Cricket

Mitchell Starc's underwhelming performance in Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) nail-biting 4-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has raised concerns despite the team's triumph.Starc, who was acquired for a staggering Rs 24.75 crore in the IPL 2024 auction, failed to live up to expectations in his much-anticipated return to the KKR lineup. The Australian speedster struggled against SRH batters throughout his spell, leaking 53 runs in his four-over quota.Despite maintaining a pace above 140kmph, Starc's economy rate of 13.20 and six wide deliveries highlighted his struggles. Tasked with leading the bowling attack while defending a formidable target of 209, Starc's performance was inconsistent.While he started by conceding 12 runs in his first over, he failed to maintain control, conceding 10 runs in the second. Although he bounced back with an impressive 16th over, conceding only 5 runs, his costly 19th over, where he gave away 26 runs, allowed SRH to mount a significant comeback.Starc's lackluster display has left Kolkata fans questioning his ability to justify his hefty price tag. Signed for a record-breaking amount, his performance against SRH has raised doubts about his potential impact for KKR this season.With the spotlight firmly on him, Starc will be under pressure to rediscover his form and make a meaningful contribution to Kolkata Knight Riders' campaign in the remainder of the IPL season.

Shah Rukh Khan's Smoking Controversy Overshadows KKR's Thrilling VictoryKolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) thrilling 4-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Eden Gardens on Saturday was marred by a controversy involving team owner Shah Rukh Khan. Social media posts alleged that Khan was smoking inside the stadium premises, sparking criticism and debate.The incident occurred during the IPL 2024 match, with pictures and videos circulating online suggesting that Khan was smoking in the VIP box. NDTV could not independently verify the authenticity of the claims. However, the incident drew widespread attention and condemnation from many users.The controversy comes amidst a similar incident during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final, where Imad Wasim was photographed smoking a cigarette inside the dressing room. Such incidents have raised concerns about the adherence to smoking regulations in sports venues.Meanwhile, on the field, Andre Russell's explosive half-century propelled KKR to a challenging total of 209. SRH's Heinrich Klaasen fought valiantly with a 29-ball 63, but his efforts ultimately fell short as KKR held on for a narrow victory.The match began with a blistering start from SRH openers Mayank Agarwal and Abhishek Sharma, who raced to 50 runs in just 4.3 overs. However, Harshit Rana dismissed Agarwal for 32, and Andre Russell claimed the wicket of Sharma for 32, leaving SRH at 71/2.Rahul Tripathi and Aiden Markram helped SRH cross 100 runs, but Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine struck to leave the visitors in trouble at 111/4. Heinrich Klaasen and Abdul Samad briefly threatened a comeback, but Russell dismissed the latter for 15.Klaasen and Shahbaz Ahmed then forged a 50-run partnership, giving SRH hope. Klaasen reached his half-century in just 25 balls, and the duo needed 13 runs off the final over. However, Rana dismissed both Klaasen and Ahmed in the final over, securing a thrilling victory for KKR.

Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has heaped praise on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Shreyas Iyer, comparing him to the legendary Shahid Afridi with the added advantage of brains. Sidhu believes Iyer has the potential to excel in the upcoming IPL 2024, especially after being overlooked for the BCCI central contracts.Sidhu lauded Iyer's ability to adapt to different situations while batting, saying, "He reminds me of a better Shahid Afridi. An Afridi with better brains. He adapts to the situation." Sidhu also praised Iyer's tenacity and determination, particularly after recovering from a serious injury.Meanwhile, KKR's former captain Gautam Gambhir has returned as a mentor for the team. Gambhir, who led KKR to two IPL titles and five playoffs during his tenure, has been tasked with guiding the team to success once again.KKR has made a significant signing in Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who will be expected to play a crucial role in the power-play and death overs. The team also boasts a strong batting lineup, including Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Phil Salt, Venkatesh Iyer, and Shreyas Iyer.However, KKR's success will depend on the performance of their spinners, such as Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, and Suyash Sharma. The team will need to utilize the home conditions to provide assistance to their spin bowlers.

