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Category: Cricket

Mumbai Indians' Struggles Continue as Pandya Faces Pressure

Mumbai Indians’ Struggles Continue as Pandya Faces Pressure

By May 4, 2024 0

India’s vice-captain Hardik Pandya’s struggles have become evident in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, with Mumbai Indians enduring a dismal campaign under his leadership. Former cricketers Aaron Finch and Graeme Smith have expressed concerns about Pandya’s demeanor and the team’s overall performance.

During Mumbai Indians’ recent loss to Kolkata Knight Riders, Pandya was met with loud boos from the Wankhede Stadium crowd. The team had begun the match promisingly, taking five early wickets, but KKR fought back to post a competitive 169 on the board. In reply, Mumbai crashed to 145 all out, despite Suryakumar Yadav’s 56.

Finch believes Pandya appears “flattened” and “drained,” suggesting that the pressure of captaincy is taking its toll. He noted that Pandya’s personal struggles have coincided with the team’s poor performance, making it a difficult situation for him.

Smith echoed Finch’s sentiments, describing Mumbai Indians as a “confused team” under Pandya’s leadership. He pointed to the constant changes in personnel and batting order, suggesting a lack of clarity in the team’s strategy.

Former Australia vice-captain Shane Watson also criticized Pandya’s captaincy decisions, particularly his failure to deploy Jasprit Bumrah when KKR were struggling at 57 for five. Watson believes this allowed KKR to build a partnership and gain momentum.

The former cricketers’ comments highlight the challenges facing Pandya and Mumbai Indians. The team has won only three of their 11 matches this season, leaving them languishing near the bottom of the standings. Pandya’s captaincy and the team’s overall performance have come under scrutiny, raising questions about their ability to turn things around in the remaining matches.

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Sehwag Slams MI Tactics, Questions Pandya's Batting Position

Sehwag Slams MI Tactics, Questions Pandya’s Batting Position

By May 4, 2024 0

Former Indian batsman Virender Sehwag has expressed his bewilderment over the tactics employed by Mumbai Indians (MI) during their 24-run defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

Chasing a modest target of 170, MI’s batting lineup crumbled, losing wickets at regular intervals. They were eventually bowled out for 145 in 18.5 overs at the Wankhede Stadium.

Sehwag questioned the decision to send captain Hardik Pandya and Tim David down the order at No. 7 and 8, respectively. He also raised concerns about KKR’s decision to hold back star all-rounder Andre Russell.

“KKR saved Andre Russell; he played only two balls. Mumbai Indians saved Hardik Pandya and Tim David. What did you achieve by doing that? There were many deliveries left, and they all got out. You could’ve come earlier, or maybe you could’ve finished the game earlier, too,” Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.

Sehwag criticized Hardik for batting down the order, pointing out that he had consistently batted in the top order for Gujarat Titans in the previous season. He urged the MI management to take action against the players and staff responsible for the team’s poor performance.

“Hardik Pandya batted at 4 consistently when he was the GT captain. What has happened here? It baffles me that the experienced players are coming so low,” Sehwag said.

“I’m baffled by this. Management needs to take severe action on players and ask them what’s happening. Or, players should speak up about why their batting positions are changed. The captain, batting coach, bowling coach, and support staff are at fault here. Owners need to ask strict questions,” he added.

Hardik, speaking after the match, admitted that MI failed to form partnerships and lost wickets too frequently. He acknowledged that there were many questions that needed to be answered but declined to elaborate further.

“I mean obviously in the batting inning, we couldn’t form partnerships and kept losing wickets, in T20s if you don’t form partnerships, it will cost you. Not much, there are a lot of questions that will take some time to answer but for now, not much to say,” Pandya said in the post-match presentation.

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KKR's Venkatesh Iyer Reveals Surprising WWE Obsession

KKR’s Venkatesh Iyer Reveals Surprising WWE Obsession

By May 4, 2024 0

Venkatesh Iyer’s Surprising WWE Obsession Revealed

Kolkata Knight Riders’ star batsman Venkatesh Iyer has unveiled an unexpected passion beyond the cricket field: World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). In a recent episode of the team’s show ‘Knights Dugout,’ Iyer shared his fascination with the staged wrestling spectacle.

“I like it for the storyline,” Iyer explained. Despite knowing that the fights are not real, he admitted, “I hate it when someone says it’s fake.”

