Mohammed Siraj Battles Stomach Pain, Inspires RCB to IPL Victory

Mohammed Siraj Battles Stomach Pain, Inspires RCB to IPL Victory

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) pacer Mohammed Siraj played through severe stomach pain in their IPL match against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Saturday, driven by the desire to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Despite his discomfort, Siraj delivered a crucial performance, taking 2/29 and helping RCB secure a four-wicket victory.

Siraj revealed that he experienced intense stomach pain and loose motions before the game, but the thought of the World Cup and the “power of the almighty” motivated him to take the field. He acknowledged that he lacked the energy to bowl at his usual intensity, but he credited divine intervention for his performance.

In 10 IPL 2024 matches, Siraj has claimed eight wickets at an average of 44.00, with a best of 2/26. He also discussed his close bond with Virat Kohli, emphasizing how Kohli’s guidance and communication help him as a bowler.

“Virat has known me for eight years now and he always gives handy advice on what to do in a particular situation,” Siraj said. “When you have good communication with such a legend of the game then half the difficulty gets reduced straightaway as a bowler.”

Siraj praised teammate Yash Dayal for his impressive bowling with the new ball, noting that his performance will boost his confidence. Dayal has taken 10 wickets in 10 IPL 2024 matches, with a best of 2/21.

In the match, RCB elected to field first and restricted GT to 148 runs, with Siraj, Dayal, and Vijaykumar Vyshak taking two wickets each. RCB then chased down the target with 38 balls to spare, thanks to a 92-run opening partnership between Faf Du Plessis and Virat Kohli.

Despite a late fightback from GT’s Joshua Little and Noor Ahmed, RCB held on for the victory, with Dinesh Karthik and Swapnil Singh guiding the team home.

IPL 2024: Slow Pitches and Low Scores Raise Concerns

IPL 2024: Slow Pitches and Low Scores Raise Concerns

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has witnessed a significant slowdown in scoring, with only one match producing a total of 200 or more runs in the last six games. This has raised concerns about the condition of the pitches and the impact on par scores.

In the recent match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), CSK managed to score only 167 for 9, which proved to be sufficient to secure a 28-run victory. CSK opener Ruturaj Gaikwad attributed the low score to the slow and sluggish nature of the wicket.

“The way the wicket played in the second innings, definitely I’d say par score,” Gaikwad said. “Everyone believed the wicket was slow, it was coming slow off the wicket, even low bounce.”

Ravindra Jadeja, who played a crucial role in CSK’s victory with both bat and ball, echoed Gaikwad’s sentiments. “It was a day game, so the wicket was slow, which we expected,” he said. “We did well in the [batting] powerplay, but then we couldn’t build partnerships.”

The slowdown in scoring has been attributed to the aging of the pitches and the lack of partnerships. Teams have struggled to maintain momentum and build substantial totals.

Despite the challenges, CSK has managed to navigate the difficult conditions and climb to third place in the points table. Gaikwad praised the team’s bowling unit, particularly Tushar Deshpande, Mitch Santner, and Simarjeet Singh, for their contributions.

“We bowled well in the powerplay and middle overs, didn’t bowl loose balls,” Gaikwad said. “Simarjeet Singh, playing his first game of the season, did well, his three overs giving him 2 for 16.”

CSK has faced some setbacks with injuries to key players, but they have shown resilience and determination to overcome these challenges. Gaikwad acknowledged the difficulties but expressed relief at the team’s performance.

“Sigh of relief with the things that were happening… the previous night, or the night of the match, Pathirana slightly here and there, then some of the guys struggling with the flu as well, so not really sure till gameday morning who is playing and who is not,” Gaikwad said.

KKR Soars High, Sets Sights on League Double Over LSG

KKR Soars High, Sets Sights on League Double Over LSG

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are soaring high after their thrilling victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium, a venue where they had not tasted success against MI in 12 years. The team is now setting their sights on a league double over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), whom they defeated earlier this season at Eden Gardens.

