Cricket

Legendary Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has expressed his belief that Rohit Sharma will not be part of the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Akram's comments come amidst Rohit's recent struggles with form and his removal as MI captain.Akram suggested that Rohit could join the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) next season, where he would benefit from the mentorship of Gautam Gambhir and the strong batting lineup at Eden Gardens. He praised Rohit's exceptional batting skills and believes he would be a valuable asset to KKR.Rohit's sudden dip in form has been a major talking point in the current IPL season. After scoring a century against Chennai Super Kings in April, he has consistently fallen into single-digit scores in subsequent matches. This has raised concerns about his ability to lead the Indian team in the upcoming T20 World Cup.Last week, Rohit reflected on his recent experiences, including losing the MI captaincy to Hardik Pandya and being named Pandya's deputy for the T20 World Cup. He acknowledged that not everything goes one's way and expressed gratitude for the experience.Akram's comments add to the speculation surrounding Rohit's future with MI. The five-time IPL-winning captain has been a key figure for the franchise, but his recent struggles and the team's overall performance have raised questions about his role.If Rohit does leave MI, it would mark a significant change for the franchise. He has been an integral part of their success over the years, and his departure would leave a big void in their batting lineup.

Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav, known for his exceptional batting prowess, has unveiled the secrets behind his diverse range of shots, including the iconic 'offside scoop' and the popular 'Supla' shot.During Mumbai Indians' crucial victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad, Yadav showcased his mastery of the 'Supla' shot, a unique technique he developed while playing tennis ball cricket in Mumbai. The shot, which involves scooping the ball over the wicketkeeper's head, has become a trademark of Yadav's batting style."The name of the shot comes from the local tennis ball cricket that is played in Mumbai," Yadav explained. "When people started connecting with this shot, they gave it a name. It feels good to hear it being referred to as a 'Supla' shot."Yadav further elaborated on the origins of the 'Supla' shot, recalling his formative years playing rubber ball cricket with his school friends. "We used to play on hard cement tracks with a 20-meter boundary on the offside," he said. "We used to make the ball wet before bowling it hard, and they would bowl from my knee to my head. To score runs without getting hit, I developed this shot."Yadav's 'Supla' shot is a testament to his adaptability and creativity. "I try to take the ball on the body when I play the 'Supla' shot," he said. "I try to be in the line of the ball and time it. There's no premeditation in this. Even if it's the first ball, if I want to use it, I'll do it."Beyond the 'Supla' shot, Yadav has also mastered other unique shots, including the 'uppercut shot' and the 'jump shot'. His ability to execute these shots with precision and flair has made him one of the most exciting batsmen in the IPL.In the 2024 IPL season, Yadav has scored 334 runs with a strike rate of 176.71 through nine appearances. His season-high of 102* runs came in his last game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the 22-year-old Indian left-hander, has caught the attention of legendary batsman Brian Lara, who believes Jaiswal has the potential to achieve remarkable feats, including challenging Lara's own record-breaking 400 not out.Lara's admiration for Jaiswal stems from their close relationship, which developed during their interactions over the past year. Their bond strengthened during the IPL, where Lara coached the Sunrisers Hyderabad while Jaiswal played for the Rajasthan Royals. They engaged in "4 am conversations," fostering a strong connection between the two left-handers.Since IPL 2023, Jaiswal has become a key player in India's Test and T20 teams. His exceptional performances in Test cricket are particularly noteworthy, with an impressive average of nearly 70 and three centuries to his name, including two double centuries in the recent home series against England.What has truly impressed Lara is Jaiswal's remarkable skill in adapting to the demands of the game. He has shown a unique ability to shift gears according to the game's situation, a quality that Lara finds highly impressive."If I feel my records are threatened, Jaiswal has got a very good chance to do so. He has got capabilities, couple of double hundreds already. He is that good," Lara told PTI editors.Lara, who celebrated his 55th birthday recently, is widely regarded as one of the game's all-time greats, having scored nearly 12,000 runs in Tests and over 10,000 runs in ODIs. His monumental record of the highest individual score, 400 not out against England in 2004, remains a remarkable achievement.Reflecting on his initial encounter with Jaiswal, Lara fondly recalled a light-hearted moment they shared while on the sidelines during the clash between Rajasthan Royals and SRH in the current season."The only thing I can reveal about that (conversation) is I think he is an outstanding young cricketer. What I like about him is that he is very humble and willing to work. The first time I met him (last year), I immediately found myself attached to him.""After the game (SRH vs Royals), I went to the hotel with a friend of mine from the Caribbean who knew Jos Buttler. It was midnight and Jaiswal found me. I promise you I left the hotel at 4 in the morning.""He just wanted to hear more and more and more. That is one of his amazing traits. His ability to want to learn as much as possible. Our conversations are about trying to make him a better cricketer. I am available for anyone that has my number. I am happy to talk cricket."Lara also expressed admiration for another left-hander, Abhishek Sharma, with whom he spent time at 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.""What I like about these two, they want to get to great heights. I have great admiration for both."Lara believes that Jaiswal's ability to score quickly and his hunger to bat long make him a potential threat to his record."I think now, the pace that these guys are batting at. And you look at the guys over the years who have challenged that 300-mark and plus. It's Chris Gayle. It's Virender Sehwag. It's Sanath Jayasuriya, It's Inzamam-ul-Haq. It's Matthew Hayden. These are guys who destroy bowling attacks.""So I believe yes, I think it will be broken at some point in time. I think it has to be that person's destiny. Everything has to fall into place. And... I look forward to that time. I hope it happens, while I'm still around," he said.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) will face off in a crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) clash on Thursday in Dharamsala. Both teams are fighting for survival in the tournament, with RCB sitting in seventh place with eight points from 11 games and PBKS in eighth place with the same number of points.RCB has shown signs of resurgence in recent games, winning their last three matches comprehensively. Virat Kohli has been consistent at the top of the order, while skipper Faf du Plessis has found his form with a belligerent knock in the last game. Will Jacks has also impressed with a match-winning century against Gujarat Titans, and Cameron Green has showcased his all-round skills with crucial contributions in runs and wickets.PBKS, on the other hand, has been inconsistent throughout the season. They have showcased their potential with away wins over Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings but have struggled at home. They have won just one out of five games in Mullanpur, their main home ground.The match will be a battle of contrasting styles. RCB has a strong batting lineup but a relatively weaker bowling attack, while PBKS has a more balanced team with a solid bowling unit led by Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh.The outcome of the match could have a significant impact on the playoff race. RCB can still make the playoffs if they win all their remaining three fixtures, while PBKS needs to win at least two of their remaining three games to have a chance of qualifying.

