Tom Moody Questions Prithvi Shaw's Exclusion from Delhi Capitals' Playing XI

Tom Moody Questions Prithvi Shaw’s Exclusion from Delhi Capitals’ Playing XI

Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody has expressed his bewilderment over the exclusion of Prithvi Shaw from the Delhi Capitals’ (DC) playing XI in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Moody believes that Shaw’s international experience and talent warrant his inclusion in the team, despite his recent struggles in the IPL.

“It doesn’t make sense to have an Indian international player like Prithvi Shaw sitting in the dugout,” Moody told ESPNcricinfo. “Yes, he hasn’t performed in the IPL as we had hoped, but you can’t score runs from the dugout.”

Shaw, who has represented India in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, has been overlooked for DC’s first two matches in IPL 2024. Ricky Bhui has been given the nod instead, but has failed to impress with scores of 3 and 0 against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), respectively.

Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer also questioned Shaw’s continued omission from the playing XI. “Now that they have held onto him and not let him go into the auction, I’m surprised they’re not playing him,” Jaffer said. “He’s played for Mumbai for most of the season, so you’d imagine that he’s fit. I’m surprised. Punishing him and then losing the games is not the way to go forward.”

Shaw’s exclusion has raised concerns about the gap between domestic cricket and the intensity of international cricket and the IPL. Moody highlighted this disparity after Ricky Bhui’s dismissal for a duck against RR. “That’s exactly what you’d like to see a genuine quick bowler do,” Moody said. “And to do it to a top-order player is even more alarming. What it does also is highlight the jump between Ranji Trophy runs to international cricket and IPL.”

The Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals will be eager to secure their first win in IPL 2024 when they face reigning champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday. Shaw’s inclusion in the playing XI could provide the team with the spark they need to turn their fortunes around.

Steve Smith Questions Mumbai Indians' Tactics in Record-Breaking IPL Loss

Steve Smith Questions Mumbai Indians’ Tactics in Record-Breaking IPL Loss

Mumbai Indians’ perplexing tactics in their record-breaking IPL loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad have drawn criticism from former Australia captain Steve Smith. Smith expressed bewilderment over the decision to limit premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah to just six deliveries up until the 13th over of the match.

Sunrisers Hyderabad posted the highest ever IPL total of 277/3, powered by a stunning display of power-hitting. Despite an equally aggressive response from Mumbai Indians, they fell short by 31 runs.

Smith questioned the timing of Bumrah’s introduction into the attack, stating that he should have been brought back earlier to stem the flow of runs. “I was perplexed with some of their bowling changes in the first innings for Mumbai. Bumrah bowled in the fourth over, he went for 5 and then we didn’t see him again till the 13th over when they were on 173,” Smith said.

He emphasized that Bumrah’s late reintroduction rendered him ineffective. “All the damage had been done, you needed your best bowler to be coming back and take some wickets in that period and I think they missed a trick there bringing him back only in the 13th over.”

Smith believes that Bumrah’s absence from the attack allowed Hyderabad to accumulate a massive total. “I think he got a few things wrong, and that was the main one for me. I mean you can’t have one of the best bowlers in the world bowling one over.”

He suggested that Bumrah should have been utilized more aggressively, even if it meant taking risks. “When the ball is going around like that, you’ve just got to bring your best bowler back earlier than you would have liked. It’s just about adapting on the go and I’d have almost bowled Bumrah out by the 15th, 16th over, try to get some wickets, if he gets wickets, you slow the rate down anyway.”

Smith acknowledged the extraordinary power-hitting contest that unfolded, with a total of 38 sixes hit. “It was an incredible game.”

Another former cricketer, Brian Lara, praised Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Abhishek Sharma for his blistering 23-ball 63. “Abhishek Sharma is one of my favorite young batters…He can hit it, he’s not a big muscular guy, but when he hits the ball it stays hit. I think his was a special knock today,” Lara said.

Riyan Parag's Heroics Power Rajasthan Royals to Thrilling IPL Victory

Riyan Parag’s Heroics Power Rajasthan Royals to Thrilling IPL Victory

Riyan Parag’s heroics propelled Rajasthan Royals to a thrilling 12-run victory over Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday. Despite battling illness for the past three days, Parag’s remarkable innings of 84 not out off 45 balls spearheaded Rajasthan Royals to a formidable total of 185 for 5.

