Indian Premier League

Virat Kohli in a zone where no bowler can trouble him: Mohammad Kaif | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago04 mins

NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has heaped praise on Virat Kohli, stating that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru opener has reached a state of focus where no bowling match-up can disturb him. Kohli has been in exceptional form in IPL 2024, displaying his prowess and determination.RCB are set to face Chennai Super Kings in their final league game in Bengaluru on Saturday.The hosts need to secure a victory with a decent margin to surpass their opponents and clinch the final playoff berth based on net run rate.Speaking on Star Sports, Kaif likened Kohli’s current form and mindset to that of a monk in deep meditation, undisturbed by external distractions.”When a hermit goes to the Himalayas, he is in a different zone when he is meditating. Nothing distracts him. Whether there is a loud noise, someone shouts or cries, it doesn’t make a difference. Virat Kohli has reached that zone,” Kaif said.“He is not seeing the scorecard and is just in his zone and concentrating. He knows the intent with which he needs to play no matter which bowler, whether it’s a fast bowler or a spinner, is in front of him. No matter which bowler comes, he has reached a zone where there is no match-up,” the former India batter added. Kohli is the highest run-getter in IPL 2024, amassing 661 runs at a strike rate of 155.16 in 13 games. Kaif emphasized that Kohli is driven by a desire to lead RCB to victory.“He has come just to dominate. He has come with the passion that he will only be satisfied once he makes his team win, and that has been seen from the second match. In the first match against Chennai, he got out when he pulled a Fizz (Mustafizur Rahman) slower bouncer and (Ajinkya) Rahane took the catch,” he observed.“From the second match against Punjab, he came determined. He was jumping down the track and hitting (Kagiso) Rabada and playing slog sweeps against spinners. You talk about the fourth or fifth gear but he has reached the 15th gear. No one will reach that level,” the cricketer-turned-commentator added.As RCB prepare for their crucial match against CSK, Kohli’s form and focus will be pivotal in determining the team’s chances of making it to the playoffs.

MS Dhoni bowls in nets ahead of CSK vs RCB clash | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: MS Dhoni’s presence on the cricket field never fails to captivate fans, regardless of the outcome of the match. The mere sight of Thala stepping out to bat, even if it’s for a single delivery, is enough to send the crowd into a frenzy of joy and excitement.Ahead of the highly anticipated and do-or-die clash between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a video surfaced on CSK’s social media handle, showcasing MS Dhoni bowling during the practice session.The footage captured the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman bowling during the team’s net session. Is he going to enthrall fans with his bowling skills against RCB on Saturday?“When he bowls, just ADORABOWL!,” CSK posted on their social media handle. CSK batting coach Michael Hussey is hoping that Dhoni would continue with the team for a couple of years more, saying the former skipper was still batting well.The 42-year-old Dhoni surprised everyone by stepping aside as captain of the team just a day before the start of the 2024 season. Ruturaj Gaikwad was handed the reins of the side.“We are hoping he does keep going. He is still batting so well. He does prepare well – he gets into the camp very early and hits a lot of balls. He has been in good touch all season really,” Hussey said on ESPN’s Around the Wicket show.“I guess we just got to try to manage him from the body side of things. He had a knee surgery after the last season. So, he has been managing that from the initial stage of the tournament.“I hope he keeps going for another couple of years. But we will just have to wait and see. He is the only one who will make that call. And, he likes to sort of build the drama a little bit as well. So, I wouldn’t expect a decision anytime soon.”Dhoni led CSK to record five IPL titles.

