News / Author / Dhiman Sarkar

Dhiman Sarkar

Dhiman Sarkar is based in Kolkata and has been a sport journalist for over three decades. He writes mainly on football.

Articles by Dhiman Sarkar

HT Kick Off: What Ancelotti’s move tells us

If Brazil can do it, so can any other country. Here's why Dhiman feels that Ancelotti's appointment ends the debate about foreign coaches for national teams.

Football

Published on May 16, 2025 07:30 AM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

IPL 2025: Why champions need to feel at home

Teams looking for their first title have won less than 50% of their home matches. For multiple winners MI, CSK and KKR that number is between 57% and 66%

Cricket

Published on May 14, 2025 07:29 PM IST

ByDhiman SarkarDhiman Sarkar

Virat’s desire to win was so bad that it was attractive: Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri reflects on Virat Kohli's Test retirement, sharing their bond over cricket, fitness, and mutual support in their sports journeys.

Cricket

Updated on May 12, 2025 10:51 PM IST

ByDhiman SarkarDhiman Sarkar

HT Kick Off: “Super” FC Goa’s deserved a trophy

In this issue, Dhiman looks at why head coach Manolo Marquez thinks FC Goa are the best club in India.

FC Goa's trophy cabinet now has an addition. (FC Goa)

Sports

Published on May 09, 2025 08:00 AM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Resolute PSG weather Arsenal storm, make final

Stout defending and sharp counter-attack key to Parisians making second Champions League final in five years

Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian defeat an inspired Arsenal 2-1 to reach the Champions League final on Wednesday. (AFP)

Football

Published on May 08, 2025 10:16 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Champions League: Inter beat Barca in an instant classic

The magnificent 4-3 win in the Champions League semi-final was a summation of everything Inzaghi’s Inter Milan have stood for

Inter Milan's Davide Frattesi celebrates after scoring against Barcelona at the San Siro stadium in Milan. (AP)

Football

Updated on May 07, 2025 07:09 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Will Manolo Marquez stay with FC Goa, quit as India head coach?

Kolkata: Manolo Marquez may leave his role with India's national team after the Kalinga Super Cup, preferring club coaching at FC Goa.

Football

Published on May 06, 2025 05:08 AM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

HT Kick Off: The sublime and the ridiculous

A prized collection at the Kop and a prize distribution that became controversial.

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates by taking a selfie after winning the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur and clinching the Premier League title at Anfield in Liverpool, England, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (Jon Super/AP)

Football

Published on May 02, 2025 08:00 AM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Yamal, Dumfries headline wonderful night

Brilliant goals in 3-3 draw between Barcelona and Inter Milan keep this Champions League semi-final alive

FC Barcelona's Lamine Yamal in action with Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni. (REUTERS)

Football

Updated on May 01, 2025 09:51 PM IST

ByDhiman SarkarDhiman Sarkar

Mastery not mystery keeps Yuzvendra Chahal relevant

Kolkata: MS Dhoni's return sparked hope for CSK, but Yuzvendra Chahal's hat-trick sealed a four-wicket win for PBKS, ending CSK's playoff dreams.

Punjab Kings' Yuzvendra Chahal (R) celebrates after taking the wicket of Chennai Super Kings' Noor Ahmad. (AFP)

Cricket

Updated on May 01, 2025 02:49 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

IPL 2025: Shreyas leads PBKS to win, CSK out of playoffs

Sam Curran hit a 47-ball 88 but Chahal’s 4-for, including a hattrick followed by fifties from Prabhsimran and Iyer sealed Punjab’s win

Punjab Kings' captain Shreyas Iyer in action against CSK. (PTI)

Cricket

Updated on Apr 30, 2025 11:58 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Dembele strike helps PSG cap off a good night

Ousmane Dembele's goal secures PSG victory over Arsenal, showcasing their dominance in the Champions League semi-final despite Arsenal's spirited effort.

Paris St Germain's Ousmane Dembele celebrates scoring their first goal. (REUTERS)

Football

Updated on Apr 30, 2025 07:31 PM IST

ByDhiman SarkarDhiman Sarkar

Fearless at 14? Suryavanshi in a niche club

Nadia Comaneci, Krisztina Egerszegi, Bobby Fischer are among those who had shown their worth at that age

Rajasthan Royals batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 14, celebrates after becoming the youngest to score a century in IPL, and the second fastest to triple figures, against Gujarat Titans in Jaipur on Monday. (AFP)

Cricket

Published on Apr 29, 2025 07:41 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Slot’s tweaks to Klopp’s men help Liverpool to record 20th

Kolkata: Arne Slot leads Liverpool to a Premier League title, achieving what Klopp couldn't, as they dominate with 25 wins and strong squad management.