During their match against MI, KKR was without emerging pacer Harshit Rana, who was serving a one-match ban for a Code of Conduct breach. Rana had been handed a one-match suspension along with a 100% of his match fee fine for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during a match against Delhi Capitals. The KKR pacer was found guilty of committing a Level 1 offense under Article 2.5 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct. Rana admitted to the offense and accepted the sanction.

Rana has made headlines this season for his unique “flying kiss” celebration. He had given a fiery send-off to SRH batter Mayank Agarwal earlier during the season and came close to doing the same to DC wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel. However, former KKR captain Nitish Rana poked fun at Harshit during their flight to Lucknow. In a video shared by KKR on their official Twitter handle, Nitish asked Harshit, “How about another flying kiss?”

While Harshit couldn’t contain his laughter, he said “no” to Nitish’s request without any second thoughts.

In his last outing, Rana picked up two wickets against DC. In total, he has bagged 11 wickets in eight matches.

With 12 points, KKR is currently ranked second in the standings and has the highest Net Run Rate (NRR) of any team in the competition, at 1.096. The team is looking to continue their winning ways and cement their position in the top four.

LSG Captain KL Rahul Opts to Bowl First Against KKR in IPL 2024

LSG Captain KL Rahul Opts to Bowl First Against KKR in IPL 2024

Lucknow Super Giants Opt to Bowl First Against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024

In a crucial IPL 2024 encounter at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain KL Rahul elected to bowl first after winning the toss against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The decision came as a surprise to many, as LSG has been a formidable chasing side in the tournament.

Rahul, who was recently omitted from India’s T20 World Cup squad, explained his decision, stating that he is not the best judge of a wicket and prefers to chase. He also praised his team’s adaptability and highlighted the importance of individual performances.

LSG made one change to their lineup, bringing in Yash Thakur to replace the injured Mayank Yadav. KKR, on the other hand, replaced Vaibhav Arora with Harshit Rana.

Prior to the match, Rahul was seen practicing speaking in the local Lucknow dialect, showcasing his commitment to connecting with the city’s fans.

Teams:

Lucknow Super Giants: KL Rahul (c/wk), Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Ashton Turner, Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mohsin Khan, Yash Thakur.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Shreyas Iyer (c), Philip Salt (wk), Sunil Narine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana.

KL Rahul Breaks Silence on Strike Rate Debate, Addresses India Squad Omission

KL Rahul Breaks Silence on Strike Rate Debate, Addresses India Squad Omission

KL Rahul Breaks Silence on Strike Rate Debate, Addresses India Squad Omission

Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul has addressed the ongoing debate surrounding strike rate in T20 cricket, following his team’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024. Rahul, along with Virat Kohli, has faced criticism for their strike rates despite being among the top run-scorers in the tournament.

“There’s been a lot of talk about strike rate, and T20 cricket has changed a lot in the last couple of years,” Rahul said. “We have to adapt to the conditions and play according to the situation.”

Rahul’s comments come after he was omitted from the India squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Skipper Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar cited the need for middle-order batting options as the reason for selecting Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson as wicket-keepers.

“I’m not a best reader of a wicket, we just like chasing,” Rahul added. “The good thing is we have been able to adapt really well and quickly to the conditions.”

In the match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Rahul won the toss and opted to field. He praised the performance of Venkatesh Iyer, who scored a crucial half-century for KKR.

“He (Venkatesh Iyer) got tremendous character and happy for the way he executed,” Rahul said. “It’s important to stay in the present.”

KKR captain Shreyas Iyer also expressed confidence in his team’s ability to defend their total.

“We would have bowled as well. Defending that total with five bowlers in the last game gives us a lot of confidence,” Iyer said. “There’s a lot of self-belief in the team.”

