Cricket Archives

KL Rahul Faces Crucial Test in Lucknow Super Giants vs. Mumbai Indians Clash

By Nilay April 29, 2024 0

With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, KL Rahul has a crucial opportunity to solidify his claim as the second wicketkeeper for Team India when Lucknow Super Giants face Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League on April 30. Rahul’s strike rate in T20 cricket has been a subject of debate, with critics pointing to his slow starts in the Powerplay. However, the LSG captain has shown signs of improvement this season, scoring 378 runs at a strike rate of 144.27.

While Rishabh Pant has all but sealed the first wicketkeeper’s spot with his impressive performances behind the stumps and with the bat, Sanju Samson has also made a strong case for himself with his match-winning knocks for Rajasthan Royals. In this scenario, Rahul needs to play more aggressively and capitalize on the field restrictions to not only strengthen his Indian team selection prospects but also help his side score in excess of 200 runs, which has become a norm in this edition of the IPL.

LSG suffered a seven-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals, who chased down the 197-run target with six balls to spare. The onus will be on the team’s big-hitting trio of Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, and Nicholas Pooran to deliver maximums and set match-winning totals. They will fancy their chances against a struggling Mumbai bowling unit that was taken apart by the Delhi Capitals batters recently.

Mumbai Indians find themselves in a precarious position, sitting ninth on the points table. They need to win all their remaining matches to stay alive in the competition. The five-time champions need to fire as a unit, with Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and premier T20 batter Suryakumar Yadav looking to find their rhythm and churn out consistent performances ahead of the World Cup. All-rounder Hardik Pandya has flopped with both bat and ball this season, but he will be hoping to make amends and secure a spot in the World Cup squad.

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Ruturaj Gaikwad Leads CSK with Anticipation and Versatility

By Nilay April 29, 2024 0

Ruturaj Gaikwad, the 27-year-old batting sensation, has taken the reins as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The appointment marks a significant shift in leadership for the franchise, which was previously led by the legendary MS Dhoni.

Gaikwad’s transition to captaincy has been met with both challenges and accolades. CSK batting coach Michael Hussey acknowledged the difficulty of succeeding Dhoni, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. “It has been challenging for him as well. He has taken over as captain to which you have to take your hat off to him. He is succeeding the greatest of all time in this country,” Hussey said.

Despite the pressure, Gaikwad has thrived in his new role. His ability to anticipate bowlers’ moves and stay one step ahead has been crucial to his success. “Gaikwad is such a wonderful player. He is a brilliant timer of the cricket ball. I’ve been asking him what his secret is in terms of his placement since he always finds the gaps,” Hussey said.

Gaikwad’s batting prowess was on full display in CSK’s recent victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad. He narrowly missed out on a century, scoring 99 runs off 57 balls. This followed his unbeaten 108 in the previous match.

Hussey praised Gaikwad’s versatility and adaptability. “He is a smart batsman as well. He knows when to attack and when to soak up pressure. He plays spin and seam well. He can score all around the ground. He’s almost one step ahead of the bowlers a lot of times. He is wonderful to watch. Very thankful that he is in our team.”

While strike rate is often emphasized in T20 cricket, Hussey believes that CSK focuses on individual player assessment and adaptability. “We don’t talk about it (S/R) much at all. We talk about each player since they need to assess the conditions out in the middle as quickly as they can. The batter needs to take up the responsibility and the ownership in the middle,” he said.

Hussey also expressed his satisfaction with Daryll Mitchell’s performance at number three. Mitchell scored his first IPL half-century against SRH, contributing 52 runs off 32 balls. “It’s not easy. He’s a new player who comes to the team, even Rachin Ravindra, for that matter, and we expect them to come in and fit in right away and go out and perform. But in reality, it’s not that easy,” Hussey explained.

“He has been moving up and down the batting order, which can be destabilizing for him, but he has found a nice role in number three, and he can feel comfortable at it. Hopefully, it is the start of some consistent form moving forward.”

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CSK’s Jadeja Spins Web, Gaikwad Lauds Match-Winning Spell

By Nilay April 29, 2024 0

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad hailed star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja’s performance with the ball as a “match-turning spell” following CSK’s resounding 78-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday.

CSK dominated proceedings comprehensively, asserting control in all aspects of the game and leaving SRH struggling. Gaikwad highlighted Jadeja’s contribution with the ball, deeming it as the turning point of the match, particularly in the wet conditions.

“Special mention to Jaddu as well. In these wet conditions to go for 22 runs, that was the match-turning spell,” Gaikwad emphasized during the post-match presentation.

Jadeja, known for his all-round abilities, delivered an economical four-over spell, conceding just 22 runs and crucially dismissing SRH’s Nitish Reddy.

