Cricket

Suresh Raina Aids Limping MS Dhoni After CSK's Triumph Over Mumbai IndiansFormer Indian batsman Suresh Raina displayed his camaraderie with MS Dhoni after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) secured a 20-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Raina was seen assisting Dhoni back to the team bus as the latter appeared to be limping.Dhoni, who is on the verge of surpassing AB de Villiers as the sixth-highest run-scorer in IPL history, has amassed 5121 runs in 255 matches. He needs just 40 more runs to achieve this milestone.In a video posted by CSK, Raina can be seen lending a helping hand to Dhoni as he boards the team bus after the match. The defending champions emerged victorious by 20 runs in the 29th fixture of the IPL 2024.Raina, who is fifth on the list with 5528 runs in 205 IPL matches, has played a crucial role in CSK's success over the years. He has scored runs at an average of 32.51 and at a strike rate of 136.73 with the best score of 100*.In the match against MI, Rohit Sharma's valiant second IPL century went in vain as a four-wicket haul from Matheesha Pathirana restricted MI to 186/6 in their 20 overs. CSK, in response, posted a strong 206/4 thanks to big half-centuries from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube. Dhoni's hat-trick of sixes in the final over sealed the victory for CSK.With this win, CSK moved to third place in the standings with four wins and two losses, while MI remained in eighth place with two wins and four losses.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) engaged in a playful banter on social media, poking fun at pacer Avesh Khan for his batting performance in the IPL 2024 match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).Avesh, who is known for his bowling prowess, remained unbeaten on zero as Jos Buttler single-handedly guided RR to a thrilling victory. Chasing 224 for victory, RR found themselves in a precarious position at 121-6 in the 13th over. However, Buttler's unbeaten 107 off just 60 balls propelled RR to achieve the target on the final ball.While the cricket fraternity lauded Buttler for his match-winning knock, RR took the opportunity to have some fun with Avesh, labeling him a "finisher.""Finisher saahab," RR tweeted, along with a picture of Avesh.LSG, Avesh's former franchise, joined in the banter, reminding fans about his scoreless cameo for them during an IPL 2024 game against RCB last year."2023: 0*(1)\n2024: 0*(0)\nAvesh the Finisher," LSG tweeted.Meanwhile, RR's victory over KKR marked the joint-biggest successful chase in IPL history. The Sanju Samson-led side emulated their own record from IPL 2020 when they chased down 224 against Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) in Sharjah.Buttler, who missed the last game due to injury, made a remarkable return, scoring his second century of the season in 55 balls."Keep believing, that was the real key today. I was struggling a bit for rhythm. At times you feel frustrated or you are questioning yourself. I tell myself 'It's okay, keep going, you'll get your rhythm back and try to stay calm'. There's been plenty of times throughout the IPL, you've seen crazy things happen. Guys like (M.S.) Dhoni and (Virat) Kohli, the way they stay till the end and keep believing and I tried to do the same," Buttler said after the match.Buttler now sits second in the all-time list of centurions in IPL, with RCB icon Virat Kohli (8) only one ton ahead of him.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, may have retired from international cricket in 2020, but he continues to dominate the Indian Premier League (IPL) with his exceptional batting skills. In a recent match against Mumbai Indians, Dhoni once again proved his mettle by smashing three consecutive sixes off Hardik Pandya's bowling in the final four balls of the innings, leading Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to a thrilling victory.Dhoni's unbeaten 20-run knock proved to be the decisive factor in CSK's 20-run win. His performance has sparked discussions about his potential inclusion in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.In a viral podcast video, former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist expressed his admiration for Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik, another experienced Indian wicketkeeper-batsman. Gilchrist praised their skills and predicted a bright future for both players."Every game, every night everyone is speculating which Indian is going to get a boarding pass to the Caribbean," Gilchrist said. "The keeper-batsman's role is to an extent up for grabs. Amazing amount of young keeper-batsmen at your disposal to pick from. And I reckon the two standouts, two youngsters who are really shining, who I reckon they both gonna have a big future when they grow up, be older and more mature - Dinesh Karthik and MSD. I reckon they're gonna be great players when they grow up."Gilchrist's sarcastic remark drew smiles from India captain Rohit Sharma and former England captain Michael Vaughan. Rohit acknowledged Karthik's impressive batting performance in recent matches and Dhoni's impact in the CSK game."Yeah, was quite impressed, quite impressed, specially with Dinesh the way he batted a couple of nights back and Dhoni as well, I mean look he came to play four balls, made a huge impact, got those 20-22 runs and that was eventually the difference in the end," Rohit said.However, Rohit expressed doubts about Dhoni's willingness to participate in the T20 World Cup. "Look it'll be hard to convince MSD for sure to come to West Indies, I guess. He's sick and tired. He's coming to US though, to do something else. He's into golf now, so he's coming to play golf I guess. DK will be easy to convince I guess," Rohit said.Karthik has been in excellent form in IPL 2024, scoring 226 runs from seven matches. Against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he smashed a 35-ball 83 while chasing 288 for victory. Despite his efforts, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lost the match by 25 runs.

Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians Set for Clash in IPL 2024Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) will face off in a crucial encounter in Match 33 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The match will take place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Mohali, on Thursday.Both teams have struggled in the tournament so far, with PBKS sitting seventh and MI eighth in the points table after six matches. PBKS lost their previous match to Rajasthan Royals by three wickets, while MI suffered a 20-run defeat against Chennai Super Kings.Pitch and Weather ConditionsThe pitch at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium is expected to favor batters, with good stroke play possible. The surface will not provide much assistance to bowlers, making wicket-taking challenging. The average first-innings score at this venue in the last 20 matches is 151 runs.The weather forecast predicts a temperature of around 28 degrees Celsius, humidity of 28%, and winds at a speed of 1.73 m/s. Cloudy weather is expected during the match, which could aid pacers with movement.Head-to-HeadIn the 31 matches played between these two teams, PBKS' bowlers have earned the most fantasy points, while MI's batters have been the top fantasy point-getters.Fantasy PicksCaptain and Vice-Captain:* Captain: Sam Curran (PBKS)* Vice-Captain: Romario Shepherd (PBKS)Wicket-Keeper: Ishan Kishan (MI)Batters:* Suryakumar Yadav (MI)* Shikhar Dhawan (PBKS)* Shashank Singh (PBKS)* Rohit Sharma (MI)All-Rounders:* Sam Curran (PBKS)* Hardik Pandya (MI)* Romario Shepherd (PBKS)Bowlers:* Jasprit Bumrah (MI)* Gerald Coetzee (PBKS)* Arshdeep Singh (PBKS)* Kagiso Rabada (PBKS)ConclusionThe clash between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians promises to be an exciting encounter. Both teams will be desperate for a win to improve their standings in the IPL 2024 points table. With a balanced team and a favorable pitch, PBKS will be the slight favorites, but MI will be determined to prove their worth and secure a much-needed victory.

Rajasthan Royals' remarkable run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 continued on Tuesday as they pulled off a thrilling two-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens. The win propelled RR to the top of the standings with 12 points, putting them on the cusp of securing a playoff berth.The match witnessed two scintillating centuries from KKR's Sunil Narine (109 off 56) and RR's Jos Buttler (107 off 60). However, it was a spectacular fielding effort by Avesh Khan that stole the show.In the fourth over of KKR's innings, Khan outstretched his arm to grab a stunning catch off Phil Salt's shot. The improbability of the catch, coupled with Khan's subsequent celebration with Sanju Samson, made it an unforgettable moment.This catch was particularly significant given Khan's frustration with Samson during RR's previous match against Punjab Kings. In that game, Samson ignored Khan's call for a catch, leading to a dropped opportunity. Khan's frustration was evident, and the catch against KKR seemed to be a redemption of sorts.KKR, batting first, posted a formidable 223/6 thanks to Narine's blistering knock. RR's chase got off to a shaky start, but Buttler's heroics turned the tide. The English opener played a match-winning innings, hitting 10 fours and 6 sixes to guide his team to victory.The win was a testament to RR's resilience and determination. Despite losing early wickets, they never gave up and fought back valiantly. Buttler's century was a masterclass in batting, while Khan's catch showcased the team's fielding prowess.With just a few games remaining in the league stage, RR is well-positioned to secure a playoff spot. Their impressive performances have made them one of the favorites to lift the IPL 2024 trophy.

Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has taken a sharp dig at renowned cricket commentator and analyst Harsha Bhogle over his remarks on the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Bhogle had suggested that CSK were 20 runs short of the par score during their IPL 2024 match against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium.Sivaramakrishnan, however, blasted Bhogle for his prediction, accusing him of bias against CSK and Chennai players. He questioned Bhogle's contribution to Indian cricket and suggested that he was more interested in promoting Mumbai teams.Despite Bhogle's prediction, CSK bowlers executed their plans to perfection, restricting MI to 186/6 in the chase and winning the game by 20 runs. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar criticized MI skipper Hardik Pandya for his leadership qualities, while MI batting coach Kieron Pollard defended Pandya and expressed frustration over the criticism directed at him.Sivaramakrishnan's comments have sparked a debate on the role of commentators and analysts in cricket. Some have defended Bhogle's right to express his opinions, while others have accused him of being biased and lacking objectivity.The incident highlights the importance of impartiality and professionalism in cricket commentary. Commentators and analysts should strive to provide fair and balanced analysis, avoiding personal attacks or bias towards particular teams or players.

