MS Dhoni's Batting Prowess Impresses AB de Villiers, Warrants Promotion Up the Order

MS Dhoni’s Batting Prowess Impresses AB de Villiers, Warrants Promotion Up the Order

MS Dhoni, the legendary former Chennai Super Kings captain, has defied the aging process with his exceptional batting performances in the ongoing IPL season. Despite being 42 years old, Dhoni has showcased his mastery by dismantling opposition bowlers and delivering breathtaking cameos to provide a late flourish for CSK while batting lower down the order.

Dhoni’s batting prowess has left many in awe, including former South Africa captain AB de Villiers. De Villiers believes that Dhoni’s form warrants a promotion up the order in the upcoming games, which would also benefit CSK.

“Stats like these, it’s very difficult for me to agree with that. 28 not out off 9, 20 no off 4… Look at all the not outs, it’s ridiculous. At what point do we think that maybe he is in good enough form to maybe just go to number 5 or 6. I’m not saying go and bat at number 3 but just give yourself a few more deliveries. You are so destructive as a batter and you win games for CSK, you have done so for many many years. I think everyone would love to see him bat a little bit higher,” De Villiers said on his YouTube channel.

De Villiers emphasized that despite serving the team for so long, Dhoni remains CSK’s most destructive player. “I would say over anything after over 12 to 14 somewhere their wicket falls, no matter if they one down or five down, you should go in, maybe they should do a strategy like that. I think it will be very effective for CSK. He is the most destructive player in the team after all these years. I think he is the best finisher in the entire IPL at the moment,” he added.

Dhoni’s exceptional batting performances have not only impressed De Villiers but have also raised questions about his batting position. With his ability to win games for CSK, many believe that he should be promoted up the order to maximize his impact on the team’s performance.

MI Coaches Reveal Quirks of Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Others

MI Coaches Reveal Quirks of Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Others

Mumbai Indians’ head coach Mark Boucher has shed light on some amusing and endearing quirks of the team’s star players. In a video shared on MI’s social media platforms, Boucher, along with batting coach Kieron Pollard and bowling coach James Pannent, revealed some behind-the-scenes insights into the dynamics of the franchise.

Boucher disclosed that Rohit Sharma, the former captain and current batter, has a peculiar habit of giving awkward hugs and handshakes. “Rohit does not usually hug people a lot,” Boucher said. “But when he does, it’s a bit of an awkward hug.”

When asked about a player with an unexpectedly loud laugh, Boucher promptly named wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan. “Ishan has a very loud laugh,” Boucher said. “It’s very infectious. It’s one of those laughs that makes you laugh even if you don’t know what he’s laughing about.”

Pollard revealed that Suryakumar Yadav is prone to making autocorrect mistakes while texting. “Suryakumar is a very good texter,” Pollard said. “But he makes a lot of autocorrect mistakes. It’s quite funny.”

Pollard also described explosive batter Tim David as “absent-minded.” “Tim is a very good cricketer,” Pollard said. “But he’s a bit absent-minded. He’s always forgetting things.”

Despite these amusing quirks, the MI players are a close-knit group with a strong bond. They have won five IPL titles, making them one of the most successful teams in the tournament’s history.

Currently, MI is placed sixth in the 10-team points table with three wins and four losses. They will face table-toppers Rajasthan Royals on Monday at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

Hardik Pandya's Form and Leadership Under Fire After MI's IPL Setback

Hardik Pandya’s Form and Leadership Under Fire After MI’s IPL Setback

Mumbai Indians’ (MI) dismal performance in the ongoing IPL 2024 season has reignited concerns over Hardik Pandya’s effectiveness as both a player and captain. In their recent nine-wicket defeat to Rajasthan Royals, Pandya’s underwhelming performance on the field has drawn criticism from fans and experts alike.

Batting at an unfamiliar position of No. 7, Pandya managed a meager 10 runs. His bowling was equally unimpressive, conceding 37 runs in four wicketless overs. The decision to elevate Pandya as MI skipper over Rohit Sharma has also come under scrutiny, with many questioning his leadership abilities.