Reflecting on CSK’s batting performance after being put in to bat by SRH skipper Pat Cummins, Gaikwad expressed satisfaction with the team’s overall display. Despite falling just two runs short of his second century of the season, Gaikwad focused on the collective effort and hailed CSK’s clinical performance.

“Tough to play in such wet conditions, and to be able to win by 70-odd runs is a clinical performance,” Gaikwad remarked.

Gaikwad also highlighted the team’s improved fielding and adherence to plans, attributing the victory to a disciplined approach.

“Stuck to the plans and knew what the conditions were. With the impact player rule, you always want the extra 20 runs. Never know what par score is. That was one area – not getting wickets in powerplay. That’s the only way it can put the opposition on the back foot,” Gaikwad concluded, reflecting on the team’s strategy for future matches.

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IPL 2024: Batting Dominance Reaches New Heights, Says Cummins

By Nilay April 29, 2024 0

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a batsman’s paradise, but the 2024 edition has taken it to unprecedented heights, according to Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Pat Cummins. The Australian expressed his concerns after SRH’s 78-run defeat to defending champions Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on Sunday.

This season has witnessed a staggering six totals exceeding 250, with 200 no longer considered a safe score. Prior to this edition, only two teams had ever breached the 250-run mark in IPL history.

“T20 has always favored the batters, but it has gone to a whole new level this season,” Cummins said at the post-match press conference. “The way we set up, we had the best chance if we got some really aggressive batters, and that’s the way to win the tournament.”

Cummins acknowledged the challenges faced by bowlers in the current format. “Frankly, we don’t have much (bowling) options. It’s not Test cricket, with the ball swinging around. There’s not much sideways movement, and there’s not much on the wicket either,” he said.

“So, a lot of times, the best way to get a wicket is to try and defend. Batters are getting better at hitting the ball out and even getting confident. It challenges you as a bowler. But, if you have a big total like 270-280 and if you can go at 9.00 as a bowler and make an impact, it could be match-winning.”

Analyzing the reasons for SRH’s loss to CSK, Cummins admitted that the team needs to improve its chasing abilities. “Hard to put a finger on it. Nothing really went (according to) to plan tonight. We’re pretty well-suited to chasing, but it hasn’t really come off yet. So yeah, it is something (we need) to work on,” he said.

“There was definitely dew there; haven’t seen so much at any other venue across the country. But, we failed to make the most of it, and they bowled well as well. So, it (dew) didn’t really factor in this match as much as we would have liked.”

Cummins also highlighted the need for the middle-order to step up. “Whenever the openers have gone off (to score), it’s been match-winning and crazy. In a few chases, we felt that we set up really well,” he said.

“Different batters have stepped up throughout the tournament, and you need two or three guys to make an impact. But tonight, we never really got going, unfortunately.”

As for the struggles faced by bowlers this season, Cummins suggested that the drier wickets could be a contributing factor. “Haven’t really seen too much of a difference with the (new) white ball. It doesn’t have as much swing as before, maybe because the wickets are drier. It’s a tricky format, and I don’t think there’s a lot with the new ball,” he said.

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Shivam Dube’s IPL Exploits Fuel T20 World Cup Hopes

By Nilay April 29, 2024 0

Shivam Dube’s exceptional performances in the ongoing IPL 2024 have propelled him into contention for a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad. The Chennai Super Kings all-rounder has amassed 350 runs in nine innings at a remarkable strike rate of 172.41, showcasing his explosive batting prowess.

Dube’s impressive tally has garnered widespread support from cricket pundits and fans alike. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has been particularly vocal in his advocacy for Dube’s inclusion, stating that he should not only be selected for the 15-member squad but also feature in the playing XI.

“The way the kid is playing, he is absolutely scintillating and sensational,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel. “I am saying that you shouldn’t only send him but play him in the XI.”

Chopra emphasized Dube’s undeniable impact with the bat, stating that “no captain, team management, or selector can ignore him because if you ignore him, there is no player in India at the moment who hits better than him.”

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has also praised Dube’s evolution as a cricketer in this year’s IPL. He highlighted the all-rounder’s remarkable improvement in overcoming his weaknesses.

“Every batter has a weakness. His weakness was against the bouncer or you could have trapped him by bowling wider lines. However, he has consistently become better,” Kaif said on Star Sports. “Now he is hitting pulls and sixes over extra cover. His game down the ground is fantastic.”

Kaif further praised Dube’s versatility and power-hitting prowess, noting his ability to dispatch deliveries to all parts of the ground with ease. “He hit low full tosses for sixes. It is very difficult to do that. Batters even get out to low full tosses at times but he has the power, uses the long handle, doesn’t move his feet much, and attacks the ball with full power and targets the sight screen,” Kaif elaborated.

“When India will go to play the World Cup, you will need such a player,” Kaif added.

