Cricket

B Sai Sudharsan's remarkable rise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been marked by consistency and a quiet brilliance. Despite being ranked fifth among the tournament's highest run-getters, he has flown under the radar, showcasing his exceptional talent as a top-order batter.Sudharsan's breakthrough IPL season came in 2023, where he ended with a stunning 47-ball 96 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the final. His impressive performances earned him an ODI debut against South Africa, where he notched up two fifties in three games.However, a back injury forced him to withdraw from India A's tour of England Lions and potentially miss the final Test against England. Despite this setback, Sudharsan has bounced back with a vengeance in the 2023 IPL, amassing 527 runs in 12 games for Gujarat Titans (GT).His ability to anchor the innings and provide stability has been crucial for GT, even though the team finished eighth in the points table. Sudharsan acknowledges the team's shortcomings but emphasizes the importance of individual contributions.In the final game of the season against CSK, Sudharsan reached a significant milestone, becoming the fastest Indian to 1000 IPL runs. He achieved this feat in just 25 innings, surpassing the previous record held by Sachin Tendulkar and Ruturaj Gaikwad.While Sudharsan's game is more suited to longer formats, he recognizes the need to improve his power-hitting skills. He believes that the modern T20 game demands batters to strike at a higher rate, and he is working on developing this aspect of his game.Sudharsan's consistency and ability to adapt to different situations make him a valuable asset to any team. As he continues to refine his skills, he is poised to become a force to be reckoned with in both domestic and international cricket.

Dinesh Karthik, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter, has hinted at a potential retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) elimination from the tournament.RCB's hopes of a fairytale season were shattered on Wednesday when they lost to Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator. Karthik, who has been a key player for RCB, was visibly emotional after the match.During the post-match presentation, Karthik thanked the fans for their support and hinted at his retirement. "I'm not sure if I'll be back next year," he said. "I've had a great time here, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have played for RCB."Karthik's teammates gave him a guard of honor as he walked back to the dressing room. Virat Kohli, the former RCB captain, hugged Karthik while he was fighting back tears.If this proves to be Karthik's final IPL season, he will have finished his career with an impressive record. He has scored 4,842 runs in 257 matches, including 22 fifties. He has played for six different teams during his 17-year IPL career, including Delhi Daredevils, Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders, and RCB.Karthik has been a valuable asset for RCB, especially in the death overs. His ability to hit big shots and finish matches has been crucial for the team's success.Should Karthik retire from the IPL, it will mark the end of an era for the tournament. He is one of the most experienced and respected players in the league, and his absence will be felt.

Virat Kohli's valiant efforts, culminating in a tournament-leading 741 runs in 15 matches, proved insufficient as Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) quest for an elusive Indian Premier League (IPL) title remains unfulfilled.After RCB's heartbreaking four-wicket defeat to Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator, Kohli's symbolic dislodging of the bails reflected his profound disappointment at the team's failure to advance further.Kohli's remarkable 741 runs, amassed at an impressive average of 61.75, showcased his unwavering reliability and insatiable hunger for runs. He illuminated the tournament with 62 boundaries and 38 towering sixes, captivating fans and inspiring his team.Earlier in the match, Kohli etched his name in IPL history by becoming the first player to surpass 8000 runs. This monumental achievement underscores his unparalleled consistency, skill, and dominance in the tournament since its inception.The former RCB captain reached this milestone in his 252nd IPL match, boasting an impressive tally of 8 centuries and 55 fifties.RCB's remarkable turnaround, rising from the bottom of the table after eight matches to win six in a row and secure a play-off berth, ultimately proved insufficient.In the do-or-die playoff at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Rajasthan restricted RCB to 172-8, successfully chasing the target with six balls to spare.Rajasthan will now face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 on Friday in Chennai, with the winner advancing to face Kolkata Knight Riders in the final on May 26.