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has expressed his concerns about Pandya’s form and decision-making. He believes that Pandya’s tendency to seek easy solutions to regain his form could prove detrimental to his team.

“Mumbai Indians is still a strong team on paper, but they’re being managed poorly,” Pathan said. “If Hardik Pandya lacks form as a leader, he’ll become a weak link. He’s affecting his own hitting abilities and looking for easy ways to come back to form. That’s how he’ll lose the respect of his team.”

Pathan criticized Pandya’s decision to bat at No. 7 despite his experience at No. 4 for Gujarat Titans. He also questioned Pandya’s choice to bowl the opening over instead of relying on seasoned bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

“He doesn’t come at a position where he needs to do the tough job,” Pathan said. “If he wants to earn his teammates’ respect, he’s got to do the tough tasks. He bowls the first over thinking he’ll escape, but he gets struck for fours and helps Buttler get in form.”

With MI languishing in seventh place in the points table, the pressure on Pandya is mounting. His ability to turn around the team’s fortunes and prove his worth as a leader will be crucial in determining MI’s success in the remaining matches of the season.

Bihar Mechanic Wins Rs 1.5 Crore in IPL Fantasy Gaming Contest

Bihar Mechanic Wins Rs 1.5 Crore in IPL Fantasy Gaming Contest

Deepu Ojha, a class 8 dropout from Bihar’s Arrah district, has become an overnight millionaire after winning a staggering Rs 1.5 crore in an IPL fantasy gaming contest. The 25-year-old, who works as a car mechanic in a garage, struck gold by picking Andre Russell as his captain in the KKR vs RCB match on Sunday.

Ojha, who confessed to having no knowledge about cricket, stumbled upon the winning combination by sheer luck. “I had no work and made the team. I saw it was a match between KKR and RCB. I had little knowledge about the players,” he told PTI.

Despite his lack of cricket expertise, Ojha’s team performed exceptionally well, with Russell scoring a match-winning 70 runs off just 31 balls. The victory earned Ojha the top prize of Rs 1.5 crore, a life-changing amount for the young man.

Ojha is yet to decide how he will use the windfall, but he is considering investing in his future and helping his family. “I am very happy. I never thought I would win such a big amount,” he said.

The KKR vs RCB match was a thrilling encounter, with KKR emerging victorious by a narrow margin of 1 run. However, the major talking point from the match was the controversial no-ball decision that led to the dismissal of Virat Kohli.

The new Hawk-Eye technology to determine no-balls for height was used when TV umpire Michael Gough deemed a waist-high delivery from KKR’s Harshit Rana fair. Kohli, who was in fine form, was caught off the very next ball, a pivotal moment in RCB’s narrow loss.

The no-ball decision sparked a debate about the use of technology in cricket. Some experts argued that the decision was correct, while others felt that it was a harsh call.

Despite the controversy, the use of technology in cricket is generally seen as a positive development. It helps to ensure that decisions are made more accurately and consistently, which ultimately benefits the game.

Elena Rybakina Wins Porsche Without a Driver's License

Elena Rybakina Wins Porsche Without a Driver’s License

Elena Rybakina, the world’s fourth-ranked tennis player, has added a brand-new Porsche to her collection after winning the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. However, the Kazakh star has a unique dilemma: she doesn’t have a driver’s license.

Rybakina’s lack of a license stems from her nomadic lifestyle on the tennis tour. “I wanted to do it already long time, but I never have chance to be at one place for long,” she explained. “I did already couple of lessons. I was driving, but yeah, for sure [getting her license] that’s the goal for this year outside of the court.”

Rybakina isn’t the first Stuttgart champion to win a Porsche without the proper paperwork. In 2018, Karolina Pliskova joked that her twin sister, Kristyna, could drive her around. Last year, Pliskova confirmed she still owns the car and lets her husband drive it.

Rybakina plans to share the driving duties with her coach, Stefano Vukov, and her mother, Ekaterina, in Dubai. “Hopefully, me soon,” she said with a grin.

Despite her lack of a license, Rybakina is determined to get one this year. “With this car, if I win, it’s going to be one double goal. Hopefully, I finish it this year,” she added.

