Cricket

Jasprit Bumrah Offers Insights on Hardik Pandya's Challenges as Mumbai Indians SkipperIndia's premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has shed light on the challenges faced by Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya during the 2024 IPL season. In an exclusive interview with The Indian Express, Bumrah discussed the difficulties Pandya encountered and the importance of mental resilience in dealing with criticism and adversity.Pandya, who took over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma, faced intense scrutiny and frequent booing from fans, particularly at the Wankhede Stadium. The team's poor performance, finishing last in the IPL standings with only four wins in 14 matches, further exacerbated the situation.Bumrah emphasized the importance of blocking out negative thoughts, a strategy Pandya employed during the challenging period. He acknowledged the impact of fan reactions on players, especially when playing in front of a home crowd."It's not that simple saying 'just don't focus on it.' They're screaming, and you can hear it, but then, the inner circle helps you. We, as a team, don't encourage that, we don't promote that, we don't think that is warranted," Bumrah said.Bumrah highlighted the significance of team support and family during such times. "Now, the world can think what they want to. We as a team were talking to him, if he needed support, his family will always be there. Certain things are beyond your control. If it happens, it happens."The Indian pacer also pointed out the dramatic shift in public perception of Pandya following his outstanding performances in the T20 World Cup. However, he cautioned that the narrative could quickly change again with just one loss.Reflecting on the nature of sports and its emotional highs and lows, Bumrah remarked, "You understand it now, because we play a sport that is so popular, every sportsman will go through these things. In football, you see fans booing the best players in the world. This is a part of the sportsman's journey, things will happen that are not great, sometimes, it might not be fair also, but it is the way it is."Bumrah concluded by encouraging Pandya and others to take challenges in stride. "We have had a great life, we're doing good things in our sport and for ourselves. All these challenges will come, but it will be better if you take it in the right manner."

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its upcoming mega auction, and the league's franchise owners and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials are set to meet on July 31 in Mumbai to discuss the modalities.The meeting will focus on crucial decisions regarding player retentions and the Right to Match (RTM) card. Franchise executives have been informally discussing the best possible scenarios for player retentions, with varying demands ranging from a solitary retention to a maximum of eight.The RTM card, which allows teams to match the highest bid for a released player, is also a topic of debate. A majority of franchises are in favor of reintroducing the RTM option, which was last used in 2018.Some franchises are also proposing extending the mega-auction cycle from the current three years to five years. This move is aimed at providing security to players, allowing franchises to build and market their squads effectively, and serving the interests of the BCCI.Additionally, some franchises are suggesting incremental contracts for cricketers, especially Indians, during a cycle. Currently, retained players cannot be officially paid for the next season, leading to some players taking the risk of being released and entering the auction pool for a purse correction. The franchises believe that a transparent process for renegotiating with players would benefit both parties.The IPL's mega auction is a significant event that shapes the composition of teams and the dynamics of the league. The decisions made at the upcoming meeting will have a major impact on the future of the IPL and the careers of many cricketers.

