Cricket

Virat Kohli and Pat Cummins, two of the most celebrated cricketers of the modern era, will once again lock horns in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday when Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) host Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.The camaraderie between the two champion cricketers was evident during a joint training session, but Cummins couldn't resist a cheeky dig when asked about his favorite memory of Kohli."My favorite memory of Virat? Can I say when I get him out?," Cummins said with a smile, referring to his dismissal of Kohli for 54 in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.Despite their on-field rivalry, Cummins praised Kohli's unwavering intensity and competitive spirit."Someone who has played so much cricket, I admire him for how much he gets up for every game and gets into the contest, whether he is batting or in the field. He plays 100 days a year and he's up for every single of those games," Cummins said.Kohli, who currently leads the Orange Cap standings with 379 runs in 8 matches, will be looking to continue his impressive form against SRH. In RCB's earlier match against the Sunrisers this season, Kohli scored 42.Cummins, who also led Australia to the 2023 ODI World Cup triumph, acknowledged the competitive nature of both himself and Kohli on the field, but emphasized their relaxed demeanor off it."We are both super competitive. I think off the field Virat is pretty relaxed and I am (also) pretty relaxed off the field," said the SRH skipper.The match between SRH and RCB promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams looking to strengthen their positions in the IPL standings. Kohli and Cummins will undoubtedly be at the heart of the action, showcasing their exceptional skills and competitive spirit.

With the first half of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 concluded, several players have emerged as strong contenders for India's squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. While IPL performances alone will not guarantee selection, they provide valuable insights into players' current form and potential.Probable 15-Member Squad:1. Rohit Sharma (C): Confirmed as captain, Rohit Sharma has been Mumbai Indians' leading scorer in IPL 2024.2. Yashasvi Jaiswal: The young opener has found form with an unbeaten century against Mumbai Indians.3. Shubman Gill: Gujarat Titans' skipper has impressed with his consistent batting in IPL 2024.4. Virat Kohli: The leading run-scorer in IPL 2024, Kohli is a certainty for India's squad.5. Sanju Samson (WK): Rajasthan Royals' skipper has been the most impressive wicketkeeper-batter in IPL 2024.6. Suryakumar Yadav: The world's No.1 T20I batter has made a strong impact despite missing the first few games of IPL 2024.7. Hardik Pandya: Despite a disappointing IPL 2024, Pandya's experience in T20Is makes him a likely inclusion.8. Rishabh Pant (WK): The wicketkeeper-batter has made a strong comeback after a year-long absence due to injury.9. Rinku Singh: A belligerent finisher, Singh has impressed with his strike rate in IPL 2024.10. Ravindra Jadeja: The all-rounder has not had the best of IPL seasons but his T20I experience could earn him a spot.11. Kuldeep Yadav: The left-arm wrist spinner has been in-form for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024.12. Yuzvendra Chahal: Rajasthan Royals' top wicket-taker, Chahal is a frontrunner for India's squad as a spinner.13. Jasprit Bumrah: A nailed-on certainty, Bumrah is one of the best bowlers in the format.14. Arshdeep Singh: The young pacer has taken 10 wickets for Punjab Kings in IPL 2024.15. Shivam Dube: The explosive finisher has been in fine form for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024.Other Probables:* Avesh Khan* Harshal Patel* Riyan Parag* Ruturaj Gaikwad

Fielding: An Unsung Hero in Cricket's TriumphsIn the realm of cricket, the spotlight often shines upon the prowess of batters and bowlers, overshadowing the indispensable role played by fielders. Yet, the impact of fielding on the outcome of a match cannot be understated. A well-executed catch, a precise throw to the wicket, or a swift run-out can turn the tide of the game in favor of the fielding team.The recent thrilling four-run victory of Delhi Capitals over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2024 serves as a testament to the decisive influence of fielding. In the penultimate over of the match, Tristan Stubbs' acrobatic display transformed what could have been a six into a mere single, ultimately proving to be the pivotal moment in the match's outcome.As Gujarat Titans batter Rashid Khan lofted a delivery from Delhi bowler Rasikh Salam towards long-off, Stubbs sprang into action. Despite realizing he was falling back, Stubbs leaped to his right, intercepted the ball, and swiftly threw it back. The third umpire's review confirmed that Stubbs' right leg was well clear of the rope, preserving Delhi's slender lead.The significance of Stubbs' fielding heroics cannot be overstated. Had the ball cleared the boundary, Gujarat Titans would have gained six crucial runs, potentially altering the course of the match. Instead, Stubbs' brilliance restricted them to a single, setting the stage for Delhi's eventual victory.Fielding is not merely about preventing runs or taking catches. It is about creating opportunities, putting pressure on the opposition, and instilling a sense of urgency in the game. A well-coordinated fielding unit can disrupt the rhythm of the batting team, force errors, and create run-out chances.In the match between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans, the fielding efforts of both teams were exemplary. Delhi's fielders were alert, agile, and accurate, while Gujarat's fielders displayed determination and a never-say-die attitude. The result was a high-quality match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.As the IPL 2024 progresses, fielding will continue to play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of matches. Teams that prioritize fielding and invest in developing skilled fielders will have a significant advantage over their opponents. In the end, it is not just the batters and bowlers who win matches; it is the entire team, including the unsung heroes in the field.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have endured a dismal start to the IPL 2024 season, losing seven of their eight matches. However, despite their struggles, they remain mathematically in contention for a playoff berth.To secure a top-four finish, RCB must win all six of their remaining matches. If they achieve this feat, they will finish with 14 points. The best-case scenario for RCB is if the top two or three teams dominate the league, leaving the remaining teams to battle for the remaining spots.Assuming Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad win four, five, and five of their remaining matches respectively, RCB could finish fourth with 14 points, while the other teams would be left with 12 or fewer points.RCB could even finish third if Sunrisers and KKR suffer a sudden slump and finish with only 12 points. In this scenario, Lucknow Super Giants could win five of their last six matches and finish in the top two alongside Royals. RCB would then finish third with 14 points, ahead of six teams tied on 12 points.However, for any of these scenarios to materialize, RCB must start winning consistently and by significant margins. They must also rely on favorable results from other teams.

Rishabh Pant's Scintillating Knock Inspires Delhi Capitals to VictoryIn a remarkable display of batting prowess, Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant returned to competitive cricket with a blistering 88-run knock against Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The match, held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, witnessed Pant's exceptional hitting, which propelled his team to a commanding 224 for 4.Pant, who had been sidelined for several months due to a car accident in 2022, showed no signs of rust as he took on the Gujarat Titans bowlers with aggression. His innings, which came off just 43 deliveries, was a masterclass in power-hitting, featuring five boundaries and eight towering sixes.One of the highlights of Pant's performance was his flawless execution of Mahendra Singh Dhoni's iconic helicopter shot. In the 15.1 over, Pant stood his ground against pacer Mohit Sharma's delivery and effortlessly dispatched the ball over the cow corner. The shot drew thunderous applause from the crowd and even prompted former India captain and Delhi Capitals' Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly to stand up and applaud.Pant's knock was complemented by a contrasting half-century from Axar Patel, who scored 52 off 38 balls. Together, the duo forged a formidable partnership that laid the foundation for Delhi Capitals' victory.The Gujarat Titans bowlers struggled to contain Pant's onslaught, with only Rashid Khan managing to take a wicket. However, the Delhi Capitals batsmen continued to dominate, with Prithvi Shaw (32) and David Warner (28) also contributing valuable runs.In the end, Delhi Capitals' total of 224 proved too much for Gujarat Titans, who were restricted to 180 for 8 in their chase. The victory was a testament to Pant's exceptional batting and the team's overall strength.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has been a hotbed of speculation regarding player selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. With the Indian cricket team announcement for the marquee event just a week away, the competition for slots is fierce. However, based on current form, Delhi Capitals skipper Rishabh Pant appears to have all but secured his spot as the number one wicketkeeper-batter.After recovering from a serious car crash injury, Pant has showcased his exceptional skills behind the stumps and maintained consistency with his batting. However, his performance against Gujarat Titans' Mohit Sharma in the last over of their recent match was nothing short of extraordinary.DC began the final over at 193/4 and ended it on 224/4, thanks to Pant's explosive batting. He smashed 6, 4, 6, 6, and 6 off the last five deliveries, leaving GT in a state of shock. The DC star remained unbeaten on 88* off just 43 balls.In the same match, Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel played contrasting fifties to propel Delhi Capitals to a formidable total of 224 for 4 against Gujarat Titans. After medium pacer Sandeep Warrier (3/15) dismissed the top three batsmen, Axar (66 off 43 balls) and Pant (88 not out of 43 balls) forged a crucial 113-run partnership to stabilize the innings.Pant was in his element, hitting eight maximums and five fours. Tristan Stubbs also contributed with a quickfire 26 off 7 balls.With his impressive performances, Pant has emerged as a strong contender for the wicketkeeper-batter role in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024. His ability to combine aggressive batting with reliable wicketkeeping makes him a valuable asset to any team.

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first team to defeat the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at their home ground in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. This victory marks a rare double for LSG, who had previously triumphed over CSK in their own backyard.The absence of key players has forced CSK to make significant changes to their strategy this season. Coach Stephen Fleming acknowledged that the team is "trying to find the right combination" due to unavoidable circumstances, including injuries to Matheesha Pathirana and Rahane, as well as Mustafizur Rahman's absence for the upcoming T20 World Cup.Despite the home crowd's support, CSK's equilibrium has been disrupted by these setbacks. The decision to drop Rachin Ravindra and the inconsistency of Daryl Mitchell's inclusion, along with changes in the batting order, have failed to yield the desired results."We're a little bit uncomfortable with some areas. We're trying to find not a quick fix, but players who will contribute for the back end of this tournament," Fleming said. "We've got another change coming up with Mustafizur (leaving) in a couple of games."In Tuesday's match, Mitchell and Rahane fell cheaply, while Sameer Rizvi also failed to make an impact. Mitchell, who was acquired by CSK for a hefty sum, has struggled to find his form, accumulating only 146 runs in seven innings.Fleming believes that moving Mitchell up the batting order will provide him with more comfort, as he has performed well for New Zealand at the no. 3 position. "Getting up the order is more comfortable for him," Fleming said. "We've looked to rectify that and get him up the order where he has had his best performances internationally."Despite their struggles, CSK remains competitive, as evidenced by their narrow defeat to LSG. Fleming expressed confidence that the team can improve and make a strong run in the tournament. "We're not firing on all cylinders by any means, but we're in each game and we're asking teams to play well to beat us," he said. "We just got to get a little bit better."

With the deadline for announcing India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad approaching on May 1, the BCCI selectors face a daunting task of selecting the best possible team. While some players like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Virat Kohli are likely to be automatic selections, there are several other contenders vying for the limited spots.One player who has emerged as a strong candidate is Shivam Dube. The left-handed batter has been in exceptional form for Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing IPL 2024. In eight matches, he has amassed 311 runs at a strike rate of 169.95, including three half-centuries.Dube's impressive performances have caught the attention of former India stars Suresh Raina and Mohammad Kaif, who have publicly advocated for his inclusion in the World Cup squad. Raina tweeted, "World Cup loading for Shivam Dube! @imAagarkar bhai select karo please," while Kaif wrote, "Shivam Dube is perfect to bat after the top order and before the big hitters. Should be India's No. 4 or No. 5 at World T20."However, some experts have raised concerns about the impact of the new "Impact Player" rule on the role of all-rounders. Under this rule, teams can substitute a player during the match, which could potentially negate the need for a traditional all-rounder like Dube."I completely agree it's debatable, little concern for sure. But we need to find a way on how to deal with it. In Impact Player rule you will find half all-rounders but not not a complete one," said former India pacer Zaheer Khan.Despite these concerns, Dube remains a strong contender for a place in the Indian team. His ability to bat in the middle order and provide power-hitting options makes him a valuable asset. Additionally, he can also contribute with his medium-pace bowling, although he has not had many opportunities to showcase his skills in this department.As the deadline for squad announcement draws near, the BCCI selectors will have to carefully consider all their options and make tough decisions. Shivam Dube's impressive form and versatility make him a strong candidate for a place in the Indian team, but the selectors will need to weigh his strengths and weaknesses against those of other contenders.

David Warner, the beloved Australian opener for the Delhi Capitals, has become a fan favorite in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the years. His exceptional batting skills and entertaining social media presence have endeared him to fans across the country.In a recent video shared by the Delhi Capitals on social media, Warner was teased about obtaining an Aadhaar Card, India's national identity card. The video featured Warner answering questions in Hindi, adding to the amusement of fans.Despite his popularity, the Delhi Capitals have struggled in the ongoing IPL season, losing five of their eight matches. Warner acknowledges the need for improvement, stating, "We're not where we want to be for the team's sake. We'd like to win a few more games."Warner believes the team needs to minimize totals and put up big scores when batting first. He also highlights the strength of the bowling attack, which bowled out the Gujarat Titans for 89 in their first leg match."We know when we take wickets up front and early, we're a very dangerous bowling attack," Warner said.Warner praised two young players who have impressed him this season: Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abishek Porel. He said, "Jake's been very good. We know he's always had the talent. Abishek Porel has been outstanding as well."With the IPL season nearing its end, the Delhi Capitals will need to turn things around quickly to secure a spot in the playoffs. Warner's leadership and experience will be crucial in guiding the team towards success.