Cricket

Rishabh Pant Cleared to Return as Delhi Capitals Captain in IPL 2024After a harrowing car crash in December 2022, Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant has been declared fit to resume his role as wicket-keeper batter in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The National Cricket Academy (NCA) has cleared Pant to keep wickets, ending weeks of speculation about his availability.Pant's return is a major boost for the Delhi Capitals, who have been eagerly awaiting his leadership and wicket-keeping skills. The 26-year-old has undergone extensive rehabilitation and is ready to shoulder the dual responsibility in the event starting March 22."After undergoing an extensive 14-month rehab and recovery process, following a life-threatening road mishap on December 30th, 2022, near Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Rishabh Pant has now been declared fit as a wicket-keeper batter for the upcoming IPL 2024," the BCCI said in a statement.Pant's determination to return to action has been evident throughout his recovery process. In an interaction with Star Sports, he recalled telling his doctor that he would shave off at least six months from his recovery timeline."I asked the doctor how long will it take for me to recover. I told him that everybody is speaking different things, but you will give me the most clarity about it. He (Doctor) said it would take 16 to 18 months. I told the doctor from whatever timeline you give me, I will reduce six months from it," Pant had told the official TV broadcasters of IPL.The Delhi Capitals welcomed Pant's return with a heartfelt post on social media. "Ready to ROAR. Welcome back, Rishabh Pant. Can't wait to see you," the franchise captioned a graphic.However, one fan took a humorous jab at the editing skills of the DC admin, saying that even he could have made a better graphic for the returning Pant. Pant, known for his sense of humor, responded to the comment with a laughing emoji.Pant's return to the Delhi Capitals will be a major storyline in IPL 2024. The franchise will be hoping that their skipper can lead them to their maiden IPL title.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is poised to be an exciting spectacle, with teams bolstering their squads through the recent auction. While some teams have maintained their core, others have made significant acquisitions.Australian pace duo Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc commanded record-breaking bids, fetching over Rs 20 crore each for SunRisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders, respectively. This marked the first time the Rs 20 crore threshold was surpassed in IPL history.Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa believes that the absence of a salary cap would result in astronomical salaries for Indian players. He estimates that as many as 10 Indian players could command over Rs 100 crore if the purse limit were removed."With an open auction and no purse limit, we have 10 players who can get over 100 crore," Uthappa said on News24 Sports. "Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal would all be in that bracket."Uthappa, who has played for several IPL franchises, including Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, emphasized the exceptional talent of these players. He highlighted their consistent performances, match-winning abilities, and fan following as factors that would drive their market value.The IPL's salary cap of Rs 100 crore per franchise ensures a level playing field and prevents teams from hoarding star players. However, Uthappa's comments raise questions about the potential financial implications if the cap were lifted.With the IPL 2024 season approaching, fans can expect intense competition and thrilling matches as teams vie for the coveted trophy. The presence of world-class players and the possibility of record-breaking salaries add to the anticipation surrounding the tournament.

The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season brings a significant change for the Mumbai Indians franchise: the appointment of Hardik Pandya as captain, replacing Rohit Sharma. This move has sparked debates and raised questions about Pandya's ability to lead the five-time champions.Former Indian cricketer Praveen Kumar expressed his concerns about the decision in a recent video. He questioned whether Mumbai Indians made a hasty choice, considering Pandya's recent injury history and lack of playing time for India and his state team.Kumar emphasized the importance of prioritizing international cricket over the IPL, urging young players to strike a balance between the two. He believes that players should not neglect domestic and international commitments for financial gain."You don't play two months before, you get injured two months before the IPL, you don't play for the country, you don't play for your state in domestic cricket, and just directly play in the IPL. That's not how things work," Kumar said.He added, "It's okay to earn money, who is stopping you? There's nothing wrong with that. But you have to play for state and country and now people only give importance to the IPL."Kumar's comments highlight the growing concern among former players and fans about the potential impact of the IPL on the development of Indian cricket. They argue that the lucrative franchise league may be distracting players from their international and domestic responsibilities.Despite the concerns, Hardik Pandya remains a talented and experienced player. He has captained the Indian team in limited-overs formats and has led Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in 2022. However, his ability to lead Mumbai Indians to success remains to be seen.The IPL 2024 season will provide a crucial test for Pandya's leadership skills and the Mumbai Indians' decision to appoint him as captain. The franchise will be hoping that he can guide them to another championship while also balancing the demands of the IPL with his international commitments.

