Cricket

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian opener and current mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has sparked controversy with his recent comments on his demeanor during matches. Gambhir, known for his stern expression and aggressive approach, has faced criticism for not smiling or showing emotion on the field.In a candid conversation with Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, Gambhir defended his serious demeanor, stating that his primary focus is on winning matches and creating a winning environment in the dressing room. He emphasized that fans attend matches to witness victories, not to see him smile."I don't understand why people talk about me not smiling or laughing," Gambhir said. "People come to watch me win. That's the kind of profession we guys are in. I can't help it."Gambhir further clarified that he is not in the entertainment industry and that his role as a cricketer is to perform to the best of his ability. He admitted to being obsessed with winning and that his intense demeanor helps him achieve his goals."I'm not a Bollywood actor," Gambhir said. "My job is to come back in a winning dressing room. And fortunately, unfortunately, a winning dressing room is a happy dressing room."Gambhir's comments have sparked a debate among cricket fans and analysts. Some have praised his unwavering focus on winning, while others have questioned whether his intensity is necessary or beneficial to the team.Meanwhile, KKR, under Gambhir's mentorship, will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Tuesday. A victory for KKR would secure them a spot in the final.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs are set to commence, with Kolkata Knight Riders, SunRisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru vying for the coveted trophy. However, the minds of many IPL enthusiasts are preoccupied with a pressing question: Is this the end of the road for MS Dhoni?The Chennai Super Kings legend witnessed his team's heartbreaking defeat against RCB on Saturday, which eliminated them from the tournament. Dhoni was visibly devastated by the loss.After leading CSK to victory in IPL 2023, Dhoni had hinted at retirement. However, he expressed his desire to continue playing for at least one more season due to the immense love and support he received from fans. That "one season" concluded on Saturday, but Dhoni has yet to make an official announcement regarding his IPL future.According to a report in the Times of India, Dhoni will take a few months to make a decision. "Dhoni has not informed anyone in CSK that he is quitting. He has told the management that he will wait for a couple of months before making a final call," a source close to the developments revealed.The report also stated that Dhoni was "devastated" after the loss and was among the first to leave the CSK camp for his hometown Ranchi on Sunday morning. He was later spotted riding his bike in Ranchi.In the RCB vs CSK match, Faf du Plessis's RCB needed a victory to secure a top-four finish. The excitement was palpable at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium as RCB emerged victorious by 27 runs. However, the celebrations from the players drew criticism after Dhoni left the pitch without shaking hands.Videos on social media showed Dhoni waiting for the RCB players, who continued celebrating, before making his way to the dressing room without shaking hands. Virat Kohli later followed him inside to speak with the veteran star.During a discussion on Cricbuzz, former England cricket team skipper Michael Vaughan criticized RCB players for not taking the time to shake hands with Dhoni. "I can see that with the RCB team. They enjoy a lot of support but they also wind out the people. We saw a lot of that tonight. I get that that they have never been in a position where they have won the IPL and they desperately made it to the eliminations. But you don't wanna be one of those teams that everyone wants to lose," Vaughan said.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Faf du Plessis has led his team to a remarkable turnaround in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. After a dismal start, RCB won their last six league matches to secure a place in the playoffs.Du Plessis attributes the team's success to a collective effort and a shift in mindset. He emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes and adapting to the high-pressure environment of the IPL.The South African veteran also highlighted the support of the coaching staff, led by Andy Flower and Mo Bobat, who remained optimistic and provided valuable guidance.Du Plessis praised the contributions of individual players, including Will Jacks, who made a significant impact despite the absence of all-rounder Glenn Maxwell. He also commended the bowlers, particularly Yash Dayal, for their consistent performances.The captain's leadership and experience played a crucial role in keeping the team together during challenging times. He emphasized the importance of staying calm and positive, even when faced with setbacks.Despite approaching 40 years of age, du Plessis remains highly motivated and dedicated to the game. He attributes his fitness and electric presence on the field to a rigorous training regimen.Regardless of the outcome of the Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals, du Plessis expressed immense pride in his team. He praised the players' resilience and the positive atmosphere within the group.

