Cricket

B Sai Sudharsan's remarkable rise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been marked by consistency and a quiet brilliance. Despite being ranked fifth among the tournament's highest run-getters, he has flown under the radar, showcasing his exceptional talent as a top-order batter.Sudharsan's breakthrough IPL season came in 2023, where he ended with a stunning 47-ball 96 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the final. His impressive performances earned him an ODI debut against South Africa, where he notched up two fifties in three games.However, a back injury forced him to withdraw from India A's tour of England Lions and potentially miss the final Test against England. Despite this setback, Sudharsan has bounced back with a vengeance in the 2023 IPL, amassing 527 runs in 12 games for Gujarat Titans (GT).His ability to anchor the innings and provide stability has been crucial for GT, even though the team finished eighth in the points table. Sudharsan acknowledges the team's shortcomings but emphasizes the importance of individual contributions.In the final game of the season against CSK, Sudharsan reached a significant milestone, becoming the fastest Indian to 1000 IPL runs. He achieved this feat in just 25 innings, surpassing the previous record held by Sachin Tendulkar and Ruturaj Gaikwad.While Sudharsan's game is more suited to longer formats, he recognizes the need to improve his power-hitting skills. He believes that the modern T20 game demands batters to strike at a higher rate, and he is working on developing this aspect of his game.Sudharsan's consistency and ability to adapt to different situations make him a valuable asset to any team. As he continues to refine his skills, he is poised to become a force to be reckoned with in both domestic and international cricket.

Dinesh Karthik, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter, has hinted at a potential retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) elimination from the tournament.RCB's hopes of a fairytale season were shattered on Wednesday when they lost to Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator. Karthik, who has been a key player for RCB, was visibly emotional after the match.During the post-match presentation, Karthik thanked the fans for their support and hinted at his retirement. "I'm not sure if I'll be back next year," he said. "I've had a great time here, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have played for RCB."Karthik's teammates gave him a guard of honor as he walked back to the dressing room. Virat Kohli, the former RCB captain, hugged Karthik while he was fighting back tears.If this proves to be Karthik's final IPL season, he will have finished his career with an impressive record. He has scored 4,842 runs in 257 matches, including 22 fifties. He has played for six different teams during his 17-year IPL career, including Delhi Daredevils, Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders, and RCB.Karthik has been a valuable asset for RCB, especially in the death overs. His ability to hit big shots and finish matches has been crucial for the team's success.Should Karthik retire from the IPL, it will mark the end of an era for the tournament. He is one of the most experienced and respected players in the league, and his absence will be felt.

England's captain, Jos Buttler, remains optimistic about his team's chances of retaining the T20 World Cup despite their disappointing performance in the 50-over World Cup. Buttler acknowledges that England's failures in India were not solely due to a lack of clarity from the team management.Despite being considered favorites for the 2023 World Cup, England lost six of their first seven matches, including a humiliating defeat to South Africa. Buttler himself endured a poor campaign with the bat, leading to criticism that his own struggles had impacted his communication within the squad.However, Buttler defended his leadership, stating that England's problem was simply a lack of execution. He admitted that there could have been more communication at times, but emphasized that the team's performance was ultimately below par.Buttler believes that England has the experience and talent to bounce back from adversity, as they did after losing to Ireland in the 2022 T20 World Cup. He highlighted the importance of playing well in crunch moments and adapting to different conditions.England gained valuable experience in the tournament's likely conditions during their T20I series against the West Indies before Christmas. Phil Salt emerged as a key player, cementing his status as Buttler's opening partner with back-to-back centuries.Buttler praised Salt's insatiable appetite for learning and his improved off-side game. He believes that Salt can be a key player for England in the World Cup.England's campaign begins against Scotland on June 4 in Bridgetown. They have enlisted the help of Kieron Pollard as a batting consultant, and Buttler is confident that the team's preparations will enable them to perform well.