Rybakina’s victory in Stuttgart is her third title of the season, following wins in Adelaide and Melbourne. She is now one of the favorites for the upcoming French Open, which begins on May 22.

Lovlina Borgohain Confident of Second Olympic Medal in New Weight Class

Lovlina Borgohain Confident of Second Olympic Medal in New Weight Class

Lovlina Borgohain, India’s boxing sensation, is brimming with confidence as she sets her sights on a second Olympic medal at the upcoming Paris Games. Having endured a challenging period following her bronze medal triumph in Tokyo, Borgohain has found renewed success in the 75kg weight class, which aligns better with her natural body weight.

Since transitioning to the higher weight category, Borgohain has claimed gold at the 2022 Asian Championship and the 2023 World Championships, along with a silver medal at the Asian Games. This remarkable run has instilled in her a belief that she can replicate her Olympic success in Paris.

“My performance has been good after changing the weight,” Borgohain said. “Winning the World Championship in the Olympic category was huge. I had to control weight before, but now I am set in this weight.”

The 75kg category has been an Olympic fixture since 2012, and Borgohain acknowledges the formidable competition she will face. However, she remains undeterred, citing her comfort in the weight class and her improved strength and conditioning.

“75kg is challenging, but I fit well in this category,” she said. “I feel stronger and I am able to train better.”

Borgohain’s agility and speed are key strengths, and she has made tactical adjustments to her game plan. “I have changed my technique a bit,” she revealed. “Earlier I had a more defensive game, but now I go ahead and attack.”

As the pressure mounts ahead of the Games, Borgohain finds solace in meditation and prayer. “I always try to be calm even when I am at ringside,” she said. “I meditate, do breathing exercises, and I pray. That makes me feel strong.”

Borgohain’s determination and unwavering belief in her abilities make her a formidable contender for an Olympic medal in Paris. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating that with hard work, resilience, and a positive mindset, anything is possible.

Novak Djokovic Eyes Olympic Gold in Paris 2024

Novak Djokovic Eyes Olympic Gold in Paris 2024

Novak Djokovic, the legendary Serbian tennis player, is setting his sights on a coveted prize: an Olympic gold medal. With 24 Grand Slam titles to his name, Djokovic is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. However, an Olympic gold medal remains the elusive piece missing from his illustrious trophy cabinet.

Djokovic’s quest for Olympic glory began at the 2008 Beijing Games, where he won a bronze medal. However, he failed to reach the podium in his subsequent three Olympic appearances. Undeterred, Djokovic is determined to make his fifth Olympics, in Paris 2024, his most successful yet.

“I hope I can play my best tennis at the Olympics,” Djokovic said after being named the 2023 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year. “I see the French Open, Wimbledon, the Paris 2024 Olympic and the US Open as the most important block of tournaments in 2024.”

Djokovic’s focus on the Olympics is evident in his schedule. He plans to play the Rome Masters before Roland-Garros, which begins on May 25. This will give him ample time to prepare for the Olympic tennis tournament, which will be held from July 28 to August 4.

Djokovic is aware that time is not on his side. At 36 years old, he knows that this may be his last chance to win an Olympic gold medal. “Who knows if I will get another chance to play at the Olympic Games,” he said. “I really wanted to play at least until the L.A. Olympic Games [in 2028], but you never know.”

Despite the challenges, Djokovic remains optimistic about his chances. “If I didn’t think [a gold medal] was possible, I probably wouldn’t be playing the Olympic Games,” he said. “You have to believe that everything is possible in life.”

Djokovic’s pursuit of an Olympic gold medal is a testament to his unwavering determination and his insatiable hunger for success. As he prepares for his fifth and potentially final Olympic appearance, the tennis world will be watching with bated breath, eager to witness whether the Serbian legend can finally add the elusive gold medal to his remarkable legacy.

Tiwary Warns Pandya: MI Playoff Hopes in Jeopardy

Tiwary Warns Pandya: MI Playoff Hopes in Jeopardy

Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has expressed concerns over the captaincy of Hardik Pandya, suggesting that the Mumbai Indians (MI) may struggle to qualify for the playoffs if Pandya’s approach continues.