Iyer’s enthusiasm for WWE extends beyond mere fandom. He revealed that he carries a replica WWE belt with him and has even mastered some of the iconic moves, such as the “choke slam.”

“For the longest time, I believed Undertaker saat bar mar ke zinda hua hai (died seven times only to come back alive every time),” Iyer said, much to the amusement of host Cyrus Broacha and KKR coach Chandrakant Pandit.

Iyer’s WWE obsession has not interfered with his cricket performance. In the recent match against Mumbai Indians, he played a crucial role in KKR’s victory, scoring a match-winning 70 off 52 balls.

The revelation of Iyer’s WWE fandom has delighted fans, who appreciate the player’s willingness to share his personal interests. It also highlights the diverse personalities and passions that exist within the world of cricket.

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RCB and GT Clash in IPL 2024 Match 52 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium

RCB and GT Clash in IPL 2024 Match 52 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium

By May 4, 2024 0

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans Clash in IPL 2024 Match 52

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) will face off in Match 52 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. Both teams have had contrasting fortunes in the tournament so far, with RCB languishing at the bottom of the points table and GT occupying a mid-table position.

Pitch and Weather Conditions

The pitch at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium is known for its batting-friendly nature, with batters finding it easy to score runs. The average first-innings score at this venue is 170 runs, and the team batting first has won 42% of its matches. The weather forecast predicts a temperature of around 32 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels at 14%. Winds are expected to blow at a speed of 3.73 m/s, providing some assistance to the pace bowlers.

Head-to-Head Record

In the four previous encounters between these two teams, the batters have dominated the fantasy points leaderboard. In their most recent meeting, Will Jacks and Sai Sudharsan emerged as the top fantasy point scorers for RCB and GT, respectively.

Fantasy Picks

Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:

* Virat Kohli: A consistent performer with an average of 74 fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Shubman Gill: A top-order batter with an impressive average of 71.4 runs per match in the last 10 games.

Other Fantasy Picks:

* Sai Sudharsan: A left-handed batter with an average of 59 fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Cameron Green: An all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball.
* Rashid Khan: A leg-spinner with an average of 40 fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Sai Kishore: A slow left-arm orthodox bowler with an average of 36 fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Glenn Maxwell: An all-rounder who can provide fantasy points with both bat and ball.
* Shahrukh Khan: A right-handed batter with an average of 27 fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Mohammed Siraj: A right-arm fast-medium bowler with an average of 21 fantasy points in the last 10 games.

Fantasy Team:

* Wicket-Keeper: Dinesh Karthik and Wriddhiman Saha
* Batters: Sai Sudharsan, Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Shubman Gill
* All-Rounders: Shahrukh Khan, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, and Azmatullah Omarzai
* Bowlers: Rashid Khan and Mohit Sharma
* Captain: Shubman Gill
* Vice-Captain: Mohit Sharma

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Kohli's Post-Match Dietary Indulgences: Batters vs. Bowlers

Kohli’s Post-Match Dietary Indulgences: Batters vs. Bowlers

By May 4, 2024 0

Virat Kohli’s Post-Match Dietary Indulgences: A Tale of Batters vs. Bowlers

Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli recently shared his witty take on post-match dietary indulgences during a promotional event for his team, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). When asked about his favorite guilty pleasure snack after a match, Kohli humorously declared that there is no guilt involved, and one can eat freely.

Kohli’s remarks shed light on the contrasting experiences of batters and bowlers in cricket. While bowlers need to maintain their stamina and endurance throughout the match, batters face the possibility of a shorter stint on the field, potentially allowing them more flexibility in their post-match dietary choices.

“There is no guilt after the match, you can eat freely,” Kohli quipped. “This is a fast bowler’s topic because he has to bowl four overs. Hamara match toh 1 ball mein bhi khatam ho sakta hai (My match could even end in one ball). So we would have to see whether to eat that or not. For bowlers, it is easier. They know that they would have to sprint for 24 balls.”

Kohli’s humorous response highlights the different physical demands faced by batters and bowlers during a match. Bowlers have to bowl a certain number of overs, which imposes restrictions on their dietary choices. Batters, on the other hand, might have more leeway in indulging in their favorite treats after a match, as their match could potentially end in just one ball.

