KKR Replace Mitchell Starc with Dushmantha Chameera for Punjab Kings Clash

KKR Replace Mitchell Starc with Dushmantha Chameera for Punjab Kings Clash

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have replaced Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc with Sri Lankan seamer Dushmantha Chameera for their match against Punjab Kings at the Eden Gardens on Friday. KKR captain Shreyas Iyer revealed at the toss that Starc had sustained a finger injury during their previous encounter against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Starc’s IPL campaign with KKR has been underwhelming so far. Despite being acquired for a record sum of INR 24.75 crore (USD 2.98 million approx.) at the auction, he has managed only six wickets while conceding runs at an alarming rate of 11.48 per over.

In the match against RCB, Starc was entrusted with the responsibility of bowling the final over, tasked with defending 21 runs. However, he was ruthlessly targeted by No. 9 batsman Karn Sharma, who smashed three sixes off his bowling. Starc eventually managed to take a return catch to seal the victory, but his figures of 1 for 55 from three overs were far from impressive.

This was the third time this season that Starc has conceded 50 or more runs in a game, including the second consecutive match. His best performance came against Lucknow Super Giants in a day game at Eden Gardens, where he claimed three wickets and conceded only 28 runs.

Starc is making his return to the IPL after an eight-year hiatus. His last appearance in the tournament was in 2015 for RCB, where he took 20 wickets at an economy rate of 6.76.

In an interview ahead of the match against Kings, Starc did not mention his finger injury. Instead, he spoke about his return to the IPL and the lessons he has learned from the experience.

“Coming back, obviously a different team to where I was last in the IPL, so getting to meet a lot of the guys I have played against a little bit… Some younger guys in the KKR squad, getting to know a few of the younger bowlers,” he said. “There’s a lot of talent around with bat and ball.”

“I’m getting to know how these guys go about it and learn from them as well, and try and answer any questions they’ve got. I’ve come back an older player than when I was last in the IPL, but it’s a lot of fun.”

For Chameera, this will be his first appearance of the season. It is his second stint in the IPL, having played for RCB in 2022.

Mayank Yadav Nears Return for Lucknow Super Giants

Mayank Yadav Nears Return for Lucknow Super Giants

Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) fast bowler Mayank Yadav is nearing a return to action after recovering from an abdominal injury. Assistant coach S Sriram confirmed that Yadav is “pretty close” to making his comeback, having resumed bowling in the nets.

Yadav made an impressive IPL debut for LSG this season, earning Player of the Match honors in his first two games for his three-wicket hauls. However, he was forced to leave the field after bowling just one over against Gujarat Titans due to abdominal soreness. He has missed four games for LSG since.

Despite his injury history, Yadav has shown great promise with his raw pace and accuracy. He consistently clocked speeds above 150 kph in his first two matches, raising hopes that he could be a future prospect for the Indian team.

Sriram praised Yadav’s maturity and cricketing sense, noting that he “knows his body well” and has a good understanding of his strengths. He emphasized that Yadav’s execution and ability to hit consistent lengths have been more impressive than his raw pace.

Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop has also highlighted the need for India to invest in Yadav’s development. He suggested that LSG or the BCCI provide him with a dedicated strength-and-conditioning trainer, medical personnel, and dietician to help him overcome his injury issues and reach his full potential.

LSG are currently fourth in the IPL points table with five wins in eight matches. They will face Rajasthan Royals in their next home game, looking to extend their winning streak to three matches. Yadav’s return would be a significant boost to their bowling attack as they aim to secure a playoff berth.

Mohammed Shami Casts Vote, Urges Citizens to Exercise Franchise

Mohammed Shami Casts Vote, Urges Citizens to Exercise Franchise

Mohammed Shami Urges Citizens to Vote, Expresses Gratitude for PM Modi’s Praise

Indian star pacer Mohammed Shami cast his vote in Amroha during the second phase of Lok Sabha elections on Friday. After exercising his franchise, Shami emphasized the importance of voting and encouraged citizens to “elect the government of their choice.”

