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Category: Cricket

KKR Eye Playoff Berth as Struggling MI Visit Eden Gardens

KKR Eye Playoff Berth as Struggling MI Visit Eden Gardens

By May 11, 2024 0

KKR Aim to Seal Playoff Berth Against Struggling Mumbai Indians

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the two-time former Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, are on the cusp of securing a playoff berth for the first time in three years. They will face the struggling Mumbai Indians (MI) in their final home match of the season on Saturday, with a win guaranteeing them a spot in the top four.

KKR have been in red-hot form this season, winning eight of their 11 matches. They currently sit atop the 10-team standings with 16 points. A victory over MI would extend their lead and all but confirm their place in the playoffs.

On the other hand, MI have endured a disappointing campaign, winning just three of their 11 matches. They are languishing at the bottom of the table and have already been eliminated from playoff contention. However, they will be determined to end their season on a high note and spoil KKR’s party.

KKR will be led by their star-studded batting lineup, which includes the likes of Andre Russell, Nitish Rana, and Shreyas Iyer. They also have a formidable bowling attack, spearheaded by Umesh Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy.

MI, meanwhile, will rely on their experienced players such as Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, and Jasprit Bumrah to guide them to a victory. They will also need their young guns, like Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma, to step up and deliver.

The match promises to be an exciting contest between two teams with contrasting fortunes. KKR will be the favorites, but MI will be desperate to prove that they are not a spent force.

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Pakistan's T20 World Cup Preparations Hit by Loss to Ireland

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Preparations Hit by Loss to Ireland

By May 11, 2024 0

Pakistan’s recent loss to Ireland in the first T20I of their three-match series has raised concerns about the team’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Ramiz Raja, expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance, particularly their drop to seventh position in the ICC T20 Rankings.

Raja highlighted the team’s weakened body language and questioned the frequent changes in captaincy and squad composition. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that “you can’t defend losing against Ireland.”

Raja also raised concerns about Pakistan’s batting lineup, pointing out the inconsistencies and lack of stability in the middle order. He questioned the team’s ability to perform at the highest level, especially with the T20 World Cup looming.

“How will Pakistan win the World Cup?” Raja pondered, expressing doubts about the team’s prospects given their current form. “You know the capability of the team and you want them to play like India, Australia or you want to produce a player like Travis Head.”

Raja’s comments shed light on Pakistan’s struggles, both in batting and bowling departments. Despite posting a competitive total of 182/6, Pakistan’s bowlers failed to defend it, with issues like full tosses and overpitched deliveries plaguing their performance.

Pakistan’s loss to Ireland has exposed the team’s weaknesses and raised questions about their ability to compete at the highest level. With the T20 World Cup just months away, the team will need to address these issues quickly if they want to be competitive in the tournament.

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Rishabh Pant Suspended for One Match for Slow Over-Rate

Rishabh Pant Suspended for One Match for Slow Over-Rate

By May 11, 2024 0

Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant has been suspended for one match and fined Rs 30 lakh for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct. The incident occurred during Match 56 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against Rajasthan Royals, where Delhi Capitals maintained a slow over-rate.

This is the third offense of the season for Delhi Capitals under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offenses. As a result, Pant has been suspended for one match and fined a hefty sum. The rest of the Playing XI, including the Impact Player, were each individually fined either INR 12 Lac or 50 per cent of their respective match fees, whichever is lesser.

Earlier in the season, Pant was fined Rs 24 lakh for a second over-rate offense in Match 16 against the Kolkata Knight Riders. Before that, Delhi Capitals maintained a slow over rate in a match against Chennai Super Kings, resulting in a Rs 12 lakh fine for Pant.

The Delhi Capitals filed an appeal challenging the ruling of the Match Referee, but the appeal was referred to the BCCI Ombudsman for review. The Ombudsman conducted a virtual hearing and affirmed that the decision of the Match Referee remains final and binding.

