AB de Villiers Questions MS Dhoni's CSK Captaincy Decision

AB de Villiers Questions MS Dhoni’s CSK Captaincy Decision

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season kicked off with a highly anticipated clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Chennai. Former RCB star AB de Villiers expressed his skepticism about MS Dhoni’s decision to step down as CSK captain in favor of Ruturaj Gaikwad.

De Villiers, now a cricket analyst, stated, “I think it’s a huge mistake. To me, MS Dhoni is five guys in the team as captain. Will that work together? I am not sure. We will have to wait and see. I do think it’s a mistake. What happened last time is similar. I feel CSK’s all about MS Dhoni’s leadership. And his captaincy will be a mistake.”

Gaikwad, the newly appointed CSK skipper, revealed that Dhoni had hinted at the captaincy change last year. “Last year itself, Mahi bhai had hinted about captaincy at some point of time. He just hinted that, ‘be ready, it shouldn’t be a surprise to you’. When we came into the camp, he involved me in some of the match simulation.”

Despite losing the toss, Gaikwad remained confident. “Feel privileged. But I want to try and be in my shoes, not fill anybody’s shoes. (On captaincy) I got to know last week, but Mahi bhai hinted at it last year,” he said.

CSK fans have high hopes for the season under Gaikwad’s leadership. His past success, including leading India to gold in the Hangzhou Asian Games, adds weight to their expectations.

Ravindra's Stunning Catch Triggers RCB Collapse in IPL Clash

Ravindra’s Stunning Catch Triggers RCB Collapse in IPL Clash

Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) debutant Rachin Ravindra made an immediate impact in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with a stunning catch to dismiss Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis, triggering a mini-collapse that halted RCB’s early momentum.

RCB had started strongly, reaching 41 for no loss in 4.2 overs, but Ravindra’s athleticism changed the course of the match. Du Plessis, who had looked dangerous with 35 off 23 balls, attempted to hit another boundary off Mustafizur Rahman but found Ravindra running in from deep covers. The New Zealand allrounder lunged forward and took a spectacular catch, sending Du Plessis back to the pavilion.

Mustafizur then struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Rajat Patidar for a duck and Glenn Maxwell for zero. Deepak Chahar added to RCB’s woes by removing Virat Kohli for 21, caught by Ravindra. Cameron Green became Mustafizur’s fourth victim, leaving RCB reeling at 78 for 5 in 11.4 overs.

Kohli’s dismissal marked a significant milestone in his career, as he reached 12,000 runs in T20 cricket. However, his innings was cut short by Mustafizur’s brilliance.

Ravindra’s catch and Mustafizur’s bowling prowess proved to be the turning point in the match, as RCB struggled to recover from the early setbacks. CSK’s fielding and bowling efforts ultimately helped them secure a crucial victory over their rivals.

ATP Tour Unveils 2025 Calendar with Masters 1000 Expansion and 500-Level Additions

ATP Tour Unveils 2025 Calendar with Masters 1000 Expansion and 500-Level Additions

The ATP Tour has unveiled its 2025 calendar, introducing significant changes to its Masters 1000 tournaments and expanding its 500-level events.

Masters 1000 Expansion:

The number of 12-day Masters 1000 tournaments will increase from five to seven in 2025. Canada and Cincinnati will join Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, Rome, and Shanghai in this extended format. This move aims to enhance the prestige and competitiveness of these top-tier events.

500-Level Additions:

The ATP Tour will add three new 500-level tournaments to its calendar: Dallas, Doha, and Munich. These events will elevate from their current 250-level status, providing more opportunities for players to compete at a higher level. The tour believes this will create a more consolidated narrative for fans and increase the visibility of the 500-level category.

Other Adjustments:

In addition to the Masters 1000 expansion and 500-level additions, the ATP Tour has made several other adjustments to its 2025 calendar:

* The Hamburg Open (ATP 500) will move from July to May.
* The Cordoba Open (ATP 250) will relocate to Mallorca, leading up to Wimbledon.
* The Mifel Tennis Open by Telcel Oppo (Los Cabos, ATP 250) will reschedule from February to July.

