Cricket

Yuzvendra Chahal: From Chessboard to Cricket Field, a Journey of Patience and SuccessRajasthan Royals' star spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has etched his name in the annals of Indian Premier League (IPL) history by becoming the first player to reach the milestone of 200 wickets. In a recent interview, Chahal shared his thoughts on this achievement, his cricketing journey, and the influence of chess on his game.Chahal expressed his gratitude for reaching the 200-wicket mark, acknowledging it as a significant milestone in his career. He emphasized that his focus remains on contributing to his team's success and taking wickets to help them win matches.The spinner's milestone came during the match against Mumbai Indians on April 22, when he caught and bowled Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammed Nabi. Chahal has taken 200 wickets in 153 IPL matches at an impressive average of 21.37, with best figures of 5/40. He has represented Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and currently plays for Rajasthan Royals.Chahal also discussed the impact of playing chess at the youth level for India on his cricketing approach. He believes that chess has instilled in him a sense of patience on the field, which is crucial in the game of cricket. He enjoys playing chess with teammates Ravichandran Ashwin and Jos Buttler."Chess has given me patience. Sometimes you do not get wickets on good balls. It goes on for matches. Just like you plan your moves in chess, the same goes for cricket and you have to stay a step ahead of batters," Chahal explained.At 34 years old, Chahal believes he has matured with age but still maintains his fun-loving personality and enjoys playing pranks on his teammates. "I have not changed a lot. Maybe I am a little older and got a little more beard. I have mostly stayed the same, fun-loving, prank-doing guy. Maybe, I should have batted more (laughs)," he added.Chahal's journey from chessboard to cricket field is a testament to his adaptability and the importance of patience and strategy in both sports. His success in the IPL is a reflection of his hard work, dedication, and the influence of chess on his cricketing mindset.

England and Punjab Kings (PBKS) all-rounder Sam Curran has joined an exclusive club of bowlers who have conceded 50 or more runs on six or more occasions in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Curran's unwanted feat came during his side's match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday.Curran was taken to the cleaners by KKR openers Sunil Narine and Phil Salt, as well as the team's middle-order, conceding 60 runs and taking just one wicket. His economy rate was a staggering 15. This was the sixth time Curran has conceded 50 or more runs in an IPL spell, joining the likes of Mohit Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Pat Cummins, and Kagiso Rabada.Curran's performance also marked the fifth most expensive figures by a PBKS bowler in IPL history. Afghanistan's Mujeeb ur Rahman holds the record with his 0/66 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2019.Despite his expensive spell, Curran has taken 12 wickets in nine games this season, with an average of 22.58 and a strike rate of 14. However, his economy rate of 9.67 remains a concern.In the match, Punjab sent Kolkata to bat first after winning the toss. Narine and Salt put on a batting masterclass, scoring 71 and 75 runs respectively, to power KKR to a massive 261/6 in 20 overs.Punjab's chase was led by Jonny Bairstow (108), Prabhsimran Singh (54), and Shashank Singh (68*), who played unbeaten knocks to chase down the target with eight balls to spare. Narine was the only wicket-taker for KKR.Bairstow was named the 'Player of the Match' for his match-winning century.With this victory, KKR moved up to second place in the IPL 2024 standings with 10 points from eight matches. Punjab, on the other hand, remains in eighth place with six points from nine games.

Shashank Singh's blistering unbeaten 68 off 28 balls played a pivotal role in Punjab Kings' record-breaking eight-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. The 32-year-old's ability to pick the bowlers and take the game deep proved crucial in the chase of KKR's daunting 261 for six.When Shashank entered the field, PBKS needed 84 runs in 7.3 overs. Jonny Bairstow, the eventual centurion, was batting at the other end on 93 off 39 balls. However, Shashank did not bat an eyelid while knocking off 68 runs (2x4, 8x6) in that period as Bairstow added just 15 off nine balls during their third wicket alliance.Shashank's innings was not just about power-hitting but also about cricketing smarts. He left alone KKR spinner Sunil Narine while focussing on other bowlers to collect his runs. "I know that Sunil Narine is a world-class bowler, so I knew there was no point in over-attacking him. He's someone to hit singles, doubles, or nudge the ball towards the boundary," said Shashank.In fact, Shashank faced seven balls out of 28 from Narine and scored just three runs, while putting other bowlers through the wringer, making the remaining 65 off 21 balls.Shashank's experience and talks with his father and coaches at PBKS helped him in his journey. "If we talk about smartness, it's coming with experience. Secondly, I spend a lot of time discussing cricket with my father. Last time when I got out too quickly, my dad told me that I should've played further back because it was a slow wicket," said Shashank."I have these conversations with my father at home and the world-class coaches who are here. I enjoy asking questions and understanding what they do. I think if I take clues from them, it'll improve my cricket," he added.