IPL 2024: Injury Woes Hit Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Chennai Super KingsThe upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season has been dealt a blow with several key players ruled out due to injuries.Gujarat TitansMohammed Shami, the Titans' leading wicket-taker in the 2023 season, has been ruled out of IPL 2024 after undergoing ankle surgery in London. The injury occurred during the 2023 ODI World Cup. Gujarat Titans have yet to name a replacement.Lucknow Super GiantsMark Wood has been withdrawn from the IPL by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to manage his workload ahead of the T20 World Cup and England's home summer. West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph has been named as his replacement.Rajasthan RoyalsPrasidh Krishna has been ruled out for a second successive IPL season after undergoing surgery on his quadriceps tendon in February. The injury was sustained during the Ranji Trophy.Kolkata Knight RidersJason Roy has withdrawn from IPL 2024 for personal reasons. England's Phil Salt, currently ranked No. 2 in the T20I rankings, has replaced him in the KKR squad.Chennai Super KingsDevon Conway has undergone surgery for a thumb injury and is expected to be out for eight weeks. CSK have not yet named a replacement.Impact on TeamsThese injuries are a significant blow to the affected teams. Shami's absence will leave a void in the Titans' bowling attack, while Wood's withdrawal will weaken the Super Giants' pace department. Krishna's unavailability is a major setback for the Royals, who were hoping to challenge for the title this season. Roy's departure will also be a disappointment for KKR, who were counting on his explosive batting.Replacement OptionsThe affected teams will now have to consider their replacement options. Gujarat Titans may look to sign another Indian fast bowler, while Lucknow Super Giants could target an overseas pacer. Rajasthan Royals may consider promoting a young fast bowler from their academy, while KKR will hope that Salt can fill the void left by Roy.ConclusionThe injuries to these key players are a reminder of the physical demands of cricket and the importance of managing player workloads. The affected teams will now have to adapt and find ways to overcome these setbacks if they want to be successful in IPL 2024.

Kolkata Knight Riders Sign Phil Salt as Jason Roy's Replacement for IPL 2024With just weeks to go before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have announced the signing of Phil Salt as a replacement for Jason Roy. The move comes after Roy withdrew from the tournament at the last moment due to personal reasons.Roy, who was acquired by KKR for INR 1.50 crore in the IPL 2024 auction, explained his decision in a statement, stating that he needed to spend time with his family before embarking on another busy year of cricket."After much consideration, I have made the tough decision to miss this year's IPL. Having been away since the start of January, I need to get back to my family and have a refresh before a very busy year ahead. I will be supporting my friends and teammates at KKR throughout the tournament and wish them the best of luck," Roy said.In response to Roy's withdrawal, KKR swiftly moved to secure the services of Phil Salt, who had gone unsold in the IPL 2024 auction. Salt, an aggressive wicket-keeper batter from England, will be making his second appearance in the IPL after representing the Delhi Capitals last year.Salt's impressive performances in recent months, including two consecutive T20I centuries against the West Indies in December 2023, caught the attention of KKR management. His 48-ball century in the fourth T20I at Trinidad is also the joint-fastest for England.KKR's decision to sign Salt is a strategic move that aims to bolster their batting lineup. The English batter is known for his explosive hitting and ability to score runs quickly, which will be a valuable asset to the team.With the addition of Salt, KKR now have a well-rounded squad that includes a mix of experienced players and exciting young talent. The team will be hoping to make a strong impact in the upcoming IPL season and challenge for the title.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is actively planning for the future, including the succession plan for the captaincy post MS Dhoni's tenure. While Dhoni will continue to lead CSK in IPL 2024, CEO Kasi Viswanathan has revealed that the franchise is leaving the decision of captaincy appointments to the coach and captain.Viswanathan emphasized that owner N Srinivasan has made it clear that the captain and coach will have the autonomy to make decisions regarding leadership. This approach was evident when CSK entrusted Ravindra Jadeja with the captaincy at the beginning of IPL 2022, only for Dhoni to reclaim the role after a string of poor results.Despite ongoing talks about Dhoni's future in the T20 tournament, the former Indian captain has dismissed retirement rumors and committed to playing for CSK for at least another season. Having recovered from a knee injury, Dhoni has been actively involved in leading CSK's training sessions ahead of the new IPL season.Viswanathan outlined that discussions about leadership succession are ongoing internally but emphasized Srinivasan's directive to let the captain and coach determine the course of action regarding captaincy appointments. He recalled that CSK had entrusted Ravindra Jadeja with the captaincy at the beginning of IPL 2022, only for Dhoni to reclaim the role after a string of poor results.Reflecting on CSK's objectives for IPL 2024, Viswanathan reiterated the franchise's focus on qualifying for the knockouts, a testament to their consistent performance over the years. "Before every season, MS Dhoni tells us 'first let us concentrate on league games. We will look to qualify for the knockouts'," added Viswanathan, highlighting Dhoni's approach to the upcoming season.As CSK gear up for the new season, all eyes will be on their performance on the field and the evolving leadership dynamics within the team, with Dhoni's guidance playing a pivotal role in shaping the franchise's campaign aspirations.

Jason Roy Withdraws from IPL 2024 to Prioritize FamilyEngland opener Jason Roy has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season to reunite with his family. The 33-year-old has been away from home since January and feels the need to take a break before a demanding year ahead.In a statement to his franchise, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Roy expressed his regret at having to miss the tournament. "After much deliberation, I have made the tough decision to miss this year's IPL. Having been away since the start of January, I need to get back to my family and have a refresh before a very busy year ahead," he said.KKR acknowledged Roy's decision with understanding and support. "You'll be missed Jason. But we understand," the franchise tweeted.In Roy's absence, KKR has announced Phil Salt as his replacement for the forthcoming IPL season. The franchise boasts a strong squad with a mix of star overseas players and a solid Indian core, including Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and skipper Shreyas Iyer. KKR will be aiming to improve upon their seventh-place finish in the previous season.Roy's decision highlights the importance of family and mental well-being for athletes. While the IPL offers immense financial rewards and opportunities, it also requires players to spend extended periods away from their loved ones. Roy's choice to prioritize his family over the tournament is a reminder that there are more important things in life than cricket.

Kolkata Knight Riders Acquire Phil Salt as Jason Roy Replacement for IPL 2024Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have secured the services of English batter Phil Salt as a replacement for Jason Roy for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Roy withdrew from the tournament due to personal reasons, leaving KKR with a void to fill in their batting lineup.Salt, who went unsold in the recent IPL auction, will join KKR at his reserve price of INR 1.5 crore (approximately $181,000). The 26-year-old had previously represented Delhi Capitals in the 2023 IPL season.Salt is a dynamic and aggressive batter known for his power-hitting abilities. He has impressed in various T20 leagues around the world, including the Vitality Blast in England and the Big Bash League in Australia.KKR's decision to sign Salt is a strategic move to bolster their batting lineup. The franchise has struggled in recent seasons, finishing near the bottom of the table in the last two editions of the IPL. Salt's addition is expected to provide KKR with a much-needed boost in the batting department.Salt will join a star-studded KKR squad that includes the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Andre Russell, and Pat Cummins. The franchise will be hoping that Salt can make a significant contribution and help them return to their former glory in the IPL.

MS Dhoni Returns to CSK Training Camp, Hints at Final IPL SeasonLegendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni has officially joined the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) training camp in preparation for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The highly anticipated tournament kicks off on March 22, and Dhoni's presence has sent ripples of excitement through the CSK camp.In a viral video, Dhoni was spotted wearing CSK's training gear and carrying a couple of bats. The 42-year-old looked sharp and focused as he took part in the practice session at Chepauk on Thursday.Dhoni's return to the CSK camp has fueled speculation that this season could be his last as a player. The former India captain has been battling a knee injury, but he guided CSK to a record-equalling fifth IPL title last season.Despite undergoing knee surgery in Mumbai after the final, Dhoni is determined to lead CSK once again. This will be his 14th season as captain of the franchise, a testament to his enduring leadership qualities.Last week, Dhoni hinted at a "new role" in a cryptic Facebook post. "Can't wait for the new season and the new 'role'. Stay tuned!" he wrote.The post sparked rumors that Dhoni might be transitioning to a coaching role. However, he later clarified that the "new role" referred to a promotional campaign for the IPL."New season, double role!" Dhoni wrote in a subsequent Facebook post. "Excited to be back in action with @ChennaiIPL and also to be a part of the @IPL's new campaign. #DoubleRole #IPL2024."Dhoni's return to the CSK camp has boosted the team's morale and raised expectations for the upcoming season. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter remains a key figure in the CSK setup, both on and off the field.