Cricket

Rishabh Pant's Unorthodox Shots: A Calculated Approach to SuccessDelhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant has become renowned for his unconventional shot-making abilities, which have consistently yielded positive results in matches. From one-handed flicks to helicopter shots, Pant's unorthodox style has left opponents bewildered and fans enthralled.In a recent interview, Pant shed light on the thought process behind his unconventional shots. He emphasized that while some shots are instinctive, others are meticulously planned. By anticipating the bowler's intentions, Pant can execute pre-determined shots that exploit the bowler's weaknesses."The shots come on instinct, but I also practice them diligently," Pant explained. "Some shots are pre-planned, based on my expectations of the bowler's delivery. It's a combination of instinct and calculation."Pant stressed the importance of muscle memory in executing these shots effectively. Through extensive practice, he has developed an automatic response to certain deliveries, allowing him to react instinctively without conscious thought."Practice is crucial for building muscle memory," Pant said. "We practice so much that we don't have to think when we see the ball. We just hit it. That's why practice is so important in helping us execute shots in matches."Despite his unorthodox style, Pant's approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the game. He carefully analyzes the bowler's strengths and weaknesses, and uses his unconventional shots to exploit them."There's a build-up when the bowler bowls," Pant explained. "I try to manipulate the bowler into pitching the ball up more, so I can execute my shots. It's a calculated approach that involves anticipation and planning."Pant's unorthodox shots have become a defining characteristic of his batting style. They not only entertain fans but also give Delhi Capitals a significant advantage in matches. By embracing his unconventional approach, Pant has established himself as one of the most exciting and unpredictable batsmen in the IPL.

Melbourne Renegades are set to part ways with BBL coach David Saker after a disappointing season that saw them finish second last. Saker, who was contracted until the end of the 2024-25 season, will leave the club with a year remaining on his deal.The Renegades have been the worst-performing team in the BBL since winning the inaugural title in 2018-19 under Andrew McDonald. Since then, they have had three different coaches in Michael Klinger, Saker, and now an impending new appointment.Saker's tenure began with a last-place finish in 2021-22, followed by a third-place finish in 2022-23. However, the 2023-24 season proved to be a step backward, with the Renegades winning just two of their 14 games.The Renegades have already made some changes to their squad for the upcoming season, signing Brisbane Heat opener Josh Brown. They are also seeking a new high-performance manager to oversee the cricket program.The Renegades' struggles have been attributed to a number of factors, including a high turnover of players and a lack of consistency. The club has also been criticized for its lack of connection to the Victoria men's program.The Renegades will be hoping that a new coach and a new high-performance manager can help them turn things around and challenge for the BBL title in the future.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer and former captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has achieved another remarkable milestone in his illustrious career. In CSK's emphatic 78-run victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday, Dhoni became the first player in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to register 150 wins.Dhoni's remarkable achievement is a testament to his exceptional leadership skills, tactical acumen, and unwavering determination. As the captain of CSK, he has guided the team to five IPL titles, establishing them as one of the most successful franchises in the tournament. His ability to make crucial decisions under pressure and inspire his teammates has been instrumental in CSK's consistent performances.Beyond his captaincy, Dhoni is widely regarded as one of the greatest finishers in limited-overs cricket. His calm demeanor and ability to execute under pressure have made him a formidable force in the IPL. In his 259 IPL matches, Dhoni has amassed 5178 runs at a strike rate of 137.13, including 24 half-centuries.In the match against SRH, Dhoni came to the crease with just four balls remaining in CSK's innings. Undeterred, he smashed the first ball from T Natarajan for a boundary and took a single off the next, remaining unbeaten yet again. This performance highlights Dhoni's unwavering commitment to his team and his ability to contribute even in the most challenging situations.Off the field, Dhoni's popularity transcends cricket. He is a cultural icon and a beloved figure among cricket fans in India and around the world. His contributions to Indian cricket, both in terms of leadership and batting prowess, have earned him immense respect and admiration.

Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi have been proposed as the venues for the 2025 Champions Trophy, according to the initial draft schedule submitted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to the International Cricket Council (ICC). The tournament is scheduled for mid-February, and the PCB is working to upgrade the venues in preparation for the first ICC event in Pakistan in nearly three decades.Pakistan, the defending champions, will host the eight-team tournament over two weeks. The exact dates are yet to be determined. The PCB finalized the venues and schedule after an ICC team conducted inspections."We've sent the schedule for the matches in Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy," said PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. "The ICC's security team came and we had a very good meeting. They looked at arrangements here and we'll also share stadium upgrade plans with them. We're continuously in touch with the ICC. We are trying to ensure we host a very good tournament in Pakistan."The schedule will likely be influenced by India's participation. ESPNcricinfo reports that the initial draft has all games, including India's, being played in Pakistan.However, the fate of India's games depends on the political climate between the two countries and whether the Indian government grants permission for the BCCI to send its team to Pakistan. India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup due to frosty relations between the governments.Pakistan last hosted an ICC event in 1996, when they co-hosted the ODI World Cup with India and Sri Lanka. Since then, security concerns have prevented teams from touring Pakistan.The Champions Trophy will be the centerpiece of a busy home season for Pakistan, which will also host South Africa and New Zealand for an ODI tri-series before the ICC event. The PCB will need to find an appropriate window for the 10th season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which could clash with other T20 leagues.The PCB acknowledges the need to improve the stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, which have not had significant upgrades in recent years."If you look at Gaddafi [stadium in Lahore], it is good, but the viewing experience is not great for cricket. Football maybe, not cricket," said Naqvi. "We need to improve facilities in the stadiums, where there are some old problems. [The National Stadium in] Karachi is in bad shape. So on May 7th, we'll finalise bids from international companies who will come and help us design. We will work with local consultants as well. We are already late but we need to do these upgrades in four-five months. It will be a very tough test but we can do it."

Virat Kohli, the star batter of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has responded to critics with a resolute stance, asserting that his focus remains on fulfilling his responsibilities on the field. Amidst scrutiny surrounding his strike-rate, Kohli's unwavering focus remains on fulfilling his responsibilities on the field.In a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL encounter in Ahmedabad, Kohli, unbeaten on 70 runs, silenced his critics by employing the sweep shot effectively against the spinners, showcasing his adaptability and determination."All people who talk about strike rates and me not playing spin well talk about these things [numbers]. It's just about doing my job... It's kind of a muscle memory for me now. We can't carry on like we did in the first half. We are attacking the game way more. That's the way we want to play our cricket. And it's not been up to the standard except in the last two games... It's about us as cricketers having some self-respect," Kohli said after the match.Meanwhile, Will Jacks stole the spotlight with an explosive unbeaten knock of 100 runs from just 41 balls, dismantling the 201-run target with an astonishing 24 balls to spare. Their stellar partnership epitomised RCB's dominance, reaffirming their prowess in the tournament.Kohli, who was well on the course of his 9th IPL century, termed Jacks' innings 'phenomenal' as he made mockery of the GT bowling after hitting Mohit Sharma and Rashid Khan for 28 runs in successive overs to seal the deal."Phenomenal! When Jacks came in to bat, he couldn't strike the ball like he wanted to. But we know how explosive he can be. But he went after Mohit, and my role changed. I was just happy to be at the other end. Towards the end of their innings, the wicket started settling a bit. The wicket settles down, and the ball comes on nicely. We never dropped below ten an over through the innings," Kohli added.With a steadfast dedication to his craft, Kohli emphasised on the importance of staying true to his role as a player and leader, regardless of external opinions. His commitment to excellence echoes his determination to contribute positively to the game, reaffirming his resilience in the face of scrutiny and unyielding dedication to the sport he embodies.

India's women's cricket team showcased a dominant performance in the opening T20I against Bangladesh, securing a convincing 44-run victory. Opting to bat first, India posted a competitive total of 145 for seven, thanks to solid contributions from Harmanpreet Kaur and Yastika Bhatia.However, it was India's bowling attack that stole the show, led by the impressive duo of Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar. Singh claimed three wickets, while Vastrakar picked up two, as Bangladesh struggled to chase down the target.Bangladesh's skipper, Nigar Sultana, fought valiantly with a half-century, but lacked support from her teammates. India's bowlers maintained a tight grip on the match, restricting Bangladesh to 101 for eight.Earlier, India's innings got off to a shaky start with the dismissal of Smriti Mandhana for just nine runs. However, Shafali Verma provided a spark with a quickfire 31 off 22 balls. Bhatia and Kaur then steadied the ship with a 45-run partnership, but India failed to capitalize on their strong start and missed out on a late flourish.Bangladesh's leg-spinner, Rabeya Khan, emerged as the most successful bowler for the hosts, claiming three wickets. Despite Mandhana's early departure, India's batters showed resilience on a slow wicket, with Bhatia and Kaur leading the charge.The five-match T20I series serves as a crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming T20I World Cup in Bangladesh later this year. India's clinical bowling display and solid batting performance provide a promising start to their campaign.

