SRH vs RR: Clash of Contrasts in Hyderabad

SRH vs RR: Clash of Contrasts in Hyderabad

SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are set to face off in a highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) match. Both teams have had contrasting fortunes in the tournament so far, with SRH struggling to find consistency while RR has emerged as a title contender.

SRH, currently ranked fifth on the points table, has won four of their nine matches. Their recent loss to Chennai Super Kings by 78 runs exposed their batting frailties. Aiden Markram, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were the top fantasy point-getters for SRH in that match.

On the other hand, RR has been in impressive form, winning six of their nine matches. They are currently at the top of the table with 16 points. In their last match against Lucknow Super Giants, Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel, and Sandeep Sharma were the standout performers in terms of fantasy points.

The match will be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, which is known for its batting-friendly pitch. The average first-innings score at this venue in the last 20 matches is 174 runs. The temperature is expected to be around 37 degrees Celsius, with low humidity and moderate winds.

In terms of head-to-head records, RR has a slight edge over SRH, having won 10 of the 18 matches played between the two teams. However, SRH has won the last two encounters.

For SRH, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Joseph Buttler are the top captaincy and vice-captaincy picks for fantasy teams. Other players to watch out for include Riyan Parag, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

RR, on the other hand, has a strong fantasy XI team with Jos Buttler, Sandeep Sharma, Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Yashasvi Jaiswal as potential high-point scorers.

The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two teams with contrasting strengths and weaknesses. SRH will be looking to bounce back from their recent loss and strengthen their playoff hopes, while RR will aim to consolidate their position at the top of the table.

Kohli Unfazed by Criticism, Doull Advises Ignoring Social Media

Kohli Unfazed by Criticism, Doull Advises Ignoring Social Media

Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket legend, has been facing relentless criticism for his batting approach and strike rate in the ongoing IPL 2024. Despite being one of the tournament’s leading run-scorers, Kohli has been questioned about his inclusion in India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Following Royal Challengers Bangalore’s victory over Gujarat Titans, Kohli addressed the criticism, stating that he is unfazed by the chatter. However, former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull believes Kohli should not be paying attention to social media.

“Why is he bothering? I mean, seriously, the bloke is such a good player. Why is he bothering reading the rubbish that some people write or why are people reading it and telling him? I don’t understand that,” Doull said on Cricbuzz.

Doull questioned why Kohli would engage with social media and use it to justify his actions in post-match interviews. He suggested that Kohli may be reading social media or having someone else read it for him.

Kohli, in his response, emphasized that his priority is winning games for his team, not maintaining a specific strike rate. “For me, it’s about winning the games for the team and there’s a reason why you’ve done it for 15 years, you’ve done this day in and day out, you’ve won games for your teams,” Kohli said.

Doull acknowledged Kohli’s experience but argued that those who have not played at the highest level may not fully understand the challenges involved. He suggested that Kohli should focus on his own game and not be distracted by external noise.

“People can talk about their assumptions day in and day out, but those who have done day in and day out, they know what’s happening and it’s a kind of muscle memory for me now,” Kohli said.

Pakistan Announces T20I Squad for Ireland and England Series, Hasan Ali Returns

Pakistan Announces T20I Squad for Ireland and England Series, Hasan Ali Returns

Pakistan’s T20I squad for the upcoming series against Ireland and England has undergone significant changes, with the return of experienced players and the omission of some key figures.

Usama Mir and Zaman Khan have been dropped from the squad, while Hasan Ali, who last played a T20I in 2022, has been recalled. Haris Rauf, who was injured during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has also been included, along with Agha Salman.

The squad announcement, made by three members of the selection panel, also sees the return of Mohammad Rizwan, Azam Khan, and Irfan Khan, who were ruled out of last month’s series against New Zealand due to injuries. However, their fitness remains a concern, with selector Wahab Riaz expressing cautious optimism.