Watch: Gujarat Titans’ final home game of IPL 2024 washed out, team thanks fans | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago02 mins

NEW DELHI: Gujarat Titans’ final home game of IPL 2024 could not be played due to inclement weather which forced the abandonment of their match against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Monday.IPL ORANGE CAP | IPL PURPLE CAP | IPL POINTS TABLEAs a result, Gujarat, who won the IPL in their debut season in 2022, were knocked out of the playoff race, confirming a top-two finish for table-toppers Kolkata, who remain the only side to have already qualified for the next stage.In a show of gratitude for their unwavering support through this season, the Captain of the Gujarat Titans, Shubman Gill and the entire squad completed a lap of honour to thank their fans.The official X handle of the Indian Premier League shared a heart-warming video of the lap. Gujarat have won five of their 13 games and are at the 8th spot in the points table with 11 points.Gujarat joined Mumbai Indians and bottom-placed Punjab Kings to be out of the title race.The last time Kolkata ended in the top two in the league stage, they went on to win the tournament in 2012 and 2014.

Sourav Ganguly removes his cap before shaking hands with Virat Kohli – WATCH | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago02 mins

NEW DELHI: Rajat Patidar’s aggressive half-century and exceptional bowling display propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their fifth consecutive victory, significantly bolstering their playoff aspirations with a commanding 47-run triumph over Delhi Capitals on Sunday.RCB posted a challenging total of 187-9, with Cameron Green’s unbeaten 32 off 24 balls playing a crucial role in their innings. In reply, RCB bowlers dismantled Delhi Capitals’ batting lineup, restricting them to 140 runs in 19.1 overs at their home ground, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.With this remarkable win, RCB have jumped to fifth place in the standings, igniting hope for a late charge towards playoff qualification. However, securing victory in their final league match and relying on other favorable outcomes will be crucial for their chances of breaking into the top four.Following the conclusion of the match, players and support staff from both teams exchanged handshakes as a customary sign of sportsmanship. When it was Sourav Ganguly‘s turn, the Director of Cricket for Delhi Capitals, to shake hands with Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain showed his respect by removing his cap, a gesture that resonated deeply with fans across social media platforms. Kohli is the leading run-getter in this season with 661 runs including one century and five half centuries.

‘When MS Dhoni comes to play…’: Rashid Khan after Gujarat Titans’ win over Chennai Super Kings | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: Skipper Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan delivered exceptional centuries in a record-equaling opening partnership of over 200 runs, propelling the Gujarat Titans to a comfortable 35-run victory over the Chennai Super Kings in an IPL match on Friday. This win keeps Gujarat’s playoff hopes alive.Sudharsan scored 103 off 51 balls, hitting five fours and seven sixes, while Gill notched the season’s first century with a superb 104 off 55 balls, including six sixes.Together, they helped GT set an imposing total of 231 for 3 after being put into bat. The duo’s partnership of 210 runs for the first wicket matched the record set by Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul in 2022.In pursuit of the challenging target, CSK had a rocky start, but Daryl Mitchell (63 off 34) and Moeen Ali (56 off 36) shared a 109-run stand for the fourth wicket to keep the team in contention. However, the target proved too steep, and CSK were ultimately held to 196 for 8 in their 20 overs.“You love to watch those two (Gill and Sudharsan), really enjoyed the way they played, happy to be on the winning side though. Happy to get a couple of wickets, my body is feeling better. Had a back issue, it’s good and it’s better now, very soon I will be all fit,” Rashid said after the match.Despite a late surge from Mahendra Singh Dhoni with a quick 26 off 11 balls, it wasn’t enough to secure the win for the defending champions.Dhoni tonked a couple of one-handed maximums to enthrall the Ahmedabad crowd. Gujarat Titans spinner Rashid Khan, who claimed two wickets in his team’s win, was in awe of Dhoni and his fan following. “I have bowled against him (Dhoni), when he comes to play it’s a different feeling, it gives us a good energy, happy to play with him,” Rashid said.For Gujarat Titans, Mohit Sharma (3/31) stood out among the bowlers.