KKR's Gurbaz Wins Hearts with Gloves Gift to FanAhead of the Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) season opener in the Indian Premier League (IPL), wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz made a heartwarming gesture by gifting his batting gloves to a young fan.During an interaction with fans at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Gurbaz posed for pictures and surprised a young boy by handing him his gloves. The moment was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media.Gurbaz, who was retained by KKR ahead of the IPL 2024 auction, is expected to play a crucial role at the top of the order. Last season, he scored 227 runs in 11 games, including two half-centuries.Meanwhile, KKR finished seventh last season under the leadership of Nitish Rana, who replaced the injured Shreyas Iyer. Iyer is set to resume captaincy duties this season, but rumors suggest he may miss the first few games due to a back issue.During the auction, KKR made headlines by acquiring Australian pacer Mitchell Starc for a record-breaking Rs 24.75 crore. Despite spending a significant portion of their purse on Starc, KKR managed to secure nine additional players.KKR will kick off their IPL 2024 campaign against SunRisers Hyderabad on Saturday, March 23, at the Eden Gardens.

In a thrilling encounter during the IPL 2024 match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), young fast bowler Harshit Rana emerged as the hero, defending 13 runs in the final over to secure a nail-biting victory for KKR.Rana's composure under pressure was remarkable. Despite Heinrich Klaasen's blistering six off the first ball of the final over, Rana remained unfazed. He conceded a single before dismissing Shahbaz Ahmed, who attempted a match-winning six but was caught by Shreyas Iyer at long-on.Marco Jansen's single brought Klaasen back on strike, but Rana's clever off-cutter deceived the batsman, who miscued his shot. Suyash Sharma's brilliant effort at short third, diving full stretch to complete the catch, proved crucial.With 5 runs needed off the final ball, SRH skipper Pat Cummins faced Rana. The pacer's slower delivery outside the off stump proved too challenging for Cummins, who failed to make contact, sealing KKR's victory.Earlier, Andre Russell's all-round brilliance had propelled KKR to a competitive 208 for seven. Russell's unbeaten 64 off 25 balls, including seven sixes, and Phil Salt's 54 off 40 balls set the platform for KKR's total.SRH's chase was spearheaded by Klaasen's 63 off 29 balls, but Rana's heroics in the final over ultimately denied them victory.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has predicted that Virat Kohli will emerge as the leading run-scorer in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which commences on March 22. Vaughan's prediction stems from Kohli's exceptional track record in the tournament, where he holds the distinction of being the all-time leading run-getter.Kohli's return to the cricket field after a brief hiatus has generated immense excitement among fans. The star batter opted to skip the England Test series to be with his wife, Anushka Sharma, during the birth of their second child.Vaughan believes that Kohli's absence from competitive cricket will not hinder his performance in the IPL. "Virat Kohli will be the leading run-scorer," Vaughan asserted on the Club Prairie Fire podcast. "Rohit Sharma will have the best strike rate in IPL 2024, but Virat Kohli will be the leading run-scorer."However, former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist expressed a different opinion, backing Rajasthan Royals' Yashasvi Jaiswal to claim the top honors among batters.Kohli's last competitive outing was in January during the two T20I matches of the three-match series against Afghanistan. Since then, he has been eagerly awaiting his return to the field, where he will don the red and gold colors of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).Kohli's IPL statistics are nothing short of remarkable. In 237 matches and 229 innings, he has amassed 7,263 runs at an average of 37.24 and a strike rate of 130.02. His highest score is 113, and he has scored seven centuries and 50 fifties in his IPL career.Last season, Kohli was the fourth-highest run-getter, piling up 639 runs at an average of 53.25 and a strike rate of 139.82. His best score was 101*. The 35-year-old scored two centuries and six fifties but could not guide his side to the playoffs.RCB will kick off their IPL campaign on Friday against the Chennai Super Kings in an away match. Kohli's presence in the lineup is expected to boost RCB's chances of success in the tournament.

