Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season kicked off with a highly anticipated clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Chennai. Former RCB star AB de Villiers expressed his skepticism about MS Dhoni's decision to step down as CSK captain in favor of Ruturaj Gaikwad.De Villiers, now a cricket analyst, stated, "I think it's a huge mistake. To me, MS Dhoni is five guys in the team as captain. Will that work together? I am not sure. We will have to wait and see. I do think it's a mistake. What happened last time is similar. I feel CSK's all about MS Dhoni's leadership. And his captaincy will be a mistake."Gaikwad, the newly appointed CSK skipper, revealed that Dhoni had hinted at the captaincy change last year. "Last year itself, Mahi bhai had hinted about captaincy at some point of time. He just hinted that, 'be ready, it shouldn't be a surprise to you'. When we came into the camp, he involved me in some of the match simulation."Despite losing the toss, Gaikwad remained confident. "Feel privileged. But I want to try and be in my shoes, not fill anybody's shoes. (On captaincy) I got to know last week, but Mahi bhai hinted at it last year," he said.CSK fans have high hopes for the season under Gaikwad's leadership. His past success, including leading India to gold in the Hangzhou Asian Games, adds weight to their expectations.

Social media sensation Orry made a surprising appearance on the IPL 2024 commentary panel for the opening match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Despite having no prior experience in cricket commentary, Orry's presence alongside renowned experts like Virender Sehwag and Suresh Raina sparked mixed reactions.Orry's inclusion was widely seen as an attempt to attract viewers and generate buzz. However, some questioned his qualifications as a cricket expert. On social media, fans expressed their skepticism, with one user tweeting, "Ye orry kaun sa cricket expert hai?" (Who is this Orry cricket expert?).Meanwhile, others defended Orry's presence, arguing that his popularity and social media reach could bring a fresh perspective to the commentary. They pointed to his ability to connect with a younger audience and his potential to make the game more accessible to new fans.In a related development, newly appointed Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad credited the franchise's unwavering support for his resurgence in form. Gaikwad had endured a difficult start to the season, scoring just five runs in his first three innings. However, CSK management assured him of their belief in his abilities, which gave him the confidence to turn things around.Gaikwad went on to win the Orange Cap in the 2021 season, scoring 635 runs at an average of 45.35. He has since become a key player for CSK, scoring over 1,700 runs in 52 matches.Gaikwad emphasized the importance of supporting young players and creating a positive environment within the team. He said, "I am trying to help younger players who are not able to get games, make sure they are in good and happy space and do not feel frustrated."

