Cricket

Rishabh Pant's scintillating performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has reignited the debate about his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Pant's unique abilities make him an indispensable asset for the team.Pant's blistering knock of 88 not out against Gujarat Titans on Wednesday night showcased his exceptional power-hitting prowess. He smashed eight sixes and five fours at a strike rate of 204.6, helping Delhi Capitals post a mammoth total of 224/4.Manjrekar emphasized that Pant's ability to score quick runs and win matches single-handedly sets him apart from other Indian wicket-keeper batters. "He's a guy who will get you a hundred in 60 balls and win the game," Manjrekar said. "That's something not too many in the Indian team will do."Pant's temperament and ability to thrive under pressure were also highlighted by Manjrekar. "He's just in a different kind of space where that kind of stage, platform just allows him to flourish more," he added.Another former India cricketer, Deep Dasgupta, echoed Manjrekar's sentiments, stating that Pant is an automatic choice for the playing XI. "He's there in my playing 11 without a shadow of doubt," Dasgupta said. "He's fitter, he's quicker, he's batting better."Pant's impressive IPL campaign has seen him score 342 runs in nine matches, including three half-centuries. His explosive 88 not out knock has put him in contention to be India's wicketkeeper batter at the T20 World Cup.With the ICC's submission date for team selections set for May 1, participating teams have until May 25 to make changes to their original selections. Pant's recent performances have undoubtedly strengthened his case for inclusion in the Indian squad.

In the high-scoring era of T20 cricket, where teams routinely surpass 200 runs, the art of bowling has become increasingly challenging. However, legendary South African pacer Dale Steyn believes that this is precisely the time when bowlers can achieve greatness.Steyn's comments came after witnessing another explosive batting display in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, where Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders posted scores well above 200. "I could make a joke and say I'm glad I'm retired and no longer bowling, but... It's always a good time to be a bowler, if you can make yourself the best, you'll be a wanted god among mere mortals," Steyn tweeted.The former Proteas star emphasized that in an era where batters are dominating, a skilled bowler would be revered as a deity. "The slayer of rampaging runs! Insensitives have never been higher. I'd want to be a bowler more than anything!" he added.Steyn's sentiments were echoed by fans, with one suggesting that the key to success in modern-day bowling is to emulate Jasprit Bumrah. Steyn agreed, acknowledging Bumrah's exceptional ability to control the flow of runs despite the batter-friendly conditions."Well, exactly that," Steyn replied to the fan.Bumrah, the current purple cap holder in the IPL, has been a standout performer, claiming 13 wickets in 7 matches at an impressive average of 12.84 and an economy rate of 5.96. His ability to restrict runs and take wickets has made him a valuable asset for his team, Mumbai Indians.Steyn's comments highlight the importance of adaptability and skill in the face of the ever-evolving nature of T20 cricket. While the odds may seem stacked against bowlers, those who can master their craft and rise above the challenges will be the ones who truly shine.

Anil Kumble, the legendary spinner who scaled unprecedented heights in international cricket, recently shared his memories of being acquired by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) auction in 2008.Despite being the captain of the Indian Test team at the time, Kumble was not included in the initial list of icon players. However, former RCB owner Vijay Mallya intervened at the auction, declaring that "nobody" was to bid on Kumble, as he was "my Bangalore boy."Kumble, who holds the record for taking all ten wickets in a single Test innings, was subsequently picked up by RCB at his base price. He recalled the moment, saying, "Mr. Vijay Mallya just stood up and said he's my Bangalore boy. Nobody is touching him."During his three-year stint with RCB, Kumble made 42 appearances, claiming 45 wickets at an average of 23.51 and an economy of 6.58. The transition from Test cricket to the shorter T20 format posed a challenge for Kumble, who was accustomed to bowling long spells."For me, it was quite a challenge to get my mind around to bowl just four overs," he said. "I needed four overs to warm up. But it became very evident that the best way to approach my four overs would be try and choose the most challenging ones."In the second season of the IPL, RCB reached the final but lost to the Deccan Chargers. Kumble's experience with RCB was a memorable one, and he remains grateful for the opportunity to have played for the franchise.

Impact Player Rule Fuels High-Scoring IPL Matches, Says Gujarat Titans Captain Shubman GillThe ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season has witnessed a surge in high-scoring matches, with 12 scores exceeding 200 runs. Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill believes the Impact Player rule has played a significant role in this trend.The Impact Player rule allows teams to substitute a player during the match, providing them with an additional option to bolster their batting or bowling lineup. Gill believes this rule gives batters the confidence to play aggressively against bowlers, knowing that they have a cushion in case of wickets falling."I think the Impact Player has a bit of a role (in making the matches high scoring)," Gill said after Gujarat Titans' four-run loss to Delhi Capitals. "Even if you lose extra wickets, there's an extra cushion for the batters to keep going, and it gives them the license to keep going till the end."In the match against Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans bowlers initially restricted the opposition to a manageable total. However, Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel's 113-run partnership turned the tide in Delhi's favor. Gill admitted that his team gave away a few too many runs in the latter stages of the innings."At one stage, we thought we would be able to restrict them around 200-210," Gill said. "We gave away a few extra runs in the last couple of overs."Despite the loss, Gill remains optimistic about Gujarat Titans' chances in the tournament. He emphasized the importance of execution for bowlers, especially on small grounds where chasing is easier."The good thing about chasing is that you know what you are chasing," Gill said. "It's a small ground, and it's chaseable. Execution becomes very important [for bowlers]. If there's nothing in the wicket for the bowlers, then you have to execute your plans - or your yorkers."Gujarat Titans will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their next match on Sunday.

In a thrilling encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi Capitals (DC) edged out Gujarat Titans (GT) by a narrow four-run margin, defending a challenging total of 224 for 4.DC's innings got off to a shaky start as Sandeep Warrier's incisive bowling reduced them to 44 for 3 in the powerplay. However, Rishabh Pant (88* off 43) and Axar Patel (66 off 35) staged a remarkable recovery, guiding DC to a formidable total.GT's chase began promisingly with B Sai Sudharsan (65) and David Miller (55) striking quick fifties. Their partnership kept GT within striking distance, but the loss of wickets in the middle overs slowed their progress.With 73 runs required off 24 balls, Miller launched a late assault on Anrich Nortje, smashing three sixes and a four in the 17th over. However, Mukesh Kumar dismissed Miller in the 18th over, giving DC a glimmer of hope.In a tense final over, Rashid Khan nearly pulled off an improbable victory for GT. He smashed two fours off the first two balls and a six off the penultimate delivery. But Mukesh held his nerve, delivering a full ball that Rashid could not clear the boundary.Axar Patel played a crucial role for DC, not only with his batting but also with his fielding and bowling. He took three catches and a wicket, while Kuldeep Yadav (2 for 29) also impressed with his spin bowling.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a hotbed of debate regarding the Impact Player substitution rule, introduced last season. Lucknow Super Giants consultant Adam Voges has weighed in on the matter, expressing his preference for a rule similar to the 'Power Surge' in the Australian Big Bash League (BBL).The Impact Player rule allows teams to substitute a player during the match, with the replaced player being ineligible to return. Voges believes this rule detracts from the value of all-rounders, as teams can now bring in a specialist batter or bowler at a crucial stage of the game."The scores have been going up, and the teams have got genuine batters coming in at number seven or eight, while the batters have gone hard right from the start," Voges said. "Certainly makes for entertaining cricket, but it takes the all-rounders out of the game for a little bit and their effectiveness."Voges suggests that the Power Surge rule, which allows the batting team to designate a two-over phase with only two fielders outside the circle, would be a more balanced alternative. "I like the Power Surge back at home. It just adds another element to the game," he said. "While chasing, you never feel like you are out of the game."Voges' comments come after Lucknow Super Giants' six-wicket victory over defending champions Chennai Super Kings. Marcus Stoinis, promoted to number three in the batting order, played a pivotal role with an unbeaten 124. Voges praised Stoinis' performance, attributing it to his success as a top-order batter in the BBL.The dew factor also played a significant role in the match, with Voges acknowledging that it was a good toss to win. "At the halfway stage, we could feel the dew on the outfield, and it played a part in the back end of the game. In the end, it was a good toss to win," he said.Despite the challenges posed by the dew, Lucknow Super Giants executed their plans effectively, with Stoinis' innings proving to be the match-winner. "It was a tremendous game of cricket. The batting from both sides was outstanding," Voges said. "CSK did put us under pressure with the ball, but it was our best night execution-wise. We needed someone to stand up, and Stoinis played an outstanding innings."

S Ramdas, a centenarian from Chennai, has become an inspiration for cricket enthusiasts worldwide with his unwavering passion for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). At the remarkable age of 103, Ramdas' love for the sport and his favorite team remains unyielding.Born in 1920, Ramdas has witnessed the evolution of cricket firsthand. His passion for the game began during his service in the British Military's Army, where he played as a bowler and umpire. Since the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, Ramdas has been an ardent follower of CSK, never missing a single match.Despite his advanced age, Ramdas' enthusiasm for cricket remains infectious. He proudly wears his CSK jersey and can effortlessly identify the team's star players, including MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, and Suresh Raina. His son, who shares his father's passion for the sport, often displays pictures of these players, which Ramdas identifies with remarkable accuracy.Ramdas' unwavering dedication to CSK has not only inspired his family but also the entire cricket community. His son credits his father's enthusiasm for raising their awareness of the game. "He used to be our bowler, our umpire," he said. "Since the IPL has started, he has been following regularly. He sits enthusiastically and follows every game. He is a total cricket lover."When asked if he would travel to Delhi to watch CSK play, Ramdas' response was emphatic. "I will walk and go," he declared. His desire to witness his favorite team in action is a testament to his unwavering spirit.Ramdas' passion for cricket extends beyond the IPL. He is also eager to meet MS Dhoni, the legendary captain of CSK. "Whenever he (Dhoni) has time and when he calls, we should go," he said. "We should go according to his time."S Ramdas' story is a heartwarming reminder of the enduring power of passion and the indomitable spirit of a true fan. At 103 years old, he continues to inspire and amaze with his unwavering dedication to the sport he loves.

Noor Ahmad's Spectacular Catch Stuns Delhi Capitals in IPL ThrillerIn a breathtaking display of athleticism, Gujarat Titans' Noor Ahmad soared through the air to claim a stunning catch that sent Delhi Capitals' Prithvi Shaw packing during an enthralling Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.The incident unfolded on the fifth delivery of the fourth over, as Sandeep Warrier unleashed a short-pitched delivery. Shaw, cramped for space, attempted a pull shot but mistimed it, sending the ball looping towards the boundary.With lightning-fast reflexes, Ahmad charged forward, timing his dive to perfection. In a moment of sheer brilliance, he extended his fingers and somehow managed to get a grip on the ball, leaving spectators in awe.The third umpire meticulously reviewed the catch, scrutinizing it from multiple angles before finally awarding the decision in Gujarat Titans' favor. Ahmad's remarkable effort not only showcased his exceptional fielding skills but also proved to be a pivotal moment in the match.The catch highlighted the unpredictable and electrifying nature of cricket's shortest format. In a matter of seconds, the momentum of the game can shift dramatically, and Ahmad's stunning grab was a testament to the importance of fielding prowess in T20 cricket.Ahmad's athleticism and agility were on full display as he demonstrated his ability to anticipate the trajectory of the ball and execute a flawless catch. His effort not only contributed to Gujarat Titans' victory but also left an indelible mark on the IPL, showcasing the exceptional talent and skill that grace the tournament.

Ravindra Jadeja, the Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) star all-rounder, has come under fire for his underwhelming performance in their recent loss to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). However, former England captain Kevin Pietersen has come to Jadeja's defense, strongly criticizing his detractors.Jadeja struggled with both bat and ball against LSG, scoring only 16 runs from 19 deliveries and conceding 16 runs from two overs without taking a wicket. His performance drew criticism from some quarters, but Pietersen believes it is unfair to single out Jadeja for blame."You cannot point a finger at Ravindra Jadeja like I am not having it at all," Pietersen said on Star Sports. "That guy is an absolute star. He's one of the first picks for India. I mean, what he's done in the IPL for India. Leave the guy alone."Pietersen praised Marcus Stoinis for his match-winning century for LSG, acknowledging that the Australian all-rounder's innings was the decisive factor in the game. He also commended CSK for their efforts in chasing down the target, despite ultimately falling short."Chennai did everything right. Last night, they got beaten by Marcus Stoinis. It was him in a stand-alone scoring one of the great hundreds of the IPL. So forget pointing your fingers," Pietersen said.Pietersen's comments echo those of former Australia captain Michael Clarke, who also refrained from criticizing Jadeja. Clarke believes that Jadeja's all-round abilities make him an invaluable asset to any team, and that his occasional poor performances should not overshadow his overall contributions.Jadeja has been a key player for CSK since joining the franchise in 2012. He has helped the team win four IPL titles and has been named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament twice. He is also a regular member of the Indian national team, where he has played in all three formats of the game.Despite his recent struggles, Jadeja remains one of the most respected and feared all-rounders in world cricket. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset to any team, and his experience and leadership qualities are also highly valued.