Tennis Power Couple Badosa and Tsitsipas Announce Amicable Split

Tennis Power Couple Badosa and Tsitsipas Announce Amicable Split

Tennis Power Couple Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas Announce Amicable Split

After a year-long whirlwind romance, tennis stars Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas have announced their amicable separation. The news was shared by Badosa in a heartfelt statement posted on social media on Sunday.

The couple’s relationship began off the court in 2022, quickly becoming a high-profile affair. They launched a joint Instagram account, starred in a photoshoot together, and frequently supported each other at matches. Their bond was evident in Tsitsipas’ unwavering support for Badosa during her injury struggles.

However, despite their mutual affection, the couple has decided to part ways. In her statement, Badosa expressed gratitude for the time they shared and emphasized their decision to remain friends. “We have shared a journey filled with love and learning, and it is as friends with immense mutual respect that we now choose to move forward on our own paths,” she wrote.

Tsitsipas has been a constant source of encouragement for Badosa, both on and off the court. He has publicly praised her resilience and determination, and has been by her side through her injury recovery. Despite their separation, it is likely that their support for each other will continue.

Badosa’s statement also acknowledged the support they have received from their loved ones and fans. “We are grateful for the support of our friends, family and all who have been part of our story,” she wrote. “As we transition into this new chapter of our lives, we continue to wish each other nothing but the best in all our endeavors.”

The news of Badosa and Tsitsipas’ split has sent shockwaves through the tennis world. Fans had grown accustomed to seeing the couple together, and their public displays of affection had become a staple of the sport. However, the couple’s decision to prioritize their individual well-being is a testament to their maturity and respect for each other.

MS Dhoni Becomes First Player to Take 150 Catches in IPL History

MS Dhoni Becomes First Player to Take 150 Catches in IPL History

MS Dhoni, the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman of Chennai Super Kings, has etched his name in the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by becoming the first player to take 150 catches in the tournament’s history. This remarkable feat was achieved during the IPL match against Punjab Kings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.

Dhoni, known for his lightning-fast reflexes and astute wicketkeeping skills, has been a cornerstone of the CSK franchise since its inception. His exceptional fielding ability has played a pivotal role in the team’s success over the years. With this milestone, Dhoni has further cemented his legacy as one of the greatest wicketkeepers in the history of the game.

Dinesh Karthik of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is second on the list with 144 catches, followed by former RCB stalwart AB de Villiers, who took an impressive 118 catches during his career. Virat Kohli, also of RCB, occupies the fourth spot with 113 catches, while former CSK player Suresh Raina rounds off the top five with 109 catches.

These players have consistently showcased exceptional fielding skills throughout their IPL careers, contributing significantly to their teams’ defenses. Their ability to take difficult catches under pressure has often turned the tide of matches in their favor.

In the high-octane environment of the IPL, where matches are often decided by the narrowest of margins, every catch has the potential to be a game-changer. These players’ contributions in the field have been as crucial as their performances with the bat or ball, making them integral to their respective teams’ success in the tournament.

Dhoni’s milestone is a testament to his enduring impact on the game of cricket. His longevity and consistency at the highest level are a source of inspiration for generations of cricketers. As he continues to grace the IPL with his exceptional skills, Dhoni’s legacy as one of the greatest wicketkeepers of all time will only grow stronger.

CSK Triumph Over PBKS by 28 Runs, Jadeja, Chahar, and Patel Shine

CSK Triumph Over PBKS by 28 Runs, Jadeja, Chahar, and Patel Shine

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) emerged victorious over Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 28 runs in a thrilling encounter. CSK posted a competitive total of 167 for 9, thanks to a crucial 43 from Ravindra Jadeja. PBKS, despite a promising start, collapsed from 62 for 2 to 78 for 7, handing CSK the advantage.

CSK’s innings got off to a shaky start with the loss of Ajinkya Rahane in the powerplay. However, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube provided some stability before falling in quick succession. Jadeja’s timely intervention at No. 6 ensured CSK reached a respectable total.