Central Sparks emerged victorious in their Charlotte Edwards Cup clash against Western Storm, securing a 21-run triumph at the Cooper Associates Ground in Taunton. Abbey Freeborn's scintillating half-century propelled Sparks to a formidable total of 168 for 6, while Katie George's impressive bowling figures of 4 for 36 stifled Storm's chase.Freeborn, the 27-year-old opener, dominated the Sparks innings with a swashbuckling 68 off just 40 deliveries. She formed crucial partnerships with Davina Perrin (26) and Eve Jones (38), laying the foundation for a strong total. Chloe Skelton and Amanda-Jade Wellington were the pick of the Storm bowlers, claiming two and one wickets respectively.In response, Western Storm's Dani Gibson threatened to turn the tide with a quick-fire 40, but George's timely intervention removed her and sparked a collapse. Grace Potts also chipped in with three wickets, as Storm were dismissed for 147 in 18.3 overs.Freeborn's aggressive batting set the tone for Sparks' innings, as she punished anything short or wide. Perrin and Jones provided valuable support, contributing to a solid start and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Storm's bowlers struggled to contain the Sparks batters, with Freeborn reaching her half-century in just 34 balls.Gibson's early onslaught gave Storm hope, but George's wickets proved decisive. The former Storm all-rounder bowled Gibson and Luff in quick succession, while Potts' wickets of Griffiths and Smale further dented Storm's chances. Wellington's unbeaten 31 was in vain, as Sparks secured a comfortable victory.

Grandmaster Peter Svidler, a 47-year-old Russian, has an unusual passion for cricket, a sport typically associated with India. His love for the game began with the iconic 1999 World Cup match between India and Pakistan, which he witnessed at a Pakistani restaurant in Greece. Despite the political tensions between the two countries, the excitement and tension of the match captivated Svidler.Svidler's passion for cricket extends beyond watching the game. He is an avid Test cricket connoisseur and an England fan. Among Indian players, he admires Rahul Dravid and Yashasvi Jaiswal, predicting a bright future for the latter.In a surprising turn of events, Svidler became the trainer of Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa last year. Despite their age difference and different backgrounds, they share a common temperament and a love for cricket. Svidler credits Praggnanandhaa for suggesting an offbeat Sicilian sideline that helped him win a game in the TePe Sigeman tournament.Svidler's coaching experience with Praggnanandhaa has been mutually beneficial. He enjoys the challenge of helping a talented player grow, while Praggnanandhaa has developed a greater interest in cricket. They often go for walks together during tournaments to relax and discuss chess and cricket.Svidler's unique combination of chess expertise and cricket enthusiasm makes him an intriguing figure in the world of sports. His passion for both games is evident in his commentary, where he often draws parallels between chess and cricket.

TV Umpire's Controversial Decision Sparks Scrutiny in RCB-RR EliminatorDuring the Eliminator match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Ahmedabad, a contentious decision by TV umpire Anil Chaudhary raised eyebrows. In the 15th over of RCB's innings, Dinesh Karthik was initially given out lbw by on-field umpire KN Ananthapadmanabhan. However, after a brief consultation with his partner Mahipal Lomror, Karthik opted for a DRS review.Replays showed the ball passing close to Karthik's bat and striking his front pad as he came forward. The crucial question was whether the spike on Ultra Edge indicated the ball hitting the inside edge of the bat or the bat hitting the pad. Chaudhary, the TV umpire, deemed it as bat on ball and overturned the on-field decision to not out.This decision drew immediate criticism from TV commentators and the Rajasthan Royals camp. Replays seemed inconclusive, and many believed that the on-field umpire's initial call should have been upheld. If Karthik had been given out, RCB would have been in a precarious position at 122 for 6.Despite the controversy, Karthik went on to score 11 runs off 12 balls, forming a crucial partnership with Lomror. He was eventually dismissed in the 19th over, and RCB finished on 172 for 8.The incident highlights the challenges and complexities of using technology in cricket decision-making. While DRS has been instrumental in correcting umpiring errors, it can also lead to subjective interpretations and controversial outcomes. The decision to overturn the lbw call against Karthik will undoubtedly be debated and analyzed in the coming days.