IPL 2024 creates new all-time record with milestone 1000 sixes in fewest balls | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: In the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), a remarkable feat was achieved as players hit over 1000 sixes, marking the third occasion in the history of the tournament. The milestone 1000th six came up during the Sunrisers Hyderabad-Lucknow Super Giants IPL encounter in Hyderabad.This season saw 1000 sixes being scored in just 13079 balls, setting a new record for the fastest time to reach this milestone.The previous records were set in the 2023 and 2022 seasons, with 1124 and 1062 sixes respectively. In 2023, it took 15390 balls to hit 1000 sixes, while in 2022, the same number of sixes was reached in 16269 balls.Fewest balls to 1000 sixes in an IPL edition 13079 in IPL 2024 15390 in IPL 2023 16269 in IPL 2022 This year’s accomplishment highlights the aggressive batting style that has become a hallmark of the IPL, with players going for maximums more frequently than ever before. The reduction in the number of balls to reach 1000 sixes from the past two seasons indicates an increase in the scoring rate and a shift towards a more explosive form of cricket in the league.The IPL has consistently been a platform for high-scoring games, with teams and players pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the T20 format. The trend of hitting sixes has been on the rise, and the 2024 season has continued this trend, much to the delight of cricket fans who relish the excitement of big hits and high scores.This statistical milestone is a testament to the evolving nature of the game and the skills of the batsmen who participate in the IPL. It also reflects the competitive spirit of the league, where every ball is an opportunity for a big score. The IPL continues to set new benchmarks in the cricketing world, and the 2024 season has certainly lived up to its reputation as one of the most thrilling T20 leagues globally.

‘A pat on the back’: Hardik Pandya’s stellar performance earns praise from Rohit Sharma | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: Mumbai Indians showcased their dominance against Sunrisers Hyderabad in an IPL encounter on Monday, with captain Hardik Pandya emerging as a standout performer with the ball. Pandya’s stellar performance drew praise from former captain Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians secured a crucial victory at the Wankhede Stadium.The special moment came in the 16th over of the SRH innings when Hardik Pandya delivered a crucial breakthrough for the hosts by dismissing Sunrisers’ all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed. Hardik Pandya celebrates a wicket with Rohit Sharma. (Video grab) In an attempt to accelerate the scoring, Shahbaz attempted to dispatch the delivery towards the long-on region but failed to connect cleanly. The ball spiraled up in the air, only to be safely pouched by Suryakumar Yadav, who executed a commendable catch running in from the deep.Rohit Sharma, quick to acknowledge the significance of Pandya’s contribution, approached the bowler with a congratulatory pat on the back, commending his crucial breakthrough at a crucial juncture of the game. Throughout the middle overs, Hardik Pandya led the Mumbai Indians’ bowling attack with aplomb, ultimately finishing with impressive figures of 3 wickets for 31 runs in his allotted four overs. Supported ably by veteran spinner Piyush Chawla, who also claimed three wickets, Mumbai Indians succeeded in restricting Sunrisers Hyderabad to a total of 173 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.With a target of 174 runs set before them, Mumbai Indians approached the chase with confidence, largely propelled by a scintillating unbeaten innings of 102 off 51 balls from Suryakumar Yadav. Displaying remarkable batting prowess, Yadav’s innings guided Mumbai Indians to a comfortable victory, as they chased down the target with 16 balls to spare, ultimately securing a convincing 7-wicket win.

Watch: In T20s you cannot say ‘mere ko settle hone ke liye time chahiye’, says Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago04 mins

