Danijones

“How Many Games Have You Played?”: RCB Great ‘Fed Up’ With Virat Kohli Strike-Rate Criticism

Danijones8 months ago04 mins

AB de Villiers said he is fed up with seeing “data-driven pundits” criticizing Virat Kohli.© BCCI Former South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers heaped praise on India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli and said he is one of the best players to ever play cricket. Currently, Kohli is the second-highest run-getter in IPL 2024. He scored 500 runs at a strike rate of 147.49 after appearing in 10 matches. He hammered 46 fours and 20 overhead boundaries in the ongoing T20 tournament. While speaking on his official YouTube channel, De Villiers said he is fed up with seeing “data-driven pundits” criticizing Kohli’s strike rate. The former Proteas cricketer hailed the talisman Indian batter and said that he has been “incredible” in IPL “Virat Kohli, catching criticism about his strike rate. It’s been going on for way too long and I am sort of fed up with that now. I’m frustrated to say the least. This guy is one of the best players to ever play the game of cricket. He’s incredible in the IPL, he plays a certain role for RCB, and I’ve pretty much had enough of data-driven pundits who keep criticising this man. When you don’t really have knowledge of the game. How many games of cricket have you played, how many IPL hundreds have you scored?,” De Villiers said. During RCB’s previous match against GT, Kohli stood out with his quick-fired 70* and played a significant role in Bengaluru’s triumph and brushed off the recent debate around his strike rate. During the game, the ‘chase master’ Virat Kohli achieved a landmark feat during RCB’s clash against GT. In his unbeaten knock of 70 runs from 44 balls, struck at a massive strike rate of 159.09, Kohli completed 24 half-centuries while chasing a target, he now stands second in the list. Dhawan holds the third place with 23 fifty-plus scores. Meanwhile, David Warner stands in the top spot with 35 half-centuries while chasing a target. The 35-year-old also equalled David Warner’s record of most 500-plus runs in IPL seasons. Both Kohli and Warner have crossed the 500-run mark seven times in an IPL season. (This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Topics mentioned in this article

India’s T20 World Cup Squad Press Conference LIVE: Rohit, Agarkar to address media over team selection

Danijones8 months ago01 mins

Team India officially announced its 15-member World Cup squad, with Rohit Sharma named captain. Hardik Pandya will be the vice-captain while Rishabh Pant has also made a return to the squad after performing in the IPL 2024. Here’s the full squad and reserves list: Squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Hardik Pandya (Vice Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj. Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan.

Watch: Former Pakistan pacer Umar Gul breaks down revealing retirement reason he didn’t even tell his wife about | Cricket News

Danijones8 months ago02 mins

Pakistan‘s former fast bowler Umar Gul broke down while appearing on a TV show when the anchor asked him if there was any such instance in his life that tore him apart.“Yes, it has happened,” said the 41-year-old who played 47 Tests, 130 ODIs and 60 T20Is for Pakistan. He retired from all forms of cricket in October 2020. However, he said that besides being overlooked by the national selectors, there was another reason behind his decision to retire, which he never told even his wife about.WATCH VIDEO “First reason was that I did not get any contract and the second, (which) honestly I haven’t even told my wife about, was one of my friends,” said Gul as his eyes started welling up and voice choked. “We became friends in 2004. (Then) Covid first year (wave), two days before Eid, he was coming from Karachi and had an accident…When he was longer there, I felt I should take retirement,” said Gul, breaking into tears.Gul was a member of the Pakistan team that won the 2009 T20 World Cup. Gul, along with former Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, serves as the bowling coach of the Pakistan men’s team.

SRH vs RR, IPL 2024: Predicted Playing XIs And Impact Substitutes

Danijones8 months ago011 mins

SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) will take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 50th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on Thursday, May 2. Having won five games out of nine, SRH are placed fourth in the IPL 2024 standings. On the other hand, RR are currently placed first in the IPL 2024 standings with 16 points on the board after winning eight matches out of nine. Ahead of this exciting clash, we look at the predicted XIs of both sides. SRH Predicted XI Abhishek Sharma Abhishek Sharma, one of the most promising batters in IPL 2024, will open the innings for SRH in the upcoming game. Sharma has been in exceptional form, scoring 303 runs in nine matches at a magnificent strike rate of 214.89. His performance will be crucial if SRH aim to set a formidable total on Thursday. Travis Head Australian opener Travis Head has made a huge impact in IPL 2024. The left-handed batter has amassed 338 runs at an impressive average of 42.25 and a remarkable strike rate of 211.25. Head has also recorded a century and two half-centuries this season. Expected to open alongside Sharma in the upcoming match, he will be keen to provide SRH with a strong start against RR. Aiden Markram Aiden Markram is set to bolster SunRisers Hyderabad’s top order. Despite scoring only 199 runs in nine matches this season, the South African batter will look to contribute significantly in the next game and ease the pressure on the team’s openers. Nitish Kumar Reddy Nitish Kumar Reddy, a talented all-rounder, has done his bit in the SRH lineup. With 143 runs and three wickets in six matches, he has showcased his ability with both bat and ball. Reddy will be keen to exert pressure on RR’s batters and bowlers with his versatile skills. Heinrich Klaasen (wicketkeeper) Renowned for his aggressive approach to batting, Heinrich Klaasen has emerged as one of the most dangerous batters in IPL 2024. Having amassed 295 runs in nine matches, the South African boasts an impressive average of 42.14 and a striking strike rate of 185.53. Klassen’s power-hitting skills have been instrumental in SRH achieving record-breaking totals, making him a player to keep an eye on during Thursday’s match. Shahbaz Ahmed Shahbaz Ahmed will look to solidify his spot in SRH’s middle-order. The all-rounder has been impressive, scoring 176 runs and remaining unbeaten in three of them. With the ball, Shahbaz has claimed three wickets in nine matches, providing valuable support to the team’s spin bowling unit. Abdul Samad Abdul Samad has found his aggressive batting form and often left SRH fans in awe in the ongoing IPL. The right-handed batter has piled up 148 runs at a scintillating strike rate of 187.34. Samad will be a raring to showcase his batting skills against RR in the upcoming match. Pat Cummins (captain) SunRisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins has been particularly effective with the ball, claiming 10 wickets in nine matches. He can also provide depth to the lower order, having scored his runs at an impressive strike rate of 140 this season. Bhuvneshwar Kumar Known for his swing variations and bowling the right lengths, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is expected to open the bowling for Hyderabad. The Indian pacer has scalped five wickets in nine matches and will want to improve his tally in the upcoming match against RRi. Jaydev Unadkat Jaydev Unadkat’s inclusion in the playing XI adds variety to SRH’s bowling attack. The left-arm pacer’s ability to swing the ball and vary his pace has led him to take eight wickets in seven matches. His experience in the IPL could be vital as he can provide crucial breakthroughs when needed and maintain pressure on the opposition throughout the match. T Natarajan Indian fast bowler T Natarajan will lead the SRH bowling attack. Natarajan has taken thirteen wickets in just seven matches, showcasing his skill in generating swing and bowling accurate lengths. He is the top wicket-taker for SRH this season and will need to be at his best to restrict RR. Impact sub Anmolpreet Singh RR Predicted XI Yashasvi Jaiswal RR’s flamboyant opener Yashasvi Jaiswal returned to form with a match-winning century against Mumbai Indians. Chasing 180, Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 104 off just 60 balls to guide RR to a nine-wicket win in Jaipur and the southpaw will look to continue his resurgent form against SRH. Jos Buttler Yashasvi Jaiswal’s opening partner Jos Buttler has also been in scintillating form this season. Buttler has scored 319 runs in eight games at an average of 53.17 and a strike rate of 150.47, including a magnificent ton against KKR and he will aim to produce another big knock in Hyderabad. Sanju Samson Sanju Samson has been one of the standout performers for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024. The 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has amassed 385 runs in nine games at an average of 77 and a strike rate of 161.09. Riyan Parag Riyan Parag has been one of the leading run scorers for RR this season so far. Batting at No. 4, Parag has accumulated 332 runs in nine matches at an average of 55.33 and a strike rate of 159.62. He will once again hold the key in the middle order for the Royals against SRH. Dhruv Jurel Dhruv Jurel is another quality inclusion in RR’s playing XI and the youngster has scored 102 runs in nine matches in IPL 2024. With RR’s top-order firing, Jurel has had limited opportunities but will look to impress in Hyderabad. Shimron Hetmyer West Indies’ explosive batter Shimron Hetmyer is one of the top finishers in T20 cricket. Hetmyer has scored 70 runs this season in his limited opportunities at an impressive strike rate of 194.44. He will look to contribute against SRH if he gets time in the middle. Rovman Powell West Indies’ T20I captain Rovman Powell is a match-winner on his day. The 30-year-old has played four matches for the…

MI Pacer Jasprit Bumrah Wins Hearts With His Adorable Gesture For A Young Fan. Watch

Danijones8 months ago04 mins

Mumbai Indians (MI) and India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah gave a young fan a memory worth cherishing for a lifetime at the Ekana Stadium during the clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the official handle of MI posted a video of Bumrah giving out his prestigious Purple Cap, an honour given to the leading wicket-taker in the Indian Premier League (IPL) to a young fan. Not just that, Bumrah also gave him his autograph. That kid now has a core memory for life ????????#MumbaiMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians #LSGvMI | @Jaspritbumrah93 pic.twitter.com/CcS1tdjYzB — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 1, 2024 The fan was clearly ecstatic beyond words to have received Bumrah’s prized possession and an autograph from one of the best in the world, as he was seen running around in the stands with expressions of joy on his face. Indeed, the fan got a “core memory” that he would remember forever. “That kid now has a core memory for life #MumbaiMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians #LSGvMI | @Jaspritbumrah93,” tweeted MI. Bumrah is the leading wicket-taker this season so far, with 14 scalps in 10 games at an average of 18.28 and an economy rate of 6.40. His best figures are 5/21. However, his rich bowling form has not helped his team, as they are sitting at the ninth spot in the points table with three wins and seven losses. Coming to the match, LSG won the toss and opted to field first. Mumbai Indians could not get going from the start, losing four wickets for 27 runs within the powerplay itself. Nehal Wadhera (46 in 41 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes), Ishan Kishan (32 in 36 balls, with three fours) and Tim David (35* in 18 balls, with three fours and a six) tried their best, but could take their side to just 144/7 in their 20 overs. Mohsin Khan (2/36) was the pick of the bowlers for Australia, while Marcus Stoinis, Mayank Yadav, Naveen ul Haq and Stoinis got a wicket each. In the run-chase of 145 runs, LSG also faced a hard challenge from MI bowlers and lost wickets at regular intervals. Stoinis’ knock of 62 in 45 balls, with seven fours and two sixes proved to be just enough to take LSG to a four-wicket win with four balls and four wickets left. Stoinis took home the ‘Player of the Match’ award. LSG is at the third spot with six wins and four losses, giving them 12 points. (This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Topics mentioned in this article

‘Some Players Going To T20 World Cup On Reputation’: Ex-India Stars Unhappy Over Rinku Singh’s Snub

