![Dhiman Sarkar Dhiman Sarkar](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/rf/image_size_630x354/HT/Web/AuthorsAndColumnists/Pictures/Crop/Dhiman%20Sarkar%20M70638-ktvE-U102101754373MpD-960x540%40HT-Web.jpg)
Dhiman Sarkar
Dhiman Sarkar is based in Kolkata with over two decades as a sports journalist. He writes mainly on football.
Articles by Dhiman Sarkar
My target is to play the Asian Cup, says Bala Devi
Recovering from ACL surgery, the India striker knows it is a long shot but then so was playing for Rangers.
![Bala Devi(Rangers FC/Twitter) Bala Devi(Rangers FC/Twitter)](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2021/10/09/148x111/_12670b8a-5a14-11ea-88d7-2ebec7a61521_1633798349683.jpg)
Published on Oct 09, 2021 10:23 PM IST
By Dhiman Sarkar, Kolkata
How have Messi and Ronaldo impacted their new clubs
- Their other-worldly prowess is intact but that alone may not be enough for trophy-hunters PSG and Manchester United.
![Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2021/10/08/148x111/messi_ronaldo_1633694192917_1633694193168.jpg)
Published on Oct 08, 2021 05:27 PM IST
Kolkata Knight Riders crush Rajasthan Royals, a step closer to playoffs
- Young opener Shubman Gill hits a half-century to boost KKR’s total before Shivam Mavi and Lockie Ferguson share seven wickets to skittle out RR for 85. KKR are fourth in the standings with 14 points.
![Kolkata Knight Riders players celebrate after winning their Indian Premier League cricket match against Rajasthan Royals, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, in Sharjah, UAE, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. (PTI) Kolkata Knight Riders players celebrate after winning their Indian Premier League cricket match against Rajasthan Royals, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, in Sharjah, UAE, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. (PTI)](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2021/10/07/148x111/PTI10-07-2021-000204B-0_1633628839549_1633628871085.jpg)
Updated on Oct 08, 2021 08:08 AM IST
The mainstreaming of football’s set-piece coaches
- Don’t know Vio, Buttgereit, MacPhee and Cueva? It’s about time you did for they are creating goals.
Updated on Oct 06, 2021 10:37 AM IST
IPL 2021: Shimron Hetmyer sees off modest, tough chase as DC beat CSK
- Delhi Capitals go to the top of the points table after winning by three wickets with two balls to spare in Dubai.
![IPL 2021: Shimron Hetmyer sees off modest, tough chase as DC beat CSK(BCCI/IPL) IPL 2021: Shimron Hetmyer sees off modest, tough chase as DC beat CSK(BCCI/IPL)](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2021/10/04/148x111/Screenshot_(2091)_1633370963304_1633370983209.png)
Published on Oct 04, 2021 11:41 PM IST
By Dhiman Sarkar, Kolkata
Brentford FC: an English fairytale with strong Danish influence
Not just the results, The Bees, back in the top tier after 74 years, are getting noticed for how they play.
Published on Oct 02, 2021 09:42 PM IST
By Dhiman Sarkar, Kolkata
Why Igor Stimac is relying more on ATK Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC players?
- The teams have had pre-seasons and games in Maldives, said the India coach.
![Igor Stimac (AIFF) Igor Stimac (AIFF)](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2021/10/02/148x111/igor-stimac-aiff_1631368459911_1633176820979.jpg)
Updated on Oct 04, 2021 05:16 PM IST
By Dhiman Sarkar, Kolkata
IPL 2021: Wily bowlers guide CSK to playoffs
This was CSK’s ninth win in 11 games, four of them coming on the trot in UAE where they began by beating the defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI). Since then, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) too have been tamed.
Updated on Oct 01, 2021 07:42 AM IST
By Dhiman Sarkar, Kolkata
Former CM? Well, not quite, says ATKMB goalie Amrinder Singh
- The India goalkeeper had to clarify that he's not former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Twitter after being tagged consistently on posts meant for the politician.
Published on Sep 30, 2021 07:26 PM IST
The Indian whistle blower on a football tour of Asia
- Referee Pranjal Banerjee talks about a few of his favourite things: the game in Iran that allowed women in, Sven Goran Eriksson, Del Piero and snow in Mongolia.
![Pranjal Banerjee.(Facebook) Pranjal Banerjee.(Facebook)](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2021/09/28/148x111/120825485_195030005364630_4292779767989760915_n_1632844978330_1632844981760.jpg)
Published on Sep 28, 2021 09:33 PM IST
IPL 2021: Tripathi, Iyer steer crafty KKR to 7-wicket win over MI
- IPL 2021: KKR's batting was in fifth gear going up to sixth and it produced an onslaught that flattened Mumbai Indians and laid the platform for a seven-wicket win with 29 balls to spare.
