Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set for an exciting clash between the resurgent Delhi Capitals (DC) and the struggling Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 29 in Kolkata. DC, led by Rishabh Pant, has won four of their last five matches and is gradually finding their rhythm. On the other hand, KKR, under the guidance of Gautam Gambhir, has endured three defeats in their last five outings, with their bowling proving to be a major concern.DC's resurgence has been largely due to the arrival of Australian Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has replaced Lungi Ngidi. The 22-year-old has been a revelation at the top of the order, scoring 247 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 237.50. His brutal treatment of Jasprit Bumrah, smashing a slower ball for a six in the first over, is a testament to his skill.Another key contributor for DC has been South African Tristian Stubbs, who has impressed with his astonishing power-hitting. In the match against Mumbai Indians, Stubbs scored a 25-ball 48 not out. Pant himself is also making rapid progress, with the DC top-five of Fraser-McGurk, Abhishek Porel, Shai Hope, Pant, and Stubbs posing a significant threat to KKR's bowling.KKR, on the other hand, has struggled to find consistency. Their bowling has been particularly disappointing, with none of their bowlers, except spinner Sunil Narine, making any significant impact. The absence of injured Mitchell Starc has been a major blow, and the Sri Lankan pacer Dushmantha Chameera has failed to inspire confidence in his debut for KKR.However, KKR has some positives to look forward to. Narine's sensational form with the bat, scoring 357 runs from eight matches with two fifties and one century, has given a boost to their batting. Narine and Phil Salt have scored the bulk of their runs at the top, but the likes of Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, and Ramandeep Singh will need to contribute more.The match between DC and KKR is crucial for both teams. DC will be eager to consolidate their position in the top four, while KKR will be desperate to register a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Eden Gardens pitch is expected to favor batting, which could lead to a high-scoring encounter.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed some exceptional performances from wicketkeepers this season, intensifying the competition for the second wicketkeeper's slot in the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Former South African captain Graeme Smith believes that Sanju Samson and KL Rahul have emerged as strong contenders.Samson's unbeaten 71 off 33 balls for Rajasthan Royals and Rahul's 76 off 48 balls for Lucknow Super Giants have showcased their class. Smith praised Samson's partnership with Dhruv Jurel, who contributed an unbeaten 52 off 34 balls, saying, "They had an incredible partnership to get them over the line."Former Australian pacer Brett Lee lauded Jurel's contribution, describing him as a "quality batter" with "proper cricket shots." Lee noted Jurel's ability to "play all formats of the game" and his "classy" shots.Smith also highlighted the strength of Rajasthan Royals' squad, stating, "They had (Shimron) Hetmyer still to bat, so there was a lot in the tank, lots of match-winners with the bat and ball."The Indian squad for the T20 World Cup is expected to be announced soon, with Rishabh Pant likely to be the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. However, the performances of Samson and Rahul have put pressure on the selectors to consider them for the second wicketkeeper's role.

Gujarat Titans to Face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024 ClashGujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will lock horns in Match 45 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on April 28.Match Information:* Match: Gujarat Titans vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Match 45* Date: April 28, 2024* Time: 03:30 PM IST* Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, AhmedabadTeam Previews:Gujarat Titans, currently ranked seventh on the points table, will be looking to improve their position after a narrow defeat to Delhi Capitals in their previous match. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, on the other hand, are languishing at the bottom of the table and will be desperate for a win to revive their campaign.Pitch Report and Weather Conditions:The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium is expected to favor batters, with an average first-innings score of 170 runs. The weather forecast predicts a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius and humidity of 13%.Head-to-Head:In the three previous encounters between these teams, Royal Challengers Bengaluru's batters have earned the most fantasy points, while Gujarat Titans' bowlers have been the top performers.Dream11 Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:* Captain: Virat Kohli (RCB)* Vice-Captain: Mohit Sharma (GT)Other Key Players:* Cameron Green (RCB)* Lockie Ferguson (RCB)* Will Jacks (RCB)* Sai Sudharsan (GT)* Rajat Patidar (RCB)* Rashid Khan (GT)* Sai Kishore (GT)* Shahrukh Khan (GT)Squad Information:Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Kane Williamson, Wriddhiman Saha, Umesh Yadav, David Miller, Jayant Yadav, Vijay Shankar, Mohit Sharma, Abhinav Manohar, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Joshua Little, Sai Kishore, Darshan Nalkande, Azmatullah Omarzai, BR Sharath, Kartik Tyagi, Spencer Johnson, Sai Sudharsan, Manav Suthar, Sushant Mishra, Matthew Wade, Noor AhmadRoyal Challengers Bengaluru: Faf du Plessis (c), Dinesh Karthik, Virat Kohli, Swapnil Singh, Karn Sharma, Glenn Maxwell, Reece Topley, Lockie Ferguson, Tom Curran, Alzarri Joseph, Mahipal Lomror, Rajat Patidar, Mohammed Siraj, Mayank Dagar, Cameron Green, Will Jacks, Suyash Prabhudessai, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Manoj Bhandage, Anuj Rawat, Yash Dayal, Akash Deep, Saurav Chauhan, Rajan Kumar, Himanshu SharmaConclusion:The clash between Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams eager to secure a victory. The match will be streamed live on Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar.

At 42 years young, MS Dhoni continues to defy age and dominate the Indian Premier League (IPL). With a remarkable batting strike rate of 260.00, Dhoni has yet to be dismissed in this edition, amassing 91 runs in 8 matches and 6 innings.As Chennai Super Kings prepare to face Sunrisers Hyderabad, Dhoni has revealed his secret to staying fresh and energized throughout the tournament. In a video shared by the host broadcaster, Dhoni explains his unconventional sleep schedule."Five to seven days before the IPL starts, I start thinking like that and training my mind," Dhoni says. "The plus point we had was that we used to try to catch the flight that was after 12."Dhoni's sleep schedule involves sleeping late and waking up late. "I would sleep very late because when the matches are on, from 8 to 11-11.30 is the schedule, after that post-match presentations then you would pack your kit bag, there would be late dinner," he explains."By the time you reach back to the hotel, it's almost 1-1:15. After that you have to pack your belongings in the hotel, leave the kit bag outside and by the time you do all of that, it's pretty late, let's say around 2:30," Dhoni adds."So instead of sleeping from 10 pm to 6 am or 11 pm to 7 am, I would sleep from 3 am to 11 am. So the minimum 8 hours sleep that I need, that I have to do for sure. I was always well-rested at night, never felt fatigued after the IPL got over."Dhoni's unique sleep schedule has allowed him to remain sharp and focused throughout the tournament. Coming in at the fag end of CSK innings, Dhoni has not only entertained the crowd but also scored crucial runs for his team.CSK currently sits at the sixth spot in the points table with 4 wins and 4 defeats in 8 matches. Dhoni's experience and leadership will be crucial as the team looks to improve its position and make a strong playoff push.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has unveiled his ideal Team India squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, slated to be announced by May 1. In a video shared by Star Sports, Pathan meticulously outlined his lineup, providing insightful justifications for his choices.Batting Order:Pathan's batting order preferences begin with captain Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers. The middle order comprises Virat Kohli at No. 3, followed by Suryakumar Yadav at No. 4. For the crucial No. 5 and No. 6 slots, Pathan suggests Rinku Singh, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), and Shivam Dube.Lower Middle Order and Spinners:The lower middle order, according to Pathan, should feature Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. In the spin department, Kuldeep Yadav is a certainty, while Ravi Bishnoi is preferred over Yuzvendra Chahal due to his superior fielding abilities.Pace Bowling Unit:Pathan's pace bowling unit is led by Jasprit Bumrah, followed by Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj.Extra Batter Dilemma:Regarding the inclusion of an extra batter, Pathan suggests a choice between Shubman Gill and Sanju Samson. The decision will depend on whether the team opts for an additional batter or an extra wicketkeeper.Pathan's Ideal Squad:Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, Rishabh Pant (WK), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Shubman Gill/Sanju Samson.

Pakistan's captain Babar Azam and pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi played pivotal roles in securing a thrilling nine-run victory over New Zealand in the fifth and final Twenty20 International (T20I) in Lahore on Saturday.Azam's solid half-century (69 off 44 balls) and Fakhar Zaman's contribution (43 off 33 balls) propelled Pakistan to a competitive total of 178 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. Afridi then showcased his exceptional bowling skills, claiming four wickets for 30 runs, restricting New Zealand to 169 all out in 19.2 overs.The match remained tense until the final over, with New Zealand's Josh Clarkson threatening an upset with his unbeaten 38. However, two crucial run-outs in Mohammad Amir's over sealed the victory for Pakistan, much to the delight of the packed crowd at Gaddafi Stadium.The series, which ended in a 2-2 draw, served as valuable preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies in June. While Pakistan would have preferred a series win, they gained valuable insights into their squad's strength and areas for improvement.Afridi's impressive performance continued in the final match, as he dismissed Tom Blundell for four in his first over, marking his 15th wicket in his opening over of a T20I and his 50th overall in T20 matches. Tim Seifert provided some resistance for New Zealand with a quickfire 33-ball 52, but Pakistan's spinners, Usama Mir and Shadab Khan, played a crucial role in derailing the visitors' chase.Azam expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, highlighting their efforts to test different combinations and assess their bench strength ahead of the World Cup. New Zealand's stand-in captain, Micheal Bracewell, acknowledged the competitive nature of the series and expressed his team's satisfaction with the draw.

