Cricket

The under-construction international cricket stadium at Narsingarh in Tripura is poised to become a potential second home ground for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This development comes as the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata undergoes a significant makeover next year.The Narsingarh stadium project, initiated in 2017 with an estimated cost of Rs. 185 crore, has faced delays in its completion. However, recent developments have reignited hopes of hosting IPL matches at the venue.Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) secretary Subarta Dey revealed that IPL chairman Arun Kumar Dhumal visited the proposed stadium and expressed optimism about its potential as a second home ground for KKR. The stadium's readiness by February 2025 is crucial for this possibility.To expedite the construction process, the TCA has engaged a reputed construction agency. The agency has completed 80% of the work in the past seven years, despite the initial deadline being only 22 months.The TCA is closely monitoring the progress and has threatened to terminate the agency's contract if it fails to meet the revised deadline. The association is determined to complete the stadium by February 2025 to secure the opportunity to host IPL matches."If we could complete the stadium's work by February next year, I am confident of hosting at least two IPL matches of KKR at Narsingarh international cricket stadium," said Dey.The prospect of hosting IPL matches in Tripura has generated excitement among cricket enthusiasts in the state. The Narsingarh stadium, with its modern facilities and seating capacity of over 50,000, would provide a world-class venue for the tournament.

Rohit Sharma, the enigmatic Indian skipper, has established himself as a formidable force in contemporary cricket across all formats. While he has bid farewell to the shortest format following India's triumph at the T20 World Cup, Rohit continues to dominate in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Test cricket.In ODIs, Rohit has amassed an astonishing 10,866 runs in 265 matches, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess. However, it was on November 13, 2014, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, that Rohit etched his name into cricketing history with an unforgettable knock.Facing Sri Lanka, Rohit unleashed a scintillating innings of 264 runs, shattering the previous record for the highest individual score in ODIs. His monumental innings, played off just 173 deliveries, was a testament to his indomitable spirit and impeccable timing.Rohit's innings was a symphony of boundaries and towering sixes, leaving the Sri Lankan bowlers bewildered. He struck 33 fours and 9 sixes, propelling India to an imposing total of 404/5. His herculean effort not only secured a comprehensive victory for India but also cemented his status as one of the most destructive batsmen in modern-day cricket.Rohit's magnum opus of an innings remains a defining moment in his illustrious career and a crowning achievement in the realm of limited-overs cricket. It is a testament to his exceptional talent and the indelible mark he has left on the game.

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir, now a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), recently shared heartfelt memories of his time with the team. He recalled a special moment when he received unwavering support from Kolkata fans while facing Bengal's son, Sourav Ganguly, who was leading the Pune Warriors.In a conversation with Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, Gambhir reminisced about his arrival at KKR in 2011 and his journey from a Delhi cricketer to a beloved figure in Kolkata. Amidst the highs and lows, he described a crucial match at Eden Gardens against Pune Warriors.The stadium was a sea of conflicting allegiances, with KKR's purple and Pune's light blue dominating the stands. Ganguly, a Kolkata native, was leading Pune, while Gambhir captained KKR."A lot of people told me there would be a lot of backlash because you are replacing someone like Sourav Ganguly," Gambhir said. "But not even once in my seven years of captaincy was I made to feel that I did not belong to Kolkata."Amidst the media attention and high expectations, Gambhir revealed a heartwarming story from the pre-match build-up. As he left the team hotel for the game, a hotel employee approached him with words of consolation and support."There was this huge article on the match day where it was written that Bengal would be divided for the second time after partition," Gambhir recalled. "I remember walking out of the hotel and this guy at the gate said, 'When you walk today, when you go for the toss, just remember the entire Bengal will be only cheering for you because KKR belongs to Kolkata and you will not walk alone today.'"Gambhir carried that thought with him to the toss and throughout the match. He found strength in the unwavering support of the Kolkata fans, despite the initial doubts."The people of Kolkata have walked with me and that's the strength I got from Kolkata," he said. "That's the reason that when I come back to Kolkata, it is always about giving back to them."Gambhir's KKR will play for a spot in the final when they take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Kolkata Knight Riders Equal Mumbai Indians' Record for Most Wins at a Single Venue in IPL HistoryKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have etched their name in the Indian Premier League (IPL) record books by equaling the feat of five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) for the most wins at a single venue. With their thrilling victory over MI at Eden Gardens on Saturday, KKR now boast 52 wins at their home ground, matching MI's tally at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.The match, which was initially affected by rain and reduced to a 16-over contest, witnessed a remarkable comeback from KKR. After posting a modest total of 158, the two-time champions restricted MI to 139/8, securing their spot in the playoffs of IPL 2024.KKR's spinners played a pivotal role in the victory, with Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine claiming three wickets each. Andre Russell also chipped in with two wickets, while Pat Cummins and Tim Southee picked up one wicket apiece.This triumph marks a significant milestone in the IPL's history, as KKR become the first team to equal MI's record of 52 wins at a single venue. Other IPL teams with impressive home records include Chennai Super Kings (49 wins at MA Chidambaram Stadium), Royal Challengers Bangalore (42 wins at M Chinnaswamy Stadium), and Rajasthan Royals (37 wins at Sawai Mansingh Stadium).Currently, KKR occupy the top position on the points table with nine wins and three losses, while MI languish at the bottom with four wins and nine losses. This victory further highlights the contrasting fortunes of the two franchises in IPL 2024.