The 22-year-old from Assam showcased maturity beyond his years, anchoring the Rajasthan Royals innings after they found themselves at 36 for 3 in the eighth over. Parag’s exceptional performance earned him the Player of the Match award, marking a significant breakthrough in his cricketing journey.

Reflecting on his journey and the support of his family, Parag expressed gratitude, stating, “(Emotions) They are settled, mom is here, she has seen the struggle, the last 3-4 years.”

Despite facing scrutiny in previous seasons, Parag’s perseverance and dedication finally paid off, with his elevated role at No. 4 proving instrumental in Rajasthan Royals’ success. His stellar domestic form preceding the IPL season further bolstered his confidence and performance on the field.

Rajasthan Royals’ captain, Sanju Samson, commended Parag’s talent, remarking, “Riyan Parag has been a big name in the last few years. Wherever I go, people ask me about him. There is something very special he can give to Indian cricket.”

The match witnessed a remarkable turnaround for Rajasthan Royals, who found themselves at 36 for 3 in the eighth over. However, Parag’s composed innings and strategic partnerships propelled the team to a competitive total.

Also Read: How to watch IPL 2024 live in USA, Canada and MENA region

Furthermore, RR’s decision to include Nandre Burger as an impact player proved astute, with the South African pacer making crucial breakthroughs. Samson highlighted the importance of utilizing all 15 players effectively in the evolving dynamics of the IPL.

In the final over, Avesh Khan’s impeccable execution under pressure sealed the victory for Rajasthan Royals. Reflecting on his strategy, Avesh emphasized the importance of clear planning and execution, saying, “I try to improve myself everytime. In T20s I try to reinvent myself. I never think about selection and only practice what I want to bowl.”

(Inputs from PTI)

Pakistan to Tour Ireland for Three T20Is in May

Pakistan to Tour Ireland for Three T20Is in May

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the schedule for Pakistan’s three-match T20I tour of Ireland. The matches will be played at Castle Avenue in Dublin on May 10, 12, and 14. This series is part of Pakistan’s 12-match preparation for the T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies.

Before heading to Ireland, Pakistan will host New Zealand for five T20Is in April, with the first match scheduled for April 18. The final game of the series will take place on April 27. Following the New Zealand series, Pakistan will embark on a tour of England, where they will play four T20Is starting May 22.

Pakistan’s last T20I outing was against New Zealand in January, where they played a five-match series in New Zealand. Ireland, on the other hand, recently faced Afghanistan in the UAE, losing both the ODI and T20I series. However, they secured a historic first Test win in Abu Dhabi.

The T20I series against Pakistan will be Ireland’s first international matches since their tour of the UAE. Pakistan was initially scheduled to play three T20Is against the Netherlands in May, but the series was postponed indefinitely due to scheduling conflicts and concerns about player workload.

The PCB is actively seeking an alternative window to reschedule the Netherlands series. The upcoming T20I series against Ireland will provide Pakistan with valuable preparation for the T20 World Cup. The team will be looking to fine-tune their skills and build momentum ahead of the global tournament.

Steve Smith Praises MS Dhoni's Unparalleled Cricketing Acumen and Leadership

Steve Smith Praises MS Dhoni’s Unparalleled Cricketing Acumen and Leadership

Australian cricket legend Steve Smith has heaped praise upon former Indian captain MS Dhoni, hailing him as an unparalleled cricketing mind and exceptional leader. Smith, who played alongside Dhoni during his stint with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), described the experience as “tremendous,” highlighting Dhoni’s exceptional skills behind the stumps and his profound understanding of the game.

“There’s no one better in India to have behind the stumps than MS Dhoni,” Smith remarked. “The way he understands the game and the angles of the game is second to none. So look, he was a tremendous person to play with. I really enjoyed his company on and off the field.”

Smith also lauded Dhoni’s calm demeanor and his significant contributions to his cricketing development. “He’s such a chilled guy, obviously extremely busy with loads of things outside the game, but extremely chilled down to earth and a wonderful person,” Smith said. “There were many occasions where MS was fantastic. You know, I really enjoyed playing with him. I enjoyed leading him as well. He certainly helped me out.”

