Rajasthan Royals' Fielding Follies Continue in IPL 2024

Rajasthan Royals’ Fielding Follies Continue in IPL 2024

Rajasthan Royals’ Fielding Follies Continue in IPL 2024

Rajasthan Royals’ fielding woes resurfaced in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Punjab Kings, with a comical collision between captain Sanju Samson and fast bowler Avesh Khan reminiscent of a similar incident in IPL 2023.

During the penultimate over of Punjab Kings’ first innings, Ashutosh Sharma’s miscued shot off Khan’s delivery led to a chaotic scramble for the catch. Samson and Khan collided in their pursuit, allowing Sharma to escape and score valuable runs.

Samson acknowledged the amusing nature of the recurring mishaps but stressed the importance of fielding. “We had a few funny instances from last year and this year. But I am really happy that everyone is eager to go and catch it,” he said.

However, Samson also highlighted the challenges of communication and noise in such situations. “It gets a bit tough actually – the stadium is full of noise and when people call, we are looking at the ball, we can’t see who is coming,” he explained.

Samson emphasized the importance of fielders maintaining focus and directed a message to his fast bowlers, suggesting that wicketkeepers like himself have an easier time catching such balls. “It’s a bit easier to catch with the gloves instead of hands,” he said.

Despite the occasional mishaps, Samson’s light-hearted yet firm approach underscores the Royals’ commitment to improving their fielding standards. The team’s positive spirit remains intact, even amidst the occasional on-field blunders.

Gukesh Retakes Lead in Candidates, Nakamura Stuns Caruana

Gukesh Retakes Lead in Candidates, Nakamura Stuns Caruana

In the ongoing Candidates Tournament, D Gukesh has regained a share of the lead after a comfortable victory over fellow Indian Vidit Gujrathi in Round 8. The second half of the double round-robin tournament commenced with reversed colors, and Gukesh capitalized on Vidit’s time management struggles.

Vidit’s early time pressure, coupled with Gukesh’s strategic pawn moves, led to a gradual loss of control over the a-file. Vidit’s unnecessary pawn push on b5 and subsequent d4 advance proved detrimental, allowing Gukesh to dominate the open file with his rook and queen. Gukesh’s precise play left Vidit with no counterplay, forcing him to resign.

With this win, Gukesh joins Ian Nepomniachtchi at the top of the standings with five points. Despite the pressure, Gukesh remains composed, stating, “I’ve learnt to handle it. So far, I’ve handled it well.”

Hikaru Nakamura also made a significant move in the standings, defeating Fabiano Caruana to leapfrog ahead of his compatriot. Caruana, who entered the tournament as a favorite, has shown signs of vulnerability, and his blunder against Nakamura proved costly.

Nakamura, who has now won four consecutive classical games against Caruana, attributes his success to his lack of pressure. “I feel no pressure in the Candidates. I’m playing for fun,” he said. “I’m not saying I wouldn’t be happy if I won. I’m just trying to play good chess and not make a fool of myself.”

Shivam Dube's Power-Hitting Prowess Impresses CSK Coach Fleming

Shivam Dube’s Power-Hitting Prowess Impresses CSK Coach Fleming

Shivam Dube’s Power-Hitting Prowess Earns Praise from CSK Coach Fleming

Mumbai’s Shivam Dube has emerged as a formidable force in the Indian Premier League (IPL), showcasing his exceptional power-hitting abilities. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has expressed his admiration for Dube’s raw strength, suggesting that he deserves a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad.

“I love his power. I’m biased, aren’t I? But I think when you have a bit different power like that, I would have him in the side,” Fleming stated.

Dube’s impressive IPL performances this season have further solidified his credentials. In five matches, he has amassed 176 runs at a strike rate of 160.71, including two half-centuries.

“I haven’t seen a guy hit it harder (and) consistently hit it harder. Some of the power he can generate both from spin and seam bowling is quite unique,” Fleming remarked.

