Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 has witnessed an unprecedented display of batting firepower and bowling strength, with a staggering 1,208 sixes struck in just 70 matches. Among the teams leading the charge is Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who have climbed from last place last year to second this year, thanks to their fearless batting approach.SRH's batting prowess is exemplified by their league-leading 160 sixes in 13 matches. Led by the dynamic Australian pacer Pat Cummins, SRH will be eager to continue their impressive run in the first qualifier against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.KKR, mentored by Gautam Gambhir, have been the form team this season. Their opening pair of Sunil Narine and Phil Salt have been devastating, but with Salt leaving for national duty, his replacement, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, will be under pressure to perform. The middle-order, featuring Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer, and Nitish Rana, has provided consistent support, while Rinku Singh and Andre Russell have made vital contributions down the order.SRH's bowling attack, featuring veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, left-arm pacer T Natarajan, and Cummins, will pose a significant challenge to the KKR batting lineup. With Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga missing in action, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and Shahbaz Ahmed will provide the spin bowling options.SRH's batting has been equally impressive, with left-handed batters Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma setting the tone from the start. Head and Sharma both strike at a rate in excess of 200, making them a formidable threat to any opposition. Rahul Tripathi, Reddy, and Heinrich Klassen provide the impetus in the middle order, while Abdul Samad and Ahmed are also capable hitters.KKR's bowling attack will be led by Mitchell Starc, who has the potential to decimate any batting unit. Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora have bowled well in tandem, while the spin bowling duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Narine have been difficult to get away and have struck crucial wickets.In the only clash between the two teams earlier this season, KKR edged SRH by four runs in a high-scoring thriller at the Eden Garden. If that game is anything to go by, Ahmedabad should be in for a humdinger of a clash. The weather in Ahmedabad has been very hot, and it remains to be seen how the playing surface will play out.

Dinesh Karthik's resurgence has been a pivotal factor in Royal Challengers Bangalore's remarkable turnaround in IPL 2023. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter has amassed 315 runs at a blistering strike rate of 195.65, his best performance in 17 seasons.Karthik attributes the team's success to a shift in mindset after a disappointing start. "The SRH game was a turning point," he said. "We came back strongly with the bat, which gave us confidence."The freedom to play without pressure has also been a key factor. "We had nothing to lose, so why not do things differently?" Karthik explained. "But you have to back that up with skill."Karthik's off-field efforts have also contributed to his success. "I've gotten fitter and stronger," he said. "I also had to overcome the skepticism surrounding my return as a commentator."Commentary has had a positive impact on Karthik's cricket. "It's taught me not to take criticism too seriously," he said. "It's also increased my worldly knowledge and self-esteem."Karthik's motivation stems from a desire to prove himself. "I wanted to respond to the questions that were asked," he said. "I've done what I've done today."Despite his success, Karthik remains uncertain about his future. "I don't want to think too far ahead," he said. "But if RCB goes all the way, I might play one more year."

Sunrisers Hyderabad's Abhishek Sharma has emerged as a batting sensation in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. His unique 'L' celebration, made using his thumb and index finger, has become a symbol of his success and has sparked curiosity among fans.In a recent video shared by the IPL's official X handle, Sharma revealed the significance behind his celebration. "It is personal to us. It stands for love, we are spreading love," he explained. The gesture was initiated by Sharma and his opening partner, Travis Head.Sharma's celebration was on full display during SRH's thrilling victory over Punjab Kings on Sunday. He and Heinrich Klaasen led the team to a successful chase of 215, with Sharma smashing 66 off just 28 balls. His innings included five fours and six sixes, helping him set a new record for the most sixes by an Indian batter in a single IPL edition.With 41 sixes this season, Sharma has surpassed Virat Kohli's previous record of 38 sixes in 2016. He has also outperformed his SRH teammates Heinrich Klaasen (33 sixes) and Travis Head (31 sixes).Sharma's family has been a constant source of support throughout his career. "My whole family, except my father, is here. It is special to me if they are able to come here and see me, and celebrate with me in such moments," he said.In addition to his record-breaking six-hitting, Sharma has also been a consistent run-scorer for SRH. In 13 innings this season, he has scored 467 runs, ranking ninth among the highest run-scorers. He has recorded three half-centuries, with a top score of 75*.Sharma's impressive performances have not gone unnoticed. West Indies legend Chris Gayle, who holds the overall record for most sixes in a single IPL season (59 in 2012), has praised Sharma's batting prowess.As SRH continues its quest for a playoff berth, Sharma's contributions will be crucial. His unique 'L' celebration is a testament to his love for the game and his determination to spread joy through his performances.