Rohit Sharma's Hilarious Eden Gardens Banter with Tilak VarmaIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has once again displayed his witty side, this time during a light-hearted exchange with Mumbai Indians teammate Tilak Varma. Ahead of their match against Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Eden Gardens, Rohit was caught on camera teasing Varma about his footwear."Aye hero, kya kar raha hai bhai? Chappal mein ghoom raha hai, kya garden mein aya hai kya?" Rohit asked Varma, who was wearing slippers.Varma responded with a chuckle, "Hai na Bhaiya, Eden Gardens!"Rohit's expression changed as he realized the significance of the venue. "Kya? Eden Gardens?" he exclaimed, before turning away with a smile.Rohit's banter with Varma has become a viral sensation on social media, with fans appreciating his sense of humor. However, the exchange also highlights Rohit's deep connection with Eden Gardens.In 2013, Rohit made his much-anticipated Test debut at the iconic venue against West Indies and scored a memorable 177. He also notched up his highest ODI score of 264 at the same ground in 2014 against Sri Lanka.Rohit's success at Eden Gardens has made him a fan favorite in Kolkata. His latest banter with Varma is a testament to his love for the city and its cricket-loving crowd.

Kolkata Knight Riders Aim to Extend Dominance Over Mumbai IndiansKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will face Mumbai Indians (MI) in a crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday. KKR, currently sitting atop the standings, will be looking to secure a fifth consecutive victory and solidify their playoff berth. MI, on the other hand, have been eliminated from contention but will be eager to end their disappointing season on a high note.Historically, MI has held a significant advantage over KKR, boasting a 23-10 overall record and a 7-3 advantage at the Eden Gardens. However, KKR's recent resurgence and their victory over MI at the Wankhede Stadium last week have shifted the balance in their favor.KKR's success has been built on their aggressive batting approach, led by Venkatesh Iyer and Manish Pandey. Their bowling attack, featuring Mitchell Starc, Andre Russell, and Varun Chakravarthy, has also been impressive. MI, meanwhile, has struggled to find consistency, with their overseas players underperforming and their Indian stars failing to deliver consistently.Team News and Impact Player StrategyKKR is unlikely to make any significant changes to their winning combination. Nitish Rana could potentially replace Angkrish Raghuvanshi, but the team may opt to maintain their left-handed batting balance. Vaibhav Arora is the most likely impact player swap for a batter.MI may consider resting key players like Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya, but no official announcements have been made. Akash Madhwal is the likely replacement for Bumrah, while Anshul Kamboj is expected to retain his place in the all-rounder role. Piyush Chawla or Shreyas Gopal could be used as an impact player swap for a batter if needed.Players in the SpotlightMitchell Starc's experience and tournament-winning mentality will be crucial for KKR as they approach the playoffs. His ability to bowl at the death and provide breakthroughs will be key.Rohit Sharma, India's T20 World Cup opener, has been struggling for form in recent matches. His low average and strike rate in the powerplay are a concern, and he will be looking to rediscover his touch against KKR.Stats that Matter* MI has lost nine of their last 13 away games, with the lowest away win percentage (30.7) among all teams.* MI's overseas players have the second-poorest bowling average (43.6), economy rate (11.04), and batting average (21.1) in IPL 2024.* Rohit Sharma has been dismissed by Sunil Narine ten times in 25 T20s, averaging 18.7 against the spinner.* Narine has a batting strike rate of 117 between overs 1-3 in the powerplay, but it shoots up to 245 between overs 4-6.Pitch and ConditionsThe Eden Gardens pitch is expected to be batting-friendly, but recent rain in Kolkata may make the outfield sluggish. There is a possibility of rain on Saturday, which could affect the match.