“Rizwan, Haris, Irfan, and Azam are being assessed,” Riaz said. “There is a significant improvement in their fitness. They’re part of the squad because we hope they will be fit for the Ireland series.”

Pakistan’s squad largely resembles the one that played against New Zealand, with Usman Khan, Mohammad Amir, and Imad Wasim retaining their places. Despite speculation about the potential return of Aamer Jamal, the all-rounder was not selected, while Mohammad Haris continues to be overlooked.

Hasan Ali’s selection has been attributed to his experience and ICC tournament pedigree, rather than his current form. He had a stellar PSL season with Karachi Kings, taking 14 wickets at an economy of 8.26, but was not selected for the New Zealand series.

His inclusion appears to be based on the belief in his ability beyond just hard numbers, and an opportunity to assess him in Ireland and England before the squad is whittled down to 15 for the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan will play three T20Is against Ireland starting May 10, followed by four games against England. The deadline to announce the squad for the T20 World Cup (May 24) is after they play the first T20I against England (May 22).

Jasprit Bumrah's Purple Cap Gift to Young Fan Creates Core Memory

Jasprit Bumrah’s Purple Cap Gift to Young Fan Creates Core Memory

Mumbai Indians’ star pacer Jasprit Bumrah made a young fan’s dream come true at the Ekana Stadium during the IPL clash against Lucknow Super Giants. The official MI Twitter handle shared a heartwarming video of Bumrah handing over his prestigious Purple Cap, awarded to the leading wicket-taker in the tournament, to the ecstatic young fan.

The fan’s joy was evident as he ran around the stands, cherishing the moment. Bumrah’s gesture not only gave the fan a tangible memory but also created a lasting impression on his young mind.

Bumrah, who has been in scintillating form this season, currently leads the wicket-taking charts with 14 scalps in 10 games. His impressive bowling average of 18.28 and economy rate of 6.40 have been instrumental in MI’s performances.

Despite Bumrah’s bowling prowess, MI has struggled to find consistency this season, languishing at the ninth spot in the points table with three wins and seven losses.

In the match against LSG, MI’s batting faltered, losing four wickets within the powerplay. Nehal Wadhera, Ishan Kishan, and Tim David tried to salvage the innings, but MI could only muster 144/7 in their 20 overs.

LSG’s bowlers, led by Mohsin Khan’s 2/36, kept MI in check. In the run-chase, LSG also faced challenges, losing wickets at regular intervals. However, Marcus Stoinis’s knock of 62 proved crucial, guiding LSG to a four-wicket victory with four balls to spare.

Stoinis’s performance earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award, while LSG moved up to the third spot in the standings with six wins and four losses.

Bumrah’s gesture towards the young fan serves as a reminder of the power of sports to inspire and create unforgettable memories. It also highlights the importance of role models in shaping the lives of young people.

Pakistan Selectors Drop Usama Mir, Recall Haris Rauf for Ireland, England T20 Series

Pakistan Selectors Drop Usama Mir, Recall Haris Rauf for Ireland, England T20 Series

Pakistan’s selectors have made significant changes to their T20 squad for the upcoming series against Ireland and England. Leg-spinner Usama Mir has been dropped, while fast bowler Haris Rauf has been recalled.

The selectors, Muhammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq, and Wahab Riaz, emphasized that the World Cup squad will be selected based on performances in these matches. The three-match series in Ireland begins on May 10, followed by four games in England from May 22.

Wahab Riaz addressed concerns about the fitness of several players, including Muhammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Azam Khan, and Irfan Khan Niazi. He expressed confidence that they will be fit for the upcoming matches.

Regarding the recall of Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz explained that he is a backup for Haris Rauf. “If Haris is fit and performs well, he is our first choice. But if he doesn’t come through, we have Hasan Ali,” he said.

Abdul Razzaq justified the omission of Usama Mir, stating that Pakistan already has Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed in the squad.

