"How Many Games Have You Played?": RCB Great 'Fed Up' With Virat Kohli Strike-Rate Criticism

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

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

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

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

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…

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Sunrisers Hyderabad

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

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

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On MS Dhoni's Run-Out, PBKS' "Thala For A Reason" Post Goes Viral

On MS Dhoni’s Run-Out, PBKS’ “Thala For A Reason” Post Goes Viral

For the 5th straight time in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Punjab Kings secured a victory against Chennai Super Kings, this time defeating the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side by 7 wickets. Though Punjab haven’t had the best of IPL 2024 campaign, securing just 4 wins in 10 matches, they couldn’t resist the opportunity of trolling the Super Kings, having dominated them on yet another occasion. PBKS, in a series of posts on social media, wrote ‘Thala for a reason’, drawing references to the number 7. At first, PBKS trolled CSK after getting Dhoni run-out in the match. As Dhoni became the Kings’ 7th wicket of the innings, they wrote: “Dhoni was our 7th wicket today! Thala for a reason!” Dhoni was our 7th wicket today! Thala for a reason! — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 1, 2024 Later, referring to their own position in the points table, 7, Punjab Kings once again wrote “Thala for a reason”. Our position in the points table!  Thala for a reason!  pic.twitter.com/nKWjZFm10u — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 1, 2024 CSK could only muster a below-par 162/7. Gaikwad made a handsome 62 but other batters struggled against accurate spin bowling by Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar. CSK had to make two changes for the match as their Sri Lankan pacer Pathirana was nursing a niggle and Deshpande was unwell. Replacements Richard Gleeson and Shardul Thakur failed to impress as heavy dew set in during PBKS’s chase. “It is a real problem (not having Pathirana and Deshpande). There are phases where you want to get a wicket, and you have only two bowlers, plus the spinners are out of the question because of the dew. Can’t do much,” Gaikwad rued during the post-match presentation. The skipper added that the dew compounded CSK’s problem as they tried to restrict PBKS batters. “It’s very difficult. Even in the last game, we were quite surprised that we would win by that much margin. “This (dew) is something we can’t control. We can slightly bat better in the first innings. In the last two games, we tried our best to get 200-210. It was tough to get 180 in this pitch,” he said. Gaikwad said another 50-60 runs would have made the difference. “50-60 runs short to be honest. When we were batting first, the pitch wasn’t great, plus the dew as well (in the second innings).” Topics mentioned in this article

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Punjab Kings Equal Mumbai Indians' IPL Record With Dominant Win Over CSK

Punjab Kings Equal Mumbai Indians’ IPL Record With Dominant Win Over CSK

PBKS beat CSK by 7 wickets© BCCI/Sportzpics Punjab Kings (PBKS) equalled Mumbai Indians’ (MI) record of five straight victories over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Punjab achieved the feat after a 7-wicket win over CSK on Wednesday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The five-match winning streak of Punjab started in the 2021 season of the IPL and is still going on strong. Earlier, MI registered the most successive wins between the 2018 and 2019 seasons of the T20 tournament. Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) also have four consecutive victories against the Chennai-based franchise in IPL. PBKS also became the second franchise to clinch the most wins by a visiting team against Chennai at Chepauk in IPL. With 5 wins at Chennai’s home stadium, Mumbai Indians (MI) hold the top place. Meanwhile, with three wins, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are the third side with the most victories by an away side against CSK in Chennai. Recapping the match, the vibrant yellow wave in the stands of Chepauk was reduced to silence after PBKS effortlessly chased down 163 with more than two overs to spare. Stand-in skipper Sam Curran’s decision to put CSK to bat turned out to be the ideal one as the dew factor kicked in to become a hindrance for CSK bowlers in the second half of the match. Ruturaj Gaikwad led from the front and scored 62 off 48 deliveries and MS Dhoni provided the finishing touches at the death to power CSK to 162/7. In reply, PBKS batters hardly broke a sweat while chasing 163. Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw forged a 64-run stand to completely shift the momentum in their favour. Curran and Shashank Singh applied the finishing touches to seal a 7-wicket win for PBKS. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Topics mentioned in this article