Yuzvendra Chahal, the enigmatic leg-spinner, has etched his name into the annals of Rajasthan Royals history by becoming the franchise's all-time leading wicket-taker in the Indian Premier League (IPL). During the IPL 2024 Eliminator against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Ahmedabad, Chahal claimed the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli, reaching the milestone of 66 wickets for the Royals.Chahal's remarkable achievement is a testament to his exceptional skill and consistency. He has consistently been among the most effective bowlers in the IPL, showcasing his ability to deceive batsmen with his variations and accuracy. His strike rate of 15.6 is a testament to his ability to strike regularly and make breakthroughs.The Rajasthan Royals have been fortunate to have a plethora of talented bowlers over the years, but Chahal's record stands out. He has surpassed the likes of Siddharth Trivedi (65 wickets), Shane Watson (61 wickets), Shane Warne (57 wickets), and James Faulkner (47 wickets) to become the franchise's most prolific wicket-taker.Chahal's success is not limited to the Rajasthan Royals. He is also the leading wicket-taker in the IPL overall, with an impressive tally of 205 wickets in 159 matches. His ability to adapt to different conditions and outsmart batsmen has made him one of the most sought-after bowlers in the league.The Rajasthan Royals will be hoping that Chahal can continue his impressive form in the upcoming seasons. His experience and skill will be crucial as the team aims to challenge for the IPL title.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer, has etched his name in the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) history by becoming the first player to surpass the 8000-run mark. This remarkable achievement, accomplished during the IPL 2024 Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals, is a testament to Kohli's unparalleled consistency, skill, and dominance in the tournament.Kohli's journey to 8000 runs is a saga of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering passion for the game. Since his IPL debut in 2008, he has been the cornerstone of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise, leading them with distinction and inspiring a generation of young cricketers.Over the years, Kohli has amassed an astonishing 8 centuries and 55 fifties in the IPL, showcasing his ability to score runs at a prolific rate. His exceptional batting technique, coupled with his astute game sense and leadership qualities, has made him one of the most feared batsmen in the world.Kohli's achievement is even more remarkable considering the high level of competition in the IPL. The tournament attracts the best players from around the globe, making it one of the most challenging and competitive cricket leagues in the world. Kohli's ability to consistently perform at the highest level, despite the intense pressure, is a testament to his mental fortitude and unwavering determination.As Kohli continues to add to his already impressive list of achievements, his legacy in the IPL is firmly cemented. He has set the bar higher for future generations of cricketers, inspiring them to strive for excellence and push the boundaries of the game.

Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore Clash in IPL EliminatorIn a highly anticipated encounter, Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore will face off in the eliminator of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on May 22 in Ahmedabad. The winner of this crucial match will advance to Qualifier 2, where they will face Sunrisers Hyderabad.Rajasthan Royals, led by Sanju Samson, have been in impressive form throughout the tournament. They finished second in the league stage with 18 points, winning 10 of their 14 matches. Their batting lineup boasts the likes of Jos Buttler, Devdutt Padikkal, and Shimron Hetmyer, who will be bolstering the team as an 'impact' substitute player.Royal Challengers Bangalore, captained by Virat Kohli, have also had a strong season. They finished third in the league stage with 16 points, winning 8 of their 14 matches. Their batting lineup is equally formidable, featuring Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, and Glenn Maxwell.The match is expected to be a close contest, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. Rajasthan Royals have a slight edge in the bowling department, with Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Ravichandran Ashwin leading the attack. Royal Challengers Bangalore, on the other hand, have a more experienced batting lineup and will be looking to capitalize on any mistakes made by the Royals' bowlers.The winner of the eliminator will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 on May 25. The winner of that match will advance to the IPL final, which will be played on May 29.

