Cricket

Rohit Sharma's underwhelming IPL 2024 campaign has raised concerns among fans and experts alike. The Indian skipper has struggled to find his form, averaging just over 29 with a strike rate of around 145 in 13 matches. This has contributed to Mumbai Indians' dismal performance, with the team winning only 4 out of 13 matches and being the first to be eliminated from the playoffs race.However, former India captain Sourav Ganguly remains unfazed by Rohit's recent form. Ganguly believes that the veteran batter has a proven track record in big tournaments and will deliver for the national side in the upcoming T20 World Cup. "India is a very good team. Rohit will play well in the World Cup. He plays well in big tournaments. At the big stage, he will be fine," Ganguly said at a recent event.Rohit's loss of captaincy to Hardik Pandya at Mumbai Indians has also been a topic of discussion. There have been reports of a possible rift between the two Indian cricket team stars. Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram even predicted that Rohit may not be at Mumbai Indians next season. "I have a feeling, he won't be at Mumbai Indians next season. I would love to see him at KKR. Imagine him open there, Gauti as a mentor, Iyer as a captain. They will have a very strong batting, at that wicket (Eden Gardens). He bats very well on any wicket, he is that great a player. But it will be good to see him at KKR," Akram said.Despite the concerns surrounding Rohit's form and the rumors of a rift with Pandya, Ganguly remains confident in the Indian skipper's ability to lead the team to success in the T20 World Cup. Rohit's experience and big-match temperament will be crucial for India's chances of lifting the trophy.

Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) hopes of reaching the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs have dwindled after their defeat to Delhi Capitals. With just one game remaining, LSG's fate is no longer in their own hands.LSG's poor run-rate has been a major factor in their struggles. After their 10-wicket loss to SunRisers Hyderabad, their run-rate plummeted to -0.769. Following their defeat to DC, it has further deteriorated to -0.787. This is the worst run-rate among the four teams vying for the fourth playoff spot.The team's recent performances have also been marred by controversy. LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka's animated discussion with captain KL Rahul after their loss to SunRisers Hyderabad was caught on camera, leading to widespread criticism.Despite their struggles, LSG still have a mathematical chance of reaching the playoffs. However, they would need to win their last match by a significant margin and hope that two of CSK, SRH, and RCB lose their games by equally large margins.If LSG fails to qualify for the playoffs, it is likely that Rahul will leave the franchise. Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bangalore are considered the frontrunners to acquire his services.

The 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed an unprecedented surge in six-hitting, with the tournament shattering records and redefining the boundaries of T20 cricket. During the thrilling encounter between Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants, the IPL witnessed a staggering 20 sixes, propelling the season's total to an astonishing 1,125. This remarkable feat surpassed the previous record of 1,124 set in the 2022 season, with several matches still remaining.The relentless pursuit of sixes has become a defining characteristic of the IPL, showcasing the growing dominance of batters in the format. Over the past three seasons, the number of sixes hit has steadily increased, reflecting the evolving strategies and skills of the players.Beyond the six-hitting frenzy, the 2024 IPL has witnessed several other groundbreaking achievements. Punjab Kings etched their name in history by chasing down a mammoth target of 262 set by Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, marking the highest successful chase in T20 cricket history. The match also featured a record-breaking 42 sixes, the most ever hit in a T20 game.Kolkata Knight Riders, known for their explosive batting, had previously set the highest total at Eden Gardens in the T20 format, scoring 261/6. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad surpassed this record by posting a staggering 287/3 against Royal Challengers Bangalore, having already broken the record earlier in the season with a score of 277/3 against Mumbai Indians.Lucknow Super Giants, determined to secure a playoff spot, completed the highest successful chase at Chepauk, overhauling a target of 211 runs. In the same match against Chennai Super Kings, Marcus Stoinis set a new record for the highest individual score in a chase, with his unbeaten 124.These remarkable achievements have not only elevated the excitement of the IPL but have also highlighted the exceptional talent and skill of the players involved. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect even more records to be broken and the boundaries of T20 cricket to be pushed further.