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Sunrisers Hyderabad

Denied Single By MS Dhoni, CSK Star Daryl Mitchell Runs Double, Video Goes Viral. Watch

Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Daryl Mitchell ended up ‘completing’ two runs despite MS Dhoni denying him a single during the IPL 2024 match against Punjab Kings in IPL 2024 on Wednesday. On the third ball of the final over, Dhoni slammed a delivery from Arshdeep Singh in the deep cover region and Mitchell instantly started running. However, Dhoni was not interested in taking the run and in a hilarious turn of events, Mitchell reached the other end and then ran back to the non-striker’s end before the fielder picked up the ball and threw it back. Dhoni made amends on the fifth ball of the over as he heaved Arshdeep over deep extra cover for a huge six but his action faced criticism from fans on social media, with some calling the act ‘selfish’. One Of funniest Moments today Thala Dhoni × Daryl Mitchell ROLF #ChennaiSuperKings #CSKvsPBKS #PBKSvsCSK pic.twitter.com/AtGQUirTZ2 — Srinivasan M (@sriniPopeye) May 1, 2024 Daryl, you have the best seat in the house! Relax #TATAIPL #CSKvPBKS #IPLonJioCinema #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/NaM8jGqIUj — JioCinema (@JioCinema) May 1, 2024 Dhoni was eventually run-out in the match, losing his wicket for the first time this season as CSK put a total of 162/7 on the board. Punjab Kings had little trouble in chasing down the target, scoring 163 with more than 2 overs to spare. After a defeat, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad felt his side was “50-60 runs short” during the match and highlighted that pitch was not that great but improved in the second half. Punjab Kings with an all-rounded performance, clinched a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on Wednesday in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. After Lucknow Super Giants breached Chepauk, CSK’s fortress was breached for the second time in the ongoing season as CSK bowlers struggled to find their rhythm with dew majorly hindering them throughout the night. “Probably 50-60 runs short, the pitch wasn’t great when we batted, but it got better later on. With the impact rule as well, we were well short,” Gaikwad said in a post-match presentation. Talking about the toss, “I’ve practised the tosses (during the practice sessions), it’s not going well in the match, not sure what to do. To be truthful, I’m under pressure when I go to the middle (for the toss).” With ANI inputs Topics mentioned in this article

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IPL 2024 Points Table: What Big Win Over Chennai Super Kings Means For Punjab Kings' Playoff Hopes

IPL 2024 Points Table: What Big Win Over Chennai Super Kings Means For Punjab Kings’ Playoff Hopes

Punjab Kings kept their IPL 2024 playoff dreams alive with a big seven-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday. It was an important victory for the Sam Curran-led side who now have 8 points from 10 matches and are seventh in the IPL 2024 points table. PBKS will need to win all of their remaining four matches and depend on other results to end up in the Top 4. On the other hand, the defeat means that CSK remain fourth with 10 points from 10 matches. Rajasthan Royals are at the top of the table followed by Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants. Punjab Kings mounted a pragmatic chase to consign Chennai Super Kings to a demoralising seven-wicket defeat at their own den in their IPL 2024 match on Wednesday. Punjab rode on quick 40s by Jonny Bairstow (46, 30b, 7×4, 1×6) and Rilee Rossouw (43, 23b, 5×4, 2×6) to move past Chennai’s modest 162 for seven, which was built around skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s solid 62 (48b, 5×4, 2×6). The win took PBKS to seventh place on the points table with eight points, while CSK stayed on fourth with 10 points. The Super Kings’ defence of 163 faced multiple barricades as their spinners – Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja – were rendered ineffective because of dew and pacer Deepak Chahar walked off the field with a niggle after bowling just two balls. But that should not take the sheen out of PBKS’ effort with the bat on the night. “Very happy. Every time you come to Chennai and take two wins, always a special feeling. Same as last year, we lost a lot of our home games and won away, finding a similar pattern. We are in a position where we need to win all our games, we come up against the same opposition in a few days. I think when you come to Chennai, you now how hot it is and dew is going to settle in.” “Chahar came back and was the best bowler in the 260 game, and he’s bowling with great confidence. He stepped up when I asked him to bowl against MSD in the 19th over. The pace bowlers were going for a bit in the end, and I wanted to try something different. Asked Rilee what he reckoned and took that gamble with spin. We come against the same opposition so we have one up on them.” “It is a new game, new conditions but this win will give us a lot of confidence. I think our bowlers were superb, the spinners and Jonny striking them well, even the way we paced that chase, it was brilliant. Need to build on that confidence,” PBKS skipper Sam Curran said after the match. (With PTI inputs) Topics mentioned in this article

