Cricket

Mumbai Indians, the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, will face a formidable challenge when they take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad on March 27. Despite a promising start in their tournament opener against the Gujarat Titans, MI faltered in the run-chase, highlighting the need for improved performances.Hardik Pandya, the new Mumbai captain, has made some tactical adjustments, pushing himself down the batting order to accommodate the likes of Tim David and Dewald Brevis. However, there are calls for him to bat higher up the order, considering his impressive batting record for the Gujarat Titans last year.Opener Ishan Kishan, returning from a break, had a disappointing outing against GT. His performance will be closely monitored, especially with the T20 World Cup on the horizon. He needs to regain his form with both bat and gloves to secure a spot in the national squad.The Mumbai spinners, Shams Mulani and Piyush Chawla, will also be under pressure to deliver against SRH. The Hyderabad side, led by Pat Cummins, showed their potential in their narrow loss to the Kolkata Knight Riders.Heinrich Klaasen's late heroics almost pulled off an improbable victory for SRH, while the opening duo of Mayank Agarwal and Abhishek Sharma displayed promise. However, the team will need more consistency from its batters to succeed in the competition.SRH has invested heavily in pinch hitter Abdul Samad, and it is time for him to deliver on his potential. The experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was targeted by Andre Russell in the previous match, will be eager to bounce back strongly."It's a tough job in cricket to bowl to someone like him (Russell). It's one of those ones which goes one way or the other. Who would have thought we would have got that close? Unfortunately, a bit too much. Lots to be encouraged by. A couple of points to work on also," said Cummins after the narrow loss at Eden Gardens.

Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian batter, has opened up about his two-month break from cricket after the birth of his second child. Speaking after his match-winning 77 against Punjab Kings, Kohli revealed that he and his family spent time away from the country, where they could experience life as normal people."We were not in the country. We were at a place where people were not recognising us. Just time together as a family, just to feel normal for two months," Kohli said. "For me, for us as a family, it was a surreal experience."Kohli emphasized the transformative impact of having two children on his family life. "Things become totally different from a family perspective. So just the ability to be together, the connections that you make with your older child, it's amazing."The former India captain expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to spend time with his family, away from the constant attention he receives as a celebrity. "I couldn't have been more grateful to God for the opportunity that I got to spend time with my family."Kohli also spoke about the love and support he receives from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans, especially in Bengaluru. "It's been going on for years and you know, people talk about a lot of other things when you play sport. The achievements, the stats, the numbers. Look at the end of the day when you look back you're not going to think of the numbers and the stats. It's the memories that you create."However, Kohli acknowledged the need to adapt his game to the evolving nature of T20 cricket. "Well I mean you have to [make additions to your game]," he said. "People know I play the cover drive pretty well so they're not going to allow me to hit gaps and with guys like KG [Kagiso Rabada] and Arshdeep [Singh] as well, he's tall. So, I mean, if they're hitting length, you have to create some momentum in the ball."Kohli concluded by reminding everyone of his enduring ability as a batter. "I know my name is nowadays quite attached to just promoting the game in many parts of the world when it comes to T20 cricket. But, I've still got it, I guess."