Abishek Porel's remarkable journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a testament to his resilience and talent. Despite initially sleeping through his call-up to the Delhi Capitals, Porel has emerged as a key player for the franchise.After a disappointing debut season in 2023, Porel was retained for 2024 and has repaid the faith with a stellar performance. Batting from various positions in the order, he has amassed 360 runs at a strike rate of 152.54, hitting 36 boundaries.Porel's versatility has been a major asset for the Capitals. He has opened the batting, played in the middle order, and even served as an Impact Player. His ability to play the new ball well and provide a left-right combination has earned him a place at the top of the order.Hailing from a cricketing family, Porel made his first-class debut in 2022 and impressed with his clean takes and hand-eye coordination. He has also opened in List A and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.Delhi Capitals' director of cricket, Sourav Ganguly, played a crucial role in Porel's selection. Head coach Ricky Ponting has been highly impressed with Porel's growth and believes he has a bright future.Porel's strength lies in his uncomplicated technique and ability to stay tall against pace. He has a strong heart and a determination to overcome challenges.Despite the presence of established hitters in the Capitals' lineup, Porel has carved out a niche for himself. His performances have proven that there is a place for him in the IPL.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has recently shared his struggles and triumphs during his playing days. In a candid conversation with Ravichandran Ashwin on a YouTube show, Gambhir revealed the challenges he faced in his early cricket career.Growing up, Gambhir was not selected for his first under-14 tournament due to his refusal to touch the selector's feet. This incident left a lasting impact on him, and he vowed never to engage in such practices.Despite his affluent family background, Gambhir faced criticism and skepticism throughout his career. People often questioned his motivation, suggesting that he did not need to play cricket due to his family's wealth. However, Gambhir was determined to prove his worth and overcome these perceptions."I wanted to beat that perception," Gambhir said. "So when I was able to do that, no other perception ever bothers me. The toughest perception for me to beat in my life was that I didn't want it that hard. I wanted it harder than any of them."Gambhir's determination and hard work paid off. He played a pivotal role in India's victories in the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup. He also led KKR to its first IPL title in 2012.In the same interview, Gambhir also spoke about his relationship with KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. He praised Khan for his trust and support, noting that they had never discussed cricket strategy in their seven years of working together."He had never asked me a single question on cricket in those seven years. Can you imagine?" Gambhir said.Gambhir's journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing adversity, he never gave up on his dream of becoming a successful cricketer. His story serves as an inspiration to young athletes and anyone who faces challenges in their pursuit of their goals.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer and former captain, has emphasized the importance of a captain earning respect through their conduct in both victory and defeat. Dhoni, who has led India to numerous ICC trophies and Chennai Super Kings to multiple IPL titles, believes that true respect is earned by leading by example, especially during challenging times."You lead by example through ups and downs because when you are successful it's very easy to say this is what we do but when times are tough is the real-time and you have to walk that talk - in those moments if you are still the same, that time you earn the respect," Dhoni said in a video posted by Dubai Eye 103.8 YouTube channel.Dhoni's philosophy of leadership is based on the principle that respect cannot be demanded but must be earned through one's actions and demeanor. He believes that a captain should set a positive example for their team, both on and off the field, and should be willing to take responsibility for both successes and failures."The important thing is that you need to earn the respect of the people you are leading. You cannot command or demand respect, it has to be earned. I may have a position in the institution and it needs to be respected. But I as an individual, sitting on that chair, need to earn that respect. I can't be saying you need to respect me because I'm sitting on this chair," he added.Dhoni's leadership style has been praised by many, including former teammates and opponents. He is known for his calm and composed demeanor, even in the most intense situations. He is also known for his ability to motivate and inspire his players, and for his strategic acumen.Dhoni's comments come at a time when Chennai Super Kings are struggling in the ongoing IPL season. The team has lost several key matches and their chances of making the playoffs are slim. However, Dhoni has remained positive and has urged his players to continue fighting until the end."We have to keep fighting. We have to keep believing. We have to keep working hard. And we have to keep improving. That's the only way we can turn things around," Dhoni said after CSK's loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore.Dhoni's leadership will be crucial for Chennai Super Kings as they look to salvage their season. If they can turn things around and make the playoffs, it will be a testament to Dhoni's ability to lead his team through adversity.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's illustrious IPL career came to a disappointing end as his Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were eliminated from the 2024 season after a 27-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).CSK needed to score over 201 to qualify for the playoffs and came tantalizingly close, with Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja launching a fierce assault towards the end. However, RCB pacer Yash Dayal, who had been hit for five consecutive sixes by KKR's Rinku Singh in IPL 2023, held his nerve and sealed the thrilling win for RCB.Dhoni, who has guided CSK to five IPL titles, was visibly dejected after the match. Coming in at No. 8, he scored 25 runs off 13 balls, including three fours and a six, but Dayal's dismissal of Dhoni crushed CSK's hopes of progressing to the playoffs.Despite the disappointing end to the season, Dhoni's performance in IPL 2024 was commendable. He scored 161 runs at a strike rate of 220.54, showcasing his ability to adapt to the demands of the T20 format.After the match, RCB's young spinner Mayank Dagar approached Dhoni with a bat, requesting an autograph. Dhoni happily obliged, and Dagar shared the heartwarming video on his social media account.The defeat marked the end of an era for CSK, as Dhoni's future in the IPL remains uncertain. However, his legacy as one of the greatest cricketers of all time will endure.

