Cricket

Virat Kohli's unwavering loyalty to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has been a defining aspect of his illustrious career. For 17 years, he has remained steadfast with the franchise, despite the team's lack of an IPL title.Kohli's unwavering commitment stems from the unwavering support he received from RCB during his formative years. Despite facing initial struggles, the franchise believed in his potential and provided him with the platform to showcase his talent. This unwavering support has left an indelible mark on Kohli, who values loyalty above all else.In a recent interview, Kohli candidly shared his reasons for staying with RCB. He emphasized that while winning an IPL trophy would be a significant achievement, it is not the ultimate measure of success. For Kohli, loyalty and the bonds he has forged with the franchise are far more meaningful.Kohli's loyalty is not merely a matter of sentimentality. He recognizes that life is fleeting and that true fulfillment lies in the relationships we build and the values we uphold. For him, the loyalty he has shown to RCB is a reflection of his own personal philosophy.Kohli's unwavering commitment has not wavered despite the team's recent struggles. Despite RCB's disappointing performance in the ongoing IPL season, Kohli continues to lead by example, topping the scoring charts. His dedication and determination serve as an inspiration to his teammates and fans alike.Kohli's loyalty to RCB is a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of staying true to one's values. It is a reminder that success is not always measured by trophies but by the relationships we build and the legacy we leave behind.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented strict guidelines prohibiting commentators, players, IPL owners, and social media teams from posting images or videos from the stadium on match days. This move aims to prevent individuals or teams from gaining social media followers by exploiting exclusive content rights held by broadcasters.The decision was prompted by an incident where a former India batter posted a picture of himself commentating during an IPL game on social media. The broadcast-rights holders objected, and the BCCI staff member asked him to delete the post.To ensure compliance, the BCCI has notified all parties involved that violations will result in consequences. "The broadcasters have paid big money for IPL rights. So commentators cannot post videos or photographs on match day on social media," a BCCI official stated.Even IPL teams are restricted from posting live game videos. They can only share a limited number of photographs and provide live match updates on their social media platforms. A franchise was recently fined Rs 9 lakh for sharing a video clip of a live game.The BCCI also monitors players' social media posts on match days. "Even players have been told to be mindful of social media posts on match days. All posts by players are being monitored," an official said.The broadcast rights holders, Star India for television and Viacom 18 for digital, have exclusive control over content related to "live matches" and the "field of play." Designated BCCI staff members closely monitor posts made by commentators, IPL teams, players, and individuals present at the ground in an official capacity to enforce adherence to the rules.

MS Dhoni's Future in IPL: Wasim Jaffer's Cryptic Post Sparks SpeculationFormer Indian opener Wasim Jaffer's enigmatic social media post has ignited speculation about the future of Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) legendary captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Following CSK's thrilling victory over Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Jaffer hinted at the unexpected regarding Dhoni's retirement plans.Despite Rohit Sharma's valiant unbeaten century, Mumbai Indians fell short by 20 runs in their chase against CSK. While Rohit's effort grabbed attention, it was Dhoni's late blitz that proved decisive in Chennai's triumph. His unbeaten 20 off just 4 balls propelled CSK to a competitive total.Jaffer's post on Twitter read, "MS has always done things that no one expected, especially when it comes to retiring from formats. Now everyone is expecting him to retire after this IPL... Baki aap khud samajhdar hai." This cryptic message has fueled conjecture within the cricketing fraternity, as Dhoni has a history of defying expectations regarding his retirement decisions.Dhoni's stellar performance against Mumbai Indians has further fueled speculation. His crucial role in CSK's victory, coupled with his enduring influence on the team's gameplay, underscores his invaluable contribution.Chennai Super Kings' bowling consultant, Eric Simmons, has also shed light on Dhoni's significance as a batting benchmark for the team's death bowling strategy. Simmons revealed that Dhoni's presence serves as a testing ground for the team's bowling tactics, emphasizing the effectiveness of strategies honed against the veteran cricketer in training sessions.Dhoni's impact on and off the field continues to captivate fans and pundits alike. His leadership, strategic acumen, and ability to inspire his teammates make him an indispensable asset to CSK. However, the question of his future in the IPL remains unanswered.Jaffer's cryptic post has ignited speculation, but only time will tell whether Dhoni will continue to defy expectations and extend his illustrious IPL career.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, is likely playing his final season in the Indian Premier League (IPL). As he graces the field for the last time, a wave of nostalgia and farewell follows him to every venue. The Wankhede Stadium, where Dhoni etched his name in history by hitting the match-winning six in the 2011 ODI World Cup, holds a special significance for the former Indian captain.In his probable last IPL match at the Wankhede, Dhoni's unbeaten knock of 20 off just 4 balls proved to be the decisive factor in Chennai Super Kings' victory over Mumbai Indians. The official IPL handle shared a video titled "A Symphony in MS Dhoni," showcasing Dhoni's pivotal role in the match.The video begins with Dhoni entering the field for warm-ups, where he is greeted with a warm hug from Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya. Dhoni then engages in some light-hearted banter with MI batting coach Kieron Pollard and CSK bowling coach Dwayne Bravo. Overlooking the "Victory Memorial Stand" where his match-winning shot landed in 2011, Dhoni practices his shots with the bat.As Dhoni walks in to bat with just 4 balls remaining in the CSK innings, the crowd erupts in thunderous applause and cheers. Not to disappoint his fans, Dhoni hits three consecutive sixes off Pandya before taking 2 runs off the final ball.With the wicket-keeping gloves on, Dhoni walks in to finish the match. The crowd chants "Dhoni! Dhoni!" as CSK marches towards victory despite a magnificent unbeaten hundred by Rohit Sharma. Dhoni is all smiles as he shakes hands with teammates and MI players, and climbs the iconic steps of the stadium towards the CSK dressing room.CSK's victory against MI propelled them to the third spot in the points table. Dhoni's performance in his probable last IPL match at the Wankhede Stadium was a fitting tribute to his illustrious career and the special bond he shares with the venue.