Danijones8 months ago03 mins

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on April 30 announced the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup set to be played in USA and West Indies. Among the major snubs from the team was Rinku Singh. The swashbuckling finisher was not picked in the 15-member India squad while he was kept in the list of reserves alongside Shubman Gill, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan. The idea of the selectors dropping Rinku surprised many former cricketers and experts of the game. Rinku made his India debut in a T20I match against Ireland in 2023. So far, he has played 15 matches in the format scoring 356 runs at a strike rate of 176.24. The southpaw played his last T20I match for India in January 2024, against Afghanistan. Former India cricketer Rohan Gavaskar was unhappy with the selection committee’s decision of dropping Rinku, while another ex-India player Virender Sehwag tried to understand the rationale behind the call. “If IPL 2024 is the metric, where has Mohammed Siraj picked wickets for RCB? Suryakumar Yadav… he was always in my team, and he should be there in T20 World Cup too. But even he hasn’t performed (for MI),” said Rohan Gavaskar on Cricbuzz. “Some players are going there on reputation. Like Suryakumar, his reputation is that he is an explosive hitter. Yes, he can have bad days. Rinku Singh is also like him, the difference is that he is young and Suryakumar is experienced. And Indian selectors have preferred experience. Rinku is young, he can play later too,” said Virender Sehwag. “We said after the previous World Cup that Rohit and Virat won’t play in 2024, but this time, I’m sure they won’t play the next,” said Sehwag. India squad for T20 World Cup 2024: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Hardik Pandya (Vice Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj. Reserves –Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan Topics mentioned in this article

Salima Tete replaces Savita Punia as captain of Indian women’s hockey team – India TV

Danijones8 months ago04 mins

Image Source : GETTY IMAGES Salima Tete. Mid-fielder Salima Tete has replaced goalkeeper Savita Punia as the captain of the Indian women’s hockey team ahead of the Belgium and England legs of the FIH Pro League starting later this month. In a change of guard, Navneet Kaur has been named Salima’s deputy for the tour as she replaces Vandana Katariya. Hockey India (HI) have announced a 24-member squad for the Belgium and England tour and Salima has her task cut out. Salima, who belongs to the Simdega district in Jharkhand, is aware that it is a big responsibility but is confident of the team’s chances as the squad has a good blend of youth and experience. “I am happy that I have been appointed to lead the team. It is a big responsibility and I am looking forward to this new role. We have a strong squad and it’s a mix of experienced and young players,” Salima was quoted as saying in a Hockey India press release. “In the upcoming Belgium and England legs of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023-2024, we look to put our strong foot forward. We have worked on areas where we needed to improve,” she said. Navneet also expressed elation after being announced as Salima’s deputy and is looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead in the form of the Europe leg of the FIH Pro League. “It feels surreal to be named as the vice-captain. I am quite excited to get on with this team in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023-24, where we will play quality teams. We have a good team and we are confident that we will do well in the Europe leg of the Pro League. I am also looking to work on my game and improve,” she said. Indian women’s hockey squad: Goalkeepers: Savita Punia, Bichu Devi Kharibam Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Monika, Jyoti Chhatri, Mahima Chaudhary. Midfielders: Salima Tete (C), Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Navneet Kaur (VC), Neha, Jyoti, Baljeet Kaur, Manisha Chauhan, Lalremsiami. Forwards: Mumtaz Khan, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Sharmila Devi, Preeti Dubey, Vandana Katariya, Sunelita Toppo, Deepika Soreng.

‘The carrot’s there…’: Mitchell Marsh on leading Australia to an incredible treble | Cricket News

Danijones8 months ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: Mitchell Marsh, who will lead Australia in their quest for an unprecedented treble of major global titles in the T20 World Cup in June, takes great pride in being the team’s captain.With the squad announced on Wednesday, Marsh was officially named captain, capping an incredible recovery for the reserved all-rounder since his recall in the Ashes last season.Leading the squad to series victories over New Zealand and the co-hosts of the Twenty20 World Cup, the West Indies, the 32-year-old has already proven to be a popular and effective captain.His easygoing style fits in well with an Australian team that has accomplished remarkable things since losing fiery head coach Justin Langer.Marsh claimed that his leadership will not significantly alter despite the selectors’ faith in him.“One of the biggest things I’ve learnt is to not change too much,” he told reporters on Wednesday.“Obviously, there’s a lot of preparation and planning that goes into a World Cup and that’ll happen over the next month.“But once we get there it’s (about) keeping everything nice and relaxed, keeping the environment good.”As a result of his outstanding performances in the Ashes and Australia’s sixth one-day World Cup victory in India last year, Marsh was awarded Australia’s highest cricket accolade in January-the Allan Border medal.With another victory in the United States and the Caribbean, Australia hopes to make history once more by becoming the first country to hold the worldwide T20, one-day, and Test championships simultaneously.Despite being lighthearted during the news conference on Wednesday, Marsh donned a somber captain’s hat in response to a question regarding the triple bid.“It’s not something we necessarily focus on as a group,” he said.“It would never have been done before so that will be special but there’s so many things you’ve got to get through at a World Cup before you can even get a crack at that.“That’s probably for the external noise … but I guess the carrot’s there.”(With Reuters inputs)