Abhishek Sharma, the explosive left-handed batsman from Punjab, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. His blistering batting has earned him high praise from none other than premier pacer Pat Cummins, who admitted that he would be reluctant to bowl to Sharma due to his intimidating presence at the crease.Sharma's exceptional performance this season has been a revelation. Batting at a strike rate of 209.41, he has amassed 467 runs from 13 matches, including 39 sixes and 35 fours. His ability to dominate both pacers and spinners has made him a nightmare for bowlers.In Sunrisers Hyderabad's recent four-wicket victory over Punjab Kings, Sharma blazed away to a 28-ball 66, hitting six sixes and five fours. His innings played a crucial role in SRH's successful chase of Punjab's target of 215.Cummins, Sharma's skipper at SRH, was full of admiration for his young teammate. "He (Abhishek) is amazing. I wouldn't want to bowl to him. It's scary as he plays with freedom, not only against pacers but also against spinners," Cummins said.Sharma's success this season can be attributed in part to his work with batting great Brian Lara, who was involved with the SRH franchise in the past. "I have done some work with him, he's in touch. That's helping me now," Sharma revealed.Sharma's aggressive approach at the crease is a reflection of his determination to make a mark in the IPL. "During Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, I was clear how I was going to play and dominate in the IPL," he said. "I'm just waiting for the loose balls, I am going hard against them and trying to put them (bowlers) under pressure."With SRH on course for a top-two finish, Sharma's contributions will be crucial in their quest for the IPL title. His fearless batting and ability to take on the opposition's best bowlers make him a valuable asset for his team.

Punjab Kings' Harshal Patel has etched his name in the franchise's history books by equaling Andrew Tye's record for the most wickets in a single Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Patel achieved this milestone in the team's final league stage match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday.In the game, Patel took 2/49 in four overs, dismissing Rahul Tripathi and Nitish Kumar Reddy. With this performance, he has now taken 24 wickets in the ongoing season, surpassing his previous best of 21 wickets in 2021. Patel's impressive bowling has been a key factor in Punjab's improved performance this season, as they finished with five wins and nine losses.Patel's achievement is even more remarkable considering that he has bowled with an economy rate of just 9.73, the lowest among all bowlers with 20 or more wickets this season. His best bowling figures of 3/15 came against Chennai Super Kings in Match 13.Patel's success has not gone unnoticed, as he is currently the leading wicket-taker in the IPL 2023 season. However, he will not have the opportunity to add to his tally as Punjab failed to qualify for the playoffs.Andrew Tye (24 wickets in 2018), Kagiso Rabada (23 wickets in 2022), and Mohammed Shami (20 wickets in 2020) are the other bowlers who have taken the most wickets in a single IPL season for Punjab.In the match against SRH, Punjab Kings won the toss and elected to bat first. A blistering half-century from Prabhsimran Singh (71 off 45 balls) and contributions from Rilee Rossouw (49 off 24 balls) and Atharva Taide (46 off 27 balls) propelled them to a formidable total of 214/5.In response, SRH chased down the target with five balls to spare, thanks to a quickfire fifty from Abhishek Sharma (66 off 28 balls) and valuable contributions from Nitish Kumar Reddy (37 off 25 balls) and Heinrich Klaasen (42 off 26 balls).Abhishek Sharma was adjudged the Player of the Match for his match-winning knock. SRH finished the league stage in second place with eight wins and five losses, while Punjab Kings finished ninth with five wins and nine losses.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) skipper Pat Cummins has lauded young batter Abhishek Sharma for his fearless approach at the crease, which played a pivotal role in their four-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS).Abhishek, alongside Heinrich Klaasen, delivered powerful performances that propelled SRH to victory, elevating them to the second spot on the points table. Abhishek's display of versatile batting skills during the match in Hyderabad on Sunday was particularly notable, as his contributions played a crucial role in SRH's successful chase against PBKS.Speaking after the game in the post-match presentation, Cummins said, "It is pretty cool, it is awesome. We have won six out of seven games here (at Hyderabad), it has been great and amazing. I did not know many guys coming into this season, but we have played great cricket and had some fun. Great bunch of guys. He (Abhishek) is amazing. I would not want to bowl to him. It is scary, as he plays with freedom, not only against pacers but also against spinners."Cummins also heaped praise on young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, for his "maturity beyond his age" and class as a player."Really satisfying and exciting. I have not played in finals (of IPL) before, we will know in a few hours which game it is. Playing some really good cricket, excited for what is ahead," he concluded.Abhishek has been a standout performer for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) this season, amassing 467 runs in 13 innings, making him the ninth highest run-scorer. His impressive batting average of 38.91 and a phenomenal strike rate of 209.41 underscore his impactful contributions to the team. Abhishek has scored three half-centuries, with an unbeaten 75 being his highest score of the season.Additionally, another exciting find for SRH this season has been Reddy, whose classy and composed batting style has won hearts and caught the attention of fans and critics alike. In 10 matches, he has scored 276 runs in eight innings at an impressive average of 46.00 and a strike rate of 151.64, including two half-centuries. Reddy has also showcased his utility with the ball, claiming three wickets, further enhancing his value to the SRH squad.Coming to the match, PBKS won the toss and elected to bat first. A hard-hitting half-century from Prabhsimran Singh (71 in 45 balls, with seven fours and four sixes) and knocks from Rilee Rossouw (49 in 24 balls, with three fours and four sixes) and Atharva Taide (46 in 27 balls, with five fours and two sixes) set the tone for a big total, taking PBKS to 214/5 in their 20 overs.T Natarajan (2/33) was the pick of the bowlers for SRH.In the run-chase, after losing Travis Head for a duck, Abhishek Sharma (66 in 28 balls, with five fours and six sixes), Nitish Kumar Reddy (37 in 25 balls, with a four and three sixes) and Heinrich Klaasen (42 in 26 balls, with three fours and two sixes) played fiery knocks to propel SRH to 215/6 in 19.1 overs, winning the game with five balls left.Arshdeep Singh (2/37) was the pick of the bowlers for PBKS. Abhishek Sharma was the Player of the Match for his quickfire fifty.

