England Eye T20 World Cup Glory with 'Mindset of Champions'

England Eye T20 World Cup Glory with ‘Mindset of Champions’

Adil Rashid, England’s star leg-spinner, exudes confidence as the team gears up for the T20 World Cup in June. Rashid believes that England possesses the “mindset of champions” and has drawn a line under their disappointing performance at the 50-over World Cup last year.

Rashid emphasizes that the 50-over format is vastly different from T20 cricket, and England’s struggles in the former should not be a cause for concern. He highlights the team’s current status as T20 world champions and their belief in their abilities.

“We’ve got the team, we’ve got the mindset, we’ve got the players, we’ve got the experience,” Rashid said. “If we go out there having the same belief, I think we’ll – hopefully – go all the way.”

England’s white-ball coach, Matthew Mott, echoes Rashid’s sentiments. Mott believes that the team has a strong squad and is confident in their ability to win the tournament. He also suggests that captain Jos Buttler will rely more on intuition and less on data-driven decision-making during the World Cup.

Rashid believes that this approach will allow England to play with greater freedom and express themselves on the field. He emphasizes that T20 cricket requires spontaneity and a willingness to take risks.

England will announce a provisional squad for the tournament early next week. Rashid, who has not played competitively since February, will have a short build-up to the World Cup, with England scheduled to play four T20Is against Pakistan in late May.

Rashid’s comments come as the ECB launches a national tape-ball competition as part of its “core cities” program. Rashid believes that the competition can provide a legitimate talent pathway for aspiring cricketers.

“Haris Rauf came in bowling quick with a tape ball, and next thing you know, he is playing for Pakistan and [in the] PSL,” Rashid said. “These things can happen. If you see somebody with an X-factor with a tape ball, but he’s actually bowling rockets and then you give him a cricket ball and you can do something similar, then you can fast-track them.”

IPL 2024: Centuries and Bowling Brilliance Mark Week 4

IPL 2024: Centuries and Bowling Brilliance Mark Week 4

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season has witnessed a flurry of centuries and impressive bowling performances in its fourth week. Openers have dominated the batting charts, while bowlers have showcased their skills with economical spells and crucial wickets.

Sunil Narine of Kolkata Knight Riders has been a standout performer, scoring 115 runs at an average of 57.50 and claiming three wickets at an economy rate of 5.88. Jos Buttler of Rajasthan Royals has also impressed with a century in his only match so far.

Suryakumar Yadav of Mumbai Indians has been consistent with the bat, scoring 78 runs at an average of 39. Shivam Dube of Chennai Super Kings has made an impact with a quickfire 66* in his lone appearance.

Rishabh Pant of Delhi Capitals has provided stability behind the stumps, scoring 57 runs at a strike rate of 162.86. Ashutosh Sharma of Punjab Kings has been a revelation, scoring 92 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 209.09.

On the bowling front, Pat Cummins of Sunrisers Hyderabad has led the way with three wickets at an average of 14.33 and an economy rate of 10.75. Kuldeep Yadav of Delhi Capitals and Jasprit Bumrah of Mumbai Indians have also claimed three wickets each.

Avesh Khan of Rajasthan Royals has been economical with four wickets at an average of 17.25 and an economy rate of 8.63. Matheesha Pathirana of Chennai Super Kings has impressed with four wickets at an average of 7 and an economy rate of 7.

Heinrich Klaasen of Sunrisers Hyderabad has made a significant impact as an impact substitute, scoring 67 runs at a strike rate of 216.13.

Under the guidance of coach Ricky Ponting, Delhi Capitals have emerged as a strong contender, with their players featuring prominently in the Team of the Week.

RR and LSG Troll Avesh Khan for Batting Woes

RR and LSG Troll Avesh Khan for Batting Woes

Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) engaged in a playful banter on social media, poking fun at pacer Avesh Khan for his batting performance in the IPL 2024 match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Avesh, who is known for his bowling prowess, remained unbeaten on zero as Jos Buttler single-handedly guided RR to a thrilling victory. Chasing 224 for victory, RR found themselves in a precarious position at 121-6 in the 13th over. However, Buttler’s unbeaten 107 off just 60 balls propelled RR to achieve the target on the final ball.

While the cricket fraternity lauded Buttler for his match-winning knock, RR took the opportunity to have some fun with Avesh, labeling him a “finisher.”