Virat Kohli's resilience under criticism has been a constant throughout his illustrious career. South African legend AB de Villiers, who has witnessed Kohli's journey from close quarters, has observed how the Indian star thrives on adversity.During the early stages of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kohli faced criticism from legendary commentator Sunil Gavaskar over his strike rate. However, Kohli responded with a series of high-scoring performances, proving his ability to silence his critics."I enjoyed that," said de Villiers, referring to the debate surrounding Kohli's strike rate. "It was really bad for someone like that, a hero and a role model of the country, to get so much criticism. But I knew that's exactly what would happen to him."De Villiers believes that criticism motivates Kohli to perform at his best. "I used to tell the players in the team room, you do not say one word to Virat on the pitch because he will come out and he will score a big 100 if you try and chirp him," he said.Kohli's leadership and determination were crucial in Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) remarkable turnaround in the IPL. After a dismal start with only one win in eight games, RCB staged a stunning comeback with six consecutive victories to secure a play-off spot."When the team is down and out, a player like Kohli can play a huge role in lifting the spirits," said de Villiers. "He showed the kind of care that he has for the team and the desire to ultimately go and win a trophy."De Villiers praised Kohli's unwavering intensity and commitment, even during RCB's losing streak. "To see that in one of your senior players who's achieved everything in cricket, it's incredibly motivational and inspirational," he said.Kohli's selfless acts, such as celebrating his teammates' successes and encouraging young players, also played a significant role in RCB's resurgence. "That ultimately is a selfless act," said de Villiers.

Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings: A Rivalry of SimilaritiesThe Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed some epic rivalries over the years, and one of the most intense has been between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Out of their 31 head-to-head encounters, CSK holds a commanding 19-11 advantage, with one match ending in a no result.Former KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir, who recently spoke to Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, believes that the two teams have always shared a similar approach to the game. "I always felt that CSK and KKR were very, very similar in the way they approached the game," said Gambhir.Gambhir highlighted the similarities in their strategies, particularly in their use of spinners. "The way MS Dhoni used the spinners and we had three quality spinners as well. CSK had three quality spinners and probably the conditions, whether it was in Chepauk or in Eden at that time, were very similar," he explained.The former left-hander added that the tactical battles between the two sides were always intense. "Our strategies were very similar to each other. That is the reason KKR had to be at our best from the tactical point of view to be able to beat CSK. That's the reason why I always felt that CSK and KKR during those times were very very similar teams," said Gambhir.Gambhir, who returned to KKR as a mentor last year, has a wealth of experience in the IPL, having played for both Delhi Capitals and KKR. He led the Knight Riders to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014.KKR will be looking to add to their trophy cabinet when they face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2024 on Tuesday. The match will be a crucial test for the Knight Riders, who will be aiming to reach the final and challenge for the championship.

KKR's Gurbaz Returns from Afghanistan to Aid Team in IPL PlayoffsKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz has revealed that his mother is still recovering in the hospital, but he returned from Afghanistan to support his team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs.Gurbaz played a crucial knock of 23 runs from 14 balls in KKR's Qualifier 1 victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday. Speaking at the post-match press conference, he expressed his gratitude for the support of his family and the KKR franchise."My mother is still recovering in the hospital, but I knew my KKR family needed me here once Phil Salt left. So I came back from Afghanistan, and I'm happy to be here. My mother is happy for me too," Gurbaz said.The 22-year-old had not featured in any games for KKR this season due to the success of Salt and Sunil Narine at the top of the order. However, with Salt departing, Gurbaz was called upon to fill the void.In the match against SRH, Gurbaz provided a solid start alongside Narine, scoring two fours and two sixes before being dismissed. His innings helped set the platform for a dominant run-chase by KKR, who reached the target with 38 balls to spare.Skipper Shreyas Iyer (58*) and Venkatesh Iyer (51*) played blistering half-centuries to guide KKR to victory. Mitchell Starc was the pick of the bowlers for KKR, taking 3/34 in four overs.With this win, KKR has secured a direct spot in the final, while SRH will face the winner of the eliminator match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Qualifier 2.