Fleming emphasized the importance of India defining their game plan for the T20 World Cup before selecting players who fit those roles. He also lauded CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, comparing his batting style to that of MS Dhoni.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi shared his insights on the challenges faced by off-spinners in the T20 format. Nabi, who has played only three overs in two matches for Mumbai Indians (MI) this season, attributed this to the aggressive mindset of batsmen against off-spin.

“Every batsman thinks that an off-spinner is there to be hit. As a batsman, even I think so when I face an off-spinner. I think there is a chance for two sixes. If the conditions are bad, not much would be in my hands. In that case, I attack the batsman, try to take the wicket. To survive, I try yorkers, wide yorkers, or bowl slow. I try my best to survive those six balls,” Nabi explained.

Harsha Bhogle Questions Hardik Pandya's T20 World Cup Inclusion Amid Fitness Concerns

Harsha Bhogle Questions Hardik Pandya’s T20 World Cup Inclusion Amid Fitness Concerns

Harsha Bhogle Questions Hardik Pandya’s Inclusion in T20 World Cup Squad Amid Fitness Concerns

Renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle has ignited a debate over the inclusion of India all-rounder Hardik Pandya in the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in June. Bhogle’s comments stem from Pandya’s recent fitness struggles and limited bowling contribution in the ongoing IPL 2024 season.

Pandya, who captains the Mumbai Indians in this year’s IPL, made a comeback to cricket after a five-month hiatus due to an ankle injury sustained during the ODI World Cup last year. While Pandya initially bowled a few overs in his return matches, his bowling workload has been sporadic, raising doubts over his ability to contribute as an all-rounder.

Bhogle pointed out Pandya’s waning power-hitting skills and questioned whether he still merits a place in the T20 World Cup squad solely as a batsman if he is unable to bowl consistently. “If Hardik is not bowling, does Hardik make the T20 World Cup squad?” Bhogle questioned, while speaking on Cricbuzz. “Is he among the top six batters in India if he is not bowling? I’m not totally convinced of that because if he is not bowling and he is not finishing as powerfully, he needs to bat up, where all the competition is.”

Bhogle emphasized the importance of Pandya’s all-round abilities in balancing India’s playing XI, particularly in the absence of regular bowling options among the top-order batsmen. Pandya’s ability to bowl four overs provides a crucial additional bowling option for the team and ensures the presence of at least two all-rounders, with Ravindra Jadeja also in contention.

However, with Pandya’s fitness and bowling form under scrutiny, his selection for the T20 World Cup could hinge on his ability to regain full fitness and contribute effectively with both bat and ball.

Tiwary Backs Dube Over Pandya for T20 World Cup Squad

Tiwary Backs Dube Over Pandya for T20 World Cup Squad

Former India batter Manoj Tiwary has sparked a debate by advocating for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Shivam Dube’s inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad over Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya. Tiwary’s stance stems from Hardik’s limited bowling contributions in the ongoing IPL season, where he has bowled only one over in the last three matches.

Tiwary believes that Hardik’s bowling credentials are crucial for his selection in the T20 World Cup squad. He pointed out that Hardik’s economy rate of over 11 runs per over is a concern. “If he wants to play in the Indian T20 World Cup team as an all-rounder, he has to bowl,” Tiwary emphasized.

In contrast, Tiwary praised Dube’s bowling abilities, highlighting his impressive performance in the T20I series against Afghanistan earlier this year. He described Dube as a “clever” bowler who can be an effective replacement for Hardik.

Tiwary also criticized CSK’s usage of Dube as an impact substitute, arguing that it has hindered his development as a bowler. He believes that if Dube is not selected for the T20 World Cup, CSK will bear some responsibility for his exclusion.

Tiwary’s comments have sparked a discussion about the balance of the Indian T20 World Cup squad. With Hardik’s form and bowling contributions under scrutiny, Dube has emerged as a potential contender for a place in the team.

Punjab Kings Captaincy Controversy: Jitesh Sharma Not Designated Vice-Captain

Punjab Kings Captaincy Controversy: Jitesh Sharma Not Designated Vice-Captain

Punjab Kings’ Captaincy Controversy: Jitesh Sharma Not Designated Vice-Captain

Punjab Kings’ decision to appoint Sam Curran as captain in place of the injured Shikhar Dhawan during their IPL 2024 match against Rajasthan Royals has sparked controversy on social media. Fans expressed their displeasure, particularly as Jitesh Sharma had been earlier designated as the franchise’s ‘vice-captain’.