Dinesh Karthik's Late Heroics Guide RCB to Thrilling Victory Over Punjab KingsRoyal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pulled off a remarkable four-wicket victory against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Monday, thanks to a scintillating knock from Dinesh Karthik.Chasing a challenging target of 177, RCB found themselves in a precarious position when Karthik came to the crease. However, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter displayed his trademark power-hitting prowess, smashing an unbeaten 28 off just 10 deliveries, including three fours and two sixes.Karthik's blistering innings, coupled with Virat Kohli's solid 77 (49 balls), propelled RCB to victory with four balls to spare. The win was a crucial one for RCB, who had lost their previous two matches.Speaking after the match, Karthik admitted to feeling some rustiness but expressed satisfaction with his performance. He praised the contributions of his teammates, particularly Mahipal Lomror, who played a crucial role in the chase."Little bit (dusting off the rustiness). I wasn't completely in control, but getting there. We needed that (knock from Lomror), Anuj batted well last time, but when Mahipal walked out.. he took the pressure off me," Karthik said.Karthik also lauded the bowling of Harshal Patel, who picked up three wickets for RCB. He acknowledged Patel's skill and the challenges he poses to batsmen."He (Harshal) is a wily customer, he has the dipping slower one and if you missed that you are a goner, I had to wait to play the scoop. I didn't say anything, he (Lomror) was calm and when he hit that six, I just told him to keep a still head. If I start bowling then you can know what the situation would be for RCB," Karthik added.RCB's victory was a testament to their resilience and the impact of their experienced players. Karthik's late heroics and Kohli's consistent performances have been instrumental in RCB's resurgence this season.

The Indian Premier League (IPL), under the stewardship of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has witnessed remarkable growth and success, according to former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi. Modi lauded the BCCI's efforts in expanding the league's reach to new cities and markets, effectively opening up the tournament to the entire country."The IPL has become the world's best sports league, with a valuation second to none," Modi said. "The BCCI has done a fantastic job in taking the games to newer cities and markets, bringing the IPL to the entire country."Modi emphasized the importance of innovation, particularly from team owners, in areas such as merchandising and ticketing. He suggested the creation of a centralized IPL store and collective efforts by team owners to enhance the fan experience."For the BCCI, they should consider a secondary league in tier two or tier three cities," Modi added. "This would cater to the growing appetite for cricket in these areas and could potentially promote the winner to the IPL for the next season."Modi attributed the IPL's success to its ability to nurture Indian players and inspire them to achieve their aspirations. He highlighted the performances of Anuj Rawat and Harshit Rana, who made significant contributions to their respective teams despite the presence of international stars."The tournament is no longer reliant on foreign stars," Modi said. "It is the Indian core that drives it. The success of the South African League (SA20) and the Caribbean League (CPL) is also due to the involvement of local stars."Regarding the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies/US and cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Modi expressed skepticism. He believes that the T20 World Cup in New York will be driven by expats and that cricket's inclusion in the Olympics would have been more impactful if it had occurred in countries with a strong cricket culture.

RCB's Anuj Rawat Stuns with One-Handed Catch to Dismiss Sam CurranRoyal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) young wicket-keeper Anuj Rawat showcased his exceptional fielding skills during the IPL match against Punjab Kings in Bengaluru on Monday. In a moment of brilliance, Rawat grabbed a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss dangerous all-rounder Sam Curran.The incident occurred during the penultimate delivery of the 18th over. Pacer Yash Dayal's well-directed bouncer caught Curran off guard, forcing him to attempt a hook shot. However, Rawat's agility and quick reflexes proved too much for Curran.With a graceful leap, Rawat extended his right hand backwards in the air, plucking the ball out of thin air. The catch was a testament to Rawat's exceptional hand-eye coordination and athleticism.Curran, who was looking to accelerate the innings, had scored 23 runs off 17 balls, including three boundaries. Rawat's dismissal proved crucial in restricting Punjab Kings' late surge.In addition to his stunning catch, Rawat also contributed with the bat, scoring a brisk 25-ball 48 in the tournament opener against the Chennai Super Kings. His versatility as a wicketkeeper-batsman has made him a valuable asset for RCB."The communication has been very clear to me, as in batting down the order. As someone keeping wickets, you have to bat in the middle-order a lot," Rawat said in a pre-match presser.The Delhi cricketer, who has kept wickets for RCB in the last couple of matches, expressed his growing confidence in the role."Last season also, I kept wickets in a few games, and it gave me more confidence, and as this season goes on, I am looking forward to contributing more as a wicketkeeper batsman," Rawat added.Rawat's impressive performance against Punjab Kings highlights his potential as a rising star in the IPL. His ability to combine exceptional fielding with solid batting skills makes him a valuable asset for RCB and a player to watch in the upcoming matches.

Holi, the vibrant festival of colors, love, and friendship, painted the Indian Premier League (IPL) in its hues as cricket stars celebrated the occasion amidst their rigorous schedule. Mumbai Indians, led by Rohit Sharma, kicked off the festivities before their upcoming match against SunRisers Hyderabad.The festival brought together cricketers from diverse backgrounds, transcending nationalities and communities. Mumbai Indians' players, including Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Ritika Sajdeh, immersed themselves in the revelry.Delhi Capitals' star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, back on the field after a life-threatening accident, enjoyed the festival with his teammates. Australian opener David Warner and head coach Ricky Ponting also joined in the celebrations.Kolkata Knight Riders' skipper Shreyas Iyer found himself drenched in water and color within seconds of meeting his teammates. Mentor Gautam Gambhir and players Suyash Sharma, Harshit Rana, and Chetan Sakariya were among those who participated in the festivities.Rajasthan Royals' spinner Yuzvendra Chahal celebrated with teammates Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Steve Smith and Stuart Broad, former rivals in the Ashes series, shared the joy of Holi as part of the IPL's broadcasting team.The festival of colors not only brought joy to the cricketers but also symbolized the inclusivity and unity that the IPL represents. As the tournament progresses, the spirit of Holi will continue to inspire the players and fans alike, creating a vibrant and unforgettable spectacle.

As a spinner, dew can be a formidable adversary. However, when the opposition is cruising at 107 for 2, needing just 62 runs off 48 deliveries, the challenges escalate exponentially.R Sai Kishore, having bowled three wicketless overs for 19 runs, faced this daunting task. Rohit Sharma, set on 43, threatened to extinguish the Gujarat Titans' hopes. But it was at this critical juncture that Sai Kishore rose to the occasion."I anticipated dew to play a significant role," he later remarked. "The ball was damp, but surprisingly, it still held on the wicket. Usually, it slides on, but I was astonished by the grip I was getting. So, I adjusted my length and varied my pace, slowing down the ball in the air."Sai Kishore, who had not featured for the Titans throughout the previous season due to team composition, had made only five sporadic appearances in 2022. He recognized the need to produce something extraordinary to keep the Titans alive. By shortening his length and inducing the ball to dip, he achieved just that.Rohit Sharma fell victim to a sweep shot, trapped plumb in front. Sai Kishore's intervention had brought the game back to an even footing. His figures of 1 for 24 played a pivotal role in Mumbai's slowdown, particularly in the latter stages of their chase. The Titans varied their lengths and bowled into the pitch to deny the batters."Given the two-paced nature of the wicket, we opted to bowl into the wicket more frequently, trusting our length rather than aiming for yorkers," Sai Kishore explained. "This strategy yielded several wickets. It was aggressive bowling, even though the situation may have suggested otherwise."At the Titans, Sai Kishore has adapted to the role of second spinner behind Rashid Khan. In the TNPL and for Tamil Nadu, he is often deployed as a trump card in the Powerplay. This change of role can be challenging, but for someone eager for opportunities, it was the opening he needed."In other teams, I typically play the lead role. To assume the second role makes it even more exciting," Sai Kishore said. "Most batters will play off Rashid and target me. That makes the challenge more stimulating.""The coordination with Rashid is excellent; we discuss the game thoroughly. One of the strengths of this team is the unity among the players. Jayant Yadav, the offspinner, would often come in and offer advice. The communication is always open, which is fantastic."Sai Kishore believed the Titans were at least 10 runs short of their desired total. The plan was to stay in the game as long as possible and seize key moments, as they did in the death overs with Mohit Sharma and Rashid building on Sai Kishore's foundation."We felt we were 10 runs short, but the essence of this team and its management over the past two years is the emphasis on competition. Regardless of the outcome, we take pride in our performance. We competed exceptionally well. That was the message conveyed by our head coach, Ashish Nehra.""All credit to the culture he has established over the last two years. Players are not solely focused on the result; they prioritize competition and staying in the game."Sai Kishore is coming off a remarkable Ranji Trophy season, where he emerged as the highest wicket-taker. He also made his mark as a captain, supporting young players who flourished due to clear role definitions.At the Titans, Sai Kishore relishes every opportunity to play, prepared to undertake the tough tasks without fear of consequences. "When you bowl four overs consecutively, it's like a one-day game; you can find your rhythm more easily.""With the Impact Player rule, we're playing six bowlers. I'm getting the role where I'm bowling four overs on the trot in the middle. I'm open to bowling one-over spells. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy or TNPL, that's how I use my overs, but with the quality of bowlers we have, I'm getting to bowl four overs, which I'm enjoying."

Kolkata Knight Riders' Andre Russell once again proved his worth at the Eden Gardens on Saturday, leading his team to a thrilling four-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. Despite losing four wickets early on, Russell's explosive 25-ball 64, featuring seven sixes and three fours, propelled KKR to a formidable total of 208 for seven.Russell's teammate Phil Salt, who witnessed his power-hitting firsthand in The Hundred, expressed his admiration. "He's a phenomenal ball striker, the best in the world on his day," Salt said. "To see him do what he did is incredible."Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Daniel Vettori acknowledged Russell's impact, stating, "He takes the game away with his power and skill. At Eden, it's very tricky to challenge him."However, it was young Ramandeep Singh who laid the foundation for Russell's heroics. The 26-year-old's 35 runs off 17 balls, including a 54-run partnership with Salt, steadied the KKR innings."Ramandeep's innings set up the platform for Russell," Vettori said. "He put the pressure back on us."Salt also praised Ramandeep's contribution, saying, "He took the pressure off me and allowed me to play my game."Despite KKR's strong start, Heinrich Klaasen's counter-attacking fifty threatened to turn the tide. However, pacer Harshit Rana's two wickets in the final over, defending 12 runs, sealed the victory for KKR.Skipper Shreyas Iyer admitted to feeling nervous during the last over. "I had butterflies in my stomach," he said. "But I had belief in Harshit. This was his moment to become a hero."Rana's performance earned him a fine of 60% of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct.

Delhi Capitals' IPL campaign got off to a disappointing start with a four-wicket loss to Punjab Kings, but assistant coach Pravin Amre found solace in the scintillating cameo of Abhishek Porel.Porel, brought in as an Impact Substitute in the death overs, smashed an unbeaten 32 off 10 balls to help DC post a competitive 174/9. However, the total proved insufficient as Punjab chased down the target with four wickets to spare.Amre acknowledged the team's sloppy display on the field, which contributed to the loss. "Not the start we wanted, every team wants to start on a winning note. But there are a lot of positives from the game, our intent in batting was good," he said.Despite the defeat, Amre highlighted Porel's performance as a major positive. "We can also see the positive about Abishek Porel, the guy who came in and scored runs at a strike rate of more than 300. He got us to the par score of 170-plus," he added.DC suffered a major setback when pace spearhead Ishant Sharma sustained an ankle injury. To add to their woes, the Capitals dropped three catches, including that of Sam Curran, who went on to score a match-winning 63."In the bowling, I think Ishant's injury cost us and we all know catches win matches. We dropped a couple of crucial catches and maybe the outcome would have been different," Amre said."When you lose your main bowler it becomes difficult to contain them (opponents), but you have to credit Sam and Liam (Livingstone) for the way they batted and finished the game."The match marked skipper Rishabh Pant's comeback to cricket after a horrific car crash 15 months ago. Amre expressed his admiration for Pant's resilience."Sometimes as coaches, we don't get emotional, but this was emotional. Personally, it was special because I have closely seen his journey since his initial days at DC," he said."We are really happy with the way he conducted himself, it's not easy after a 14-month comeback and handling that kind of pressure."The Capitals will take on Rajasthan Royals in their next match on March 28.