Muhammad Yousuf defended the recent 2-2 result against New Zealand, emphasizing that it was the first time Pakistan fully implemented a rotation policy. He also acknowledged the need for players to be more innovative in their shot-making.

Wahab Riaz highlighted the importance of removing insecurity and fear of failure from the players’ minds. He emphasized that the selectors will not interfere in the captain’s selection of the playing eleven.

The selectors also defended Babar Azam’s captaincy, expressing confidence in his improvement and experience.

Canada Unveils T20 World Cup Squad with Uncapped Tathgur

Canada Unveils T20 World Cup Squad with Uncapped Tathgur

Canada has unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, featuring a blend of experience and emerging talent. Among the notable inclusions is uncapped batter Kanwarpal Tathgur, who has impressed with his performances in domestic cricket despite having played only eight List A games.

Tathgur’s selection is a testament to Canada’s commitment to developing young players. He joins a squad that includes several veterans, including 39-year-old allrounder Junaid Siddiqui and 35-year-old batter Ravinderpal Singh. The team also boasts a strong bowling attack, led by experienced seamer Jeremy Gordon and left-arm quick Kaleem Sana.

Saad Bin Zafar will captain the side, while Harsh Thaker, Nicholas Kirton, and Dilpreet Bajwa are the only players under 30 in the squad. Tajinder Singh, Aaditya Varadharajan, Ammar Khalid, Jatinder Matharu, and Parveen Kumar have been named as reserves, with Tajinder set to travel with the team.

Canada’s participation in the T20 World Cup marks a significant milestone for the nation’s cricket program. They will face a tough challenge in the tournament opener against USA in Dallas, with India, Pakistan, and Ireland also in their group.

The squad’s selection reflects Canada’s determination to make an impact on the global stage. With a mix of experience and youthful exuberance, the team will be eager to prove their worth against some of the world’s best cricket nations.

AB de Villiers Defends Virat Kohli, Slams 'Data-Driven Pundits'

AB de Villiers Defends Virat Kohli, Slams ‘Data-Driven Pundits’

Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers has come to the defense of Indian batsman Virat Kohli, calling him one of the greatest players in history and criticizing “data-driven pundits” for their criticism of Kohli’s strike rate.

In a video posted on his official YouTube channel, de Villiers expressed his frustration with the ongoing criticism of Kohli’s strike rate, particularly in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He argued that Kohli’s role in the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team is to play a stabilizing role and that his strike rate should not be the sole measure of his performance.

“Virat Kohli, catching criticism about his strike rate. It’s been going on for way too long and I am sort of fed up with that now. I’m frustrated to say the least. This guy is one of the best players to ever play the game of cricket. He’s incredible in the IPL, he plays a certain role for RCB, and I’ve pretty much had enough of data-driven pundits who keep criticizing this man. When you don’t really have knowledge of the game. How many games of cricket have you played, how many IPL hundreds have you scored?,” de Villiers said.

Kohli’s recent performances in the IPL have silenced some of his critics. In the last game between RCB and Gujarat Titans (GT), Kohli made an impression with his blistering 70*. He was a major factor in Bengaluru’s victory and dismissed the recent discussion regarding his strike rate.

During the game, Kohli achieved a landmark feat during RCB’s clash against GT. He now stands second in the list of players with the most half-centuries while chasing a target, with 24 scores of fifty or above. He is only behind David Warner, who has 35 half-centuries while chasing.

The 35-year-old also tied Warner’s record for the most IPL seasons with 500 or more runs. In an IPL season, Warner and Kohli have both scored 500 runs or more seven times.

Kohli’s performances in the IPL have been a reminder of his class and ability. Despite the criticism he has faced, he remains one of the most respected and feared batsmen in the world.

Rishabh Pant Named as Potential Game-Changer for India in T20 World Cup

Rishabh Pant Named as Potential Game-Changer for India in T20 World Cup

The Indian cricket team has unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the West Indies and USA from June 2 to 29. Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal has identified Rishabh Pant as the potential game-changer for Rohit Sharma’s side.