![Rahul Tripathi scored a brilliant half-century. (IPL/Twitter) Rahul Tripathi scored a brilliant half-century. (IPL/Twitter)](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2021/09/23/148x111/tripathi-kkr-new-ipl_1632420399343_1632420404045.jpg)
Published on Sep 23, 2021 11:39 PM IST
By Dhiman Sarkar, Kolkata
ATK Mohun Bagan and the anatomy of a disaster
Questions need to be asked whether the expensively assembled teams prepared adequately for the AFC Cup inter-zonal semi-final.
![ATKMB (in white) defending against Uzbekistan's Nasaf in their 6-0 loss Credit ATKMB(Twitter) ATKMB (in white) defending against Uzbekistan's Nasaf in their 6-0 loss Credit ATKMB(Twitter)](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2021/09/23/148x111/atk-mb_1632410666816_1632410671509.jpg)
Published on Sep 23, 2021 08:55 PM IST
Army team hit by Covid-19 pulls out of Durand Cup
- Fifteen people from the Army's contingent tested positive. The tournament, where spectators have made a return to the stadium, will go on.
![The Army Red team. (Twitter) The Army Red team. (Twitter)](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2021/09/23/148x111/army-red-twitter_1632409729958_1632409734538.jpg)
Published on Sep 23, 2021 08:39 PM IST
By Dhiman Sarkar, Kolkata
Why Barca could get worse before getting better
- The Catalan club is in freefall with an injury depleted squad, misfiring players and bad finances.
![Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman. (Getty) Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman. (Getty)](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2021/09/22/148x111/ronald-koeman-getty_1632324768858_1632324773629.jpg)
Updated on Sep 22, 2021 09:04 PM IST
By Dhiman Sarkar, Kolkata
That familiar feeling of isolation hits Pakistan cricket again
- For nearly a decade since 2009, Pakistan was a no-go zone for cricket. Now it is being shunned again and may have to play the T20 World Cup in October with little preparation.
![A security forces personnel is seen in the cricket stadium following the cancellation of cricket series between Pakistan and New Zealand. (Getty) A security forces personnel is seen in the cricket stadium following the cancellation of cricket series between Pakistan and New Zealand. (Getty)](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2021/09/21/148x111/pakistan-ground-getty_1632244141223_1632244151734.jpg)
Published on Sep 21, 2021 10:41 PM IST
By Dhiman Sarkar, Kolkata
IPL 2021: KKR spin-pace cocktail leaves RCB reeling
- Showing serious intent after their mediocre outing in the first phase of the league earlier this year, the Knight Riders bowlers fired in unison to bundle out Royal Challengers Bangalore for a paltry 92.
![Kolkata Knight Riders cruised to a 9-wicket win. (IPL/Twitter) Kolkata Knight Riders cruised to a 9-wicket win. (IPL/Twitter)](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2021/09/20/148x111/kkr-ipl-2021-twitter_1632158417246_1632158422315.jpg)
Updated on Sep 20, 2021 11:25 PM IST
By Dhiman Sarkar, Kolkata
PSG fail to shine on Europe’s night for underdogs
- First it was Young Boys beating Manchester United. Now it's Club Brugge holding PSG. Over two nights, fairytale runs show why the Super League is such a bad idea.
![PSG's Ander Herrera, right, celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the match during the Champions League match.(AP) PSG's Ander Herrera, right, celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the match during the Champions League match.(AP)](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2021/09/16/148x111/Belgium-Soccer-Champions-League-16_1631804274543_1631804287391.jpg)
Updated on Sep 16, 2021 10:15 PM IST
Going abroad to sit on the bench makes no sense: Brandon Fernandes
Lack of game time at a foreign club would mean wasting your years, says India and FC Goa midfielder.
Updated on Sep 14, 2021 08:33 PM IST
By Dhiman Sarkar, Kolkata
Igor Stimac backs Arsene Wenger’s plans to redraw international calendar
- ‘I would want a biennial World Cup because it doubles India’s chances to qualify for one,’ says India’s head football coach.
![Igor Stimac (AIFF) Igor Stimac (AIFF)](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2021/09/11/148x111/igor-stimac-aiff_1631368459911_1631368464065.jpg)
Updated on Sep 11, 2021 11:04 PM IST
By Dhiman Sarkar, Kolkata
Bala Devi unlikely for Asian Cup, says coach Thomas Dennerby
- Surgery for ACL injury could rule out India striker for next year’s competition.
![Bala Devi's ACL injury could shut her chances of playing the Asian Cup. (AIFF) Bala Devi's ACL injury could shut her chances of playing the Asian Cup. (AIFF)](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2021/09/11/148x111/bala-devi-AIFF_1631355321552_1631355326994.jpg)
Updated on Sep 11, 2021 03:50 PM IST
By Dhiman Sarkar, Kolkata
Kolkata welcomes Durand Cup but Bagan, East Bengal skip it
- Five ISL teams, defending champions Gokulam Kerala FC, Mohammedan Sporting among 16-teams in 130th edition which begins on Sunday.