Dube’s inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad would provide India with a much-needed power-hitter in the middle order. His ability to clear the boundary with ease and his versatility against both pace and spin would make him a valuable asset to the team.

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Shreyas Iyer Reveals Motivation Behind KKR’s Success

By Nilay April 29, 2024 0

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), led by Shreyas Iyer, have emerged as a formidable force in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. With five victories and three defeats from eight games, KKR currently occupies the second spot in the points table.

Ahead of their crucial match against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Iyer shared his insights on the factors that fuel his motivation on the field. In a video shared by the host broadcaster, Iyer revealed that the presence of the crowd and the adrenaline rush associated with hitting boundaries are key motivators for him.

“When you’re at the other side of the line, there are butterflies in your stomach,” Iyer said. “You always think about the crowd, the situation, and what will happen.”

However, once he steps onto the field, Iyer enters a state of focus where everything else fades away. “The moment you step in, I go blank,” he explained. “You can see the crowd cheer, you can hear them, but at the same time, you’re there in your zone. After going into that zone, nothing else matters.”

Iyer emphasized the energy he derives from the crowd’s support. “When you hit a six or a four and the crowd starts making noise, it gives you so much energy inside,” he said. “And also when the crowd chants your name.”

KKR’s previous encounter with DC at Visakhapatnam earlier this month resulted in a victory for the Kolkata-based franchise. The two teams have faced each other 32 times in the IPL, with KKR holding a slight edge with 16 wins compared to DC’s 15. One game ended with no result.

Both KKR and DC are aware of the importance of maintaining their momentum in the tournament. With the playoffs approaching, every match becomes crucial, and neither team can afford to let their guard down.

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Fan Injured by Tim David’s Six at IPL Match

By Nilay April 29, 2024 0

Fan Injured by Tim David’s Six at Arun Jaitley Stadium

During the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday, a fan sustained an injury after being struck in the face by a shot from MI batter Tim David.

The incident occurred during the 14th over of MI’s innings. David hammered a powerful six over midwicket, which unfortunately deflected off the hands of a fan attempting to catch it and struck him in the face. The fan immediately covered his face with a towel and was escorted out of the area for medical attention.

A photograph of the incident quickly went viral on social media, prompting concern and well wishes from fans and the cricket community. DC took to Twitter to express their support for the injured fan, wishing them a speedy recovery.

Despite the unfortunate incident, the match continued with DC posting a formidable total of 257/4 in their 20 overs. MI, in response, fell short of the target, ending their innings at 247/9.

Jake Fraser-McGurk led DC’s batting charge with a blistering 84 off just 27 deliveries. Shai Hope (41 off 17), Rishabh Pant (29 off 19), and Tristan Stubbs (48* off 23) also contributed significantly to DC’s impressive score.

For MI, Hardik Pandya made a quickfire 46 off 16 balls, while Tilak Varma and Tim David put on a 70-run partnership to raise hopes of a successful chase. However, David’s dismissal for 37 off 17 balls and Varma’s run-out in the final over sealed MI’s fate.

DC’s bowlers, led by Mukesh Kumar and Rasikh Salam, who took three wickets each, played a crucial role in restricting MI’s chase. The victory propelled DC to the fifth spot in the IPL standings, while MI remained ninth.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures at sporting events. Fans are advised to be aware of their surroundings and to take precautions to avoid potential injuries.

Categories: Cricket

Jadeja’s No. 7 Role in India’s T20 World Cup Squad Questioned

By Nilay April 29, 2024 0

Ravindra Jadeja’s suitability as India’s No. 7 batsman in the upcoming T20 World Cup has come under scrutiny, with former Australian cricketer Tom Moody expressing concerns over his strike rate. Moody believes that India needs a player with a higher impact at that position.

Jadeja has been a key player for India in both batting and bowling, but his strike rate of 131.93 in the current IPL season has raised questions about his ability to contribute significantly in the middle order. Moody stated that he would only include Jadeja in the team as the best left-arm spinning option, but not as a No. 7 batsman.

“In my eleven, he’s not batting at No. 7. I don’t think he’s good enough to bat seven in a World Cup side. He’s proven that with his strike rate. You need an impact-type player batting at seven,” Moody said.

Former India cricketer K Srikanth echoed Moody’s sentiments, acknowledging Jadeja’s big-match experience but highlighting Axar Patel’s potential match-winning abilities. Srikanth believes that while Jadeja is likely to start due to his experience, Axar Patel’s inclusion in the squad is equally important.

“Jadeja will be in the 11 but Axar will also be in the 15. Axar is also a potential match-winner, you have to understand that,” Srikanth said. “But the first choice will go to Jadeja at number 7 by sheer experience and the way he’s played international cricket in the past and he’s a big match player.”

