Cricket

Sunrisers Hyderabad's remarkable turnaround under the leadership of Pat Cummins and coach Daniel Vettori has been a testament to their aggressive batting approach. After finishing last in 2023, the team has posted three 260-plus totals, including the highest IPL total of 287/3.Cummins, who had never led in T20s before, credits the team's success to giving their batters the freedom to express themselves. "We've given them the freedom to go and do it their way and take the game on," he said.Travis Head has epitomized this approach, playing with aggression and freedom. "He's naturally aggressive," Cummins said. "We've given him the freedom to go and do it his way and take the game on."Abhishek Sharma has also been a standout performer, opening the batting with Head. "He's loving batting with Travis Head," Cummins said. "Just going out, playing shots. He's naturally aggressive."Vettori's role as coach has been crucial, allowing Cummins to focus on his own game. "He's good strategically," Cummins said. "And he's a great people manager. Very hands-on. The team's responding really well to Dan."The high-scoring nature of this season's IPL has presented challenges for bowlers, but Cummins believes it's a matter of adjusting expectations. "Even if you bowl an over for eight or nine, that could be a match-winning at the right time," he said.Cummins also discussed the impact player rule, which allows teams to field an extra batter. "It feels like the batting order is longer now," he said. "But as a captain, it feels like you've got five really good bowling options."Despite their success, SRH have struggled while chasing down totals. "It's something we need to get better at," Cummins admitted.Overall, Sunrisers Hyderabad's resurgence has been a result of their aggressive batting approach, led by Cummins and Vettori's leadership.

Mayank Yadav, the pace sensation from Delhi, faces an uncertain future in the remaining IPL round-robin stage after sustaining a suspected abdominal muscle tear during the match against Mumbai Indians. This is his second injury setback in the past four weeks, casting doubt on his availability for the crucial knockout games.However, there is a silver lining for the 21-year-old. The BCCI is set to offer him a pace bowling contract alongside Umran Malik, Vidwath Kaverappa, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yash Dayal, and Akash Deep. This contract will place Yadav under the supervision of the NCA's Sports Science and Medical team, who will oversee his injury management and fitness program."Mayank has a tear, but it is likely a grade 1 tear. It will be cutting it fine, but if LSG qualifies for the play-offs, he might be able to play the knockout games. But it is like hoping against hope, and right now, he is doubtful for the remaining IPL games," a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity.Yadav burst onto the scene with impressive performances at the start of the IPL, earning back-to-back 'Player of the Match' awards. However, he broke down in the third match and was ruled out for four weeks. He made a comeback against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday but was forced to leave the field after bowling 3.1 overs.Had Yadav been fit throughout the tournament, he could have been a potential left-field selection for the T20 World Cup. However, the Indian cricket establishment is now focused on handling him with care."He will soon be handed a pace bowling contract, and once he is in the BCCI Pathways structure, his growth will be systematically monitored. The national selection committee and the Indian team management would like to gradually blood him and ensure that he can maintain peak fitness," the BCCI source added.

Legendary South African cricketer AB De Villiers, a cornerstone of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise from 2011 to 2021, remains deeply connected to the team. Despite being on vacation in Mauritius, De Villiers recently showcased his unwavering support for RCB.In a heartwarming family vlog posted on social media, De Villiers captured the breathtaking scenery of Mauritius while on a high-speed boat ride. Amidst the excitement, he couldn't resist belting out RCB's iconic chant, "Ee sala cup namde," which translates to "This year, the cup will be ours."De Villiers' unwavering loyalty to RCB extends beyond his on-field contributions. He has consistently defended his former teammate Virat Kohli, who has faced criticism for his approach and strike rate. In a recent YouTube video, De Villiers expressed his frustration with the constant scrutiny, reminding everyone that Kohli is the highest run-scorer in IPL 2024."I am fed up and frustrated with the criticism about Virat's strike rate," De Villiers said. "He's one of the best to ever play the game, and he's been incredible in the IPL. He plays a specific role for RCB, and I've had enough of these data-driven pundits who criticize him without understanding the game."De Villiers emphasized that Kohli's strike rate this season has been even better than his record-breaking 2016 campaign. He urged Kohli to continue playing his natural game, stating, "Virat, keep playing like you are."De Villiers' unwavering support for RCB and his defense of Kohli highlight the enduring bonds he has forged during his time with the franchise. His passion for the team and his belief in his former teammates continue to inspire fans and demonstrate the enduring legacy he has left on the IPL.

Marcus Stoinis, the all-rounder for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has revealed his favorite Indian dish, dal khichdi, which he has been enjoying during the Indian Premier League (IPL). Stoinis's all-around performance helped LSG secure a four-wicket victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI) in a thrilling run-chase at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.In a video shared by the official IPL Twitter handle, Stoinis disclosed his go-to Indian dish, stating, "I have had six eggs, four hash browns, and three coffees. My current favorite Indian dish is dal khichdi. I've been feeling a bit under the weather, and I've been told it's a comforting and homely dish."Stoinis also discussed his bowling strategy during the powerplay, where he claimed the crucial wicket of Suryakumar Yadav. He explained that he enjoys bowling with the new ball and relies on his swing to generate wickets, despite not being the fastest bowler."I'm happy to bowl or bat anywhere. I love competing and the challenge, so give me the ball or the bat, and I'll give it my all," added Stoinis.In the ongoing IPL season, Stoinis has amassed 316 runs at an average of 39.50 and a strike rate of 151.92, including a century and two fifties. He has also taken four wickets.Stoinis admitted that negative press, pressure, and doubts about his abilities motivate him as a player. "I draw on that energy to give me a competitive mindset and focus on every contest," he said.Regarding the dismissal of Suryakumar, Stoinis acknowledged that it wasn't an exceptional delivery. "But you take those because there are times when you bowl good balls that go for boundaries. It was a bit of luck and fortune, but it was crucial for us to make early inroads," he added.Stoinis jokingly compared himself to the "Hulk" and his fellow Australian teammate Tim David, MI's finisher, to "Bigfoot." "We're close, and we play golf together. We talk about golf, but no Hulk or Bigfoot stuff. Although, he has a hairy back, so maybe I'm the Hulk, and he's Bigfoot," said Stoinis.In the match, LSG won the toss and elected to field. MI struggled from the outset, losing four wickets for 27 runs in the powerplay. Nehal Wadhera, Ishan Kishan, and Tim David attempted to salvage the innings, but MI could only manage 144/7 in their 20 overs.Mohsin Khan was the standout bowler for LSG, claiming 2/36, while Stoinis, Mayank Yadav, Naveen ul Haq, and Stoinis each took a wicket.In the run-chase, LSG also faced challenges from MI bowlers, losing wickets at regular intervals. Stoinis' knock of 62 in 45 balls, including seven fours and two sixes, proved crucial in securing a four-wicket victory with four balls and four wickets remaining.Stoinis was awarded the 'Player of the Match' for his all-around performance. LSG currently sits third in the IPL standings with six wins and four losses, while MI is ninth with three wins and seven losses.

Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer has expressed his disappointment over the relentless trolling of all-rounder Hardik Pandya by fans amidst his poor performances in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Jaffer believes that Pandya will prove his worth in the upcoming T20 World Cup, silencing his critics.Despite being named captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI), Pandya has endured a disappointing season, failing to deliver with the bat, ball, and as a leader. MI has suffered seven losses in 10 games, including a recent four-wicket defeat to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Pandya's struggles have drawn criticism from fans, particularly on social media.Jaffer, however, has defended Pandya, emphasizing his crucial contributions to the Indian team in white-ball cricket. He cited Pandya's match-winning performances in the T20 World Cup 2022, including his 40 runs against Pakistan and his century partnership with Virat Kohli. Pandya's hard-hitting half-century against England in the semifinals and his two wickets in the final over against Bangladesh in the 2016 T20 World Cup are also testament to his ability to perform under pressure.Jaffer believes that the same fans who are now trolling Pandya will be singing his praises once he delivers in the T20 World Cup, which will be held in the West Indies and USA from June 1. India's squad for the tournament includes Pandya as Rohit Sharma's deputy.The BCCI has announced a 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup, with Rohit Sharma leading the team and Hardik Pandya serving as vice-captain. India is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, and co-hosts USA. Their campaign begins on June 5 against Ireland before they face Pakistan on June 9 in a highly anticipated match.

