Dinesh Karthik thanks Simon Doull for spurring Virat Kohli on with strike-rate comment | Cricket News

Dinesh Karthik thanks Simon Doull for spurring Virat Kohli on with strike-rate comment | Cricket News

Virat Kohli didn’t begin IPL 2024 with the kind of flair that is associated with his legendary status as a batsman, and the questions raised on his strike-rate turned out to be just the kind of fuel that was required to re-ignite his hunger, which eventually won him the Orange Cap as the tournament’s top run-getter. Kohli’s teammate at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Indian team, wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has seen from up close Kohli’s evolution into one of the most iconic figures in world cricket. Talking about it on Cricbuzz, and how Kohli turned it around to end up scoring 741 runs in IPL 2014, Karthik said Kohli always thrives on situations where he has to prove people wrong, like in the case when former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull and some of the other cricket experts had questioned Kohli’s strike-rate during the initial part of just-concluded IPL season. “Virat Kohli – well, I can write a book on how he was this year (IPL 2024),” said Karthik. “He started okay, but I think thanks to people like Simon and a few others who really spurred him on. And you don’t want to see that side of Virat Kohli. “I think, he thrives on that. He is someone who, inadvertently, wants to hold onto certain things to do well. He loves proving people wrong. Even though he might not come out and say it, it fuels his passion. He is like a molten lava coming out. He is fiery and you don’t want to be anywhere close to him because you are gonna get burnt for sure. He has done this time and time again.” (Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj – ANI Photo)RCB have never managed to win the IPL title in 17 years since the league’s inception in 2008. Despite that, Kohli stuck with RCB and might continue to do so for the remainder of his career. For that reason and more, Karthik believes RCB owe it to Kohli for whatever success they have had. “You can speak about RCB, their success and all of that. But it is not happening without that man, and I am not saying with his batting. It’s the intimidating feeling that he gives when he is on the field. the way he pushes fielders,” said Karthik. The just-retired stumper then made a light comment on the way Kohli motivates his RCB teammates during the timeout. “If you ever had a mic in one of those timeouts, my god! There will be a lot of bleeps for this. And ‘Ben Stokes’ will be mentioned a bit,” said Karthik, and smiled. “But if you look past all that, the intensity that he carries and he expects each player to do, boy, I doff my hat to him. To be doing that in the 17th year of IPL, stand up and applaud the man because RCB and its fans should be grateful to have a guy like that. He is built differently, and that is what propels him.” (Virat Kohli – AFP Photo)Player-turned-commentator Doull was also part of the discussion on Cricbuzz; and while he admitted having questioned Kohli’s strike-rate, he wondered what makes pepople take a criticial comment on somebody’s game to such extreme levels where he received death threats for it, especially when it’s part of his job as a cricket expert and commentator. “I see a phenomenal player (in Kohli) who should be dominating more than what he was. That was my point around it. That’s why I talked about his strike rate. I felt at times he was afraid to get out because he was worried about what was behind him rather than just saying ‘I am so good’. And he is so good,” explained Doull. “I have said a thousand great things about Virat Kohli, but I say one thing that might be slightly negative, or construed to be negative, and I get death threats. Thats’ what happened.” Doull added that “it’s never personal”. (Virat Kohli – PTI Photo)“We have had great conversations. I have interviewed him at the toss, we have talked after games; it has never been a issue. I would never have any reason to have a personal issue,” said the New Zealander.Karthik concluded the discussion urging the fans to be able to differentiate between something personal and something that is purely from the point of view of cricket. “Somewhere Indian fans should find out the difference between people taking him (Kohli) on personally and people talking about the cricketing side of him. I think Virat appreciates it if you can find a difference,” said Karthik.

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'Fair character', 'has the fire', 'can infuse winning culture': Gautam Gambhir can be the kind of coach India need | Cricket News

‘Fair character’, ‘has the fire’, ‘can infuse winning culture’: Gautam Gambhir can be the kind of coach India need | Cricket News

While it has been widely reported that former India opener Gautam Gambhir as the new India coach is a ‘done deal’, an official announcement on the team’s new boss replacing Rahul Dravid might take a few more days to come. But experts have no doubt left that Gambhir is the kind of character who has the fire inside him to take the Indian team to new heights.Among his most recent successes, Gambhir took over the role of Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) mentor just before IPL 2024 and turned out to be the chief architect of KKR’s third triumph in the T20 league. It only added to his credentials as a mentor, after he had taken Lucknow Super Giants to the playoffs in two successive editions, before making a move to join KKR in a similar role. “What a record he has had as a coach!” said the former wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik, who announced his retirment after IPL 2024, on Cricbuzz. “Being a mentor for LSG, two years on the bounce qualifying (for playoffs), comes to KKR and they say, ‘Please, you got to do something special for us’. Ends up winning the trophy.” It was effectively Gambhir’s third IPL title in KKR colours. When the team won its two titles in 2012 and 2014, Gambhir was the KKR captain. “He has been at the helm, taken all the decisions (for KKR), be it sending (Sunil) Narine opening or getting Mitchell Starc in the auction — in all of those big recruits and getting the right team, the right balance, and then taking all the shots,” Karthik, who has previously played for KKR in the IPL, said.“I am seeing in the news that he could be part of the Indian team (chief coach) as well, and I really wish he does. He has that fire in him,” Gambhir added. Gambhir’s track record as a player and coach/mentor reflects that he knows what it takes to win big tournaments. Besides three IPL titles with KKR, Gambhir was part of the team under MS Dhoni when India won the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup.Karthik believes that Gambhir has put things in such proper order at KKR that even if he has to leave the job and take up the role of India’s chief coach, KKR remain well placed to excel in the next IPL season as well. “I think he has really built a good (KKR) team, one that will have a lot of players retained and he has left them in a very, very good place. And if he gets the opporunity (India coach), I really wish he takes it. Being part of the national team and the patriotism that he has, I think he will definitely be tempted to take it and I really wish he comes in because he will infuse that winning culture he has infused here (at KKR),” reckoned Gambhir. “India would do very well under him because I feel he has that fire that is required.“When it comes to KKR, whenever he is back (after stint as India coach), they will take him back with open arms. But I do believe he has left Shreyas Iyer and the team in a much better place than it was when he took it (mentorship role).” Former New Zealand pace Simon Doul was also part of the discussion on Cricbuzz, and fully agreed with Karthik’s opinion.“Those (Gambhir) are the kind of people you want at the helm — highly respected, tough. He is a tough character, but I think he is very fair character and I think he’ll do a great job if he were to take over, if he were to accept the role,” said Doull.The tenure of current India coach, Rahul Dravid, will end after the T20 World Cup in June.

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'Thoda improve hogaya lag raha hai': When Hardik Pandya sledged Dinesh Karthik | Cricket News

‘Thoda improve hogaya lag raha hai’: When Hardik Pandya sledged Dinesh Karthik | Cricket News

Dinesh Karthik announced his retirement after Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s (RCB) exit from IPL 2024, following their loss to Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator; and while looking back at his playing days, the former wicketkeeper-batsman shared some interesting moments from on-field banter with his India teammates during his IPL career. “Every time I played against RCB and Virat Kohli caught my catch, ‘Ben Stokes’ came out of his mouth for sure,” said Karthik on a lighter note in an interview with Cricbuzz.”But that was a send-off.”Besides RCB, where he joined Virat, the 38-year-old veteran previously played for Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and erstwhile Gujarat Lions.He then went on to share the words Hardik Pandya, who is now Mumbai Indians’ skipper, once shot at him while he was batting. “Hardik Pandya sledged me saying ‘abhi legspinner aaya, iska thank you hi hai’ (a legspinner will come and it is Thank You time]. Then I had to play a couple of shots and then he was like ‘theek hai, thoda improve hogaya lag raha hai’ (okay, looks like he has improved a little]. That was good. He’s a good friend. He was also like ‘Commentator banke bhi thoda kaam kar raha hai’ (Even after becoming a commentator he’s working on his game) That was fun,” Karthik said. Karthik, who played 257 IPL matches and 60 T20Is, also mentioned he moment when former Mumbai Indians’ captain Rohit Sharma teased him with “isko World Cup khelna hai” comment on the field in the just-concluded season. “Rohit this year taunting me… unnecessarily giving me hopes,” said Karthik.Besides playing 60 T20Is, Karthik, who also does commentary, featured in 26 Tests and 94 ODIs for India.

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'Chalo ho jayega Dinesh bhai': Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra encourages as Dinesh Karthik tries javelin throw - Watch | Cricket News

‘Chalo ho jayega Dinesh bhai’: Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra encourages as Dinesh Karthik tries javelin throw – Watch | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Following his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s elimination from the tournament, veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik ventured into a new sport, javelin throw, in a viral video shared on social media platforms.In the video, Karthik was seen trying his hand at javelin throw alongside Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra.The clip captured a light-hearted moment between the two athletes, with Karthik gearing up for his throw while Chopra offered encouragement.As Karthik prepared for his attempt, Chopra can be heard motivating him, saying, “Chalo ho jayega Dinesh bhai,” instilling confidence in the cricketer. Karthik then executed what appeared to be a commendable javelin throw.WATCH: Prior to his foray into javelin throw, Karthik reflected on his decision to retire from the IPL, citing mental challenges as a significant factor. Despite being physically fit to continue playing professional cricket for another three years, Karthik emphasized the mental demands of the game as a determining factor in his retirement. Speaking to Cricbuzz, Karthik highlighted his robust physical condition throughout his cricketing career, expressing gratitude for never missing a game due to injury. However, he acknowledged the mental aspect of the sport as more challenging, particularly concerning his ability to maintain motivation and adapt to fluctuating playing opportunities.“It was all about the mental side of things, whether I’ll be able to push as much in the lead-up to the tournament, whether if I don’t play as many matches, will I be okay with it,” Karthik elaborated on the mental challenges he faced.

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'A mixed feeling of relief, emotion...': Dinesh Karthik reveals why he decided to retire from IPL | Cricket News

‘A mixed feeling of relief, emotion…’: Dinesh Karthik reveals why he decided to retire from IPL | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has stated that while he is in peak physical condition to continue playing professional cricket for another three years, the mental demands of the game have led him to step away. The 38-year-old, who recently announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), shared his thoughts.Speaking to Cricbuzz, Karthik, who played his final IPL match against Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator at the Narendra Modi Stadium this year, emphasized that physical fitness has never been a concern for him. “I think I am physically very much prepared to play for another three years. Especially with the Impact Player rule, it becomes that much easier. Touch wood, I have never missed a game because of an injury through my three decades. I’ve been blessed that way. I was never worried about my body or my fitness,” he said.However, Karthik admitted that the mental aspect of the game has been more challenging. “It was all about the mental side of things, whether I’ll be able to push as much in the lead-up to the tournament, whether if I don’t play as many matches, will I be okay with it,” he added.Reflecting on what kept him motivated after a challenging IPL season last year, Karthik revealed his intrinsic drive. “I am internally very, very motivated. Intrinsically, extremely motivated and I’ve lived by the mantra that if you are the best, no one can stop you. I just believed if I get one chance, I should make the most of it. I never cribbed. I was always thinking like I got a chance but I missed it. I got a tournament here, but I probably could have done better in this match. And that kept me going,” he said.Karthik has been a constant presence in the IPL since its inception in 2008, playing 257 matches, making him the joint second-most capped player in IPL history alongside Rohit Sharma, and just behind MS Dhoni (264).As he navigates retirement, Karthik mentioned that family functions have kept him occupied and discussed the emotions he felt leading up to his final match. “I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. There’s lots happening in the house, there’s a couple of weddings and all so I’ve been pretty busy with that. It’s a tad bit emotional, a tad bit relief. In a way, I was mentally prepared for whenever it had to happen. But I was so much more prepared for 18th May.”“Once that part of the tournament was crossed, I was extremely elated and very, very happy and grateful. The 22nd came around pretty fast, but overall it was a mixed feeling of relief, emotion and the fact that it has all come to an end,” he added.

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'Start from zero...': Shubman Gill after Gujarat Titans slump to third loss in a row | Cricket News

‘Start from zero…’: Shubman Gill after Gujarat Titans slump to third loss in a row | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a dominant four-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans for their third consecutive IPL 2024 win on Saturday. This was RCB’s fourth win in 11 matches, which propelled them from last place to seventh, keeping their slim playoff hopes alive.Chasing a modest target of 148, Du Plessis (64) and Kohli (42) provided a strong start with a 92-run partnership in 35 balls, securing the win with 6.2 overs to spare at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.Du Plessis’s departure triggered a mini-collapse, as Gujarat struck back with wickets from Joshua Little and Noor Ahmad, leaving RCB at 117-6 when Kohli fell. Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik (21) and Swapnil Singh (15) then ensured a smooth finish with an unbroken 35-run stand, guiding the team home without further trouble.Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans’s situation remains precarious, as they suffered their seventh loss in 11 matches.After the defeat, Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill rued not having an extra bowling option in the side.“It all depends on the wicket, you see the first couple of overs. You get an idea and you play according to that. I think 170-180 on this wicket would have been a good total,” Gill said.“I think how we batted in the powerplay and how we bowled in the powerplay, that made a difference. We would have an extra bowling option (had we not lost early wickets.) Never easy. It’s important for us to start from zero (in the next game), need to move on,” he said.“Many positives to take from this game, need to make sure we don’t repeat our mistakes. It’s all about winning everything we can from here on,” Gill added.

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'Don't look at the scoreboard and...': Skipper Faf du Plessis explains RCB's batting approach | Cricket News

‘Don’t look at the scoreboard and…’: Skipper Faf du Plessis explains RCB’s batting approach | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s emphatic four-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans marked their third consecutive win in the IPL. Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli spearheaded the successful chase of a modest 148-run target, forming a formidable partnership of 92 runs in just 35 balls.Their commanding performance laid a solid foundation for the team’s triumph, achieved with 6.2 overs to spare at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.However, du Plessis’ departure triggered a brief collapse, with Gujarat Titans striking back with quick wickets. The team found itself in a precarious position at 117-6 following Kohli’s dismissal.Yet, wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik, alongside Swapnil Singh, displayed composure and determination, guiding Bangalore to victory with an unbeaten partnership of 35 runs. Their collective effort ensured there was no further drama as they successfully steered the team home.Skipper du Plessis, however, clearly stated that the team’s mantra is to not look at the scoreboard and play the way we want to play.“Been really good the last few games, the way we’ve played with bat and ball. Aggressive with the bat, unbelievable in the field. [Assessment of conditions] There was more bounce in the wicket, we got that information and the bowlers were consistently really good. We dropped a catch but have been really consistent. Something around 180-90 would have been a good score, but we’ve seen the way the game has changed,” Du Plessis said after the match.“Don’t look at the scoreboard and play the way that we want to play. It was a bit nerve-racking, another wicket, another wicket. Probably not the best but you’re trying to be positive, get your NRR up. It makes sense from that point of view but it gets to the point when you need to show a bit of calmness and composure – probably around four down, so some lessons to be learned from that,” Du Plessis added.

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'Had a cappuccino and thought I...': Dinesh Karthik sums up RCB's batting collapse | Cricket News

‘Had a cappuccino and thought I…’: Dinesh Karthik sums up RCB’s batting collapse | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s explosive start, led by Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli, set the tone for a thrilling encounter. Du Plessis, in particular, showcased his aggressive intent, smashing the ball to all corners and registering the franchise’s second-fastest fifty off 18 balls against Gujarat Titans in the IPL match in Bengaluru.While du Plessis took on the aggressor role, Kohli provided crucial support, resulting in their highest Powerplay score of 92 in the history of the IPL.However, a dramatic turn of events saw Bengaluru lose momentum, slipping from 92/1 to 111/5. Kohli, undeterred by the falling wickets, anchored the innings, losing partners but holding one end firmly.Dinesh Karthik‘s arrival provided much-needed support, and despite Kohli’s dismissal, Karthik kept his calm and targeted Rashid Khan to get things back under control.With Swapnil Singh also contributing crucial runs, Bengaluru’s resilience shone through as they successfully chased down the 147-run target with 38 balls to spare, showcasing the team’s depth and determination in overcoming adversity.Veteran RCB batter Karthik, who hadn’t thought of coming to bat with the way their openers started the chase, gave full credit to Kohli and du Plessis for the four-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans.“I started with a cup of tea, then after four overs I had a cappuccino and thought I wouldn’t be batting.” Things happened, and then I had to have a bat,” Karthik said after the match.“[Approach] How to hit boundaries, basic cricketing skills come through. I backed myself to get the job done. The pitch was good to bowl on, having been under the covers there was a bit of moisture.Good toss to win but the bowlers did the job beautifully. The way Faf and Virat batted, I don’t think they would have played the same shots batting first! [Advice to Swapnil] Play for the one that comes in. If you feel sweep is a good option, back yourself to do it but commit to the shot, don’t be half-hearted,” Karthik added.

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RCB vs GT, IPL 2024 Highlights: Faf Du Plessis fifty, bowlers carry Royal Challengers Bengaluru to four-wicket win over Gujarat Titans | Cricket News