Chennai Super Kings' Shivam Dube has emerged as a formidable force in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with his ability to control matches and strike fear into the hearts of opposing bowlers. Bowling coach Eric Simmons has hailed Dube's impact, noting that teams are "scared" to bowl spin against him.In CSK's recent 20-run victory over Mumbai Indians, Dube played a pivotal role with an unbeaten 66 off 38 balls. Notably, Mumbai employed seven bowling options but refrained from using their spinners after the eighth over, with Dube facing only one delivery from Shreyas Gopal."When he (Dube) comes on, they take the spinners off (and) they put the pacemen on. He has become more and more effective at that. But they didn't bowl spin again (in) the rest of the game because he was at the wicket," Simmons explained.Simmons emphasized Dube's ability to control matches, stating that his presence at the crease forces opponents to alter their bowling strategies. "They can't ball spin anymore. They don't want to. They're scared to. His ability to be effective against the pace bowling has become a massive asset for him," he added.Beyond his brute force, Simmons highlighted Dube's exceptional timing, which often goes unnoticed. "He hit a cover drive through extra cover. It was just the flow of the bat. It wasn't the brute force that he sometimes does it with; it just flew to the fence. I don't think people appreciate the timing with which he hits the ball. He's got some brute force, but his timing is outstanding," Simmons said.CSK's philosophy of providing players with "safety to try and fail" has played a crucial role in unlocking Dube's potential. "One of the most important things you can give your cricketers is something called safety. Psychological safety is the buzzword. Safety to fail, safety to try, safety to grow, be challenged all the time, but be trusted," Simmons explained.Simmons also praised Sri Lankan bowler Matheesha Pathirana, who claimed 4 for 28 in the match-winning spell for CSK. "The wickets is a bonus but his accuracy was really good, because sometimes you bowl accurately (but) not (get) the wickets," he said.

Chennai Super Kings' bowling consultant, Eric Simmons, has revealed that techniques that prove effective against former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in training sessions also tend to work well in real-world scenarios. Dhoni, known for his exceptional batting skills, serves as the "batting template" for the team's death bowling practice.In a recent match against the Mumbai Indians, Dhoni came to the crease for the final four balls of CSK's innings and smashed the first three for sixes, helping the team collect 26 runs off the last over. This late burst of form proved decisive as CSK defeated MI by 20 runs to secure the third spot in the IPL standings.Simmons, a former bowling coach for India, explained that Dhoni's batting style has served as a model for CSK's attempts to test their bowling ability in the last overs. "His calmness at the wicket… we use him as a batting template when we're bowling at the death, the pre-season because he's so good at it. If we can test out our theories against him, then we know we're going to do well," he said.Simmons also acknowledged that Dhoni has been struggling with a knee injury but has battled it bravely without showing any pain. "Everyone else is more interested in his injuries than he is. He's one of the hardest men I've ever come across. I don't even think we know to what extent he may or may not be in pain. He just carries on and does his thing," he said.While Matheesha Pathirana (4/28) deserved the accolades for CSK's win, Simmons highlighted the contributions of Tushar Deshpande and Shardul Thakur as the "unsung heroes." He praised Shardul for bowling one of the best overs he had ever seen, with outstanding impact points.Simmons also appealed for the wide rule to be defined further, claiming that the current laws are not specific enough. He believes that a clearer understanding of the wide rule would allow bowlers to use it more effectively and make the contest more even.

