Cricket

Kolkata Knight Riders' young pacer Harshit Rana has been making headlines for his on-field antics, particularly his controversial flying-kiss send-off. However, Rana has made it clear that he would never direct such a gesture towards Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batter.Rana's flying-kiss celebration, initially aimed at Mayank Agarwal during an IPL match, resulted in a breach of the IPL Code of Conduct, leading to financial penalties and a match suspension. Reflecting on the incident, Rana clarified that it was not premeditated and was not intended for a player of Kohli's stature."I didn't plan to do that (flying-kiss send-off) in the first match, nor in the second match. Then people started saying, 'Show us if you could do that in the RCB match,'" Rana explained.When asked about the possibility of performing such a celebration against Kohli, known for his aggressive demeanor on the field, Rana expressed utmost respect. "That's why I didn't provoke him. I have respect for him (Kohli), respect for all players, but I can't do that in front of him," Rana emphasized.Rana's disciplinary issues did not end with the flying-kiss incident. His exuberant antics on the field, though entertaining to some, crossed the line of acceptable conduct in professional cricket. The IPL disciplinary committee sanctioned Rana with a one-match suspension and fined him his entire match fee for his second breach of conduct during the season.This marked Rana as the first player in IPL 2024 to face such penalties. Despite the controversy, Rana, who racked up 25 wickets in 21 games for the IPL 2024 champions, remained a key figure for KKR, known for his pace and aggression, albeit now tempered with a lesson in the importance of respectful competition in cricket's premier tournament.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary wicket-keeper-batsman, has been enjoying a well-deserved break after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Dhoni, known for his low-key profile, has been spending quality time with his family at his Ranchi farmhouse.A recent video shared on social media has captured the Dhoni family in a playful mood with their pet dogs. The video shows Dhoni petting and fondling the dogs, while his wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva engage in playful interactions.Since retiring from international cricket, Dhoni has maintained a low profile, rarely engaging in public activities or social media. His only involvement in cricket has been through the IPL, where he led the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to victory in the 2023 season.However, in IPL 2024, Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Despite CSK's failure to qualify for the playoffs, Dhoni had a successful season personally. Despite batting as low as number 8, he scored 161 runs at a strike rate of over 220.Dhoni's impressive form in the IPL has led to calls for his return to the Indian team. Former teammate Virender Sehwag has expressed his belief that Dhoni remains the best finisher in the game.While India has not yet felt the need for a specialist finisher in the ongoing T20 World Cup, Dhoni's experience and ability to handle pressure situations could prove invaluable in the latter stages of the tournament.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 witnessed the remarkable return of Rishabh Pant and the newfound consistency of Sanju Samson, bolstering India's wicketkeeping options for the upcoming T20 World Cup.Pant's resilience in overcoming a harrowing accident was evident in his improved fitness and agility, particularly his wicketkeeping skills. Samson, on the other hand, showcased a remarkable transformation, leading the Rajasthan Royals with consistent performances.Starting with a match-winning 82 not out against Lucknow Super Giants, Samson maintained his momentum throughout the tournament, finishing with 531 runs in 16 matches at an average of 48.27. His improved game awareness and leadership skills impressed selectors and team management alike.Samson's consistency earned him a spot in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup, pipping experienced wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul. However, the debate remains over who will be India's first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman between Pant and Samson.Former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim believes that Samson's role in the team is as a batter at No. 3, while Pant's left-handedness gives him an edge in the lower order. However, Karim also acknowledges that both players could potentially play in the XI, given their different skill sets.Despite his impressive IPL form, Samson's international record remains modest. However, his inclusion in the World Cup squad could be a game-changer for India, providing a reliable option at the top of the order.Whether Samson can cement his place as India's first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman ahead of Pant remains to be seen. However, his inclusion in the World Cup squad is a testament to his newfound consistency and the belief that he can make a significant contribution to India's title aspirations.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer and former captain of the Chennai Super Kings, is currently on a break after a grueling IPL 2024 season that saw his team narrowly miss the playoffs. Speculation has been rife about Dhoni's future in the IPL, especially after his limited batting role in the tournament.In the IPL 2024, Dhoni was primarily used as a finisher, batting in the latter overs. CSK coach Stephen Fleming attributed this to a muscle injury that prevented him from batting for longer periods. Despite his limited batting, Dhoni continued to keep wickets for CSK, but his future in the IPL remains uncertain.Amidst the speculation, Dhoni has been enjoying a vacation with his wife Sakshi and daughter Zeeva. However, sources close to CSK have revealed that Dhoni is planning a trip to London for treatment of his muscle tear injury. The sources indicated that Dhoni will make a decision about his future after recovering from the surgery.CSK's elimination from the IPL 2024 playoffs after a heartbreaking defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru has further fueled the retirement rumors. However, sources have stated that Dhoni will only decide on his retirement after undergoing surgery in London. The recovery process is expected to take five to six months.Dhoni's future in the IPL has been a topic of discussion for several years, with many fans and experts believing that he is nearing the end of his illustrious career. However, Dhoni has repeatedly stated his desire to continue playing as long as he is fit and enjoying the game.The upcoming surgery and recovery period will provide Dhoni with an opportunity to assess his physical condition and make an informed decision about his future. If he decides to continue playing, he will likely return to the IPL in 2025, potentially for a different franchise.

