Gambhir-Kohli Rivalry Set to Reignite in IPL 2024 Clash

Gambhir-Kohli Rivalry Set to Reignite in IPL 2024 Clash

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is set to witness a potential clash of titans as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face off against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday. The match will be played at the M Chinnaswamy stadium, where the last encounter between Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli resulted in an intense on-field battle.

Former KKR and RCB star Varun Aaron anticipates that Gambhir’s presence in the Knight Riders dugout will ignite Kohli’s competitive spirit. “I’m eagerly looking forward to the match-up outside the boundary line,” Aaron said. “Gautam Gambhir is going to be right beside the Bengaluru dug-out, and I don’t know what’s going to happen there. We know Virat likes to have fire in his belly, and if he just looks at the Kolkata dug-out, he’s going to get fired up.”

The rivalry between Gambhir and Kohli reached a boiling point during an RCB vs Lucknow Super Giants match in IPL 2023. Kohli initially clashed with LSG’s Naveen-ul-Haq, prompting Gambhir to intervene and engage in a verbal altercation with the former.

Gambhir later defended his actions, stating, “It is not about Naveen-ul-Haq. I would have defended any player, that is my job, that is how I am. Why should I not defend my players just because someone has a broadcaster working for him, left right and centre, someone who has more social media presence doesn’t have any right to walk over someone.”

While Kohli and Naveen have since reconciled, the equation between Gambhir and the RCB star remains uncertain. The Friday night match will provide an opportunity to gauge the current dynamics between the two players.

Andre Russell: Leaner, Fitter, and Lethal as Ever

Andre Russell: Leaner, Fitter, and Lethal as Ever

Andre Russell: Rediscovering His Mojo with a Leaner, Fitter Approach

As Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) prepare for their upcoming matches, all eyes are on Andre Russell, the towering Jamaican who has been in scintillating form. In their season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Russell smashed a blistering 25-ball 64, showcasing his devastating power-hitting abilities.

Russell’s performance at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru holds special significance. In 2019, he played a pivotal role in KKR’s victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore, scoring an unbeaten 13-ball 48 to guide his team to a five-wicket win.

After a challenging period last year, Russell has returned to the IPL with renewed vigor and determination. He has shed weight, improved his fitness, and sharpened his batting skills.

“I think it’s all about the mindset,” Russell said. “I watched videos of my past performances and realized that I was clear in my thoughts towards every delivery. I allowed myself to be under pressure because I’ve been thinking too much.”

Russell has also been working diligently on his fitness. “I’m feeling good,” he said. “I have four packs so I’m working on the next two. I’m working on being leaner and lighter, and it’s working for my body and shows in my performance as well.”

In addition to his physical improvements, Russell has also made technical adjustments to his batting. “I was at the nets in Abu Dhabi and Sunil Narine mentioned something,” he revealed. “Having a short stride is working for me. When I look at most big-hitters, they don’t have a big stride. Now I have a bit more time to play the ball.”

With the T20 World Cup approaching, Russell is eager to continue his impressive form. His rediscovered mojo and unwavering determination make him a formidable force in the IPL and a key player for the West Indies.

Andre Russell Defends KKR Coach Chandrakant Pandit Amidst Criticism

Andre Russell Defends KKR Coach Chandrakant Pandit Amidst Criticism

Andre Russell, the explosive all-rounder, has come to the defense of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Chandrakant Pandit, who has faced criticism for his coaching style. Former KKR all-rounder David Wiese had labeled Pandit’s approach as “militant,” suggesting it led to frustration among foreign players in the team during the previous IPL season.

However, Russell, a key figure in KKR’s squad, offered a contrasting perspective. “We’ve been working with him from last year. I think when you’re working with a coach for the first time, you have to make sure that you adjust to their philosophy. There have to be rules. We are professionals. So, we don’t complain,” Russell said during a pre-match press meet in Bengaluru.

