Cricket Archives

Virat Kohli Poised to Rewrite History in IPL 2024 Opener

By Nilay March 22, 2024 0

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batter, is poised to make a grand return to the cricket field in the season opener of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Friday holds the potential for Kohli to etch his name in the history books.

Kohli’s last appearance on the international stage was in January 2024, during the third T20I match between India and Afghanistan. Since then, he has been on a break, missing the recently concluded Test series against England.

However, his return to the IPL has sparked excitement among fans and pundits alike. If Kohli scores just six runs against CSK, he will become the first Indian batter to reach the milestone of 12,000 runs in T20 cricket. Currently, he stands at 11,994 runs from 376 T20 matches.

Kohli is also on the cusp of becoming the first Indian batter to score 100 half-centuries in T20s. He currently has 99 fifties to his name, trailing only Chris Gayle (110) and David Warner (109) on the all-time list.

Furthermore, Kohli has the opportunity to become the second batter to score 1000 runs against CSK in the IPL. With 985 runs in 31 matches against the Chennai-based franchise, he needs just 15 more runs to achieve this remarkable feat.

Kohli’s return to the IPL is particularly significant given his status as the tournament’s all-time leading run-scorer. In 237 matches and 229 innings, he has amassed 7263 runs at an average of 37.24 and a strike rate of 130.02. His best score is 113, and he has scored seven centuries and 50 fifties in his IPL career.

Last season, Kohli was the fourth-highest run-getter in the IPL, scoring 639 runs at an average of 53.25 and a strike rate of 139.82. His best score was 101*, and he scored two centuries and six fifties. However, he was unable to lead RCB to the playoffs.

The 17th season of the IPL promises to be an exciting one, and Kohli’s return is sure to add to the spectacle. The Southern derby between CSK and RCB on Friday will be a fitting stage for the Indian batting maestro to make history.

Categories: Cricket

Tanush Kotian Replaces Adam Zampa at Rajasthan Royals, BR Sharath Joins Gujarat Titans

By Nilay March 22, 2024 0

Tanush Kotian, the Mumbai all-rounder who played a pivotal role in their record-breaking 42nd Ranji Trophy victory, has been roped in by Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa.

Kotian, known for his crisis management skills, was acquired by the Royals at his base price of Rs 20 lakh. Despite retaining Zampa under his Rs 1.5-crore contract, the Australian opted out due to the heavy workload leading up to the T20I World Cup in June.

The 25-year-old Kotian, an off-spinner and a handy lower-order batter, had been expecting an IPL contract in 2023 after playing a vital role in Mumbai’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy triumph. However, he was reported for a suspect bowling action.

Undeterred, Kotian fought back and became the player-of-the-tournament in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy triumph this season, scoring 502 runs and taking 29 wickets. Batting at No. 8, he scored an unbeaten 120 in the second innings and followed it up with an 89 not out in the quarterfinal and semifinal games against Baroda and Tamil Nadu respectively.

In another IPL replacement, Karnataka wicketkeeper-batter BR Sharath has been signed by Gujarat Titans as a replacement for Robin Minz, who was ruled out after getting injured in a freak motorcycle accident.

Sharath, who has played 28 T20s, 20 First-Class matches, and 43 List A games for Karnataka, has 328 T20 runs to his name. He will join GT for his base price of Rs 20 lakh.

Categories: Cricket

Alec Stewart to Step Down as Surrey Director of Cricket

By Nilay March 22, 2024 0

Alec Stewart, the legendary cricketer and former England Test captain, has announced his decision to step down as Surrey’s director of cricket at the end of 2024. Stewart, 60, has been at the helm of Surrey for 11 years, overseeing a period of unprecedented success for the club.

During his tenure, Surrey has won three County Championships (2018, 2022, 2023), establishing themselves as one of the dominant forces in English domestic cricket. Stewart’s leadership has also fostered a strong dressing-room culture and a commitment to developing young talent, with nine Surrey players going on to represent England.

However, Stewart’s decision to step down is driven by a desire to prioritize his family. His wife, Lynn, has been battling cancer since 2013, and Stewart wants to dedicate more time to her and their family.

“This has been the toughest decision of my working career,” Stewart said. “But after careful consideration, I will be stepping down from my role as Director of Cricket at the end of this calendar year.”

Stewart’s departure will leave a significant void at Surrey, but he has expressed his commitment to supporting the club in any way he can. He will continue to be available for advice and guidance, and he remains passionate about the club’s future.

