Cricket

Sunil Narine's remarkable transformation as an opener for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has been attributed to the strategic vision of team mentor Gautam Gambhir. Narine's maiden T20 century, a blistering 56-ball 109 against Rajasthan Royals, has solidified his status as a formidable force at the top of the order.Prior to this season, Narine had struggled to make an impact in the lower middle order, amassing only 154 runs over the past three seasons. However, Gambhir's decision to promote him to the opening slot has unlocked his potential, with Narine already accumulating 276 runs in just six games.After his historic century at the Eden Gardens, Narine acknowledged Gambhir's role in his resurgence. "You can see the way Narine is batting this time. In every match, he's making runs, opening the batting and that was his (Gambhir's) idea only," said KKR teammate Rinku Singh.Narine's success as an opener is not entirely new. Under Gambhir's captaincy in 2017, he smashed the IPL's fastest fifty in 15 balls, a record that has since been broken. Narine also holds the record for the fastest 50 in the Bangladesh Premier League, with a 13-ball half-century for Comilla Victorians in 2022.Rinku Singh believes that Narine's transformation is not due to any significant technical changes, but rather a result of his hard work and improved patience. "He's more patient now. Earlier he used to swing his bat to every ball, now he has restrained himself and playing according to the merit of the ball. He is batting thoughtfully and wisely," said Rinku.Despite Narine's heroics, KKR fell short against Rajasthan Royals, with Jos Buttler's unbeaten 107 guiding the Royals to an eight-wicket victory. However, Rinku remains optimistic about the team's prospects. "Our team is doing very well. We are not thinking much (about the loss). Credit to RR they did well. Also, you need a bit of luck in your favour. It was there day. Buttler innings was the turning point. Full credit goes to him," said Rinku.While the KKR top order has been firing on all cylinders, Rinku, who was the team's leading run-getter in IPL 2023 with 474 runs, has had limited opportunities. This season, he has scored 83 runs at an impressive strike rate of 184-plus, but is yet to register a half-century."Our top order batters are doing so well that I'm not getting much opportunities to show my batting this time," said Rinku. However, he remains confident that he will be back to his best soon. "I had a niggle, I will be back to playing the full match against RCB on Sunday," he said.

Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional bowling performance propelled Mumbai Indians to a thrilling 9-run victory over Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday. Bumrah's three-wicket haul proved decisive in restricting Punjab to 182/9 in pursuit of Mumbai's 192/4.Bumrah's impact was evident from the outset as he dismissed Rilee Rossouw and Sam Curran in his opening over. The right-arm pacer's ability to swing the new ball effectively put Punjab on the back foot. He returned in the middle overs to remove Shashank Singh, who had threatened to take the game away from Mumbai.In the latter stages of the chase, Bumrah's tight bowling in the 17th over, conceding just three runs, proved crucial in stifling Punjab's momentum. Ashutosh Sharma's valiant 61 was not enough to prevent Mumbai from securing their third win of the season.After the match, Bumrah acknowledged the challenges bowlers face in the T20 format due to restrictions and deeper batting line-ups. "This format is a little difficult for bowlers, with time restrictions and impact player rules. Batting lineup becomes deeper and deeper," he said.As a senior player, Bumrah emphasized the importance of guiding his younger teammates. "I do relay the message to the bowlers whenever I can. But you also don't want to deliver too many messages in the heat of the moment," he added.Mumbai's victory lifted them to seventh place in the points table, while Punjab slipped to ninth after another close defeat.

Royal Challengers Bangalore's star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has announced that he is taking a break from cricket due to poor form and a hip strain. The 35-year-old has struggled in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, scoring only 32 runs in six innings with an average of 5.33.Maxwell revealed his decision in an appearance on ESPN's 'Around the Wicket' show, stating that the "physical and mental toll probably just wore me down a little bit." He also disclosed that he has been dealing with a hip injury, which has further contributed to his struggles."I've actually got a little bit of a hip strain so I've got a few more days off and during recovery," Maxwell said. "So I've got a little period here where I'm still training, still trying to get myself right. If there is a spot that becomes available, I'll obviously put my hand up and take it."Maxwell emphasized that his return to the team is not based on a fixed timeline. "It's not one of those things where I've set a date that I'll be out for three games then I'll come back whenever I'm ready. That's not how it works. I haven't been at a level that's good enough to warrant a spot on the side this year," he said.Despite his struggles in the IPL, Maxwell remains a highly sought-after player in T20 cricket. He has signed a deal to play for Washington Freedom in the upcoming Major League Cricket (MLC) tournament, which is scheduled to begin on July 4.Maxwell expressed his excitement about joining MLC, saying, "I've been speaking to Ricky Ponting and a few other players a fair bit over the last little period and certainly extremely excited to get stuck in." He added, "It's a tournament that I watched from afar last year and was extremely excited about hopefully playing this tournament one day and luckily enough the timings have aligned this year."Maxwell's decision to take a break from cricket is a reminder of the mental and physical challenges that athletes face in high-pressure environments. It also highlights the importance of prioritizing well-being and taking time to recover when necessary.

