Cricket

Ambati Rayudu, a former Indian cricketer and current commentator, has witnessed the highs and lows of the Indian Premier League (IPL) firsthand. Last year, he celebrated Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) victory in the finals, but this year, he watched in dismay as his former team was eliminated from the tournament.Rayudu's emotions were evident in a viral video where he sat with his face buried in his hands, unable to believe CSK's defeat. "I'm an emotional being," he admits. "I've always wanted things to be fair and fought for what I believe is right."Despite his disappointment, Rayudu remains passionate about cricket. He enjoys his new role as a commentator, even though he initially had doubts about his ability to speak publicly. "I didn't know if I would be good at it, because I hardly spoke during my playing days," he says. "But I love discussing cricket with friends and family."Rayudu believes that the IPL has brought the game closer to fans, making them more knowledgeable about T20 cricket and identifying with the players. He also credits the league for identifying and nurturing talent, giving opportunities to players who might not have been noticed otherwise.Rayudu's connection to Chennai runs deep. He played under-13 cricket there and has fond memories of the city. "I have played a lot of junior cricket and then Ranji Trophy at Chepauk," he says. "I have enjoyed the food, people, and have always felt very emotionally close to people from Chennai."Rayudu's involvement in cricket extends beyond the field. He has dabbled in politics and actively supported actor and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan in the recent election season. He hopes to play an active role in public life in the future. "I believe sport can be a unifying factor in bringing people together," he says. "I believe equal opportunities should be available; I have suffered in the past due to a lot of factors. I hope that a player, even without any godfather, should be able to play the sport just based on his or her talent."

Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has expressed his unwavering support for Hardik Pandya, who has faced recent struggles, predicting that Pandya will deliver an exceptional performance for Team India in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. Yuvraj emphasized the crucial role of Pandya's fitness and bowling prowess in the team's success.As the ambassador of the T20 World Cup, Yuvraj shared his insights on the Indian team's prospects. India has announced a formidable 15-member squad led by Rohit Sharma, along with four traveling reserves, for the tournament. The team aims to reclaim the T20 World Cup title, having triumphed in the inaugural edition in 2007.Yuvraj, a pivotal member of that victorious 2007 team, expressed his eagerness to witness India lift the trophy once again. Despite showing signs of regaining his bowling form in the IPL, Pandya, the captain of the Mumbai Indians, endured a disappointing batting performance, scoring only 216 runs in 14 matches. This slump followed his return from a prolonged injury layoff that forced him to withdraw from the ODI World Cup last year.However, Yuvraj remains steadfast in his belief that Pandya will shine in the tournament, expressing confidence that the all-rounder will deliver something extraordinary. "The selection has been made based on players' performances in international cricket and the IPL," Yuvraj said. "While Hardik's IPL form has not been impressive, his past contributions to India cannot be overlooked. His bowling and fitness will be crucial, and I believe he has the potential to make a significant impact in this World Cup."Yuvraj's endorsement of Pandya highlights the importance of experience and versatility in the T20 format. Pandya's ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset to the Indian team. His return to form will be a major boost for India's title aspirations.

Virat Kohli's unwavering loyalty to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a testament to his unwavering commitment to the franchise. Despite RCB's failure to lift the IPL trophy since 2008, Kohli has remained steadfast in his support, even after leading India to victory in the 2008 U19 World Cup.RCB acquired Kohli for a modest USD 30,000 in the 2008 IPL auction, after he had impressed with his leadership skills in the U19 World Cup. While Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) had the opportunity to bid for Kohli, they opted for left-arm pacer Pradeep Sangwan to strengthen their bowling unit.Over the years, RCB has come close to winning the IPL title, reaching the final thrice in 2009, 2011, and 2016. However, Kohli's loyalty has never wavered, despite the team's shortcomings.In 2008, when RCB was co-owned by Vijay Mallya, the team's remarkable turnaround and qualification for the playoffs prompted Mallya to express his confidence in Kohli and the team. "My inner instinct tells me that RCB have the best chance to go for the IPL Trophy," Mallya had said.Despite a poor start to IPL 2024, RCB has regained momentum, winning six consecutive games to qualify for the playoffs. The team now faces Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator, with a potential Qualifier 2 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad looming. If RCB emerges victorious, they will face Kolkata Knight Riders in the final.Kohli's unwavering loyalty to RCB has become a symbol of his dedication to the franchise and the sport of cricket. His commitment to the team, even during challenging times, has earned him the respect and admiration of fans and fellow players alike.

