Cricket

Rishabh Pant and Ravichandran Ashwin's Heartwarming Exchange at RR Practice SessionAhead of the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) clash between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in Jaipur on March 28, a touching moment unfolded during the practice session involving Indian teammates Rishabh Pant and Ravichandran Ashwin.RR, who commenced their campaign with a 20-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants, were eager to maintain their winning momentum. DC, on the other hand, suffered a defeat to Punjab Kings by four wickets in their opening match.During the practice session, Ashwin stood behind Pant's practice net, offering words of encouragement to boost his spirits. The accomplished wicketkeeper-batsman, who recently returned to competitive cricket after surviving a life-threatening accident in December 2022, wasted no time in displaying his prowess, sending the ball soaring into the sky.This exchange between the two Indian cricket stars evoked memories of the lively interactions they often share while representing India. It's a familiar sight to witness Pant cheering on Ashwin from behind the stumps, saying, "Come on, Ash! Come on Ash!".However, on this occasion, the roles reversed. Pant's comeback innings during DC's match against Punjab saw him scoring 18 runs off 13 balls, including two fours. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman will be eager to surpass his performance this time and captivate the Jaipur audience.The heartwarming exchange between Pant and Ashwin highlights the camaraderie and support that exists within the Indian cricket team. It also serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of Pant, who has overcome adversity to return to the field.As the IPL season progresses, fans can expect to witness more such moments of sportsmanship and camaraderie, both on and off the field.

Holi, the vibrant festival of colors, love, and friendship, painted the Indian Premier League (IPL) in its hues as cricket stars celebrated the occasion amidst their rigorous schedule. Mumbai Indians, led by Rohit Sharma, kicked off the festivities before their upcoming match against SunRisers Hyderabad.The festival brought together cricketers from diverse backgrounds, transcending nationalities and communities. Mumbai Indians' players, including Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Ritika Sajdeh, immersed themselves in the revelry.Delhi Capitals' star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, back on the field after a life-threatening accident, enjoyed the festival with his teammates. Australian opener David Warner and head coach Ricky Ponting also joined in the celebrations.Kolkata Knight Riders' skipper Shreyas Iyer found himself drenched in water and color within seconds of meeting his teammates. Mentor Gautam Gambhir and players Suyash Sharma, Harshit Rana, and Chetan Sakariya were among those who participated in the festivities.Rajasthan Royals' spinner Yuzvendra Chahal celebrated with teammates Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Steve Smith and Stuart Broad, former rivals in the Ashes series, shared the joy of Holi as part of the IPL's broadcasting team.The festival of colors not only brought joy to the cricketers but also symbolized the inclusivity and unity that the IPL represents. As the tournament progresses, the spirit of Holi will continue to inspire the players and fans alike, creating a vibrant and unforgettable spectacle.

South African speedster Anrich Nortje has joined the Delhi Capitals (DC) squad for the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Nortje's arrival comes after DC's disappointing 4-wicket loss to the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their tournament opener.Nortje, known for his express pace and ability to generate steep bounce, is expected to bolster DC's bowling attack. The 30-year-old has been in impressive form for South Africa, claiming 10 wickets in his last five T20I appearances.In DC's first match against PBKS, the team struggled to post a competitive total, managing only 174/9 in 20 overs. David Warner and Mitchell Marsh provided a solid start, but the middle order failed to capitalize. Abhishek Porel's late cameo helped DC reach a respectable score.In response, PBKS chased down the target with relative ease, thanks to a 67-run partnership between Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone. Curran was named 'Player of the Match' for his match-winning knock of 63 runs.Nortje's addition to the DC squad is a significant boost for the team. His pace and accuracy will provide much-needed support to the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Khaleel Ahmed. DC will be hoping that Nortje can help them turn their fortunes around and secure their first win of the season.