“I try to do the best for this franchise. He’s been doing an amazing job, and we’ve gotten coming back as well,” he added.

Pandit, known for his disciplinarian approach, took over as KKR coach before IPL 2022 following Brendon McCullum’s departure. Wiese had criticized Pandit’s strict and regimented style, suggesting it clashed with the mindset of experienced overseas players.

Russell, however, emphasized the importance of adapting to the coach’s philosophy and maintaining professionalism. “He (Pandit) is known in India as a very militant type of coach. He is very strict, very disciplinarian that type of stuff,” Wiese had said on the podcast ‘Hitman for Hire: A year in the life of a franchise cricketer.’

“Sometimes in franchise cricket, when you have overseas guys, who’ve played all over the world, they don’t need anyone coming and telling them how they need to behave, what they need to wear and what they need to do the whole time. So, that was tough.”

Despite Wiese’s concerns, Russell’s support for Pandit suggests that the KKR dressing room is not as divided as some may have believed. The team will be hoping to put the coaching controversy behind them and focus on performing well in the upcoming IPL season.

RCB and KKR Seek Batting Boost in Crucial IPL Clash

RCB and KKR Seek Batting Boost in Crucial IPL Clash

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will face off in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match on March 29 in Bengaluru, seeking to address their respective batting woes and bolster their campaigns.

RCB secured a narrow four-wicket victory over Punjab Kings, while KKR edged out Sunrisers Hyderabad by four runs. However, both teams have concerns about their top and middle-order batting.

RCB’s star batter Virat Kohli scored a classy fifty against Punjab, but the team’s other top-order batters have yet to fire. Skipper Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, and Rajat Patidar need to step up their game.

KKR’s batting unit also struggled against SRH, with captain Shreyas Iyer dismissed for a two-ball duck. Venkatesh Iyer, Sunil Narine, and Nitish Rana failed to make significant contributions.

In bowling, RCB’s pacers Mohammed Siraj and Yash Dayal impressed against Punjab, but Alzarri Joseph has been expensive. KKR’s bowling unit, led by Narine, has been more consistent, but pacer Mitchell Starc and spinner Varun Chakravarthy have not been at their best.

Both teams may consider making changes to their lineups. RCB could bring in left-arm quick Reece Topley for Joseph, while KKR might give leg-spinner Suyash Sharma a chance.

The match promises to be a close contest between two teams eager to improve their standings in the IPL. RCB will look to their batting lineup to provide a solid foundation, while KKR will rely on their bowling unit to restrict the opposition.

Overseas Stars Clash with Chandrakant Pandit's Coaching Style at KKR

Overseas Stars Clash with Chandrakant Pandit’s Coaching Style at KKR

Chandrakant Pandit, a legendary figure in Indian domestic cricket, has faced criticism from some overseas players during his tenure as coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.

According to David Wiese, an all-rounder who played for KKR in three matches this season, there were “certain issues going on behind the scenes” within the team. Wiese revealed that some players were unhappy with Pandit’s coaching style, describing the dressing room atmosphere as “tough.”

“There was a new coach coming in and he liked to do things a certain way, and that didn’t sit well with the players,” Wiese said on the ‘Hitman for Hire: A year in the life of a franchise cricketer’ podcast hosted by Sam Keir.

Wiese further explained that Pandit’s strict disciplinary approach did not resonate with some of the overseas players who have extensive experience playing in various leagues around the world. “He’s known in India as a fairly militant type of coach, a strict disciplinarian. The overseas guys who’ve played all over the world don’t need someone coming in and telling him how to behave and what to wear and what to do,” he added.

Despite the challenges, Wiese remained positive about his time with KKR, acknowledging the team’s fighting spirit despite missing some key players. He also praised the performance of Rinku Singh, who impressed with his power-hitting abilities.

