channelled the adventurous spirit of Indiana Jones within him. His performance was not just a display of skill; it was a testament to resilience and the power of grit in the face of adversity.

Thank you, 

Faisal Caesar