December 23, 2024
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Indian Premier League

'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

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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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Riyan Parag confident of making international debut in near future – India TV

Riyan Parag confident of making international debut in near future – India TV

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Image Source : BCCI/IPL Riyan Parag during the RR vs SRH IPL 2024 game in Hyderabad on May 24, 2024 Riyan Parag targets an international debut in the near future after a memorable performance in the recent IPL 2024. The young batting all-rounder produced his career-best performance with Rajasthan Royals but failed to make India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. The 22-year-old Riyan played a crucial role in leading Sanju Samson’s Royals to Qualifier 2 in the 17th edition of the tournament. Parag’s name emerged in talks ahead of the squad selection for the World Cup but the Guwahati-born batter had to wait for his chance. Parag is not a stranger to Indian cricket having made headlines with his performances in U19 World Cup 2018 and in domestic tournaments for Assam. He enjoyed his best season in the IPL by scoring 573 runs at a strike rate of almost 150. Speaking at a sporting event in Mumbai, Parag talked about his belief in making India debut in the near future. He stated that he will make his debut one day for sure and it’s only a matter of time.  “At some point, you’ll have to take me, right? So that is my belief, I’m going to play for India,” Riyan Parag told PTI. “I don’t really care when. That is me believing in myself. That is not me being arrogant. That is what my plan was with my dad (former Railways and Assam player Parag Das), when I started playing cricket when I was like 10-years-old. We (a joint project) were going to play for India regardless of anything. “Whether it’s the next tour, whether it’s a tour in six months, whether it’s a tour in one year. I don’t really put my thought behind when I should play. That is the selector’s job, that is other people’s job.” Parag is expected to make his India debut along with Abhishek Sharma during India’s next bilateral T20I series against Zimbabwe after the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies.

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'I get death threats': Simon Doull opens up on backlash for criticising Virat Kohli | Cricket News

‘I get death threats’: Simon Doull opens up on backlash for criticising Virat Kohli | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Former New Zealand fast bowler and commentator Simon Doull made a startling revelation regarding his criticism of Virat Kohli‘s strike-rate.Doull emphasised that despite having said “thousand good things” about the former Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain, he has experienced negative consequences for voicing his critiques.While Doull has often praised the Indian batsman’s skills and achievements, he found that pointing out areas for improvement, such as strike-rate, can lead to backlash from passionate fans.“I see a phenomenal player, a player who should be dominating more than what he was. That’s what I talk about (when I mention) his strike rate. I felt that he was afraid to get out because he was worried about what is behind him rather than (saying), ‘I’m so good’. It is the same thing I said about Babar and I had a chat with him after I talked about it in Pakistan and he said that his coaches told him the same thing. What I loved about (Kohli) this year was the intent to hit sixes,” said Doull on Cricbuzz.He stated that his main point has always been that Kohli shouldn’t have to worry about getting out, and that it was probably one of the few negative comments he has made about the former RCB captain.“He is too good to worry about getting out and that was always my point. I have said a thousand great things about Virat Kohli but I say one thing negative or construed to be negative, and I get death threats. That’s the shame of it,” he said.“There has never been an issue and I would never have a reason to have personal problems. When I look at the game and the way it has moved, particularly with the impact sub, a strike rate of 130-135 didn’t cut it any more,” he said.Kohli finished the IPL 2024 as the highest run-getter with 741 runs in 15 matches including a century and five fifties. He scored at an average of 61.75 and with a strike rate of 154.69 as an opener.

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'To my boys, my team, my champs...': Shah Rukh Khan's million-dollar praise for KKR | Cricket News