ATP Finals and Next Gen ATP Finals:

The ATP Finals will remain in Turin, while the Next Gen ATP Finals will continue to be held in Jeddah.

Conclusion:

The ATP Tour’s 2025 calendar reflects its commitment to enhancing the fan experience and providing more opportunities for players to compete at the highest level. The expansion of Masters 1000 tournaments and the addition of new 500-level events will create a more dynamic and competitive tour in the years to come.

Social Media Sensation Orry Joins IPL Commentary Panel, Sparks Mixed Reactions

Social Media Sensation Orry Joins IPL Commentary Panel, Sparks Mixed Reactions

Social media sensation Orry made a surprising appearance on the IPL 2024 commentary panel for the opening match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Despite having no prior experience in cricket commentary, Orry’s presence alongside renowned experts like Virender Sehwag and Suresh Raina sparked mixed reactions.

Orry’s inclusion was widely seen as an attempt to attract viewers and generate buzz. However, some questioned his qualifications as a cricket expert. On social media, fans expressed their skepticism, with one user tweeting, “Ye orry kaun sa cricket expert hai?” (Who is this Orry cricket expert?).

Meanwhile, others defended Orry’s presence, arguing that his popularity and social media reach could bring a fresh perspective to the commentary. They pointed to his ability to connect with a younger audience and his potential to make the game more accessible to new fans.

In a related development, newly appointed Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad credited the franchise’s unwavering support for his resurgence in form. Gaikwad had endured a difficult start to the season, scoring just five runs in his first three innings. However, CSK management assured him of their belief in his abilities, which gave him the confidence to turn things around.

Gaikwad went on to win the Orange Cap in the 2021 season, scoring 635 runs at an average of 45.35. He has since become a key player for CSK, scoring over 1,700 runs in 52 matches.

Gaikwad emphasized the importance of supporting young players and creating a positive environment within the team. He said, “I am trying to help younger players who are not able to get games, make sure they are in good and happy space and do not feel frustrated.”

Sri Lanka's Mendis and De Silva Rescue Team with Epic 200-Run Stand

Sri Lanka’s Mendis and De Silva Rescue Team with Epic 200-Run Stand

Sri Lanka’s Test newcomers Kamindu Mendis and captain Dhananjaya de Silva defied Bangladesh’s fast bowlers to forge a remarkable 200-run partnership, rescuing their team from a precarious position.

After losing five wickets for just 57 runs, Sri Lanka’s hopes seemed bleak. However, Mendis and de Silva stepped up to the plate, becoming only the second Sri Lanka pair to add a 200-run stand after losing five wickets for less than 60.

Mendis, playing in just his second Test, showed maturity beyond his years. Despite being dropped on the first ball of his innings, he counter-attacked with a flurry of drives and sixes. De Silva, on the other hand, played a more measured innings, using the fast bowlers’ pace and bounce to his advantage.

Together, they weathered the storm and gradually rebuilt Sri Lanka’s innings. Mendis reached his maiden Test century first, while de Silva followed suit in the same over. Their partnership not only stabilized Sri Lanka’s position but also put Bangladesh’s bowlers under immense pressure.

Mendis’s aggressive approach kept the scoreboard ticking over, while de Silva’s experience and composure provided the necessary stability. They both played with a positive mindset, taking advantage of any loose deliveries.

Mendis’s performance was particularly impressive, as he replaced Sadeera Samarawickrama in the Sri Lanka XI and may have earned a permanent spot in the team. His ability to handle pressure and score quickly under difficult circumstances has caught the attention of the selectors.

The 200-run partnership between Mendis and de Silva was a testament to their skill, determination, and resilience. It not only saved Sri Lanka from a potential collapse but also gave them a solid foundation to build on in the second innings.