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates with the fans by taking a selfie after the Reds sealed the English Premier League title with a 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday. (AP)

Football

Published on Apr 28, 2025 12:07 AM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

An emotion called East Bengal

Gautam Ghose’s documentary to mark the centenary of the club may not be consistently memorable but a monumental effort it certainly is

Gautam Ghose, who directed the documentary “Shotoborshe East Bengal” with chief minister Mamata Banerjee and state sports minister Aroop Biswas in Kolkata on Thursday. (East Bengal)

Football

Updated on Apr 24, 2025 11:17 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Age should not be a problem for any coach: Anthony Andrews

East Bengal’s 29-year-old coach speaks about his third IWL title and why it is the validation he desperately needed.

East Bengal FC head coach Anthony Andrews is the most successful women’s team coach in the top flight in India. (Emami East Bengal FC)

Football

Updated on Apr 24, 2025 11:07 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

HT Kick Off: Jose Molina: man behind the “football machine”

In this week's edition, Dhiman writes about Mohun Bagan Super Giant win and Calm Molina.

It is one thing to have a star-studded roster and quite another to make them runaway winners. Jose Molina has done that.(@Hussainov1ch on X)

Sports

Published on Apr 18, 2025 08:00 AM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Champions League: An Italian job but Inter Milan can do much more

Inzaghi’s team withstood Bayern’s battering but there were phases in the 2-2 draw when they also played fluid, attacking football

Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez celebrates after scoring against Bayern Munich at the San Siro stadium on Wednesday. (AP)

Football

Published on Apr 17, 2025 08:59 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Champions League: PSG learn to suffer and succeed

Luis Enrique’s team lost on Tuesday but did enough to beat Aston Villa on 5-4 on aggregate and make the Champions League semi-final

Aston Villa's Marco Asensio (#21) vies with Paris Saint-Germain's Willian Pacho. (AFP)

Football

Updated on Apr 16, 2025 09:27 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

IPL 2025: Why KKR’s batting needs recalibration

KKR face a batting crisis, suffering a 16-run defeat to PBKS. Skipper Rahane blames poor game awareness and collective failures for their struggles.

KKR's Venkatesh Iyer plays a shot against Punjab Kings on Tuesday. (PTI)

Cricket

Updated on Apr 16, 2025 08:00 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Comeback win fetches Bagan first ISL double

Mohun Bagan Super Giant clinched their first ISL double, overcoming Bengaluru FC 2-1 in a thrilling final, with goals from Cummings and Maclaren

Alberto (21) of Mohun Bagan SG in action against Bengaluru FC during Indian Super League (ISL) final. (Hindustan Times/Samir Jana)

Football

Updated on Apr 12, 2025 11:18 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

A ‘headache’ called Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri impresses Bengaluru FC coach Zaragoza, contributing 14 goals this season. His fitness and performance remain exceptional ahead of ISL final.

Football

Updated on Apr 11, 2025 08:15 PM IST

ByDhiman SarkarDhiman Sarkar

ISL final: Bengaluru between ‘football machine’ and a first double

Kolkata gears up for the ISL final as Mohun Bagan face Bengaluru FC, both teams showcasing strong resolve and a history of thrilling encounters.

(L-R) Jose Molina, Subhasish Bose, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Gerard Zaragoza. (ISL)

Football

Updated on Apr 11, 2025 07:59 PM IST

ByDhiman SarkarDhiman Sarkar

HT Kick Off: Uncertain times after fine finish

In this week's edition, Dhiman writes from the ground about this year's concluding ISL and its uncertain future.

For the second time in three seasons, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Bengaluru FC will meet in the ISL cup final. (ISL)

Sports

Published on Apr 11, 2025 08:00 AM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Trio keeps Barca’s treble hopes alive

Lewandowski, Yamal and Raphina have scored 82 of Barcelona’s 144 goals in all competitions this term. Borussia Dortmund have scored 81.

Barcelona are the third club for which Robert Lewandowski has scored 10 goals or more in a Champions League season. (AP)

Football

Published on Apr 10, 2025 07:17 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

So nice that Rice does it twice

Two successful free-kicks from the midfielder and Mikel Merino’s goal put Arsenal on course to eliminate defending champions Real Madrid

Arsenal's English midfielder Declan Rice celebrates scoring a goal. (AFP)

Football

Published on Apr 09, 2025 09:20 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Eighth wonder: Narine not finishing his quota of four overs

It happened against LSG on Tuesday, a first in nearly two years and eight times since 2012 when KKR have bowled first

The last time Sunil Narine didn’t finish his four overs when KKR bowled first was against Chennai Super Kings on April 23, 2023. (REUTERS)

Cricket

Published on Apr 08, 2025 08:50 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Ralte’s late screamer puts Mohun Bagan in line for ISL double

Kolkata: Mohun Bagan Super Giant beat Jamshedpur FC 2-0, thanks to goals from Jason Cummings and Lalengmawia Ralte, securing a spot in the ISL final.