‘To my boys, my team, my champs…’: Shah Rukh Khan’s million-dollar praise for KKR | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Superstar Shah Rukh Khan on Wednesday congratulated the “stars” of his team, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), for their outstanding performance in the IPL 2024 final, where they clinched the championship trophy for the third time.KKR triumphed in the latest edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with a dominating eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a completely one-sided final on Sunday.As the principal owner of the team, Shah Rukh also expressed his gratitude to the fans who patiently waited 10 long years for this win. “Love you all and don’t let the dancing stop! Also, so happy and thankful for each and every KKR fan and I hope all around the world youngsters learn that tough times don’t last…” he wrote in a lengthy post on his social media handles. The 58-year-old actor expressed his gratitude to the KKR coaching staff and management in his post. He specifically acknowledged the contributions of Gautam Gambhir, the team’s mentor, Abhishek Nayar, the assistant coach, and Chandrakant Pandit, the head coach.“To my boys… my team… my champs… ‘these blessed candles of the night’… My Stars…of KKR. I cannot do a lot of things and you cannot do them all either…but together we manage most of them. That’s what @KKRiders stood for.“Simply being together. Beyond the ability and guidance of @GautamGambhir….the earnestness of Chandu, the love of @abhisheknayar1 & leadership of @ShreyasIyer15… the dedication of @rtendo27, Bharat Arun, @1crowey & @Numb3z.”KKR is a team that’s not built on hierarchy but “pure respect for collaboration”, he said.“GG (Gambhir) said if u can’t support a single vision as a team… u are leading to a division in the team. Each player understood that. Young and old. The Trophy is not a testament of having the best players in the team… but a proof of each player being the best for the team. Boys you are all made of Star stuff!! Finally Tough and Happy teams do! Korbo…Lorbo…Jeetbo….Always. See u all at the stadia in 2025,” Shah Rukh wrote.Shah Rukh, who was hospitalized last week in Ahmedabad due to a heat stroke following his attendance at an IPL match of his team at the Narendra Modi Stadium, was overjoyed when KKR emerged victorious in IPL 2024.During the final match at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium, the actor wore a mask for most of the game but removed it when the team was on the brink of securing the coveted title, displaying his excitement.Accompanied by his wife Gauri Khan and children Aryan, Suhana, and AbRam, Shah Rukh was present at the final match.KKR, co-owned by Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta, clinched its first IPL title in 2012, followed by another win in 2014.(With PTI inputs)

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Watch: Cake-smeared Shahbaz Ahmed leads celebrations in SRH camp after entering IPL final | Cricket News

Watch: Cake-smeared Shahbaz Ahmed leads celebrations in SRH camp after entering IPL final | Cricket News

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Shahbaz Ahmed and Abhishek Sharma‘s combined effort of five-wickets led Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) entry into the final of IPL 2024 with a comprehensive 36-run win over Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 on Friday, and the duo deservingly cut the victory cake as the team returned to their hotel in Chennai.SRH had lost to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Qualifier 1 and will now face the same opponents in the title clash on Sunday.SRH previously won the title in 2016 while KKR have lifted the trophy twice before – in 2012 and 2014. IPL 2024 STANDINGS: Orange Cap | Purple Cap On Friday in Qualifier 2, SRH scored 175 for 9, thanks to Heinrich Klassen’s 34-ball 50. In chase, Rajasthan could only reach 139 for 7 as the two left-arm spinners Shahbaz (3 for 23) and Abhishek (2 for 24) tied the Royals’ batsmen into knots.Until Qualifier 2, it was Abhishek’s bat making most of the noise with 470 runs coming off his willow in 14 innings. While he could add only 12 more runs to it on Friday, it was his bowling spell of 2 for 24, which included wickets of Rajasthan Royals’ skipper Sanju Samson (10) and Shimron Hetmyer (4), that took SRH into the final.As the team entered the hotel lobby upon its return from the MA Chidambaram Stadium, the hotel staff had arranged for a cake, which was cut by the spin twins. But Shahbaz had no idea of what was coming next as one of his teammates took a big chunk from the cake and smeared it on Shahbaz’s face, much to the amusement of the rest of the squad watching on. Besides that fun, skipper Pat Cummins, Klaasen and Shahbaz also connected with the fans from the SRH dressing room after the win. WATCH VIDEOS OF SUNRISERS’ CELEBRATIONS

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IPL 2024: Scratchy Rajasthan Royals end RCB's sensational run with four-wicket win in Eliminator | Cricket News

