Cricket

Gujarat Titans' playoff hopes were dashed after their match against Kolkata Knight Riders was washed out on Monday, making them the third team to be eliminated from the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoff race.Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) now have a 75% chance of finishing as the sole toppers and a 25% chance of ending up in second place, assuming no more matches are rained off. A win in their last game will guarantee them the top spot, while they could still top even with a loss if Rajasthan Royals (RR) fail to win both their remaining games.RR, on the other hand, are not guaranteed to top even if they win their remaining games, but their chances of being sole toppers are a respectable 25%. They also have a nearly 40% chance of finishing second, but their qualification is not yet certain. If they lose both games, they could end up tied second with three other teams - Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) - depending on results in other games.CSK, currently in third place, have a better than 90% chance of making the top four on points, but their qualification is far from certain. They could end up tied second with three other teams (RR, SRH, and LSG) or tied third with up to four other teams or tied for fourth with three other teams. However, their better net run rate at this stage gives them an advantage over the other teams competing for the last two qualifying slots.SRH, in fourth place, have an even better chance (96.9%) of making it to the top four slots on points, thanks to the extra game in hand. But they too are unsure of qualification with the possibility of four-way ties for second, five-way ties for third, or three-way ties for fourth looming. The good news is that they don't have to necessarily win both their remaining games.Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), in fifth place, have a chance of making it to the top four spots on points, but their chances are just above 40%. Their last game against CSK is a must-win, but even winning it is not enough. Other results will need to go their way.Delhi Capitals (DC), in sixth place, have a chance of finishing among the top four on points, but their chances are barely over 31%. And if they lose to LSG, the best they can hope for is sixth.For LSG, the game against DC is not a must-win because they have another game in hand. However, despite a 56% chance of making the top four slots on points, they are looking at possible ties with up to three teams for second, up to four teams for third, and up to three teams for fourth. Their NRR is the worst among all the teams they could tie with.

Justin Langer, the head coach of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has shared his insights on the evolving dynamics of cricket, the multifaceted role of modern coaches, and the challenges faced by players in the high-stakes environment of the Indian Premier League (IPL).Langer, a former Australian cricketer, has witnessed firsthand the transformation of the game from a simpler era to the complex and demanding landscape of today. He emphasizes the importance of man management for coaches, who must navigate the diverse personalities and needs of players to create a cohesive team.The IPL, with its massive financial rewards and intense competition, has brought about a shift in the mindset of players. While performance remains paramount, the influx of money has also led to a rise in expectations and pressure. Langer believes that players must focus on their performance rather than the financial rewards to achieve true stardom.Langer also highlights the importance of mental health in the high-pressure environment of professional cricket. He commends players like Glenn Maxwell for speaking out about their struggles, and emphasizes the need for coaches to be observant and supportive of their players' mental well-being.The upcoming T20 World Cup will be a test of the teams' ability to adapt to different conditions. Langer believes that teams with strong bowling attacks will have an advantage, and he identifies India, Australia, and New Zealand as potential favorites.

Cricket's long-standing reputation as a batter's game is undeniable, but never has it been more evident than in the ongoing IPL 2024. Scores exceeding 200 have become commonplace, sixes are cascading at an unprecedented rate, and bowlers are facing an onslaught of punishment.This surge in batting dominance can be attributed to several factors. Batsmen, armed with a deeper understanding of the 20-over format and enhanced skills, are embracing a fearless approach. The realization that every ball counts in a 120-delivery game has led to a shift in mindset, with batsmen maximizing each opportunity.Opening the batting in T20 cricket demands a unique set of skills. In Test cricket, openers often prioritize survival over run-making, but in the shorter formats, they are expected to set the tone and lay the foundation for a high-scoring innings.The IPL has witnessed a plethora of exceptional opening partnerships this season. Virat Kohli, the former India skipper, has been in scintillating form, leading the run-scoring charts with an average of 70.44 and a strike rate of 153.51. His remarkable transformation has been attributed to shedding the fear of dismissal, a quality that has allowed him to unleash his full potential.Another standout performer has been Jake Fraser-McGurk, the young Australian who has taken the tournament by storm. His fearless approach and array of strokes have made him a formidable force, and he has already notched up three half-centuries in less than 20 balls.The left-hand duo of Abhishek Sharma and Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Kane Williamson have also left bowlers quaking in their boots. Their brutal dismantling of Lucknow Super Giants showcased their exceptional ball-striking ability and their ability to complement each other effortlessly.Kolkata Knight Riders' Phil Salt and Sunil Narine have added spice to this season's proceedings. Salt, a replacement player who was surprisingly overlooked at the auction, has formed a potent partnership with Narine, who has rolled back the years to rediscover his wicket-taking prowess.The latest pair to ignite the imagination is Shubman Gill and B. Sai Sudharsan, the Gujarat Titans duo who recently equaled the highest opening stand in IPL history with 210 runs. Their spectacular lashing of Chennai Super Kings highlighted the importance of a strong opening partnership.While openers may not always win a game in the PowerPlay, they can certainly lose it if they fail to provide the necessary impetus. The struggles of Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings, who languish at the bottom of the table, serve as a testament to this fact.The dominance of openers in IPL 2024 has emphasized the importance of well-begun innings. Only a special talent like Suryakumar Yadav, who has conjured six T20 hundreds while batting largely at No. 3 and No. 4, can afford to settle for anything less than opening the batting.

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has advocated for the reinstatement of Virat Kohli as the captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the upcoming seasons. Harbhajan believes that Kohli's leadership qualities, coupled with his exceptional performance on the field, make him the ideal candidate to lead the team forward.Kohli, who is currently the leading run-scorer in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), has amassed 661 runs from 13 innings at an impressive strike rate of 155.16. Despite RCB's fifth position in the table with 12 points, they remain in contention for the playoffs.Harbhajan's endorsement of Kohli's leadership stems from his belief that Kohli possesses the perfect blend of intent, commitment, and aggression to lead the team. He also highlighted Kohli's ability to inspire his teammates and create a positive team environment."If they don't qualify, they should look to get some Indian guy. Why not bring Virat Kohli back as captain. As Dhoni has a lot of impact in Chennai, Virat Kohli is a big leader, he knows the kind of cricket they need to play," Harbhajan said in the latest episode of the Star Sports' Press Room.Harbhajan also expressed his concern over the recent outburst of Lucknow Super Giants team owner Sajeev Goenka towards skipper KL Rahul following the team's 10-wicket defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He believes that such incidents can be detrimental to the team environment and disrupt team morale."There can be differences between captain and the management but the talks should be behind doors which is better for everyone. The talks should have been inside the dressing room. Whatever talks are going on, it is not good for the team's atmosphere," he said.Harbhajan cited the example of Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shah Rukh Khan, who he praised for his hands-off approach to cricket matters. He believes that Khan's approach has created a secure and positive dressing room environment, which has contributed to the team's success.Harbhajan also commented on the change of captaincy in Mumbai Indians, which he believes did not augur well for the team. He highlighted the importance of collective performance and expressed his belief that the team did not play well as a unit under Hardik Pandya's captaincy."Cricket is a team game, we win together we lose together, not a single individual can win you a tournament. You have to do well collectively and that didn't happen. Of course, there were a lot of issues with captaincy change, we heard people were not willing to accept Hardik Pandya as captain," he said.Harbhajan also praised leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal's performance in the ongoing IPL, highlighting his ability to spin the ball, control flight, and use variations effectively. He also emphasized the significance of Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the Chennai Super Kings side, citing his ability to deliver when it matters most.

The Punjab Kings' decade-long playoff drought in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been attributed to "inconsistency in leadership," according to former head coach Tom Moody. The franchise has appointed 15 different captains in 17 seasons, a factor that Moody believes has hindered their progress."I think it is a pretty good indication of why they have their struggles," Moody told IANS. "They have many changes with regards to leadership whether it be on field or off field. There seems to always be that inconsistency when it comes to what direction their leadership is taking both on and off the field. Therefore that inconsistency is naturally going to flow into what happens on the field."Moody, who coached Punjab to their first playoff appearance in 2008, emphasized the importance of stability in leadership. He pointed to his successful tenure with the Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he led the team to five playoff appearances and the title in 2016.Despite Punjab's struggles, Moody expressed optimism about the future of Indian cricket. He praised the emergence of young players like Riyan Parag and Abhishek Porel, who have impressed in the ongoing IPL season."The future is very bright, the IPL always uncovers many domestic players showcase their talents," Moody said. "We've seen many grow as the seasons unfold and a good example of that is Riyan Parag at Rajasthan. He has been in the IPL for a number of years, he is still a young player but this year has been a breakout season for him and it sort of put his name on the radar as a future potential Indian player.""Another example of that is (Abhishek) Porel from the Delhi Capitals, he is another one that has had a really good season. It is great to have a platform like this where not only Indian players but overseas players can showcase their skills in the best T20 tournament in the world."

RCB's Resurgence: Du Plessis Emphasizes Self-Belief After Thrashing Delhi CapitalsRoyal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Faf du Plessis hailed his team's newfound confidence after their emphatic 47-run victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The win marked RCB's fifth consecutive triumph, bolstering their playoff aspirations.Rajat Patidar's blistering half-century and inspired bowling performance laid the foundation for RCB's success. Patidar's 52 off 32 deliveries propelled Bangalore to a competitive 187-9, while the bowlers restricted Delhi to a mere 140 in 19.1 overs.Du Plessis lauded his team's collective effort, highlighting their resilience and unity. "We have put up a great performance. It's just confidence," he said. "First half of the season, we were just fighting for it. Now, we have bowled opposition out three times or so."The RCB skipper attributed their bowling prowess to the variety of options at his disposal. "I feel there is a lot of variety in bowling as a skipper, six-seven options," he explained. "Yash [Dhawal Kulkarni] has been an exception. Lockie [Ferguson] has been brilliant."Du Plessis emphasized the importance of taking risks and playing aggressively. "We want to be bold," he said. "Even today, we played swing up front and bounce upfront, we had 60-odd in powerplay, guys are pushing."RCB's resurgence has been a testament to their hard work and determination behind closed doors. "Lot of work has gone behind the scenes," Du Plessis said. "I feel like behind closed doors, we are getting it right, we are talking about our process and what we need to achieve."With their playoff hopes firmly in sight, RCB will look to continue their winning streak in their upcoming matches. Their newfound self-belief and collective spirit will be crucial as they aim to secure a berth in the IPL playoffs.

Virat Kohli and Ishant Sharma Engage in Friendly Banter During RCB vs DC MatchIn a rare display of camaraderie on the cricket field, Virat Kohli and Ishant Sharma engaged in two playful exchanges during the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) vs Delhi Capitals (DC) match.The first incident occurred in the fourth over when Kohli smashed Ishant for a four and a six. However, Ishant had the last laugh by dismissing the former RCB captain. In a playful celebration, Ishant tugged at Kohli's jersey, who responded with a slight smile and a nod.Later, Kohli returned the favor when Ishant came out to bat during Delhi's chase. The former RCB captain teased his longtime friend, showcasing his humorous side.These two cricketers have a long history of playing together, both for the Indian national team and in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Their rapport extends beyond the sport, and they often engage in friendly banter. However, their respect for each other's abilities is evident.In the match, RCB kept their playoff hopes alive thanks to Rajat Patidar's blistering half-century and a strong bowling performance. The hosts secured a 47-run victory over Delhi Capitals.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has expressed his preference for the slow and spin-friendly Chepauk wicket, which has been a key factor in their success over the years. After a five-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a low-scoring IPL encounter, Gaikwad emphasized the importance of spinners on such surfaces."Definitely we would love to play on such wickets. It brings our spinners into play and with huge boundaries, there is an amount of risk to hit sixes," Gaikwad said.CSK's spinners, led by Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja, played a crucial role in restricting RR to a below-par total of 141 for five. Ali picked up two wickets, while Jadeja was economical, conceding just 20 runs in his four overs.Gaikwad, who anchored the chase with an unbeaten 42 off 41 deliveries, highlighted the need for patience on such wickets. "As a team, we have stroke-players so my job was to stay there till the end," he said.Despite losing a few wickets in the middle overs, CSK's strong start in the Powerplay helped them cruise to victory. "When we were 55-1, I felt we were cruising. One or two wickets can allow the opposition to get back. Generally, I thought we were cruising and there was no pressure until the end," Gaikwad added.RR skipper Sanju Samson acknowledged the challenges of playing on away wickets, especially with the onset of summer. "We are not really sure what to expect from away games. We thought batting first was the better option," Samson said.However, he noted that the wicket played better in the second innings than expected. "They had a better idea of what to chase being used to playing here, we thought it would have been slower in the second innings, but the wicket was instead better," Samson added.With two games remaining, RR is well-positioned to finish in the top two and secure a place in the playoffs.

Rohit Sharma's dismal batting performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has raised concerns among Indian cricket fans and former players alike. The Mumbai Indians captain's poor form has cast a shadow over India's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, with many questioning his place in the national team.Rohit's struggles with the bat have been evident throughout the IPL season. In 14 matches, he has managed only 218 runs at an average of 15.57 and a strike rate of 122.89. His highest score of 48 came against the Chennai Super Kings, but he has failed to convert any of his starts into substantial innings.Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan expressed his concern over Rohit's form, stating that it is a "big worry" for both Mumbai Indians and the Indian team. "Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma's form is a big worry for Mumbai and Indians. You hope that they come back to form quickly," Pathan wrote on Twitter.However, former India pacer Varun Aaron believes that Rohit will not face the same difficulties with the Indian team as he has with Mumbai Indians. "I don't think it's a big worry. Rohit can flip the switch at national duty, he holds it in very high regard," Aaron told ESPNCricinfo. "A player of his class, you can easily use the phrase form is temporary, class is permanent. He will find form, he doesn't have to worry."Despite Aaron's optimism, Rohit's poor IPL form has put pressure on the Mumbai Indians management to rest him and other marquee players like Jasprit Bumrah. With only one league campaign left in the season, the team's hopes of qualifying for the playoffs are all but over.Rohit's struggles have also raised questions about his leadership abilities. As captain of the Indian team, he has been criticized for his conservative approach and lack of tactical acumen. Some experts believe that his poor form with the bat has affected his decision-making on the field.With the T20 World Cup 2024 just over a year away, Rohit's form and leadership will be under intense scrutiny. The Indian team will need him to rediscover his batting prowess and provide the necessary guidance to the team if they are to challenge for the title.