IPL 2023: Four Suspected Bookies Removed from Luxury Boxes in Jaipur and MumbaiThe Indian Premier League (IPL) has been rocked by another betting controversy, with four suspected bookies removed from luxury boxes at two venues. The Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) identified two bookmakers at each venue and handed them over to the local police.The first incident occurred during the match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on March 28. The ACU apprehended two suspected bookies from a corporate box and handed them over to the local police.The second instance took place during RR's away game against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on April 1. The ACU identified two more suspected bookies in the President's Box, which is strictly reserved for invitees. However, an FIR was not lodged in this case due to a possible case of mistaken identity.The suspects were asked to leave the President's Box, and no untoward items were found on their electronic devices.Betting is illegal in India, and the ACU is working diligently to keep untoward elements away from the IPL. The IPL has been plagued by betting controversies in the past, including the spot-fixing scandal in 2013 that resulted in the arrest of three RR players and the banning of RR and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for two seasons.The ACU is utilizing various measures to combat betting, including monitoring social media, analyzing betting patterns, and conducting sting operations. The BCCI is also working with law enforcement agencies to crack down on illegal betting activities.The removal of suspected bookies from IPL venues is a positive step towards maintaining the integrity of the tournament. The ACU and BCCI are committed to ensuring that the IPL remains a fair and competitive event.

Delhi Capitals emerged victorious in a low-scoring thriller against Gujarat Titans, securing a six-wicket win at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The Titans, who were projected to reach 169 at the start of the fourth over, were bowled out for a mere 89, their lowest-ever IPL total.The Capitals' bowlers set the tone for the match, with four of the six bowlers used returning economy rates of 4.5 or less. Mukesh Kumar led the charge with figures of 3-14, while Khaleel Ahmed and Kuldeep Yadav picked up two wickets each.The Titans' batting woes began early on, with Shubman Gill falling for 18 in the third over. Wriddhiman Saha and Tristan Stubbs followed suit, both dismissed for single-digit scores. The Titans' middle order failed to provide any resistance, with Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan departing cheaply.In contrast, the Capitals' chase was a relatively straightforward affair. David Warner and Mitchell Marsh provided a solid start, putting on 32 runs for the first wicket. Fraser-McGurk top-scored with 20, while Rishabh Pant and Rovman Powell chipped in with valuable contributions.Pant, who returned to action after a brief injury layoff, played a key role in the victory. His infectious enthusiasm and leadership kept the Capitals motivated throughout the match. He also made a crucial stumping to dismiss Shahrukh Khan.The win lifts the Capitals to sixth place in the IPL standings, while the Titans drop to seventh. The Capitals' net run-rate also improved significantly, from -0.975 to -0.074.

Gujarat Titans vs Delhi Capitals: Fantasy Preview and Match AnalysisThe Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 is heating up, and two of the most exciting teams, Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals, are set to face off in a crucial match. Both teams have had mixed results so far, but they will be eager to secure a victory and improve their standings in the points table.Team Performance and Key PlayersGujarat Titans, the defending champions, have played six matches and are currently ranked sixth on the points table. They have won three matches and lost three, with their most recent victory coming against Rajasthan Royals. The Titans' top fantasy player has been Shubman Gill, who has scored 98 fantasy points in the last match. Other key players include Rashid Khan (63 fantasy points) and Sai Sudharsan (48 fantasy points).Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, have also played six matches and are ranked ninth on the points table. They have won two matches and lost four, with their most recent victory coming against Lucknow Super Giants. The Capitals' top fantasy player has been Kuldeep Yadav, who scored 95 fantasy points in the last match. Other key players include Rishabh Pant (79 fantasy points), Khaleel Ahmed (68 fantasy points), and Prithvi Shaw (48 fantasy points).Pitch Report and Weather ConditionsThe match will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which is known for its batting-friendly pitch. The average first-innings score at this venue in the last 20 matches is 175 runs. The pitch is expected to assist both batters and bowlers, and the team winning the toss may opt to bat or bowl depending on the conditions.Pace or Spin?The pacers have been more successful at this venue, taking 80% of the total wickets. Therefore, it is advisable to include as many pace bowlers as possible in your fantasy team.Weather ReportThe temperature during the match is expected to be around 37 degrees Celsius with 18% humidity. Winds of 4.8 m/s are also expected.Head-to-Head RecordIn the three matches played between these two teams, the bowlers have earned the most fantasy points for their respective teams. In their last encounter, Mohammed Shami scored the highest fantasy points for Gujarat Titans, while Khaleel Ahmed topped the leaderboard for Delhi Capitals.Fantasy XI Top Captain and Vice-Captain PicksCaptain: Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans)Vice-Captain: Mohit Sharma (Delhi Capitals)Fantasy XI TeamWicket-Keeper: Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals)Batters: Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans), Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans), Prithvi Shaw (Delhi Capitals), David Warner (Delhi Capitals)All-Rounders: Shahrukh Khan (Gujarat Titans), Axar Patel (Delhi Capitals)Bowlers: Mohit Sharma (Delhi Capitals), Khaleel Ahmed (Delhi Capitals), Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans), Kuldeep Yadav (Delhi Capitals)