Yuzvendra Chahal, the enigmatic leg-spinner, has etched his name into the annals of Rajasthan Royals history by becoming the franchise's all-time leading wicket-taker in the Indian Premier League (IPL). During the IPL 2024 Eliminator against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Ahmedabad, Chahal claimed the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli, reaching the milestone of 66 wickets for the Royals.Chahal's remarkable achievement is a testament to his exceptional skill and consistency. He has consistently been among the most effective bowlers in the IPL, showcasing his ability to deceive batsmen with his variations and accuracy. His strike rate of 15.6 is a testament to his ability to strike regularly and make breakthroughs.The Rajasthan Royals have been fortunate to have a plethora of talented bowlers over the years, but Chahal's record stands out. He has surpassed the likes of Siddharth Trivedi (65 wickets), Shane Watson (61 wickets), Shane Warne (57 wickets), and James Faulkner (47 wickets) to become the franchise's most prolific wicket-taker.Chahal's success is not limited to the Rajasthan Royals. He is also the leading wicket-taker in the IPL overall, with an impressive tally of 205 wickets in 159 matches. His ability to adapt to different conditions and outsmart batsmen has made him one of the most sought-after bowlers in the league.The Rajasthan Royals will be hoping that Chahal can continue his impressive form in the upcoming seasons. His experience and skill will be crucial as the team aims to challenge for the IPL title.

Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore Clash in IPL EliminatorIn a highly anticipated encounter, Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore will face off in the eliminator of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on May 22 in Ahmedabad. The winner of this crucial match will advance to Qualifier 2, where they will face Sunrisers Hyderabad.Rajasthan Royals, led by Sanju Samson, have been in impressive form throughout the tournament. They finished second in the league stage with 18 points, winning 10 of their 14 matches. Their batting lineup boasts the likes of Jos Buttler, Devdutt Padikkal, and Shimron Hetmyer, who will be bolstering the team as an 'impact' substitute player.Royal Challengers Bangalore, captained by Virat Kohli, have also had a strong season. They finished third in the league stage with 16 points, winning 8 of their 14 matches. Their batting lineup is equally formidable, featuring Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, and Glenn Maxwell.The match is expected to be a close contest, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. Rajasthan Royals have a slight edge in the bowling department, with Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Ravichandran Ashwin leading the attack. Royal Challengers Bangalore, on the other hand, have a more experienced batting lineup and will be looking to capitalize on any mistakes made by the Royals' bowlers.The winner of the eliminator will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 on May 25. The winner of that match will advance to the IPL final, which will be played on May 29.

Virat Kohli's resilience under criticism has been a constant throughout his illustrious career. South African legend AB de Villiers, who has witnessed Kohli's journey from close quarters, has observed how the Indian star thrives on adversity.During the early stages of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kohli faced criticism from legendary commentator Sunil Gavaskar over his strike rate. However, Kohli responded with a series of high-scoring performances, proving his ability to silence his critics."I enjoyed that," said de Villiers, referring to the debate surrounding Kohli's strike rate. "It was really bad for someone like that, a hero and a role model of the country, to get so much criticism. But I knew that's exactly what would happen to him."De Villiers believes that criticism motivates Kohli to perform at his best. "I used to tell the players in the team room, you do not say one word to Virat on the pitch because he will come out and he will score a big 100 if you try and chirp him," he said.Kohli's leadership and determination were crucial in Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) remarkable turnaround in the IPL. After a dismal start with only one win in eight games, RCB staged a stunning comeback with six consecutive victories to secure a play-off spot."When the team is down and out, a player like Kohli can play a huge role in lifting the spirits," said de Villiers. "He showed the kind of care that he has for the team and the desire to ultimately go and win a trophy."De Villiers praised Kohli's unwavering intensity and commitment, even during RCB's losing streak. "To see that in one of your senior players who's achieved everything in cricket, it's incredibly motivational and inspirational," he said.Kohli's selfless acts, such as celebrating his teammates' successes and encouraging young players, also played a significant role in RCB's resurgence. "That ultimately is a selfless act," said de Villiers.