MS Dhoni's IPL Future Hinges on 'Impact Player' RuleThe Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) disappointing exit from the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs has sparked speculation about MS Dhoni's future with the franchise. The veteran wicket-keeper batter's performance has been under scrutiny, and the 'Impact Player' rule has emerged as a potential factor in his decision-making.The 'Impact Player' rule allows teams to substitute a player during the match, providing flexibility in batting orders and strategic advantages. Dhoni has benefited from this rule, batting at lower positions (No. 8 or No. 9) and focusing on his strengths: wicket-keeping, leadership, and power-hitting.However, the rule has also faced criticism, with some arguing that it limits the opportunities for all-rounders. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to decide on the rule's continuation next season.Dhoni's age (42) and knee injury have impacted his mobility, making it difficult for him to run between wickets. The 'Impact Player' rule allows CSK to maximize his contributions while grooming younger players.If the rule remains in place, Dhoni may consider continuing his IPL career. However, if it is abolished, he may opt to retire as a player. The BCCI's decision on the rule will play a crucial role in Dhoni's future.The 'Impact Player' rule has the potential to extend the careers of veteran players like Dhoni while also fostering the development of young talent. It remains to be seen whether the BCCI will retain the rule, but it could have a significant impact on Dhoni's decision to continue playing in the IPL.

The Indian cricket board (BCCI) faces a daunting task in selecting a new head coach for the senior men's team, with the deadline for applications approaching. The board has reportedly shortlisted several potential candidates, including Gautam Gambhir, Stephen Fleming, Justin Langer, and Mahela Jayawardene.However, enticing strong candidates has become challenging due to competition from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The commitment to travel with the team for 10 months a year until the 2027 ODI World Cup is a significant deterrent. All the shortlisted coaches currently hold lucrative positions with IPL franchises.The only candidate not committed to an IPL job is VVS Laxman, the current head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA). While Laxman has reportedly expressed reluctance to take up the role, the BCCI has not ruled him out.Sources indicate that Gambhir is currently the frontrunner on the BCCI's wish list. The former India opener has reportedly developed a good rapport with senior players in the Indian team.The BCCI has not yet formally contacted any of the potential candidates, but discussions are expected to take place this week. The board is keen to make a decision before the end of the IPL playoffs, which are currently underway in Ahmedabad.The appointment of a new head coach is crucial for the Indian team, which is set to embark on a busy schedule in the coming months. The team will play a series of white-ball matches against South Africa and Australia before the T20 World Cup in October.

The evolution of Indian cricket is evident in the contrasting styles of Sunil Gavaskar and Abhishek Sharma. Gavaskar, a stalwart of the 1970s and 1980s, epitomized the cautious approach of a bygone era. His focus on survival and accumulation of runs in a risk-averse batting order defined the game for a generation.In contrast, Abhishek Sharma, a rising star of the Indian Premier League (IPL), represents a new breed of batter. His aggressive style, characterized by a high strike rate and a willingness to take risks, reflects the changing landscape of cricket.The shift from Gavaskar's defensive approach to Sharma's attacking mindset highlights the evolution of the game. The advent of T20 cricket, with its emphasis on quick scoring and entertainment, has transformed the way batters approach the game.Gavaskar's era was marked by a focus on saving the game and avoiding defeat. His batting style was tailored to this defensive mindset, with a high emphasis on technique and patience. In contrast, Sharma's approach is geared towards maximizing runs and putting pressure on the opposition.The difference in batting styles also reflects the changing expectations of fans. In Gavaskar's time, fans were content with a drawn game or a narrow defeat if the team had played with honor. Today, fans demand excitement and entertainment, and batters like Sharma cater to this demand.The success of Sharma and other young Indian batters in the IPL has raised questions about the selection criteria for the national team. While Gavaskar was selected for the national team at a young age, Sharma and his contemporaries have yet to break into the side.This discrepancy highlights the changing nature of cricket selection. In the past, selectors favored experienced players with a proven track record. Today, they are more willing to take risks on young players who have shown promise in the IPL.The evolution of Indian cricket from Gavaskar to Sharma is a testament to the changing nature of the game. The shift from a defensive to an attacking mindset, the rise of T20 cricket, and the changing expectations of fans have all contributed to this transformation.

