Cricket

Gujarat Titans, the reigning IPL champions, are reportedly set to undergo a major coaching shakeup ahead of the 2025 season. According to sources close to the franchise, head coach Ashish Nehra and Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki are likely to depart, with legendary cricketer Yuvraj Singh emerging as a potential replacement for Nehra.Nehra and Solanki have been instrumental in Gujarat Titans' success since their debut in 2022, guiding the team to the title in their inaugural season and a runner-up finish in 2023. However, the franchise is reportedly seeking a fresh approach to maintain their dominance in the IPL.Yuvraj Singh, a former India all-rounder and two-time World Cup winner, is said to be the frontrunner to take over as head coach. His experience as a player and his understanding of the modern game make him an attractive candidate for the role.The coaching staff changes are part of a wider restructuring within the Gujarat Titans franchise. The IPL owners are scheduled to meet with the BCCI on July 30 or 31 to discuss the mega auction ahead of the 2025 season. The meeting will focus on determining the number of retentions, the Impact Player rule, and the salary purses for each franchise.Meanwhile, former India head coach Rahul Dravid is reportedly in talks with Rajasthan Royals about a potential role in the IPL. Dravid, who recently guided India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, is highly sought after by several franchises.The coaching changes and the upcoming IPL auction are expected to shape the landscape of the league in the coming years. Gujarat Titans will be keen to maintain their status as one of the top teams, while other franchises will be looking to challenge their dominance.

Mohammed Shami Opens Up About Hardik Pandya's Outburst, Expresses Shock Over Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's T20I RetirementsIndian pacer Mohammed Shami has shed light on an incident during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season, where then-Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya shouted at him. Shami revealed that Pandya lost his cool after the senior bowler failed to catch a ball while fielding at third man."I usually don't respond to such things, but when things get too bad, then I do speak up," Shami said on Shubhankar Mishra's YouTube channel. "We have a good connection and are friends. He didn't realize it at that moment. We've known each other for almost 10 years. He told me, 'I swear, I don't know what I've said.'"Shami emphasized the importance of controlling emotions on the field, especially with millions of viewers watching. "Crores of people watch us on screen, we need to control our emotions," he said.In a separate interview, Shami expressed his surprise over the T20I retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. "Filling their places in the team is going to be a tough task," he said.Kohli announced his retirement from T20Is after India's victory in the T20 World Cup 2022, while Rohit followed suit shortly after. Kohli ended his T20I career as India's second-highest run-scorer in the format, while Rohit holds the record for the most centuries in men's T20Is.Shami's comments highlight the importance of maintaining composure on the field and the impact of senior players' retirements on the Indian cricket team.

Shubman Gill, the rising star of Indian cricket, recently displayed his humility and respect for his roots during the abandoned Sunrisers Hyderabad-Gujarat Titans match in Hyderabad. Despite the match being called off due to rain, Gill took the time to meet and greet the family of Abhishek Sharma, his former teammate from Punjab and the U19 World Cup.In a heartwarming video that has gone viral, Gill is seen bending down to touch the feet of Abhishek's mother, who reciprocates with affection and blessings. He also shakes hands with Abhishek's sister, showcasing the strong bond between the two players.Gill and Abhishek have a long history together, having played for Punjab in domestic cricket and for India in the successful 2018 U19 World Cup campaign. Abhishek has expressed admiration for Gill's dominance and motivation, stating that he learns a lot from him.Despite being opponents in the IPL, Gill and Abhishek maintain a close friendship. They have played together since the under-12 level, and their bond remains strong. Abhishek has credited Gill for motivating him to perform well and dominate matches.In the 2023 IPL season, Gill scored 426 runs in 12 matches for Gujarat Titans, while Abhishek has amassed 401 runs in 12 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Abhishek will be looking to increase his tally in the playoffs and help Sunrisers Hyderabad secure their second IPL title.Gill's gesture of respect and humility towards Abhishek's family highlights his strong character and values. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining connections and appreciating the support of those who have helped shape one's journey.

The incessant downpour at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Thursday washed out the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) clash between Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad, leaving both teams with a shared point. However, the rain-marred evening witnessed a heartwarming reunion between Gujarat Titans batter Kane Williamson and his former team, Sunrisers Hyderabad.Williamson, who spent eight memorable seasons with SRH from 2015 to 2022, was seen warmly greeting SRH owner Kavya Maran and other management members in the stands. The video of their interaction, shared by SRH on their official Twitter handle, evoked nostalgic memories for fans.Williamson's popularity in Hyderabad is deeply rooted in his significant contributions to the team over the years. Affectionately known as 'Kane mama' by fans, the New Zealand skipper played 76 matches for SRH, amassing 2,101 runs at an impressive average of 36.22. His 18 half-centuries and leadership qualities left an indelible mark on the franchise.As captain, Williamson led SRH in 46 matches, guiding them to the IPL final in 2018, where they narrowly lost to Chennai Super Kings. That season, he also won the Orange Cap, scoring 735 runs at an average of 52.50 and a strike rate of 142.44.Despite the disappointment of the washout, the reunion with Williamson served as a reminder of his lasting impact on SRH and its supporters. As the team gears up for the playoffs, the shared memories and camaraderie between Williamson and his former teammates will undoubtedly provide inspiration and motivation.