Dhoni’s illustrious reign with CSK came to an end when the franchise appointed Ruturaj Gaikwad as the new captain. However, despite Dhoni’s departure from the leadership role, CSK has commenced their IPL 2024 campaign with remarkable victories against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT).

Smith’s admiration for Dhoni is a testament to the latter’s enduring legacy in Indian cricket. Dhoni’s exceptional cricketing acumen, leadership prowess, and calm demeanor have made him one of the most respected and successful captains in the history of the game.

Danielle Collins Reaches Miami Open Final in Farewell Tour Triumph

Danielle Collins Reaches Miami Open Final in Farewell Tour Triumph

Danielle Collins’ farewell tour has reached its peak at the Miami Open, where the American has stormed into her first WTA 1000 final. Collins’ impressive run continued with a dominant 6-3, 6-2 victory over Ekaterina Alexandrova, setting up a championship clash with 2023 finalist Elena Rybakina.

Collins’ announcement that 2024 would be her final season has been followed by some of her best tennis. The unseeded American has dismissed three seeds en route to the semis, including former world No. 4 Caroline Garcia. Against Alexandrova, Collins’ unyielding determination and tactical brilliance proved too much for the Russian.

Alexandrova, who had stunned world No. 1 Iga Swiatek and No. 5 seed Jessica Pegula, was unable to match Collins’ consistency and precision. Collins broke serve twice in the opening set, forcing Alexandrova into errors. The second set was even more one-sided, as Collins opened with another break and powered to victory with a total of 21 winners to 17 unforced errors.

Collins’ victory marks her biggest final since the 2022 Australian Open, where she finished runner-up to Ashleigh Barty. She will now face No. 4 seed Rybakina, who leads their head-to-head record 3-1. Collins’ lone win over the Kazakh came in their first meeting in San Jose in 2021.

Collins’ success in Miami is a testament to her resilience and determination. Despite announcing her retirement, she has played with renewed vigor and focus. Her ability to overcome adversity and perform at her best under pressure is a testament to her character and unwavering spirit.

Mumbai Indians Face Uphill Battle After Two Consecutive IPL Defeats

Mumbai Indians Face Uphill Battle After Two Consecutive IPL Defeats

Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2024 campaign has started with two consecutive defeats, raising concerns among fans and experts alike. The franchise’s decision to trade Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans and appoint him as captain has come under scrutiny after the team’s poor start.

In their opening match, Mumbai narrowly lost to Gujarat Titans, but their second match against Sunrisers Hyderabad was a heavy defeat, with Hyderabad scoring a mammoth 277 runs in 20 overs. Pandya has faced criticism for his leadership and performance, while his wife, Natasa Stankovic, has been targeted by trolls on social media.

Despite the setbacks, Pandya remains optimistic and has urged his team to stay united. “Toughest soldiers get the toughest test; we are the toughest team in the competition,” he said in a video posted on Mumbai Indians’ social media handle. “Let’s make sure we will help each other; worst or good, we will be together.”

Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who is a mentor for Mumbai Indians, believes the team has the potential to turn things around. “The game was very much open. The target was very much achievable,” he said. “Let’s stick together, tighter. There are going to be tougher moments, we will stick together as a group and pull it through.”

Mumbai Indians will be looking to bounce back in their next match against Chennai Super Kings on April 15. The team will need to find a way to improve their bowling and fielding, while also finding consistency with their batting.

IPL 2024: RR-DC Match Halted Due to Foreign Player Substitution Confusion

IPL 2024: RR-DC Match Halted Due to Foreign Player Substitution Confusion

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) witnessed a controversial interruption due to a misunderstanding regarding the tournament’s rules on foreign player substitutions.

The incident occurred when RR decided to field Rovman Powell as a substitute fielder after starting the match with three overseas players: Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer, and Trent Boult. They had earlier brought in Nandre Burger as their impact player in place of Hetmyer.

However, the DC camp raised concerns, pointing out that RR would be fielding five overseas players if Powell entered the field. This prompted a discussion between DC head coach Ricky Ponting, director of cricket Sourav Ganguly, and the fourth umpire.

