Cricket

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins has set his sights on guiding the team to victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Speaking to The Hindu, Cummins expressed his determination to finish the IPL campaign on a high note, praising the team's impressive performances."Our opener Abhishek Sharma is the most impressive I have seen. A real talent," Cummins said. He acknowledged that while early dismissals of openers Travis Head and Sharma in the PowerPlay can put pressure on the team, he emphasized the strength of the batting lineup to cover for any setbacks.Cummins, who led Australia to victory in the World Test Championship and the 2023 ODI World Cup, said there was little difference in his captaincy style between leading his country and SRH in the IPL. "The hardest thing is to know the players, motivate each one of them. Luckily, it didn't take very long and they have been pretty welcoming," he said.Reflecting on the Impact Player Rule, Cummins expressed mixed feelings. While he acknowledged its potential to add excitement, he also noted the challenges it posed for bowlers. "It is a huge challenge to be a bowler, especially in a T20 format. You have to have plans as batters come hard at you," he said.Cummins attributed Australia's success in World Cups to the confidence of the players, their brand of cricket, and their experience. "They know what it means to win big matches," he said.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Redefining Run-Making in the IPLThe Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed a paradigm shift in batting strategy this season, spearheaded by the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The 2016 champions have shattered records and redefined the art of run-making, particularly while batting first.SRH's success stems from their fearless approach to the Powerplay. They have consistently attacked the bowling from the outset, setting the tone for the rest of the innings. This aggressive mindset has been exemplified by the explosive Australian opener, Travis Head. Despite his unconventional technique, Head has been a revelation, unleashing a barrage of boundaries with unmatched hand-eye coordination.The team's batting prowess extends beyond Head. Abhishek Sharma, the young left-hander, has finally come into his own, while South African stumper Heinrich Klaasen has been a consistent contributor. The acquisition of Nitish Kumar Reddy has also proved to be a masterstroke, with the youngster emerging as a reliable middle-order batsman.SRH's dominance is not limited to the top order. Abdul Samad has embraced greater consistency as a finisher, while Shahbaz Ahmed has shown his all-round abilities. The introduction of the Impact Player has allowed them to maintain their attacking intent even after losing wickets.This aggressive approach has come with its risks, but SRH has shown a remarkable resilience. Even when facing large deficits, they have continued to attack, as evidenced by their narrow defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Their unwavering belief in their strategy has paid dividends, with the team amassing an astonishing 112 sixes in just nine matches.Head has been the standout performer, with 338 runs at an average of 42.25 and a staggering strike-rate of 211.25. He has hit 40 fours and 19 sixes, averaging a boundary every 2.7 balls. Abhishek Sharma is not far behind, with 303 runs at a strike-rate of 214.89. He has hit 22 fours and a whopping 27 sixes, averaging a boundary every 2.8 balls.Klaasen's contribution cannot be overlooked either. With 295 runs at a strike-rate of 185.53, he has hit just nine fours but an extraordinary 28 sixes. The team's focus on range-hitting has been evident in the distance their sixes have traveled.SRH's success has not been without its challenges. They have struggled to chase down targets, with three of their four losses coming when batting second. However, they have shown a willingness to address their weaknesses, and it is only a matter of time before they find a solution.SRH's approach has the potential to revolutionize T20 cricket. By shedding the fear of getting out and embracing a relentless attacking mindset, they have set a new standard for run-making. While it remains to be seen whether other teams can emulate their success, SRH has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the IPL.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has emerged as a crucial platform for players to showcase their skills and earn a spot in the Indian cricket team for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Based solely on their performances in the IPL, NDTV has compiled a 15-member squad that represents the best of Indian talent.Openers:* Ruturaj Gaikwad: The Chennai Super Kings skipper has been in scintillating form, amassing 349 runs in 8 matches with a strike rate of 142.44. His century and consistent performances make him an automatic choice.* Abhishek Sharma: The left-handed batter from Sunrisers Hyderabad has set the IPL alight with his explosive batting. With 288 runs in 8 matches at a strike rate of 218, he is a perfect fit alongside Gaikwad.* Rohit Sharma: The Indian skipper has shown glimpses of his class, scoring 311 runs in 9 matches. His aggressive approach and experience make him a valuable asset.Batters:* Virat Kohli: Despite the ongoing debate over his strike rate, Kohli remains the highest run-scorer in IPL 2024. His experience and ability to anchor the innings are crucial.* Riyan Parag: The Rajasthan Royals batter has impressed with his explosive middle-order batting. With 250 runs in 9 matches, he provides a dynamic option.