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End Of IPL Campaign For India's 156.7 Kmph Pace Star Mayank Yadav? Report Claims...

End Of IPL Campaign For India’s 156.7 Kmph Pace Star Mayank Yadav? Report Claims…

File photo of Mayank Yadav© AFP Pace sensation Mayank Yadav’s participation in the remainder of the IPL round-robin stage seems doubtful after he sustained a suspected abdominal muscle “tear” during the game against Mumbai Indians, making it his second injury breakdown in past four weeks. However, there is a silver lining for the 21-year-old Delhi man as he is all set to be given a pace bowling contract by the BCCI alongside Umran Malik, Vidwath Kaverappa, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Dayal and Akash Deep. The contract will place Mayank under the supervision of NCA’s Sports Science and Medical team, who will take charge of his injury management and fitness programme from his IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants. “Mayank has a tear but it is more likely a grade 1 tear. It will be cutting it fine but in case LSG qualifies for the play-offs, he might just be able to play the knock-out games. But it is like hoping against hope and right now he is doubtful for the remaining IPL games,” a BCCI source informed PTI on condition of anonymity. Mayank, who burst into the scene with 155 click deliveries and back-to-back ‘Player of the Match’ awards at the start of the IPL, broke down in the third match and was ruled out for four weeks. He made a comeback against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday after passing fitness tests but was forced back into the dugout after bowling 3.1 overs in which he gave away 31 runs. Had Mayank been fit all this while, there was a possibility of him being a left-field selection in the T20 World Cup but right now, handling him with care is the primary job of the Indian cricket establishment. “He will soon be handed a pace bowling contract and once he is in BCCI Pathways structure, his growth will be systematically monitored. “The national selection committee and the Indian team management would like to gradually blood him and ensure that he can maintain peak fitness,” the BCCI source added. Topics mentioned in this article

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India Beat Bangladesh By 44 runs In First Women's T20I

