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Category: Cricket

Yuzvendra Chahal: 200 IPL Wickets, Chess-Inspired Patience

Yuzvendra Chahal: 200 IPL Wickets, Chess-Inspired Patience

By April 27, 2024 0

Yuzvendra Chahal: From Chessboard to Cricket Field, a Journey of Patience and Success

Rajasthan Royals’ star spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has etched his name in the annals of Indian Premier League (IPL) history by becoming the first player to reach the milestone of 200 wickets. In a recent interview, Chahal shared his thoughts on this achievement, his cricketing journey, and the influence of chess on his game.

Chahal expressed his gratitude for reaching the 200-wicket mark, acknowledging it as a significant milestone in his career. He emphasized that his focus remains on contributing to his team’s success and taking wickets to help them win matches.

The spinner’s milestone came during the match against Mumbai Indians on April 22, when he caught and bowled Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammed Nabi. Chahal has taken 200 wickets in 153 IPL matches at an impressive average of 21.37, with best figures of 5/40. He has represented Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and currently plays for Rajasthan Royals.

Chahal also discussed the impact of playing chess at the youth level for India on his cricketing approach. He believes that chess has instilled in him a sense of patience on the field, which is crucial in the game of cricket. He enjoys playing chess with teammates Ravichandran Ashwin and Jos Buttler.

“Chess has given me patience. Sometimes you do not get wickets on good balls. It goes on for matches. Just like you plan your moves in chess, the same goes for cricket and you have to stay a step ahead of batters,” Chahal explained.

At 34 years old, Chahal believes he has matured with age but still maintains his fun-loving personality and enjoys playing pranks on his teammates. “I have not changed a lot. Maybe I am a little older and got a little more beard. I have mostly stayed the same, fun-loving, prank-doing guy. Maybe, I should have batted more (laughs),” he added.

Chahal’s journey from chessboard to cricket field is a testament to his adaptability and the importance of patience and strategy in both sports. His success in the IPL is a reflection of his hard work, dedication, and the influence of chess on his cricketing mindset.

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Pathan Urges Reassessment of Pandya's Role, Raises Concerns Ahead of T20 World Cup

Pathan Urges Reassessment of Pandya’s Role, Raises Concerns Ahead of T20 World Cup

By April 27, 2024 0

Former Indian seamer Irfan Pathan has urged Indian cricket to reassess the importance placed on Hardik Pandya’s role as an all-rounder, emphasizing the need for impactful performances in ICC tournaments. Pathan’s remarks come amidst Pandya’s struggles in the ongoing IPL season, sparking debates over his inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad.

Pathan highlighted the necessity for Pandya to deliver substantial contributions at the international level, particularly in ICC events. He emphasized that Pandya’s potential alone is not sufficient and that he needs to make a tangible impact on the field.

Expressing concern over the disparity between IPL performances and international cricket, Pathan advised Pandya to commit to consistent participation throughout the year, rather than selective appearances. He stressed the importance of fostering a team-oriented approach, drawing parallels with Australia’s strategy of nurturing collective excellence over individual brilliance.

Beyond Pandya’s role, Pathan raised concerns about India’s finishers and the effectiveness of the pace bowling unit ahead of the T20 World Cup. He noted that while India’s top-order batting and middle-overs bowling are relatively settled, the team needs to address concerns in the finishing and fast bowling departments.

Pathan emphasized the need for improvement in key areas, underscoring the significance of addressing these challenges to bolster India’s prospects in the upcoming tournament. He highlighted the importance of finding a reliable finisher with a high strike rate and improving the performance of the pace bowlers, particularly in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.

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Sam Curran Joins Unwanted Club of Expensive IPL Bowlers

Sam Curran Joins Unwanted Club of Expensive IPL Bowlers

By April 27, 2024 0

England and Punjab Kings (PBKS) all-rounder Sam Curran has joined an exclusive club of bowlers who have conceded 50 or more runs on six or more occasions in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Curran’s unwanted feat came during his side’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday.

Curran was taken to the cleaners by KKR openers Sunil Narine and Phil Salt, as well as the team’s middle-order, conceding 60 runs and taking just one wicket. His economy rate was a staggering 15. This was the sixth time Curran has conceded 50 or more runs in an IPL spell, joining the likes of Mohit Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Pat Cummins, and Kagiso Rabada.