Hampshire County Cricket Club has bolstered its bowling attack for the second half of the Vitality Blast campaign by signing South African seamer Ottniel Baartman. The 31-year-old replaces Afghanistan's Naveen-ul-Haq, who withdrew due to personal reasons.Baartman, who has yet to earn an international cap, was named in South Africa's T20 World Cup squad and could make his debut in the upcoming series against the West Indies. He has a strong domestic record, having played under Hampshire head coach Adi Birrell for the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20, where he was a teammate of Liam Dawson."I'm excited to join Hampshire Hawks for my first experience of county cricket," said Baartman. "It's great to reunite with Adi Birrell and Liam Dawson, who I know well from the SA20. I've heard great things about the atmosphere at Utilita Bowl and I can't wait to play in front of the Hawks fans."Baartman will take over from Michael Neser, who has signed for the first eight Blast group games. He will be available for six fixtures in July, including the trip to Middlesex, and the knockout stages in September if Hampshire qualifies.Hampshire's director of cricket, Giles White, expressed his delight at Baartman's signing. "It's a great boost to the squad that Ottniel is available and keen to join us after the World Cup," said White. "He fits the role perfectly and comes off the back of an outstanding domestic summer in South Africa."Baartman's addition to the Hampshire squad adds depth and experience to their bowling attack. His ability to swing the ball and generate pace will be a valuable asset in the Vitality Blast's fast-paced environment.

Harbhajan Singh, the legendary Indian spinner, has expressed his interest in potentially taking on the role of head coach for Team India in the future. In an interview with ANI, Harbhajan emphasized that coaching the Men in Blue is primarily about managing the team effectively rather than teaching players technical skills."Coaching India is about man management, not about teaching players how to drive and pull. They know it very well. You can give some guidance to them," said Harbhajan.Harbhajan's statement comes amidst the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) inviting applications for the position of men's national team head coach. The tenure for the role will commence on July 1, 2024, and conclude on December 31, 2027, coinciding with the next 50-over Cricket World Cup.The BCCI has set a deadline of May 27, 6 PM for interested candidates to submit their applications. The selection process will involve a thorough review of applications, followed by personal interviews and assessments of shortlisted candidates.Harbhajan, who retired from international cricket in 2016, has been involved in coaching roles in the past. He served as the head coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for a brief period in 2022.The former spinner acknowledged that he has not yet decided whether to apply for the Team India head coach position. However, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to give back to the sport that has given him so much."Cricket has given me so much and if I get a chance to give it back, I would be more than happy," said Harbhajan.The BCCI has outlined specific qualifications for potential head coach candidates. Applicants must have played a minimum of 30 Test matches or 50 ODIs, or have served as the head coach of a full member Test-playing nation for at least two years. Alternatively, they must have been the head coach of an Associate member/IPL team or equivalent international league/first-class teams/national A teams for a minimum of three years.India's current head coach, Rahul Dravid, was given an extension until June 2024 after the team failed to win the ICC Cricket World Cup at home in November 2023. Dravid's tenure will conclude during the ICC T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA, which will take place from June 1 to 29.

Former Indian cricketer and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has expressed his amusement over his team's low ranking in the Fair Play award standings. During an appearance on spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's YouTube channel, Gambhir humorously attributed KKR's poor position to his presence in the dugout.Known for his aggressive on-field demeanor, Gambhir joked that KKR's low rank was a result of his fiery nature. "Honestly, I thought we would be at the top of the Fair Play Award table because of what happened in Chinnaswamy [the hug between him and Virat Kohli]. There is no competition; irrespective of where we are on the points table, we should be at the top of the fair play award. But still, we are at the bottom," Gambhir said.Gambhir's comments stem from his on-field hug with Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Virat Kohli, with whom he has had several verbal spats throughout his career. The gesture of reconciliation was widely praised as a sign of sportsmanship.However, Gambhir's humor belies a deeper concern. He questioned the criteria used to determine the Fair Play standings, suggesting that KKR had not engaged in any unsportsmanlike conduct. "Someone sent me a message a couple of days back: 'KKR is where KKR is at the moment.' I said, yeah. In the top, no. In fair play, at number 10 (currently number nine). Is there a trophy? I said, no. And I still do not understand. We played pretty fair. What wrong have we done in the last five games? I do not think so we have done anything wrong. And still, we are number 10. Probably it is just because I am sitting in that dugout," Gambhir said.KKR is set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Qualifier 1 match at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday. The game promises to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams known for their explosive batting line-ups. KKR finished the league stage at the top with nine wins, three losses, and two no results, totaling 20 points. SRH, on the other hand, finished second with eight wins, five losses, and one no result, giving them 17 points.