Vikash Ambwani: An Alpine Skier Carrying India’s Winter Olympics Ambition

Winter sports remain on the fringes of India’s sporting culture, especially in regions that never experience snowfall. Yet, against geography, infrastructure gaps, and financial constraints, Vikash Ambwani, an alpine skier from Kota, Rajasthan, is working toward a place at the 2026 Winter Olympics. His journey highlights not just individual determination, but the broader challenges and opportunities facing India’s winter sports ecosystem.

Alpine skiing is among the most demanding Olympic disciplines. It requires consistent access to snow, advanced technical coaching, specialised equipment, and regular participation in international competitions governed by the International Ski Federation (FIS). For athletes from traditional winter-sport nations, these systems are embedded. For an Indian athlete from a non-snow region, they must be built from scratch.

Breaking Barriers From a Non-Traditional Background

Coming from Kota—a city better known for academic coaching than athletic pathways—Vikash’s entry into alpine skiing was far from conventional. With limited domestic facilities, meaningful progression demanded training abroad. This exposure allowed him to compete in FIS-sanctioned races, gain crucial ranking points, and measure himself against global benchmarks.

However, sustained international training comes at a significant cost. Travel, accommodation, race entry fees, coaching, and equipment together create a financial burden that few Indian winter athletes can independently sustain. Despite these obstacles, Vikash has continued to pursue consistent competition, a non-negotiable requirement for Olympic qualification.

The Financial Reality of India’s Winter Sports

Unlike mainstream Olympic sports in India, winter disciplines receive minimal institutional funding. Infrastructure is limited to a handful of locations in states such as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, and even there, competitive opportunities remain scarce. As a result, Indian skiers often rely on personal resources, family support, and sporadic sponsorships to remain active internationally.

This funding gap directly impacts performance. In alpine skiing, Olympic eligibility is determined by FIS points earned across multiple international starts. Missing even a single competitive season can undo years of progress.

Why Vikash Ambwani’s Journey Matters

This is not a story seeking sympathy—it is a case for setting precedent.

Supporting Vikash Ambwani is not merely about backing one athlete. It represents a larger shift toward investing in potential before it converts into medals. Since 2020, the number of Indian athletes registered in FIS alpine skiing has grown steadily, increasing by nearly 20 percent annually. Vikash now stands at a pivotal moment where this growth can become visible and credible on the global stage.

By international standards, his immediate requirement is modest. An estimated ₹5 lakh would fund roughly half of his crucial training and competition phase between December 2025 and January 2026 at Sweden’s Duved Ski Resort. This window is decisive for Olympic qualification, as every training day and race start directly influences FIS rankings. The funding would cover training access, race entries, accommodation, and logistical costs during this critical period.

Globally, alpine skiing operates within a mature, highly structured, and data-driven ecosystem centred in Europe. Even during periods of disruption, the sport has demonstrated resilience. International studies on snow and mountain tourism note that while global skier participation fell sharply during the 2020–21 COVID season, countries with adaptive sporting systems—such as Switzerland and the United States—successfully preserved athlete development pathways. In this context, Vikash’s campaign represents participation in an established, globally televised industry rather than a niche experiment.

A Measurable Opportunity for Partners

For sponsors and partners, the returns are clear and trackable. FIS competitions receive international broadcast coverage through platforms such as Eurosport, Discovery+, and CBS. Brand visibility includes placement on official competition jackets and consistent digital exposure through Vikash’s growing audience of over 10,000 followers across Instagram (@iamvikasambwani), LinkedIn, and YouTube.

In a global industry where even traditional winter-sport nations continue to invest heavily to maintain participation and renew talent pipelines, this level of support is not aspirational—it is essential. It represents the minimum commitment required to stay competitive on the Olympic pathway.

Looking Ahead

Vikash Ambwani’s pursuit of the 2026 Winter Olympics goes beyond personal ambition. It reflects a generation of Indian athletes choosing unconventional sports and demanding systems that allow them to compete globally. His progress could help redefine how winter sports are perceived, supported, and developed in India.