The cricketing world is abuzz with speculation about whether Virat Kohli should open the batting with skipper Rohit Sharma in the upcoming T20 World Cup. This debate has intensified following Kohli's exceptional performance in the IPL 2024, where he emerged as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 741 runs in 15 innings.Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, who had previously criticized Kohli for his slow strike rate during the first half of the IPL, has now joined the chorus of voices advocating for Kohli to open the innings alongside Rohit. "Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as openers. The way Kohli has batted, particularly the second half of the IPL, he deserves to open the batting with Rohit Sharma, the captain," Gavaskar said in an interview with Star Sports.Gavaskar emphasized that the team should not prioritize a left-right combination over selecting the most in-form players. "So no, I don't think. It's very good to talk on television about left hand-right hand combination, good players are good players. In Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, you have got 2 terrific and 2 fantastic batters. The kind of form Kohli has shown in the IPL, he has to open the batting."Gavaskar also highlighted the psychological advantage of having Kohli walk out to bat with a partner. "As he is in that flow, he is in that rhythm. You don't want Kohli to wait, even if it is for an over, or even 5 deliveries before he comes out to bat. It is a different feeling when you are walking out with someone to bat. There is a little bit of exchange that they will say let us get going, etc. Walking out alone is different than walking out with a partner," he added.Kohli's impressive performance in the IPL has reignited the debate about his ideal batting position in the Indian team. While some experts believe that he should continue to bat at number three, others argue that his aggressive style of play would be better suited to the opening slot.The decision of whether or not to open with Kohli will ultimately rest with the Indian team management. However, Gavaskar's endorsement of Kohli as an opener adds weight to the argument that the star batsman should be given the opportunity to lead the Indian batting charge in the T20 World Cup.

Amidst the fervor and excitement surrounding the T20 World Cup, Indian cricket fans rejoiced at the news of all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer's marriage to Shruti Raghunathan. The Kolkata Knight Riders star tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony on Sunday morning, surrounded by family and friends.Iyer, who had a stellar performance in IPL 2024, played a pivotal role in KKR's title victory. In 14 matches, he amassed 370 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 158.80, including four half-centuries. His highest score of 70 came in a crucial match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.In the IPL 2024 final, Iyer's magnificent half-century (52*) helped KKR chase down Sunrisers' paltry total of 113 in just 10.3 overs. The victory marked KKR's third IPL title, a testament to their dominance throughout the season."This is what we demanded from the team and every individual. They stood up to the right occasion and the feeling is hard to express," said KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer after lifting the trophy. "We played like invincibles throughout the season. There's so much to cherish right now."Iyer's marriage has been met with an outpouring of love and well wishes from fans and fellow cricketers alike. The couple's wedding photos have gone viral on social media, capturing the joy and happiness of their special day.