PBKS’s chase began brightly, with Prabhsimran Singh hitting a brisk 30. However, Rahul Chahar’s mastery of the googly and Harshal Patel’s return to form proved too much for the Punjab side. Chahar claimed three wickets, while Patel picked up two, including the prized scalp of MS Dhoni.

The pitch played a significant role in the match. Despite its initial appearance as a batting paradise, it offered reverse swing and extra bounce, making shot-making difficult. Spinners also found assistance, with Chahar and Jadeja producing double-wicket overs.

CSK’s victory was a testament to their resilience and the brilliance of Jadeja, Chahar, and Patel. PBKS, on the other hand, will need to address their inconsistency and find a way to sustain their early momentum.

AICF Unveils Ambitious Plan to Elevate Indian Chess

AICF Unveils Ambitious Plan to Elevate Indian Chess

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) is determined to elevate the Indian chess landscape by hosting more international tournaments and launching a series of initiatives to nurture talent and expand the sport’s reach.

AICF President Nitin Narang announced plans to introduce an “AICF Super Tournament,” a unique platform that will provide Indian players with world-class competition and exposure. The tournament will feature a quota for Indian players, allowing them to compete alongside international stars.

Recognizing the need for increased opportunities, the AICF will also host a maximum number of AICF-rated tournaments, providing a competitive environment for players to hone their skills. The federation has allocated a record budget of Rs. 65 crore to support these initiatives.

To ensure equal opportunities, the AICF has pledged to eliminate gender disparities in prize money. Both male and female players will receive equal compensation in all tournaments and contracts.

The federation’s focus extends beyond elite players. It aims to strengthen the sport’s foundation by establishing district associations in every district, promoting chess in schools, and implementing an AICF rating system. This system will allow amateur players to get rated and participate in more tournaments, fostering a thriving chess ecosystem.

To address the lack of standardized academies, the AICF plans to launch 20 online academies and seek corporate support to establish 700 standardized academies across the country. These academies will provide training and support to young players, nurturing their talent and creating a pipeline of future champions.

The AICF’s comprehensive approach aims to transform the Indian chess landscape, providing opportunities for players of all levels, promoting the sport at the grassroots, and ensuring that India remains a global chess powerhouse.

MS Dhoni Bats at Unprecedented No. 9 Position in IPL 2024

MS Dhoni Bats at Unprecedented No. 9 Position in IPL 2024

MS Dhoni’s Unprecedented Batting Position in IPL 2024

In a surprising turn of events, former Indian captain MS Dhoni came out to bat at an unfamiliar position of No. 9 for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their IPL 2024 match against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Sunday. This marked the first time in Dhoni’s illustrious T20 career that he had batted so low in the order.

Throughout his career, Dhoni has predominantly batted between No. 3 and No. 7, with occasional stints at No. 8. However, his move to No. 9 raised eyebrows among fans and experts alike. The decision was even more puzzling considering that Dhoni had recently been batting at No. 8 during IPL 2023.

Despite the unusual batting position, Dhoni’s stay at the crease was short-lived. He was dismissed for a golden duck by Harshal Patel, who deceived him with a slower delivery that dipped rapidly and crashed into the off-stump.

Dhoni’s dismissal left CSK fans shell-shocked, as it was the first time he had been dismissed by a bowler in IPL 2024. His previous dismissal in the last match against PBKS was a run-out.

Speaking about his wicket celebration, Patel expressed his respect for Dhoni and explained the strategy behind his slower delivery. “I have too much respect for him to celebrate when I get him out,” Patel said. “The ball starts reversing, and it’s all about the feel of that delivery. Most batters don’t pick it.”

Dhoni’s batting position has been a topic of discussion among cricket pundits. Some believe that it is a sign of his declining batting abilities, while others argue that it is a tactical move by CSK to protect their star player from facing the new ball.

Regardless of the reasons behind his batting position, Dhoni’s dismissal at No. 9 serves as a reminder that even the greatest players can be vulnerable to unexpected setbacks.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart