Cricket

Travis Head, the Australian batting sensation, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, despite his success in the T20 league, Head remains committed to prioritizing Test cricket."I would put all my eggs in the Test basket for the moment," Head told PTI. "I will continue to do that."Head's decision stems from his belief that Test cricket is the pinnacle of the sport. He has enjoyed a remarkable run in the longest format over the past year, scoring centuries in both the World Test Championship final and the ODI World Cup final.While Head acknowledges the financial benefits of playing in T20 leagues, he is determined to limit his participation to just two events per year. This will allow him to focus on his Test career and maintain his fitness."After Tests, I will pick formats, and see in which different ways I am available for selection," Head said. "At this stage, I would like to be back here in [the] IPL next year. Like I will play Major League Cricket [in the USA] this year right after the World T20 [T20 World Cup] but next year might just look a lot different."Head's decision is a testament to his commitment to Test cricket. He believes that the longer format allows him to showcase his full range of skills and contribute to his team's success."Look, in few years when I am finished with Test cricket, then probably there will be few more opportunities to play a bit more franchise cricket," Head said. "But at this time, I would try to limit it to a couple of franchise[s] maybe, and [focus on] Test cricket."Despite his hectic schedule, Head is not concerned about workload management. He is determined to make the most of his time on the field and enjoy the moment."I know in a few years, I can retire and do nothing, I will have plenty of time to look back and wish I was back on tour, I would like to be in the moment, keep batting through and stay in the moment, enjoying the moment."

Ambati Rayudu, a former Indian cricketer and current commentator, has witnessed the highs and lows of the Indian Premier League (IPL) firsthand. Last year, he celebrated Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) victory in the finals, but this year, he watched in dismay as his former team was eliminated from the tournament.Rayudu's emotions were evident in a viral video where he sat with his face buried in his hands, unable to believe CSK's defeat. "I'm an emotional being," he admits. "I've always wanted things to be fair and fought for what I believe is right."Despite his disappointment, Rayudu remains passionate about cricket. He enjoys his new role as a commentator, even though he initially had doubts about his ability to speak publicly. "I didn't know if I would be good at it, because I hardly spoke during my playing days," he says. "But I love discussing cricket with friends and family."Rayudu believes that the IPL has brought the game closer to fans, making them more knowledgeable about T20 cricket and identifying with the players. He also credits the league for identifying and nurturing talent, giving opportunities to players who might not have been noticed otherwise.Rayudu's connection to Chennai runs deep. He played under-13 cricket there and has fond memories of the city. "I have played a lot of junior cricket and then Ranji Trophy at Chepauk," he says. "I have enjoyed the food, people, and have always felt very emotionally close to people from Chennai."Rayudu's involvement in cricket extends beyond the field. He has dabbled in politics and actively supported actor and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan in the recent election season. He hopes to play an active role in public life in the future. "I believe sport can be a unifying factor in bringing people together," he says. "I believe equal opportunities should be available; I have suffered in the past due to a lot of factors. I hope that a player, even without any godfather, should be able to play the sport just based on his or her talent."

Virat Kohli's unwavering loyalty to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a testament to his unwavering commitment to the franchise. Despite RCB's failure to lift the IPL trophy since 2008, Kohli has remained steadfast in his support, even after leading India to victory in the 2008 U19 World Cup.RCB acquired Kohli for a modest USD 30,000 in the 2008 IPL auction, after he had impressed with his leadership skills in the U19 World Cup. While Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) had the opportunity to bid for Kohli, they opted for left-arm pacer Pradeep Sangwan to strengthen their bowling unit.Over the years, RCB has come close to winning the IPL title, reaching the final thrice in 2009, 2011, and 2016. However, Kohli's loyalty has never wavered, despite the team's shortcomings.In 2008, when RCB was co-owned by Vijay Mallya, the team's remarkable turnaround and qualification for the playoffs prompted Mallya to express his confidence in Kohli and the team. "My inner instinct tells me that RCB have the best chance to go for the IPL Trophy," Mallya had said.Despite a poor start to IPL 2024, RCB has regained momentum, winning six consecutive games to qualify for the playoffs. The team now faces Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator, with a potential Qualifier 2 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad looming. If RCB emerges victorious, they will face Kolkata Knight Riders in the final.Kohli's unwavering loyalty to RCB has become a symbol of his dedication to the franchise and the sport of cricket. His commitment to the team, even during challenging times, has earned him the respect and admiration of fans and fellow players alike.

MS Dhoni's IPL Future Hinges on 'Impact Player' RuleThe Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) disappointing exit from the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs has sparked speculation about MS Dhoni's future with the franchise. The veteran wicket-keeper batter's performance has been under scrutiny, and the 'Impact Player' rule has emerged as a potential factor in his decision-making.The 'Impact Player' rule allows teams to substitute a player during the match, providing flexibility in batting orders and strategic advantages. Dhoni has benefited from this rule, batting at lower positions (No. 8 or No. 9) and focusing on his strengths: wicket-keeping, leadership, and power-hitting.However, the rule has also faced criticism, with some arguing that it limits the opportunities for all-rounders. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to decide on the rule's continuation next season.Dhoni's age (42) and knee injury have impacted his mobility, making it difficult for him to run between wickets. The 'Impact Player' rule allows CSK to maximize his contributions while grooming younger players.If the rule remains in place, Dhoni may consider continuing his IPL career. However, if it is abolished, he may opt to retire as a player. The BCCI's decision on the rule will play a crucial role in Dhoni's future.The 'Impact Player' rule has the potential to extend the careers of veteran players like Dhoni while also fostering the development of young talent. It remains to be seen whether the BCCI will retain the rule, but it could have a significant impact on Dhoni's decision to continue playing in the IPL.

The search for India's next cricket team head coach has intensified, with Rahul Dravid confirming his departure. Among the potential candidates, former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has emerged as a strong contender, garnering support from legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram.Akram believes Gambhir possesses the ideal qualities for the role, citing his intelligence, straightforwardness, and aggression. He emphasized that Gambhir's bluntness and willingness to speak his mind, while not always aligned with Indian cricket culture, would bring a much-needed edge to the team.Gambhir's track record as a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) further strengthens his case. Under his guidance, KKR has secured a spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs, showcasing his ability to lead and inspire a team.Gambhir's previous success as KKR captain, guiding them to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, further demonstrates his leadership capabilities. His ability to motivate and extract the best from his players would be invaluable to the Indian team.While Gambhir's appointment would undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of aggression to the team, it remains to be seen whether he will accept the role. The time-consuming nature of the job and his personal commitments may influence his decision.

Shreyas Iyer Joins Elite Captains with Most 50+ Scores in IPL PlayoffsIn a remarkable display of leadership and batting prowess, Kolkata Knight Riders captain Shreyas Iyer has etched his name among the most successful captains in IPL playoff history. With an unbeaten 58 off just 24 balls in the Qualifier 2 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Iyer guided his team to a comfortable victory and a berth in the IPL final.Iyer's blistering knock, which included six fours and four sixes, was instrumental in KKR's successful chase of 160 runs in just 13.4 overs. His unbeaten 97-run partnership with Venkatesh Iyer showcased their exceptional batting skills and the team's ability to perform under pressure.Iyer's achievement is even more impressive considering the high-stakes nature of the IPL playoffs. Only a select few captains have consistently delivered notable batting performances in these crucial matches. Joining Iyer in this elite group are three renowned captains: MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and David Warner.Dhoni, the former Chennai Super Kings captain, is known for his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed. His clutch performances have been pivotal in guiding CSK through many critical playoff matches.Rohit Sharma, the former Mumbai Indians skipper, mirrors Dhoni's prowess with his calm demeanor and explosive batting. His contributions with the bat have often been the backbone of Mumbai's successful campaigns, helping them secure multiple IPL titles.David Warner, the former Sunrisers Hyderabad captain, has consistently been among the top scorers in the league. His aggressive style and leadership have propelled his team forward in crucial playoff encounters, making him a formidable opponent.With his latest performance, Shreyas Iyer has proven that he belongs among these legendary captains. His ability to lead by example and deliver under pressure makes him a valuable asset to the Kolkata Knight Riders and a rising star in the IPL.

Dinesh Karthik, the seasoned wicketkeeper-batter, has emerged as a pivotal figure in Royal Challengers Bangalore's remarkable resurgence in the Indian Premier League (IPL). After teetering on the brink of elimination, RCB has strung together six consecutive victories, setting the stage for a thrilling Eliminator clash against Rajasthan Royals on May 22.Karthik, who will turn 39 soon, attributes RCB's newfound momentum to the confidence that comes with winning. "Momentum in this tournament is directly proportional to confidence," he told The Hindu. "When you win a few, the confidence increases, and they keep feeding off each other."The veteran cricketer believes that the current RCB side is unburdened by the weight of past failures. Despite reaching the playoffs thrice between 2020 and 2022, RCB has not reached the summit clash since 2016. "It's been a completely different year, a different set of people and players," explained Karthik. "I don't think that is going to have any sort of bearing leading into the Playoffs. Completely different scenarios."Karthik's fearless approach has been a hallmark of RCB's recent success. He emphasizes that the team will not alter its aggressive style despite the heightened stakes of the playoffs. "It wouldn't change at all," he said. "It will be about recreating what we have done in these six games."The wicketkeeper-batter's contributions have extended beyond his batting prowess. He has also played a crucial role in guiding the team's young bowlers, including the likes of Akash Deep and Harshal Patel. "I try to help them as much as I can," said Karthik. "I try to give them confidence, and I try to make them understand the game better."As RCB prepares for the Eliminator, Karthik remains optimistic about the team's chances. "We have a good team, and we are playing well," he said. "We just need to continue doing what we have been doing, and we will be in a good position to win."

Jos Buttler, England's T20I captain, has defended the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) decision to withdraw players from the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan. However, he believes that international cricket should not overlap with the IPL, the world's premier franchise league.Buttler, along with seven other members of England's provisional T20 World Cup squad, left the IPL before the end of the group stage. Four of these players, including Buttler, represented franchises that qualified for the knockouts. England's players returned to Leeds on Saturday night ahead of Wednesday's opening T20I.Rob Key, the managing director of England men's cricket, stated that Buttler had driven the decision to bring players home from India. He emphasized the importance of the squad spending time together before traveling to the Caribbean.Buttler explained his reasoning, saying, "As an England captain, my main priority is to be playing for England. I think that these games have been in the calendar for a long time. Of course, leading into a World Cup, your No. 1 priority is playing for England and performing for England. I feel like this is the best preparation."Buttler's absence has left a significant void in his franchise, Rajasthan Royals. Tom Kohler-Cadmore was brought in for the final two group games but has struggled to make an impact.Other national boards have taken a different approach. West Indies and South Africa have both missed players for their T20I series due to IPL commitments. Ireland allowed Josh Little to remain in India during their recent series against Pakistan.Key has stated that the ECB tried to keep the situation fluid with players before deciding to bring them home. However, there has been some criticism in India about the early return of English players.Sanjay Bangar, the head of cricket development at Punjab Kings, claimed that the ECB had assured them that all players would be available before the December auction. However, as ESPNcricinfo reported, this was always subject to fitness, international duty, and any periods of unavailability submitted by players on their auction applications.The dates for England's T20I series against Pakistan were announced in July 2023 and have been in the ICC's Future Tours Programme since August 2022. In contrast, the BCCI only finalized the IPL's fixture list for the 2024 season after the tournament had started.Sam Curran, who captained Punjab in eight of his 13 appearances this season, believes the ECB's decision was justified. He said, "It was a decision that was made, that it was probably the right thing for us all to come back. It was only fair for all franchise to lose a player each or so… it would have been quite harsh if some franchises got to keep a couple of players and then some didn't."The Federation of International Cricketers' Association (FICA) will hold a global scheduling symposium for members later this year. CEO Tom Moffat revealed that a recent player survey showed widespread support for international and franchise 'windows', as proposed by Buttler.

Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad, the top two teams from the Indian Premier League (IPL) group stages, will face off in Qualifier 1 of the playoffs at the Narendra Modi Stadium on May 21. The match promises to be a high-scoring thriller, as both teams have adopted an aggressive batting approach this season.In their opening match of the tournament, KKR and SRH engaged in a nail-biting contest that KKR ultimately won by four runs. The match set the tone for the season, with both teams showcasing their explosive batting lineups.KKR, led by Shreyas Iyer, boasts a formidable batting unit featuring Sunil Narine, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, and Rinku Singh. Their bowling attack, anchored by Mitchell Starc and Varun Chakravarthy, has also been impressive.SRH, captained by Pat Cummins, has a equally dangerous batting lineup. Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi, and Heinrich Klaasen have been in excellent form, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and T Natarajan lead a potent bowling attack.The match is expected to be a close contest, with both teams having the potential to win. KKR will be looking to maintain their momentum and secure a berth in the final, while SRH will be determined to bounce back from their recent losses and keep their title hopes alive.The winner of Qualifier 1 will advance directly to the final, while the loser will face the winner of Qualifier 2 in the second qualifier. The final will be played on May 29 at the same venue.