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured a top-two finish in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign after their match against the Gujarat Titans (GT) was washed out due to rain. This result guarantees KKR two chances to reach the final.Despite the match being abandoned, the focus shifted to KKR star Nitish Rana's hilarious conversation with commentator Harsha Bhogle. Rana, who has been sidelined with injuries this season, made a witty remark when Bhogle commented on his hands."Yeah, it's fine now, but I can't show it here on camera because it's the middle finger (chuckles)," Rana said. "I'm happy to be back in the team after missing 10 matches. It was a challenging period for me, as I've never sat out for so many games in the IPL. I'm grateful to the KKR management for their faith in me and their belief that I can still make an impact in the game."Rana's return to the team was a welcome sight for KKR, who have struggled with injuries this season. The all-rounder missed 10 games after injuring himself in the first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Youngster Angrish Raghuvanshi filled in for Rana during his absence and impressed with his batting performances.Rana made his comeback against Mumbai Indians (MI) on Saturday (May 11) in Kolkata and scored 33 runs in 23 balls. However, the match against GT was abandoned due to rain, with no ball being bowled. The points were shared, strengthening KKR's position at the top of the points table and officially eliminating Gujarat Titans from the playoffs race.KKR's top-two finish ensures that they will have two opportunities to reach the final. The team has been in impressive form this season, led by the likes of Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Pat Cummins. They will be looking to capitalize on their momentum and secure a spot in the championship match.

Gujarat Titans' playoff hopes were dashed after their match against Kolkata Knight Riders was washed out on Monday, making them the third team to be eliminated from the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoff race.Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) now have a 75% chance of finishing as the sole toppers and a 25% chance of ending up in second place, assuming no more matches are rained off. A win in their last game will guarantee them the top spot, while they could still top even with a loss if Rajasthan Royals (RR) fail to win both their remaining games.RR, on the other hand, are not guaranteed to top even if they win their remaining games, but their chances of being sole toppers are a respectable 25%. They also have a nearly 40% chance of finishing second, but their qualification is not yet certain. If they lose both games, they could end up tied second with three other teams - Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) - depending on results in other games.CSK, currently in third place, have a better than 90% chance of making the top four on points, but their qualification is far from certain. They could end up tied second with three other teams (RR, SRH, and LSG) or tied third with up to four other teams or tied for fourth with three other teams. However, their better net run rate at this stage gives them an advantage over the other teams competing for the last two qualifying slots.SRH, in fourth place, have an even better chance (96.9%) of making it to the top four slots on points, thanks to the extra game in hand. But they too are unsure of qualification with the possibility of four-way ties for second, five-way ties for third, or three-way ties for fourth looming. The good news is that they don't have to necessarily win both their remaining games.Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), in fifth place, have a chance of making it to the top four spots on points, but their chances are just above 40%. Their last game against CSK is a must-win, but even winning it is not enough. Other results will need to go their way.Delhi Capitals (DC), in sixth place, have a chance of finishing among the top four on points, but their chances are barely over 31%. And if they lose to LSG, the best they can hope for is sixth.For LSG, the game against DC is not a must-win because they have another game in hand. However, despite a 56% chance of making the top four slots on points, they are looking at possible ties with up to three teams for second, up to four teams for third, and up to three teams for fourth. Their NRR is the worst among all the teams they could tie with.

Gujarat Titans' Playoff Hopes Dashed as Rain Abandons Match Against Kolkata Knight RidersThe first abandoned match of IPL 2024 occurred in Ahmedabad on Monday due to a combination of lightning and heavy rain, confirming two crucial outcomes: Kolkata Knight Riders' top-two finish in the league stage and Gujarat Titans' elimination from playoff contention.Gujarat Titans, languishing in eighth place, needed a victory to remain in the hunt, but the relentless rain prevented even a toss from taking place. The storm's intensity was such that it affected some floodlights, and torn stadium banners wrapped around them, necessitating manual removal.Gujarat Titans' task was already daunting, with the season's lowest net run-rate of -1.063. Even two substantial victories in their remaining two games could have left them short. Kolkata Knight Riders, on the other hand, were virtually assured of a top-two finish thanks to their dominant net run-rate of 1.428 after 12 games, which was solidified by their 19th point in the tally.This marks the first time Gujarat Titans have failed to qualify for the IPL playoffs since joining the competition in 2022. They will play a consolation match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 16.The abandoned match could have provided Kolkata Knight Riders with an opportunity to integrate wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz into their starting lineup. Gurbaz is expected to replace Phil Salt, who will depart to join his national team camp.Kolkata Knight Riders' next goal is to finish the league stage at the top, a feat they have never achieved before. A victory over Rajasthan Royals in their final league game on Sunday will guarantee them the top spot. They will also secure the top position if Rajasthan Royals fail to secure two wins in their remaining two matches, including the KKR fixture.Even if Kolkata Knight Riders do not finish first, they will not be overly concerned. In the two previous seasons they finished second in the IPL points table (2012 and 2014), they emerged as IPL champions.