Kohli’s candid remarks provide an entertaining and insightful glimpse into the mindset of a professional cricketer. They underscore the contrasting challenges faced by batters and bowlers while also injecting a dose of wit and humor into the discussion.

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DC's Stubbs and Fraser-McGurk: A Friendship Built on Golf and Aggression

DC’s Stubbs and Fraser-McGurk: A Friendship Built on Golf and Aggression

By May 4, 2024 0

Delhi Capitals’ Stubbs and Fraser-McGurk: A Bond Forged on Golf and Aggression

Tristan Stubbs and Jake Fraser-McGurk, two rising stars of the Delhi Capitals (DC), have forged a close friendship on and off the field. In a recent interview, the duo opened up about their bond, their experiences in the IPL, and their aspirations for the future.

Their friendship began over a shared love of golf. “I didn’t know anything about him, but he knew my life story,” said Stubbs. Fraser-McGurk added, “I thought he would be a bit smaller, but he’s a pretty big unit.”

Their competitive spirit extends beyond the golf course. “We play for caps. Whoever loses has to buy the other person a cap,” said Fraser-McGurk. “He’s a better golfer,” admitted Stubbs. “He should beat me by five shots every time.”

Their friendship has also blossomed on the cricket field. Fraser-McGurk praised DC opener David Warner for his mentorship and support. “He’s one of the most unselfish people I’ve ever met,” he said. “He always has time for everyone.”

Both Stubbs and Fraser-McGurk have embraced the challenges and opportunities of the IPL. “The differences of actually being in it and seeing it from an outside point of view have sort of married up quite nicely,” said Fraser-McGurk. “I just didn’t have any expectation to play a game, but to be able to play now is great.”

Stubbs echoed his teammate’s sentiments. “It took me a while to get used to the hype and pressure,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed this year. It’s been nice to get an extensive run in a team playing.”

As they look ahead, both players have ambitious goals. Stubbs aims to become a “world-class cricketer” and represent South Africa in all formats. Fraser-McGurk aspires to “play for Australia and win a World Cup.”

Their friendship and shared experiences in the IPL have laid the foundation for their future success. As they continue to grow and develop, Stubbs and Fraser-McGurk are poised to make a significant impact on the world of cricket.

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T20 Cricket Vital for Game's Future, Says Sourav Ganguly

T20 Cricket Vital for Game’s Future, Says Sourav Ganguly

By May 4, 2024 0

T20 Cricket: A Vital Force in the Evolution of the Game, Says Sourav Ganguly

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has emphasized the significance of T20 cricket in the modern era, stating that it has the potential to drive the game forward. Ganguly believes that the shortened format will continue to play a crucial role in the sport’s development.

Speaking at the unveiling of the Bengal Pro T20 League trophy in Kolkata, Ganguly acknowledged the transformative impact of T20 cricket. “It is a great introduction to the game,” he said. “Change is inevitable in everything. Many of us who started playing 2-day cricket and 4-day cricket will have to accept that T20 cricket is here to stay and it is something that will take the game forward.”

Ganguly highlighted the accessibility and excitement of T20 cricket, making it an ideal format for attracting new fans and showcasing the sport’s dynamism. He also emphasized the importance of T20 leagues in providing opportunities for young players to showcase their talent and gain valuable experience.

“It’s (T20 Leagues) happening in every state,” Ganguly said. “We are probably 5-6 years late on this. Any way of playing the sport will always be very helpful. T20 is an important part of cricket these days and this will be a huge opportunity for everyone to perform.”

The inaugural edition of the Bengal Pro T20 League is scheduled to commence on June 11, 2024, in Kolkata. Eight teams will compete for the coveted trophy, providing a platform for aspiring cricketers to showcase their skills and contribute to the growth of the sport.

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PCB's Late Coaching Appointments Raise Concerns Ahead of T20 World Cup

PCB’s Late Coaching Appointments Raise Concerns Ahead of T20 World Cup

By May 4, 2024 0

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) recent appointment of Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie as head coaches for the white-ball and red-ball teams, respectively, has sparked debate within the cricket fraternity. The timing of the appointments, just days before the ICC T20 World Cup, has raised concerns among experts.

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif expressed his apprehension over the late appointments. He highlighted the importance of stability and continuity in the lead-up to major tournaments. Latif emphasized that the timing of the appointments could put undue pressure on both Kirsten and Pakistan captain Babar Azam.