However, Punjab Kings head coach Sanjay Bangar has clarified that Jitesh Sharma was never officially designated as the vice-captain. He explained that Jitesh’s attendance at the IPL captain’s shoot ahead of the season was in accordance with IPL directives, which stated that any player could represent the franchise at the event.

Bangar revealed that Curran was initially slated to attend the event but missed it due to his late arrival from the UK. “Jitesh wasn’t the designated vice-captain. The impression could have been because he attended the captain’s seminar or meeting at the start of the tournament,” stated Bangar. “But we were very clear in our minds that if at all there would be an opening, it would be Sam to lead the team.”

The confusion surrounding the captaincy decision left veterans and experts puzzled, while fans expressed their frustration on social media platforms.

Ashleigh Barty's Son Steals the Show at Billie Jean King Cup

Ashleigh Barty’s Son Steals the Show at Billie Jean King Cup

Ashleigh Barty, the former world No. 1 tennis player, has been delighting fans with adorable sightings of her nine-month-old son, Hayden. Despite her retirement from the WTA Tour, Barty remains a beloved figure in the tennis world.

On Saturday, Barty brought Hayden to watch Australia’s Billie Jean King Cup team defeat Mexico in Brisbane. The mother-son duo was spotted in a box with Barty’s former doubles partner and close friend Casey Dellacqua. Hayden’s ginger hair has grown significantly since his appearance at the Brisbane International tournament in January.

Barty’s personal history with the Billie Jean King Cup ended dramatically in 2019. France staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Australia 3-2 in Perth. Barty had hoped to cap off her extraordinary year, which included victories at the French Open and WTA Finals, by leading Australia to victory. However, she fell short in a third-set tiebreak to Kristina Mladenovic, and Mladenovic and Garcia went on to defeat Barty and Sam Stosur in the deciding doubles rubber.

Barty shed tears on the podium after Australia’s Cup drought, which dates back to 1974, continued. It remains one of the few unfulfilled goals in her illustrious career, which ended abruptly in 2022 at the age of 25.

Hayden will undoubtedly learn about his mother’s tennis achievements in the future. Barty has been publishing children’s books in retirement, including a series about a young athlete named Little Ash and a new release in March titled “My Dream for You.”

Rohit Sharma Surprises Fans, Drives Mumbai Indians Team Bus

Rohit Sharma Surprises Fans, Drives Mumbai Indians Team Bus

Rohit Sharma Takes the Wheel: Mumbai Indians Star Turns Bus Driver for Teammates

In a heartwarming display of camaraderie, Mumbai Indians legend Rohit Sharma surprised fans by taking the wheel of the team’s bus. Amidst thunderous cheers, Rohit hopped into the driver’s seat and playfully asked the crowd to clear the path as he prepared to drive.

The video, which has gone viral on social media, captures the moment Rohit, no longer the Mumbai Indians captain, embraced his new role with infectious enthusiasm. Fans erupted in a frenzy, their cheers echoing through the air as they witnessed the former skipper in an unexpected light.

Rohit’s gesture not only showcased his playful spirit but also highlighted the strong bond within the Mumbai Indians squad. Despite relinquishing the captaincy to Hardik Pandya, Rohit has remained a pillar of support for the team, providing guidance and mentorship to the younger players.

Under Pandya’s leadership, Mumbai Indians endured a challenging start to the IPL 2024 season, suffering three consecutive losses. However, the team has since bounced back with two consecutive victories, demonstrating their resilience and determination.

Rohit, who turns 37 later this month, has expressed his desire to continue playing for the Indian cricket team for several more years. His unwavering passion for the game and his commitment to winning the World Cup remain strong.

“I am playing well at the moment and I am thinking of continuing for a few more years. I really want to win that World Cup. The 50-over World Cup is the actual World Cup. We have grown up watching the 50-over World Cup,” Rohit said in a recent interview.