“I am incredibly proud of what has been achieved over the last 11 years,” Stewart said. “Supporting young talent to develop into top-quality players is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable parts of the job.”

Surrey’s chairman, Oli Slipper, praised Stewart’s leadership and legacy. “Alec has been an outstanding leader over the last 11 years,” Slipper said. “He has built a club in his own image that is hard-working, dedicated, and humble.”

Surrey’s CEO, Steve Elworthy, echoed Slipper’s sentiments. “Alec has been one of the greatest servants this club has ever seen,” Elworthy said. “His professionalism, work ethic, and commitment to the club have driven success in his playing days and even more so as Director of Cricket.”

The search for Stewart’s successor is expected to be exhaustive, given Surrey’s status as one of the leading clubs in English cricket. The club’s aims for 2024 include strengthening ties with Oval Invincibles in the Hundred and growing the women’s side of the game.

Categories: Cricket

IPL 2024 Opening Ceremony to Feature Bollywood Stars, Swedish DJ

By Nilay March 22, 2024 0

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is set to kick off with a grand opening ceremony at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, March 24th. The ceremony will precede the first match of the tournament between defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

The opening ceremony promises to be a star-studded affair, featuring performances by Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff, singer Sonu Nigam, and musical maestro AR Rahman. Swedish DJ Axwell, a member of the Swedish House Mafia, will also enthrall the fans with a live performance.

The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM, while the match will get underway at 8 PM. The opening ceremony will be telecasted on the Star Sports Network and can be streamed for free on Jio Cinema.

This year’s IPL season promises to be an exciting one, with many enthralling duels expected on the field. The tournament will see the return of several star players, including Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya.

Dhoni, who stepped down as CSK captain on the eve of the opening match, will be replaced by opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad. Kohli will be leading RCB for the first time since the birth of his son, while Pandya will be captaining Mumbai Indians, a franchise he had left a couple of seasons ago.

The IPL 2024 will feature 10 teams, with the addition of two new franchises, Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans. The tournament will be played across 12 venues in India, with the final scheduled to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 28th.

Categories: Cricket

Jasprit Bumrah Returns to Mumbai Indians, Boosting IPL Title Hopes

By Nilay March 22, 2024 0

Jasprit Bumrah Returns to Mumbai Indians, Bolstering IPL Title Hopes

Star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has made a triumphant return to the Mumbai Indians (MI) training camp, adding a formidable force to the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions. Bumrah’s comeback marks a significant boost for MI ahead of the upcoming season, as he missed IPL 2023 due to a back stress injury.

Since his IPL debut with MI in 2013, Bumrah has been an indispensable asset to the franchise. In 120 matches, he has claimed an impressive 145 wickets with an economical rate of 7.4. His return adds depth and experience to MI’s bowling attack, bolstering their aspirations for another title.

The official MI social media handle announced Bumrah’s arrival with excitement, exclaiming, “Why fear? BOOM is here.” This signals Bumrah’s readiness to return to action with the franchise.

As the countdown to IPL 2024 intensifies, MI prepares for their opening encounter against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. With high hopes and aspirations, MI aims to kickstart their campaign with a victory and set the tone for a successful season.

In IPL 2023, MI had a commendable performance, reaching the knockout stages. Despite finishing fourth in the rankings, they fell short of clinching their sixth title, losing in Qualifier 2 to Gujarat Titans.

With renewed determination and a formidable lineup, MI is poised to make a strong statement in IPL 2024. They aim for glory and redemption as they embark on their quest for another championship triumph.

Categories: Cricket

Mumbai Indians Acquire South African Speedster Kwena Maphaka

By Nilay March 22, 2024 0

Mumbai Indians (MI) have bolstered their bowling attack with the acquisition of 17-year-old South African speedster Kwena Maphaka. The young pacer joins the franchise as a replacement for Sri Lankan pacer Dilshan Madushanka, who suffered a hamstring injury.

Maphaka, who hails from Johannesburg, caught the attention of MI scouts during the recent U19 World Cup in South Africa. In nine matches, he scalped 21 wickets at an astonishing average of 9.71, showcasing his exceptional pace and wicket-taking ability.

The 17-year-old’s arrival in Mumbai was met with a heartwarming moment when his mother posed a question through the MI admin: how would he manage his studies while playing in the IPL? Maphaka responded with determination, stating that he would balance his cricket commitments with extra lessons and hard work.