![Kolkata welcomes Durand Cup but Bagan, East Bengal skip it(ANI) Kolkata welcomes Durand Cup but Bagan, East Bengal skip it(ANI)](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2021/09/05/148x111/ANI-20210903007-0_1630823951047_1630823958761.jpg)
Published on Sep 05, 2021 12:10 PM IST
Little freedom for superstars in the era of super clubs
- Top footballers may be richer than ever but have little agency in choosing clubs or playing for their country
![From Left: Kylian Mbappe, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Harry Kane From Left: Kylian Mbappe, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Harry Kane](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2021/09/02/148x111/mbappe-kane-getty_1630605159431_1630605165361.jpg)
Updated on Sep 02, 2021 11:26 PM IST
By Dhiman Sarkar, Kolkata
United, they dream again with Cristiano Ronaldo
- Manchester United renew ties with the Portuguese striker after 12 years in a bid to regain dominance in the English Premier League.
![File image of Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.(AP) File image of Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.(AP)](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2021/08/28/148x111/Juventus-Ronaldo-Soccer-1_1630110858330_1630110870584.jpg)
Published on Aug 28, 2021 06:04 AM IST
Winner of Lukaku-Van Djik duel could set a marker for Premier League
- Going into the season’s first Liverpool-Chelsea league tie, Van Djik has played two competitive games after almost 300 days because of an ACL injury.
![Winner of Lukaku-Van Djik duel could set a marker for Premier League(AGENCIES/HT COLLAGE) Winner of Lukaku-Van Djik duel could set a marker for Premier League(AGENCIES/HT COLLAGE)](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2021/08/26/148x111/WhatsApp_Image_2021-08-27_at_12.14.23_AM_1630003474416_1630003482219.jpeg)
Updated on Aug 27, 2021 12:16 AM IST
Williams helps ATK Mohun Bagan qualify for AFC Cup zonal semis
- Australian’s equaliser fetches draw against Bangladesh’s Basundhara Kings in last group game.
Updated on Aug 24, 2021 09:41 PM IST
By Dhiman Sarkar, Kolkata
Improved by Conte, Lukaku goes from kid to top man at Chelsea
At Arsenal on Sunday evening, Tuchel unleashed Romelu Lukaku. In 15 minutes, Lukaku showed what a No.9 on top of his game can do.
Published on Aug 23, 2021 09:20 PM IST
By Dhiman Sarkar, Kolkata
'Kapitan' Jhingan's European dream
- Croatian top flight club HNK Sibenik's owner says central defender can be used in a leadership role
![Sandesh Jhingan will be the third Indian to play in the top tier of an European football league. Sandesh Jhingan will be the third Indian to play in the top tier of an European football league.](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2021/08/19/148x111/jhingan-HT_1629385022637_1629385030570.jpg)
Updated on Aug 19, 2021 08:38 PM IST
By Dhiman Sarkar, Kolkata
Boumous stars as Bagan boss Bengaluru FC
Roy Krishna and Subhasish Bose strike in Kolkata team’s AFC Cup opener win.
![ATK Mohun Bagan beat Bengaluru FC 2-0(ATK Mohun Bagan / Twitter) ATK Mohun Bagan beat Bengaluru FC 2-0(ATK Mohun Bagan / Twitter)](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2021/08/18/148x111/ATK_Mohun_Bagan_1_1629302299335_1629302307644.jpg)
Published on Aug 18, 2021 09:31 PM IST
By Dhiman Sarkar, Kolkata
New-look ATK Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC meet in AFC Cup opener
- Golden opportunity to establish the club on the map of Asia, says Bagan striker Roy Krishna.
![Players of ATK Mohun Bagan train.(ATK Mohun Bagan/Twitter) Players of ATK Mohun Bagan train.(ATK Mohun Bagan/Twitter)](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2021/08/18/148x111/atk-mohun-bagan-twitter_1629123698229_1629254737709.jpg)
Published on Aug 18, 2021 08:16 AM IST
No clarity on Kolkata derby as Asia’s oldest league starts on Tuesday
- A new season of the Calcutta Football League, Asia’s oldest active league, will start on Tuesday with uncertainty over the participation of its biggest draw.
![Players of ATK Mohun Bagan train. (ATK Mohun Bagan/Twitter) Players of ATK Mohun Bagan train. (ATK Mohun Bagan/Twitter)](http://web.archive.org./web/20211012081011im_/https://images.hindustantimes.com/img/2021/08/16/148x111/atk-mohun-bagan-twitter_1629123698229_1629123702079.jpg)
Published on Aug 16, 2021 07:53 PM IST
By Dhiman Sarkar, Kolkata