Delhi Capitals' IPL campaign got off to a disappointing start with a four-wicket loss to Punjab Kings, but assistant coach Pravin Amre found solace in the scintillating cameo of Abhishek Porel.Porel, brought in as an Impact Substitute in the death overs, smashed an unbeaten 32 off 10 balls to help DC post a competitive 174/9. However, the total proved insufficient as Punjab chased down the target with four wickets to spare.Amre acknowledged the team's sloppy display on the field, which contributed to the loss. "Not the start we wanted, every team wants to start on a winning note. But there are a lot of positives from the game, our intent in batting was good," he said.Despite the defeat, Amre highlighted Porel's performance as a major positive. "We can also see the positive about Abishek Porel, the guy who came in and scored runs at a strike rate of more than 300. He got us to the par score of 170-plus," he added.DC suffered a major setback when pace spearhead Ishant Sharma sustained an ankle injury. To add to their woes, the Capitals dropped three catches, including that of Sam Curran, who went on to score a match-winning 63."In the bowling, I think Ishant's injury cost us and we all know catches win matches. We dropped a couple of crucial catches and maybe the outcome would have been different," Amre said."When you lose your main bowler it becomes difficult to contain them (opponents), but you have to credit Sam and Liam (Livingstone) for the way they batted and finished the game."The match marked skipper Rishabh Pant's comeback to cricket after a horrific car crash 15 months ago. Amre expressed his admiration for Pant's resilience."Sometimes as coaches, we don't get emotional, but this was emotional. Personally, it was special because I have closely seen his journey since his initial days at DC," he said."We are really happy with the way he conducted himself, it's not easy after a 14-month comeback and handling that kind of pressure."The Capitals will take on Rajasthan Royals in their next match on March 28.

Delhi Capitals Suffer Major Setback as Ishant Sharma Sustains Ankle InjuryIn a major blow to the Delhi Capitals (DC), veteran fast bowler Ishant Sharma suffered an ankle injury during their opening fixture of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) against the Punjab Kings in Mullanpur, Chandigarh.The incident occurred during the final over of the powerplay as Punjab Kings chased a target of 175 runs. Ishant collected a single off Mitchell Marsh's delivery but twisted his right ankle while attempting to throw it back to the wicketkeeper.The injury was severe, with Ishant collapsing to the ground in agony. The physio rushed to his aid and assisted him off the field.Ishant's injury is a significant setback for the Delhi Capitals, who are already facing a depleted squad due to the absence of Lungi Ngidi and Harry Brook. The team's bowling options have been severely impacted, leaving captain Rishabh Pant with fewer resources.Before the injury, Ishant had already made a significant impact on the match, bowling two overs for 16 runs and dismissing Shikhar Dhawan.The injury to Ishant Sharma has raised concerns about the Delhi Capitals' prospects for the remainder of the season. The franchise is hopeful that the injury is not severe and that Ishant will recover swiftly.Meanwhile, English all-rounder Sam Curran played a pivotal role in the Punjab Kings' victory over the Delhi Capitals. Curran's aggressive half-century, crafted from just 47 balls, propelled Punjab Kings to chase down the target of 175 runs with four wickets in hand and four balls to spare.Curran found valuable support from his compatriot, Liam Livingstone, who remained unbeaten on 38 runs off 21 balls, as the duo orchestrated a successful chase for Punjab Kings.Earlier in the match, Delhi, led by the returning Pant, posted a total of 174 for nine after their innings. However, Pant failed to make a significant impact with the bat, and Punjab Kings capitalised on the opportunity to restrict the Delhi Capitals' scoring.

In a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) opener, Punjab Kings emerged victorious over Delhi Capitals by four wickets, thanks to a counterattacking half-century from English all-rounder Sam Curran.Chasing a target of 175, Punjab Kings got off to a solid start with Shikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran Singh contributing valuable runs. However, the dismissal of Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow put Punjab under pressure. Curran then stepped up with a blistering 47-ball 63, ably supported by Liam Livingstone's unbeaten 38 off 21 balls.Earlier, Delhi Capitals had struggled to post a formidable total, with Abhishek Porel's unbeaten 32 off 10 balls proving to be the highest individual score. David Warner and Mitchell Marsh had provided a strong start, but their dismissals and the loss of wickets at regular intervals prevented Delhi from building a substantial partnership.Punjab Kings' bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh and Kagiso Rabada, kept the Delhi batsmen in check, with Harshal Patel claiming the crucial wicket of Warner.Rishabh Pant, making his comeback after a horrific car accident, received a warm welcome from the crowd but failed to make a significant impact, scoring only 18 runs.Punjab Kings' victory was a testament to their resilience and the brilliance of Curran, who played a match-winning knock under pressure.

Abhishek Porel's Impactful Performance Powers Delhi Capitals to Competitive TotalIn a thrilling opening clash of IPL 2024, Abhishek Porel emerged as an unlikely hero for the Delhi Capitals (DC), delivering a sensational performance as an Impact Substitute against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mullanpur, Chandigarh.Porel, batting at number nine, entered the crease with DC reeling at 147-8 in 18.3 overs. However, he displayed remarkable composure and power-hitting, scoring an unbeaten 32 off just 10 deliveries. His innings included a flurry of boundaries and a massive six off the final ball of the innings, bowled by Harshal Patel.Porel's aggressive approach not only lifted DC to a competitive total of 174/9 but also showcased his ability to thrive under pressure. His fearless stroke play turned the tide in favor of DC, giving them a fighting chance in the match."I knew I was going in before 3 overs. And the support staff told me to be ready as you are one of the impact players. I translated on the field today what I practiced before. My plan was to hit the ball where it came from. 174 is a good score and our bowling unit is good, so let's see," Porel said at the mid-innings break.Porel's performance highlights the importance of Impact Substitutes in the IPL, allowing teams to introduce a fresh player into the game at a crucial moment. His ability to make an immediate impact and contribute significantly to the team's total is a testament to his talent and determination.As the IPL 2024 season progresses, Porel's performance will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most impactful and memorable moments. His fearless batting and ability to deliver under pressure have made him a valuable asset for the Delhi Capitals and a rising star in the Indian Premier League.

Rishabh Pant, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter of the Delhi Capitals (DC), made a triumphant return to competitive cricket in the IPL opener against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Saturday. After a 453-day hiatus following a horrific car crash in December 2022, Pant's comeback was met with immense anticipation and emotion."It's a really emotional time for me," Pant expressed at the toss, his voice filled with gratitude. "I just want to enjoy the moment."Batting at No. 4, Pant showcased his characteristic aggression, scoring 18 runs off 13 deliveries before being dismissed by Harshal Patel. Despite his brief stay at the crease, Pant's presence and positive intent were evident.Pant's return to the field is a testament to his resilience and determination. The accident in December left him with multiple injuries, including a damaged ligament in his right knee, wrist, and ankle. He underwent extensive rehabilitation to regain his fitness and form.During his absence, Pant relinquished his captaincy of the Delhi Capitals to David Warner. Under Warner's leadership, the team struggled, finishing ninth in the league table.Pant's return is a major boost for the Delhi Capitals, who are eager to break their IPL title drought. The left-handed batsman has played 129 internationals for India, scoring over 4,000 runs and six centuries. His attacking style and leadership qualities will be crucial for the team's success in the upcoming season.

Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Ricky Ponting has expressed immense confidence in captain Rishabh Pant's ability to make a remarkable return to competitive cricket in their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season against Punjab Kings (PBKS).Pant, who suffered a life-threatening car crash in December 2022, has been out of action since then. However, the 26-year-old has undergone an impressive recovery during his rehab process.Ahead of the game against PBKS, Ponting revealed that he had to forcefully drag Pant out of the nets on several occasions, indicating the skipper's eagerness to return to the field. "We had a week's training in Vizag before coming here and trust me Rishabh is back and ready to play. He is batting and moving behind the stumps beautifully. Sometimes he bats too much and I have to drag him out of nets," Ponting said.Ponting believes that Pant is capable of producing something special in the opening match. "I've seen where his game is at, and don't be surprised if something special happens tomorrow. His attitude and smile and what he wants to do for the team is infectious. Everyone wants to be like Rishabh," he added.Pant, who is making his comeback after a long and arduous rehab, expressed his gratitude for being able to return to the field. "Jittery, nervous, excited...all of it, but at the same time, just happy, being able to come back to professional cricket. I'm just looking forward to playing my first game tomorrow," Pant said.However, Pant acknowledged that it will take time to regain his previous form and is taking a cautious approach. "Every time I take the field, it's a different feeling altogether. I think, as a batter, as long as I can bat. It is better because the more I bat, I will be in a better position to execute shots, muscle memory is intact even though I haven't played for nearly a year and half," the swashbuckling batter said."But I have been playing since childhood, so it doesn't go away that easily. So, the more I practice, the better chance I will give myself as a cricketer," he added.With Pant's return, DC will be hoping to make a strong start to their IPL 2024 campaign. The team will be looking to Pant to provide stability and leadership as they aim to challenge for the title.