Maphaka’s T20 record is equally impressive, with 13 wickets in nine games at an economy rate of 6.71. He possesses a lethal bouncer that can unsettle batters and has the ability to generate speeds of up to 140kph.

MI head coach Mark Boucher, a fellow South African, will play a crucial role in Maphaka’s development. The young pacer will have the opportunity to learn from two of the world’s best bowlers, Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah, who serve as MI’s bowling coach and star pacer, respectively.

Maphaka’s addition to the MI squad adds depth to their bowling attack. He will join a formidable lineup that includes Bumrah, Malinga, Jofra Archer, and Daniel Sams. The franchise will be hoping that the young South African can make an immediate impact and contribute to their success in the upcoming IPL season.

Categories: Cricket

International Stars Flock to Major League Cricket 2024

By Nilay March 22, 2024 0

Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 is set to witness a star-studded lineup of international players, with several high-profile signings announced on the eve of the tournament.

Texas Super Kings

The Texas Super Kings, owned by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise, have acquired New Zealand allrounder Daryl Mitchell as their new overseas signing. Mitchell, who was part of CSK’s IPL squad in 2023, will join his New Zealand teammates Mitchell Santner and Devon Conway in the USA.

MI New York

The defending champions, MI New York, have bolstered their squad with the signings of West Indies allrounder Romario Shepherd and South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje. Shepherd, who has been in impressive form for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the CPL, will reunite with his former West Indies captain and Mumbai Indians batting coach Kieron Pollard at MI NY.

Seattle Orcas

The Seattle Orcas have signed New Zealand spin-bowling allrounder Michael Bracewell, who has been troubled by injuries in recent times. Bracewell will join his former Wellington Firebirds teammate Finn Allen at the Orcas.

San Francisco Unicorns

The San Francisco Unicorns have acquired Australian batter Matt Short. Short, who has played for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League, will add depth to the Unicorns’ batting lineup.

Other Notable Signings

West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Jahmar Hamilton has been picked by the Unicorns, while former Pakistan international Hammad Azam has joined the Orcas. Former Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batter Adithya Ganesh has been selected by the Los Angeles Knight Riders as the No.1 pick in the domestic draft.

Super Kings’ Head Coach Stephen Fleming’s Comments

Super Kings’ head coach Stephen Fleming, who worked with Mitchell during his time with the New Zealand coaching staff, expressed his excitement about the allrounder’s signing. “I’m really excited to be part of the Texas Super Kings and to get to yellove again and be part of the CSK family,” Mitchell said.

Shepherd’s Impact on MI NY

Shepherd’s addition to MI NY’s squad is expected to strengthen their death bowling. The West Indian has added a Dwayne Bravo-esque slower dipper to his repertoire, which will be a valuable asset for the team.

Domestic Draft

In the domestic draft, the Super Kings snapped up Raj Nannan and Josh Tromp, while the Knight Riders selected Adithya Ganesh as their top pick. The Super Kings have also added USA mystery spinner Anirudh Immanuel as a net bowler.

Categories: Cricket

Nitish Rana Ready to Lead KKR Again if Needed, Eyes World T20 Selection

By Nilay March 22, 2024 0

Nitish Rana, the left-handed batter of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is ready to lead the team again if required, despite the return of first-choice skipper Shreyas Iyer. Rana, who was appointed captain last year due to Iyer’s unavailability, hopes that Iyer remains fit throughout the season.

“Shreyas is back with the team and is quite fit. Of course, he had fitness issues in the past, and we cannot take anything for granted. I hope I do not have to take up this responsibility again, as we are hoping Shreyas leads in all the matches,” Rana said.

However, Rana is prepared to step into the captain’s role if necessary. “If a situation arises where I have to wear the captain’s band again, I am ready for it. I was made the captain last year, and that was the biggest thing for me. Although we did not achieve everything we wanted, yet it was the greatest experience for me,” he added.

Despite last year’s disappointing performance under his captaincy, Rana believes the team has a positive mindset this season. “This time, our team is very positive, and you can feel it in the dressing room. There is a determination to win, which wasn’t so strong last year. Everyone is thinking about the trophy,” he said.

KKR has invested heavily in Mitchell Starc, the Australian fast bowler, who is expected to bolster the team’s bowling attack. Rana believes Starc’s experience will be invaluable. “Starc is too experienced to let the price tag affect him. We had been missing a death bowler, and he has filled up that spot. He knows what needs to be done. In fact, I feel he will be one of our main performers this time,” Rana said.