M. Shahrukh Khan, a rising star in Indian cricket, has emerged as a sought-after talent in the Indian Premier League (IPL) despite being an uncapped player. Over the past four years, he has secured lucrative deals with various franchises, showcasing his exceptional batting abilities.In the recently concluded IPL season, Shahrukh played for Gujarat Titans, where he made significant contributions to the team's success. He scored 127 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 169.33, including a maiden IPL half-century. This performance highlighted his growth as a batter and his ability to adapt to different roles.Previously, Shahrukh played as a finisher for Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans, where he was tasked with scoring quick runs in the final overs. While his IPL numbers may not reflect his true potential, a closer examination reveals his consistent performance in the last two seasons. He has maintained a brisk strike rate, indicating his ability to clear the ropes effortlessly, especially against pacers in the death overs.However, Shahrukh has acknowledged his shortcomings against spinners. In the past, he relied heavily on timing and power, which made it difficult for him to counter the slower deliveries. This season, he worked diligently to improve his technique against spin, seeking guidance from Vikram Solanki and Mithun Manhas.The result of his efforts is evident in his improved strike rate against spinners, which has converged to similar levels as his strike rate against pace. He has also increased his boundary percentage, scoring one boundary for every four balls.Shahrukh's all-around abilities extend beyond batting. He is a tidy off-spinner who has consistently impressed with his bowling. In the 2023 TNPL, he topped the wicket charts and has continued to perform well this year, taking 11 scalps so far.Shahrukh's impressive performances have caught the attention of the national selectors. In 2022, he was called up as a back-up during a home series against West Indies. He believes that he is now a more well-rounded cricketer and is ready to take the next step in his career."I think I had a good IPL and made an impact in whatever chances I got. The numbers I have must also be seen in the context of where I bat, and (Ashish) Nehra was happy with what I have done. I am 100% certain I can get back in the reckoning in the next three years," Shahrukh said.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) is reportedly set to part ways with head coach Trevor Bayliss, whose two-year contract has expired. The Australian coach took over from Anil Kumble ahead of the 2023 IPL season, but PBKS's disappointing performances under his guidance have prompted the franchise to seek an Indian replacement.Bayliss's tenure at PBKS has been marked by underwhelming results, with the team finishing eighth and ninth in the 2023 and 2024 IPL seasons, respectively. Despite the franchise's lack of complaints about Bayliss's coaching style, the team's poor performance has ultimately led to his potential ouster.The move to replace Bayliss with an Indian coach aligns with a recent trend in the IPL, where Indian coaches and mentors have achieved notable success with various franchises. PBKS is reportedly considering several options, including Sanjay Bangar, as Bayliss's successor.Bayliss's departure from PBKS would follow the recent exit of Ricky Ponting as head coach of Delhi Capitals (DC). Ponting's seven-year tenure at DC ended without an IPL title, and the franchise is now considering Sourav Ganguly, their current team director, as a potential replacement.The coaching carousel in the IPL continues to spin, with franchises seeking to find the right combination of leadership and strategy to achieve success in the highly competitive tournament. PBKS's decision to part ways with Bayliss and pursue an Indian coach is a reflection of the evolving landscape of the IPL, where Indian coaches are increasingly being recognized for their abilities.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is considering significant changes to its player retention and auction policies ahead of the 2025 season. Franchises have proposed several suggestions to the IPL officials, including:* Mega Auction Frequency: Conduct mega auctions only once every five years instead of the current three-year cycle. This would allow teams to build continuity and develop young players.* Player Retention: Allow teams to retain between four and six players. This would provide stability and reward teams for investing in player development.* Right-to-Match (RTM) Options: Grant each franchise eight RTM options. This would give teams the flexibility to retain key players while allowing the market to determine their value.The proposed changes aim to address several concerns raised by franchises. A longer gap between mega auctions would incentivize teams to invest in youth development, as they would have more time to reap the benefits of their investments. It would also reduce the risk of losing players to rival franchises.The RTM option would allow teams to retain players without having to pay a premium. This would remove any monetary disappointment for players who are not retained before the auction. However, some franchises have expressed concerns that the RTM option could lead to disgruntlement among players if those bought back via RTM secure higher bids.Another suggestion is to have eight RTM options and no retentions. This would create a level playing field for all teams, but it could also put the biggest players in the auction. There is also the concern that rival teams could drive up prices to disrupt auction strategy.The IPL officials will meet with the franchises to discuss these proposals further. They will also discuss the Impact Player rule, the purse for the 2025 auction, and the salary cap deduction for retained players.