Rishabh Pant's exceptional performance on Wednesday led Delhi Capitals to a resounding victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2024. Pant's brilliance behind the stumps and his unbeaten knock propelled DC to their biggest win in IPL history.As Gujarat Titans struggled to put up a competitive total, Pant's wicketkeeping skills were on full display. He was involved in four dismissals, including a stunning one-handed catch off David Miller's inside edge. His agility and quick reflexes left the GT batters frustrated.Pant's impact extended beyond his wicketkeeping. He remained unbeaten on 45 off just 28 deliveries, guiding DC to victory in just 8.5 overs. His aggressive batting and smart shot selection showcased his maturity and leadership qualities.Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting has been vocal about Pant's credentials as India's No. 1 wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup. "He deserves to be in that WT20 squad by the end of the IPL," Ponting said. "He has proven himself time and again."While acknowledging the depth of options available to Indian selectors, Ponting believes Pant remains the top choice. "If I was picking a team, I would have Rishabh Pant in it every day of the week," he stated.Pant's performance against Gujarat Titans further solidified his status as a world-class wicketkeeper-batter. His ability to contribute with both bat and gloves makes him an invaluable asset to any team. As the IPL season progresses, Pant will undoubtedly continue to play a pivotal role in Delhi Capitals' quest for glory.

Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians: A Tale of Contrasting FortunesThe Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, two teams with contrasting fortunes in IPL 2024, will face off in a crucial encounter at Mullanpur on Thursday.Batting DisparityPunjab Kings have struggled with their batting, with only one batter (Liam Livingstone) scoring over 150 runs. Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, boast three batters with over 150 runs, including Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan, who have formed a formidable opening partnership.Bowling ProwessIn contrast to their batting, Punjab Kings have excelled with their bowling. They possess the best bowling average and fourth-best economy rate in the tournament. Mumbai Indians, despite the brilliance of Jasprit Bumrah, have one of the weakest bowling attacks, with a high average and economy rate.Venue FactorMullanpur has been a challenging venue for batters, with the lowest powerplay run rate in IPL 2024. This could pose a significant challenge for Mumbai Indians' openers, who are accustomed to a quick start.Team NewsPunjab Kings may consider replacing Jonny Bairstow with Rilee Rossouw, while Mumbai Indians could bring in Nuwan Thushara for Mohammad Nabi.Players in FocusKagiso Rabada has been a standout performer for Punjab Kings, taking wickets at an impressive economy rate. Rohit Sharma has been in scintillating form for Mumbai Indians, enjoying his best start to an IPL season.Stats and Trivia* Rohit Sharma is set to become the second player after MS Dhoni to play 250 IPL matches.* Ishan Kishan has a high strike rate against Arshdeep Singh but has been dismissed three times by him in 12 balls.* Rabada has a strong record against Suryakumar Yadav, dismissing him three times in 52 balls.Pitch and ConditionsTeams winning the toss have preferred to chase at Mullanpur, with two wins out of three games this season. The pitch is expected to be batting-friendly, favoring both teams' strong batting lineups.

Punjab Kings skipper Shikhar Dhawan has taken to social media to express his love for his son, Zoraver, amidst a challenging IPL season for his team. Dhawan posted a heartwarming picture on Instagram, wearing a jersey with his son's name and number.Dhawan's gesture comes after a difficult period in his personal life, following his separation from his former wife, Ayesha Mukherjee, in 2021. The family court of Delhi granted them a divorce on grounds of cruelty. Dhawan had previously expressed his frustration at being blocked from contacting his son.Despite the personal challenges, Dhawan has remained focused on his cricket. In five matches of IPL 2024, he has scored 152 runs at an average of 30.40, including a half-century. However, he missed the previous game against Rajasthan Royals due to a shoulder injury.Punjab Kings Cricket Director Sanjay Bangar has provided an update on Dhawan's injury, stating that he could be ruled out for at least seven to ten days. This is a significant blow to the team, as Dhawan is an experienced opener with a proven track record in the IPL.Dhawan is the second-highest run-getter in IPL history, with 6768 runs in 222 matches. His absence will be a major concern for Punjab Kings, who are currently struggling in the tournament with two wins and four losses.Despite the setbacks, Dhawan remains a key figure for Punjab Kings. His leadership and experience will be crucial as the team looks to turn their fortunes around in the remaining matches of the IPL.