“As a player, you appreciate it when guys do well. Rinku Singh smacks five sixes – you can’t not appreciate that,” Wiese said. “It’s just that the result doesn’t have much emphasis anymore. You don’t sit there nervous about whether you’re going to win. And you start investing in the guys’ personal performances instead.”

Pandit’s coaching style has been a topic of discussion in the past, with some players praising his attention to detail and discipline, while others have expressed concerns about his strict approach. It remains to be seen how KKR will perform under Pandit’s leadership in the future, but the team’s recent struggles have raised questions about the compatibility between his coaching style and the expectations of overseas players.

KKR Triumph in IPL Opener, Shah Rukh Khan Celebrates with Team

KKR Triumph in IPL Opener, Shah Rukh Khan Celebrates with Team

Kolkata Knight Riders Triumph in IPL 2024 Opener, Shah Rukh Khan Celebrates with Team

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) kicked off their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign with a thrilling victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday. The win was made even sweeter by a special visit from team co-owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

After the match, KKR shared a video on their official Twitter handle capturing the post-match celebrations in the team dressing room. The video begins with assistant coach Abhishek Nayar praising the team’s performance, while Shah Rukh Khan stands quietly in the background.

Nayar then invites Shah Rukh Khan to address the team, and the superstar responds with a heartfelt message. “All the best, congratulations, and God bless you all,” he says. “Be healthy, keep playing as well as you do. Thank you Chandu (Chandrakant Pandit) Sir, Abhishek (Nayar), Venky Sir, and especially Gauti (Gautam Gambhir) for being back. God bless you all.”

KKR’s victory was hard-fought, as they found themselves in a precarious position after losing four wickets within the first eight overs. However, Andre Russell’s explosive batting turned the tide in their favor. The West Indian all-rounder smashed seven sixes and three fours in his unbeaten 25-ball 64, propelling KKR to a respectable total of 208/7.

Sunrisers Hyderabad fought back valiantly, with Heinrich Klaasen leading the charge with a counter-attacking fifty. However, pacer Harshit Rana held his nerve in the final over, defending 12 runs and securing the victory for KKR.

Shah Rukh Khan’s presence in the dressing room after the match was a testament to his unwavering support for the team. His words of encouragement and appreciation will undoubtedly boost the morale of the players as they embark on the rest of the IPL season.

Andre Russell's Power-Hitting Leads KKR to Thrilling Victory

Andre Russell’s Power-Hitting Leads KKR to Thrilling Victory

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Andre Russell once again proved his worth at the Eden Gardens on Saturday, leading his team to a thrilling four-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. Despite losing four wickets early on, Russell’s explosive 25-ball 64, featuring seven sixes and three fours, propelled KKR to a formidable total of 208 for seven.

Russell’s teammate Phil Salt, who witnessed his power-hitting firsthand in The Hundred, expressed his admiration. “He’s a phenomenal ball striker, the best in the world on his day,” Salt said. “To see him do what he did is incredible.”

Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Daniel Vettori acknowledged Russell’s impact, stating, “He takes the game away with his power and skill. At Eden, it’s very tricky to challenge him.”

However, it was young Ramandeep Singh who laid the foundation for Russell’s heroics. The 26-year-old’s 35 runs off 17 balls, including a 54-run partnership with Salt, steadied the KKR innings.

“Ramandeep’s innings set up the platform for Russell,” Vettori said. “He put the pressure back on us.”

Salt also praised Ramandeep’s contribution, saying, “He took the pressure off me and allowed me to play my game.”

Despite KKR’s strong start, Heinrich Klaasen’s counter-attacking fifty threatened to turn the tide. However, pacer Harshit Rana’s two wickets in the final over, defending 12 runs, sealed the victory for KKR.

Skipper Shreyas Iyer admitted to feeling nervous during the last over. “I had butterflies in my stomach,” he said. “But I had belief in Harshit. This was his moment to become a hero.”

Rana’s performance earned him a fine of 60% of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct.

Mitchell Starc's Underwhelming Performance Raises Concerns for Kolkata Knight Riders

Mitchell Starc’s Underwhelming Performance Raises Concerns for Kolkata Knight Riders

Mitchell Starc’s underwhelming performance in Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) nail-biting 4-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has raised concerns despite the team’s triumph.

Starc, who was acquired for a staggering Rs 24.75 crore in the IPL 2024 auction, failed to live up to expectations in his much-anticipated return to the KKR lineup. The Australian speedster struggled against SRH batters throughout his spell, leaking 53 runs in his four-over quota.

Despite maintaining a pace above 140kmph, Starc’s economy rate of 13.20 and six wide deliveries highlighted his struggles. Tasked with leading the bowling attack while defending a formidable target of 209, Starc’s performance was inconsistent.

While he started by conceding 12 runs in his first over, he failed to maintain control, conceding 10 runs in the second. Although he bounced back with an impressive 16th over, conceding only 5 runs, his costly 19th over, where he gave away 26 runs, allowed SRH to mount a significant comeback.

Starc’s lackluster display has left Kolkata fans questioning his ability to justify his hefty price tag. Signed for a record-breaking amount, his performance against SRH has raised doubts about his potential impact for KKR this season.

With the spotlight firmly on him, Starc will be under pressure to rediscover his form and make a meaningful contribution to Kolkata Knight Riders’ campaign in the remainder of the IPL season.

Shreyas Iyer: 'Shahid Afridi with Brains,' Says Navjot Singh Sidhu

Shreyas Iyer: ‘Shahid Afridi with Brains,’ Says Navjot Singh Sidhu

Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has heaped praise on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Shreyas Iyer, comparing him to the legendary Shahid Afridi with the added advantage of brains. Sidhu believes Iyer has the potential to excel in the upcoming IPL 2024, especially after being overlooked for the BCCI central contracts.

Sidhu lauded Iyer’s ability to adapt to different situations while batting, saying, “He reminds me of a better Shahid Afridi. An Afridi with better brains. He adapts to the situation.” Sidhu also praised Iyer’s tenacity and determination, particularly after recovering from a serious injury.

Meanwhile, KKR’s former captain Gautam Gambhir has returned as a mentor for the team. Gambhir, who led KKR to two IPL titles and five playoffs during his tenure, has been tasked with guiding the team to success once again.

KKR has made a significant signing in Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who will be expected to play a crucial role in the power-play and death overs. The team also boasts a strong batting lineup, including Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Phil Salt, Venkatesh Iyer, and Shreyas Iyer.

However, KKR’s success will depend on the performance of their spinners, such as Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, and Suyash Sharma. The team will need to utilize the home conditions to provide assistance to their spin bowlers.

KKR's Gurbaz Gifts Batting Gloves to Delighted Fan

KKR’s Gurbaz Gifts Batting Gloves to Delighted Fan

KKR’s Gurbaz Wins Hearts with Gloves Gift to Fan

Ahead of the Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) season opener in the Indian Premier League (IPL), wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz made a heartwarming gesture by gifting his batting gloves to a young fan.

During an interaction with fans at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Gurbaz posed for pictures and surprised a young boy by handing him his gloves. The moment was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media.

Gurbaz, who was retained by KKR ahead of the IPL 2024 auction, is expected to play a crucial role at the top of the order. Last season, he scored 227 runs in 11 games, including two half-centuries.

Meanwhile, KKR finished seventh last season under the leadership of Nitish Rana, who replaced the injured Shreyas Iyer. Iyer is set to resume captaincy duties this season, but rumors suggest he may miss the first few games due to a back issue.

During the auction, KKR made headlines by acquiring Australian pacer Mitchell Starc for a record-breaking Rs 24.75 crore. Despite spending a significant portion of their purse on Starc, KKR managed to secure nine additional players.

KKR will kick off their IPL 2024 campaign against SunRisers Hyderabad on Saturday, March 23, at the Eden Gardens.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart