June 7, 2025
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Indian cricket

Rishabh Pant’s LSG hosts SRH with IPL 2025 playoff hopes on the line

Rishabh Pant’s LSG hosts SRH with IPL 2025 playoff hopes on the line

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LUCKNOW 18/05/2025: Lucknow Super Giants skipper Rishabh Pant during practice session on the eve of their IPL match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, in Lucknow on Sunday. May 18, 2025 PHOTO SANDEEP SAXENA to protect | Photo Credit: SANDEEP SAXENA The eight-day suspension of the IPL threw a spanner in the works for the BCCI, international cricket calendar and fans. However, the break might just be what Lucknow Super Giants needed to steady a stuttering campaign. Three defeats on the trot, and four in the last five, have left its playoff hopes hanging by the thinnest of threads. LSG needs to win its three remaining matches, starting with the clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Ekana Stadium here on Monday, and hope teams above them stumble for an improbable top-four finish. While its ₹27 crore captain Rishabh Pant has endured a disappointing run, SRH is one of the teams the left-hander loves facing in the IPL. Pant is one of only seven players to have scored more than 550 runs against SRH and has the highest strike rate (144.61) among them. Super Giants, led by Shardul Thakur’s four-fer, laid bare the weak spots in Sunrisers’ armour when the two met earlier in the season. It was the first of four consecutive defeats for SRH, putting it in the fast lane to elimination. However, the visitor’s washed out game against Delhi Capitals showed how it can perform when the weight of expectations is off its shoulders, something that should keep LSG on its toes. Having lost star pacer Mayank Yadav to injury once again, pressure will be on Shardul, Akash Deep and Digvesh Rathi to ensure that LSG, with the worst economy rate in the PowerPlay (10.54) this season, does not get taken to the cleaners by SRH’s batting arsenal. Published – May 18, 2025 07:30 pm IST

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T20 World Cup: 'Sometimes you don't get...': Bowling coach Paras Mhambrey praises Hardik Pandya's ability ahead of USA vs India | Cricket News

T20 World Cup: ‘Sometimes you don’t get…’: Bowling coach Paras Mhambrey praises Hardik Pandya’s ability ahead of USA vs India | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: The Indian team management, including bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, expressed confidence in Hardik Pandya‘s ability to deliver for the team in the T20 World Cup, despite his underwhelming performance in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Pandya has been a vital contributor to the Indian bowling attack, claiming five wickets at an economy rate of 6.37 in the first two matches of the tournament. ALSO SEE: T20 WORLD CUP 2024 Schedule | Points Table While his batting performance has yet to make a significant impact, Mhambrey emphasized that the team was not concerned about Pandya’s form.Mhambrey stated that Pandya’s confidence in his abilities was never in doubt, and the team was aware that he would eventually regain his form. “Hardik’s confidence in his ability was never in doubt. Sometimes you don’t get into the rhythm, no matter what you do. You’re bowling consistently, but you just cannot get into a rhythm. His work ethic was the same. We knew he was going to come good,” Mhambrey said in the pre-match press conference. The team management expects him to continue making a significant impact as the tournament progresses, with the next match against the co-hosts, USA, scheduled for Wednesday in New York.During the IPL, Pandya led the Mumbai Indians franchise for the first time in his career. In 14 matches, he conceded 387 runs and took 11 wickets. Despite facing criticism from fans early in the tournament, Mhambrey highlighted that if Pandya’s work ethic had been a concern, he would not have been able to perform well in the T20 World Cup.“If it was worrisome, he would not have done anything in that phase. If he did not work on that, then it was a little worrisome. But one thing was, for sure, I knew that I also followed that, that his work ethic was going on the same as before. So, if that is going on with him then after one or two matches, the rhythm of the bowler comes. After he got into that rhythm, you can see the difference between the IPL and this tournament,” he added.Pandya’s contribution was crucial in India’s victory over Pakistan, where he claimed the important wickets of Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan.(Inputs from ANI)

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'I expect him to play like a...': Former India cricketer's advice for Hardik Pandya | Cricket News

‘I expect him to play like a…’: Former India cricketer’s advice for Hardik Pandya | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Pragyan Ojha has urged Hardik Pandya to embrace the role of a “true leader” and rise to the occasion. Despite facing criticism, Hardik was appointed as the vice-captain of India’s 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup.Ojha expressed confidence in Hardik’s leadership capabilities and his prowess as an all-rounder. He stressed the significance of mental preparedness, highlighting the need for Hardik to be ready to take charge when circumstances dictate.Ojha’s endorsement underscores the belief in Hardik’s potential to excel not just as a player but also as a leader on the cricketing stage.“I expect him to play like a leader because he is next in command. If something happens to Rohit, we don’t want that, if anything happens, he (Hardik) will be leading the side, so he has to be prepared, he has to take that responsibility when he is batting,” Ojha said on Jio Cinema.Hardik’s journey since the October 2023 ODI World Cup match against Bangladesh has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. After recovering from an ankle ailment, he assumed the captaincy of Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2024 season, replacing Rohit Sharma. However, this decision sparked significant social media criticism, which evidently impacted the all-rounder’s confidence.Despite the adversity, Hardik has showcased glimpses of his batting prowess in the 2024 IPL season, scoring 197 runs at an impressive average of 150.38 in 10 games. However, his bowling performance has been less stellar, with only six wickets claimed at an economy rate of 11.0.Navigating through the highs and lows, Pandya’s resilience will be key as he seeks to regain his form and silence the critics, both on and off the field.Ojha, acknowledging Hardik’s significance in the Indian setup, lauded his ability to provide balance to the team. Despite the IPL ordeal, Hardik’s place in the T20 World Cup squad was never in doubt. His versatility as an all-rounder offered India the flexibility they needed, a fact not lost on selectors or fans.“For me, he is someone who will create that balance for the side. Every time we talk about Indian team selection, Hardik’s name always comes in. He creates that balance, he will give you that cushion. That you can have an extra batter or a bowler, wherever he is needed. That’s what we want him to do, to be mentally ready for the World Cup and just forget what is happening in the IPL and focus on the World Cup, that is more important,” Ojha added.(With IANS inputs)

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'When I met him...': Shubman Gill recalls his first meeting with Virat Kohli - Watch

‘When I met him…’: Shubman Gill recalls his first meeting with Virat Kohli – Watch

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NEW DELHI: If Virat Kohli is called the ‘King’ then Shubman Gill is referred to as the ‘Prince’ of Indian cricket.Gill has been earmarked to succeed Kohli as the batting mainstay of Team India and he himself has gone on record to looking up to Kohli and getting inspiration from the former Indian captain.But Gill and Kohli would be on the opposite sides when Gujarat Titans take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday and ahead of the match, the host broadcaster shared a video where Gill talks about his first meeting with Kohli.Gill says, “When I spoke to him for the first time when I went to New Zealand, there he told me every time a new kid comes, people say he needs a couple of chances, he needs some innings to get through but I think if you are good and capable then you can start from your first innings, you can score a 100 in your first innings. And you come to know how one looks at life.”“So I came to know what kind of a person he is and I really liked it. So what he told me was that if you a new kid comes on the block, in the Indian team, all say that he should get some chances, he should get some innings, he will get set after that only. But he said that he saw that capability in me and you have to give it your 100% , rest we will see what happens,” Gill adds. With 4 wins and 5 defeats, Gujarat Titans are at the seventh spot in the points table while RCB are at the bottom.

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'MS Dhoni still leading the side, not Ruturaj Gaikwad': Navjot Singh Sidhu makes a big statement on CSK captaincy | Cricket News

‘MS Dhoni still leading the side, not Ruturaj Gaikwad’: Navjot Singh Sidhu makes a big statement on CSK captaincy | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Former Indian opener Navjot Singh Sidhu firmly expressed his opinion regarding the leadership dynamics within the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team, stating that despite Ruturaj Gaikwad‘s presence as the official captain, it is still the legendary MS Dhoni who is effectively leading the team.Sidhu’s observation emphasises the enduring influence and leadership prowess of Dhoni, who is widely regarded as one of the most successful captains in the history of Indian cricket.Sidhu, known for his outright comments, shared his viewpoint when asked who has impressed him the most, as per strategic point of view, among the current crop of young and new captains in the IPL so far.“If you talk about Ruturaj, he is still under the shadow of Dhoni. You can say as many times that Dhoni is not captaining, but ultimately he is leading the side. ‘Bargad ke neeche kya uga hai, uga kar dikhao. When Dhoni leaves, there might be no shadow of him,” said Sidhu, who is doing commentary in the ongoing IPL, on the #AskStar show on Star Sports. Sidhu also stated that one can only evaluate a captain after he has guided the team through nearly 50 matches.Sidhu praised Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson for his maturity and skillful resource management. And when it comes to the best leadership, the cricketer-turned commentator named Australian skipper Pat Cummins, currently leading Sunrisers Hyderabad, as the best captain.Dhoni’s tenure as captain of CSK has been marked by remarkable achievements, including five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles, which have solidified his reputation as a shrewd tactician and an astute leader. Despite stepping down from the captaincy role before the start of IPL 2024, Dhoni continues to exert a significant influence on the team’s strategy and decision-making, both on and off the field.Ruturaj, while assuming the formal captaincy position, may still be in the process of growing into his leadership role within the team. Dhoni’s experience, tactical acumen, and ability to mentor younger players likely play a crucial role in guiding Gaikwad and the rest of the team during matches and training sessions.Sidhu’s remarks highlight the intricate dynamics of leadership within cricket teams, where the presence of a seasoned veteran like Dhoni can continue to shape the team’s performance and direction, even as newer leaders emerge. Dhoni’s leadership legacy at CSK remains a cornerstone of the team’s identity, with his influence extending far beyond his official title.

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