Cricket

Former South African captain AB de Villiers has raised concerns about Hardik Pandya's captaincy approach at Mumbai Indians, suggesting that Pandya's ego-driven style may not be suitable for a team with experienced players.De Villiers, who played alongside Pandya at Royal Challengers Bangalore, believes that Pandya's leadership style, which he described as "bravado" and "ego-driven," may have worked well with the relatively inexperienced squad of Gujarat Titans, but it could be less effective with the more experienced Mumbai Indians team."I don't think how he walks on the field is always genuine, but he has decided that is his way of captaincy," de Villiers said on his YouTube channel. "Almost like MS. Cool, calm, collective, always got your chest out. But when you play with a lot of experienced players, guys who have been around for ages... They don't buy into that."De Villiers' comments come amid reports that senior players at Mumbai Indians have expressed concerns about Pandya's captaincy style, which they believe has led to a decline in the team's morale during the IPL season.According to an Indian Express report, senior players Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav held a meeting following a loss in which they expressed their concerns about Pandya's leadership. Individual meetings were also held to determine the underlying problem.A Mumbai Indians official attributed the team's struggles this season to the transitional phase that they are in, following the departure of long-time captain Rohit Sharma. "These are regular teething problems for a team that sees leadership change. This happens in sports all the time," the official said.It remains to be seen whether Pandya will adjust his captaincy style in response to the concerns raised by senior players. Mumbai Indians have struggled in recent seasons, finishing fifth in 2021, tenth in 2022, and ninth in 2023. They are currently fourth in the IPL standings this season, but their playoff hopes are hanging in the balance.

RCB Shifts Strategy to Aggressive Approach, Eyes PlayoffsRoyal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has undergone a strategic shift, moving away from a "softer option" to a more assertive approach in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). This change has been instrumental in the team's resurgence, as they aim to make a strong impact in the remaining matches and secure a spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs.Star wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik highlighted the team's new mindset, emphasizing the importance of aggressive tactics and a fighting spirit. "Earlier we were taking the softer option with the bat, but we are taking the harder option now," Karthik said. "We are trying to put the pressure on the bowlers."This shift has been evident in RCB's recent performances, where they have registered three consecutive wins. The team's bowlers have been particularly impressive, bowling in good areas and taking on batters up front. The batters, too, have been more proactive, putting pressure on the opposition bowlers and taking calculated risks.Karthik acknowledged that RCB still has a long way to go, but he expressed confidence in the team's ability to maintain their momentum. "We have reached that stage where we have to win every game," he said. "We need to try and repeat things we have been doing well."RCB's new approach is a reflection of their determination to outperform competitors and achieve greater success in the tournament. The team, known for its passionate fanbase and talented roster, is keen on turning around their fortunes and making a mark in the IPL.

Abhishek Sharma, the 23-year-old Sunrisers Hyderabad opener, has attributed his success in the ongoing IPL to the unwavering support of skipper Pat Cummins and the entire think-tank. Sharma has been a revelation for Hyderabad this season, amassing 401 runs from 12 matches at an astonishing strike rate of 205."Our support staff and Pat (Cummins), the way they think, I have never seen anyone else think like that," Sharma said after Hyderabad's record 10-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants. "They're like, 'Go out there and express yourself. Play as aggressively as you can, we'll back you.' I think that matters a lot."Sharma's aggressive approach has paid dividends, as he has hit 35 sixes so far, the highest by any batter this season. Along with Travis Head, Sharma has rewritten the record for the quickest chase of 150-plus in T20 cricket, scaling down 166 in just 9.4 overs.Sharma credits his success to the approach he adopted during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he played a key role in Punjab's domestic T20 title win last season. "I feel when I play this way, look at the ball, and react, my shots come off better and the bowler comes under pressure," he said.Sharma has been particularly impressed by Head's ability to play spin. "I don't think anyone plays spin better than Travis," he said. "The shots he hit off (Krishnappa) Gowtham, normally batters can't do that, that shows how special he is."Sharma and Head have formed a formidable partnership, smashing several batting records this season. Sharma believes their understanding and friendship off the pitch have contributed to their success.Against the LSG bowlers, Sharma and Head had a specific strategy for dealing with the cutters. "They were bowling cutters in the middle," Sharma said. "I thought the cutters could slow down on their way, but Travis and I had planned to play it the way you would hit a spinner with the spin."Sharma's success in the IPL is a testament to the support he has received from the Hyderabad think-tank and his own aggressive approach. He will be looking to continue his impressive form as Hyderabad aim to make a strong push for the playoffs.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, continues to captivate fans with his exceptional skills and humble demeanor. In the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon has been battling age and injuries, yet he continues to entertain the crowd with his brilliant batting cameos.Recently, Dhoni's immense popularity was evident when he made a fan's day by signing his hand-made portrait. In a heartwarming video that went viral on social media, a fan approached Dhoni with two portraits of the CSK legend. The intricate details and artistry of the paintings left Dhoni impressed, and he applauded the fan's talent. As a token of appreciation, Dhoni signed both portraits, leaving the fan overjoyed.On the field, Dhoni has surprised many by batting at the No. 9 spot in CSK's match against the Punjab Kings. This decision raised eyebrows among fans and experts, with some questioning Dhoni's place in the team if he was unwilling to bat higher in the order.However, it has now been revealed that Dhoni's delayed arrival at the crease is due to an injury. According to a report by the Times of India, Dhoni is carrying a muscle tear in his leg, which restricts his running ability. As a result, the veteran cricketer prefers to come out to bat later in the innings to avoid excessive running between the wickets."We are virtually playing with our 'B' team. Those who are criticizing Dhoni don't know the sacrifice that he is doing for this team," a source was quoted as saying in the report.The report also suggests that if Devon Conway, CSK's second wicket-keeper batter, was available, Dhoni would have been given a rest from a few matches.Despite the challenges, Dhoni remains a vital part of the CSK team, providing guidance and support to his younger teammates. His unwavering determination and love for the game continue to inspire fans and fellow players alike.

IPL Owner's Outburst: A Reflection of Workplace CultureIn a shocking display of public reprimand, Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka verbally lashed out at his team's captain, KL Rahul, following a humiliating 10-wicket defeat to SunRisers Hyderabad. The incident, which was captured on national television, has sparked a debate about the appropriate boundaries of workplace behavior.Goenka's outburst is not an isolated incident. Similar scenes have played out in corporate boardrooms and workplaces across the country. The "win at all costs" mentality often leads to excessive pressure and emotional outbursts.Recent viral videos have shown bank officials using foul language to berate their employees for failing to meet targets. Such incidents highlight the prevalence of a toxic workplace culture where employees are subjected to verbal abuse and intimidation.Goenka's actions raise questions about the role of owners in sports teams. While they have the right to be disappointed with their team's performance, it is important to maintain a level of professionalism and respect. Publicly humiliating a player or coach undermines their authority and creates a hostile work environment.In contrast to Goenka's outburst, Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan displayed a more measured response after his team's loss. Khan praised his players' efforts and encouraged them to bounce back. This approach fosters a positive and supportive team culture.Ultimately, it is up to owners to decide how they conduct themselves. However, the incident involving Goenka serves as a reminder that workplace behavior should be guided by respect, professionalism, and a commitment to creating a healthy and productive environment.

Travis Head, the destructive Australian batter, has hailed his Sunrisers Hyderabad opening partner Abhishek Sharma as an exceptional talent for Indian cricket. The duo's explosive partnership propelled SRH to a record-breaking chase in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Head (89 not out off 30) and Sharma (75 not out off 28) annihilated the Lucknow Super Giants' 166-run target in just 9.4 overs, setting a new record for the highest 10-over score in men's T20 cricket. The southpaws unleashed a barrage of fours and sixes, showcasing their immense power-hitting abilities."The partnership with Abhi has been fantastic, he's such an exciting talent for Indian cricket," Head said in the post-match press conference. "We complement each other so well and he's very very enjoyable to be around, he's so excited and thinks about the game and yeah he's got a lot of energy so it's a great partnership to be involved in."Head is in top form ahead of the T20 World Cup in the Americas next month, having amassed 533 runs in 11 innings at an astonishing strike rate of 201.89. Sharma too has been striking at over 200."Whenever you're playing you want to be be as consistent as you can, you want to be getting runs. It's nice to be among the runs been nice to be playing well. That's not going to guarantee anything in the West Indies but it gives me the best chance to be in a very good mindset," said Head."Working hard on training and I think we face a fair bit of spin in the Caribbean and wickets might become tougher as the tournament goes. So very pleased with how I played spin tonight, things that I'm working on in training are somewhat working in the moment," he added.Sharma has also earned high praise from West Indies legend Brian Lara, who is a former coach of SRH. "Again he is someone who I met while I was batting coach of SRH. I spent two years there. I am allowed to a bit biased when I see a left-hander, I just love a left-hander.""Myself and Abhishek have developed a very good relationship, these youngsters are very humble. they want to learn," Lara had said.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis and batting legend Virat Kohli have forged an unbreakable bond both on and off the field. Their friendship has blossomed since Du Plessis joined RCB and they began opening the batting together in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Du Plessis recently shared insights into their close relationship on the 'Captains Speak' segment of Star Sports. He revealed that they share a common passion for food and fashion, often discussing their outfits and exchanging pictures."We both love food. We both are really into our fashion. That's another thing we spend a lot of time talking about. The way we dress, what style of clothes. We would send each other pictures of outfits and stuff like that," said Du Plessis.Kohli's love for watches has also rubbed off on Du Plessis. "He's been a terrible influence on me when it comes to watches, but he's got a real passion for watches," said the former South African captain with a smile.Beyond their shared interests, Du Plessis and Kohli have connected on a personal level. They are both fathers and their families have bonded over their similar ages."He's got a daughter, I've got two daughters. He's got his second child now as well. Our wives and kids, having them at similar ages, (we) really connected at that front as well," said Du Plessis.Their friendship has translated into success on the field. RCB has been a formidable force in the IPL, with Du Plessis and Kohli forming a formidable opening partnership. Their strong bond has created a positive atmosphere within the team, contributing to their consistent performances.As RCB prepares for their crucial match against Punjab Kings, Du Plessis and Kohli will be looking to continue their impressive partnership. Their friendship and mutual respect have become a cornerstone of RCB's success, and they will be determined to lead the team to victory.

Rohit Sharma's recent struggles with the bat have raised concerns ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. The Mumbai Indians captain has managed just 33 runs in his last five IPL matches, including scores of 4, 11, 4, 8, and 6.Former South African all-rounder Shaun Pollock believes Rohit's poor form is due to a combination of factors, including the pressure of captaining the Indian team and the upcoming World Cup selection process."He'll be disappointed with that. He got off to a fiery start. Some people were saying, 'Look he's no longer captain so he's getting back to his old form'. He's still got two more games so hopefully he fires before he heads off to the World Cup," Pollock said on Cricbuzz."It's the manner in which he's getting out that will be more concerning for him. He's one of those when he's playing straight down the ground, there's not much that can go wrong, but he has tried to introduce a bit of a fiddly element to the game. To get the odd scoop here but he's popping the odd one up in the air. If he gets a good nut, he won't be too concerned, but to be honest, he's kind of got out to soft dismissals, to be honest."Pollock also suggested that the stress of captaining the Indian team and the upcoming World Cup selection process may have played a role in Rohit's poor form."I presume for the last few weeks, there has been a few conversations about trying to pick the Indian team. With that stress of finding the right balance, which player should be picked, all of a sudden, you are back in captaincy mode... The naming of the side, going to the press conference, explaining why you have picked a certain may have added to the stress," Pollock added.Rohit Sharma will be hoping to regain his form in the remaining two IPL matches before the World Cup. The Indian team will be relying heavily on their captain to lead them to success in the tournament.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) unleashed an unprecedented batting onslaught to annihilate Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday. Openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma tore apart the LSG bowling attack, chasing down the 166-run target in a mere 45 minutes.Head and Sharma's explosive partnership of 148 runs off just 30 boundary deliveries (16 fours, 14 sixes) shattered numerous IPL records. They reached their respective half-centuries in just 16 and 19 balls, respectively, and continued their relentless assault to guide SRH to a comprehensive victory in under 10 overs.LSG's only moment of respite came in the first over, which yielded just 8 runs. However, Abhishek Sharma's dominance over Yash Thakur (4 consecutive boundaries) and Head's exploitation of Krishnappa Gowtham (22 runs off one over) set the tone for SRH's record-breaking chase.SRH's remarkable run-chase established several new milestones in IPL history:* Highest total after the first 10 overs: 167/0 (9.4 overs)* Winning with most balls to spare (100+ targets): 62 balls* Highest Powerplay total: 107/0* Fewest balls to a 100-run partnership: 30 ballsThe duo's blistering performance also highlighted SRH's resurgence under new captain Aiden Markram. After a disappointing start to the season, the Hyderabad-based franchise has now won two consecutive matches, showcasing their potential as a formidable force in the IPL.