“Finisher saahab,” RR tweeted, along with a picture of Avesh.

LSG, Avesh’s former franchise, joined in the banter, reminding fans about his scoreless cameo for them during an IPL 2024 game against RCB last year.

“2023: 0*(1)\n2024: 0*(0)\nAvesh the Finisher,” LSG tweeted.

Meanwhile, RR’s victory over KKR marked the joint-biggest successful chase in IPL history. The Sanju Samson-led side emulated their own record from IPL 2020 when they chased down 224 against Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) in Sharjah.

Buttler, who missed the last game due to injury, made a remarkable return, scoring his second century of the season in 55 balls.

“Keep believing, that was the real key today. I was struggling a bit for rhythm. At times you feel frustrated or you are questioning yourself. I tell myself ‘It’s okay, keep going, you’ll get your rhythm back and try to stay calm’. There’s been plenty of times throughout the IPL, you’ve seen crazy things happen. Guys like (M.S.) Dhoni and (Virat) Kohli, the way they stay till the end and keep believing and I tried to do the same,” Buttler said after the match.

Buttler now sits second in the all-time list of centurions in IPL, with RCB icon Virat Kohli (8) only one ton ahead of him.

Rajasthan Royals Triumph Over KKR, Avesh Khan's Catch Steals the Show

Rajasthan Royals Triumph Over KKR, Avesh Khan’s Catch Steals the Show

Rajasthan Royals’ remarkable run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 continued on Tuesday as they pulled off a thrilling two-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens. The win propelled RR to the top of the standings with 12 points, putting them on the cusp of securing a playoff berth.

The match witnessed two scintillating centuries from KKR’s Sunil Narine (109 off 56) and RR’s Jos Buttler (107 off 60). However, it was a spectacular fielding effort by Avesh Khan that stole the show.

In the fourth over of KKR’s innings, Khan outstretched his arm to grab a stunning catch off Phil Salt’s shot. The improbability of the catch, coupled with Khan’s subsequent celebration with Sanju Samson, made it an unforgettable moment.

This catch was particularly significant given Khan’s frustration with Samson during RR’s previous match against Punjab Kings. In that game, Samson ignored Khan’s call for a catch, leading to a dropped opportunity. Khan’s frustration was evident, and the catch against KKR seemed to be a redemption of sorts.

KKR, batting first, posted a formidable 223/6 thanks to Narine’s blistering knock. RR’s chase got off to a shaky start, but Buttler’s heroics turned the tide. The English opener played a match-winning innings, hitting 10 fours and 6 sixes to guide his team to victory.

The win was a testament to RR’s resilience and determination. Despite losing early wickets, they never gave up and fought back valiantly. Buttler’s century was a masterclass in batting, while Khan’s catch showcased the team’s fielding prowess.

With just a few games remaining in the league stage, RR is well-positioned to secure a playoff spot. Their impressive performances have made them one of the favorites to lift the IPL 2024 trophy.

Jos Buttler's Century Highlights Importance of Athleticism in Cricket

Jos Buttler’s Century Highlights Importance of Athleticism in Cricket

Jos Buttler’s remarkable century against Kolkata Knight Riders has reignited the debate on the importance of athleticism in modern cricket. Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody believes that elite athletes are essential in today’s demanding T20 format.

Buttler’s unbeaten 107 off 60 balls propelled Rajasthan Royals to a thrilling victory, overshadowing Sunil Narine’s earlier century. Moody praised Buttler’s resilience and physical prowess, highlighting the need for cricketers to be both skilled and physically fit.

“In today’s world of T20 cricket, you need to be an elite athlete,” Moody said. “You can’t just get away with just being a skilful player.”

Buttler’s performance was particularly impressive considering he had missed Rajasthan’s previous game due to injury. Despite losing partners regularly, he remained steadfast, showcasing his mental and physical strength.

“He’s an elite athlete, that’s why he’s still standing for that very last ball to hit the winning runs,” Moody said. “He’s coming back from an illness, he’s managed to bounce back pretty quickly because he is strong and physically strong.”

Moody emphasized that athleticism is crucial for cricketers to perform consistently in challenging conditions. “If you don’t have the hard yards as an athlete and done the hard work, you can’t put in performances like that,” he said.

Buttler’s century serves as a reminder that modern cricket demands a combination of skill, athleticism, and mental fortitude. As the game continues to evolve, the importance of elite athletes will only increase.