RCB vs GT, IPL 2024 Highlights: Faf Du Plessis fifty, bowlers carry Royal Challengers Bengaluru to four-wicket win over Gujarat Titans | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru seemed to falter midway through the chase, but a blazing half-century from captain Faf du Plessis provided the momentum needed to secure a four-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in their IPL match on Saturday.Du Plessis (64 off 23 balls, 10 fours, 3 sixes) and Virat Kohli (42 off 27 balls, 2 fours, 4 sixes) showcased their prowess as they put up 92 runs in just 35 balls for the opening wicket, guiding Royal Challengers past a modest target of 148 despite a few tense moments, mostly self-inflicted. The win propelled RCB to seventh place on the table with eight points from 11 matches, keeping their hopes of making it to the playoffs mathematically alive.Du Plessis and Kohli dealt in boundaries as the home side racked in 92 runs in Power Play, that contained 10 fours and seven maximums.Both Du Plessis and Kohli were severe on all GT bowlers, as the latter began the butchering with two sixes off pacer Mohit Sharma in the first over. Du Plessis was in no mood to play the role of a sidekick as he waded into left-arm pacer Josh Little with a sequence of 4, 6, 4, 4 in the second over that produced a total of 20 runs.The Titans introduced IPL debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar in the hope of containing Kohli at least, but the ploy was foiled spectacularly.The RCB talisman showed his increasing comfort against spin, clobbering Suthar for two successive sixes.Du Plessis reserved his punitive blade for Mohit, whom he carted around for four fours in the fifth over, as the South African reached fifty in just 18 balls before falling to Little.RCB entered a phase of struggle from there as they lost last match centurion Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green between the sixth and 10th overs for just 20 runs. Little (4/45) and spinner Noor Ahmad (2/23) were the chief perpetrators as RCB slipped from 92 for 1 to 112 for five.Ahmad soon ousted Kohli as RCB were 117 for six but Dinesh Karthik (21 not out, 12b) was cool under pressure as RCB notched their overall fourth and third win in a row of this season.Before RCB batsmen joined the party, their bowlers came up with an immaculate effort on a supportive pitch to bowl GT to a modest 147.There were a couple of good partnerships – 61 between David Miller and Shahrukh Khan and 44 by Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan – but the Titans lacked that one big innings or a stand that could have given them a firmer grip on the match.In fact, they seemed distinctly incapable of accelerating even in the Power Play as their top-order batters struggled against RCB pacers, Mohammed Siraj (2/29) and Yash Dayal (2/21) who stuck to a wonderful length. That GT managed to strike just two fours in Power Play offered ample evidence to their struggle and RCB bowlers’ accuracy.The Gujarat side’s Power Play score of 23 for three was the lowest in the segment this season, and it was mainly due to Siraj’s domination upfront.He consumed an out-of-form Wriddhiman Saha with a fine outswinger which the GT opener wafted to Dinesh Karthik behind the stumps.Shubman Gill followed soon as his attempted swat to the on-side off Siraj took a leading edge and ended in the hands of Vysakh Vijayakumar at deep point.Green fetched the third wicket for RCB in the Power Play when he jettisoned in-form B Sai Sudharsan, whose feeble pull close to the body was snaffled by Kohli at mid-off.Miller (30, 20b) and Shahrukh (37, 24b) tried their best to drag GT out of the woods with a well-paced 61-run alliance off 37 balls for the fourth wicket.Miller, who was fortunate to get dropped on 23 off Green by Karn Sharma, played archetypal power shots.He punished leg-spinner Karn for a couple of sixes – a pull and a loft over extra cover – but fell to the same bowler when a miscued heave was grabbed by Maxwell at deep.But a bigger misfortune was in store for the visitors as Shahrukh, who backed up a tad too far to Rahul Tewatia’s soft drop, could not beat a throw from Kohli to the non-striker’s end.For the sixth-wicket, Tewatia (35, 21b) and Rashid (18, 14b) added 44 off 29 balls, but the latter’s desire to be innovative against Yash Dayal saw the ball crashing onto the stumps.Tewatia, who punished Karn for 18 runs (4, 6, 4, 4) in the 16th over, departed soon. (With inputs from PTI)

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'Please stop wearing that shirt immediately': AB de Villiers asks RCB's 'bad omen' | Cricket News

‘Please stop wearing that shirt immediately’: AB de Villiers asks RCB’s ‘bad omen’ | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Former South African and Royal Challengers Bengaluru cricketer AB de Villiers has requested former New Zealand and Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Scott Styris to stop wearing the RCB jersey. The Bengaluru-based franchise has been struggling in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, with only two points from seven games, placing them at the bottom of the table. Styris, who has been seen sporting the RCB jersey on match days, is now considered a bad omen for the team. In response to Styris’ post, De Villiers commented, “Please stop wearing that shirt immediately!!!!” Styris, however, has thrown down the gauntlet to De Villiers, declaring that he will stop wearing the RCB shirt for the team’s upcoming matches if the South African legend agrees to wear a Chennai Super Kings shirt once. The former New Zealand all-rounder stated, “I said I would wear the shirt. It has been a bad omen. I am a bad mascot for RCB, which is pleasing from my perspective. So I am prepared to put out a challenge back to AB de Villiers because he says it’s time for me to stop wearing the shirt. I will stop wearing the shirt for RCB matches moving forward if De Villiers wears the CSK shirt once. He is coming back for The Insiders (Jio Cinema’s programme) for the last week of the playoffs.” Former England captain Eoin Morgan, who was part of the show, agreed with Styris that the counter-challenge to De Villiers was ‘fair’.RCB’s latest setback came against Sunrisers Hyderabad, who set a new IPL record for the highest total, amassing 287-3 on Monday. The match also witnessed the highest aggregate for a T20 game, with a combined total of 549 runs. ALSO SEE: IPL 2024 POINTS TABLEDespite valiant efforts from Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Dinesh Karthik, RCB fell short by 25 runs, resulting in their sixth defeat of the season.

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