Delhi Capitals assistant coach Pravin Amre has hailed Tristan Stubbs as a player "for the next five years" after the South African batter's impressive performances in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.Stubbs, who was brought in as a backup for Harry Brook, has seized the opportunity to showcase his talent. His ability to find the boundary with ease and precision has drawn comparisons to former South African great AB de Villiers.In DC's final game of the season against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Stubbs played a pivotal role in the team's victory. His unbeaten 57-run blitz left LSG bowlers bewildered and powered Delhi to an imposing total of 208/4."If Harry Brook was there, Stubbs was actually a backup. It was so important that we had to pick a really good backup. We saw the South African League, and he had done really well there. He contributed to the winning team there. He got a triple hundred in first-class cricket, also. What we saw is that he is such a cricketer who can play well against spinners as well. He looks very hungry and composed, also. He is a player for the next five years," Amre said in the post-match press conference.Despite DC's disappointing group stage exit, Amre highlighted the positives from the season, including the emergence of young players like Stubbs, Jake Fraser McGurk, Abhishek Porel, and Rasikh Dar Salam.Rasikh, a 24-year-old pacer, has impressed with his consistent performances, especially in the death overs. In 11 matches, he has claimed 9 wickets at an economy of 10.43 and a bowling average of 37.67."I think as an Indian, bowling in the death is a specialist's job. He has discovered and backed himself really well. In the last four or five games, all Indian bowlers have been doing really well and that is what is important for us as a franchise," Amre added.While Stubbs made an impact with the bat against LSG, veteran quick Ishant Sharma rattled LSG's top-order in the powerplay. He dismissed KL Rahul, Quinton de Kock, and Deepak Hooda with his skillful bowling."He is the guy who has played 100 Test matches; he knows how to bowl on Delhi's wicket. He has contributed a lot this season and I am really happy for him," Amre said.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have received a significant boost in their quest for a spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs after Delhi Capitals (DC) defeated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Tuesday. This victory ensures that LSG cannot surpass RCB in the points table, even if they win their final league match. Additionally, DC's inferior Net Run Rate (NRR) makes their chances of securing a top-four finish highly unlikely.Currently, RCB sits in sixth place in the points table with six wins and 12 points from 13 matches. They have a positive NRR of +0.387. Delhi Capitals, in fifth place, has 14 points from 14 matches but an NRR of -0.377. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) occupies fourth place with 14 points and an NRR of +0.406, while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) holds third place with 14 points and an NRR of +0.528.For RCB to qualify for the playoffs, they must defeat CSK in their upcoming match. If they fail to do so, they will be eliminated from contention. However, if RCB does beat CSK, they could potentially dislodge either CSK or SRH from the top four.There are two possible scenarios for RCB to qualify:Scenario 1: RCB beats CSK, but their NRR remains inferior. In this case, RCB would need SRH to lose both of their remaining league matches. If SRH loses both matches, they will remain on 14 points. A victory for RCB against CSK would also take their tally to 14 points. In such a scenario, RCB would need to ensure that their NRR is better than SRH's. If both RCB and CSK qualify, SRH would be eliminated.Scenario 2: If SRH wins even one of their next two matches, they will qualify for the playoffs. This scenario would mean that RCB can only topple CSK in the top-four race. If SRH is already through, RCB would need to beat CSK by approximately 18 runs if they bat first and put 200 on the board. If RCB bowls first and is given a target of 201 runs, they would need to chase it down with roughly 11 balls to spare. In this case, RCB and SRH would qualify, while CSK would be eliminated.

Rishabh Pant's remarkable return to cricket after his life-threatening accident has been a testament to his resilience and determination. Having played for the first time since December 2022, Pant has eased into the rigors of top-flight cricket without major physical discomfort. He finished the league phase of IPL 2024 as Delhi Capitals' highest run-scorer with 446 runs in 13 games at a strike rate of 155.40. His performances have earned him a place in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.Pant expressed his gratitude for the support he received during his recovery and return to the field. "The kind of support I got from whole India I would say was heartening to see," he said. "Wherever I went to play, I got support from each and every person. That was really good to see."Despite the challenges faced by Delhi Capitals throughout the season, including injuries and suspensions, Pant remained positive. "We had a few injuries here and there, few ups and downs, illnesses, but as a franchise you can't complain all the time," he said. "You've got to make the best use of whatever you have in your hand."Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul lamented his team's poor start in their loss to Delhi Capitals. "This has been the problem for us through the season, that we keep losing a lot of wickets in the powerplay," Rahul said. "We've never been able to get off to a really solid start to bring in players like [Marcus] Stoinis and [Nicholas] Pooran into the game, and get them to walk in at the 7th or 8th over mark with a solid start."Despite their disappointing performance, Rahul remained optimistic about the future. "We did well in the back end, and 200 [208] was a par score. We should have chased it down," he said. "We'll take the positives from this game and try to finish the season on a high."

Delhi Capitals (DC) secured a crucial 19-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their final group stage match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The win keeps DC's hopes of a top-four finish alive, albeit mathematically.LSG, who have one game remaining against Mumbai Indians, are not yet eliminated, but both teams will need favorable results from other matches to qualify for the playoffs.Chasing a challenging target of 209, LSG found themselves in a precarious position at 44 for 4. However, Nicholas Pooran's blistering 61 and Arshad Khan's unbeaten 58 at number eight brought them back into contention.Pooran's innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, as he smashed six fours and four sixes in his 34-ball knock. Khan, meanwhile, played a responsible innings, anchoring the chase and hitting five fours and two sixes in his 41-ball stay.Despite their valiant efforts, LSG fell short in the final over. Rasikh Salam, who had conceded 14 runs in his previous over, defended 20 runs in the final six deliveries to secure the victory for DC.Earlier, DC had posted a competitive total of 208 for 4, thanks to half-centuries from Lalit Yadav (58) and Phil Salt (57). Rovman Powell also chipped in with a quickfire 35 off 18 balls.For LSG, Naveen-ul-Haq was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2 for 51. Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan also picked up a wicket each.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs race is reaching its climax, with five teams vying for the remaining two spots. Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals have already secured their berths, while Chennai Super Kings, SunRisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants are locked in a fierce battle.Chennai Super Kings (14 points, NRR +0.528)CSK has a strong chance of qualifying with one match remaining against RCB. A victory would guarantee their place in the playoffs. Even a loss wouldn't eliminate them, provided RCB doesn't surpass their NRR. They would also benefit from SRH losing both their remaining matches.Sunrisers Hyderabad (14 points, NRR +0.406)SRH needs to win both their remaining matches to secure a playoff spot. A loss in one match could still see them through, but losing both would leave them dependent on NRR. If LSG and RCB win their last games, SRH would need a superior NRR to finish in the top four.Royal Challengers Bengaluru (12 points, NRR +0.387)RCB has revived their campaign with a five-match winning streak. To qualify, they must defeat CSK and hope their NRR remains higher than the other contenders. They would also prefer SRH to lose both their games or LSG to lose their last match by a significant margin.Delhi Capitals (14 points, NRR -0.377)DC's fate is out of their hands. They would need three of the four teams (SRH, CSK, RCB, LSG) to drop points in their last matches, and they would need to lose by large margins. In such a scenario, teams with 14 points would rely on NRR to advance.Lucknow Super Giants (12 points, NRR -0.787)LSG's poor run-rate (-0.787) makes their playoff chances slim. They would need to win their last match by a significant margin and hope that two of CSK, SRH, and RCB lose their games by even larger margins.

Kolkata Knight Riders Secure Top-Two Finish in IPL 2024 PlayoffsKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have secured a top-two finish in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs after a washed-out game against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Monday. The result means that KKR will now have an advantage going into the playoffs, as they have qualified for Qualifier 1 and have a chance to directly qualify for the final.KKR have been the team to beat this season under the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir. They currently have 9 wins and only three defeats in 13 matches, and have outplayed and outsmarted their opponents. Gambhir's influence on the team has been significant, and former spinner Harbhajan Singh lauded his impact on the team's performance."KKR is a great unit," said Harbhajan on Star Sports. "It's not just the presence of Gautam Gambhir or Shah Rukh Khan's. They both have great friendship but their dressing room has looked really secure this season. That's what a mentor does. A good mentor when he goes to any camp, he makes sure that everyone is on one page. When they play together, they look like an unbeaten team. So, Gambhir being there, he must have done one thing for sure that everyone is equal and will play together whether we win or lose, will stay humble."KKR currently sit at the top of the table, and a top-two finish means they now have an advantage going into the playoffs. Featuring in Qualifier 1 means that KKR have a chance to directly qualify for the final. On Monday, KKR qualified for Qualifier 1 after 10 years.