India Beat Bangladesh By 44 runs In First Women’s T20I

Pace duo of Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar shared five wickets as India produced a clinical bowling display to outclass Bangladesh by 44 runs in the opening women’s T20I on Sunday. Opting to bat, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Yastika Bhatia provided solidity in the middle order but India missed the late flourish to manage 145 for seven. The hosts must have fancied their chances of chasing down the total but Indian bowlers led by Renuka delivered the goods to limit Bangladesh to 101 for 8. Skipper Nigar Sultana waged a lonely battle with a 51 off 48 but didn’t get any support from the other end. For India, Renuka was the leader of the bowling unit as she trapped Dilara Akter (4) in her third ball before cleaning up Sobhana Mostary (6) in 5th over. Experienced spinner Deepti Sharma then removed Murshida Khatun (13) LBW, while Vastrakar rapped Fahima Khatun (1) on the pads in 7th over to leave the hosts at 30 for 4. Radha Yadav too tossed one up to deceive Shorna Akter (11), while Renuka returned to get rid of Rabeya Khan (2). Shreyanka Patil too joined the party, sending back Nahida Akter (9), before Sultana fell to Vastrakar in the final over. Earlier, charismatic opener Smriti Mandhana departed for just nine runs but Shafali Verma put up a gritty display to score a 22-ball 31. Bhatia (36 off 29 balls) and Harmappreet (30 off 22) then came up with a 45-run partnership, as India batters overcame the challenges on a slow wicket. Bangladesh leg-spinner Rabeya Khan was the most successful bowler for the hosts, returning figures of 3/23 in four overs. Mandhana started in right earnest dispatching Sultan Khatun’s consecutive deliveries in the second over to the ropes. The India vice-captain first danced down the track to heave the ball over the extra cover fielder before swatting a short-pitched delivery through the square leg region. But Mandhana’s stay was cut short as she tried to play a Fariha Trisna (1/23) ball across the line, only to find a thick inside edge uprooting her leg stump. That blow kept the Indian batters silent for a good one over before Shafali declared her intention by heaving a tossed up delivery over the long on fence for a big six off Khatun. Shafali and Yastika continued to score at a reasonable rate, picking up loose deliveries from Fariha and Nahida Akter to hit boundaries. But Shafali departed in the ninth over, trying to play a Rabeya Khan delivery across the line only to end up giving an easy catch to Fahima at extra cover. With Harmanpreet joining Yastika at the crease, runs came freely. She chose Rabiya for special treatment in the 11th over, scoring 13 runs with the help of two boundaries. Yastika too showed superb technique and timing, playing some exquisite boundaries off left-arm pacer Fariha Trisna in the 13th over as India crossed the 100-run mark. But both the well-set batters departed in quick succession, with Harmanpreet declared plumb leg-before in front off a Fahima delivery in the 14th over and Rabeya getting the prized wicket of Yastika, caught in the point region by Sultana. Earlier, Harmanpreet won the toss and elected to bat. The five-match T20I series is a dress rehearsal for the upcoming T20I World Cup slated in Bangladesh later this year. (This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Topics mentioned in this article

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Rs 1 Crore Bonanza For Ranji Stars, Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI Selectors To Play Big Part: Report

Rs 1 Crore Bonanza For Ranji Stars, Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI Selectors To Play Big Part: Report

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering doubling the remuneration for domestic players. According to a report in Cricbuzz, the national selection committee, led by chairman Ajit Agarkar, has been tasked by the BCCI to help them implement this idea. The sole aim of the idea is to make sure that the non-IPL players do not feel deprived. Currently, the BCCI pays Rs 60,000 per day to a player who has played more than 40 Ranji games. Similarly, players get Rs 50,000 and Rs 40,000 a day respectively for playing 21-40 matches and 20 matches, respectively. Meanwhile, the reserve players earn Rs 30,000 and 20,000 a day in the respective categories. In total, a senior player can earn upto Rs 25 lakh if his side reaches the final with others in the side making between Rs 17 lakh and Rs 22 lakh. “It is understood that different plans are under consideration but there is unanimity among all concerned in the BCCI that the fees for the domestic cricketers has to be doubled at least,” the report claimed. The report also adds that BCCI is considering increasing the scale of payment between Rs 75 lakh and Rs 1 crore if a player features in 10 Ranji Trophy matches. The players will also earn more for playing in domestic white-ball tournaments such as Vijay Hazare and Mushtaq Ali. While there is no confirmation regarding this development, the report also reveals that the changes could be made as early as next season. The move will be aimed at encouraging the domestic players to take part in the Ranji Trophy, and also maximise the earning of the domestic stars who are not featuring in the IPL. Earlier this year, the BCCI secretary Jay Shah announced higher match fees for those playing Test matches. Praising the announcement, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar had suggested that fees for domestic cricketers be doubled or tripled. “If the Ranji Trophy fees can be doubled or tripled, certainly there’ll be a lot more people playing the Ranji Trophy, and a lot less pullouts from the Ranji Trophy, because if the fees of playing a Ranji Trophy match are a good fee, there will be fewer people pulling out for various reasons,” the cricket legend had stated last month. Topics mentioned in this article

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