Jos Buttler's Unforgettable Ton Powers Rajasthan Royals to Historic IPL Victory

Jos Buttler’s Unforgettable Ton Powers Rajasthan Royals to Historic IPL Victory

Jos Buttler’s Unforgettable Ton Leads Rajasthan Royals to Historic IPL Victory

In a thrilling encounter at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener Jos Buttler etched his name into the annals of IPL history with an unbeaten century that propelled his team to a remarkable victory. The Royals chased down a mammoth target of 224 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), marking the ‘biggest-ever run-chase in IPL history.’

Buttler’s innings was a masterclass in determination and resilience. Despite battling cramps and a lack of support from his teammates, the England wicket-keeper batter stood tall, scoring 107 runs off just 60 balls. His knock included 10 fours and 6 sixes, showcasing his exceptional power and timing.

After the game, even KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan couldn’t resist acknowledging Buttler’s brilliance. In a heartwarming moment, Khan congratulated Buttler on his performance, recognizing the pain and effort he had endured during his innings.

Buttler admitted that he had doubts about Rajasthan’s chances of victory. However, he drew inspiration from the likes of Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, who have often led their teams to victory in similar situations. He also credited Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara for his advice on staying calm and waiting for the momentum to shift.

“There’s been plenty of times throughout the IPL, you’ve seen crazy things happen. Guys like Dhoni and Kohli, the way they stay till the end and keep believing, you’ve seen it so many times in the IPL and I was trying to do the same,” Buttler said.

Buttler’s innings was not only a testament to his individual brilliance but also a reflection of the team’s fighting spirit. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, the Royals never gave up, with Buttler leading the charge.

The victory was a significant one for Rajasthan Royals, who have struggled in recent seasons. It also marked a special moment for Buttler, who has established himself as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the IPL.

RR Stars Buttler and Boult Share Favorite Shows, Biopic Actors, and IPL Preferences

RR Stars Buttler and Boult Share Favorite Shows, Biopic Actors, and IPL Preferences

Rajasthan Royals (RR) teammates Jos Buttler and Trent Boult engaged in a lighthearted Q/A session ahead of their clash with Punjab Kings (PBKS). The duo shared their favorite TV shows, actors they would like to portray them in a biopic, and their IPL and cricketing preferences.

Buttler expressed his admiration for Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan, stating that he would choose him to play his character in a biopic. Boult, known for his humor, revealed that the last thing he searched on his phone was “Trent Boult dismissing Jos Buttler.”

When asked about his craziest fan interaction, Boult remarked on the enthusiastic nature of Indian fans, describing their requests for selfies, waves, and kisses as “weird.” Buttler, a self-proclaimed fan of the American sitcom “Friends,” said he could binge-watch it for the rest of his life.

Boult named KL Rahul as his favorite Indian player, while Buttler praised Virat Kohli’s cover drive. Boult’s most memorable IPL dismissal was his 100th wicket in the tournament, which happened to be Kohli. He also expressed his desire to dismiss former England batter Kevin Pietersen if given the chance.

If not a cricketer, Boult said he would have been a postman. When asked to choose between England’s “Bazball” style of cricket and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s “Jaisball” style, Buttler sided with the latter, acknowledging Jaiswal’s impressive performance in the Test series against England.

Boult crowned Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the “best new ball bowler” and expressed his desire to have Rashid Khan in the RR team.

RR's Success Attributed to Positive Atmosphere and Jos Buttler's Inputs

RR’s Success Attributed to Positive Atmosphere and Jos Buttler’s Inputs

Rajasthan Royals (RR) spinner Keshav Maharaj has attributed the team’s impressive start to the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season to the positive atmosphere within the squad, where inputs from not only captain Sanju Samson but also other experienced players are being valued.

Maharaj, who has played a key role in RR’s four wins out of five matches so far, highlighted the significant contributions of Jos Buttler in providing valuable advice to the bowlers. “Jos, he’s captained his country in World Cups. So, I think bouncing off his knowledge and helping the bowlers has really shown in this tournament,” said Maharaj.

The South African spinner emphasized the importance of having leaders within the team who are willing to share their expertise. “Obviously, Sanju bhai is the leader of the team and he entrusts certain people. And I think it’s always good in a cricket team whether you’re young or old, if you have good advice, there’s nothing wrong with passing on the information,” he said.