* Shivam Dube: The Chennai Super Kings all-rounder has been a consistent performer, scoring 220 runs and picking up 7 wickets. His versatility makes him a valuable addition.Wicket-keepers:* KL Rahul: The Lucknow Super Giants skipper has scored 378 runs in 9 matches. His flexibility as an opener, wicket-keeper batter, or middle-order batter makes him a versatile asset.* Sanju Samson: The Rajasthan Royals skipper has been in sublime form, scoring 385 runs with four half-centuries in 9 matches. His wicket-keeping skills and aggressive batting make him a top choice.All-rounders:* Ravindra Jadeja: The Chennai Super Kings all-rounder has been a key performer, batting at No. 4 and providing crucial breakthroughs with the ball.* Axar Patel: The Delhi Capitals all-rounder has been effective with both bat and ball, scoring 134 runs and picking up 7 wickets.Bowlers:* Kuldeep Yadav: The Delhi Capitals spinner has been in excellent form, picking up 13 wickets in 9 matches.* Yuzvendra Chahal: The Rajasthan Royals spinner has also been impressive, taking 12 wickets in 9 matches. The 'Kul-Cha' partnership is a formidable spin duo.* Jasprit Bumrah: The Mumbai Indians pacer is the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2024 with 14 scalps. His pace and accuracy make him a vital cog in the bowling attack.* Sandeep Sharma: The Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer has been a revelation, taking 8 wickets with an impressive economy rate.* T Natarajan: The Sunrisers Hyderabad left-arm pacer has impressed with his performances, taking 12 wickets in 6 matches with an economy rate of 8.70.This squad represents a blend of experience, talent, and versatility. If these players can maintain their form and replicate their IPL performances in the T20 World Cup, India will be a formidable force in the tournament.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) faced a formidable challenge against the rampaging Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Hyderabad on April 25. SRH has been a force to reckon with in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season, consistently surpassing the 200-run mark.In their first league match, SRH fell short despite scoring 204 against Kolkata Knight Riders. However, in their second match against Mumbai Indians, they set a new IPL record by scoring 277 for 3. Travis Head (62), Abhishek Sharma (63), Aiden Markram (42), and Heinrich Klaasen (80) led the charge. Despite Mumbai's valiant effort, scoring 246 for 5, SRH emerged victorious.SRH's batting prowess continued against RCB. They amassed a staggering 287 for 3, led by a brilliant century from Travis Head (102). Abhishek Sharma (34), Heinrich Klaasen (67), Aiden Markram (32), and Abdul Samad (37) also contributed significantly.RCB made a valiant attempt to chase down the target, but fell short by just 25 runs. Dinesh Karthik's late cameo of 83 was not enough to secure victory. In their next match against Delhi Capitals, SRH once again displayed their batting dominance, scoring 266 for 7. Travis Head (89) and Abhishek Sharma (46) led the charge, taking their team to 131 in just 6.2 overs. Shahbaz Ahmed's 59 helped them cross the 250-mark. Delhi Capitals failed to chase down the target despite scoring 109 for 3 in 7 overs.

SRH Hold Edge Over RCB in Crucial IPL ClashRoyal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) face an uphill battle to qualify for the IPL playoffs after Delhi Capitals' victory over Gujarat Titans. However, a glimmer of hope remains for RCB, who must win their remaining six matches to secure a spot in the final four.SRH, on the other hand, are comfortably placed in third position with 10 points from seven matches. Their batting prowess has been a key factor in their success, with Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Heinrich Klaasen all contributing heavily.RCB's bowling has been a major concern, with the team conceding at least 180 runs in their last five matches. Despite the efforts of their batters, the lopsided squad balance makes it difficult for RCB to produce all-round performances.In their previous encounter, SRH posted a mammoth 287/3 against RCB, the highest total in IPL history. SRH's aggressive batting approach has seen them breach the 250-run mark thrice this season.RCB's best hope lies in their opening duo of Virat Kohli and Abhishek Sharma. Kohli remains their leading run-scorer with 379 runs, while Sharma has flourished in Head's company.SRH will be looking to continue their batting dominance and potentially breach the 300-run mark for the first time in IPL history. RCB, meanwhile, must find a way to contain SRH's batting firepower and improve their bowling performance if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore, two teams with contrasting strengths and weaknesses, will face off in a crucial IPL encounter in Hyderabad.Sunrisers Hyderabad, currently third in the standings, boast a formidable batting lineup led by Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Heinrich Klaasen. Their bowlers, while not as impressive, have shown signs of improvement, with T Natarajan and Pat Cummins playing key roles.Royal Challengers Bangalore, on the other hand, have struggled with their bowling, but their batters have compensated with some exceptional performances. Despite two consecutive losses, they have shown resilience in chasing large totals. However, they miss the services of Glenn Maxwell, who could make a significant impact if he returns to form.In their previous meeting, Sunrisers Hyderabad set a record total of 287 for 3, with Head and Klaasen leading the charge. RCB responded with a valiant 262 for 7, but fell short by 25 runs.Sunrisers Hyderabad are unlikely to make any changes to their XI, while RCB may consider bringing back Maxwell for Cameron Green. Abhishek Sharma, with his explosive starts, will be a key player for Sunrisers, while Rajat Patidar, who has found form in the last three matches, will be crucial for RCB.The match will be played on a high-scoring pitch, similar to the one used in the first game of the season at this ground. Virat Kohli, who has a strong record at this venue, will be a threat for RCB, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has dismissed Kohli four times in T20s, will be a key bowler for Sunrisers.Both teams will be eager to secure a victory to boost their playoff hopes. Sunrisers Hyderabad will look to continue their aggressive batting approach, while Royal Challengers Bangalore will need to find a way to contain their opponents and improve their bowling performance.