IPL 2024: Scratchy Rajasthan Royals end RCB’s sensational run with four-wicket win in Eliminator | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals managed to halt Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s juggernaut in the Indian Premier League, securing a hard-fought four-wicket victory in the Eliminator in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.The RR bowlers produced an all-round effort, stopping RCB to 172 for 8. However, the their batters encountered difficulties during the middle overs in chase, allowing RCB to claw back in the match, which remained evenly poised for a significant portion of the second half. Despite the challenges, the inaugural IPL champions ultimately reached the target with an over to spare, finishing at 174 for 6, thanks to Rovman Powell’s composed unbeaten 16, which provided the necessary impetus in a tense conclusion. As he has done several times before this season, Riyan Parag (36 off 26) showcased deep resolve in an adverse situation to help Rajasthan stay alive in the tournament. It was Royals’ first win after four losses and an abandoned game.2008 winners Royals face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Friday for a place in the IPL final. The returning Shimron Hetmyer also played his part to perfection, scoring a crucial 26 off 14 balls.As It HappenedIn a contest wherein fortunes swung from one side to another, RR remained ahead with impactful performances throughout even though Mohammed Siraj (2/33) raised late hopes for RCB with wickets of Parag and Hetmyer in the 18th over,With 13 needed off last two overs, Powell found two fours off Lockie Ferguson to seal the deal in favour of his side.Earlier, it was Yashasvi Jaiswal (45 off 30) who gave them the impetus at the top.Off to an unconvincing start with his initial runs coming off the outside edge, Jaiswal grew in confidence when Yash Dayal fed him a few deliveries to capitalise on and the RR opener cracked four fours in the third over to break the shackles.At the other end, Tom Kohler-Cadmore (20) also hit a couple of fours against Siraj and while getting a lifeline from Glenn Maxwell, who spilled a sitter at deep square leg off Dayal.With RR’s acceleration rapidly shaving runs off the target, RCB needed a breakthrough and Lockie Ferguson provided the first success when he foxed Kohler-Cadmore with a slow yorker which crashed into the stumps.The gradual progression of Jaiswal’s innings saw the batter finding his rhythm, but the extreme heat sapped him out completely having faced a mere 29 balls.In between the ninth and the 10th over, Jaiswal received on-field treatment and got back up only to play a loose shot — an attempted ramp off Cameron Green but only gloved it to the ‘keeper.Soon after, Karn Sharma dealt a body blow by having Sanju Samson (17) stumped.With their tails up, RCB continued making inroads with Dhruv Jurel (8) being run out after a brilliant effort from Virat Kohli and Cameron Green. Kohli fired a sharp throw from deep midwicket to the non-striker’s end, where Jurel was found short of his crease.RR were firmly under pressure heading into the 15th over when they chose to go after Green, who had been all over them with three tidy overs and a wicket up until then.Hetmyer smacked the Australian for a six and Parag followed his partner in hitting another, while also finding a four to collect 17 runs.Earlier, Rajasthan Royals put forth a sharp bowling effort.Led by Trent Boult (4-0-16-1), who produced an opening spell of 3-0-6-1, RR bowlers kept taking wickets at crucial stages to control the game.The venerable Ravichandran Ashwin (4-0-19-2), having previously gone wicketless for a significant stretch, left an indelible mark with wickets Cameron Green (27) and Glenn Maxwell (0) on consecutive deliveries while Avesh Khan (3/44) also chipped in.Rajasthan’s bowling was adequately backed up by their fielders, particularly Rovman Powell, who took two stunning catches that clipped RCB’s progress.(With inputs from PTI)

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After threat to Virat Kohli and RCB's security, team cancelled practice and press conference ahead of IPL Eliminator: Report | Cricket News

After threat to Virat Kohli and RCB’s security, team cancelled practice and press conference ahead of IPL Eliminator: Report | Cricket News

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In a startling report by Bengali daily ‘Anandbazar Patrika’, Gujarat Police arrested four persons from the Ahmedabad airport on Monday night on suspicion of terror activities, which allegedly posed a threat to the security of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team and its star player Virat Kohli ahead of their IPL Eliminator match against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday. Once the RCB camp received the above information, they decided to cance their practice at the Gujarat College ground in Ahmedabad on Tuesday and also did not go ahead with the press conference on the eve of the match. Rajasthan Royals, however, went ahead with their training as scheduled but cancelled their press conference as well. The Gujarat College ground was the alternative practic venue for the two teams as the Narendra Modi Stadium hosted Qualifier 1 on Tuesday between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad. KKR won that match to enter the final.The report also claims that the police found the four arrested men in possession of arms as well as suspicious videos and text messages at their hideout.Reportedly, security around the RCB team hotel has been beefed up and all entry and exit points for the players and team staff secured.

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'God has got a plan': Virat Kohli sums up RCB's rise from the ashes in IPL 2024 | Cricket News

‘God has got a plan’: Virat Kohli sums up RCB’s rise from the ashes in IPL 2024 | Cricket News