Virat Kohli, India's batting maestro, has revealed that his recent break from cricket has given him a profound perspective on his life and career. After withdrawing from the Test series against England earlier this year, Kohli took time off to be with his wife, Anushka Sharma, during the birth of their second child.This was not the first time Kohli had stepped away from the game. In the past, periods of rest have proven beneficial for him, particularly when he has faced lean patches. Upon his return to the IPL this season, Kohli has been in scintillating form, amassing a plethora of runs and claiming the Orange Cap."Time away from the game made me realize how much I have been blessed with," Kohli said in an interview with Star Sports. "I mean, where is the limit? You can get a phenomenal hundred, but the next moment, if your family member or child or your partner gets health issues, life takes a completely different turn."Kohli emphasized that nothing in life is guaranteed and that his focus has always been on the process. "I could have never imagined myself in this situation ever," he said. "You kind of understand things were meant to be a certain way. The only thing you could do was work hard and be honest in what you are doing."Despite his years of experience, Kohli's unwavering dedication to the game remains evident. "I never predicted that at this stage, I would have this much performance or I would be at this stage in my career where God will put me in this situation," he said.Kohli's recent break has not only rejuvenated him but has also given him a renewed appreciation for the blessings in his life. He recognizes that his success on the field is only one aspect of a fulfilling existence.

Rinku Singh, the rising star of the Kolkata Knight Riders, has become a fan favorite not only for his exceptional batting skills but also for his off-field antics. His social media presence has been a major factor in his popularity, with his fans eagerly sharing his activities outside the cricket pitch.Recently, Rinku appeared on the KKR Dugout Podcast alongside coach Abhishek Nayar, where he showcased his impressive ability to imitate other players. When asked by host Cyrus Broacha to mimic various cricketers, Rinku enthusiastically recreated the batting stances of Nitish Rana and Virat Kohli, as well as the bowling action of Varun Chakravarthy.Rinku's off-field antics have also extended to his interactions with Virat Kohli. Earlier this season, Rinku received a bat from Kohli, marking the second time the Indian captain had gifted him a bat. In a viral video, Rinku was seen requesting another bat from Kohli, who appeared slightly amused when Rinku mentioned that he had broken the previous one.After KKR's thrilling one-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Eden Gardens, Rinku approached Kohli once again for another bat. In a video posted by KKR on social media, Rinku explained to Kohli that the bat he had received earlier had broken while facing a spinner.It seems that Rinku's request was not in vain, as he has now received a new bat from Kohli. In a trending video on social media, the left-handed batter is seen showing off the bat to a fan.Rinku's off-field antics have not only entertained his fans but have also highlighted his close relationship with Virat Kohli. The young batter's ability to connect with fans on a personal level has contributed to his growing popularity, making him one of the most talked-about players in the Indian Premier League.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer, has shed light on his relationship with Virat Kohli and the complexities of on-field conduct. Gambhir believes that the media often sensationalizes narratives for the sake of ratings, which can shape public perceptions. He emphasized that the media should also focus on creating positive hype.Gambhir echoed Kohli's sentiments that the media's focus on their relationship is unwarranted. He believes that mature individuals should be allowed to handle their personal relationships without interference.On a lighter note, Gambhir acknowledged Kohli's dance prowess, saying that he would like to learn some moves from him. This highlights the camaraderie between the two cricketers.Regarding Kohli's strike rate, Gambhir emphasized that every player has a different game and that strike rate should be evaluated in the context of match dynamics. He pointed out that a strike rate of 100 can be good in a winning situation, while a strike rate of 180 may not be as impressive in a losing situation.Earlier, Kohli had responded to criticisms about his changed on-field demeanor. He dismissed detractors' disappointment over his recent displays of sportsmanship, saying that they are now booing because they don't have anything juicy to talk about.Gambhir's perspectives provide insights into the complexities of player relationships, the role of the media, and the nuances of performance evaluation in cricket.