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is set to kick off on March 22, and cricket enthusiasts in the USA are eagerly anticipating the headline clash between reigning champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Chennai.For fans in the USA, the 'Willow by Cricbuzz' app is the go-to destination to catch all the IPL action. The app offers seamless live streaming and comprehensive coverage of every match.Abound, a Times of India company, is a super app tailored for NRIs, providing unbeatable cashback offers and remittances for Indians in the US. By joining Abound, cricket enthusiasts can access free IPL 2024 live streaming on the 'Willow by Cricbuzz' app. New users signing up for Abound receive 100% cashback for 3 months, making it a perfect opportunity to enjoy uninterrupted cricket action.The 'Willow by Cricbuzz' App Plans in the US are as follows:* Monthly Price: $9.99 USD (Get 100% cashback for 3 months through Abound)* Yearly Price: $79.99 USD (Receive $15 USD cashback via payment through Abound)To watch IPL 2024 live streaming online on the 'Willow by Cricbuzz' App:1. Click here to subscribe to the 'Willow by Cricbuzz' App.2. Select your desired plan and click on the subscribe button.3. New users must sign up for an account, while existing users can log in with their credentials.4. Choose your preferred payment method, complete the payment, and you're ready to enjoy IPL live streaming in the USA.The IPL is renowned for uniting cricket's finest talents, showcasing brilliance from established stars to emerging talents. With its legacy of delivering thrilling moments and gripping contests, the IPL promises to captivate cricket enthusiasts globally.Don't miss out on the excitement of IPL 2024—tune in to the 'Willow by Cricbuzz' app and immerse yourself in the cricketing extravaganza. Stay updated with the latest news, ball-by-ball coverage, and insights on TimesofIndia.com, your ultimate source for IPL updates.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batter, is poised to make a grand return to the cricket field in the season opener of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Friday holds the potential for Kohli to etch his name in the history books.Kohli's last appearance on the international stage was in January 2024, during the third T20I match between India and Afghanistan. Since then, he has been on a break, missing the recently concluded Test series against England.However, his return to the IPL has sparked excitement among fans and pundits alike. If Kohli scores just six runs against CSK, he will become the first Indian batter to reach the milestone of 12,000 runs in T20 cricket. Currently, he stands at 11,994 runs from 376 T20 matches.Kohli is also on the cusp of becoming the first Indian batter to score 100 half-centuries in T20s. He currently has 99 fifties to his name, trailing only Chris Gayle (110) and David Warner (109) on the all-time list.Furthermore, Kohli has the opportunity to become the second batter to score 1000 runs against CSK in the IPL. With 985 runs in 31 matches against the Chennai-based franchise, he needs just 15 more runs to achieve this remarkable feat.Kohli's return to the IPL is particularly significant given his status as the tournament's all-time leading run-scorer. In 237 matches and 229 innings, he has amassed 7263 runs at an average of 37.24 and a strike rate of 130.02. His best 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 in the IPL, scoring 639 runs at an average of 53.25 and a strike rate of 139.82. His best score was 101*, and he scored two centuries and six fifties. However, he was unable to lead RCB to the playoffs.The 17th season of the IPL promises to be an exciting one, and Kohli's return is sure to add to the spectacle. The Southern derby between CSK and RCB on Friday will be a fitting stage for the Indian batting maestro to make history.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is set to kick off with a grand opening ceremony at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, March 24th. The ceremony will precede the first match of the tournament between defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).The opening ceremony promises to be a star-studded affair, featuring performances by Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff, singer Sonu Nigam, and musical maestro AR Rahman. Swedish DJ Axwell, a member of the Swedish House Mafia, will also enthrall the fans with a live performance.The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM, while the match will get underway at 8 PM. The opening ceremony will be telecasted on the Star Sports Network and can be streamed for free on Jio Cinema.This year's IPL season promises to be an exciting one, with many enthralling duels expected on the field. The tournament will see the return of several star players, including Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya.Dhoni, who stepped down as CSK captain on the eve of the opening match, will be replaced by opening batter Ruturaj Gaikwad. Kohli will be leading RCB for the first time since the birth of his son, while Pandya will be captaining Mumbai Indians, a franchise he had left a couple of seasons ago.The IPL 2024 will feature 10 teams, with the addition of two new franchises, Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans. The tournament will be played across 12 venues in India, with the final scheduled to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 28th.

Jasprit Bumrah Returns to Mumbai Indians, Bolstering IPL Title HopesStar Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has made a triumphant return to the Mumbai Indians (MI) training camp, adding a formidable force to the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions. Bumrah's comeback marks a significant boost for MI ahead of the upcoming season, as he missed IPL 2023 due to a back stress injury.Since his IPL debut with MI in 2013, Bumrah has been an indispensable asset to the franchise. In 120 matches, he has claimed an impressive 145 wickets with an economical rate of 7.4. His return adds depth and experience to MI's bowling attack, bolstering their aspirations for another title.The official MI social media handle announced Bumrah's arrival with excitement, exclaiming, "Why fear? BOOM is here." This signals Bumrah's readiness to return to action with the franchise.As the countdown to IPL 2024 intensifies, MI prepares for their opening encounter against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. With high hopes and aspirations, MI aims to kickstart their campaign with a victory and set the tone for a successful season.In IPL 2023, MI had a commendable performance, reaching the knockout stages. Despite finishing fourth in the rankings, they fell short of clinching their sixth title, losing in Qualifier 2 to Gujarat Titans.With renewed determination and a formidable lineup, MI is poised to make a strong statement in IPL 2024. They aim for glory and redemption as they embark on their quest for another championship triumph.