Backing athletes like Vikash is not about chasing instant results—it is about ensuring that when India speaks of Olympic ambition, it does so with preparation, presence, and credibility.

IPL 2025: The Unsung Heroes – Part 3

Welcome to Part 3 of this little series. No fancy intros here. Just a reminder: not all heroes wear orange caps or take hat-tricks in finals. Some just do their job quietly — and do it well enough to shift momentum. That’s exactly what this list is about.

This season, while the big names hogged the limelight, these guys did the heavy lifting when no one was watching. Time to give them their due.

1. Anshul Kamboj: CSK didn’t have the greatest of seasons. Let’s just say the trophy was never really in sight. But amidst all the chaos, Anshul Kamboj showed up. No hype, no drama. Just solid spells.

He kept his economy under 8 — that alone tells you he was holding it down while others were leaking runs. Bowling average? 21. That’s serious value. Alongside Khaleel, he was the only one who gave fans something to cheer for.

2. Jitesh Sharma: “Don’t worry, Jitesh Sharma is here.” Iconic. And accurate.

This season, Jitesh did a bit of everything for RCB. Cameos in chases. Clean glove work. DRS calls that turned games. But the best bit? The belief. You could see it in how he carried himself.

Dinesh Karthik’s presence clearly helped. But Jitesh made his own name this season — loud and clear.

3. Shashank Singh: Picked by accident. Delivered like a pro. Shashank Singh didn’t just silence the critics — he made people rewatch his innings for the bat swing alone.

He had that rare finishing vibe — like, if he’s on strike and you need 70 in 4 overs, it’s still on. He almost pulled off the final, too. Fell short, yes. But only just.

4. Digvesh Rathi: Everyone talks about Bishnoi in that team, but this guy? Digvesh Rathi was a gem this season. Sure, his “notebook” celebration was meme-worthy, but the real story was with the ball.

He bowled hard lengths, smart spells, and didn’t let batters breathe. In fact, only Narine was close when it came to consistent length bowling. Quietly effective. Deadly in the middle overs.

5. Abdul Samad: You probably didn’t see this coming. But look again — Samad had a crazy strike rate (176!) and made the most of his new role at LSG.

After a few hit-or-miss years at SRH, he finally found a team that trusted him at the death. And he paid that faith back. He’s just 23, but this season felt like a proper reboot for him.

You don’t always need to be on the front page to be valuable. In a tournament like the IPL, filled with glamour and pressure, it’s often the less celebrated names who do the quiet hard work, game after game. That’s exactly what these five players did.

They weren’t the most talked-about. They weren’t topping fantasy leagues. But they turned up when it mattered, kept their heads down, and let their performances speak. Whether it was a tight over, a sharp stumping, or a fearless finish, they contributed in ways that changed matches, even if only a few noticed.

And honestly, this is why I love cricket. It’s not just about centuries or viral moments — it’s also about the grit, the comebacks, and the lesser-known stories that make the game richer.

So here’s a small salute to Anshul, Jitesh, Shashank, Digvesh, and Samad — for reminding us that not all impact is visible, and not all legends need to be famous.

If you’ve got someone else in mind who deserves a mention, tell me. Part 4 is on the way, and maybe your pick will be the next name we highlight. Let’s keep appreciating the game — and the players — beyond the headlines.

Thank You,

Advait Kadam

Cricket Analyst

IPL 2025: The Unsung Heroes – Part 2

In my last blog, I spoke about a few players who didn’t get much limelight but were absolutely vital to their team’s performance. They weren’t the headline-makers, but without them, many matches could’ve had very different outcomes. Today, I’m back with Part 2—because there are more of these silent warriors who deserve our applause.

Let’s give these underrated players the credit they’ve earned.

1. Angkrish Raghuvanshi: Angkrish has been a quiet force for KKR. He doesn’t have a fixed batting spot—KKR sends him wherever needed. Most players struggle without role clarity, but Angkrish thrives on unpredictability. Whether it's No. 5 or 7, he walks in and delivers. What stood out this season was his consistency. He scored over 300 runs, without even batting in the top four. That’s rare. He’s not a name that trends on social media, but he’s a name his captain will write down first on the team sheet.