Gautam Gambhir Slams Two New Balls Rule in ODI Cricket, Calls for Return to Single BallFormer Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has vehemently criticized the use of two new balls in One-Day International (ODI) cricket, arguing that it severely disadvantages finger spinners and diminishes the art of reverse swing.Gambhir, who currently serves as a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, pointed out the glaring absence of prominent finger spinners like Nathan Lyon and Ravichandran Ashwin from ODI teams despite their exceptional records in Test cricket. Both Lyon and Ashwin have taken over 400 wickets in Test matches, but their effectiveness is significantly reduced in ODIs due to the two new balls rule."Two new balls in one-day cricket is probably the worst thing that can happen to one-day cricket," Gambhir asserted in a recent episode of the podcast series 180 Not Out. "Imagine how many finger spinners play one-day cricket. There's Nathan Lyon who's got 400 wickets, there's R Ashwin who's got 400 wickets, and they are not a part of the One Day team, and the only reason is that there is nothing for a finger spinner."Gambhir explained that the two new balls rule diminishes the effectiveness of finger spinners because the ball remains relatively new throughout the innings, providing less grip and turn for the bowlers. "Imagine someone who has taken 400 Test wickets will not play one day cricket because they don't become a wicket-taking option or they end up becoming a defensive option," he said.The former Indian international also lamented the impact of the two new balls rule on reverse swing, a crucial skill in the arsenal of fast bowlers. "Reverse swing... It has gone out of the game completely," Gambhir said. "I want to see reverse swing, I want to see batters getting challenged, and someone bowling at 150 and reversing the ball is always a challenge."Gambhir proposed a return to the traditional use of a single ball throughout the innings, which would allow for more wear and tear, thereby bringing reverse swing back into play and providing spinners with a greater opportunity to influence the game. "One rule that needs to change is getting rid of two new balls and having only one," he insisted.

Phil Simmons, the former West Indies coach who guided the team to the 2016 T20 World Cup title, has joined Papua New Guinea (PNG) as a 'specialist coach' ahead of the 2024 edition of the tournament.Simmons' appointment comes after his second stint as West Indies coach ended following their group-stage elimination at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. Since then, he has worked extensively in franchise cricket, coaching Trinbago Knight Riders, LA Knight Riders, and Karachi Kings.In his new role, Simmons will support head coach Tatenda Taibu, the former Zimbabwe wicketkeeper. Cricket PNG stated that Simmons was recruited due to his extensive experience of local conditions."My role here is as a consultant coach and [will be about] how I put across my experience, not just playing in World Cups but playing in the Caribbean and the things that we should be looking at to make sure we do it right in the Caribbean and especially the venues that we play at," Simmons said."As a player internationally, for fourteen years and then as an international coach for eighteen years, it's been a long time in the game. It's always brilliant to come home, always brilliant to come back to any part of the West Indies. You know how beautiful it is here. I'm looking forward to getting home, which is Trinidad."PNG arrived in St Kitts last week after a four-day journey from Port Moresby. They will train and play various unofficial warm-up matches before facing Oman and Namibia in official warm-up fixtures in Trinidad and Tobago next week.They have been drawn in Group C of the World Cup itself. They will face co-hosts West Indies in their opening match in Guyana on June 2, then play Uganda four days later at the same venue. They will then travel back to Trinidad to face Afghanistan on June 14 and New Zealand on June 17.Simmons praised the energy and enthusiasm of the PNG team. "Their energy is unbelievable: their warm-up alone yesterday got me tired. The guys look like they have settled in really well… I've known the head coach for a long time and he's always energetic. There is always a lot of energy, but the players seem to be pushing him where that is not so, and I like that atmosphere in the team."Batter Assad Vala will lead PNG, who will be playing their second T20 World Cup, after a winless campaign in 2021.