Cricket

Rishabh Pant Recalls Mother's Anger Over Expensive Bat, Reflects on Cricket JourneyIndian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has shared a heartwarming anecdote about his early days as a cricketer, revealing how his mother's initial disapproval of an expensive bat gifted by his father ultimately fueled his passion for the sport.Speaking on Jio Cinema's recently premiered series "Dhawan Karenge," Pant recounted how his father, a cricket enthusiast, had always dreamed of becoming a cricketer himself. When Pant expressed his desire to follow in his father's footsteps, his father gifted him a bat worth Rs 14,000."My mom got super angry," Pant recalled with a chuckle. "She said, 'Why are you spending so much money on a bat? He's just a kid.'"Undeterred, Pant's father encouraged him to pursue his passion. "He told me, 'If you want to be a cricketer, you need to have the right equipment,'" Pant said.Pant's determination paid off. He made his international debut in 2017 and has since become one of India's most promising young players. He was the Delhi Capitals' top run scorer in the recently concluded Indian Premier League 2024, amassing 446 runs in 13 games at a strike rate of 155.40.Reflecting on his journey, Pant expressed gratitude for his father's support. "It was my father's dream to become a cricketer, and I am glad I could fulfill it," he said. "I decided I wanted to be a cricketer when I was in the 5th grade. My dad gifted me a bat worth Rs 14,000, and my mom got super angry."Despite his success, Pant remains humble and acknowledges the importance of staying grounded. "I know I have a long way to go," he said. "I want to keep improving and make my country proud."

The Indian Premier League (IPL) witnessed the triumph of Kolkata Knight Riders for the third time, as they outplayed Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets. Amidst the tournament's excitement, several young cricketers emerged as standout performers, showcasing their exceptional skills and potential.Jake Fraser-McGurk:The Australian opener, playing for Delhi Capitals, impressed with his fearless batting in his debut IPL season. Despite being a late addition to the team, Fraser-McGurk amassed 330 runs at a remarkable strike rate of over 234 in nine games. His performances earned him a spot as a traveling reserve for Australia's T20 World Cup squad.Abhishek Sharma:The 23-year-old left-hander played a pivotal role in Sunrisers Hyderabad's run to the final. In 16 games, he scored 484 runs with a strike rate of over 200, forming a formidable opening partnership with Travis Head. Abhishek's contributions extended to his left-arm spin, as he claimed two wickets against Rajasthan Royals to help Hyderabad reach their third IPL final.Will Jacks:The English all-rounder earned a place in England's World Cup squad on the back of his impressive performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Jacks showcased his devastating batting skills, scoring a century off just 41 balls against Gujarat Titans. His partnership with Virat Kohli, where he surpassed the former captain's score, was a testament to his talent.Tristan Stubbs:The South African finisher emerged as a key player for Delhi Capitals, despite the team's disappointing sixth-place finish. Stubbs recorded the highest ever IPL strike rate for at least 100 runs in the final overs, with a staggering 297.33. His unbeaten 25-ball 57 against Lucknow Super Giants showcased his ability to close out games.Matheesha Pathirana:Known as "Baby Malinga" for his slinging action, the 21-year-old fast bowler impressed for Chennai Super Kings. Pathirana claimed 13 wickets in six games before a hamstring injury cut short his IPL campaign. His ability to choke runs in the final overs drew comparisons to the legendary Sri Lankan bowler Lasith Malinga.These young cricketers have demonstrated their immense potential and are poised to make a significant impact on the upcoming T20 World Cup. Their performances in the IPL have not only earned them recognition but also paved the way for them to represent their countries on the global stage.

BCCI Rewards Groundsmen and Curators for Exceptional IPL PitchesThe Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recognized the invaluable contributions of groundsmen and curators during the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) season. In a gesture of appreciation, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced that each of the 10 regular IPL venue groundsmen and curators will receive a sum of Rs 25 lakh. Additionally, groundsmen and curators at the three additional venues will be awarded Rs 10 lakh each.Shah hailed the ground staff as "unsung heroes" for their tireless efforts in preparing and maintaining "brilliant pitches" throughout the tournament, despite challenging weather conditions. He emphasized that their dedication and hard work played a crucial role in the success of the IPL season.The 10 regular IPL venues include Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur. The additional venues this year were Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Dharamsala.This year's IPL witnessed a remarkable trend of high-scoring matches, with the 250-run mark being crossed eight times. The peak team total record was shattered twice during the season.Shah also extended his congratulations to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for their third IPL title triumph. He praised the team's consistency and the leadership of captain Shreyas Iyer.The BCCI's recognition of the groundsmen and curators highlights the importance of their contributions to the sport. Their expertise and dedication ensure that players can perform at their best and fans can enjoy high-quality cricket matches.

