Cricket

Rohit Sharma Expresses Concerns Over 'Impact Player' Rule Ahead of T20 World CupMumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma has voiced his reservations about the 'impact player' rule introduced in the Indian Premier League (IPL), stating that it could have detrimental effects on Team India's preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup.The 'impact player' rule allows teams to substitute a player from their bench after the first innings, providing them with an additional tactical option. However, Rohit believes that this rule could hinder the development of all-rounders, who are crucial for India's success in the shortest format."I am not a big fan of the Impact sub rule," Rohit said in a recent podcast. "It is going to hold all-rounders back. Eventually, cricket is played by 11 players, not 12. You are taking so much from the game to make it entertaining for people around."Rohit pointed out that all-rounders like Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar are not getting enough bowling opportunities due to the 'impact player' rule. This, he believes, could be a major concern for India ahead of the T20 World Cup, where all-rounders play a pivotal role."If you look just from the cricketing aspect of it, I feel guys like Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar aren't getting to bowl, which for us is not a good thing," Rohit said. "I don't know what you can do about it. There are 12 players for you, it is entertaining, you can bring on the impact player after watching how the game is going, how the pitch is behaving."Rohit's concerns were echoed by former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, who co-hosted the podcast. Gilchrist expressed concerns that the 'impact player' rule could compromise the integrity of cricket for the sake of entertainment."I think it has added something special," Gilchrist said. "It's all built for spectators and for their entertainment. But you are compromising the fundamental of cricket. Why T20 was so entertaining, because you were not compromising with the integrity of cricket."Gilchrist pointed out that the number of high-scoring matches in the IPL has increased significantly since the introduction of the 'impact player' rule, suggesting that it may be encouraging teams to take more risks and play more aggressively."It is 11 vs 11, same size field, the field restrictions are also the same," Gilchrist said. "There was no gimmick needed. I think it is a bit concerning."Rohit and Gilchrist's concerns highlight the potential impact of the 'impact player' rule on the development of all-rounders and the overall balance of the game. As Team India prepares for the T20 World Cup, it remains to be seen whether the rule will have a positive or negative effect on their chances of success.

Rishabh Pant Embraces 'Babysitter' Role for Delhi Capitals TeammatesRishabh Pant, the enigmatic wicketkeeper-batter, has once again taken on the mantle of 'babysitter,' this time for his Delhi Capitals (DC) teammates. In a heartwarming video released by the IPL franchise, Pant was seen engaging with the children of his fellow players, bringing joy and laughter to the team environment.The video, which has gone viral on social media, captures Pant's playful interactions with David Warner's daughters and head coach Ricky Ponting's son. As the clip unfolds, the familiar chant of "Pant, Pant" can be heard in the background, adding to the lighthearted atmosphere.Throughout the video, Pant exudes genuine enthusiasm and joy, highlighting his delight in being back in the IPL environment, surrounded by his teammates and their families. His infectious energy and playful spirit create a sense of camaraderie and warmth within the team.Pant's role as a 'babysitter' has become synonymous with his character both on and off the field. During India's 2018 tour of Australia, he earned the nickname from then-Australian captain Tim Paine, who jokingly asked if Pant would be interested in babysitting his children.However, the term has taken on a more positive connotation, representing Pant's nurturing and caring nature. His interactions with the children of his teammates showcase his genuine love for the game and his desire to create a positive and supportive environment for everyone involved.As the IPL season progresses, Pant's 'babysitter' role is likely to continue, bringing smiles to the faces of his teammates and their families. His ability to balance his on-field brilliance with his off-field warmth and camaraderie makes him a true asset to the Delhi Capitals franchise.

Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn has expressed his admiration for MS Dhoni, stating that watching the Chennai Super Kings icon on the field lifts his spirits. Steyn, known for his fiery pace and incisive swing bowling, shared his thoughts on Dhoni's enduring popularity in a recent interview."The craze for Dhoni has engulfed not only the IPL but also many in South Africa, including myself," Steyn said. "I don't watch much TV, but I find myself glued to the screen when the IPL is on, especially when MS is playing."Steyn, who has faced Dhoni's batting prowess firsthand, praised the former India captain's ability to inspire fans. "I've been on the receiving end of his brilliance before, and I've loved it," he said. "I'm in a much better mood after watching him play. We need more MS Dhoni on the field."Dhoni, who relinquished the CSK captaincy ahead of the ongoing season, continues to be a vital cog in the team's batting lineup. Despite battling a knee injury, the 41-year-old has maintained his exceptional form, hitting boundaries with ease.Steyn's comments highlight Dhoni's enduring legacy as one of the most iconic cricketers of all time. His leadership, tactical acumen, and match-winning abilities have made him a fan favorite around the world.

Tom Moody, a former Australian all-rounder, has criticized the Mumbai Indians (MI) for underutilizing pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah during their IPL match against Punjab Kings (PBKS). Moody believes that this allowed PBKS to rally from a precarious position and come within striking distance of MI's total.In the match, Bumrah was matchless, taking off the dangerous Shashank Singh, Rilee Rossouw, and opener Sam Curran to help MI win by nine runs. MI had given PBKS a 193 target.However, Moody pointed out that Bumrah was removed from the attack just as PBKS appeared to be losing ground, which allowed the home team to rally."Again, Mumbai leaning on him so much to turn their fortunes around. He bowled two overs early on and had the Punjab Kings on their back. But, interestingly enough, he didn't bowl another over until the 13th," said Moody on Star Sports Cricket Live."He's at the peak of his powers at the moment. And that's my point of where I think the Mumbai Indians let the Punjab Kings back into this contest. (Gerald) Coetzee and Bumrah for mine, and I'll be interested to hear what the other fast bowlers think on this show. Should (Bumrah) have bowled again to be able to put Punjab completely out onto the campus," he added.Former South African fast Dale Steyn agreed with Moody, saying that MI's front-line pacers Bumrah and Coetzee needed assistance from other bowlers. He suggested that MI's bowling department was suffering from an unmotivated Hardik Pandya."We want to see them (MI) close out games early by bringing Bumrah back or Coetzee. But then they have to depend on guys like Hardik to finish off, who hasn't been bowling as well of late and some of the other bowlers travelling like (Romario) Shepherd, they may struggle in the back end.""Mumbai are in a situation now where they have to tactically figure things out, but they also need somebody to step up, their bowlers to step up and really help out Bumrah and Coetzee, because if they (MI) keep going the way they are, they might lose more points again."Moody also commented on Suryakumar Yadav, who recently recovered from an ankle injury and a hernia operation. He said that Yadav needed to participate for the whole league season in order to fully recover.On Thursday, "Mr 360 degrees" amassed a 53-ball 78 to lead MI to 192. Moody said that the middle-order hitter needed to return to optimal health in order to help India's chances of winning the T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies."It's important that he slowly works back into full fitness, he needs to be playing for the whole 40 overs and that would be great. Not that he bowls or anything but for his own peace of mind and fitness for that the preparation for what is beyond the IPL. It was a great innings today (from him).Steyn praised PBSK batter Ashutosh Sharma for the sweep shot he employed against Bumrah, something which has not been used against the India quick too often."I mean, IPL never ceases to disappoint us with close games and creating new heroes... Bumrah bowls a no-ball, and the next thing Ashutosh goes down and plays that sweep that goes for six."

Rishabh Pant's Stellar Return Enhances Delhi Capitals' IPL ProspectsAfter a harrowing car crash in December 2022, Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant's return to cricket has been a testament to his resilience and determination. Not only has he resumed his role as a dynamic batter and wicketkeeper, but he has also taken on the captaincy with aplomb.Pant's exceptional performance against Gujarat Titans, where he effected four dismissals (two catches and two stumpings), has drawn praise from his fielding coach, James Hopes. "Pant's keeping is very good," Hopes remarked. "He is rounding in on some pretty good form in the back half of the tournament and he is leading really well."Pant's leadership has been instrumental in the Capitals' impressive fielding performance. Against the Titans, they put up a superb effort, skittling out their opponents for a mere 89 runs in 17.3 overs. Hopes attributed this success to the team's hard work and dedication.In addition to his exceptional wicketkeeping, Pant has also been the leading run-getter for the Capitals. In seven matches, he has amassed 210 runs at a strike rate of 156.71, including two half-centuries. His batting prowess has been a key factor in the team's success.Pant's return to form has not only boosted the Capitals' performance but has also given his fans a reason to celebrate. His triple role as captain, batter, and wicketkeeper is a testament to his versatility and skill. As the tournament progresses, Pant's leadership and contributions will be crucial in determining the Capitals' chances of lifting the IPL trophy.

Yashasvi Jaiswal's recent struggles in the Indian Premier League (IPL) have raised concerns about his place in India's T20 World Cup squad. The left-handed opener, who was among the top run-getters in the previous IPL season, has managed only 122 runs in six matches this year.Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra expressed his worry about Jaiswal's form, stating that he is "trying to murder every ball" instead of playing with his natural timing. Chopra urged Rajasthan Royals' director of cricket operations, Kumar Sangakkara, or India captain Rohit Sharma to intervene and provide guidance to the young batter."I am getting slightly worried about Yashasvi because Yashasvi didn't used to play like this. He is trying to murder every ball. You are a very good player, and you are good because you believe in timing. You are not a wrestler and you are not Andre Russell. Your playing style is very different," Chopra said.Jaiswal's poor form has opened the door for other young batters to stake their claim for a spot in the T20 World Cup squad. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, and Riyan Parag have all impressed with their performances in the IPL.With Virat Kohli also being considered as an opening option alongside Shubman Gill, Jaiswal's continued struggles could result in him being dropped from the World Cup race.

Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan: A Dynamic Duo on and Off the FieldRohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have established themselves as one of the most formidable opening pairs in Indian cricket, particularly in the limited-overs format. Their exceptional on-field chemistry stems from their close friendship off the field, which has played a pivotal role in their success as a batting unit.Ahead of the highly anticipated match between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, the two openers shared a heartwarming moment, embracing each other in a warm hug. The official broadcaster of the Indian Premier League (IPL) captured this touching encounter, showcasing the camaraderie between the two players.Despite Dhawan's absence from the match due to an injury, his presence was felt as Punjab Kings came tantalizingly close to upsetting the five-time champions. Chasing a challenging target of 193, Ashutosh Sharma's blistering 28-ball 61 nearly pulled off a remarkable heist, but Punjab ultimately fell short by a narrow margin of 9 runs.The result saw Mumbai Indians climb to the seventh spot in the IPL points table with three wins from seven matches, while Punjab Kings slipped to ninth place with two victories from seven outings.The bond between Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan extends beyond the cricket field. They are known for their jovial nature and often engage in playful banter, which has endeared them to fans and teammates alike. Their ability to maintain a positive and supportive environment has contributed to their consistent performances as an opening pair.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed a series of controversial umpiring decisions this season, particularly from third umpires. Despite the availability of advanced technology, several calls have raised eyebrows among fans and experts.One such incident occurred during the match between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings on Thursday. Third umpire Nitin Menon ruled in favor of the MI batter on a wide review, leaving commentator Murali Kartik stunned. "Seriously? He (batter) was already outside the off stump. I thought, the lined moved (as the batter moved). That's touch and go," Kartik remarked on-air.Amidst the questionable calls, former Australian cricketer Tom Moody has advocated for the introduction of specialist third umpires in IPL matches. "It’s time we considered having specialist 3rd umpires, too many questionable decisions being made. Some umpires are better suited on field, the 3rd umpire requires experience and a certain skill set," Moody tweeted.The Mumbai Indians, led by Suryakumar Yadav's second fifty of the season (78), posted a competitive total of 192 for 7 against the Punjab Kings. Tilak Varma (34*) and Rohit Sharma (36) also made significant contributions.The IPL has been plagued by umpiring controversies in recent seasons. In 2021, third umpire Anil Chaudhary was criticized for a series of incorrect decisions, including a no-ball call that cost the Delhi Capitals a crucial match.The use of technology in cricket has been a double-edged sword. While it has helped reduce human error, it has also introduced new challenges. The introduction of specialist third umpires could potentially improve the accuracy and consistency of decision-making in the IPL.

Rohit Sharma Surpasses Pollard's Six-Hitting Record for Mumbai IndiansFormer Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Rohit Sharma has etched his name in the history books by becoming the franchise's all-time leading six-hitter in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Sharma achieved this remarkable feat during MI's clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 33rd match of IPL 2024.During his 25-ball stay at the crease, Sharma amassed 36 runs at a blistering strike rate of 144. He unleashed his power-hitting prowess, smashing 2 fours and 3 towering sixes. With this performance, Sharma has now accumulated 224 sixes for MI in the T20 tournament, surpassing Kieron Pollard's previous record of 223.Pollard, who has been a long-time stalwart for MI, now holds the second spot on the list. Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan follow in third and fourth place with 104 and 103 sixes, respectively.Sharma's achievement is a testament to his exceptional batting skills and his ability to clear the boundary with ease. He has consistently been one of the most feared batsmen in the IPL, known for his aggressive approach and ability to score runs at a rapid pace.In the match against PBKS, Sam Curran's team won the toss and elected to field first. MI, led by Hardik Pandya, posted a competitive total of 175/6, thanks in part to Sharma's contribution. However, PBKS chased down the target with relative ease, winning by 6 wickets with 10 balls to spare.Despite the loss, Sharma's record-breaking performance remains a significant highlight for MI. It further solidifies his status as one of the greatest batsmen in IPL history and a true legend of the Mumbai-based franchise.