Mumbai Indians' Pollard Defends Hardik Pandya Amidst CriticismMumbai Indians' batting coach and former all-rounder Kieron Pollard has staunchly defended Hardik Pandya following the team's IPL match against Chennai Super Kings. Pandya faced significant scrutiny for his performance, but Pollard rallied behind his teammate, emphasizing the importance of team unity and support."I am sick and fed up looking to pinpoint individuals; cricket is a team game at the end of the day," Pollard stated after the match. He expressed confidence in Pandya's abilities and highlighted his crucial role in the upcoming T20 World Cup for India.Pollard acknowledged Pandya's recent struggles and the public's expectations, but stressed the importance of evolution in a player's career. "As an individual you have to evolve," he remarked. "The older you get, accountability and responsibility kick in."Despite Pandya's recent challenges, Pollard remains optimistic about his future contributions, citing his hard work and commitment to improvement. "What I am seeing is the guy is evolving. We, as individuals, want to see certain things but sometimes the game does not demand certain things," Pollard noted.Looking ahead to the T20 World Cup, Pollard anticipates a shift in public sentiment towards Pandya. "I hope very well deep down within my heart that when he comes out on top, I'll sit back and watch everyone sing his praises," he said.Pollard's defense of Pandya underscores the importance of team unity and support, especially in the face of adversity. It also highlights the need for patience and understanding as players navigate the challenges of their careers.

The Rise of the Length Ball in the Death Overs: A New Era in ODI and T20 BowlingIn the high-octane world of ODI and T20 cricket, the death overs have long been a battleground where bowlers have struggled to contain the onslaught of powerful batters. The mantra of "don't bowl length" has been ingrained in the minds of commentators and experts, who have witnessed countless balls disappearing into the stands in the closing stages of matches.However, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 has witnessed a paradigm shift in bowling strategies. Bowlers have rediscovered the effectiveness of the three-quarter length ball, a delivery that has traditionally been considered a safe option but has now become a potent weapon in the death overs.On expansive grounds like Jaipur, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Mullanpur, the hard length ball that is driven into the wicket with fielders guarding the square boundary has proven to be a highly effective non-boundary ball. Unlike the tailing yorker that often steals the limelight, this unglamorous delivery has become the bowlers' go-to option, especially in the end overs.The rise of the length ball can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, batters have become increasingly adept at anticipating and executing the yorker, standing deep in the batting crease to negate its effectiveness. This has led bowlers to explore alternative strategies, and the length ball has emerged as a viable option.Secondly, the length ball allows bowlers to maintain a higher error rate in execution. Unlike the yorker, which requires pinpoint accuracy, the length ball can be bowled with a slightly wider margin of error and still be effective. This is crucial in the high-pressure environment of the death overs, where even a single mistake can prove costly.Bowlers like Pat Cummins have demonstrated the effectiveness of the length ball by packing one side of the deep field with fielders and forcing batters to fetch the ball from the good length spot. Mitchell Starc, known for his swinging yorkers, abandoned that plan against Lucknow Super Giants in the end overs and found success at the Eden Gardens.Kagiso Rabada delivered a masterclass in length bowling against Rajasthan Royals, almost engineering a heist for Punjab Kings. Other bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mayank Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Mustafizur Rahman, and Kuldeep Sen have also used the yorker sparingly and relied on the length ball.As the IPL season progresses and wickets become more tired, the length ball is expected to yield even greater dividends for bowlers. Its ability to restrict boundaries and maintain a higher error rate in execution makes it a valuable weapon in the battle against the modern-day batter.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad lauded the exceptional performance of wicketkeeper MS Dhoni, whose three consecutive sixes off Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya proved pivotal in CSK's victory at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday.Gaikwad acknowledged Dhoni's crucial contribution, stating that it made the decisive difference in the match. Dhoni's 20 runs off four balls proved to be the exact margin of victory for CSK.Chasing 207 for victory, five-time winners Mumbai finished on 186/6 despite Rohit Sharma's ton in 61 balls. Dhoni arrived at the crease with the scorecard showing 186/4 in 19.2 overs and quickly transformed the scoreboard to 206/4 in the stipulated 20 overs, with the help of three massive sixes and a double off the last ball of the innings."The young wicketkeeper scoring those three sixes helped us a lot, that proved to be the difference. We needed those 10-15 extra runs for this kind of venue. In the middle phase, Bumrah bowled really well. I feel we were spot on with our execution with the ball despite them scoring some great shots. I would have taken 6 overs 60 at the powerplay," Gaikwad said at the post-match interaction.Gaikwad also praised the bowling performances of Malinga, Tushar, and Shardul, highlighting their ability to execute yorkers and restrict Mumbai's scoring. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and continuing the team's winning ways.Gaikwad and Shivam Dube powered Chennai to 206/4, with Gaikwad hitting 69 and Dube smashing an unbeaten 66. Sri Lanka quick Matheesha Pathirana then took four wickets to push Mumbai to their fourth loss of the season.