Curran’s performance also marked the fifth most expensive figures by a PBKS bowler in IPL history. Afghanistan’s Mujeeb ur Rahman holds the record with his 0/66 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2019.

Despite his expensive spell, Curran has taken 12 wickets in nine games this season, with an average of 22.58 and a strike rate of 14. However, his economy rate of 9.67 remains a concern.

In the match, Punjab sent Kolkata to bat first after winning the toss. Narine and Salt put on a batting masterclass, scoring 71 and 75 runs respectively, to power KKR to a massive 261/6 in 20 overs.

Punjab’s chase was led by Jonny Bairstow (108), Prabhsimran Singh (54), and Shashank Singh (68*), who played unbeaten knocks to chase down the target with eight balls to spare. Narine was the only wicket-taker for KKR.

Bairstow was named the ‘Player of the Match’ for his match-winning century.

With this victory, KKR moved up to second place in the IPL 2024 standings with 10 points from eight matches. Punjab, on the other hand, remains in eighth place with six points from nine games.

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Shashank Singh's Smart Batting Powers Punjab Kings to Record Chase

Shashank Singh’s Smart Batting Powers Punjab Kings to Record Chase

By April 27, 2024 0

Shashank Singh’s blistering unbeaten 68 off 28 balls played a pivotal role in Punjab Kings’ record-breaking eight-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. The 32-year-old’s ability to pick the bowlers and take the game deep proved crucial in the chase of KKR’s daunting 261 for six.

When Shashank entered the field, PBKS needed 84 runs in 7.3 overs. Jonny Bairstow, the eventual centurion, was batting at the other end on 93 off 39 balls. However, Shashank did not bat an eyelid while knocking off 68 runs (2×4, 8×6) in that period as Bairstow added just 15 off nine balls during their third wicket alliance.

Shashank’s innings was not just about power-hitting but also about cricketing smarts. He left alone KKR spinner Sunil Narine while focussing on other bowlers to collect his runs. “I know that Sunil Narine is a world-class bowler, so I knew there was no point in over-attacking him. He’s someone to hit singles, doubles, or nudge the ball towards the boundary,” said Shashank.

In fact, Shashank faced seven balls out of 28 from Narine and scored just three runs, while putting other bowlers through the wringer, making the remaining 65 off 21 balls.

Shashank’s experience and talks with his father and coaches at PBKS helped him in his journey. “If we talk about smartness, it’s coming with experience. Secondly, I spend a lot of time discussing cricket with my father. Last time when I got out too quickly, my dad told me that I should’ve played further back because it was a slow wicket,” said Shashank.

“I have these conversations with my father at home and the world-class coaches who are here. I enjoy asking questions and understanding what they do. I think if I take clues from them, it’ll improve my cricket,” he added.

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Zaheer Khan's T20 World Cup Squad: Pant as Sole Wicketkeeper, Dayal Earns Debut

Zaheer Khan’s T20 World Cup Squad: Pant as Sole Wicketkeeper, Dayal Earns Debut

By April 27, 2024 0

Former Indian pace spearhead Zaheer Khan has unveiled his squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, featuring some surprising selections and omissions.

Wicketkeeper:

Zaheer has opted for Rishabh Pant as the sole wicketkeeper in his team, overlooking other contenders like Sanju Samson, KL Rahul, and Ishan Kishan. He believes Pant’s all-around abilities and experience make him the best choice.

Pace Bowlers:

Zaheer has included four pace bowlers in his squad, with the notable addition of left-arm seamer Yash Dayal. Dayal has impressed in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League, and Zaheer sees him as a valuable option to add variety to the attack. Mohammed Shami’s injury layoff has also influenced this selection.

All-Rounders:

Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya are the two all-rounders in Zaheer’s squad. Dube provides a power-hitting option in the middle order, while Pandya offers a versatile skillset with his batting, bowling, and fielding.

Spinners:

Ravindra Jadeja is the lone spinner in the squad. His all-around abilities, including his exceptional fielding and batting, make him an indispensable asset.

