Cricket

Riyan Parag's heroics propelled Rajasthan Royals to a thrilling 12-run victory over Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday. Despite battling illness for the past three days, Parag's remarkable innings of 84 not out off 45 balls spearheaded Rajasthan Royals to a formidable total of 185 for 5.The 22-year-old from Assam showcased maturity beyond his years, anchoring the Rajasthan Royals innings after they found themselves at 36 for 3 in the eighth over. Parag's exceptional performance earned him the Player of the Match award, marking a significant breakthrough in his cricketing journey.Reflecting on his journey and the support of his family, Parag expressed gratitude, stating, "(Emotions) They are settled, mom is here, she has seen the struggle, the last 3-4 years."Despite facing scrutiny in previous seasons, Parag's perseverance and dedication finally paid off, with his elevated role at No. 4 proving instrumental in Rajasthan Royals' success. His stellar domestic form preceding the IPL season further bolstered his confidence and performance on the field.Rajasthan Royals' captain, Sanju Samson, commended Parag's talent, remarking, "Riyan Parag has been a big name in the last few years. Wherever I go, people ask me about him. There is something very special he can give to Indian cricket."The match witnessed a remarkable turnaround for Rajasthan Royals, who found themselves at 36 for 3 in the eighth over. However, Parag's composed innings and strategic partnerships propelled the team to a competitive total.Also Read: How to watch IPL 2024 live in USA, Canada and MENA regionFurthermore, RR's decision to include Nandre Burger as an impact player proved astute, with the South African pacer making crucial breakthroughs. Samson highlighted the importance of utilizing all 15 players effectively in the evolving dynamics of the IPL.In the final over, Avesh Khan's impeccable execution under pressure sealed the victory for Rajasthan Royals. Reflecting on his strategy, Avesh emphasized the importance of clear planning and execution, saying, "I try to improve myself everytime. In T20s I try to reinvent myself. I never think about selection and only practice what I want to bowl."(Inputs from PTI)

Riyan Parag's resurgence in IPL 2023 has been a testament to his hard work and dedication. After a disappointing campaign last year, where he managed only 78 runs in seven innings, Parag has bounced back with a vengeance, scoring 127 runs in just two innings this season.Parag's success can be attributed to his meticulous preparation during the off-season. He emerged as the top-scorer in the 2023-24 Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy, amassing 510 runs in ten innings at an average of 85 and a strike rate of nearly 183. This included a record-breaking sequence of seven consecutive half-centuries.Parag's partnership with Zubin Bharucha, the former Mumbai player and director of high performance at Rajasthan Royals, has also played a crucial role in his development. Bharucha has helped Parag fine-tune his T20 game, focusing on specific shot selection and execution.Parag's recent exploits have showcased his ability to adapt to different situations. Against Delhi Capitals, he played a patient innings, rebuilding the innings with R Ashwin. However, in the final over, he unleashed his power-hitting prowess, taking Anrich Nortje for 24 runs.Parag's confidence stems from his belief in his abilities. "I know I've got the power and the strength to dig out yorker balls or even hit sixes off the short balls," he said. "So, I'm just backing myself and whenever it comes, I'm going to hit a boundary."Parag's resurgence is a positive sign for Rajasthan Royals, who will be hoping for him to continue his good form throughout the season. His ability to score runs quickly and consistently will be crucial to the team's success.

Tilak Varma, the rising star of Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Indian cricket team, recently expressed his gratitude for the support of his family and coach during the Indian Premier League (IPL) clash between MI and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Despite MI's 31-run loss, Varma took to social media to share his appreciation and optimism for the future.Since his IPL debut in 2022, Varma has established himself as a formidable force for MI, amassing 829 runs in 27 matches at an impressive average of 39.48 and a strike rate exceeding 146. In the current season, he has showcased his prowess with the bat, scoring 89 runs in two matches at an average of 44.50, including a fifty.Varma's remarkable performances have solidified his position as a key player for MI, alongside stalwarts like Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Dewald Brevis, Tim David, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah. His standout performance in the previous IPL season, where MI reached the playoffs, further cemented his reputation as a rising talent.In his international T20 career, Varma has impressed with his batting prowess, amassing 336 runs in 16 matches at an average of 33.60 and a strike rate of 139.41. With two half-centuries to his name, including an unbeaten 55*, Varma continues to showcase his potential on the global stage.Reflecting on his debut IPL season, Varma made a significant impact, scoring 397 runs in 14 matches at an average of 36.09 and a strike rate of 131.02, including two fifties.Varma's talent and determination have earned him recognition and praise from cricket experts and fans alike. He is widely regarded as one of the future batting stars of Indian cricket, and his performances in the IPL and for Team India have only reinforced this belief.

Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals Gear Up for Clash in JaipurThe Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals will face off in a highly anticipated match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Thursday. Both teams will be eager to secure a victory after mixed starts to their Indian Premier League (IPL) campaigns.Royals Look to Bounce BackThe Royals, who have struggled at home in recent times, will be determined to turn their fortunes around. They possess a solid batting lineup led by Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, and Riyan Parag. However, Buttler needs to find his scoring touch quickly after a disappointing start to the season.Capitals Seek Middle-Order StabilityThe Capitals, on the other hand, will be looking to address their middle-order woes. Despite a strong start against the Punjab Kings, they failed to capitalize on their advantage. The return of Anrich Nortje could bolster their bowling attack, but they will need their middle order to step up.Key Players to Watch* Jos Buttler (RR): The explosive English opener will be crucial to the Royals' success.* Rishabh Pant (DC): The Indian wicketkeeper-batter will be eager to make an impact after a difficult week.* Trent Boult (RR): The New Zealand pacer has been in impressive form and will be a key threat to the Capitals' batting.* Kuldeep Yadav (DC): The left-arm spinner will be looking to make an impact against the Royals' strong batting lineup.Pitch and ConditionsThe pitch in Jaipur is expected to be two-paced and slightly dry, favoring both pace and spin. Temperatures are likely to be high, which could aid the spinners.Stats to Consider* The Capitals have had the fewest half-century partnerships among all teams since 2023.* Trent Boult has the second-highest number of powerplay wickets since 2022.* The Royals lost a wicket every 17.9 balls between overs seven and 15 last year, the lowest among all teams.Quotes* "Warner and Marsh opened for Australia at the top and have done well together, so we decided to open with them." - Capitals mentor Sourav Ganguly* "He's seen the huge jumps that [Yashasvi] Jaiswal and [Dhruv] Jurel have made, and he's got the hunger [back] and an example to follow into the national team." - Royals director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara on Riyan Parag

Chandrakant Pandit, a legendary figure in Indian domestic cricket, has faced criticism from some overseas players during his tenure as coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.According to David Wiese, an all-rounder who played for KKR in three matches this season, there were "certain issues going on behind the scenes" within the team. Wiese revealed that some players were unhappy with Pandit's coaching style, describing the dressing room atmosphere as "tough.""There was a new coach coming in and he liked to do things a certain way, and that didn't sit well with the players," Wiese said on the 'Hitman for Hire: A year in the life of a franchise cricketer' podcast hosted by Sam Keir.Wiese further explained that Pandit's strict disciplinary approach did not resonate with some of the overseas players who have extensive experience playing in various leagues around the world. "He's known in India as a fairly militant type of coach, a strict disciplinarian. The overseas guys who've played all over the world don't need someone coming in and telling him how to behave and what to wear and what to do," he added.Despite the challenges, Wiese remained positive about his time with KKR, acknowledging the team's fighting spirit despite missing some key players. He also praised the performance of Rinku Singh, who impressed with his power-hitting abilities."As a player, you appreciate it when guys do well. Rinku Singh smacks five sixes - you can't not appreciate that," Wiese said. "It's just that the result doesn't have much emphasis anymore. You don't sit there nervous about whether you're going to win. And you start investing in the guys' personal performances instead."Pandit's coaching style has been a topic of discussion in the past, with some players praising his attention to detail and discipline, while others have expressed concerns about his strict approach. It remains to be seen how KKR will perform under Pandit's leadership in the future, but the team's recent struggles have raised questions about the compatibility between his coaching style and the expectations of overseas players.

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.

IPL 2023: Home Dominance, Indian Stars Shine, and the Impact of the Two Bouncer RuleThe Indian Premier League (IPL) has kicked off with a bang, and six games in, there are already some notable trends emerging.Home DominanceOne striking feature of the tournament so far has been the dominance of home teams. All six games have been won by the team playing at their home venue. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Gujarat Titans (GT), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have all emerged victorious on their home turf. It remains to be seen whether this trend will continue throughout the tournament.Indian Players ShiningThe IPL has always been a platform for Indian players to showcase their talent, and this year is no exception. Despite the presence of several foreign stars, Indian players have made a significant impact in the early stages of the tournament. Harshit Rana for KKR, Virat Kohli for RCB, Mohit Sharma and Sai Kishore for the Titans, Naman Dheer's cameo for MI, Harpreet Brar's squeeze act for Punjab vs RCB, and Yash Dayal and Mohd Siraj's timely strikes for Punjab have all been standout performances.Two Bouncer RuleAnother notable aspect of the tournament has been the effective use of the two bouncer rule by pacers. This rule allows bowlers to bowl two bouncers per over, and it has been used both defensively and offensively. Mohit Sharma and Spencer Johnson used the large field and biggish square boundaries at Ahmedabad to bang the ball in the surface and make the MI batters hit the ball in the air, resulting in catches in the deep. RCB also used the ploy to strangle Shivam Dube of CSK. Former South African pace great Dale Steyn tweeted, "Short ball tactic is already showing who can and who can't. Gana (sic) be a long tournament for some batters."

Shivam Dube's remarkable transformation in handling short balls has been a key factor in Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) impressive start to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season. The burly Mumbai all-rounder, who was once vulnerable to the short-ball barrage, has now become a formidable force against it.Dube's newfound confidence and improved technique were evident in CSK's 63-run victory over Gujarat Titans on Tuesday. He smashed five sixes in his 23-ball 51, showcasing his ability to clear the boundary with ease. This performance followed his unbeaten 34 in the opening win against Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he also displayed his improved short-ball handling.The credit for Dube's transformation goes in part to Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary former India captain and current CSK skipper. Dhoni has worked closely with Dube, providing him with guidance and support. The CSK management has also given Dube the freedom to express himself, allowing him to play his natural game."Just confidence. When he came here the management worked with him personally, Mahi bhai worked with him personally. He knows what role he is playing and which bowler to take on. A big plus for us," said Gaikwad, praising Dube's impact.Dube himself acknowledged the support he has received from CSK. "This franchise (CSK) is something different from all others. They are giving me the freedom. They want me to do better and I also want to win some matches," he said after winning the 'Player of the Match' award.Dube's improved short-ball handling has not only made him a more dangerous batsman but has also given CSK a valuable weapon in their bowling attack. With the new rule allowing two bouncers per over, Dube can now use his height and pace to trouble batsmen with short-pitched deliveries.For CSK, Dube's transformation is a testament to the team's commitment to player development. The franchise has a history of nurturing young talent and helping them reach their full potential. Dube's success is a shining example of this philosophy.

Virat Kohli, the former Indian cricket team captain, has made a resounding return to form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. After a brief paternity break, Kohli has showcased his exceptional skills once again, becoming the first Indian and only the third player overall to score 100 T20 fifty-plus scores.In a match against Punjab Kings on Monday, Kohli registered a scintillating 77 runs off 49 balls, including 11 fours and two sixes. His innings played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bangalore's four-wicket victory.Kohli's performance comes amidst speculation that he may not be selected for the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, his recent form has silenced critics and demonstrated that he still possesses the ability to perform at the highest level.Speaking after the match, Kohli expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from the crowd and acknowledged the importance of creating memories in the sport. He also emphasized his commitment to improving his game and contributing to the team's success.Despite his impressive performance, reports suggest that the Indian selectors are considering making changes to the T20 squad, potentially including Kohli. However, Kohli's recent form has put him in a strong position to retain his place in the team.With the IPL 2023 season still in its early stages, Kohli will be eager to continue his impressive form and prove that he remains a vital asset to the Indian cricket team.