2. Vipraj Nigam: Here’s a 20-year-old all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh who made heads turn in his debut season. In his very first match, DC were chasing 209, and their top order had collapsed. Vipraj walked in and played like he belonged. I still remember that knock—it wasn’t just fearless, it was smart cricket. His strike rate this season? 179. And he didn’t just shine with the bat. He picked up 11 wickets and bowled tough overs in crunch moments. DC might not have had the best campaign, but Vipraj was one of their few bright spots.

3. Ashutosh Sharma: Ashutosh, Vipraj’s teammate, also deserves a big mention. In that same opening match, after Vipraj laid the platform, Ashutosh applied the finishing touch. Calm, composed, and explosive when needed. What surprises me most is that PBKS didn’t retain him after last season. Imagine him finishing innings alongside Shashank Singh—it could’ve been box-office stuff. Still, I’m glad he found a place at DC and proved why he belongs at this level. India’s bench of finishers is quietly growing—and Ashutosh is part of that pack.

4. Ashwani Kumar: If there’s one thing Mumbai Indians never run out of, it’s young talent. Ashwani Kumar, a left-arm quick with real control and pace, was one of their silent heroes this year. He bowled key spells under pressure and never looked rattled. Even in the Eliminator, he stood out with his accuracy and calmness. What I like most about him is his focus. He doesn’t try to do too much—just sticks to his strengths. And with someone like Paras Mhambrey mentoring him, I’m sure he’ll only get better from here.

5. Sai Kishore: He’s been dominating domestic cricket for a while now, but it’s nice to see Sai Kishore finally getting his dues in the IPL. As Tamil Nadu’s Ranji captain, he brings leadership and maturity to the field. This season, he picked up 19 wickets—many of them in key phases—and kept things tight every time he was thrown the ball. In an era where every batter wants to clear the ropes, watching a finger spinner bowl with such control is refreshing. He doesn’t celebrate wildly. He doesn’t sledge. He just does his job and walks back. That’s class.

The IPL is a mix of glitz, chaos, and fierce competition. While the superstars often steal the show, these players—the unsung heroes—keep the machine running. They don’t always get the awards or the ads, but they’re just as important as anyone else on the team. They’re the kind of cricketers who stay till the end of practice sessions, who quietly analyze their mistakes, and who never stop grinding.

I’ll be back with Part 3 tomorrow.
If there’s someone you think deserves to be here, drop their name in the comments. Let’s not wait for fame to tell their story—let’s do it ourselves.

Thank You,

Advait Kadam

Cricket Analyst

IPL 2025: The Unsung Heroes – Part 1

IPL 2025 has come to an end after over two months of nonstop action and thrill. While the spotlight was on young stars like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, and Sai Sudarshan, there were several others who made solid contributions quietly. They didn’t always grab headlines, but their performances mattered just as much.

This article is about those players—the ones who gave their all without much hype. And honestly, they deserve just as much appreciation as anyone else.

1. Vijaykumar Vyshak: A 28-year-old fast bowler from Karnataka, Vyshak made the most of the few chances he got. He featured in just five games for Punjab Kings but left a strong impression in every one of them. In his very first appearance, coming in as an Impact Player, he delivered a sharp spell. The final was no different—cool head, accurate bowling, and total control. He’s clearly someone who can deliver whenever called upon. A bright future surely awaits him.

2. Naman Dhir: He’s 25, from Punjab, and found a spot in the mighty Mumbai Indians lineup—a team full of stars. That alone says something. MI discovered him through the Sher-E-Punjab T20 League, and although he usually bats up the order, he was slotted in at No. 7. Despite the shift, he made a huge impact as a finisher, ending the season with a strike rate of 182.60. He brought back memories of a young Hardik Pandya. The hunger, the intent—it’s all there.