Sunil Narine, the enigmatic all-rounder from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has etched his name in the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by becoming the first player to win the coveted 'Most Valuable Player' (MVP) award thrice. His exceptional performance in the 2024 season, where he led KKR to their third IPL title, cemented his status as one of the greatest all-rounders in the tournament's history.Narine's journey to the MVP throne began in his debut season in 2012, where he mesmerized the cricketing world with his mystery spin bowling. He picked up 24 wickets, the highest in the tournament, and played a pivotal role in KKR's maiden IPL triumph. His second MVP award came in 2018, where he showcased his versatility by scoring 357 runs and claiming 17 wickets.In the 2024 season, Narine continued to defy expectations with his all-around brilliance. He amassed 488 runs, the highest by any KKR player, and picked up 17 wickets, proving his worth as a genuine match-winner. His contributions were crucial in KKR's successful campaign, which culminated in a thrilling victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final.In the final match, Narine showcased his versatility once again. He bowled a tight spell of 4-1-16-1, removing the dangerous Jaydev Unadkat in the 18th over. With the bat, he scored a quickfire six runs off two balls, ensuring KKR's dominance in the run chase.Narine's MVP award is a testament to his exceptional skills and unwavering commitment to the game. He has consistently delivered match-winning performances for KKR, proving his value as a true all-rounder. His ability to adapt to different roles and perform under pressure makes him one of the most valuable players in the IPL.

Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has hinted at potentially retiring from one format of international cricket to accommodate more franchise cricket in his schedule. The 34-year-old, who has been a mainstay in the Australian Test and ODI teams for over a decade, has expressed his desire to prioritize franchise cricket as he nears the twilight of his career.Starc's decision comes after a stellar season with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he played a pivotal role in their title triumph. He finished the tournament with 17 wickets, including five in the two knockout games, showcasing his exceptional skills and match-winning abilities.While Starc did not explicitly state which format he intends to give up, it is likely to be ODIs considering the next 50-over World Cup is not scheduled until 2027. This would allow him to focus on T20 cricket, which has gained immense popularity in recent years and offers lucrative financial opportunities.Starc's decision reflects the changing landscape of cricket, where franchise leagues are becoming increasingly competitive and financially rewarding. Players are now faced with the dilemma of balancing their international commitments with the allure of lucrative contracts in franchise cricket.Starc's experience in the IPL has not only boosted his confidence but also provided him with valuable preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies. He believes that the tournament will be a different challenge compared to the IPL, with pitches likely to offer more assistance to spinners and lower scores expected.Despite the criticism he faced during the early stages of the IPL, Starc remained unfazed and focused on contributing to his team's success. He emphasized that he does not need additional motivation from his price tag and that he is committed to performing at his best for whichever team he represents.Starc's decision to potentially retire from one format of international cricket is a significant development in the world of cricket. It highlights the growing influence of franchise leagues and the challenges faced by players in balancing their international and franchise commitments.

Mitchell Starc's record-breaking price tag in the Indian Premier League (IPL) initially raised eyebrows, but the Australian all-rounder has silenced the critics with a stellar performance that culminated in Kolkata Knight Riders' third IPL title.Starc, the most expensive cricketer in IPL history, was named Player of the Match in the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad, taking 2-14 and bowling opener Abhishek Sharma with an unplayable delivery that experts hailed as the tournament's best.His performance followed on from his brilliant semi-final, where he claimed three wickets and dismissed Australia teammate Travis Head with the second ball.Starc's stunning return to form in the IPL burnishes his record in big matches and comes just days before the T20 World Cup begins in the United States and the Caribbean. The 34-year-old took three wickets in the final of last year's 50-over World Cup against hosts India and will likely be crucial to Australia's hopes of becoming the first nation to hold cricket's three global trophies in tests, ODIs, and T20s.Kolkata's hefty bid for Starc during the IPL auctions stunned the cricket world late last year, but it now appears to have been a masterstroke. They may have to fork out more to retain his services in 2025.Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins will no doubt be happier playing with Starc for Australia than against him in the IPL. "I thought they bowled fantastically," Cummins said after Hyderabad were skittled for 113. "Unfortunately, my old mate Starcy turned it on again."

Australia's T20 World Cup preparations have been hampered by the absence of several key players who were involved in the Indian Premier League (IPL) final. The team will have just nine players available for their warm-up match against Namibia on Tuesday, with captain Mitchell Marsh still recovering from a hamstring injury.Pat Cummins, Travis Head, and Mitchell Starc, who played in the IPL final on Sunday, will briefly return to Australia before joining the World Cup squad. Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green, who were part of Royal Challengers Bangalore's playoff run, are also spending time at home. These five players are expected to arrive when the Australia squad reaches Barbados ahead of their first group match against Oman on June 5.Marcus Stoinis has also yet to arrive in the Caribbean. "It's important to be flexible," Marsh said. "Guys have been at the IPL. They've been playing a lot of cricket so we've prioritized giving them a couple of days at home, see their family, refresh and play the long game for this tournament."Australia may need to call on members of the coaching staff to field during the warm-up matches if they want a full complement. Brad Hodge, Andrew McDonald, George Bailey, and Andre Borovec could be called in. Daniel Vettori, another assistant coach, will also be part of the group but would not be eligible to field in warm-up matches.Marsh is confident of being able to play both warm-up matches as a batter despite his hamstring injury. "I'm just ticking off the last few things I need to tick off to be fit and available," he said. "All went well today. It's been progressively slow but finally getting there now and looking forward to getting stuck into the tournament."Some teams have opted out of practice matches altogether, but Australia's two warm-ups will be important for players coming from the off-season and those who did not feature much for their IPL sides. David Warner, whose international career will end at the World Cup, is also coming into the tournament after a lean IPL and a hand injury.

Former England batter Kevin Pietersen's suggestion that Virat Kohli consider leaving Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to win an IPL trophy has sparked a debate among cricket pundits. Pietersen believes that Kohli, despite his individual brilliance, has been unable to lead RCB to an IPL title and may need to seek greener pastures to fulfill his dream.Pietersen cited examples of great athletes in other sports who have changed teams to achieve their goals. He argued that Kohli, who has won the Orange Cap for most runs in the IPL multiple times, deserves to play for a team that can provide him with the support and resources to win a championship.However, former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram strongly disagreed with Pietersen's suggestion. Akram emphasized that the decision to continue playing with RCB is ultimately Kohli's own. He pointed out that if Kohli is determined to win with RCB, then leaving the team would not make sense.Akram also expressed his belief that foreign commentators should refrain from commenting on internal matters of Indian cricket. He argued that such discussions are not particularly relevant and that Kohli is capable of making his own decisions about his future.Kohli has been a loyal servant to RCB since joining the franchise in 2008. He has led the team to the IPL final three times but has yet to win the coveted trophy. Despite his individual success, RCB has often struggled to perform as a unit, failing to reach the playoffs in recent seasons.Pietersen's suggestion has reignited the debate about whether Kohli should consider leaving RCB. Some fans believe that he has outgrown the franchise and needs a fresh start, while others argue that he should remain loyal to the team that has supported him throughout his career.Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to leave RCB is a personal one for Kohli. He will need to weigh the pros and cons of staying with the franchise against the potential benefits of joining a team with a better chance of winning an IPL title.

Rajasthan Royals' Photoshopped Group Photo Sparks Fan OutrageNew Delhi: The Rajasthan Royals (RR) franchise faced a barrage of criticism on Sunday after sharing an allegedly photoshopped group photo on social media. The image, taken after the team's 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign ended with a defeat in Qualifier 2 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, drew attention for its apparent alterations.Fans quickly noticed that veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who was originally absent from the photo, had been added to the left corner. However, his appearance raised eyebrows as his biceps appeared to be significantly larger than in previous images. Additionally, his face seemed to be cropped over the body of teammate Sandeep Sharma.The unusual photo quickly went viral on social media, with users mocking the Royals' apparent Photoshop fail. Many pointed out the obvious differences in Ashwin's physique and questioned why the team would resort to such a clumsy attempt at editing.The incident highlighted the growing trend of teams using social media to engage with fans. However, it also raised concerns about the authenticity and credibility of such content. Fans expressed disappointment that the Royals would share an altered image, especially after a disappointing end to their season.Earlier, Royals' Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara admitted that fatigue played a significant role in the team's poor run at the back end of the IPL. RR, who won eight of their opening nine matches, were firmly in contention to finish in the top two. However, the Sanju Samson-led side endured a four-match losing streak and a washout tie, forcing them to settle for a third-place finish.Although they bounced back with a win over Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Eliminator, the Sunrisers Hyderabad proved too strong in Qualifier 2 in Ahmedabad on Friday.