Cricket

Virender Sehwag, the former Indian opener known for his outspoken nature, has cast doubt on Rohit Sharma's future with the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise. During a discussion with Cricbuzz, Sehwag suggested that only Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav are assured of retention ahead of the mega auction next season.Sehwag's comments raise questions about the status of other key players, including Rohit, Hardik Pandya, and Ishan Kishan. He emphasized that performance should be the primary factor in determining retention, regardless of reputation."If you get Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Salman Khan for one movie, it doesn't mean it will be a hit film. You have to perform. There has to be something in the script," Sehwag said. "Look at these big names...they all have to perform. Rohit scored one hundred and it was in a losing cause. In the remaining matches, when did he perform? Ishan Kishan has not gone beyond the powerplay the entire season."Rohit's performance in this IPL season has been underwhelming, with only 330 runs in 12 matches, including one century. However, a video circulating on social media shows Rohit expressing his deep affection for the MI franchise, calling it a second home.Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Rohit remains a respected figure in the MI dressing room. He has been the captain of the team since 2013 and has led them to five IPL titles. However, the franchise may need to make some tough decisions ahead of the mega auction if they want to rebuild and regain their dominance in the tournament.

Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting has expressed confidence in Axar Patel's ability to lead the team in the absence of suspended captain Rishabh Pant. Pant was banned for one match after an altercation with Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav during their previous encounter.Ponting praised Patel's experience and understanding of the game, saying, "He has been vice-captain for the last couple of seasons and he is very sensible and understands the game really well."The coach also acknowledged the challenge of replacing Pant, who has been Delhi's best batter this season. However, he believes the team has the depth to overcome his absence."Rishabh has been one of the best players this IPL and not having him is a loss. But it is also a great opportunity for others," Ponting said.David Warner, who has missed the last four matches due to injury, is expected to be available for selection. Ponting expressed optimism about his return, saying, "David Warner has trained really strongly. We hope he is available for selection."The Delhi Capitals will face the Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 11 in Bengaluru. The match will be a crucial test for Patel's leadership and the team's ability to adapt without Pant.

Kochi Tuskers Kerala: Sreesanth Reveals Unpaid Dues and Franchise TerminationFormer Indian fast bowler Sreesanth has shed light on the financial turmoil that plagued the Kochi Tuskers Kerala franchise during its brief tenure in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The team, which featured a star-studded lineup including Brendon McCullum, Mahela Jayawardene, and Ravindra Jadeja, was terminated after just one season in 2011 for breaching the terms of its agreement.According to Sreesanth, the Kerala franchise has yet to settle the outstanding payments owed to the players who represented the team. "They have to pay a lot of money," he said. "They still haven't. You should get Muralitharan sir (Muttiah Muralitharan), you should get Mahela (Mahela Jayawardene) and in your show they will only tell you. McCullum was also there, and Jadeja."Sreesanth revealed that the franchise was initially intended to participate in the league for three seasons. However, after their inaugural campaign in 2011, the team faced suspension due to financial irregularities.The pacer expressed frustration that the players associated with the Kochi franchise have refrained from publicly discussing the team's failure to settle their outstanding payments. "Please guys, BCCI has literally paid you, I think. Please pay us...anyway whenever you're paying, remember the 18% interest every year. I feel by the time my kid gets married, we will definitely receive the money (laughs). The team was supposed to be for three years, and the team got terminated in the first year. I think no one has spoken about it. Even now when the players meet, they talk about it," he said.The Kochi Tuskers Kerala saga highlights the importance of financial stability and transparency in professional sports. The franchise's failure to fulfill its financial obligations to its players has left a lasting impact on those involved and serves as a cautionary tale for future franchise owners.

Shubman Gill's blistering century against Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Friday has reignited the debate over his omission from India's T20 World Cup squad.Gill, who has been in scintillating form this IPL season, slammed his fourth ton in the league, powering Gujarat Titans to a comfortable 35-run win over the defending champions. His 55-ball 104 was a testament to his class and ability to dominate even the best bowling attacks.Former India coach Ravi Shastri, who was on commentary duty during the match, expressed his admiration for Gill and lamented his exclusion from the World Cup squad. "He (Gill) would be hurting. He should be hurting. He should look at it positively and try to get better," Shastri said.Shastri pointed out that Gill's talent is undeniable, but the depth of India's batting lineup is such that he has not been able to secure a place in the 15-man squad. "A player of his calibre would walk into any side, but such is the talent in India that he doesn't get a place," Shastri added.Despite missing out on a place in the World Cup squad, Gill will still be traveling with Team India as a reserve alongside Rinku Singh, Avesh Khan, and Khaleel Ahmed. This indicates that the selectors still value his abilities and believe he has a future with the national team.Gill's omission from the World Cup squad has raised questions about the selection criteria and whether the selectors have made the right decision. Some experts believe that Gill's consistent performances in the IPL should have earned him a place in the squad, while others argue that the selectors have opted for a more experienced lineup.Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to include Gill in the World Cup squad is a matter of opinion. However, there is no doubt that he is a talented batsman with the potential to become one of the best in the world. His performances in the IPL this season have only reinforced that belief.

Fan Breaches Security to Meet MS Dhoni at IPL MatchDuring an Indian Premier League (IPL) match between the Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat, a 21-year-old man named Jaykumar Jani breached the tight security cordon to enter the field and meet cricketer MS Dhoni.The incident occurred during a DRS (decision review system) break on Friday night. Jani, a native of Rabarika village in Bhavnagar district, jumped the metal barricades near the black screen and ran towards the pitch. He was quickly apprehended and taken to Chandkheda police station.Jani informed the police that he was a fan of Dhoni and wanted to meet him. In a video of the incident that surfaced on social media, Jani is seen bowing at Dhoni's feet near the pitch and hugging him before security personnel take him away.Assistant Commissioner of Police DV Rana said that Jani and his brother Parth had traveled from Bhavnagar to watch the match. He added that this is the second such incident at the Narendra Modi Stadium in six months. In November 2023, Wayne Johnson, an Australian national of Chinese-Filipino origin, breached the security cordon to enter the field and hug Virat Kohli during the World Cup final between India and Australia.Jani was formally arrested on Saturday after a first information report (FIR) was registered against him. He has been charged under section 447 (criminal trespass) of the IPC.

Shubman Gill's Century Marks Historic Milestone in IPL HistoryShubman Gill's scintillating century for Gujarat Titans against Chennai Super Kings not only propelled his team to a crucial victory but also etched his name in the annals of Indian Premier League (IPL) history. Gill's 104 off 55 deliveries, adorned with nine fours and six maximums, marked the 100th century ever scored in the IPL.This milestone is a testament to the high caliber of batting performances that have graced the IPL over the years. Brendon McCullum, the former New Zealand captain, holds the distinction of scoring the inaugural IPL century in 2008. His unbeaten 158 for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) set a high benchmark for the matches to follow.Among the numerous batting stalwarts who have graced the IPL, Virat Kohli stands out with the most centuries to his name. The Indian batting maestro has amassed an impressive tally of eight hundreds, showcasing his consistent brilliance and dominance in the league. Kohli's achievements have not only contributed to his team's success but also cemented his reputation as one of the finest batsmen in the world.The IPL has become a breeding ground for both established and emerging cricketers, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and contribute to the evolving narrative of cricket in India. With each passing season, the anticipation for more such remarkable innings continues to grow among cricket enthusiasts.The journey from McCullum's first century to Gill's 100th encapsulates the essence of the IPL - a blend of experience, youth, and the unrelenting spirit of cricket. The league has not only entertained millions of fans but also played a pivotal role in the development of Indian cricket, nurturing young talent and inspiring future generations.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), after a string of setbacks, have clawed their way back into the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoff race with four consecutive victories. However, their penultimate league match against the unpredictable Delhi Capitals (DC) poses a formidable challenge.RCB's resurgence has been fueled by the consistent batting of talisman Virat Kohli, who leads the IPL run-getters with 634 runs at a brisk strike rate of 153. Skipper Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, Cameron Green, and Dinesh Karthik have also contributed valuable runs, providing a cushion for their bowlers.The RCB bowlers have undergone a remarkable transformation in the last four matches. Mohammed Siraj has rediscovered his mojo, while Yash Dayal and Swapnil Singh have provided excellent support. Their overall run-rate has dropped below 10 for the first time this season, a significant achievement in a tournament known for high-scoring matches.DC, on the other hand, have been a team of extremes, oscillating between brilliance and mediocrity. They posted a hefty 257/4 against Mumbai Indians but then collapsed to a lowly 153/9 against Kolkata Knight Riders.DC's batting is led by Jack Fraser-McGurk, who has taken over the opener's slot from David Warner and has made an immediate impact with 309 runs at a strike rate of 235.87. Abhishek Porel has also impressed with a strike rate of 157. Skipper Rishabh Pant and Tristan Stubbs have also been among the runs.In the bowling department, DC boasts the economical spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, who have shared 24 wickets with economy rates of 8.2 and 7.3 respectively. Their combined eight overs will be crucial in containing the free-flowing RCB batters.The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two teams with contrasting styles. RCB will rely on their consistent batting and improved bowling, while DC will hope to exploit their unpredictable nature and the brilliance of their key players.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricket team batter, has expressed his admiration for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owner Shah Rukh Khan, calling him the best owner he has ever worked with. Gambhir, who led KKR to two Indian Premier League (IPL) titles as captain, returns to the franchise in 2024 as a mentor.Gambhir's relationship with Khan dates back to 2011 when he first joined KKR. He praised Khan for his humility, groundedness, and non-interference in cricketing matters."I have a fabulous relationship with him. For me, he is the best owner I have worked with. And the reason is not just that he is humble, he is pretty grounded," Gambhir said on Sportskeeda."I don't think he has ever interfered in cricketing matters and it is a very big thing for someone like me because you get the freedom of decision-making. You have the freedom and trust that whatever decision I take, I know he's going to back me."Gambhir believes that the trust between him and Khan has been instrumental in their success."And more importantly, that's why we have got the results as well. My relationship with him is fantastic and not just now but since I first joined KKR in 2011.""But again as you said, SRK is an emotion, I think KKR is an emotion for me as well. That's why I feel that when any relationship starts on trust, that trust then goes a long way.""It's the trust between us because I know he will never involve himself in cricketing matters and he knows that any decision I take will be in the best interests of the team and not for anything else," he added.Gambhir's return to KKR as a mentor is expected to bring valuable experience and guidance to the team. His close relationship with Khan and his understanding of the franchise's culture will be key assets in his new role.

In a crucial IPL encounter, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will face off against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Sunday, with both teams desperate for a victory to secure their playoff spots.CSK, currently fourth in the standings with 12 points, suffered a setback in their previous match against Gujarat Titans. They now need to win their remaining two games to solidify their position. RR, on the other hand, are second with 16 points but have lost their last two matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals.CSK's top-order has been a concern, with Ajinkya Rahane, Rachin Ravindra, and Ruturaj Gaikwad struggling for form. Ravindra may get another chance against RR, but it could be a make-or-break situation for him. Daryl Mitchell and Moeen Ali have shown promise, but Shivam Dube, CSK's bulwark this season, has been quiet since his selection to the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup.CSK's bowling has been a bright spot, with Tushar Deshpande and Shardul Thakur impressing. However, they will need to step up their game at home, where the low amount of dew could favor their spinners.RR, eager to end their losing streak, will be confident against an unsteady CSK. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been out of form, will be determined to prove his worth before traveling to the Americas for the T20 World Cup. Skipper Sanju Samson will be under pressure to perform, given his World Cup aspirations, and he will seek support from Riyan Parag, Shubham Dubey, and Rovman Powell.Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who took three wickets in the last tie against DC, will fancy his chances on his home track. The presence of experienced Yuzvendra Chahal will add strength to RR's bowling unit. However, Avesh Khan, who was unimpressive against Delhi, may still get another chance to gain confidence before the World Cup.