MBSG’s Apuia Ralte celebrates scoring the winner against JFC as the Mariners progress to the ISL 2024-25 Final (ISL)

Football

Updated on Apr 07, 2025 10:33 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

ISL: Hernandez key to Jamshedpur’s efficiency

With 32 chances created, nine goals, and three assists, the Spaniard has been instrumental in Jamshedpur’s run in ISL 11

Jamshedpur FC ‘s Javi Hernandez (Adimazes)

Football

Updated on Apr 04, 2025 10:03 PM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

Kick Off: Waving the flag

In this week's Kick Off, Dhiman writes about the belief, success in ISL and Indian support staff

Can Khalid Jamil get ISL clubs to trust Indian coaches?(HT)

Football

Published on Apr 04, 2025 10:40 AM IST

ByDhiman Sarkar

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Dhiman Sarkar

Dhiman Sarkar is based in Kolkata and has been a sport journalist for over three decades. He writes mainly on football.

If Brazil can do it, so can any other country. Here's why Dhiman feels that Ancelotti's appointment ends the debate about foreign coaches for national teams.

Teams looking for their first title have won less than 50% of their home matches. For multiple winners MI, CSK and KKR that number is between 57% and 66%

Sunil Chhetri reflects on Virat Kohli's Test retirement, sharing their bond over cricket, fitness, and mutual support in their sports journeys.

In this issue, Dhiman looks at why head coach Manolo Marquez thinks FC Goa are the best club in India.

Stout defending and sharp counter-attack key to Parisians making second Champions League final in five years

The magnificent 4-3 win in the Champions League semi-final was a summation of everything Inzaghi’s Inter Milan have stood for

Kolkata: Manolo Marquez may leave his role with India's national team after the Kalinga Super Cup, preferring club coaching at FC Goa.

A prized collection at the Kop and a prize distribution that became controversial.

Brilliant goals in 3-3 draw between Barcelona and Inter Milan keep this Champions League semi-final alive

Kolkata: MS Dhoni's return sparked hope for CSK, but Yuzvendra Chahal's hat-trick sealed a four-wicket win for PBKS, ending CSK's playoff dreams.

Sam Curran hit a 47-ball 88 but Chahal’s 4-for, including a hattrick followed by fifties from Prabhsimran and Iyer sealed Punjab’s win

Ousmane Dembele's goal secures PSG victory over Arsenal, showcasing their dominance in the Champions League semi-final despite Arsenal's spirited effort.

Nadia Comaneci, Krisztina Egerszegi, Bobby Fischer are among those who had shown their worth at that age

Kolkata: Arne Slot leads Liverpool to a Premier League title, achieving what Klopp couldn't, as they dominate with 25 wins and strong squad management.

Gautam Ghose’s documentary to mark the centenary of the club may not be consistently memorable but a monumental effort it certainly is

East Bengal’s 29-year-old coach speaks about his third IWL title and why it is the validation he desperately needed.

In this week's edition, Dhiman writes about Mohun Bagan Super Giant win and Calm Molina.

Inzaghi’s team withstood Bayern’s battering but there were phases in the 2-2 draw when they also played fluid, attacking football

Luis Enrique’s team lost on Tuesday but did enough to beat Aston Villa on 5-4 on aggregate and make the Champions League semi-final

KKR face a batting crisis, suffering a 16-run defeat to PBKS. Skipper Rahane blames poor game awareness and collective failures for their struggles.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant clinched their first ISL double, overcoming Bengaluru FC 2-1 in a thrilling final, with goals from Cummings and Maclaren

Sunil Chhetri impresses Bengaluru FC coach Zaragoza, contributing 14 goals this season. His fitness and performance remain exceptional ahead of ISL final.

Kolkata gears up for the ISL final as Mohun Bagan face Bengaluru FC, both teams showcasing strong resolve and a history of thrilling encounters.

In this week's edition, Dhiman writes from the ground about this year's concluding ISL and its uncertain future.

Lewandowski, Yamal and Raphina have scored 82 of Barcelona’s 144 goals in all competitions this term. Borussia Dortmund have scored 81.

Two successful free-kicks from the midfielder and Mikel Merino’s goal put Arsenal on course to eliminate defending champions Real Madrid

It happened against LSG on Tuesday, a first in nearly two years and eight times since 2012 when KKR have bowled first

Kolkata: Mohun Bagan Super Giant beat Jamshedpur FC 2-0, thanks to goals from Jason Cummings and Lalengmawia Ralte, securing a spot in the ISL final.

With 32 chances created, nine goals, and three assists, the Spaniard has been instrumental in Jamshedpur’s run in ISL 11

In this week's Kick Off, Dhiman writes about the belief, success in ISL and Indian support staff

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