Cricket

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) are still mathematically alive in the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs race, but they face a daunting task in their upcoming clash on May 4. Both teams need a victory to keep their hopes flickering, but they must also overcome their own internal struggles.RCB, currently languishing at the bottom of the table with six points from 10 matches, have shown signs of improvement in their last two outings. Will Jacks' century against GT and Cameron Green's all-round performance against Hyderabad have boosted their confidence. However, the team's bowling remains a concern, with Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal, Karn Sharma, and Swapnil Singh struggling for consistency.GT, on the other hand, are placed eighth with eight points from 10 matches. Despite the presence of star players like Shubman Gill and Bhardwaj Sai Sudharsan, the team has underperformed, losing their last two matches against Delhi Capitals and RCB. Their bowling unit, led by Rashid Khan, has been particularly disappointing, with the Afghan spinner taking just eight wickets in 10 matches at an economy rate of 8.00.The match between RCB and GT is crucial for both teams. A win for RCB would keep their playoff hopes alive, while a victory for GT would boost their chances of finishing in the top four. However, both teams will need to address their weaknesses and play to their strengths to emerge victorious.

In a thrilling encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured a dominant nine-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Will Jacks emerged as the star of the show for RCB, smashing a sensational century to guide his team to a comfortable chase. The English all-rounder's unbeaten 100 came off just 41 deliveries, including 10 towering sixes. Jacks' explosive innings in the final over, where he plundered four sixes and four boundaries off Rashid Khan, sealed the victory with 24 balls to spare.Virat Kohli, who had faced criticism in the previous match, showcased improved form in the middle overs. The former India captain utilized the sweep shot effectively against spinners, scoring an unbeaten 70 off 44 balls. Kohli's innings was crucial in setting the platform for Jacks' onslaught.Earlier, GT posted a competitive total of 200 for three, thanks to a solid partnership between Sai Sudharsan (84 not out) and Shahrukh Khan (58). Sudharsan anchored the innings, while Shahrukh provided the impetus with his aggressive batting.RCB's bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj, kept the GT batsmen in check, restricting them to a manageable total. Siraj picked up two wickets, while Glenn Maxwell and Wanindu Hasaranga chipped in with one each.The victory was a much-needed boost for RCB, who had endured a tough start to the season. It was their third win in 10 games, while GT suffered their sixth loss in 10 matches.

Cameron Green's spectacular catch in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. The Australian all-rounder's athleticism and agility were on full display as he dismissed GT skipper Shubman Gill with a stunning grab.The incident occurred in the fourth over of RCB's innings, with Glenn Maxwell bowling to Gill. Gill hit the ball firmly towards the long-on boundary, but Green, who was fielding at that position, anticipated the trajectory and sprinted across the turf. With impeccable timing, he extended his hands and grasped the ball inches above the ground, securing it firmly.The crowd erupted in applause as Green's outstanding catch sent Gill back to the pavilion. The dismissal not only halted GT's momentum but also exemplified the unwavering commitment of players in the exhilarating realm of T20 cricket.Green's catch was particularly impressive considering the speed and trajectory of the ball. The lanky all-rounder had to go down low to complete the catch, demonstrating his exceptional reflexes and hand-eye coordination.Earlier, RCB, who won the toss and opted to bowl, brought Maxwell back to their eleven, and he struck in his very first over to take the wicket of Gill.Two weeks earlier, Green had made the decision to step back from the IPL, citing the need for a 'mental and physical' hiatus. Despite his undeniable talent, he encountered a string of average performances during the tournament.Recognizing the importance of maintaining peak performance and well-being, he opted for a temporary withdrawal to recuperate and recharge.Green's return to the RCB lineup has been a welcome boost for the team, and his stunning catch against GT is a testament to his exceptional abilities.

Chennai Super Kings' Matheesha Pathirana Clarifies Gesture Towards MS DhoniDuring the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT), a video clip emerged on social media suggesting that Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana had touched the feet of former CSK captain MS Dhoni. However, a subsequent video from a different angle has shed light on the actual incident.The side angle footage reveals that Pathirana did not touch Dhoni's feet but instead bent down to pick up the bowling marker, which was placed near Dhoni's feet. The initial video, which had gone viral, had sparked speculation that Pathirana was seeking blessings from Dhoni.Meanwhile, CSK registered a comprehensive 63-run victory over GT at the Chepauk fortress. Deepak Chahar provided a strong start for CSK, dismissing Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill in the powerplay. GT never threatened to chase down the target in the final six overs, as CSK inflicted GT's biggest defeat in terms of runs.Earlier, CSK got off to a flying start with the bat, despite losing Rachin Ravindra's wicket in the final over of the powerplay. Ravindra amassed 46 off just 20 deliveries, while skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad provided support. Shivam Dube and Daryl Mitchell also contributed with valuable knocks, helping CSK post a total of 206/6.

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) unleashed a batting onslaught to post a formidable total of 206/6 against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.CSK's innings got off to a blistering start, with Rachin Ravindra continuing his impressive form in the powerplay. The young New Zealand opener amassed 46 off just 20 deliveries, including six fours and three maximums. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad provided solid support, helping CSK reach 69/1 before Ravindra's dismissal.Ajinkya Rahane failed to make an impact, but Shivam Dube wasted no time in taking the attack to GT. Dube sent the ball soaring into the stands on two consecutive deliveries, setting the tone for a middle-order onslaught. Gaikwad (46) fell just short of his half-century, but Daryl Mitchell picked up the pace with a quickfire 50 off 22 deliveries.GT skipper Shubman Gill brought Rashid Khan back into the attack, but the Afghanistan spinner could only remove Dube on the second ball of the 19th over. Sameer Rizvi made an immediate impact, smashing two sixes in his first over in the IPL. Rizvi's cameo helped CSK reach a massive total of 206/6.GT now faces a daunting task in chasing down the target at Chepauk, where CSK has a formidable record. The Titans will need to pull off a record chase to secure victory.