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has heaped praise on Sanju Samson's impressive performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL), lauding the T20 World Cup-bound power-hitter for his exceptional handling of both spin and pace bowling.Samson's scintillating knock of 86 runs off just 46 balls against the Delhi Capitals on Tuesday showcased his remarkable batting prowess. Despite Rajasthan Royals' eventual defeat by 20 runs, Samson's innings propelled him to third place on the IPL's top-scorers chart with 471 runs in 11 matches.Hayden, a renowned cricket commentator, was particularly impressed by Samson's ability to adapt to different bowling styles. "Sanju Samson was batting like a dream, scoring 86 off 46 balls. He's proven his worth time and again...Throughout the tournament, he's been a master blaster, handling both spin and pace with finesse," Hayden remarked.Samson's timing and power were evident throughout his innings. "He times his innings well. He's got the power. And the power is a big thing in T20 cricket. Yet, what stands out is his commitment to his team. He just needed a bit of luck, especially towards the end of the match," Hayden added.Samson's performance has also caught the attention of former India cricketer Varun Aaron. "I think Sanju Samson has been batting really well. Bowlers are keen on dismissing him, evident from their reluctance to bowl bouncers despite being allowed two per over in this IPL," Aaron observed.Aaron noted that Samson's dismissal in the match against Delhi Capitals came after he was bowled a bouncer for the first time. "Interestingly, the over he got out, Khaleel Ahmed bowled the first bouncer to him in the match. This seemed to disrupt his footwork, as the subsequent wide slow ball, which he typically dispatches for six over covers, resulted in his dismissal," Aaron explained.Samson's impressive form has earned him a place in the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup, where he will serve as the second wicketkeeper behind Rishabh Pant. His ability to handle both spin and pace bowling will be a valuable asset to the Indian team as they aim to lift the coveted trophy.

Rajasthan Royals Captain Sanju Samson Fined for Code of Conduct ViolationDuring Rajasthan Royals' 20-run defeat to Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, captain Sanju Samson breached the IPL Code of Conduct, resulting in a fine of 30% of his match earnings.Samson's offense, which was not explicitly stated, is believed to have stemmed from a dispute with the umpires following his dismissal in the 16th over. The RR captain questioned the third umpire's decision to rule out a catch taken by Shai Hope near the boundary ropes.Samson's dissatisfaction was evident as he initially turned towards the pavilion but then stopped to engage in a discussion with the on-field umpires.The IPL issued a statement confirming Samson's Level 1 offense under Article 2.8 of the IPL's Code of Conduct. The statement read, "Samson committed a Level 1 offence under Article 2.8 of the IPL's Code of Conduct. He admitted to the offence and accepted the Match Referee's sanction. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee's decision is final and binding."Article 2.8 of the IPL's Code of Conduct defines a Level 1 offense as "excessive, obvious disappointment with an Umpire's decision; an obvious delay in resuming play or leaving the wicket; requesting a referral to the TV Umpire and arguing or entering into a prolonged discussion with the Umpire about his/her decision."This is not the first time Samson has been fined for a Code of Conduct violation. On April 10, he was fined Rs 12 lakh for RR's slow overrate in their match against the Gujarat Titans.Samson's fine serves as a reminder to players of the importance of adhering to the IPL's Code of Conduct. The code is in place to ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the tournament.