Pant’s suspension is a significant blow to Delhi Capitals, who are currently fifth in the IPL table with 12 points from as many games. They will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their next match on Sunday without their captain.

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RCB's Playoff Hopes Hinge on Clash with Volatile Delhi Capitals

RCB’s Playoff Hopes Hinge on Clash with Volatile Delhi Capitals

By May 11, 2024 0

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), after a string of setbacks, have clawed their way back into the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoff race with four consecutive victories. However, their penultimate league match against the unpredictable Delhi Capitals (DC) poses a formidable challenge.

RCB’s resurgence has been fueled by the consistent batting of talisman Virat Kohli, who leads the IPL run-getters with 634 runs at a brisk strike rate of 153. Skipper Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, Cameron Green, and Dinesh Karthik have also contributed valuable runs, providing a cushion for their bowlers.

The RCB bowlers have undergone a remarkable transformation in the last four matches. Mohammed Siraj has rediscovered his mojo, while Yash Dayal and Swapnil Singh have provided excellent support. Their overall run-rate has dropped below 10 for the first time this season, a significant achievement in a tournament known for high-scoring matches.

DC, on the other hand, have been a team of extremes, oscillating between brilliance and mediocrity. They posted a hefty 257/4 against Mumbai Indians but then collapsed to a lowly 153/9 against Kolkata Knight Riders.

DC’s batting is led by Jack Fraser-McGurk, who has taken over the opener’s slot from David Warner and has made an immediate impact with 309 runs at a strike rate of 235.87. Abhishek Porel has also impressed with a strike rate of 157. Skipper Rishabh Pant and Tristan Stubbs have also been among the runs.

In the bowling department, DC boasts the economical spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, who have shared 24 wickets with economy rates of 8.2 and 7.3 respectively. Their combined eight overs will be crucial in containing the free-flowing RCB batters.

The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two teams with contrasting styles. RCB will rely on their consistent batting and improved bowling, while DC will hope to exploit their unpredictable nature and the brilliance of their key players.

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CSK's Woes Continue as GT's Gill and Sudharsan Shine

CSK’s Woes Continue as GT’s Gill and Sudharsan Shine

By May 11, 2024 0

Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) dismal performance continued on Friday as they succumbed to a 35-run defeat against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad. The loss marked CSK’s sixth setback of the season, leaving them languishing at the bottom of the points table.

GT’s batting prowess was on full display as Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan notched up magnificent centuries. Gill’s 112 off 57 deliveries and Sudharsan’s unbeaten 100 off 56 balls propelled GT to a formidable total of 231/3.

CSK’s chase faltered from the outset, with the top order failing to provide a solid foundation. Despite a valiant effort from MS Dhoni, who smashed three towering sixes in the final over, CSK could only muster 196/8.

Dhoni’s batting position has been a subject of intense debate throughout IPL 2024. Former cricketer Virender Sehwag believes it’s time to end the discussion, emphasizing that Dhoni knows his role and is capable of delivering when it matters most.

“We should end the debate around MS Dhoni’s batting position. He knows what he wants to do. It’s his wish. But if you want to win the match, the form he is in, and the strike rate that he’s batting at… the other batters need to play at a similar level,” Sehwag said.

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming defended Dhoni’s position, highlighting his influence on the team and the need to manage his workload.

“Don’t underestimate his influence on the team just because he comes in at No. 9. There’s a timing aspect, but we’re very wary of what he can give us. And we’ll max that out,” Fleming asserted.

Despite Dhoni’s heroics, CSK’s batting woes continue to haunt them. The team’s inability to build partnerships and score consistently has been a major factor in their struggles.

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Kohli's Witty Banter with Rabada Steals the Show at IPL 2024

Kohli’s Witty Banter with Rabada Steals the Show at IPL 2024

By May 11, 2024 0

Virat Kohli’s Witty Banter with Kagiso Rabada Lights Up IPL 2024

As the Punjab Kings prepared to face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Dharamsala, Virat Kohli, the RCB star and current Orange Cap holder, showcased his witty side. In a viral video, Kohli engaged in a friendly banter with PBKS pacer Kagiso Rabada while the latter was recording a podcast.