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It won’t be wrong to call Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) the phoenix of IPL 2024, for the way they have literally risen from the ashes to script one of the most remarkable comebacks the league has ever seen. But there’s still unfinished business, which is why RCB icon Virat Kohli says “we gotta focus on the next one.” RCB qualified for the playoffs, finishing fourth on the points table after defeating five-time winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their do-or-die match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru last Saturday.That was their sixth consecutive win on the trot, after losing seven of their first eight matches in this edition, which is what makes their run special and iconic. No other team has ever done that after a similar horror start to the season. IPL 2024: Results | Points Table Kohli, with 708 runs to be the league’s top run-getter, has been one of the inspirational figures behind this comeback; but the batting legend doesn’t want to delve much into it as the team has the all-important Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals coming up. The losing team in that match exits the tournament, while the winners go on to play Qualifier 2 for a place in the final. Qualifier 1 will be played between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad, with the winner moving into the final and the losing team taking on the winners of the Eliminator. “God’s got a plan,” Kohli could be heard saying on a video clip on social media, as he walks towards the dressing room.WATCH VIDEO “So you just need to be honest with what you are doing. I think we were pretty honest with our hard work and we got the rewards. I don’t want to say anything more than this. We gotta focus on the next one,” the former RCB captain added. Kohli has been with RCB since the inception of the league, which makes it his 17th season with the franchise. However, they are yet to win the title and will hope that this inspirational comeback continues for three more matches to end their wait.

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Rajasthan Royals finish third after rain plays spoilsport in their IPL game against KKR | Cricket News

Rajasthan Royals finish third after rain plays spoilsport in their IPL game against KKR | Cricket News

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NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals faced the consequences of their lackluster performance in the business end of the tournament, settling for a third spot on the points table as their final IPL league match against table-toppers Kolkata Knight Riders was abandoned due to rain in Guwahati on Sunday. The unfortunate outcome meant both Royals and KKR shared a point each and Sunrisers Hyderabad pipping the former for a second spot on a better Net Run Rate. The Royals’ inability to secure a victory in their last game proved costly as they will now have to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Eliminator.As It HappenedWhile KKR finished the league engagements on 20 points with nine wins and two more solitary points courtesy wash-outs, SRH (17 points) pipped RR (17 points) despite both teams have equal points. SRH finished with NRR of 0.414 compared to RR’s 0.273.KKR will play Sunrisers Hyderabad in the first Qualifier in Ahmedabad on Tuesday followed by the ‘Eliminator’ between RR and RCB in the same venue.Rajasthan Royals would blame themselves for getting into a nice little rut after an incredible run during the first half of the tournament when they had won eight out of their nine games.But their campaign lost a bit of steam towards the back end as they lost four games on trot and with no Jos Buttler for crunch games, facing a marauding RCB in a winner-takes-all match could be a very tough proposition.On the other hand, SRH, a team that redefined power-hitting with optimum use of ‘Impact Sub’, had one of their best chases on Sunday, albeit on a track that once again resembled a highway in terms of its placid quotient. The chase of 215 against a depleted Punjab Kings with five balls to spare also bolstered their NRR just when it was needed.(With inputs from PTI)

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru go past SRH to script historic sixes record in T20 cricket – India TV

Royal Challengers Bengaluru go past SRH to script historic sixes record in T20 cricket – India TV

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Image Source : BCCI/IPL RCB players during the IPL 2024 game against SRH in Bengaluru on May 18, 2024 Royal Challengers Bengaluru entered the history book after scoring a huge total of 218 against Chennai Super Kings in the 68th match of the IPL 2024 on Saturday. RCB shattered various records after posting a challenging total at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in a must-win game for a playoff berth. RCB registered 16 sixes and 14 fours to achieve their joint-highest total against the defending champions. After registering their ninth six of the game, Bengaluru became the first team in the world to record 150 or more sixes in a T20 competition. Faf du Plessis-led Bengaluru broke Sunrisers Hyderabad’s record of 146 sixes which they achieved this season. Royal Challengers struggled for consistency in the first half of the season but have been in red-hot form lately with five consecutive wins and another victory will boost them to playoff berth. Most sixes by a team in a T20 competition 157 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024 146 – Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024 145 – Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2018 144 – Surrey in T20 Blast 2023 143 – Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2019 Faf top-scored with 54 runs off 39 balls and in-form Virat Kohli contributed with 47 runs off just 29 balls. Kohli registered four sixes as he continues to display his power-hitting skills in the IPL 2024. The former RCB captain also topped the sixes chart this season and completed 700 runs as well. Most sixes in IPL 2024 Virat Kohli (RCB) – 37 sixes in 14 innings Nicholas Pooran (LSG) – 36 sixes in 14 innings Abhishek Sharma (SRH) – 35 sixes in 12 innings Sunil Narine (KKR) – 32 sixes in 12 innings Travis Head (SRH) – 31 sixes in 11 innings Royal Challengers Bengaluru also matched Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders’ record for 200-plus totals for most times, six, in an IPL season. 

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