Rajasthan Royals' star batter Jos Buttler paid homage to the legendary MS Dhoni by attempting his iconic helicopter shot during a pre-match net session in Jaipur. The playful gesture not only showcased Buttler's versatility but also highlighted the enduring legacy of Dhoni's signature stroke.Buttler's attempt at the helicopter shot added an element of excitement and nostalgia for fans and teammates alike. The England cricketer, known for his aggressive batting style, demonstrated his ability to adapt and emulate different techniques.The gesture also served as a reminder of Dhoni's immense impact on the cricketing world. The former India captain popularized the helicopter shot, a powerful and unorthodox stroke that became synonymous with his explosive batting.Buttler's consistent performances in the IPL have earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the tournament. In IPL 2023, he scored 392 runs in 14 matches, despite facing five ducks. His ability to anchor innings and score quick runs makes him a valuable asset to any team.In IPL 2022, Buttler's exceptional form saw him clinch the prestigious Orange Cap with a staggering 863 runs, including four centuries. His performances propelled Rajasthan Royals to the final, showcasing his ability to lead from the front.Throughout his IPL career, Buttler has accumulated 3223 runs at an impressive average of 37.92 and a blistering strike rate of 148.32. His innings have been characterized by a blend of aggression and finesse, resulting in five centuries and 19 half-centuries.In the IPL 2024 auction, Rajasthan bolstered their squad with strategic acquisitions, bringing in talents such as Rovman Powell, Shubham Dubey, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Abid Mushtaq, and Nandre Burger. These additions aim to further strengthen the team's composition and increase their chances of success in the upcoming season.

Delhi Capitals Suffer Major Setback as Ishant Sharma Sustains Ankle InjuryIn a major blow to the Delhi Capitals (DC), veteran fast bowler Ishant Sharma suffered an ankle injury during their opening fixture of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) against the Punjab Kings in Mullanpur, Chandigarh.The incident occurred during the final over of the powerplay as Punjab Kings chased a target of 175 runs. Ishant collected a single off Mitchell Marsh's delivery but twisted his right ankle while attempting to throw it back to the wicketkeeper.The injury was severe, with Ishant collapsing to the ground in agony. The physio rushed to his aid and assisted him off the field.Ishant's injury is a significant setback for the Delhi Capitals, who are already facing a depleted squad due to the absence of Lungi Ngidi and Harry Brook. The team's bowling options have been severely impacted, leaving captain Rishabh Pant with fewer resources.Before the injury, Ishant had already made a significant impact on the match, bowling two overs for 16 runs and dismissing Shikhar Dhawan.The injury to Ishant Sharma has raised concerns about the Delhi Capitals' prospects for the remainder of the season. The franchise is hopeful that the injury is not severe and that Ishant will recover swiftly.Meanwhile, English all-rounder Sam Curran played a pivotal role in the Punjab Kings' victory over the Delhi Capitals. Curran's aggressive half-century, crafted from just 47 balls, propelled Punjab Kings to chase down the target of 175 runs with four wickets in hand and four balls to spare.Curran found valuable support from his compatriot, Liam Livingstone, who remained unbeaten on 38 runs off 21 balls, as the duo orchestrated a successful chase for Punjab Kings.Earlier in the match, Delhi, led by the returning Pant, posted a total of 174 for nine after their innings. However, Pant failed to make a significant impact with the bat, and Punjab Kings capitalised on the opportunity to restrict the Delhi Capitals' scoring.

Andre Russell's Six-Hitting Extravaganza Powers Kolkata Knight Riders to Massive TotalKolkata Knight Riders' Andre Russell unleashed a whirlwind knock against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens on Saturday, propelling his team to a formidable 208/7. The West Indian all-rounder's unbeaten 25-ball 64, studded with seven towering sixes and three fours, was a testament to his destructive power.Russell's onslaught began in the 16th over, when he took on Sunrisers leg-spinner Markande. He sent the ball soaring into the stands with three consecutive sixes, leaving Markande bewildered. The leg-spinner thought he had his revenge when Aiden Markram took a stunning catch at long-on, but replays showed that the ball had touched the ground, giving Russell a reprieve on 20.Undeterred, Russell continued his assault, targeting Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the 19th over. The pacer was smoked for two fours and two sixes, conceding a total of 26 runs. Russell's innings propelled KKR to a massive total, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.With his blistering knock, Russell became the ninth batter in IPL history to reach the milestone of 200 sixes. He achieved the feat in just 97 innings, highlighting his exceptional power-hitting ability. West Indies legend Chris Gayle leads the list with 357 sixes, followed by Rohit Sharma (257 sixes) and AB de Villiers (251 sixes).Russell's performance was a reminder of his match-winning capabilities. His ability to clear the boundary with ease makes him a formidable force in the IPL. Kolkata Knight Riders will be hoping that he can continue his destructive form throughout the tournament and help them secure a playoff berth.