“Every citizen has the right to cast their votes and elect the government of their choice,” Shami told the media. “It is a matter of pride for me that PM Narendra Modi took my name during his speech (in Amroha) and praised me and my game.”

Shami’s vote came as part of the second phase of Lok Sabha polls, which saw voting held in eight parliamentary constituencies of Uttar Pradesh: Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, Aligarh, Mathura, and Bulandshahr.

Earlier this year, PM Modi had wished Shami a speedy recovery after the pacer underwent a successful operation on his Achilles tendon. Shami is currently undergoing rehabilitation from the injury.

On April 19, Shami provided an injury update to his fans, expressing his eagerness to make a comeback. “Injuries don’t define you, your comeback will… Can’t wait to be back out there with my team!” he wrote on Instagram.

Shami is not participating in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, where he was expected to play for the Gujarat Titans (GT). He also missed the five-match Test series against England at home in January-March due to his injury.

The 33-year-old last represented India in the ODI World Cup final against Australia in November. Despite playing through pain, Shami emerged as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker, claiming 24 wickets in just seven matches.

Shami’s performance in the World Cup was a testament to his resilience and determination. He missed the subsequent tour to South Africa and the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in January due to his injury.

Yuvraj Singh Advocates for Rohit, Kohli Retirement from T20Is After World Cup

Yuvraj Singh Advocates for Rohit, Kohli Retirement from T20Is After World Cup

With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 fast approaching, the inclusion of veteran cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in India’s squad has sparked a debate. Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has weighed in on the matter, emphasizing the importance of their experience while also acknowledging the need for a generational shift.

Yuvraj believes that Rohit and Kohli have earned the right to retire on their own terms, given their immense contributions to Indian cricket. However, he personally feels that the T20 World Cup could be an opportune moment for them to step away from the shortest format.

“As you get older, people start talking about your age and forget about your form,” Yuvraj said. “These guys have been great players for India and they deserve to go (retire) when they want.”

Yuvraj suggests that Rohit and Kohli could focus on other formats of the game, such as ODIs and Test matches, while allowing younger players to take the reins in T20 cricket. This would not only reduce the workload on the experienced players but also provide opportunities for the next generation to showcase their talent.

“I would like to see more younger players in the T20 format because it gets the load off them (experienced players) playing 50-over (ODIs) and Test matches,” Yuvraj explained. “After this (T20) World Cup, I would like to see a lot of younger guys come into the team and make the T20 side for the next World Cup.”

The presence of Kohli and Sharma in the T20 team has drawn mixed reactions. Some believe that their experience and leadership are invaluable, while others argue that it’s time for a fresh start. Yuvraj acknowledges the need to balance the experience of veterans with the enthusiasm of youth.

“India should focus on building a team for the future,” Yuvraj said. “That doesn’t mean that Rohit and Kohli should be dropped immediately, but it does mean that we need to start thinking about the next generation.”

As India prepares for the T20 World Cup, the debate over the inclusion of Rohit and Kohli will likely continue. Ultimately, the decision rests with the selectors and the team management, who must weigh the pros and cons of each option.

David Warner Hints at IPL Retirement, Prioritizes T20 Freelancing

David Warner Hints at IPL Retirement, Prioritizes T20 Freelancing

David Warner, the Australian cricket legend, has hinted at a potential retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after the upcoming T20 World Cup in June. However, he remains committed to the IPL and Big Bash League (BBL) for the foreseeable future.

Warner, who retired from Test cricket in 2023, has been a mainstay in the IPL since its inception in 2008. He has played for several franchises, including the Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Kolkata Knight Riders.

In a recent interview, Warner expressed his belief that he has inspired other players to pursue all three formats of the game. He credits his success in Test cricket to his ability to adapt to different conditions and his aggressive batting style.

When asked about the transition between T20s and longer formats, Warner emphasized the importance of mindset. He believes that attacking players should maintain their attacking approach, while defensive players should focus on protecting their wicket.

Warner is open to extending his T20 career as a freelancer after June 2024. He plans to prioritize the IPL and BBL, while also considering commentary and playing in domestic competitions to support young players.

The IPL holds a special place in Warner’s heart. He believes it provides a platform for players to showcase their talent and brings joy to fans. He attributes his success in the IPL to his ability to trust his methods and adapt to different conditions.

Warner suggests that the IPL could benefit from allowing five overseas players per team. He also believes that the IPL’s talent exposure program has played a significant role in developing young Indian cricketers.

Despite his success, Warner remains focused on his team’s performance. He emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment within the Delhi Capitals franchise.

As the cricket ecosystem continues to evolve, Warner believes that the governing body, the ICC, should consider carving out specific windows for different formats of international cricket.

Yuzvendra Chahal's T20 World Cup Snub Raises Questions

Yuzvendra Chahal’s T20 World Cup Snub Raises Questions

Yuzvendra Chahal, the leg-spinner who has been in exceptional form in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has once again been overlooked for selection in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup. Despite being the joint-highest wicket-taker this season with 13 scalps and becoming the first bowler to reach 200 wickets in IPL history, Chahal’s omission from the team has raised eyebrows.

Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif recently excluded Chahal from his predicted India XI for the World Cup, opting instead for Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel as the three spinners. Kaif’s reasoning was that the inclusion of Jadeja, Axar, and Hardik Pandya, who are all spin-bowling all-rounders, would provide additional batting depth to the team.

However, many experts believe that Chahal’s exceptional form and his ability to take wickets in the middle overs make him a valuable asset for the Indian team. Chahal has been a consistent performer in the IPL for several seasons, and his ability to deceive batters with his variations and control has been a key factor in his success.

In the absence of Chahal, India’s spin attack will rely heavily on Kuldeep Yadav, who has not been in the best of form lately. Jadeja and Axar are both capable bowlers, but they are primarily all-rounders who may not be able to provide the same level of wicket-taking threat as Chahal.

Chahal’s non-inclusion in the Indian squad has been a source of disappointment for many fans and cricket pundits. They argue that his experience and proven track record make him a valuable asset for the team, especially in the middle overs, where he can stifle the opposition’s scoring rate and create opportunities for wickets.

It remains to be seen whether Chahal will be included in the final squad for the T20 World Cup. However, his omission from the predicted XIs of former players suggests that the selectors may have other plans for the spin department.

Mumbai Indians Face Momentum Halt Challenge in IPL 2023

Mumbai Indians Face Momentum Halt Challenge in IPL 2023

Mumbai Indians (MI) find themselves in a precarious position in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, languishing in eighth place with only three wins from eight matches. The team’s struggles have been attributed to their inability to halt the momentum of opposing teams once it starts building.

Tim David, MI’s explosive batter, acknowledged the team’s shortcomings in this area. “Someone like Booms (Jasprit Bumrah) has been winning games for us, but we haven’t been effective enough in shutting teams down when they get going,” David said.

The Australian all-rounder emphasized the importance of setting the tone and maintaining it throughout the match. “It was pretty obvious against RR (Rajasthan Royals) that wasn’t the standard that we set ourselves to. That is the challenge for the playing group, we set the tone,” David added.

MI’s slow start to the season has put them in a critical position, where they cannot afford to lose any more games if they want to qualify for the playoffs. “Obviously, we had a slow start to the season, then we played some better cricket. If we had won our last game, it would have been our fourth win in five matches so far,” David said.

The upcoming matches against Lucknow Super Giants, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad are crucial for MI’s playoff aspirations. These teams are currently in the top four, making the challenge even more daunting.

“If we want to win the competition, we need to beat the best in the competition. We haven’t played all those sides, but if we beat them, we are in the playoffs where all the teams considered the best will be,” David said.

Despite the team’s struggles, David expressed his admiration for Jasprit Bumrah, who has been a shining light for MI. “He is incredibly consistent, he believes in his own skillset and has a history of good performance. He has a unique action that makes him difficult to pick up, he bowls fast, nails yorkers, and also has hard-to-pick slower balls,” David said.