The Indian cricket fraternity is eagerly awaiting the announcement of Rahul Dravid's successor as the head coach of the men's team. According to recent reports, Gautam Gambhir is the frontrunner for the coveted role.Gambhir's impressive stint as mentor for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has catapulted him into contention. Under his guidance, KKR emerged as the league stage toppers and eventually clinched the title.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had initially considered several high-profile Australian coaches and IPL mentors, including Stephen Fleming and Andy Flower. However, Gambhir's success with KKR seems to have swayed the board in his favor.Gambhir's name gained traction after KKR's dominant performance in the IPL 2024. The team's emphatic victory in the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad further solidified his credentials. Notably, Gambhir had a lengthy conversation with BCCI secretary Jay Shah after the final, fueling speculation about his potential appointment.According to India Today, Gambhir is now poised to replace Dravid as Team India's head coach. Despite lacking experience as a head coach at the national or IPL level, his success in guiding KKR to the IPL title has reportedly convinced the BCCI of his capabilities.The BCCI had invited applications for the head coach's role by May 27 and received over 3000 responses. The board is expected to begin the process of interviewing shortlisted candidates soon, with the Cricket Advisory Committee leading the charge.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has hailed Mitchell Starc's delivery to dismiss SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener Abhishek Sharma in the IPL 2024 final as "nearly unplayable." Starc's out-swinger kickstarted SRH's downfall, who were bowled out for 113 after batting first.Gambhir believes that while there is no such thing as an "unplayable" delivery, Starc's effort came close. "I don't know whether I should say that was an unplayable delivery or not, because we were taught that no delivery is unplayable, but it was certainly very close to unplayable," he said.Starc had a below-par season with the ball for KKR, but he managed to perform in the key matches, including the final. Gambhir labeled Starc as an X-factor, saying that players like him save their best for the big games."We always knew he was the X-Factor and he will become one at the right time. I mean, what other big matches could be there in the IPL? It was the Qualifier 1 and the Final. That is why I say that the big players wait for such occasions, they thrive on these occasions. Money is irrelevant. What Starc brings to the team was more important," Gambhir told Sportskeeda.Starc's performance in the final was crucial in KKR's third IPL trophy win, their first in a decade. He was named Player of the Match, finishing with 17 wickets in the tournament, including five in the two knock-out games.

Kolkata Knight Riders Relive Viral Moment with Andre Russell After IPL 2024 TriumphKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) celebrated their IPL 2024 victory in style, recreating a viral moment with all-rounder Andre Russell. The incident, which occurred during the Bangladesh Premier League, saw Russell being asked a peculiar question by a presenter. The question, "Final match you perform. What happening?" became an instant hit on social media, leaving Russell amused.In a video shared by KKR on Twitter, Russell was once again asked the same question, this time by his teammates Sherfane Rutherford and Sunil Narine. The moment brought a smile to Russell's face, as he recalled the hilarious interview.On the field, KKR dominated the IPL 2024 final, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 8 wickets. Venkatesh Iyer's half-century and a disciplined bowling performance from the pacers proved to be the difference.KKR captain Shreyas Iyer expressed his delight at the victory, saying, "Absolutely comprehensive. This is what we demanded from the team and every individual. They stood up to the right occasion and the feeling is hard to express."Iyer praised the team's consistency throughout the season, saying, "We played like invincibles throughout the season. There's so much to cherish right now. It is pleasing, the performance has been flawless throughout."Mitchell Starc, who played a crucial role in the final, was also lauded by Iyer. "That's when all the big players stand up, right! It was a high-pressure game and he's been so good off the field. He's never shown any complacency in his work ethics. He stepped up to the right occasion," Iyer said.Russell, who has been a key player for KKR over the years, expressed his joy at the team's success. "When I look at him, I know he can look at me. All the guys stepped up at the right time. Made it easier. It has been a flawless season," Russell said.The IPL 2024 victory marks a significant milestone for KKR, who have now won the tournament three times. The team's success is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and team spirit.