3. Aniket Verma: Another fresh face, this time from Madhya Pradesh—a state that's quietly becoming a talent hub. With Nitish Kumar Reddy out of form, Sunrisers Hyderabad needed someone to step up, and Aniket did just that. In his debut season, he scored 236 runs at a strike rate of 166.19. It wasn't just the runs but the way he handled pressure and adapted that stood out. You can tell he belongs here.

4. Ayush Badoni: Ayush has been around since 2022, but this year was different. This time, he played consistently well. For Lucknow Super Giants, whose middle order looked shaky at times, Ayush became the anchor. He finished the season with over 300 runs and a strike rate around 150. With most of LSG's runs coming from the top three, his role in steadying the innings lower down was absolutely vital.

5. Devdutt Padikkal: He’s a different beast when he plays for RCB. After a forgettable phase with Rajasthan Royals, Devdutt returned to RCB this year and looked comfortable from the get-go. He didn’t get a lot of games toward the end because of an injury, but in the matches he did play, he chipped in with meaningful contributions. RCB’s long-awaited title win had many heroes, and Padikkal was quietly one of them.

Not every hero makes headlines, and not every game-changer ends up on highlight reels. Yet, without these players, their teams wouldn’t function the same way. These five didn’t always steal the limelight, but their value was immense. They stepped up when needed, adapted to unfamiliar roles, and gave it their all—even when no one was watching closely.

In every tournament, it's easy to praise the big names. But sometimes, it's those working silently in the background who truly hold things together. These players are a reminder of how deep the talent runs in Indian cricket and how even small contributions can lead to big results.

Part 2 will highlight more of these silent warriors who made IPL 2025 special.

Who do you think should be featured in the next part?
Drop your suggestions in the comments or DM me—your pick might just be included in Part 2!

Thank You,

Advait Kadam

Cricket Analyst 

Shubman Gill: The Face of the Future or a Risky Bet?

 The winds of change are sweeping through Indian Cricket. The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) announced the test squad for a five-match test series against England. With RO-KO stepping aside from the longest format of the game, the spotlight is now on the young generation, and it will be led by 25-year-old batter Shubhman Gill. This tour is more than just a bilateral contest—it's the beginning of India's journey in the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle and a litmus test for the future of Indian cricket.

Fresh Blood and Second Chances

One of the biggest surprises of the announcement was the inclusion of Sai Sudharsan, who earns his maiden Test call-up after a strong IPL season. Also returning to the squad is Karun Nair, remembered for his triple century against England back in 2016. His recall is a nod to experience and redemption.

Meanwhile, consistent domestic performers like Abhimanyu Easwaran have also been retained, suggesting the selectors are looking to build a solid core of red-ball specialists.

Who Missed Out?

The absence of Shreyas Iyer raised eyebrows. The squad will also be without pace spearhead Mohammed Shami, who is recovering from an injury. His absence leaves a big void, but India still boasts a formidable pace attack. Also Harshit Rana and Axar Patel are dropped from the test side.

Squad Breakdown

Batsmen: Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair
Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant (Vice-Captain), KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel
All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Nitish Kumar Reddy
Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav
Pacers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep.

Probable Playing 11

1. Jaiswal 
2. Rahul
3. Sai Sudharshan
4. Gill (C)
5. Pant (VC) (WK)
6. Jaddu
7. Nitish Kumar Reddy
8. Shardul Thakur
9. Bumrah
10. Siraj
11. Akashdeep/ Arshdeep

Is Gill the Ideal Choice?

Shubman Gill may be the face of the future, but is he the ideal candidate to lead India in testing overseas conditions, especially in the SENA nations (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia)? His numbers suggest there’s room for doubt.

Let’s break it down:

Gill in SENA Tests:

• Matches: 11
• Runs: 481
• Average: 26.7
• Fifties: 2

Interestingly, his returns in SENA countries are eclipsed by someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who, despite being a bowler, has:

• Runs: 398
• Average: 30.6
• Fifties: 3

Even Shardul Thakur — primarily a bowling all-rounder — has notched up 4 fifties in just 9 games in SENA conditions, compared to Gill’s 2 in 11.