Dinesh Karthik, the 38-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, has ignited the Indian Premier League (IPL) with his exceptional performances in the ongoing season. His blistering 35-ball 83 against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday night has reignited the debate about his inclusion in Team India for the upcoming T20 World Cup.Karthik's recent form has been nothing short of remarkable. In just seven matches, he has amassed 226 runs at a staggering strike rate of over 205. His two impressive fifties have showcased his ability to anchor the innings and accelerate at will.The clamor for Karthik's inclusion in the World Cup squad has gained momentum on social media. Former India teammate Ambati Rayudu has also voiced his support, praising Karthik's late heroics against Sunrisers. However, former T20 World Cup winner Irfan Pathan has expressed a different view.Pathan believes that Karthik's inclusion is unlikely despite his current form. He argues that it would be unfair to sideline current players like Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, and Jitesh Sharma, who have been part of the regular scheme of things.Karthik faces stiff competition for the T20 World Cup slot. Pant, Samson, KL Rahul, and Sharma are all vying for the wicketkeeper-batter role. The squad announcement is expected later this month, and the selectors will have a tough decision to make.Karthik's experience and recent form make him a strong contender for the World Cup squad. However, the selectors must also consider the long-term prospects of younger players like Pant and Samson. The decision will ultimately depend on the team's strategy and the specific roles they want each player to fulfill.

Ahmedabad, Gujarat Titans, the reigning Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, will face Delhi Capitals in a crucial match on Wednesday, April 12, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Titans have struggled to find consistency in the ongoing season, while the Capitals have faced challenges with injuries and form.Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, have managed only two wins from their first six games. The absence of star pacer Mohammad Shami has been a significant setback, but Umesh Yadav has stepped up with seven wickets. However, his economy rate remains a concern. Spinner Rashid Khan has been economical but needs to contribute more with the bat.Delhi Capitals, captained by Rishabh Pant, have also had a disappointing start to the season. After four losses in five games, they secured a much-needed victory against Lucknow Super Giants. The return of Kuldeep Yadav has boosted their bowling attack, and Jack Fraser-McGurk has impressed as a number three batsman.However, the Capitals have struggled to find a settled playing eleven due to injuries and poor form. Anrich Nortje has been expensive, while Mukesh Kumar has conceded runs at a high rate. The batting has been heavily reliant on Pant, who has been in excellent form.The match between Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals promises to be a close contest. The Titans will be eager to find their winning ways, while the Capitals will be desperate to improve their position in the standings. The outcome of the match could have significant implications for both teams' playoff hopes.

Dinesh Karthik's Heroics Fall Short as RCB Succumb to Fifth Straight DefeatIn a thrilling encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik produced a stunning performance for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their chase of a mammoth 288 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).Despite a dismal bowling performance from RCB, Karthik emerged as a beacon of hope, smashing a whirlwind 35-ball 83 in an improbable chase. His innings, adorned with five fours and seven sixes, came at a blistering strike rate of over 237.Karthik's heroics lifted the spirits of the RCB faithful, who had witnessed a horrendous display from their bowlers. The 38-year-old's dazzling knock earned him a standing ovation as he returned to the pavilion.However, Karthik's efforts ultimately proved insufficient as RCB fell short by 25 runs, succumbing to their fifth consecutive defeat of the season. The veteran was the last wicket to fall in the 19th over, caught behind by Heinrich Klaasen off the bowling of T Natarajan.Despite the defeat, Karthik's performance served as a reminder of his enduring class and ability to turn the tide of a match. His innings was a testament to his experience and determination, and it will undoubtedly inspire his teammates in the matches to come.