Delhi Capitals' Gamble Backfires at Eden GardensDelhi Capitals' decision to bat first against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens on Monday proved to be a costly one, as they posted a below-par total of 153/9. KKR comfortably chased down the target with seven wickets in hand and 21 deliveries to spare, solidifying their second spot in the IPL points table.Former India cricketer and renowned analyst Aakash Chopra expressed surprise at DC's decision to bat first after winning the toss. He highlighted the historical trend at Eden Gardens, where teams batting first have struggled to secure victories in recent matches."Who bats first after winning the toss? I am not being too critical but I have to talk about it if it's the truth," Chopra remarked. He pointed out that the team winning the toss has opted to bat first only twice in the last 30 matches at Eden Gardens, both resulting in losses for the batting side.Chopra emphasized that while chasing doesn't always guarantee victory, the reluctance to bat first in Kolkata has become a noticeable trend. Despite DC's recent successes while batting first in Delhi, Chopra questioned the decision to replicate the strategy at Eden Gardens."Whatever happens, the batting becomes slightly easier later but Delhi said they would bat first. I was surprised. If Sourav Ganguly couldn't read this pitch, who could have? This pitch is like the back of his palm. You know all of it, so it wasn't understandable," he remarked, suggesting that even DC's mentor Sourav Ganguly, with his intimate knowledge of the pitch, may have misjudged the conditions.Chopra's critique sheds light on the strategic nuances of IPL cricket, highlighting the importance of adaptability and tactical awareness in decision-making.

Phil Salt Shatters Sourav Ganguly's 14-Year Record at Eden GardensKolkata Knight Riders' explosive batsman Phil Salt has etched his name into the history books by breaking a 14-year-old record previously held by none other than Sourav Ganguly at Eden Gardens.During the 2024 IPL season, Salt's dazzling performances lit up the stadium and captured the imagination of fans. In just six innings, Salt amassed a stunning total of 344 runs at Eden Gardens, surpassing Ganguly's record set back in 2010.Salt's aggressive stroke play and fearless approach quickly endeared him to the Kolkata faithful. Match after match, he delivered crucial runs, captivating audiences with his audacious hitting and flair.With each run, Salt propelled himself closer to history, eventually eclipsing Ganguly's milestone of 331 runs to claim the title of the highest run-scorer at Eden Gardens in a single IPL season.Salt achieved the landmark during his match-winning knock of 68 against Delhi Capitals. His 33-ball stay at the crease saw his smash 7 fours and 5 sixes.Salt's record-breaking feat is a testament to his exceptional talent and the impact he has made on the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise. His aggressive batting style and ability to score runs at a rapid pace have made him a fan favorite and a key player for the team.

Match 47 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 promises an exciting clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Both teams are vying for a top-four finish, with KKR currently second on the points table and DC fifth.KKR's recent loss to Punjab Kings has put their winning streak on hold, but they remain a formidable force. Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Phil Salt have been their key performers, contributing significant fantasy points.DC, on the other hand, have been in impressive form, defeating Mumbai Indians in their last match. Jake Fraser-McGurk, Axar Patel, and Rishabh Pant have been their top fantasy point-getters.The Eden Gardens pitch is known for its batting-friendly nature, with an average first-innings score of 181 runs. Both pacers and spinners are expected to find success on this surface.Weather conditions are expected to be favorable for cricket, with temperatures around 32 degrees Celsius and moderate humidity.In the head-to-head battle, KKR's batters have earned more fantasy points than DC's, while DC's bowlers have been more productive.Fantasy Picks:Captain: Sunil Narine (KKR)Vice-Captain: Rishabh Pant (DC)Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:* Sunil Narine (KKR)* Andre Russell (KKR)* Phil Salt (KKR)* Kuldeep Yadav (DC)* Tristan Stubbs (DC)* Axar Patel (DC)* Shreyas Iyer (DC)* Khaleel Ahmed (DC)* Varun Chakravarthy (KKR)Fantasy Team:Wicket-Keepers: Phil Salt (KKR), Rishabh Pant (DC)Batters: Tristan Stubbs (DC), Shreyas Iyer (DC), Jake Fraser-McGurk (DC)All-Rounders: Andre Russell (KKR), Sunil Narine (KKR), Axar Patel (DC)Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav (DC), Khaleel Ahmed (DC), Mukesh Kumar (KKR)