India’s impressive performance in the Cricket World Cup 2023, where they remained unbeaten for 10 games before losing to Australia in the final, has fueled Rohit’s aspirations. He believes that the team has the potential to achieve even greater heights in the future.

“It was happening in India. We played well until that final. When we won the semis, I thought, we were just one step away from it (victory). I thought, what’s that one thing that can make us lose that final, and honestly, nothing came to my mind,” Rohit said, reflecting on the team’s near-triumph.

Rohit Sharma’s bus-driving antics have not only delighted Mumbai Indians fans but have also served as a reminder of the camaraderie and spirit that define the team. As the IPL 2024 season progresses, Rohit’s experience and leadership will undoubtedly continue to play a vital role in Mumbai Indians’ quest for success.

Paris Metro Faces Olympic Test Amidst Delays and Overcrowding

Paris Metro Faces Olympic Test Amidst Delays and Overcrowding

Paris’s iconic metro system, once a source of pride for the city, has become a daily source of frustration for commuters as the French capital prepares to host the 2024 Olympics. The system, which transports millions of people daily, has been plagued by delays, overcrowding, and understaffing since the COVID-19 pandemic.

User satisfaction has plummeted since 2020, when the RATP, which operates the metro, cut services due to mass work-from-home policies. Many employees were furloughed and never returned, while the training of new staff slowed significantly. As a result, trains are often overcrowded and run late, with some lines experiencing delays of up to 15 minutes during peak hours.

The situation is expected to worsen during the Olympics, when an estimated seven million visitors will descend upon Paris. The metro will be a crucial mode of transportation for both tourists and locals, putting immense strain on the already struggling system.

In response to the growing pressure, the RATP has implemented a major staff recruitment drive and is racing to complete key line extensions ahead of the Games. However, despite these efforts, eight out of ten lines still fall short of the minimum performance standard of 90% punctuality.

To mitigate the impact of the metro’s shortcomings, the city is promoting alternative modes of transportation. Each Olympic venue will be accessible by bike, with hundreds of kilometers of new cycle lanes and thousands of parking spots being built. Additionally, there will be no parking provision for cars at sports venues, which is expected to lead to increased traffic congestion.

Despite the challenges, organizers remain confident that the city’s transportation system will be able to handle the influx of visitors. They are urging Parisians to embrace walking and cycling as alternative modes of transportation.

Rajasthan Royals' Baffling Decision to Open with Kotian Draws Criticism

Rajasthan Royals’ Baffling Decision to Open with Kotian Draws Criticism

Rajasthan Royals’ Puzzling Decision to Open with Tanush Kotian Raises Eyebrows

In a surprising move that left cricket experts baffled, Rajasthan Royals sent off-spinning all-rounder Tanush Kotian to open the batting against Punjab Kings in their Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter. The decision drew widespread criticism and raised questions about the team’s strategy.

Former India batsman Robin Uthappa expressed his astonishment, stating, “I was dumbfounded when I saw Kotian walking out to open. What’s the logic? Putting a kid who’s playing his first IPL match in a situation he’s never been in.”

Echoing Uthappa’s sentiments, former India pacer Zaheer Khan highlighted the risks involved, remarking, “They showed exactly what not to do in a run chase. They sent a No.10 batter to open the innings. He was playing his first game. This could have cost them two points.”

Despite the initial skepticism, Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson defended the move, explaining, “He came in as an all-rounder. He had a fabulous Ranji Trophy season and has been impressing everyone in the nets. We had a settled batting order, so we didn’t want to unsettle it. Jos is almost ready for the next game, and we wanted to try him (Kotian) up the order.”

However, Kotian’s performance at the crease left much to be desired. He struggled to find momentum, playing the slowest knock by a batter facing more than 25 balls this season. His innings raised concerns about the team’s decision-making and the lack of clarity in their batting strategy.

Fortunately for Rajasthan Royals, an explosive innings by Shimron Hetmyer rescued them from potential disaster, securing a narrow three-wicket victory. The win averted a potential crisis, but the decision to open with Kotian remains a puzzling one that has left cricket pundits scratching their heads.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart