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Riyan Parag's 84* Powers Rajasthan Royals to 185/5 Against Delhi Capitals

Riyan Parag’s 84* Powers Rajasthan Royals to 185/5 Against Delhi Capitals

By March 28, 2024 0

Riyan Parag’s scintillating 84 not out off 45 balls propelled Rajasthan Royals to a competitive 185 for 5 against Delhi Capitals in their Indian Premier League encounter on Thursday. Parag, who had impressed with a 43 in the Royals’ previous match, unleashed a whirlwind assault on veteran South African pacer Anrich Nortje in the final over, plundering 25 runs with a barrage of boundaries and sixes.

The 21-year-old’s knock, studded with seven fours and six maximums, was the cornerstone of the Royals’ innings after they were invited to bat first. He forged crucial partnerships with Ravichandran Ashwin (29) and Dhruv Jurel (20) to steady the ship after a shaky start.

Royals captain Sanju Samson threatened to explode with another destructive innings following his unbeaten 82 against Lucknow Super Giants, but his stay was cut short by Khaleel Ahmed. The wicketkeeper-batter nicked a delivery to Rishabh Pant, leaving RR at 30 for 2.

Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav then forced Pant to review a leg before wicket decision, which proved successful, dismissing Jos Buttler. Ashwin came to the crease and provided some impetus with two sixes off Kuldeep, but he was eventually caught by Tristan Stubbs for 29.

Parag took center stage, showcasing his power-hitting prowess. He smashed two boundaries and a six off Ahmed to take RR past 100 in the 15th over. The youngster reached his maiden IPL fifty in style with a boundary off Mukesh Kumar in the next over.

Parag continued to torment the Delhi bowlers, sending a Kuldeep delivery over the midwicket boundary. After Jurel’s dismissal, Parag went on a rampage, entertaining the home crowd with a flurry of boundaries.

Nortje, who had been economical until then, was taken for 25 runs in the final over as Parag sealed his highest T20 score. The Royals’ total of 185 for 5 proved to be a challenging target for the Delhi Capitals.

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Liam Dawson Ends Test Ambitions, Prioritizes T20 Cricket

Liam Dawson Ends Test Ambitions, Prioritizes T20 Cricket

By March 28, 2024 0

Liam Dawson, the 34-year-old English spin-bowling all-rounder, has acknowledged that his Test cricket aspirations are over. Dawson, who last played a Test in 2017, was not selected for England’s tour of India this winter, despite being the leading English spinner in last year’s County Championship.

Dawson had previously indicated that he would have to weigh up whether to accept an England call, having agreed a lucrative contract to play for Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20, a tournament that clashed directly with the start of the Test tour. He ultimately chose to prioritize his T20 commitments, a decision he does not regret.

“For me, probably Test cricket now is completely off the radar,” Dawson said. “But it is what it is, I’m 34 and I want to enjoy my cricket and try to win trophies towards the end of my career.”

Dawson has won 20 England caps across three formats going back to 2016, as well as an ODI World Cup winners’ medal in 2019. He was a travelling reserve for both the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cups, but said he does not expect to be in the mix for this year’s tournament in the Caribbean and USA.

“I think with my age, 34, realistically that’s probably gone to be honest,” Dawson said. “I’m looking forward to playing for Hampshire this season, and the Hundred with London Spirit.”

Dawson’s decision to prioritize T20 cricket reflects the challenge for young English spinners to come through the system. With the rain teeming down in England for much of the year, it can be difficult for spinners to get enough game time to develop their skills.

“Without doubt, it’s very, very difficult,” Dawson said. “If you’re an out-and-out spinner it’s not easy to play in these conditions, the time of the year we play. There’s no ideal scenario, what gives, what doesn’t? When do you play Championship cricket? It’s a tough thing to do.”

Despite the challenges, Dawson believes that England have two promising young spinners in Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir, who both impressed on the tour of India.

“They [Hartley and Bashir] did very well,” Dawson said. “They’re good bowlers. I faced Bashir last year here, I thought he was a really good bowler, and the same with Tom Hartley when we played them in Southport, very consistent. Hopefully they can continue to do well.”

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Gujarat Titans Face Mixed Start Under Shubman Gill's Captaincy

Gujarat Titans Face Mixed Start Under Shubman Gill’s Captaincy

By March 28, 2024 0

Gujarat Titans’ IPL 2024 campaign under the leadership of Shubman Gill has started with mixed results. After a thrilling victory over Mumbai Indians, they suffered a heavy defeat against Chennai Super Kings.

Gill’s captaincy has been a topic of discussion since Hardik Pandya’s departure to MI. Former India pacer S Sreesanth believes that Gill’s youth and lack of experience could be an advantage for GT. He suggests that Gill will give bowlers more freedom and responsibility, which could lead to improved performances.

Against CSK, Gill struggled with the bat, scoring only 8 runs. He acknowledged that the team was outplayed and that they need to learn from their mistakes. Gill expressed optimism about the season, stating that it’s better to have a setback early on than later.

Despite the loss, Gill remains excited about his role as captain. He believes that the team has a lot of potential and that he is eager to lead them to success.

GT will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in their next match on Sunday. They will be looking to bounce back from their defeat and establish themselves as a contender for the IPL title.

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CSK's Gaikwad Impresses as Batting Coach Hussey Praises Leadership

CSK’s Gaikwad Impresses as Batting Coach Hussey Praises Leadership

By March 28, 2024 0

Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey has heaped praise on newly-appointed skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, hailing him as a “smart, cricket-savvy” leader who has excelled in rotating bowlers and setting fields. Following CSK’s comprehensive 63-run victory over Gujarat Titans (GT), Hussey lauded Gaikwad’s tactical acumen and understanding of the game.

“Ruturaj has been fantastic,” Hussey said. “He’s very well prepared and has a clear understanding of the game. He works closely with head coach Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni to develop tactics, and his ability to change bowlers and set fields effectively has been impressive.”

Hussey also commended all-rounder Rachin Ravindra for his explosive starts, noting that the Kiwi star has quickly adapted to the IPL stage. “Rachin is eager to learn and has a positive attitude,” Hussey said. “He feeds off the crowd’s energy and has shown great confidence in his abilities.”

One of the match’s surprises was the cameo by 20-year-old Sameer Rizwi, who smashed two sixes in his six-ball innings. Hussey highlighted Rizwi’s natural hitting ability, especially against spinners. “He has a lot of power and can hit the ball cleanly,” Hussey said. “It was a bold move to send him in against Rashid Khan, but he delivered with two big hits.”

Hussey also praised the team’s think-tank for promoting Rizwi ahead of MS Dhoni, a move that paid off with two sixes at the end of the innings. “It was a masterstroke,” Hussey said. “We wanted to utilize Rizwi’s power against spin, and he delivered.”

Hussey emphasized the team’s directive to “keep pushing the game forward,” especially with the introduction of the Impact Player rule. “We have extra batting and bowling options now,” Hussey said. “This allows our batsmen to take risks and play aggressively, knowing they have support from the coaches and captain.”

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IPL 2024: KKR Replaces Mujeeb with Ghazanfar, RR Signs Maharaj

IPL 2024: KKR Replaces Mujeeb with Ghazanfar, RR Signs Maharaj

By March 28, 2024 0

IPL 2024: Mujeeb Ur Rahman Out, Allah Ghazanfar In for Kolkata Knight Riders; Keshav Maharaj Joins Rajasthan Royals

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has witnessed a flurry of roster changes as teams bolster their squads for the upcoming season. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have made significant additions to their bowling departments, with the former replacing injured spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman with his Afghan compatriot Allah Ghazanfar, while the latter has signed South African veteran Keshav Maharaj.

KKR’s Ghazanfar Replacement

Mujeeb Ur Rahman, KKR’s mystery spinner, has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. In his place, the franchise has acquired the services of 16-year-old Allah Ghazanfar, a rising star in Afghan cricket. Ghazanfar made his international debut earlier this month in the ODI series against Ireland, although he failed to pick up any wickets in the two matches he played.

However, Ghazanfar’s impressive performance at the recently concluded Under-19 World Cup has caught the attention of KKR. He was Afghanistan’s second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament, claiming eight wickets at an average of 16.75. Ghazanfar has also played six List A matches and three T20s, showcasing his versatility as a bowler. He joins KKR for his base price of INR 20 lakhs.

RR’s Maharaj Acquisition

Rajasthan Royals have signed South African left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj as a replacement for fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, who is currently recovering from surgery. Maharaj, a seasoned campaigner, has played 50 Tests, 44 ODIs, and 27 T20Is for South Africa, amassing a total of 237 wickets in international cricket.

Maharaj has also gained valuable experience in T20 leagues around the world, including stints with Durban’s Super Giants in the SA20 and Fortune Barishal in the BPL. In this year’s SA20, Maharaj claimed 15 wickets from 13 matches, demonstrating his ability to make an impact in the shortest format of the game.

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IPL's Growth Raises Concerns for Ashwin: 'Cricket Takes a Backseat'

IPL’s Growth Raises Concerns for Ashwin: ‘Cricket Takes a Backseat’

By March 28, 2024 0

Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s star spinner, has expressed his concerns about the IPL’s rapid growth, stating that it has become so “huge” that cricket sometimes takes a backseat.

Ashwin highlighted the challenges faced by players in managing their time between training sessions and advertisement shoots during the two-month-long competition. He reflected on the remarkable evolution of the IPL since its inception in 2008 and emphasized the demanding nature of the player’s lifestyle on the road during the tournament.

“As a youngster coming into the IPL, I was only looking to learn from the big stars, I did not think about how the IPL would look 10 years down the line. I can say that, having been in the IPL for so many seasons, the IPL is huge,” he said on the Club Prairie Fire podcast.

“Sometimes I wonder if IPL is even cricket, because sport takes a backstage (during IPL). It’s so huge. We do end up practicing in advertisement shoots and sets! That’s where the IPL has gotten to,” said Ashwin, who is an important member of the Rajasthan Royals squad.

The 37-year-old, who achieved the milestone of 500 Test wickets recently, commenced his IPL journey with the Chennai Super Kings. His impressive performances in the IPL played a crucial role in earning him opportunities to represent India across formats.

In 2022, the IPL media rights were secured for a staggering Rs 48,390 crore for a five-year cycle, solidifying its position as the second most valuable league in the sporting world in terms of per-match value, only behind the NFL. This astronomical figure surpassed renowned leagues such as the English Premier League, NBA, and Major League Baseball.

Ashwin spoke about his early days in the IPL and how the event exceeded all expectations. “No one envisaged the kind of growth that the IPL has had. I still remember a conversation I had with Scott Styris when we were both at CSK. He told me that when he was playing for the Deccan Chargers in the initial seasons of IPL, he did not think the IPL would last for more than two-three years.”

“Initially, there was a big influx of money,” Ashwin said on the podcast hosted by former England captain Michael Vaughan and Australian great Adam Gilchrist.

The IPL’s profile has been further elevated by the astronomical deals secured by players during auctions. In the latest auction, Australian pacer Mitchell Starc made headlines by clinching a record deal worth Rs 24.74 crore with the Kolkata Knight Riders. This significant acquisition underscores the league’s ability to attract top-tier talent and solidifies its status as one of the most lucrative and sought-after cricket tournaments globally.

“Look, over the years you’d think that the IPL is one tournament that is largely won at the auctions. I believe the auctions are a very important facet of this league, but the beauty of the IPL is that franchises have evolved into getting their teams right.”

“There’s no one way to skin a cat. No one player is bigger than the team. No one slot is bigger than others. The teams invest wisely,” said Ashwin who has also represented Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in the IPL.

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Dhoni's Rare Emotional Outburst After Jadeja's IPL Heroics

Dhoni’s Rare Emotional Outburst After Jadeja’s IPL Heroics

By March 28, 2024 0

MS Dhoni, renowned for his composed demeanor on the field, displayed a rare outburst of emotion during last year’s IPL final. The incident occurred after Ravindra Jadeja’s heroic performance guided Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to their fifth IPL title.

In the rain-affected match, CSK faced a daunting task in the final over, needing 10 runs off the last two balls. Jadeja stepped up to the plate, smashing medium-pacer Mohit Sharma for a six and a four, turning the tide in CSK’s favor.

Dhoni’s reaction to Jadeja’s heroics was uncharacteristic. He embraced and lifted Jadeja, a gesture that left an indelible mark on fans. Recalling the moment during a promotional event, Jadeja joked that he might be the only person besides Dhoni’s wife, Sakshi, to receive such a lift.

Dhoni praised Jadeja’s batting, expressing his confidence in his ability to achieve the target. “I was quite confident about you know Jaddu has the talent and mindset to achieve the target,” Dhoni said. “It was a very memorable innings.”

Dhoni acknowledged the difficulty of Jadeja’s task, particularly the sixes he hit before the final ball. “Looking at the TV, it looks easy but now that I bat down the order, I know how difficult it is to get that kind of elevation and win it for six,” Dhoni said.

The emotions ran high after CSK’s victory, with Dhoni expressing his gratitude for Jadeja’s contribution. “The emotions were very high. So a big round of applause for Jaddu for the way he batted,” Dhoni said.

Jadeja’s performance in the final showcased his talent and determination, while Dhoni’s emotional outburst highlighted the close bond between the two players and the significance of the victory for CSK.

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MI's Pandya Disappoints in High-Scoring IPL Clash Against SRH

MI’s Pandya Disappoints in High-Scoring IPL Clash Against SRH

By March 28, 2024 0

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Wednesday witnessed a high-scoring affair, with a combined 523 runs scored. SRH posted a formidable 277/3, while MI fell short by 31 runs despite a valiant effort.

Former India star Manoj Tiwary expressed disappointment with MI skipper Hardik Pandya’s performance. Tiwary criticized Pandya’s strike rate of 120, stating that a “big-hitting player” like him should have attempted more boundaries in a high-scoring match.

“Hardik Pandya is a big-hitting player, but he struck at only 120. Yes, the bowling was good at that time, but one thing that irked me was the shots he hit against back-of-length. He was hitting the shots down the ground,” Tiwary said.