Tiwary criticized Pandya’s decision-making during MI’s recent defeat to the Rajasthan Royals. He questioned Pandya’s choice to open the bowling himself instead of entrusting the new ball to Jasprit Bumrah, widely regarded as one of the best pacers in the world.

“If you have Jasprit Bumrah in the line-up, why will you not bowl him in the first over?” Tiwary said. “Buttler came off a hundred, Jaiswal was not in the best form, you need to give your best bowler the best chance of picking a wicket.”

Tiwary believes that Pandya’s decision to bowl himself allowed the Rajasthan Royals batsmen to settle in and take advantage of the new ball. He also pointed out that MI’s current position in the league table is concerning, as they have played more matches than teams above them.

“I don’t see MI progressing in the points table because these silly mistakes are being made,” Tiwary added.

Tiwary concluded by suggesting that MI players may not have fully embraced Pandya as their captain. He believes that the team’s performance under Rohit Sharma was more consistent and that Pandya may need to adjust his leadership style to achieve similar success.

“If this kind of captaincy continues, MI are not making the playoffs,” Tiwary said. “Previously, players were with Rohit Sharma. Now it feels like that MI players have not bought into Hardik Pandya as the captain of the side.”

Tennis Stars Taylor Fritz and Iga Swiatek Share Their Love for Taylor Swift

Tennis Stars Taylor Fritz and Iga Swiatek Share Their Love for Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s latest album, “The Tortured Poets’ Department,” has sparked a buzz among tennis stars, including Taylor Fritz and Iga Swiatek. While Fritz admits to enjoying some of Swift’s music, he particularly favors her debut era, citing “Our Song” as his favorite track.

Fritz’s appreciation for Swift’s country roots aligns with his own musical preferences. However, he refrains from labeling himself a “Swiftie,” the term used to describe Swift’s devoted fans.

Meanwhile, Swiatek, the world’s top-ranked female tennis player and a self-proclaimed Swiftie, expressed her excitement for Swift’s new album after her semifinal loss at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. In her post-tournament social media post, Swiatek declared her intention to delve into Swift’s latest musical offerings.

Swiatek’s enthusiasm for Swift’s music is well-known. She has previously shared her love for Swift’s songs on social media and has even been spotted singing along to them during practice sessions.

The intersection of tennis and Taylor Swift’s music highlights the diverse interests of athletes and the universal appeal of Swift’s artistry. Her songs resonate with individuals from all walks of life, including those who excel in the demanding world of professional sports.

Oman D10 Run-Out Controversy: 'Fake Fielding' Debate Erupts

Oman D10 Run-Out Controversy: ‘Fake Fielding’ Debate Erupts

Oman D10 Run-Out Sparks Debate on ‘Fake Fielding’

A controversial dismissal in the Oman D10 competition has ignited a heated debate among cricket fans over the interpretation of run-out laws. During a match between Ghubrah Giants and Ruwi Rangers, Barathwaj Vinayagam was run out by a direct hit from Aflal Kariapper. However, some fans on social media have questioned the legitimacy of the dismissal, alleging “fake fielding.”

According to Law 41.5.1 of the cricket rules, “it is unfair for any fielder willfully to attempt, by word or action, to distract, deceive or obstruct either batsman after the striker has received the ball.” In this case, Kariapper collected the ball and executed a no-look throw to dismiss Vinayagam. While some argue that the throw was a legitimate attempt to run out the batter, others contend that it was an intentional deception designed to distract Vinayagam.

The umpires deemed the dismissal valid, and Ruwi Rangers went on to defeat Ghubrah Giants by 57 runs. However, the incident has sparked a wider discussion about the boundaries of fair play in cricket. Some fans believe that the no-look throw was a clear violation of the rules, while others argue that it was a clever and legitimate tactic.

The debate has also raised questions about the role of technology in officiating cricket matches. While the use of video replays has become commonplace in other sports, cricket has been slower to adopt such measures. Some argue that the introduction of video replays could help to eliminate controversial dismissals like the one in the Oman D10 match.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart