Cricket

Shubman Gill's 100th IPL match, a milestone in his illustrious career, ended in a narrow defeat for the Gujarat Titans against the Delhi Capitals. Despite the loss, Gill expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reach this significant milestone.The match was a high-scoring thriller, with both teams showcasing their batting prowess. The Delhi Capitals posted a formidable total of 224/4, thanks to a blistering century from David Warner. In response, the Gujarat Titans fought valiantly, with Gill leading the charge with a well-crafted 84 off 46 deliveries.However, the Titans' chase ultimately fell short by four runs, as Rashid Khan's late surge in the final over proved insufficient. Khan struck consecutive boundaries and a six off the first three balls, but Mukesh Kumar held his nerve to restrict the Titans to 220/8.Despite the defeat, Gill praised his team's resilience and determination. "We showed great character in the chase," he said. "We fought till the end, and that's what matters."Gill's 100th IPL match marked a significant achievement for the young batsman. At 24 years and 229 days old, he became the second-youngest player to reach this milestone, behind only Afghanistan's Rashid Khan.Gill's journey to 100 IPL matches has been marked by consistent performances and a remarkable ability to adapt to different conditions. He has established himself as one of the most promising young batsmen in the world, and his future in the game looks incredibly bright.

Shah Rukh Khan's Son Abram Steals the Show at Eden Gardens with Adorable ReactionBollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's son, Abram, became the center of attention during the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings on Friday. The adorable toddler's reaction to the game's events captivated the internet.Abram accompanied his father to the Eden Gardens in Kolkata to witness KKR's dominant performance against a struggling Punjab Kings. As KKR posted their second-highest total in IPL history (261 for 6), the batters put on a batting clinic.Skipper Shreyas Iyer played a crucial role in KKR's run-fest, scoring a quickfire 28 off just 10 deliveries. However, his dismissal in the penultimate over left Abram visibly disappointed, with the youngster placing his hands on his head in frustration.KKR's massive total was built on the back of dazzling half-centuries from Philip Salt (75) and Sunil Narine (71), as well as sharp cameos from the middle-order batters. Arshdeep Singh was the most successful bowler for Punjab Kings, claiming two wickets for 45 runs.With five wins and two defeats, KKR currently occupy the second spot on the IPL points table. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, find themselves languishing in ninth place with six defeats in eight games.Abram's adorable reaction to the match highlights the passion and excitement that the IPL generates among fans of all ages. His presence at the Eden Gardens added a touch of star power to the already electrifying atmosphere.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) unleashed a batting onslaught against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match at Eden Gardens on April 26, posting a mammoth total of 261 for 6. This was the highest score in IPL history at the iconic venue and the second-highest for KKR, after their 272 against Delhi Capitals in 2024.Sunil Narine (71) and Phil Salt (75) provided a blistering start, amassing 138 runs in just 10.2 overs before Narine's dismissal. Salt followed suit at 163 in 12.3 overs. Andre Russell (24 off 12) and Venkatesh Iyer (39) then added 40 runs in three overs.Captain Shreyas Iyer took on the PBKS bowling attack, scoring 28 runs off just 10 balls. Rinku Singh (5) was dismissed quickly, but Venkatesh Iyer and Ramandeep Singh guided KKR past the 260-mark.None of the PBKS bowlers were spared the onslaught. Arshdeep Singh (2 for 45), Sam Curran (1 for 60), Harshal Patel (1 for 48), and Rahul Chahar (1 for 33) were the wicket-takers. PBKS fielding was sloppy, with three dropped catches.

Hardik and Krunal Pandya, the renowned brother duo in the Indian Premier League (IPL), have made significant contributions to their respective teams. Hardik, the captain of Mumbai Indians, and Krunal, a key spin all-rounder for Lucknow Super Giants, have carved a niche for themselves in the cricketing world.Their journey began together, playing cricket from a young age. They rose to prominence almost simultaneously, both representing Mumbai Indians at one point. However, their paths diverged as they joined different franchises. In 2024, Hardik returned to MI as the skipper, while Krunal remained with Lucknow Super Giants.On Friday, the Pandya family welcomed a new member, Vayu, the second child of Krunal and his wife Pankhuri Sharma. They also have an elder son.Krunal Pandya recently achieved a remarkable feat in the IPL, delivering the most economical four-over spell for Lucknow Super Giants. Against Gujarat Titans, he took 3/11 in four overs, with an economy rate of 2.75. His exceptional spell included the wickets of Sai Sudarshan, BR Sharath, and Darshan Nalkande.This performance broke Pandya's own record of a 2/11 in four overs spell against Punjab Kings in 2022. Mark Wood, the English fast bowler, also holds a record for a four-over spell of 5/14 against Delhi Capitals last year.Krunal Pandya has a remarkable record against Gujarat Titans, having taken six wickets in five matches at an average of 17.66 and an economy rate of 5.3. He has also scored 51 runs in five innings against GT, with a best score of 23*.The Pandya brothers continue to make their mark in the IPL, showcasing their talent and determination. Their contributions to their respective teams and the league as a whole have earned them widespread recognition and admiration.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), once a formidable force in the Indian Premier League (IPL), have endured a dismal season, languishing at the bottom of the points table with just 4 points from 9 matches. Their hopes of reaching the playoffs are fading fast, prompting calls for a major overhaul within the franchise.The team's struggles have been attributed to a combination of factors, including an underperforming batting lineup and a weak bowling unit. Despite boasting star-studded batsmen like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Glenn Maxwell, RCB have failed to consistently post competitive totals. Their bowling attack, too, has been ineffective, conceding runs at an alarming rate.Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has been vocal in his criticism of RCB's management, emphasizing the need for a balanced team with a strong bowling unit. He believes that the franchise's focus on acquiring big-name batsmen has come at the expense of quality bowlers."Batting heavy side will not always win you matches. Till the time you do not pick good bowlers, you are not going to win titles," Harbhajan said.He also suggested that RCB should appoint an Indian in the management who understands the domestic cricket landscape and can identify talented young bowlers."From RCB management's perspective, they should have an Indian in the management, who understands Indian youngsters. He should go and see their performances (Indian talents) in domestic cricket and make sure they are picked," Harbhajan added.RCB's current predicament is a far cry from their previous seasons, where they were perennial contenders for the title. The franchise has won the IPL once, in 2016, but has failed to replicate that success since.With the playoffs race slipping away, RCB must now focus on rebuilding their team for the future. They will need to address their bowling deficiencies and find a way to get their star batsmen firing consistently. Only then can they hope to return to their former glory and challenge for the IPL trophy once again.

Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) fast bowler Mayank Yadav is nearing a return to action after recovering from an abdominal injury. Assistant coach S Sriram confirmed that Yadav is "pretty close" to making his comeback, having resumed bowling in the nets.Yadav made an impressive IPL debut for LSG this season, earning Player of the Match honors in his first two games for his three-wicket hauls. However, he was forced to leave the field after bowling just one over against Gujarat Titans due to abdominal soreness. He has missed four games for LSG since.Despite his injury history, Yadav has shown great promise with his raw pace and accuracy. He consistently clocked speeds above 150 kph in his first two matches, raising hopes that he could be a future prospect for the Indian team.Sriram praised Yadav's maturity and cricketing sense, noting that he "knows his body well" and has a good understanding of his strengths. He emphasized that Yadav's execution and ability to hit consistent lengths have been more impressive than his raw pace.Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop has also highlighted the need for India to invest in Yadav's development. He suggested that LSG or the BCCI provide him with a dedicated strength-and-conditioning trainer, medical personnel, and dietician to help him overcome his injury issues and reach his full potential.LSG are currently fourth in the IPL points table with five wins in eight matches. They will face Rajasthan Royals in their next home game, looking to extend their winning streak to three matches. Yadav's return would be a significant boost to their bowling attack as they aim to secure a playoff berth.

David Warner, the Australian cricket legend, has hinted at a potential retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after the upcoming T20 World Cup in June. However, he remains committed to the IPL and Big Bash League (BBL) for the foreseeable future.Warner, who retired from Test cricket in 2023, has been a mainstay in the IPL since its inception in 2008. He has played for several franchises, including the Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Kolkata Knight Riders.In a recent interview, Warner expressed his belief that he has inspired other players to pursue all three formats of the game. He credits his success in Test cricket to his ability to adapt to different conditions and his aggressive batting style.When asked about the transition between T20s and longer formats, Warner emphasized the importance of mindset. He believes that attacking players should maintain their attacking approach, while defensive players should focus on protecting their wicket.Warner is open to extending his T20 career as a freelancer after June 2024. He plans to prioritize the IPL and BBL, while also considering commentary and playing in domestic competitions to support young players.The IPL holds a special place in Warner's heart. He believes it provides a platform for players to showcase their talent and brings joy to fans. He attributes his success in the IPL to his ability to trust his methods and adapt to different conditions.Warner suggests that the IPL could benefit from allowing five overseas players per team. He also believes that the IPL's talent exposure program has played a significant role in developing young Indian cricketers.Despite his success, Warner remains focused on his team's performance. He emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment within the Delhi Capitals franchise.As the cricket ecosystem continues to evolve, Warner believes that the governing body, the ICC, should consider carving out specific windows for different formats of international cricket.

Yuzvendra Chahal, the leg-spinner who has been in exceptional form in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has once again been overlooked for selection in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup. Despite being the joint-highest wicket-taker this season with 13 scalps and becoming the first bowler to reach 200 wickets in IPL history, Chahal's omission from the team has raised eyebrows.Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif recently excluded Chahal from his predicted India XI for the World Cup, opting instead for Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel as the three spinners. Kaif's reasoning was that the inclusion of Jadeja, Axar, and Hardik Pandya, who are all spin-bowling all-rounders, would provide additional batting depth to the team.However, many experts believe that Chahal's exceptional form and his ability to take wickets in the middle overs make him a valuable asset for the Indian team. Chahal has been a consistent performer in the IPL for several seasons, and his ability to deceive batters with his variations and control has been a key factor in his success.In the absence of Chahal, India's spin attack will rely heavily on Kuldeep Yadav, who has not been in the best of form lately. Jadeja and Axar are both capable bowlers, but they are primarily all-rounders who may not be able to provide the same level of wicket-taking threat as Chahal.Chahal's non-inclusion in the Indian squad has been a source of disappointment for many fans and cricket pundits. They argue that his experience and proven track record make him a valuable asset for the team, especially in the middle overs, where he can stifle the opposition's scoring rate and create opportunities for wickets.It remains to be seen whether Chahal will be included in the final squad for the T20 World Cup. However, his omission from the predicted XIs of former players suggests that the selectors may have other plans for the spin department.

Bolstered by Rishabh Pant's exceptional batting form and inspiring leadership, the resurgent Delhi Capitals aim to maintain their upward trajectory in the IPL standings when they face an inconsistent Mumbai Indians in New Delhi on April 27.The Capitals have endured a rollercoaster season, showcasing moments of brilliance while also suffering embarrassing defeats. However, three victories in their last four matches have propelled them to sixth place, and a win against MI would strengthen their claim for a playoff spot.On the other hand, after a familiar poor start, MI bounced back with three wins in their next four matches. However, a comprehensive nine-wicket thrashing by Rajasthan Royals halted their resurgence. They currently languish in eighth place and cannot afford to lose.DC's biggest positive has undoubtedly been skipper Rishabh Pant's form, which appears to be improving with each game. He has been sharp behind the stumps and seems to be batting with freedom. His match-winning unbeaten knock against Gujarat Titans on Wednesday was a testament to his belligerent style. Pant is well-positioned to make India's squad for the T20 World Cup despite stiff competition from the likes of Sanju Samson, Dinesh Karthik, and Ishan Kishan.In Jack Fraser-McGurk, DC have found an able top-order batter who can exploit the powerplay. However, more is expected of opener Prithvi Shaw, given that his sole responsibility is to bat. David Warner missed the previous game, making way for Shai Hope, who failed to capitalize on the opportunity. The veteran Australian might be recalled to the playing XI. Tristan Stubbs has repeatedly demonstrated his brutal batting prowess, while Axar Patel also showcased his batting skills when he was elevated up the order in the four-run win against GT.While the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Axar have bowled economically, DC's fast bowling unit needs to step up. Pace spearhead Anrich Nortje is having a forgettable season, leaking runs at 13.36, which has been a major problem for Delhi. The likes of Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, and Ishant Sharma have been plagued by injuries, leading to inconsistent performances. They were taken to the cleaners by MI batters, who piled on 234/5 earlier in the season. DC would be wary of a similar performance.MI's resurgence this season began with a win against DC, and the five-time champions would hope for an encore in the crucial clash. For Mumbai, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma have got runs, but all of them have found form in patches. It's time for the likes of Tim David, Ishan Kishan, and skipper Hardik Pandya to contribute significantly and take some pressure off the top trio.While the batting department has occasionally looked good, the bowling remains a massive cause of concern. Jasprit Bumrah has expectedly been MI's standout bowler, leading the attack with 13 wickets at an economy rate of 6.37. However, new addition Gerald Coetzee has been inconsistent in his maiden IPL. Though he has an economy of 10.10, the South African pacer has accounted for 12 wickets in eight games. But barring the two seamers, Mumbai's bowling has disappointed.