Batters:

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli form the core of Zaheer’s batting lineup. Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are competing for the opening slot, while Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh provide depth in the middle order.

Key Omissions:

Zaheer’s squad notably omits KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan, who are all considered strong contenders for the wicketkeeper role. He also overlooks Dinesh Karthik, who has been in impressive form in recent times.

Zaheer’s Rationale:

Zaheer believes that his squad provides the best balance and flexibility for the T20 World Cup. He emphasizes the importance of having four pace bowlers to exploit the conditions in Australia. He also values the all-around abilities of his players, who can contribute in multiple facets of the game.

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Pakistan to Tour New Zealand for ODIs and T20Is in 2025

Pakistan to Tour New Zealand for ODIs and T20Is in 2025

By April 27, 2024 0

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the national team will embark on a tour of New Zealand in 2025, featuring three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). This will be the sixth series between the two nations since 2023.

The tour was finalized during a meeting between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) CEO Scott Weenink in Lahore. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ongoing five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand.

It was agreed in principle that the tour will take place after the 2025 Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is scheduled to host. The meeting was also attended by PCB COO Salman Naseer and Director International Cricket Usman Wahla.

As per the existing ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP), New Zealand is also scheduled to tour Pakistan for a tri-nation series before the Champions Trophy.

New Zealand visited Pakistan twice in 2022/23 for a Test and white-ball series, while Pakistan toured New Zealand in January 2023 for a five-match T20I series.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the country’s interior minister, requested the NZC official to convey the secure environment in Pakistan for international cricket to other ICC members.

“The PCB chief spoke in reference to Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy early next year and the need for all participating nations to play in Pakistan without any concerns at all,” a source said.

The PCB is keen to showcase Pakistan’s ability to host major international cricket events, and the upcoming Champions Trophy will be a significant opportunity to do so. The board is confident that the tour by New Zealand will further enhance the country’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination for cricket.

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Ramiz Raja Slams Pakistan's Experimentation Ahead of T20 World Cup

Ramiz Raja Slams Pakistan’s Experimentation Ahead of T20 World Cup

By April 27, 2024 0

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has strongly criticized the team management’s decision to experiment with the squad ahead of the T20 World Cup. Pakistan’s recent 4-run defeat to New Zealand in the fourth T20I has raised concerns about the team’s preparation for the upcoming global tournament.

Raja questioned the logic behind experimenting with the team so close to the World Cup. He argued that such experiments could lead to a loss of confidence and disrupt the team’s rhythm. “Where is it written that when you are trying to test your bench strength it is necessary to lose?” Raja asked. “I can’t understand what you are trying to do.”

Raja also criticized the team’s captaincy changes and batting order adjustments, which he believes have destabilized the team. He pointed out that Pakistan’s white-ball team was performing well before these changes were made.

The former cricketer expressed concern about the number of people involved in the team’s decision-making process. “Too many cooks in the dugout and a lot of people are trying to be experts,” Raja said. “There is massive confusion.”

Raja emphasized the importance of building a competitive team and focusing on winning. He warned that if Pakistan continues to experiment and lose matches, it will negatively impact their mindset going into the World Cup.

“You need to make a combination that makes you competitive,” Raja said. “You can’t lose matches by experimenting based on talent. You can experiment all you want but you can’t lose matches against this New Zealand team.”

Pakistan will face England in a four-match T20I series after the conclusion of the New Zealand series. Raja believes that if Pakistan loses that series as well, it will be a major setback for their World Cup preparations.

“If you lose the England series, in what frame of mind will you go in New York to defeat India?” Raja asked. “Your body of work is defeat. Pakistan needs to focus on victory.”

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India's T20 World Cup Squad: Rohit Sharma to Meet Selectors for Announcement

India’s T20 World Cup Squad: Rohit Sharma to Meet Selectors for Announcement

By April 27, 2024 0

The Indian cricket team’s T20 World Cup squad is expected to be announced soon, with captain Rohit Sharma set to meet BCCI selectors in Delhi this weekend. The deadline for announcing the provisional squad is May 1, indicating an imminent announcement.

Several experts have weighed in with their picks for the 15-member squad, with some common names emerging. NDTV has conducted a mini poll to determine the most likely candidates for selection.