Mumbai Indians' Ishan Kishan Fined for Code of Conduct BreachMumbai Indians wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been reprimanded and fined 10% of his match fees for violating the Indian Premier League (IPL) Code of Conduct during their match against Delhi Capitals.The incident occurred at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. According to an IPL statement, Kishan committed a Level 1 offense under Article 2.2 of the Code of Conduct. The specific nature of the offense was not disclosed, but Article 2.2 encompasses actions outside the normal course of cricket, such as damaging equipment or fixtures.Kishan admitted to the offense and accepted the Match Referee's sanction. For Level 1 breaches, the Match Referee's decision is final and binding.The IPL Code of Conduct aims to maintain fair play and sportsmanship within the league. It outlines various offenses and corresponding penalties, ranging from reprimands to suspensions.Kishan's fine serves as a reminder to players of the importance of adhering to the Code of Conduct. It also highlights the IPL's commitment to upholding the integrity and reputation of the tournament.Despite the incident, Kishan remains a key player for Mumbai Indians. His aggressive batting and wicketkeeping skills have been instrumental in the team's success in recent seasons.

K.L. Rahul's resilient knock of 76 runs and a crucial partnership with Deepak Hooda propelled Lucknow Super Giants to a competitive total of 196 for five against Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium in Lucknow.Rahul's innings was a tale of recovery and determination. After losing Quinton de Kock and Marcus Stoinis early to Trent Boult and Sandeep Sharma, respectively, Rahul steadied the ship with a composed 48-ball knock. He overcame a shaky start, where he lost his balance and fell down while attempting a slog sweep, to anchor the Lucknow innings.Rahul's partnership with Hooda was the cornerstone of Lucknow's recovery. The duo combined for 115 runs for the third wicket, with Hooda contributing a brisk 48 off 30 deliveries. Hooda showcased his off-side range, punching Boult through covers and backward point with ease.Avesh Khan's 21-run eighth over proved to be a turning point in the match. Rahul started the over with a chip over mid-wicket before hooking a No Ball over the fine-leg fielder. He then dispatched a full toss on the Free Hit to bisect the boundary riders at deep mid-wicket and long on.However, Lucknow's momentum was halted by the dismissal of Hooda, who holed out at long on immediately after reaching his half-century. Nicholas Pooran failed to make an impact, while Ayush Badoni's late flourish was not enough to push Lucknow past the 200-run mark.In the end, Lucknow's total of 196 for five proved to be a challenging target for Rajasthan Royals, who eventually fell short by 24 runs.

Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson, two of the most celebrated cricketers of the modern era, share a bond that transcends the boundaries of competition. Their friendship, forged during their Under-19 World Cup days in 2008, has endured the rigors of international cricket and the intense rivalry between their respective teams.Kohli and Williamson emerged as pivotal figures in their teams during that tournament, showcasing their exceptional talent and leadership qualities. Over the years, they have established themselves as stalwarts of the game, amassing an impressive array of accolades and inspiring countless young cricketers.Their mutual respect and admiration for each other's abilities have been evident throughout their careers. In interviews, they have consistently praised each other's achievements, acknowledging their exceptional skills and leadership qualities. This camaraderie extends beyond the field, as they have often been seen interacting warmly off the pitch.As Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Titans prepare to face off in the IPL 2024 encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the spotlight will once again shine on the friendship between Kohli and Williamson. The matchup brings a sense of nostalgia, as the two cricket icons prepare to battle it out on the field.Despite their competitive nature, their off-field bond remains unbreakable. In a recent video shared by Gujarat Titans, Kohli and Williamson are seen greeting each other with warmth and camaraderie. This moment serves as a testament to the enduring friendship between two of the greatest cricketers of our time.