Ramkumar Ramanathan Overcomes Chirag Duhan in Chandigarh ITF Quarterfinals

Ramkumar Ramanathan Overcomes Chirag Duhan in Chandigarh ITF Quarterfinals

Second seed Ramkumar Ramanathan faced a stern test from qualifier Chirag Duhan in the quarterfinals of the HPCL-Mittal $15,000 ITF men’s tennis tournament in Chandigarh. After dropping the first set 4-6, Ramanathan rallied to win the next two sets 6-2, 6-4, securing a hard-fought victory.

In the first set, Duhan displayed impressive form, taking an early lead and maintaining it throughout. However, Ramanathan’s experience and composure came to the fore in the second set. He broke Duhan’s serve twice and dominated the set, leveling the match.

The third set proved to be the most intense, with both players trading blows. Duhan surged ahead 3-1, but Ramanathan refused to be deterred. He fought back with determination, winning five consecutive games to seal the victory.

In the semifinals, Ramanathan will face Nam Hoang Ly of Vietnam, who defeated Thanapet Chanta of Thailand in straight sets. Top seed Khumoyun Sultanov also advanced to the semifinals after a 7-6(4), 6-4 win over Siddharth Vishwakarma. S. Mukund completed the semifinal lineup with a comfortable 6-2, 6-3 victory over Bang Shuo Yin.

In doubles, Siddhant Banthia and Karan Singh upset second seeds Manish Sureshkumar and Vishnu Vardhan in straight sets. They will now face the Korean duo of Yunseok Jang and Woobin Shin in the title clash.

Andrew Flintoff Tipped as Future England Head Coach Candidate

Andrew Flintoff Tipped as Future England Head Coach Candidate

Rob Key, England’s managing director, believes that Andrew Flintoff possesses exceptional leadership qualities and would be an ideal candidate for the England head coach position in the future. Key, a close friend of Flintoff, played a pivotal role in his return to the public eye after a serious accident in 2022.

Flintoff’s involvement with the England team has gradually increased since his initial unpaid role during the New Zealand series last year. He has since mentored the England Lions and is now part of the back-room staff for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.

Key believes that Flintoff’s personal experiences, both on and off the field, have equipped him with the emotional intelligence and empathy that are essential for effective leadership. He compares Flintoff to Ben Stokes, another former England captain known for his ability to connect with players and inspire them.

“Flintoff is a leader like Stokes,” Key said. “He knows what it’s like to struggle and come out the other end. He can relate to players and understand their challenges. He has high emotional intelligence and knows when to offer support or provide blunt honesty.”

Flintoff’s role with England will extend into the ODI series against Pakistan before the T20 World Cup. Key sees this as a valuable opportunity for Flintoff to gain further experience in team management and squad assembly. He hopes that other former players, such as Moeen Ali and Eoin Morgan, can also be integrated into the coaching setup in the future.

“Flintoff is on a brilliant journey in his coaching development,” Key said. “He’s gaining practical experience in various roles, which is more valuable than theoretical knowledge. We want to create opportunities for former players with these skills to learn and contribute to the team.”

Pat Cummins Embraces Captaincy Challenge in IPL Debut

Pat Cummins Embraces Captaincy Challenge in IPL Debut

Pat Cummins, the World Cup-winning Australian skipper, is embarking on a new challenge as the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL). While the shortest format of the game may not be physically demanding, Cummins acknowledges the mental challenges and logistical complexities involved in the two-month-long tournament.

Cummins, who also led Australia to victory in the World Test Championship, is tasked with reviving the fortunes of Sunrisers Hyderabad, who finished at the bottom of the table last season. “It’s a format I’ve never captained before,” Cummins said. “Tomorrow is going to be my first game. With a bit of preparation, I’m good to go.”

The IPL’s demanding schedule, with 14 games played over six to seven weeks, poses a unique challenge for players. “It’s got its challenges,” Cummins explained. “You play 14 games in six-seven weeks, plus finals. I’m used to playing a lot of Test cricket, so four overs isn’t as taxing on your body. But it can be mentally taxing to travel, you’re playing a new team every few days you’ve got to prepare for.”

Despite the challenges, Cummins is confident in his team’s abilities. “We have got loads of experienced guys excited with the lineup,” he said. “Bhuvi I will be leaning on a lot. We have got a lot of experience and young guys as well.”

Cummins, who was the second most expensive buy at this year’s IPL auction, will not only have the burden of captaincy but also the pressure to deliver with the ball. He will have Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the only other experienced bowler in the line-up, along with T Natarajan and Jaydev Unadkat.

“We have got loads of experienced guys excited with the lineup,” Cummins said. “Bhuvi I will be leaning on a lot. We have got a lot of experience and young guys as well.”

Saturday’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders is being billed as a clash between Cummins and Mitchell Starc, another Australian fast bowler. “Hopefully I don’t have to face Starc,” Cummins joked. “It’s funny beauty of the IPL. These guys playing Starcy for 15 years.”

IPL 2024: CSK vs RCB Headline Clash in Chennai, Free Streaming for USA Fans

IPL 2024: CSK vs RCB Headline Clash in Chennai, Free Streaming for USA Fans

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is set to kick off on March 22, and cricket enthusiasts in the USA are eagerly anticipating the headline clash between reigning champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Chennai.

For fans in the USA, the ‘Willow by Cricbuzz’ app is the go-to destination to catch all the IPL action. The app offers seamless live streaming and comprehensive coverage of every match.

Abound, a Times of India company, is a super app tailored for NRIs, providing unbeatable cashback offers and remittances for Indians in the US. By joining Abound, cricket enthusiasts can access free IPL 2024 live streaming on the ‘Willow by Cricbuzz’ app. New users signing up for Abound receive 100% cashback for 3 months, making it a perfect opportunity to enjoy uninterrupted cricket action.

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The IPL is renowned for uniting cricket’s finest talents, showcasing brilliance from established stars to emerging talents. With its legacy of delivering thrilling moments and gripping contests, the IPL promises to captivate cricket enthusiasts globally.

Don’t miss out on the excitement of IPL 2024—tune in to the ‘Willow by Cricbuzz’ app and immerse yourself in the cricketing extravaganza. Stay updated with the latest news, ball-by-ball coverage, and insights on TimesofIndia.com, your ultimate source for IPL updates.

Swiss Skiing Stars Odermatt and Gut-Behrami Dominate World Cup

Swiss Skiing Stars Odermatt and Gut-Behrami Dominate World Cup

SAALBACH-HINTERGLEMM, Austria – Swiss skiing sensation Marco Odermatt continued his remarkable season by securing the World Cup super-G crystal globe on Friday, adding to his already impressive haul of overall and giant slalom titles.

Under the warm Austrian sun, Odermatt skied cautiously in the final super-G race, finishing fifth to clinch the season-long title. The victory was particularly sweet as three other Swiss skiers swept the podium places, with Stefan Rogentin claiming his maiden World Cup win.

Rogentin, Loïc Meillard, and Arnaud Boisset finished 1-2-3, showcasing the depth of Swiss skiing talent. Odermatt, who started immediately after his closest challenger Vincent Kriechmayr, praised Rogentin’s performance.

“Roggy deserved his first victory,” Odermatt said. “I watched from the start and they skied amazing.”

Odermatt’s super-G triumph marks his third consecutive overall World Cup title at the age of 26. He now has a commanding lead in the overall standings with 1,947 points, putting him in contention to break his own record for the highest points total in a single season.

Earlier in the day, Lara Gut-Behrami, another Swiss skiing star, secured the women’s super-G season title by finishing seventh in the race. Gut-Behrami, who also holds the overall and giant slalom titles, leads the downhill standings going into Saturday’s season-ending race.

Both Odermatt and Gut-Behrami have been dominant forces in the World Cup this season, showcasing the strength of Swiss skiing. With the downhill races remaining, they have the opportunity to further extend their impressive records.

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