“Generally, when the asking rate is 14-15, and you have such a big player, you’d want them to at least try for a six. Attempting to get a single or two, or even a four, wasn’t the demand of the situation. That irked me. And that shows he is not in good form,” he added.

Pandya, however, defended his team’s performance, acknowledging the quality of SRH’s batting and the challenges faced by their young bowling attack. He praised Proteas pacer Kwena Maphaka for his impressive debut.

“Wicket was good, 277 no matter how bad or good you bowl, if the opposition has to score that much, they have batted well. They (the bowlers) were good, it was tough out there, almost 500 runs were scored and the wicket was helping the batters, we could have done a few things here and there, but having said that, we have a young bowling attack and we will learn,” Pandya said.

“He (Kwena Maphaka) was fantastic, coming into his first game and getting overwhelmed, he was alright and backed his skillset, just needs some game time,” he added.

Despite the loss, MI showed signs of improvement, with several batters performing well. The team will look to address their bowling concerns and bounce back in their upcoming matches.

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Andre Russell Defends KKR Coach Chandrakant Pandit Amidst Criticism

Andre Russell Defends KKR Coach Chandrakant Pandit Amidst Criticism

By March 28, 2024 0

Andre Russell, the explosive all-rounder, has come to the defense of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Chandrakant Pandit, who has faced criticism for his coaching style. Former KKR all-rounder David Wiese had labeled Pandit’s approach as “militant,” suggesting it led to frustration among foreign players in the team during the previous IPL season.

However, Russell, a key figure in KKR’s squad, offered a contrasting perspective. “We’ve been working with him from last year. I think when you’re working with a coach for the first time, you have to make sure that you adjust to their philosophy. There have to be rules. We are professionals. So, we don’t complain,” Russell said during a pre-match press meet in Bengaluru.

“I try to do the best for this franchise. He’s been doing an amazing job, and we’ve gotten coming back as well,” he added.

Pandit, known for his disciplinarian approach, took over as KKR coach before IPL 2022 following Brendon McCullum’s departure. Wiese had criticized Pandit’s strict and regimented style, suggesting it clashed with the mindset of experienced overseas players.

Russell, however, emphasized the importance of adapting to the coach’s philosophy and maintaining professionalism. “He (Pandit) is known in India as a very militant type of coach. He is very strict, very disciplinarian that type of stuff,” Wiese had said on the podcast ‘Hitman for Hire: A year in the life of a franchise cricketer.’

“Sometimes in franchise cricket, when you have overseas guys, who’ve played all over the world, they don’t need anyone coming and telling them how they need to behave, what they need to wear and what they need to do the whole time. So, that was tough.”

Despite Wiese’s concerns, Russell’s support for Pandit suggests that the KKR dressing room is not as divided as some may have believed. The team will be hoping to put the coaching controversy behind them and focus on performing well in the upcoming IPL season.

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Abahani Dominates DPL, Veterans Shine, Youngsters Impress

Abahani Dominates DPL, Veterans Shine, Youngsters Impress

By March 28, 2024 0

The Dhaka Premier League (DPL) is witnessing a thrilling season as Abahani Limited continues its winning streak, while other teams vie for supremacy.

Abahani has emerged as the frontrunner, securing six consecutive victories. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, Legends of Rupganj, and Mohammedan Sporting Club trail closely with 10 points each, separated only by net run rate.

Veteran players have stepped up their game, with Shakib Al Hasan contributing a fifty and three wickets for Sheikh Jamal. Tamim Iqbal has impressed with three consecutive fifties for Prime Bank Cricket Club. Mashrafe Mortaza surprised with a five-wicket haul in List-A cricket, his eighth such feat.

Parvez Hossain Emon leads the batting charts with three centuries, followed by Mohammedan’s Mahidul Islam Ankon. Ankon has also scored three fifties, while Tamim and Emon have each added a century to their tally. Towhid Hridoy’s unbeaten 125 for Abahani against Rupganj Tigers was a standout performance.

Maruf Mridha, a young left-arm quick, has emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 16 scalps. Mashrafe’s five-wicket haul and Tanvir Islam’s six-wicket haul for Abahani against Brothers Union are other notable bowling performances.

Mohammedan’s one-wicket victory over Prime Bank could prove crucial in the title race. Prime Bank’s openers Emon and Tamim, along with Sabbir Rahman, set a strong foundation with a 218-run partnership. However, Mohammedan’s Abu Hider guided his team to victory with a 36-ball 54.

Abahani remains the dominant force, but Mohammedan and Sheikh Jamal pose significant challenges. Rupganj Tigers and City Club remain winless, while Partex Sporting Club, Gazi Tyres, and Brothers Union have secured their first victories.

Players to watch include allrounder Ariful Islam, left-arm spinner Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby, and Maruf Mridha. Emon’s consistency and Ankon’s steady rise are also noteworthy.

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