Punjab Kings' stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma won the toss and elected to bat first against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their penultimate Indian Premier League (IPL) contest in Hyderabad on May 19. While Punjab Kings are out of contention for making the IPL playoffs for the 10th year in a row, Sunrisers Hyderabad are eyeing two points from this game to bolster their chances of finishing second. SRH are currently third in the points table with 15 points, behind table-toppers Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, who play later in the day. The outcomes of both games on Sunday will finalise the team standings as well as playoffs fixtures in Ahmedabad and Chennai. KKR, RR, SRH, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the four teams to have made the playoffs this year.Punjab Kings, led by Sharma, posted a competitive total of 151/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Prabhsimran Singh top-scored with a 41-ball 56, while Jitesh Sharma contributed a valuable 29 off 24 deliveries. For Sunrisers Hyderabad, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and T Natarajan picked up two wickets each.In reply, Sunrisers Hyderabad fell short by 12 runs, finishing on 139/9. Abhishek Sharma (43) and Rahul Tripathi (34) provided a solid start, but the middle order failed to capitalize. Punjab Kings' bowlers shared the wickets, with Rishi Dhawan, Harpreet Brar, and Rahul Chahar taking two wickets each.The victory for Punjab Kings was their sixth of the season, while Sunrisers Hyderabad suffered their eighth defeat. Both teams will play their final league matches on May 22, with Punjab Kings facing Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad taking on Mumbai Indians.

Chennai Super Kings' bowling consultant, Eric Simons, has heaped praise on the team's legendary captain, MS Dhoni, following their exit from the IPL 2023 playoffs. Despite CSK's title defense ending with a 27-run loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore, Simons highlighted Dhoni's enduring qualities and the impact he continues to have on the team.Having worked closely with Dhoni during his tenure as India's bowling consultant in 2010, Simons emphasized the simplicity and clarity with which Dhoni approaches the game. He believes that this is a trait that all cricketers should strive to emulate. Simons also lauded Dhoni's ability to instill self-belief in his teammates and his knack for guiding the team out of challenging situations."There are countless memories of MS Dhoni, the innings he plays that get you out of trouble," Simons said. "I was in the dugout and said it was incredible that we were in a situation with our backs against the wall and he was at the wicket. You just don't stop believing he can win for you. So I think that's one of the things he brings to the group: incredible self-belief."Regarding the speculation surrounding Dhoni's future, Simons believes it is premature and unnecessary. He emphasized that Dhoni is the only one who knows what his plans are and that he is still playing at a high level."I think anybody who wants to speculate about his future is crazy," Simons said. "MS knows what he's going to do. I know that this year I've seen him hit the ball from the pre-tournament camp. So he's playing extremely well and he'll make the decision. But he's a fantastic guy to be around."Simons also praised Dhoni's understanding of the game and his ability to convey it to his teammates in a simple and effective manner. He believes that this is one of Dhoni's greatest strengths as a leader."He has been fantastic to witness from the days I was with India and now with CSK," Simons said. "He's an incredible cricketer and an incredible individual in terms of his understanding of cricket and life. I think in many ways that what he passes on to guys is the incredible self-belief, never say die, and a simple understanding of the game of cricket. He can put it in simple words, and I think that's one of the best things about him."As for the upcoming Eliminator clash, RCB's opponent will be determined by the results of the matches between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings.

Riyan Parag, the 22-year-old U-19 World Cup winner, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the ongoing IPL season. After spending several seasons as a middle-order firefighter, Parag has finally found his niche at No.4 for the Rajasthan Royals.Parag's promotion up the order has unlocked his true potential. He has amassed 531 runs in 12 innings at an average of 59 and a strike rate of 152.58, significantly higher than his previous career figures. His tally of 31 sixes is not only more than his last five seasons combined but also the highest for a No.4 batter this season.Parag's success is not a coincidence. He has worked tirelessly to improve his game, studying footage and seeking guidance from his father and the Rajasthan Royals' high-performance director. He has also benefited from a seamless transition from domestic cricket, where he excelled as the highest scorer and most prolific six-hitter in the Deodhar Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.Parag's maturity and determination have been evident in his performances this IPL. He has played several match-winning innings, including an unbeaten 84 against Delhi Capitals and a crucial 34 against Kolkata Knight Riders. His ability to pace chases and finish games has made him a valuable asset for the Royals.Despite missing out on a T20 World Cup call-up, Parag remains focused on his goals. He is determined to continue improving and helping his team win matches. With his talent and dedication, Parag has the potential to become one of the most exciting young players in Indian cricket.