Openers/Top 3:

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are virtual certainties for the squad, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill as potential openers. Jaiswal’s left-handedness gives him an edge over Gill, who may have to settle for a backup role.

Middle-Order:

Suryakumar Yadav is a lock for the middle order, while Shivam Dube’s big-hitting abilities make him a strong contender. Rinku Singh is another option, but his limited game time may hinder his chances.

Allrounders:

Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja are the undisputed allrounders in the squad. Pandya’s all-around abilities make him indispensable, while Jadeja’s left-arm spin and batting prowess are invaluable.

Wicketkeeper:

Rishabh Pant is the first-choice wicketkeeper, with Sanju Samson as the backup option.

Spinners:

Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal are the overwhelming favorites for the spin bowling roles. Ravi Bishnoi has also received some support, but Kuldeep’s recent form gives him the edge.

Pacers:

Jasprit Bumrah is the only Indian pacer who has consistently impressed in the IPL. Arshdeep Singh and T Natarajan have emerged as strong contenders for the remaining two spots, with Mohammed Siraj also in the mix.

Conclusion:

With a 15-member squad limit, one big star may have to miss out. NDTV’s poll suggests that Shubman Gill may be the unfortunate omission, given India’s abundance of right-handed top-order options.

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Hafeez Questions Reliance on Azam-Rizwan, Calls for Balanced Batting

Hafeez Questions Reliance on Azam-Rizwan, Calls for Balanced Batting

By April 27, 2024 0

Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has sparked a debate by questioning the reliance on star openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to carry the entire team’s batting burden. Hafeez, who served as Pakistan’s team director in 2020, believes that the team needs a more balanced batting lineup.

During his tenure, Hafeez made a controversial decision to break up the Azam-Rizwan opening partnership, replacing Rizwan with Saim Ayub and dropping Azam to the number three spot. He argued that this change was necessary to spread the responsibility and create a more dynamic batting order.

“Babar and Rizwan are great players, but they do not represent the whole Pakistan team,” Hafeez said. “They cannot take the whole responsibility of the team upon their shoulders. I felt Saim Ayub as an opener was a solution for us.”

Hafeez explained that Azam has been batting at number three for several years and that moving him down the order would not significantly impact his performance. He also praised Ayub’s potential as an opener, despite his early failures.

“Saim must play as an opener in the T20 World Cup 2024 despite early failures,” Hafeez said. “He has the talent and the ability to succeed at the highest level.”

Hafeez’s comments come as Pakistan struggles in their ongoing T20I series against New Zealand. After winning the second match, Pakistan has lost two consecutive games, giving New Zealand an unassailable 2-1 lead.

The team’s batting has been inconsistent, with Azam and Rizwan failing to replicate their usual dominance. Hafeez’s suggestion to diversify the batting lineup could be a potential solution to Pakistan’s current struggles.

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Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: Hafeez Weighs In on the Comparison Debate

Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: Hafeez Weighs In on the Comparison Debate

By April 27, 2024 0

Virat Kohli and Babar Azam, two of the most celebrated batsmen in contemporary cricket, have often been compared for their exceptional skills and achievements. While both players have their own unique strengths and contributions, former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez believes that comparing them is unfair.

Hafeez, in a recent video, emphasized that both Kohli and Azam are exceptional players who have made significant contributions to their respective teams. He acknowledged Kohli’s remarkable consistency and achievements for India, while praising Azam’s efforts for Pakistan.

However, Hafeez cautioned against direct comparisons, stating that each player has their own style and has excelled in different situations. He believes that Azam, while a fantastic player, should not be expected to carry the entire burden of Pakistan’s batting. Instead, he should focus on adapting and enhancing his skills to meet the demands of modern cricket.

Statistically, Kohli holds an edge over Azam in terms of average and centuries across formats. However, Azam has shown immense potential and has consistently performed well for Pakistan, particularly in limited-overs cricket.

Ultimately, comparing Kohli and Azam is a matter of personal preference and the format of the game. While Kohli has proven his mettle across all formats over a longer period, Azam has demonstrated his exceptional batting abilities and continues to impress with his performances.

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