Furthermore, Gill’s form outside Asia since his 91 at the Gabba in 2021 has been underwhelming. Here's a look at his scores:
28, 8, 17, 4, 13, 18, 6, 10, 29*, 2, 26, 36, 10, 31, 28, 1, 20, 13

That’s 18 innings over four years without a single half-century, and an average hovering around 26. It raises a critical question: Would players like Mayank Agarwal or Shikhar Dhawan, who were dropped despite better averages in SENA conditions, have faced the same faith and backing?

Sure, Gill has shown class and potential, but in Test cricket, numbers often tell the harsh truth. With a Test average of just 35 overall and limited impact overseas, the decision to hand him the captaincy has sparked a debate: Is this a forward-thinking call, or one made too soon?

Thank You,

Advait Kadam

Cricket Analyst 

What changed in RCB's batting this year?

 What changed for RCB this year, yes obviously their aggressive intent but who implemented that intent in the team? They score 262 last year while chasing 286 against SRH last year but this year their batting seems completely different, and it's not only because of foreign players, Indian players like Rajat, Kohli and Jitesh are completely beast this year.

It's Dinesh Kartik effect on RCB! Yes, he is a great coach, always engaged in the game and has one of the best cricketing mind. He came as a coach and changed the RCB's batting approach completely. Last year RCB's had average score of around 57 in the powerplay and today against MI they scored 72, which is highest for them against MI.

Kohli is playing with great intent. Rajat we all know that he is a great player against the spinners. He was failing to attack against pacers last year but this year he is even targetting pacers. So who brought this change in them? It has to be their batting coach Dinesh Kartik.

Dinesh played a great role in auction strategy too. Getting Phil Salt in the team was his idea. And it's not only about the intent, we are seeing the change in RCB's overall body language this year. Also credit to Rajat patidar he is a great captain. The funny part is Kartik and Patidar were highly trolled because of the role they got but they are the one now proving their worth..

Thank You,

Advait Kadam

Cricket Analyst 

Bazball got Bamboozled

 A great start to the year for India in T20 cricket. India completely outplayed England to lead the 5 match T20i series by 1-0. Every department played their role very well and got a significant victory. 

Looking at the pitch before the toss it was a bit dry but the amount of dew expected made the pitch look like perfect for batting. India won the toss and choose to bowl first with only 1 frontline pacer and 3 all rounders. It was a brave call to go with only 2 pacers (including Pandya) especially looking at the venue where dew was expected. Yes, we had Nitish as 3rd pacer but we didn't used him. Winning the toss was of great importance and it proved to be correct at the end of the match.

Arshdeep started by getting Phil Salt early, it was a masterclass by Arshdeep. He bowled 1st ball outswing, 2nd inswing (batter found it easier and hit it straight to Axar at point), the batter was expecting a outswing as Salt was not comfortable playing it but Arshdeep bluffed and bowled a more straighter line and Salt got a top edge. A proper setup by Arshdeep. Then he got rid of Duckett in the very next over. I am interested to see how he bowls in the ODI format, especially in the middle overs. He proved in the T20 WC final that he can be effective in the middle overs too.

After powerplay it was Varun who took the charge in his hand and got rid of Harry Brook and Livingston in the same over. Later he got set buttler out. He proving his spot in the team now by consistently performing in the T20 side. Axar's first over was a bit expensive but after coming back into attack he improved and took 2 wickets. Contributions of Arshdeep, Varun and Axar helped India to restrict England at 132. 

Chasing a small target India started off well. Samson's vulnerability against the short balls was exposed by the English bowlers. Both Samson and Abhishek are looking not so good while playing short pitch deliveries, this will make them struggle throughout the series. Abhishek scored 79 runs off just 34 balls which helped India to get a comfortable win by 7 wickets and in just 13th over of the match. 

A dominating start by Indian players gave a message to England team that this young generation of Indian team can't be taken lightly, and we have got a lot of potential. Now, the 2nd T20I will be interesting especially if it is a typical Chennai pitch which will offer more spin. 

Thank You

Advait Kadam

(Cricket Analyst)