Lucknow Super Giants' promising fast bowler, Mayank Yadav, has suffered a setback in his IPL campaign after being forced off the field due to abdominal soreness. The 21-year-old had impressed with his pace and accuracy in the initial matches, but his injury concerns have resurfaced.Mayank's injury occurred during the match against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday. He had bowled just one ball of his third over when he experienced discomfort and was forced to leave the field. LSG head coach Justin Langer revealed that Mayank may have aggravated the same injury that had previously kept him out of action.Despite the setback, Mayank was seen back on the field after the match, engaging in a conversation with fellow pacer Yash Thakur and Mumbai Indians' experienced campaigner, Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah, known for his remarkable comeback from injury setbacks, shared valuable insights with Mayank, drawing praise from IPL for his mentorship towards budding pacers.Reflecting on Mayank's injury, LSG captain KL Rahul expressed caution, stating that it was better not to risk the young bowler's health further. Coach Langer echoed this sentiment, mentioning that Mayank's rehabilitation had been on track, but further assessment through a scan would be conducted to determine the extent of the injury.Mayank's injury is a significant blow to LSG, who have relied heavily on his pace and accuracy in the early stages of the tournament. The 21-year-old had made an immediate impact in the IPL, winning player of the match awards in his first two appearances. His ability to consistently bowl over 150 kmph had caught the attention of fans and experts alike.However, his participation in the ongoing season has been curtailed again by this unfortunate setback. LSG will be hoping that Mayank's injury is not too serious and that he can return to action soon.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed an unprecedented surge in high-scoring matches, with the possibility of a 300-plus score in an innings becoming increasingly likely. While this may seem like a thrilling spectacle for fans, it raises concerns about the future of T20 cricket.The relentless pursuit of six-hitting, once the hallmark of T20, is now becoming commonplace. Records are broken with alarming frequency, and the element of surprise is gradually fading away. As the poet W.H. Auden observed, repetition dulls the senses and fails to create lasting memories.The IPL has been played for 17 seasons, and many batters have grown up with the format. They have honed their skills to exploit the shorter boundaries and power-friendly pitches. As a result, scores that were once considered extraordinary are now becoming routine.The impact of this scoring inflation is evident in the diminishing significance of traditional statistics. For instance, a strike rate of 311, once considered exceptional, is now merely a footnote in the context of a 27-ball 84. A new metric, "aggressive shot percentage," is emerging to measure the frequency of boundary attempts.The question arises: is the end of T20 cricket approaching? While it may be premature to declare its demise, the format is undoubtedly facing a crossroads. The relentless pursuit of high scores may eventually lead to a plateau where further progress becomes impossible.The onus now falls on the bowlers to restore balance to the game. They must find innovative ways to counter the onslaught of batters. The rule-makers may also need to consider adjustments, such as giving bowlers greater advantages or limiting the number of overs they can bowl.The future of T20 cricket depends on the ability of the bowlers to regain their dominance. If they can do so, the format can continue to thrive. However, if the batting continues to outpace the bowling, the game may lose its appeal and become a mere spectacle of six-hitting.

Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has expressed confidence in Hardik Pandya's ability to excel for the national team in the upcoming T20 World Cup, despite his underwhelming performance for Mumbai Indians in the ongoing IPL.Gavaskar believes that Pandya's performance for India will be significantly different from his IPL form, as playing for the country brings out a different level of motivation and determination in players. He noted that Pandya has faced challenges in the IPL but has handled them well, and expects him to be in a more positive frame of mind when representing India.Gavaskar also praised the overall strength of the Indian team, stating that they are title contenders for the World Cup. He emphasized the importance of luck in international tournaments, but expressed confidence that India has the potential to bring the trophy back home for the first time since 2007.The former India skipper highlighted the benefits of the IPL in preparing players for the World Cup, as it provides them with ample match practice and allows them to maintain their rhythm. He believes that the team will be well-conditioned and refreshed after a brief break between the IPL and the World Cup.Gavaskar's comments come as India prepares to kick off their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland in New York on June 5. Pandya has been retained as vice-captain of the 15-member squad, despite his modest IPL performance.

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins has set his sights on guiding the team to victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Speaking to The Hindu, Cummins expressed his determination to finish the IPL campaign on a high note, praising the team's impressive performances."Our opener Abhishek Sharma is the most impressive I have seen. A real talent," Cummins said. He acknowledged that while early dismissals of openers Travis Head and Sharma in the PowerPlay can put pressure on the team, he emphasized the strength of the batting lineup to cover for any setbacks.Cummins, who led Australia to victory in the World Test Championship and the 2023 ODI World Cup, said there was little difference in his captaincy style between leading his country and SRH in the IPL. "The hardest thing is to know the players, motivate each one of them. Luckily, it didn't take very long and they have been pretty welcoming," he said.Reflecting on the Impact Player Rule, Cummins expressed mixed feelings. While he acknowledged its potential to add excitement, he also noted the challenges it posed for bowlers. "It is a huge challenge to be a bowler, especially in a T20 format. You have to have plans as batters come hard at you," he said.Cummins attributed Australia's success in World Cups to the confidence of the players, their brand of cricket, and their experience. "They know what it means to win big matches," he said.