Srikanth emphasized the dilemma faced in choosing between Jadeja and Axar Patel, likening them to essential components of the team. “Both Jadeja and Axar Patel will be there. Probably the first nod will go to Jadeja for the first match and then probably Axar Patel. Both of them are equally important to me; it’s like my right eye and left eye; which one do I choose?” he added.

As the T20 World Cup squad announcement approaches, debates surrounding player selections and batting positions continue to intensify. Experts and fans eagerly await the final decision from the selectors, who will have to balance experience, form, and the need for impact players in their lineup.

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Siraj Decries Lack of Bowler Support in Modern T20 Cricket

By Nilay April 29, 2024 0

Mohammed Siraj Laments Lack of Bowler Support in Modern T20 Cricket

Royal Challengers Bangalore pacer Mohammed Siraj has expressed his frustration over the lack of assistance for bowlers in contemporary T20 cricket. He attributes the proliferation of 250-plus totals to smaller grounds and flat pitches.

“Nowadays, 250-260 is scored in every second match,” Siraj remarked after RCB’s successful chase of Gujarat Titans’ 201-run target. “Earlier, 250 was a rare occurrence.”

Siraj emphasized the challenges faced by bowlers due to the absence of swing and the prevalence of flat wickets. “There is no help for bowlers,” he said. “Bowlers can just keep playing and keep getting hit.”

The ongoing IPL has witnessed a surge in high-scoring matches, with the 250-run mark being breached eight times. Teams have adopted an aggressive approach, utilizing the ‘Impact player’ rule and exploiting the favorable batting conditions.

Despite the adversity, Siraj remains determined to maintain his self-belief. “As a bowler, you have to keep the self-belief,” he said. “I have seen lots of ups and downs in life, so I don’t give up if 1-2 matches don’t go my way.”

Siraj acknowledged the role of luck in T20 cricket but stressed the importance of minimizing errors. “T20 is all about luck,” he said. “I keep working on my flaws during training.”

Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans’ Sai Sudharsan admitted that his team needs to win all remaining matches to qualify for the playoffs. “Winning all the games is the only possibility which we can see,” he said.

Sudharsan praised the RCB batters for their clinical chase, attributing it to the improved pitch conditions. “The wicket got a little better under the lights,” he said.

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Rishabh Pant’s Unorthodox Shots: A Calculated Approach to Success

By Nilay April 29, 2024 0

Rishabh Pant’s Unorthodox Shots: A Calculated Approach to Success

Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant has become renowned for his unconventional shot-making abilities, which have consistently yielded positive results in matches. From one-handed flicks to helicopter shots, Pant’s unorthodox style has left opponents bewildered and fans enthralled.

In a recent interview, Pant shed light on the thought process behind his unconventional shots. He emphasized that while some shots are instinctive, others are meticulously planned. By anticipating the bowler’s intentions, Pant can execute pre-determined shots that exploit the bowler’s weaknesses.

“The shots come on instinct, but I also practice them diligently,” Pant explained. “Some shots are pre-planned, based on my expectations of the bowler’s delivery. It’s a combination of instinct and calculation.”

Pant stressed the importance of muscle memory in executing these shots effectively. Through extensive practice, he has developed an automatic response to certain deliveries, allowing him to react instinctively without conscious thought.

“Practice is crucial for building muscle memory,” Pant said. “We practice so much that we don’t have to think when we see the ball. We just hit it. That’s why practice is so important in helping us execute shots in matches.”

Despite his unorthodox style, Pant’s approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the game. He carefully analyzes the bowler’s strengths and weaknesses, and uses his unconventional shots to exploit them.

“There’s a build-up when the bowler bowls,” Pant explained. “I try to manipulate the bowler into pitching the ball up more, so I can execute my shots. It’s a calculated approach that involves anticipation and planning.”

Pant’s unorthodox shots have become a defining characteristic of his batting style. They not only entertain fans but also give Delhi Capitals a significant advantage in matches. By embracing his unconventional approach, Pant has established himself as one of the most exciting and unpredictable batsmen in the IPL.

Categories: Cricket

KL Rahul Faces Crucial Test in Lucknow Super Giants vs. Mumbai Indians Clash

Ruturaj Gaikwad Leads CSK with Anticipation and Versatility

CSK’s Jadeja Spins Web, Gaikwad Lauds Match-Winning Spell

IPL 2024: Batting Dominance Reaches New Heights, Says Cummins

Shivam Dube’s IPL Exploits Fuel T20 World Cup Hopes

Shreyas Iyer Reveals Motivation Behind KKR’s Success

Fan Injured by Tim David’s Six at IPL Match

Jadeja’s No. 7 Role in India’s T20 World Cup Squad Questioned

Siraj Decries Lack of Bowler Support in Modern T20 Cricket

Rishabh Pant’s Unorthodox Shots: A Calculated Approach to Success

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