David Miller, the South African batsman, believes that strike rate will be the primary measure of success in T20 cricket, with averages becoming less relevant for players with his level of impact. Miller has been a key player for both the Gujarat Titans in the IPL and the South African national team, excelling in the role of a finisher.In the current IPL season, batsmen have taken the power game to new heights, with seven scores above 250. This has sparked a debate about strike rate, with Miller emphasizing its importance. "In T20 cricket, it can be difficult to judge someone purely on average," he said. "When it comes to the middle order, it has always been the strike rates and what kind of impact the batter has had in the game."Miller believes that as T20 cricket evolves, the focus will shift towards impact and match-winning ability. "How impactful are you in the game? Depending on the situation. If we're needing 15 an over, can you do it? And that's, I think, what guys are going to have to select teams on their match-winning ability," he said.Looking ahead to the T20 World Cup next month, Miller anticipates tough challenges from bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah. "Bumrah is bowling well at the moment. And he has been a world-class bowler for many years. He's a threat to me, as well as every other batter in the World Cup," he said.Miller also praised Gujarat Titans teammate Sai Sudharsan, who is having a breakout IPL season. "He's an incredibly talented player. Still got a long career ahead of him. I've enjoyed watching him play. I love the way that he preps. And just the build-up to games and how he goes about it. He's a very level-headed young boy that's got a lot of talent," said Miller.Miller and South Africa will be aiming to win their first global title at the T20 World Cup. "This team that we have at the moment has played a lot of cricket together the last couple of years and has a lot of confidence and a lot of success," he said. "We've got a lot of experience, guys that have been under pressure before and come through successfully."Miller is confident in his own abilities in ICC events. "I love World Cups, I must be honest. I feel like I've done well at World Cups, personally. And I just want to continue the momentum," he said.

Gujarat Titans Face Kolkata Knight Riders in Crucial Playoff Race ClashAhmedabad, India - The Gujarat Titans (GT) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will lock horns in a pivotal match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, May 9th. Both teams are vying for a spot in the playoffs, with KKR already securing a berth but aiming for a top-two finish, while GT is fighting to stay in contention.KKR's Dominance and GT's InconsistencyKKR has been the standout team of the season, boasting a formidable top-order batting lineup and a potent bowling attack. Their top four batters have all scored over 300 runs at a strike rate of over 10, a first in IPL history. Openers Sunil Narine and Phil Salt have been particularly impressive, forming a solid partnership.In contrast, GT has struggled with consistency, using 23 players so far, the most in the tournament. However, they secured a comprehensive victory in their last game, which may have provided them with some much-needed momentum.Rashid Khan as GT's Key WeaponGT's hopes of countering KKR's batting prowess may rest on the shoulders of Rashid Khan. The Afghan spinner has a decent record against most of KKR's batters, including Narine, Salt, and the Iyer brothers.Gurbaz's Potential ImpactWith Salt set to depart for England's T20 World Cup preparations, KKR could consider bringing in Rahmanullah Gurbaz as a replacement. Gurbaz has a stellar record against Rashid, having scored 30 runs off 11 balls without being dismissed in the IPL.Team News and Impact Player StrategyGT may stick with the opening partnership of B Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill, while R Sai Kishore or Sandeep Warrier could be considered as an impact sub for Sudharsan. KKR could swap Vaibhav Arora for Nitish Rana or introduce Gurbaz in place of Salt.Players in the SpotlightB Sai Sudharsan has been a bright spot for GT, leading their run-scoring with 527 runs in 12 innings. Varun Chakravarthy has also been in impressive form for KKR, taking 10 wickets in his last four games and moving up to third on the wicket-takers' list.Pitch and ConditionsThe team batting second has won four out of six games in Ahmedabad this season, suggesting that dew could play a factor. However, GT's recent victory batting first indicates that a high score is still possible.ConclusionThe clash between GT and KKR promises to be a thrilling encounter with significant playoff implications. KKR will be looking to maintain their dominance, while GT will be desperate to keep their playoff hopes alive. The outcome of this match could have a major impact on the final standings of the IPL 2024 season.