Lal believes that Pant’s return to the team is crucial for India’s success in the tournament. “If India wants to win, he needs to perform well. It is as simple as that,” said Lal. “He is a class act. At the moment, he is one of the top batsmen in the world.”

Lal also praised the selection of Shivam Dube over Rinku Singh as an all-rounder. “Dube has done quite well recently,” said Lal. “He is the best hitter of the ball (at the moment). That’s why I think they have picked Dube ahead of Rinku Singh.”

However, Lal questioned the exclusion of KL Rahul from the squad. “KL is also very talented, and there is no doubt about that,” said Lal. “It (not selecting Rahul) is another mysterious case.”

Lal emphasized the importance of performing well in the initial overs of the match. “The game is won on the front when the top batsmen and bowlers play well,” said Lal. “For the bowlers, if you don’t get wickets early on and then allow opponents to score runs against you, then that haunts you all the game. The same goes with the batsmen. The first six and last three-four are very important overs.”

India’s schedule for the T20 World Cup 2024 includes matches against Ireland (June 5), Pakistan (June 9), the USA (June 12), and Canada (15), all to be played in New York and Florida.

Hardik Pandya's T20 World Cup Selection Sparks Controversy

Hardik Pandya’s T20 World Cup Selection Sparks Controversy

Hardik Pandya’s inclusion in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024 has sparked controversy, with former all-rounder Irfan Pathan questioning the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision. Despite poor form in the IPL 2024, Pandya was not only selected for the 15-man squad but also named vice-captain.

Pathan criticized the BCCI for making exceptions for Pandya, who has been absent from domestic cricket. He pointed out that players like Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were forced to prove themselves in domestic cricket before being recalled to the Indian team.

“Regular participation in domestic cricket is essential for serving Indian cricket throughout the year,” Pathan said. “But there’s this one player who returns from injury without fulfilling the same requirements.”

Pathan also questioned Pandya’s performance consistency and commitment to Indian cricket. He suggested that Jasprit Bumrah would have been a better choice for the vice-captaincy role.

“To succeed in tournaments like the World Cup, it’s imperative that every player is treated fairly and equally,” Pathan said. “I believe someone like Bumrah wouldn’t have been a bad choice either.”

Pathan’s comments highlight the ongoing debate over Pandya’s place in the Indian team. While some believe he is a valuable all-rounder, others question his form and commitment. The BCCI’s decision to select him for the T20 World Cup 2024 is likely to be a topic of discussion in the coming months.

India's T20 World Cup 2024 Squad: A Force to Reckon With, Says Sangakkara

India’s T20 World Cup 2024 Squad: A Force to Reckon With, Says Sangakkara

India’s T20 World Cup 2024 Squad: A Force to Reckon With

Former Sri Lankan cricketer and Rajasthan Royals Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara has lauded India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, describing it as “extremely strong.” India will kick off their campaign against Ireland on June 5, 2024, followed by a highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on June 9, 2024.

Sangakkara, speaking at a pre-match press conference, highlighted the team’s exceptional spin attack. “They’ve got very high-quality spin and very good combinations that they can play,” he said. The squad boasts experienced spinners like Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal.

The former Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter also praised the team’s overall balance. “It’s a well-balanced squad, a very strong squad,” he said. “India’s always been very strong in international tournaments.”

India’s squad includes a mix of experienced players and rising stars. Rohit Sharma will lead the team, with Hardik Pandya serving as vice-captain. Virat Kohli, who has been in impressive form in the ongoing IPL 2024, is also part of the squad.

The team has added two wicket-keepers, Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson, to provide depth. Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Avesh Khan have been named as reserve players.

India is placed in Group A of the ICC tournament alongside Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, and co-hosts USA. The team will be aiming to improve upon their performance in the previous T20 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the semi-finals.

With a strong squad and a wealth of experience, India will be one of the favorites to lift the trophy in 2024.

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