While Starc will be a key player, Rana also highlighted the potential of KKR’s young pacers. “Last year, all our three young pacers (Chetan Sakariya, Vaibhav Arora, and Harshit Rana) did well in bits and pieces, and we expect them to do the same this time. This is a chance for them to learn from Starc,” he said.

Rana also expressed his desire to be selected for the upcoming World T20 squad. “Everyone wants to play for the country, and many players will have it in the back of their mind, but we have to stay in the present. I too want to get selected for the World T20 squad, but at this moment, I am thinking only about the IPL. I believe I can get 600 runs in this tournament, and I will be aiming for that,” he said.

Categories: Cricket

Bangladesh Opt to Bowl First in Test Opener Against Sri Lanka

By Nilay March 22, 2024 0

Bangladesh’s decision to bowl first in the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Sylhet was influenced by the moisture in the wicket from earlier rain, which captain Najmul Hossain Shanto believed would assist seam and swing bowling. The inclusion of express pacer Nahid Rana, making his international debut, added to Bangladesh’s hopes of early breakthroughs.

Sri Lanka skipper Dhananjaya de Silva also expressed a preference for bowling first, having included three seamers in their lineup. However, they opted for just one frontline spinner in Prabath Jayasuriya, with Dhananjaya providing an off-break option and ambidextrous all-rounder Kamindu Mendis offering part-time spin.

The conditions in Sylhet were initially wet but improved with sunshine breaking through. The pitch had some grass, promising movement for the seamers early on, but it was expected to become more favorable for batting as the game progressed. Cracks in the surface suggested that spinners could play a role later in the Test.

Bangladesh’s XI featured Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque, Shahadat Hossain, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Nahid Rana, and Shoriful Islam.

Sri Lanka’s XI included Nishan Madushka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, and Lahiru Kumara.

Categories: Cricket

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka Begin Test Series in Sylhet

By Nilay March 22, 2024 0

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka Clash in Test Series Opener

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will face off in the first match of a two-match Test series at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Friday. Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and opted to field first.

Sri Lanka’s opening pair of Dimuth Karunaratne and Nishan Madushka faced the new ball from Shoriful Islam and Khaled Ahmed. Madushka was dismissed early, caught by Mehidy Hasan at third slip off Ahmed’s bowling.

Kusal Mendis joined Karunaratne at the crease, and the pair steadied the innings with a cautious approach. Ahmed and Shoriful continued to bowl tightly, but the Sri Lankan batsmen managed to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Bangladesh will be without their experienced batter, Mushfiqur Rahim, who sustained a thumb injury. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will miss the services of pacer Asitha Fernando due to a hamstring injury.

Both teams enter the series with recent victories under their belts. Bangladesh has won three of their last five games, while Sri Lanka has also recorded three wins in their past five matches.

The hosts will be confident of a positive result after defeating New Zealand in their previous Test clash. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will be looking to carry their momentum from their ODI series win into the longer format.

Sri Lanka will be keen to bounce back from their ODI setback and make Bangladesh work hard for victory. The visitors will rely on the experience of Karunaratne and Angelo Mathews, while Bangladesh will look to their young bowlers to make an impact.

The pitch at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium is expected to offer some assistance to the bowlers, particularly early on. However, it could become more difficult to bat as the game progresses.

Categories: Cricket

Virat Kohli Poised to Rewrite History in IPL 2024 Opener

Tanush Kotian Replaces Adam Zampa at Rajasthan Royals, BR Sharath Joins Gujarat Titans

Alec Stewart to Step Down as Surrey Director of Cricket

IPL 2024 Opening Ceremony to Feature Bollywood Stars, Swedish DJ

Jasprit Bumrah Returns to Mumbai Indians, Boosting IPL Title Hopes

Mumbai Indians Acquire South African Speedster Kwena Maphaka

International Stars Flock to Major League Cricket 2024

Nitish Rana Ready to Lead KKR Again if Needed, Eyes World T20 Selection

Bangladesh Opt to Bowl First in Test Opener Against Sri Lanka

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka Begin Test Series in Sylhet

NO SHIPPING CHARGES

CUSTOMER SERVICE

100% AUTHENTIC PRODUCTS

SECURE SHIPPING

Main Menu

Search For Products

Login

Category: Cricket

NO SHIPPING CHARGES

CUSTOMER SERVICE

100% AUTHENTIC PRODUCTS

SECURE SHIPPING

Main Menu

Search For Products