Sanju Samson's Controversial Dismissal Sparks Outrage in Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals ClashThe Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Tuesday witnessed a dramatic turn of events when Sanju Samson was controversially adjudged out at a crucial juncture. The decision, which ultimately cost RR the match, has sparked widespread outrage and raised questions about umpiring standards in the tournament.The incident occurred in the 16th over of RR's chase when Samson smashed a Mukesh Kumar delivery to long-on. DC's Shai Hope claimed the catch at the boundary, but replays indicated that his foot may have touched the boundary cushion. Despite this, the third umpire ruled the catch clean, leaving Samson bewildered and frustrated.Samson, who was batting superbly on 86, protested the decision vehemently before eventually walking off the field in disappointment. The Royals' dugout was left stunned, while DC co-owner Parth Jindal was seen celebrating animatedly in the stands.Samson's dismissal proved to be a turning point in the match, as RR lost momentum and eventually fell short of the target. The decision has drawn widespread criticism from fans, pundits, and former players alike, who have questioned the accuracy of the third umpire's call.Throughout the IPL season, there have been numerous instances of questionable umpiring decisions, including incorrect wide calls, waist-high full-tosses being ruled as legal, and controversial run-outs. These incidents have raised concerns about the quality of umpiring in the tournament and have led to calls for improved standards.The Sanju Samson dismissal has once again highlighted the need for greater accuracy and consistency in umpiring. The IPL is one of the most prestigious cricket tournaments in the world, and it is essential that the umpires are held to the highest standards to ensure fair play and the integrity of the game.

Josh Little, Ireland's star fast bowler, will remain with the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) until their final group match on May 16. This decision has been made with the approval of Cricket Ireland, allowing Little to miss Ireland's upcoming T20I series against Pakistan and tri-series in the Netherlands.Little's absence from the Ireland squad is a significant blow as they prepare for the T20 World Cup in June. However, Cricket Ireland has allowed him to stay with the Titans due to his impressive performances in the IPL. In his first appearance of the season, Little took 4 for 45 against the Chennai Super Kings.Ireland's provisional 15-man squad for the World Cup remains unchanged from the one that faced Afghanistan in their recent T20I series. The squad will face Pakistan in three T20Is, starting in Dublin on Friday, and then play a tri-series with Netherlands and Scotland from May 19-24.Paul Stirling, Ireland's white-ball captain, will appear at his eighth successive T20 World Cup. He is the fifth-highest run-scorer in men's T20I history and has played a crucial role in Ireland's success in the tournament.The squad has undergone minor changes since 2022, when Ireland reached the Super 12s. Ross Adair, Neil Rock, and Ben White have been added to the squad, while Stephen Doheny, Fionn Hand, Conor Olphert, and Simi Singh have been omitted."The squad is one that we have gradually developed and tested out over the last 18 or so months," said Heinrich Malan, Ireland's coach. "We have an intensive block of T20 cricket coming up this month ahead of the T20 World Cup, and we will be aiming to win as many of those games as possible."Ireland will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against India on June 5 and will face Canada, USA, and Pakistan in the group stage.

Delhi Capitals' Jake Fraser McGurk has etched his name in the history books of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by becoming the first player to achieve three half-centuries in 20 balls or less. The Australian sensation accomplished this remarkable feat during Delhi's match against Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.McGurk's blistering knock of 50 off 20 deliveries, adorned with seven fours and three sixes, propelled him to a strike rate of 250.00. In a single over bowled by Avesh Khan, a reserve bowler in India's T20 World Cup squad, McGurk unleashed a barrage of boundaries, scoring 28 runs off six balls.Prior to McGurk's historic achievement, several other IPL stars had registered two half-centuries in 20 balls or less, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nicholas Pooran, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, and Travis Head. However, McGurk's three such knocks in a single season set him apart as a truly exceptional talent.In the ongoing IPL season, McGurk has amassed 309 runs at an impressive average of 44.14 and a remarkable strike rate of 235.87. His tally includes four half-centuries, with his highest score being 84. He has also struck 30 fours and 26 sixes, showcasing his power-hitting prowess.Within the powerplay itself, McGurk has been a force to reckon with, scoring 245 runs in just 96 balls at an average of 61.2 and a strike rate of 255.20. His powerplay exploits include 29 fours and 19 sixes.Notably, McGurk is the only Delhi Capitals batter to have scored a half-century within the powerplay in six overs, a feat he has achieved twice, against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians.In the match against Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals won the toss and elected to bat first. McGurk's blistering knock set the tone for Delhi's innings, which ended with a total of 220/5. Rajasthan Royals, in response, fell short by 15 runs, handing Delhi Capitals a crucial victory.