According to IPL rules, a team cannot have more than four overseas players on the field at any time. If a team fields four overseas players in its starting XI, an overseas player can only substitute another overseas player. If a team fields less than four overseas players in its starting XI, overseas players can enter the field as substitutes only if the total number of overseas players on the field does not exceed four.

In this case, RR had already fielded three overseas players in their starting XI. By bringing in Powell as a substitute fielder, they would have exceeded the permissible limit of four overseas players on the field.

The confusion stemmed from the fact that RR had initially named only three overseas players in their starting XI. However, they later decided to bring in Burger as an impact player, which effectively increased the number of overseas players in their starting XI to four.

The issue was eventually resolved, and RR was allowed to field Powell as a substitute fielder. However, the incident highlighted the importance of clear understanding and adherence to tournament rules.

Despite the controversy, RR went on to defeat DC by 12 runs. Riyan Parag smashed an unbeaten 84 off 45 balls, while Nandre Burger and Yuzvendra Chahal picked up two wickets each.

Maple Leafs Crush Capitals 5-1, Bertuzzi Scores Twice

Maple Leafs Crush Capitals 5-1, Bertuzzi Scores Twice

Toronto’s Maple Leafs emerged victorious over the Washington Capitals 5-1 on Thursday night, fueled by Tyler Bertuzzi’s two goals and Joseph Woll’s impressive performance in net.

Bertuzzi, who has now scored six goals in his last seven games, opened the scoring for Toronto in the second period, followed by a goal from Mark Giordano, who returned to action after a lengthy injury absence. Conner Dewar and Bobby McMann also contributed goals to the Maple Leafs’ tally.

Washington’s lone goal came from Nic Dowd, while Charlie Lindgren made 43 saves in a valiant effort. The Capitals, who are battling for a playoff spot, fell to 36-27-9 with the loss.

Woll, who had struggled in his previous two starts, rebounded with a solid performance, making 24 saves and helping Toronto improve to 41-22-9.

Despite missing top-line winger Mitch Marner and several key defensemen due to injuries, the Maple Leafs managed to secure the win. Auston Matthews, the NHL’s leading goal scorer, played for Toronto despite missing the morning skate due to illness.

Giordano, the oldest player in the league at age 40, scored his first goal in 31 games, a poignant moment as he celebrated by pointing to the sky in honor of his late father.

Bertuzzi’s second goal of the night came off a turnover with less than 10 minutes remaining, sealing the victory for Toronto.

Dimitrov Stuns Alcaraz, Rybakina Reaches Miami Open Final

Dimitrov Stuns Alcaraz, Rybakina Reaches Miami Open Final

In a stunning upset, eleventh-seeded Grigor Dimitrov dethroned top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz 6-2, 6-4 in the Miami Open quarterfinals, marking his first victory over a top-five player in nearly five years. Dimitrov’s triumph sets up a semifinal clash with fourth-seeded Alexander Zverev, who defeated unseeded Fabian Marozsan 6-3, 7-5.

Alcaraz, the reigning champion, struggled to find his rhythm against Dimitrov’s aggressive play. The Bulgarian broke Alcaraz’s serve twice in the first set, taking it 6-2. In the second set, Alcaraz rallied back from a 4-2 deficit, breaking Dimitrov at love and holding serve to level the set at 4-4. However, Dimitrov regained control, winning the final two games to seal the victory.

This win marks a significant milestone for Dimitrov, who had not defeated a top-five player since his victory over Roger Federer in the 2019 US Open quarterfinals. It also boosts his confidence ahead of the upcoming clay-court season, where he has historically performed well.

On the women’s side, fourth-seeded Elena Rybakina battled through a grueling three-set match against No. 27 Victoria Azarenka, ultimately prevailing 6-4, 0-6, 7-6 (2) in the semifinals. Rybakina will face either No. 14 Ekaterina Alexandrova or unseeded Danielle Collins in the final.

Rybakina, ranked fourth on the WTA Tour, has been pushed to three sets in all but one match this tournament. Despite the physical toll, she remains determined to capture her third title of the year.

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