Mumbai Indians (MI) have bolstered their bowling attack with the acquisition of 17-year-old South African speedster Kwena Maphaka. The young pacer joins the franchise as a replacement for Sri Lankan pacer Dilshan Madushanka, who suffered a hamstring injury.Maphaka, who hails from Johannesburg, caught the attention of MI scouts during the recent U19 World Cup in South Africa. In nine matches, he scalped 21 wickets at an astonishing average of 9.71, showcasing his exceptional pace and wicket-taking ability.The 17-year-old's arrival in Mumbai was met with a heartwarming moment when his mother posed a question through the MI admin: how would he manage his studies while playing in the IPL? Maphaka responded with determination, stating that he would balance his cricket commitments with extra lessons and hard work.Maphaka's T20 record is equally impressive, with 13 wickets in nine games at an economy rate of 6.71. He possesses a lethal bouncer that can unsettle batters and has the ability to generate speeds of up to 140kph.MI head coach Mark Boucher, a fellow South African, will play a crucial role in Maphaka's development. The young pacer will have the opportunity to learn from two of the world's best bowlers, Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah, who serve as MI's bowling coach and star pacer, respectively.Maphaka's addition to the MI squad adds depth to their bowling attack. He will join a formidable lineup that includes Bumrah, Malinga, Jofra Archer, and Daniel Sams. The franchise will be hoping that the young South African can make an immediate impact and contribute to their success in the upcoming IPL season.

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma is preparing for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season with a customized training program, which has kept him out of Mumbai Indians' practice games.Rohit, who led India to a historic Test victory over England recently, joined the Mumbai Indians squad on Monday but has not participated in any practice matches. According to a release from the franchise, Rohit is undergoing a "customized training program that involves simulated net sessions, mobility and strength and conditioning sessions" ahead of the new season."Rohit Sharma, who joined the squad on Monday, is on a customized training program that involves simulated net sessions, mobility and strength and conditioning sessions, for the past 3 days, hence stayed back in Mumbai to focus on his pre-season program. Rohit did not take part in the practice game," said MI in an official release.Rohit is expected to be available for Mumbai Indians' IPL opener against Gujarat Titans on Sunday. The star batter will join the team in Ahmedabad later this week.Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya, who has replaced Rohit as Mumbai Indians captain for the 2024 season, has been actively participating in practice sessions. Pandya, who led Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in 2022, is set to make his captaincy debut for Mumbai Indians this season.The Mumbai Indians played their first intra-squad practice game behind closed doors in Mumbai on Wednesday before departing for Ahmedabad. The team is looking to bounce back from a disappointing performance in the previous IPL season, where they finished last in the points table.

The opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the tournament's most successful teams, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The match will be played at the iconic M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 22.CSK, led by the newly appointed captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, will be eager to start their campaign on a positive note. The team has a strong batting lineup, with the likes of Devon Conway, Ambati Rayudu, and Shivam Dubey. However, they will miss the experience and leadership of M.S. Dhoni, who has retired from the IPL.RCB, on the other hand, will be looking to make a statement under the captaincy of Virat Kohli. The team has a formidable batting lineup, with Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Glenn Maxwell. However, their bowling attack has been a concern in recent seasons.The match is expected to be a battle of contrasting styles. CSK relies on its spinners to control the game, while RCB prefers to attack with its explosive batting lineup. The outcome of the match will likely depend on how well RCB's batters handle CSK's spin attack.RCB will be hoping that Kohli can hit the ground running after a two-month break from competitive cricket. The former India captain has been in excellent form in recent months, and his return will be a major boost for RCB.On the other hand, CSK will be confident of starting their campaign with a win. The team has a strong record at home, and they will be looking to make the most of the home advantage.The opening match of the IPL is always a special occasion, and this year's clash between CSK and RCB promises to be no different. Both teams will be eager to start their campaign on a positive note, and the match is sure to be a thrilling contest.