Rabada was participating in the ‘Willow Talk Podcast’ when he noticed Kohli dancing in front of him. Moments later, Kohli gatecrashed the podcast, entertaining viewers with his hilarious one-liners. Rabada jokingly accused Kohli of considering him a “weak bowler,” setting the stage for an intriguing battle between the two players in the upcoming match.

Kohli has been in exceptional form this IPL season, amassing 634 runs in 12 matches, including five half-centuries and one century. His strike rate of 148.09 has been a testament to his aggressive batting style. Rabada, on the other hand, has also had a solid season, claiming 11 wickets in as many matches.

Despite RCB’s slim chances of making the playoffs, they can still qualify if they win their remaining two fixtures. PBKS, however, have been eliminated from contention after their defeat against RCB.

Kohli’s witty banter with Rabada has added a touch of humor to the intense IPL competition. The upcoming match between PBKS and RCB promises to be an exciting affair, with the battle between Kohli and Rabada taking center stage.

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Gautam Gambhir's Return Inspires KKR's Resurgence in IPL 2024

Gautam Gambhir’s Return Inspires KKR’s Resurgence in IPL 2024

By May 11, 2024 0

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have emerged as the frontrunners in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, dominating the points table with 16 points from 12 matches. The resurgence of KKR has been largely attributed to the astute guidance of mentor and former captain Gautam Gambhir.

Gambhir, who led KKR to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, returned to the franchise as a mentor prior to the ongoing season. His presence has instilled a winning mentality within the team, which is now on the cusp of securing a playoff berth.

During a recent interaction, a KKR fan expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Gambhir, who was visibly moved by the gesture. The fan, overcome with emotion, implored Gambhir to remain with the franchise indefinitely.

“Please don’t leave us again. We can’t express how heartbroken we were when you left KKR,” the fan said. “You are our heart. We keep you close to our heart. Please don’t leave us ever, again.”

Since his return, Gambhir has been actively involved in the dugout, providing tactical advice to captain Shreyas Iyer. His decision to promote Sunil Narine as an opener alongside Phil Salt has proven to be a masterstroke.

The duo has been instrumental in providing KKR with solid starts, laying the foundation for the team’s impressive run-scoring. Narine, in particular, has been a revelation, emerging as the second-highest six-hitter in the tournament with 32 maximums.

With one century and three fifties, Narine has also been KKR’s leading run-getter, amassing 461 runs at a strike rate of 183.66. Salt, the World No.2 T20I batter, has contributed 429 runs at a strike rate of 183.33.

Gambhir’s influence has extended beyond the opening partnership. He has fostered a positive and cohesive team environment, which has been evident in KKR’s consistent performances. The team’s ability to adapt to different conditions and overcome challenges has been a testament to Gambhir’s leadership and tactical acumen.

As KKR continues its pursuit of a third IPL title, Gambhir’s presence will undoubtedly be a key factor in their success. His experience, tactical brilliance, and unwavering commitment have made him an indispensable asset to the franchise.

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Gautam Gambhir Praises Shah Rukh Khan as the Best Owner He Has Ever Worked With

Gautam Gambhir Praises Shah Rukh Khan as the Best Owner He Has Ever Worked With

By May 11, 2024 0

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricket team batter, has expressed his admiration for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owner Shah Rukh Khan, calling him the best owner he has ever worked with. Gambhir, who led KKR to two Indian Premier League (IPL) titles as captain, returns to the franchise in 2024 as a mentor.

Gambhir’s relationship with Khan dates back to 2011 when he first joined KKR. He praised Khan for his humility, groundedness, and non-interference in cricketing matters.

“I have a fabulous relationship with him. For me, he is the best owner I have worked with. And the reason is not just that he is humble, he is pretty grounded,” Gambhir said on Sportskeeda.