Nitish Kumar Reddy, the Andhra Pradesh and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) all-rounder, recently shared his emotional journey to receiving his Indian jersey. His father, Mutyalu, had risked his career to support his son's cricket aspirations, and the moment was a testament to their unwavering bond.Reddy's path to the Indian team began with a solid performance in the 2024 IPL season with SRH. Despite not playing due to a sports hernia injury, he impressed with his all-round abilities, scoring 303 runs and taking three wickets.The 21-year-old's journey began at the age of 13 when his father quit his job to focus on his son's cricket development. Despite initial setbacks, Reddy's determination and hard work paid off. He made waves in the Under-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy, scoring a triple ton and a quadruple ton.However, success at the U19 level proved elusive, leading Reddy to focus solely on batting. But his coach, Srinivas Reddy, encouraged him to continue bowling, recognizing his potential as a rare pace bowling all-rounder in India.Reddy's breakthrough came in the 2019-20 domestic season when he was picked for the ACA camp and subsequently made his Ranji debut. He quickly adapted to the challenges of first-class cricket, learning to conserve his energy and capitalize on loose deliveries.Despite being picked up by SRH in the 2023 IPL, Reddy struggled to break into the team. He was also called up to India's Emerging Players squad for the Asia Cup but did not get a chance to bat.A setback in the form of an ankle injury threatened to derail his progress, but Reddy refused to give up. He arranged for net practice sessions against fast bowlers to prove his worth as a top-order batsman.His determination paid off in the 2024 IPL, where he impressed SRH skipper Pat Cummins with his ability to handle pace. Reddy's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of support, and the unwavering belief in one's abilities.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has initiated discussions with Indian Premier League (IPL) owners regarding the acquisition of a stake in the domestic Hundred competition. The Hundred, a controversial tournament featuring eight specially created teams with both men's and women's sides, is entering its fourth edition.The ECB seeks to secure private investment to strengthen the Hundred's position in the global calendar and enhance the financial stability of domestic cricket. The board aims to sell a 49% stake in each team to private investors, while host teams retain the remaining 51%. However, host teams may consider selling part or all of their shares.ECB chief executive Richard Gould emphasized that the board will retain control of the competition, despite the potential for private investment. He acknowledged the strength of the Indian market and welcomed the expansion of IPL teams into other national markets.The cash-rich IPL has transformed the global cricket landscape, providing players with lucrative opportunities outside of traditional Test matches. IPL owners, such as the Ambani family of the Mumbai Indians, may be interested in acquiring full control of a Hundred team.Vikram Banerjee, the ECB's director of business operations, confirmed that he has engaged in discussions with IPL owners. He also expressed interest in potential partnerships with American Football's NFL, citing their expertise in fan engagement and stadium experiences.The ECB's goal is to combine the strengths of IPL teams and NFL owners to enhance the Hundred's appeal and attract a new generation of fans. The board believes that such partnerships can contribute to the long-term success of the competition.

Shubman Gill, the prodigious Indian batter, has emerged as a formidable force in world cricket. Since his international debut in 2019, he has established himself as a cornerstone of India's batting lineup. Beyond his exceptional batting prowess, Gill has also showcased remarkable leadership qualities and an ability to thrive under pressure.As the captain of the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Gill led his team to victory in the 2022 season. His astute decision-making and calm demeanor on the field earned him widespread praise. Moreover, he recently captained a young Indian team to a 4-1 triumph in the T20I series against Zimbabwe.Gill's leadership potential has not gone unnoticed. He has been appointed as the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, where India will play three T20Is and three ODIs. Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour believes that Gill has the potential to lead India across all formats in the future."He has shown terrific body language, which is a must if you are leading a side," Rathour said. "Now with the vice-captaincy, the BCCI has given him extra responsibility and I am sure he will thrive in this role."Rathour believes that captaincy can bring out the best in players, as it did for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He expects Gill to flourish in this leadership role and eventually lead India in all three formats.Gill's appointment as vice-captain is a testament to his growing stature within the Indian cricket team. His ability to handle pressure, make sound decisions, and inspire his teammates makes him a prime candidate for future leadership. As he continues to develop his skills and experience, Gill is poised to become one of the most influential players in Indian cricket.

Rahul Dravid, the former Indian cricket team head coach, is reportedly in talks with Rajasthan Royals for a potential role within the franchise. Dravid's tenure as India's head coach ended after the team's triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024, and he has since been linked with several IPL franchises.Earlier, it was speculated that Dravid might join Kolkata Knight Riders, but recent reports suggest that he is in discussions with Rajasthan Royals, his former IPL team. "Talks are ongoing between RR and Dravid, and an announcement is expected soon," a source told Times of India.Dravid's decision to leave the Indian team was driven by his desire to spend more time with his family. The IPL, with its shorter duration, offers him a more manageable schedule. Dravid has previously worked as a mentor and coach with IPL franchises, including Delhi Daredevils.As Dravid explores his options, Gautam Gambhir has taken over as the head coach of the Indian team. Gambhir acknowledged the high expectations he faces, given Dravid's successful tenure.Dravid's experience and expertise make him a highly sought-after figure in the IPL. His potential role with Rajasthan Royals remains unclear, but it is likely that he will play a significant part in the franchise's operations.