Sanju Samson has remodeled his T20 game on the basis that he doesn’t wait now to go for a big shot, even if the opportunity presents itself on the first ball he is facing, and the Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) captain believes that’s the mindset every batsman needs to adopt for a team to succeed.IPL 2024: Results | Points Table Speaking on Star Sports segment ‘Captains Speak’ ahead of RR’s next IPL match against Delhi Capitals, Samson said: “Bees over ka game hai (it’s a 20-over game). Each and every over is five percent of the game. So you just can’t say ke bhai mere ko settle hone ke liye time chahiye (I need time to settle down), I will go for sixes after getting to 10 runs, I won’t hit this bowler, I will hit towards the end.” Incidentally, that approach has earned Samson India recall for the T20 World Cup.With 385 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 159.09 so far in IPL 2024, Samson sits at No. 10 on the list of top run-getters while 2008 champions RR are No. 2 on the points table with 8 wins in 10 matches. WATCH VIDEO “There is only one intent in this format – just have to go out and look for boundaries. You have to show that intent, you have to look for those sixes. You have to do that impact role as soon as possible,” Samson added.“There is no individual pattern of scoring runs in this (format). I think there is only one way — you go and dominate. If you don’t dominate, you expect yourself to get out and your teammates to go and dominate. But if everyone doesn’t dominate, we lose the game. So there is no second gear. It’s always going, going, going. That’s my belief about T20s.” Wicketkeeper-batsman Samson made his international debut in a T20I against Zimbabwe in July 2015 but played his first ODI only six years later in 2021. In nine years since wearing the India jersey for the first time, Samson has played only 16 ODIs and 25 T20Is.However, having re-invented his game lately, the 29-year-old batsman from Kerala would now hope to cement his place in the national side with a prolific show in the T20 World Cup.

Mumbai Indians: IPL 2024 Playoff Scenario: How Mumbai Indians still have an outside chance of finishing in top four | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: Mumbai Indians clinched a crucial victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad in a riveting IPL encounter at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday. However, despite their commendable performance, the path to the playoffs remains arduous for the defending champions.With just two games remaining in the league stage, Mumbai Indians find themselves in a precarious position, sitting ninth in the IPL 2024 standings with 8 points from 12 games and a net run rate (NRR) of -0.212.Their comprehensive victory over Sunrisers propelled them slightly upward but not enough to secure a comfortable position in the playoff race.MI’s playoff hopes hinge on their ability to win their remaining fixtures against Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants. However, victory alone might not suffice. The team’s negative NRR poses a significant challenge, demanding not just wins but convincing performances to boost their run rate.The scenario is further complicated by the standings of other teams vying for playoff berths. Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals are already on 16 points each, making it impossible for MI to catch up with them. Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Lucknow Super Giants are also on 12 points each, potentially creating a logjam in the middle of the table. In such a scenario, MI’s only hope lies in multiple teams finishing with 12 points after the league stages, giving them an outside chance to progress based on a superior NRR. However, this would necessitate not only victories for MI but also losses for their competitors. The competition is fierce, with Delhi Capitals on 10 points and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, and Gujarat Titans on 8 points each, all eyeing a playoff spot.With their playoff fate hanging in the balance, Mumbai Indians face a daunting task ahead. They must approach their remaining matches with unwavering determination, striving not only for victories but also for dominance on the field to enhance their NRR.

‘Lagta hai yahi head coach, mentor sab hain’: How Gautam Gambhir scripted KKR’s win from dugout – Watch | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: Gautam Gambhir‘s emotions were on full display as he celebrated Nicholas Pooran‘s dismissal with great enthusiasm in the Indian Premier League match between Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday. He was later observed providing strategic advice to KKR captain Iyer by gesturing and offering words of wisdom to the player carrying drinks during the wicket break. A video of this incident has gone viral on social media, leading fans to speculate about Gambhir’s role in the franchise. Watch: After watching the video, one fan even commented, “Kabhi kabhi lagta hai Yahi head coach mentor saab hain (sometimes it feels like he is everything – the head coach and the mentor).”Under Gambhir’s guidance, KKR have been excellent in IPL 2024, with openers Sunil Narine and Phil Salt providing strong starts at the top.Narine’s brilliant half-century and a combined effort by the bowlers led to KKR’s convincing 98-run victory over LSG in the IPL on Sunday.LSG’s decision to field first backfired as KKR became the first team to surpass the 200-run mark at the Ekana stadium.Narine (81 off 38 balls) showcased his mettle with the bat once again, smashing seven sixes and six fours to propel the visitors to a formidable total of 235/6.Faced with a daunting target, LSG batters had to attack from the outset but struggled to find the boundary consistently. They were eventually bowled out for 137 in 16.1 overs.The victory led the Kolkata-based side to the top of the table with 16 points, equal to Rajasthan Royals but having played one extra game.