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's Abhishek Sharma Blazes Trail with Explosive Batting PerformanceIn a scintillating display of power-packed batting, young Abhishek Sharma spearheaded Sunrisers Hyderabad's onslaught against Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter. Partnering with Travis Head, Sharma showcased sheer dominance in the powerplay overs, unleashing a barrage of boundaries that left DC's bowlers reeling.Sharma's explosive performance was a testament to the confidence instilled in him by the team management. "It was a pretty easy message from the coaches and captain. They were pretty much clear with all the batters to go out and express yourself," remarked Sharma in the post-match press conference.His partnership with Head, who was equally formidable with the bat, proved to be a game-changer for SRH. Sharma's admiration for Head's batting prowess was evident, emphasizing the joy of batting alongside him and the insightful conversations they shared off the field. "I hope there's more than this going to come in future. Batting with Travis is very joyful, and I have been talking a lot with him off the field," expressed Sharma.Sharma's preparation ahead of facing DC's bowlers, particularly Kuldeep Yadav, showcased his meticulous approach to the game. Drawing from his experience as the Player of the Tournament in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Sharma's disciplined training regimen and clarity of mindset were instrumental in his stellar performance. "Personally, I always try to plan well for the spinners and main bowlers of the other team," shared Sharma, underscoring the importance of preparation in facing key opponents.As SRH continue their quest for IPL glory, Sharma's scintillating form and unwavering focus serve as a potent asset for the team, signaling brighter prospects on the horizon.

Delhi Capitals' skipper Rishabh Pant admitted that his team was playing catch-up after Sunrisers Hyderabad's record-breaking powerplay performance in their 67-run defeat at home. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma's blistering opening partnership of 131 runs in just 6 overs set the tone for SRH's massive total of 266/7, the fourth time they have crossed 250 this season.Despite a valiant effort with the bat, DC could only manage 199 all out, falling short of the target. Pant acknowledged the powerplay as the turning point, saying, "We were just catching up throughout the match. That was the massive difference."Legendary commentator Sunil Gavaskar offered words of encouragement to Pant after the loss, urging him to keep his head up. Pant responded, "I will try my best, sir."Head and Sharma's record-breaking partnership erased the previous IPL record of 105/0 set by KKR against RCB in 2017. Pant admitted that he may have misjudged the dew factor and erred in choosing to bowl first.SRH bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, despite taking only one wicket, played a crucial role with his economical spell of 33 runs in 4 overs. He praised his fellow pacer T Natarajan's exceptional bowling, who twice came close to a hat-trick and finished with figures of 4/19 in four overs.Bhuvneshwar expressed satisfaction with SRH's batting performance, saying, "For so many years, this is the first time our batting is clicking so much." He also highlighted the importance of bowlers, saying, "Bowling is something... somebody says batting wins your sponsorship, but bowling wins you championship."

Sunrisers Hyderabad Unleash Batting Onslaught, Smash Records in IPL HistoryNew Delhi, April 22: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma unleashed an unprecedented batting rampage against Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday, setting multiple records and leaving the opposition bowlers in awe.Head, in the form of his life, blazed to a joint-fastest half-century in IPL history, equaling his partner Abhishek's feat of reaching the milestone in just 16 deliveries. The duo's relentless assault saw boundaries raining down at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.SRH's blistering start propelled them to 100 runs in a record-breaking 5 overs, becoming the fastest team to reach the three-figure mark in T20 cricket. The previous record was held by Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who achieved the feat in 6 overs against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 2014.Head and Abhishek continued their onslaught, smashing 13 fours and 11 sixes in the first 6 overs. Their combined 125-run partnership in the Powerplay was the highest ever recorded in IPL history, surpassing the previous mark of 105/0 set by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2017.The SRH openers' record-breaking performance also marked the highest powerplay score in T20 cricket, eclipsing the previous record of 124/0 set by CSK against Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2015.DC's bowlers were left helpless as Head and Abhishek tore into their attack. The duo's relentless hitting propelled SRH to a massive total of 219/2, the highest score ever recorded in T20 cricket.