Despite his concerns, Latif acknowledged the experience and impressive records of both Kirsten and Gillespie. However, he stressed the need for earlier appointments to allow the coaches and players to build a strong working relationship.

The PCB’s announcement of an 18-player squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England also drew attention. The squad will be reduced to 15 players for the World Cup after the first T20I at Leeds on May 22.

The selection committee recalled fast bowler Haris Rauf and all-rounders Hasan Ali and Salman Ali Agha to the squad. Wrist spinner Usama Mir and fast bowler Zaman Khan were dropped from the original 17-player squad that faced New Zealand.

The Pakistan team is scheduled to depart for Dublin on May 7 for a three-day training camp before the start of the T20I series. The team will be looking to build momentum and finalize their preparations for the World Cup.

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MS Dhoni's Mentorship Transforms Sri Lankan Pacer Matheesha Pathirana into IPL Star

MS Dhoni’s Mentorship Transforms Sri Lankan Pacer Matheesha Pathirana into IPL Star

By May 4, 2024 0

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer and former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, has a reputation for nurturing young talent and transforming them into exceptional performers. Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana is the latest beneficiary of Dhoni’s mentorship, experiencing a meteoric rise in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Pathirana, known for his slingy action reminiscent of Sri Lankan fast-bowling legend Lasith Malinga, has emerged as one of the most potent bowlers in the IPL. With 13 wickets in just six matches, he currently ranks fifth among the tournament’s top wicket-takers. His impressive performance in the 2023 season, where he finished among the top 10 bowlers, further underscores his talent.

Pathirana attributes his success to the unwavering confidence Dhoni has placed in him. Despite handing over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the 2024 season, Dhoni continues to play a pivotal role in Pathirana’s development.

“After my father, in my cricket life, mostly he (Dhoni) is playing my father’s role because he is always taking care of me, giving me advice, what I have to do, similar to my father when I am at home,” Pathirana said in a recent episode of ‘Lions Upclose’.

Dhoni’s guidance extends beyond technical aspects of bowling. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying the game and maintaining physical fitness. “He’s not telling a lot of things when I am on the field and off the field. He tells just small things, but it makes a lot of difference. So those little things, I take a lot of confidence (from),” Pathirana explained.

Off the field, Dhoni remains a trusted confidant for Pathirana. “If I have to ask something from him, definitely I would go to him and ask. Every time he is telling me ‘enjoy your game and take care of your body’,” Pathirana said.

The Sri Lankan pacer, who hails from Trinity College in Kandy, expressed his heartfelt desire to see Dhoni continue playing for CSK. “Mahi bhai, if you can play one more season, please play with us. If I’m here (laughs),” Pathirana said.

Pathirana’s rapid ascent under Dhoni’s mentorship is a testament to the former Indian captain’s ability to identify and nurture young talent. As CSK continues its quest for a fifth IPL title, Pathirana is poised to play a pivotal role, inspired by the unwavering support and guidance of his cricketing mentor.

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Hardik Pandya Embraces Fatherhood, Finds Calmness and Perspective

Hardik Pandya Embraces Fatherhood, Finds Calmness and Perspective

By May 4, 2024 0

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has opened up about the profound impact fatherhood has had on his life and perspective. Since becoming a father, Pandya has experienced a shift in his priorities and a newfound sense of calmness.

“My cricket didn’t change much, but as a person, it changed my point of view towards life,” Pandya said. “Perspective and priorities have changed, and it brought a lot of calmness inside me.”

Pandya’s transformation as a father has been evident in his approach to the game. Despite facing criticism for his form and fitness, he has remained focused and determined. His inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad is a testament to his resilience and the belief that selectors have in his abilities.

India captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have expressed confidence in Pandya’s ability to regain his form and play a crucial role in the upcoming World Cup. Agarkar noted that Pandya’s fitness and versatility give the team balance and options.

Pandya’s journey as a father began in 2020 when he welcomed his son, Agastya, with actress Natasa Stankovic. The experience has brought him immense joy and fulfillment.

“Getting married, becoming a father, it’s been very special,” Pandya said. “At the end of the day, you know that when you go back to your family and loved ones, they are always there for you.”

Pandya’s transformation as a father is a reminder of the power of family and the importance of finding balance in life. His story serves as an inspiration to others who are navigating the challenges and rewards of parenthood.

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