“I don’t think he has ever interfered in cricketing matters and it is a very big thing for someone like me because you get the freedom of decision-making. You have the freedom and trust that whatever decision I take, I know he’s going to back me.”

Gambhir believes that the trust between him and Khan has been instrumental in their success.

“And more importantly, that’s why we have got the results as well. My relationship with him is fantastic and not just now but since I first joined KKR in 2011.”

“But again as you said, SRK is an emotion, I think KKR is an emotion for me as well. That’s why I feel that when any relationship starts on trust, that trust then goes a long way.”

“It’s the trust between us because I know he will never involve himself in cricketing matters and he knows that any decision I take will be in the best interests of the team and not for anything else,” he added.

Gambhir’s return to KKR as a mentor is expected to bring valuable experience and guidance to the team. His close relationship with Khan and his understanding of the franchise’s culture will be key assets in his new role.

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Rohit Sharma's Eden Gardens Banter with Tilak Varma Goes Viral

Rohit Sharma’s Eden Gardens Banter with Tilak Varma Goes Viral

By May 11, 2024 0

Rohit Sharma’s Hilarious Eden Gardens Banter with Tilak Varma

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has once again displayed his witty side, this time during a light-hearted exchange with Mumbai Indians teammate Tilak Varma. Ahead of their match against Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Eden Gardens, Rohit was caught on camera teasing Varma about his footwear.

“Aye hero, kya kar raha hai bhai? Chappal mein ghoom raha hai, kya garden mein aya hai kya?” Rohit asked Varma, who was wearing slippers.

Varma responded with a chuckle, “Hai na Bhaiya, Eden Gardens!”

Rohit’s expression changed as he realized the significance of the venue. “Kya? Eden Gardens?” he exclaimed, before turning away with a smile.

Rohit’s banter with Varma has become a viral sensation on social media, with fans appreciating his sense of humor. However, the exchange also highlights Rohit’s deep connection with Eden Gardens.

In 2013, Rohit made his much-anticipated Test debut at the iconic venue against West Indies and scored a memorable 177. He also notched up his highest ODI score of 264 at the same ground in 2014 against Sri Lanka.

Rohit’s success at Eden Gardens has made him a fan favorite in Kolkata. His latest banter with Varma is a testament to his love for the city and its cricket-loving crowd.

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CSK and RR Clash in Crucial IPL Playoff Race

CSK and RR Clash in Crucial IPL Playoff Race

By May 11, 2024 0

In a crucial IPL encounter, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will face off against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Sunday, with both teams desperate for a victory to secure their playoff spots.

CSK, currently fourth in the standings with 12 points, suffered a setback in their previous match against Gujarat Titans. They now need to win their remaining two games to solidify their position. RR, on the other hand, are second with 16 points but have lost their last two matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals.

CSK’s top-order has been a concern, with Ajinkya Rahane, Rachin Ravindra, and Ruturaj Gaikwad struggling for form. Ravindra may get another chance against RR, but it could be a make-or-break situation for him. Daryl Mitchell and Moeen Ali have shown promise, but Shivam Dube, CSK’s bulwark this season, has been quiet since his selection to the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

CSK’s bowling has been a bright spot, with Tushar Deshpande and Shardul Thakur impressing. However, they will need to step up their game at home, where the low amount of dew could favor their spinners.

RR, eager to end their losing streak, will be confident against an unsteady CSK. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been out of form, will be determined to prove his worth before traveling to the Americas for the T20 World Cup. Skipper Sanju Samson will be under pressure to perform, given his World Cup aspirations, and he will seek support from Riyan Parag, Shubham Dubey, and Rovman Powell.

Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who took three wickets in the last tie against DC, will fancy his chances on his home track. The presence of experienced Yuzvendra Chahal will add strength to RR’s bowling unit. However, Avesh Khan, who was unimpressive against Delhi, may still get another chance to gain confidence before the World Cup.

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