Cricket

Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson won the toss and elected to bowl first in the Indian Premier League (IPL) Qualifier 2 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on May 24. The winner of this match will face Kolkata Knight Riders in the final in Chennai on May 26.Samson explained his decision, stating that the team was recovering from a recent illness and felt better. He also confirmed that the Royals would field the same XI that played in their previous match.Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins acknowledged that his team had underperformed in their last match. He announced two changes to the lineup, with Jaydev Unadkat and Aiden Markram replacing Shreyas Gopal and Romario Shepherd.The Royals' batting lineup features Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Rovman Powell, R Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Sharma, and Yuzvendra Chahal. Their impact players include Simron Hetmyer, Nandre Burger, Shubham Dubey, Donovan Ferreira, and Kuldeep Sen.The Sunrisers' batting lineup includes Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi, Aiden Markram, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Abdul Samad, Pat Cummins, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, and T Natarajan. Their impact players are Shahbaz Ahmed, Mayank Markande, Glenn Phillips, Sanvir Singh, and Umran Malik.The match is expected to be a close contest, with both teams having a strong chance of reaching the final. The Royals have been in impressive form throughout the tournament, while the Sunrisers have shown resilience in bouncing back from setbacks.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) stands as a testament to the unparalleled competitiveness of T20 cricket, with the margin between the top and bottom teams being remarkably narrow. This is what sets the IPL apart as the toughest league in the world, according to Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir.Under Gambhir's guidance, KKR emerged as the table-toppers despite Rajasthan Royals holding the lead for much of the season. However, a string of four defeats and a washout relegated RR to third place, while five-time champions Mumbai Indians languished at the bottom.Gambhir emphasized the exceptional strength of all IPL teams, highlighting that any team can triumph over another on any given day. "The difference between the team that finished first and the team that finished tenth is not significant," he said. "If you played a five-match series between these teams, I wouldn't be surprised if the bottom team defeated the top team."This unpredictability is what makes the IPL so captivating, according to Gambhir. "That's why we say that the IPL is the toughest league in the world," he stated. "It's as big as any T20 World Cup because the margin between teams is so small. It's impossible to predict who will win."Gambhir, who previously mentored the Lucknow Super Giants for two years, returned to KKR ahead of IPL 2024. The 42-year-old led KKR to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014.While expressing his admiration for the IPL's quality of cricket, Gambhir expressed concern about the potential impact on young players' aspirations to play Test cricket for India. "I hope the IPL doesn't become a shortcut to playing for India," he said.Gambhir believes that the IPL's competitiveness has surpassed that of international T20 cricket. "Apart from a few teams, I don't see enough competition when it comes to playing for India," he said. "Not many teams can match the quality that India has."He attributed this to the exceptional quality of domestic players and their focus on T20 cricket. "Most of their focus is on playing T20 cricket," he said.

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that Mahendra Singh Dhoni should continue playing in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Kaif's opinion is based on Dhoni's current form, physical fitness, and his remarkable ability to effortlessly hit big shots.Despite the widespread speculation about Dhoni's potential retirement from the IPL, Kaif sees no reason for him to hang up his boots just yet. Dhoni, who underwent knee surgery last year, showcased an impressive performance in the recent IPL season, amassing 161 runs in just 73 balls at an outstanding strike rate of 220.55. Additionally, his wicket-keeping skills remained sharp throughout the tournament.As the captain, Dhoni has led the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to an impressive five IPL titles. His leadership, combined with his on-field prowess, has been instrumental in the team's success over the years. Kaif thinks Dhoni has enough left in the tank to keep playing."Personally, I don't think he's done, he could not win the game (last league match against RCB). In the last over after hitting a six, he got out. You could make out seeing his body language that he seemed very disappointed not winning the game for CSK," Kaif, a cricket expert with Star Sports, told PTI Videos."Why should he not come back? He is fit, he is scoring runs and hitting sixes, and there's no reason to stop playing... it's up to him, we can't say with Dhoni what's his plan," added Kaif, regarded as one of India's greatest fielders.Kaif also remarked that Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Shreyas Iyer had been a revelation with his calm demeanour, attributing the team's success this year to his leadership qualities. Two-time IPL champions KKR entered their fourth final with a thumping eight-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 1. They had also topped the league stage with 20 points."He (Iyer) missed the whole IPL last year and KKR probably missed his captaincy in 2023. The way he is changing the bowlers, and picking his playing XI, he looks very calm under pressure.""In a tournament like the IPL, you have to be very composed, you have to know what's happening in the game and Iyer has come a long way. He has become a much better captain now," opined Kaif.Gambhir's return to KKR as the team mentor has been cited by experts as a key factor in the team's success this season. However, Kaif believes that the team's impressive performance is largely due to Iyer's leadership skills on the field."We always talk about (Gautam) Gambhir, but he can't enter the field... in the rope with the players. Iyer has been there with the players and it will help him grow as a person and player.""He missed out on the (T20) World Cup this year (beginning in the US and West Indies next month), but certainly it's great learning for him, captaining the team, leading it to the finals. He has a great future ahead," said Kaif.Kaif expressed his belief that KKR had the highest chances of securing the IPL championship this year. He attributed this to the team's possession of two crucial elements: a group of exceptional bowlers and a well-rounded lineup. According to him, these factors are essential for achieving success in the tournament."I think KKR is a very well-balanced side. Tournament-winning team has to have good bowlers, KKR has got the bowlers. You saw how (Mitchell) Starc bowled against (SRH in Qualifier 1), it's a balanced side. KKR has got all bases covered in terms of batting and bowling. They are the team to beat in the IPL, they are way ahead."

Following their elimination from the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) head coach Andy Flower has ruled out applying for the position of India's head coach. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had invited applications for the role, with the tenure starting from July 1, 2022, and concluding on December 31, 2027.Flower emphasized his commitment to franchise cricket, stating, "I am happy with my involvement in the franchise league at the moment. I am really enjoying it. It is fascinating stuff and I have worked with some amazing organizations and I am happy with that at the moment."Regarding wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik's future, Flower hinted at a potential transition into coaching. "He quite likes the idea of coaching as well -- helping and working with other people which I am not surprised about. He will be a great success when he does that as well," Flower said.In the eliminator match against Rajasthan Royals (RR), RCB posted 172/8, with Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, and Mahipal Lomror contributing significant runs. However, RR bowlers, led by Avesh Khan, restricted RCB's scoring.In the chase, RR got off to a strong start with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tom Kohler Cadmore, but RCB bowlers applied pressure and picked up wickets. Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, and Rovman Powell then led RR's charge in the latter stages, securing a four-wicket victory with an over to spare.Mohammed Siraj was the standout bowler for RCB, while Ravichandran Ashwin, who also scored 26 runs, was named 'Player of the Match.' RR will now face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 on May 24, with the winner advancing to the final against Kolkata Knight Riders on May 26.

Dinesh Karthik, a stalwart of Indian cricket, bid farewell to the Indian Premier League (IPL) as his team, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), bowed out of the competition on Wednesday. Karthik's final game in the T20 league was RCB's defeat against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Eliminator.Karthik's departure from the IPL was marked with a touching tribute from his RCB teammates, who gave him a guard of honor after the team's elimination. The franchise also shared a heartfelt video featuring interviews with Virat Kohli and Karthik's wife, Deepika Pallikal.Kohli, RCB's former skipper, recalled his first encounter with Karthik in 2009, describing him as an "amusing, hyper-active, confused person" who was always on the move. However, Kohli also praised Karthik's exceptional talent and his unwavering honesty and courage."Off the field, I have had some really nice and interesting conversations with him," Kohli said. "He is a wise man, has great knowledge about a lot of things, not just cricket. I have thoroughly enjoyed my conversations with him."Kohli shared an anecdote from 2022 when Karthik sat him down and provided an honest assessment of his struggles during that IPL season. "He gave me a very honest explanation of how he is seeing things and maybe I am not able to see them myself," Kohli said.Pallikal, a professional squash player, shared some memorable moments from Karthik's career and admitted that it would be difficult for him to move on from the game. She urged him to spend more time with her and their children now that he is retiring.Karthik's departure from the IPL marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. He has been a consistent performer for both India and RCB, known for his aggressive batting and astute wicket-keeping skills. His retirement will leave a void in the IPL and Indian cricket as a whole.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) head coach Andy Flower has emphasized the need for skilled bowlers and power-hitters in the team's future strategy, following their exit from the IPL Eliminator.Flower acknowledged that raw pace alone is insufficient to succeed at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where bowlers with specific plans and skills are required. He highlighted the team's struggles with pace bowlers, none of whom have performed exceptionally well in the tournament."You need skilful, intelligent bowlers and people that can bowl to really specific plans at Chinnaswamy," Flower said. "I don't really want to talk about that stuff yet, but I do think as part answer to your question the Chinnaswamy has some particular qualities that we need to be able to exploit."On the batting front, Flower emphasized the importance of power-hitters who can maintain the tempo of the game. "We have all seen how the power game has affected T20 cricket recently. On the batting front, you certainly need to recruit batsmen with that sort of power that can keep up that sort of tempo," he added.Flower expressed support for the 'Impact Player' rule, which allows two Indian players to participate in a game. He believes it has catalyzed batsmen to play more aggressively. "It has got a few positives about it absolutely. Now there's an extra Indian playing and that's a good thing for Indian cricket. It has catalysed the batsmen," Flower said.Despite Glenn Maxwell's struggles, Flower backed the Australian all-rounder to turn things around. "He's had an amazing couple of years actually. It was a surprise to everyone but I really wish him well. He's going to the World Cup now and I don't see any reason why he can't turn this around or turn his own personal form around in the World Cup for Australia," Flower said.Flower also hinted at the possibility of veteran India player Dinesh Karthik playing his last IPL game. "Possibly. He's been an absolute pleasure to work with this year. He hadn't played a lot of cricket leading into this tournament and what he's done for us, runs wise, attitude wise and contributing to the team in the dressing room and out on the field has been really special and I respect him for it," Flower said.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the star spinner, has emerged as a crucial player for the Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing IPL season. After battling an abdomen injury, Ashwin has regained his form and is now a key figure in the team's quest for an IPL title.Ashwin's journey in the IPL has been a tale of two halves. In the first half of the tournament, he struggled with an abdomen injury that hindered his performance. However, as the tournament progressed, the injury healed, and Ashwin began to find his rhythm.The Chepauk pitch, where the Royals will face the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the qualifier, is expected to favor spinners. Ashwin's experience and understanding of the conditions will be invaluable to the Royals.In the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Ashwin showcased his versatility by employing a variety of variations, including the slower off-break, the faster off-break, and the drifter. His ability to control the flow of runs and pick up crucial wickets has made him a formidable force in the Royals' bowling attack.Ashwin's resurgence has coincided with the emergence of Yuzvendra Chahal, India's No. 1 T20 leggie. The duo has formed a formidable spin partnership, providing the Royals with a potent weapon in the middle overs.With the Chepauk pitch offering assistance to spinners, Ashwin and Chahal will be looking to make a significant impact in the qualifier. If they can replicate their recent performances, they could lead the Royals to a memorable victory and a place in the final.

Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) endured another heartbreaking playoff exit in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Wednesday night, falling to the Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator. Despite Kohli's remarkable individual performance, amassing 741 runs and the Orange Cap, the team's title drought continues.Kohli's season began slowly, but he rediscovered his mojo, averaging 61.75 with a strike rate of 154.69. His century and five half-centuries showcased his class and determination. However, his brilliance could not compensate for the team's overall struggles.Despite the disappointment, Kohli remained positive, highlighting the team's turnaround and qualification for the playoffs. "We began expressing ourselves, started to play for our self-respect, and then the confidence came back," he said. "The way we turned things around was truly special."RCB head coach Andy Flower praised Kohli's leadership and skill. "The way he thinks about the game - he backs that up with an amazing level of skill, aggression, and hunger," Flower said. "I look forward to watching him in the World Cup."Kohli's performance bodes well for India ahead of the T20 World Cup. Despite speculation about his decline, he has proven that he still has plenty to offer. His hunger for runs and ability to accelerate the scoring rate remain unmatched.While Kohli's individual brilliance has been a constant for RCB, the team has struggled to find consistency and support around him. The agonizing wait for a maiden IPL trophy continues, but Kohli's determination and leadership will undoubtedly inspire the team to strive for success in the future.

Justin Langer Withdraws from India Head Coach Race After KL Rahul's AdviceFormer Australian head coach Justin Langer has withdrawn his name from contention for the India head coach position, citing the immense pressure and commitment involved. Langer's decision came after a conversation with Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul, who advised him that coaching Team India is a far more demanding task than managing an IPL franchise."It would be an amazing job, [but] I have [put myself out of contention]," Langer said on BBC's Stumped podcast. "I also know that it's an all-encompassing role, and having done it for four years with the Australian team, honestly, it's exhausting. And that's the Australian job!"Rahul's words resonated with Langer, who acknowledged the intense scrutiny and political dynamics that come with coaching the Indian team. "I was talking to KL Rahul and he said, 'You know, if you think there's pressure and politics in an IPL team, multiply that by a thousand, [that's] coaching India. That was a good bit of advice, I guess," Langer said.Langer's withdrawal follows similar decisions by other high-profile candidates, including Australian legend Ricky Ponting and New Zealand great Stephen Fleming. The deadline for applications for the India head coach job closes on May 27, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the successful candidate soon after.Langer's decision highlights the demanding nature of coaching international cricket teams, particularly in high-pressure environments like India. The Indian team is one of the most followed and scrutinized in the world, and the head coach is expected to navigate a complex landscape of expectations, media attention, and political interference.While Langer may have withdrawn from the race, his experience and insights offer valuable lessons for aspiring coaches. The importance of understanding the unique challenges and pressures of coaching at the international level cannot be overstated.