Maharaj believes that the team’s success stems from the collective effort of all players, regardless of their experience or seniority. “I think you always want leaders within the team. Obviously, Sanju bhai is the leader of the team and he entrusts certain people. And I think it’s always good in a cricket team whether you’re young or old, if you have good advice, there’s nothing wrong with passing on the information,” he explained.

The positive team environment has fostered a sense of camaraderie and trust among the players, which has translated into on-field success. “Obviously, Jos, he’s captained his country in World Cups. So, I think bouncing off his knowledge and helping the bowlers has really shown in this tournament. I mean, winning four out of five games is a good start to the tournament. And I think the bowlers like having him at a mid off and mid on, just so that they can lean on him when they need advice,” said Maharaj.

As RR prepares to face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their next match, Maharaj is confident that the team’s positive momentum will continue. “I think we’ve got a good team. We’ve got a lot of experience. We’ve got a lot of youth. And I think the combination of the two is really working well for us,” he said.

Rajasthan Royals Face Gujarat Titans in IPL Top-of-the-Table Clash

Rajasthan Royals Face Gujarat Titans in IPL Top-of-the-Table Clash

Rajasthan Royals Host Gujarat Titans in Top-of-the-Table Clash

In a highly anticipated match-up, table-toppers Rajasthan Royals will face off against Gujarat Titans at their home ground. Both teams have been in impressive form this season, with the Royals boasting a perfect 4-0 record and the Titans sitting just behind with three wins and one loss.

The Royals have been led by the brilliance of Jos Buttler, who has scored 278 runs in four innings, including two centuries. Sanju Samson has also been in fine touch, contributing 189 runs. The bowling attack has been equally impressive, with Yuzvendra Chahal and Trent Boult leading the way with 10 and 9 wickets respectively.

The Titans, on the other hand, have relied on a more balanced approach. Shubman Gill has been their leading run-scorer with 228 runs, while Hardik Pandya has chipped in with 196 runs and 6 wickets. The bowling attack has been led by Mohammed Shami, who has taken 8 wickets in four matches.

The match promises to be a close and exciting contest, with both teams eager to maintain their winning ways. The Royals will be looking to extend their unbeaten streak, while the Titans will be determined to close the gap at the top of the table.

Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals Set for Thrilling Clash in Jaipur

Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals Set for Thrilling Clash in Jaipur

Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals Gear Up for Clash in Jaipur

The Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals will face off in a highly anticipated match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Thursday. Both teams will be eager to secure a victory after mixed starts to their Indian Premier League (IPL) campaigns.

Royals Look to Bounce Back

The Royals, who have struggled at home in recent times, will be determined to turn their fortunes around. They possess a solid batting lineup led by Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, and Riyan Parag. However, Buttler needs to find his scoring touch quickly after a disappointing start to the season.

Capitals Seek Middle-Order Stability

The Capitals, on the other hand, will be looking to address their middle-order woes. Despite a strong start against the Punjab Kings, they failed to capitalize on their advantage. The return of Anrich Nortje could bolster their bowling attack, but they will need their middle order to step up.

Key Players to Watch

* Jos Buttler (RR): The explosive English opener will be crucial to the Royals’ success.
* Rishabh Pant (DC): The Indian wicketkeeper-batter will be eager to make an impact after a difficult week.
* Trent Boult (RR): The New Zealand pacer has been in impressive form and will be a key threat to the Capitals’ batting.
* Kuldeep Yadav (DC): The left-arm spinner will be looking to make an impact against the Royals’ strong batting lineup.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch in Jaipur is expected to be two-paced and slightly dry, favoring both pace and spin. Temperatures are likely to be high, which could aid the spinners.

Stats to Consider

* The Capitals have had the fewest half-century partnerships among all teams since 2023.
* Trent Boult has the second-highest number of powerplay wickets since 2022.
* The Royals lost a wicket every 17.9 balls between overs seven and 15 last year, the lowest among all teams.

Quotes

* “Warner and Marsh opened for Australia at the top and have done well together, so we decided to open with them.” – Capitals mentor Sourav Ganguly
* “He’s seen the huge jumps that [Yashasvi] Jaiswal and [Dhruv] Jurel have made, and he’s got the hunger [back] and an example to follow into the national team.” – Royals director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara on Riyan Parag

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