Watch: Virat Kohli spotted shopping in Lahore during his U-19 days | Cricket News

Danijones8 months ago02 mins

Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) draft schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy reportedly lists Lahore as the venue for all matches of Team India, and while it remains uncertain if the BCCI will get permission to travel across the border for the tournament, fans in Pakistan are already excited about it, especially in anticipation of watching batting legend Virat Kohli play on Pakistan soil. The three venues where PCB is planning to host the two-week tournament are Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.Since the news broke, a video of Virat shopping in Lahore during his under-19 days has resurfaced on social media. Watch Video The video clip dates back to 2006 when the India U-19 team travelled for a bilateral series in Pakistan.Ravindra Jadeja, Cheteshwar Pujara and Piyush Chawla, who can be seen in the video, were also part of the team. If the Indian government allows the team to travel for the 2025 Champions Trophy, it will the first visit by an Indian team to Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup.There is also possiblity of BCCI demanding a hybrid model, which was followed for the Asia Cup hosted by Pakistan last year, when India played all their matches in Sri Lanka.

Stephen Fleming laments absence of key players as Chennai Super Kings ‘struggle’ in IPL 2024 | Crickit

Danijones8 months ago05 mins

Five-time former champions Chennai Super Kings have fumbled lately in the Indian Premier League 2024 with only two wins from their last five games. On Wednesday, they were outclassed by the Punjab Kings where they could only manage to post 162 runs on the board. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad played another outstanding innings of 62 runs from 48 deliveries to climb to the top of the orange cap list. However, the CSK opener couldn’t count on his team as wickets kept tumbling and bowlers leaked a lot of runs. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) coach Stephen Fleming addresses media.(PTI) CSK coach Stephen Fleming revealed that the team was plagued by injuries to the players and the unavailability of a few. The former Kiwi player began with ace bowler Deepak Chahar who left the field without completing the first over followed by Matheesha Pahirana and Maheesh Theekshana, who have flown back to Sri Lanka to get visas ahead of the T20 World Cup. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! Meanwhile, CSK’s left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman also went back to fulfill the international commitments for Bangladesh. “Deepak Chahar doesn’t look good. Initial feeling wasn’t great. So we are waiting for more positive report. Physio and doctors will have a look. Sri Lankan boys are off to get visa. So we are hoping that their process is smooth. And we get them back for our next game up north (at Dharamshala). Richard Gleeson was good, he was positive,” Fleming revealed at the press conference. The Kiwi coach also disclosed that pacer Tushar Deshpande had also got flu which led to the changes against PBKS. “Tushar Deshpande got flu, so we had to make a few changes today, which is a bit unusual. But again that’s part of it and we have got resources. It’s just they haven’t got time to be comfortable about their roles and us to be comfortable with the game plan that we are struggling with,” he added. Skipper Gaikwad also expressed the difficulties while playing the match without the top players “It’s a real problem (on the player missing due to injuries and Chahar walking away in the first over), there are phases where you want wickets, but you have only two bowlers, the dew took the spinners out of the equation. It was tough, but there’re four games left and we will try and come back to winning ways,” the Chennai opener stated. CSK are currently placed at no.4 in the table with 10 points, with 5 wins from 10 games. The side will once again face PBKS in their next encounter and will look to settle the scores of defeat from their last match.