MS Dhoni's Legacy Inspires KL Rahul's Leadership JourneyMahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, has left an indelible mark on the sport and inspired countless aspiring players. Among his ardent admirers is KL Rahul, the captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Rahul's admiration for Dhoni stems from his early days as a young cricketer. He witnessed Dhoni's iconic leadership and the impact he had on the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Dhoni's jersey, adorned with the number 1, symbolized his status as the team's inaugural player.When the LSG franchise joined the IPL, Rahul saw an opportunity to emulate Dhoni's legacy. He was thrilled to become the first player to represent Lucknow, donning the jersey with the coveted number 1."When the team of Lucknow came in the IPL, and when they called me asking if I would be interested to play for them, captain the team, the first thing that struck me was that now my cap will also have No. 1 and I'll be the first player to play for Lucknow," Rahul said in a recent interview.Rahul's leadership skills have been instrumental in LSG's success this season. As a batsman, he has set the tone for his team's innings, anchoring the batting line-up while also accelerating when necessary. His experience and leadership qualities have made him an invaluable asset to the franchise.Rahul's journey is a testament to the enduring impact of Dhoni's legacy. Dhoni's leadership style, his ability to inspire his teammates, and his unwavering determination have left a lasting impression on the cricketing world. Rahul's admiration for Dhoni is a reflection of the respect and admiration that the legendary cricketer commands.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed a paradigm shift in batting strategies, with teams consistently posting mammoth totals. This has forced bowlers to adapt and adopt unconventional tactics to counter the aggressive approach of batsmen.Ryan ten Doeschate, assistant coach of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), emphasized the need for bowlers to employ "anti-skill" tactics. He believes that bowlers can no longer rely on traditional methods and must find innovative ways to challenge batsmen."When you get past 160, you can almost pack your bag and feel you're going to win the game. Now, you need 160 before the 13th over to have a chance to get a big score," Doeschate said.He cited the example of Sam Curran's dismissal of Phil Salt, where Curran bowled a slower ball that deceived the batsman. Doeschate believes that bowlers must come up with such innovative strategies to stay ahead of the curve."We have to come up with innovative ways... I feel sorry for the bowlers, but those are the realities," he added.Doeschate also urged KKR's bowlers to embrace the challenge and find new ways to restrict batsmen. He revealed that Mitchell Starc is set to return soon, which will provide depth to KKR's bowling attack.Meanwhile, Punjab Kings' Prabhsimran Singh praised the Impact Substitute rule, which allows teams to replace a player during the match. He believes that it provides opportunities for youngsters to showcase their talent.Singh played a crucial role in Punjab Kings' record chase against KKR, scoring 25 runs off 12 balls. He highlighted the team's strategy to capitalize on the powerplay and praised Jonny Bairstow's match-winning century."We had a plan to go after the bowlers in the powerplay and it worked out well for us. Jonny Bairstow played a brilliant innings and took the game away from KKR," Singh said.The IPL has become a breeding ground for innovative tactics and strategies, with teams constantly pushing the boundaries of the game. As batting continues to dominate, bowlers must adapt and find new ways to counter the onslaught.

Rishabh Pant Praises Rohit Sharma's Leadership and InnovationDelhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant has heaped praise on Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma, crediting him for his innovative ideas, proactive approach, and trust in his players.In a video shared by the host broadcaster, Pant said, "I believe Rohit bhai has some very innovative ideas. He has a strong instinct and is always looking for ways to improve. He's very proactive and open to different ideas."Pant emphasized the importance of understanding players' thought processes and coping with their strengths and weaknesses. "He tries to understand a player's mindset and then decides whether or not to implement their ideas. The trust factor he brings is crucial; he trusts people, and they trust him back," Pant added.Pant's admiration for Sharma's leadership style is evident in his own captaincy. Under his guidance, Delhi Capitals have turned their fortunes around in the IPL, winning three of their last four matches. Their recent victory against Gujarat Titans was a testament to Pant's explosive batting and strategic decision-making.The Capitals now sit sixth in the standings, with a chance to push for a top-four finish. Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, have had a mixed campaign, winning three out of eight matches. Their last outing was a disappointing nine-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals.As the two teams prepare to face off in a crucial return match, Pant's insights into Sharma's leadership provide valuable lessons for aspiring captains. His emphasis on innovation, trust, and understanding players' perspectives highlights the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment for success.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has expressed his disappointment over being dropped from the national team after an injury, criticizing the selection process of the time. Pathan, who played 29 Tests, 120 ODIs, and 24 T20Is for India between 2003 and 2012, saw his career plagued by recurring knee injuries.Despite his last international appearance in 2012, Pathan continued to play domestic cricket until 2019, hoping for a recall. However, in January 2020, he announced his retirement from all formats of the game.In a recent interview, Pathan criticized former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth, who was the chairman of selectors when he was dropped. "I was part of the Indian team when Srikanth sir was the selector. I got injured and got kicked out and never played for India. No, that's the truth. And I have no qualms about it. I have huge respect for you. That time, the mindset was different," Pathan said on Star Sports Press Room Show, Ticket to World Cup.Pathan believes that selectors back then often overlooked a player's past performances after a single bad tour or injury. He also criticized the tendency to judge players solely based on their performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL)."But come to 2020s, Wriddhiman Saha was literally out of the team for more than a year due to injury. What happened when he got fit? He got picked and was part of the XI. And one year is a long time. But because the Indian team thought of what the Indian team has done for him in the past before getting injured, we don't want to undervalue that. We want to value that. So when someone is sitting in the selection committee, you should not forget what the guy has done for the Indian team before the IPL. And it's not too far away I am talking about. Just because some guys are playing well in IPL, you think we should pick them. But don't forget the guys (who have done well in the past)," he added.Pathan's comments highlight the importance of considering a player's overall contribution and not just their recent form when making selection decisions. It also emphasizes the need for a more balanced approach that values both past achievements and present performances.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shed light on the deep involvement of Punjab Kings co-owner and Bollywood actress Preity Zinta with the team. During a mid-innings discussion on Star Sports, Pathan revealed intriguing details about Zinta's dedication and emotional investment in the team's performances.Pathan, who represented Punjab Kings for three years, spoke highly of Zinta's passion and support. "She is a wonderful woman. She was quite involved with the team. Haarne pe pareshan ho jaati thi, bahut pareshan ho jaati hai [She gets very upset when the team loses]. But she knows how to control her emotions," Pathan remarked.Drawing parallels from Zinta's acting career, Pathan emphasized her understanding of success and failure. "Since she was a fantastic actor, very experienced and very successful, she knows it is not easy. She knows that every movie can't be a hit. Similarly, she understands that we can't win every match," Pathan elaborated.Pathan reminisced about Zinta's calm demeanor, recalling only a few instances of her expressing disappointment after a defeat. He emphasized her professionalism and leadership, noting her rare displays of resentment in the face of adversity. "So, when she had a conversation with us after a defeat. In my three years with the team, we played more than 40 matches and I have seen only 2 or 3 times she showed us some disappointment, otherwise she always remains calm," Irfan added.Adding a lighter note to the discussion, Pathan shared a memorable anecdote about Zinta's gesture of celebrating victories by personally preparing paranthas for the team during their stint in South Africa. "She once made parathas with her hands in South Africa for the team. Almost 40 paranthas by hand, because we won against Chennai Super Kings. She is of a different level of team owner," Pathan concluded.Punjab Kings' remarkable run chase against Kolkata Knight Riders, spearheaded by Jonny Bairstow's explosive century and Shashank Singh's impressive batting, marked a historic moment as they surpassed the highest successful run chase record in IPL and T20 cricket history. Despite the defeat, Kolkata Knight Riders' blistering start, fueled by Phil Salt and Sunil Narine, set the stage for a thrilling encounter at the Eden Gardens, showcasing the electrifying nature of T20 cricket.

Punjab Kings' record-breaking chase of 262 against Kolkata Knight Riders has left captain Sam Curran questioning the nature of cricket. The match witnessed an unprecedented display of batting prowess, with 42 sixes hit, the most in a T20 match.Curran attributed the batting explosion to improved training methods, increased confidence, and the influence of small grounds and dew. He emphasized the importance of winning small moments and acknowledged the impact of Jonny Bairstow's return to form. Bairstow, who had been dropped from the team, smashed an unbeaten 108 off 48 balls, while Shashank Singh contributed an unbeaten 68 off 28 balls.Curran praised Bairstow's determination and Shashank's emergence as a key player. He also highlighted the team's resilience after a tough few weeks.Kolkata Knight Riders captain Shreyas Iyer expressed disappointment at his team's inability to defend their total. He called for introspection and emphasized the need to improve their bowling.The match has raised questions about the future of cricket, with Curran suggesting that it may be evolving into a more baseball-like sport. The relentless pursuit of sixes and the diminishing importance of traditional statistics have become defining characteristics of the modern game.