KKR vs PBKS Live Score: Punjab Kings Under Pressure, Starc in Spotlight

KKR vs PBKS Live Score: Punjab Kings Under Pressure, Starc in Spotlight

KKR vs PBKS Live Score: Punjab Kings Face Pressure, Starc Under Spotlight

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Punjab Kings have struggled for consistency this season, despite promising performances from Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma. Their playoff hopes are fading, while KKR aims to improve their bowling unit’s efficiency.

Mitchell Starc, KKR’s star bowler, will be under pressure to justify his hefty price tag of USD 3 million. The Australian pacer has been inconsistent so far, and KKR will rely on him to lead their bowling attack against a formidable Punjab Kings batting lineup.

Punjab Kings, on the other hand, will be desperate to turn their fortunes around. They have a talented squad, including Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, and Kagiso Rabada. However, they have failed to perform as a unit, often losing crucial matches at key moments.

The match promises to be an exciting contest between two teams with contrasting fortunes. KKR will be looking to consolidate their position in the top four, while Punjab Kings will be fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Yuvraj Singh: Dinesh Karthik Should Only Be in India's T20 World Cup Squad if He's Guaranteed a Starting Spot

Yuvraj Singh: Dinesh Karthik Should Only Be in India’s T20 World Cup Squad if He’s Guaranteed a Starting Spot

Yuvraj Singh, the former Indian cricketer and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador, has expressed his admiration for Dinesh Karthik’s performance with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. However, he believes that the experienced wicketkeeper should only be included in India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup if he is assured a place in the starting lineup.

“DK (Karthik) has been batting well, but the thing with DK is the last time (2022) they picked him and the T20 WC was on he didn’t get to play,” Yuvraj said.

Yuvraj emphasized that if Karthik is not going to be a part of the playing XI, there is little point in selecting him for the squad. He pointed out that there are other talented wicketkeepers like Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson, who are both in excellent form and are also younger than Karthik.

“If DK is not in your XI I don’t think there is any point in picking him. There is Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson and both guys are in great form and obviously they are younger. I would like to see DK in the mix, but if he is not going to play then you would rather have someone who is younger and can make the difference,” added the former T20 World Cup winner.

Dinesh Karthik has been in impressive form in the ongoing IPL 2024 season. Despite batting lower down the order for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he has scored 262 runs in nine matches. As a result, his significant contributions have sparked discussions about his potential inclusion in India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Yuvraj’s comments come as India prepares for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will be held in the United States from June 9th to July 1st. India is one of the favorites to win the tournament, and Yuvraj believes that Karthik could be a valuable addition to the squad if he is given a clear role.

“If he is going to be in the XI and he is going to play, then I think he is a great option. But if he is not going to play, then I think you have to look at other options,” Yuvraj said.

The final decision on whether or not to include Karthik in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup will be made by the selectors. However, Yuvraj’s comments are likely to be taken into consideration, as he is one of the most experienced and successful cricketers in India’s history.

Rohit Sharma's T20I Captaincy Questioned Ahead of World Cup

Rohit Sharma’s T20I Captaincy Questioned Ahead of World Cup

India’s T20I captaincy has been a subject of debate, with former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team director Joy Bhattacharjya expressing concerns about Rohit Sharma’s suitability for the role.

Bhattacharjya believes that Rohit’s current form and the team’s performance under his leadership have raised questions about his effectiveness as captain. He argues that Rohit’s appointment has hindered the team’s progress, forcing them to accommodate him as an opener despite the presence of in-form players like Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill.

Bhattacharjya suggests that Jasprit Bumrah would be a more suitable captain, citing his exceptional bowling skills and importance to the team. He also speculates that Rohit’s appointment may have been influenced by his desire to end his career on a high note by winning the T20 World Cup, a tournament he won in 2007.

Bhattacharjya’s comments have sparked a discussion about the future of India’s T20I captaincy. With the World Cup approaching, the BCCI will need to carefully consider the team’s performance and the suitability of Rohit Sharma as captain.

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