Cricket

Krishnappa Gowtham's Spectacular Catch Stuns Jonty Rhodes, Highlights Importance of Fielding in Modern CricketIn a thrilling IPL match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Lucknow on Sunday, Krishnappa Gowtham's extraordinary running catch left legendary fielding coach Jonty Rhodes in awe.Gowtham's athleticism was on full display in the 15th over of KKR's innings. Andre Russell, known for his explosive batting, attempted a big hit off Naveen-ul-Haq's delivery but ended up slicing it into the air.With lightning-fast reflexes, Gowtham sprinted back from extra cover, his eyes fixed on the ball. He timed his dive to perfection, grabbing the ball with both hands before it hit the ground.Russell, who was looking to accelerate the innings, was dismissed for 12 off 8 balls, including a four and a six.Rhodes, a renowned fielding expert, couldn't help but express his admiration for Gowtham's skill. The former South African cricketer, who revolutionized fielding during his playing days, was impressed by the Indian player's agility and commitment.Gowtham's catch was not just a moment of individual brilliance but also a testament to the importance of fielding in modern cricket. In today's fast-paced game, sharp fielding can turn the tide of a match.Rhodes' reaction highlights the significance of fielding as a crucial aspect of the sport. His advocacy for exceptional fielding standards has influenced generations of cricketers, and Gowtham's catch serves as a reminder of the impact that fielding can have on the outcome of a game.

Lucknow Super Giants' Jonty Rhodes Pokes Fun at Deepak Hooda for Dropped CatchLucknow Super Giants (LSG) fielding coach Jonty Rhodes couldn't resist a playful dig at all-rounder Deepak Hooda after he dropped a crucial catch in their IPL 2024 match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Friday.Despite LSG's clinical bowling performance that restricted CSK to 176/6, Hooda's misjudgment in the 17th over gifted Ravindra Jadeja a six and CSK six extra runs.After the match, Rhodes presented the Magic Mic award, given to the best fielder in the team after every LSG game, to Hooda. However, Rhodes' decision was more ironical than anything, as he hilariously claimed that Hooda deliberately dropped the catch to prevent MS Dhoni from facing more deliveries."I think it was a smart decision by birthday boy Deepak Hooda to let the ball go for a six, so that meant Dhoni didn't come out for another five balls," Rhodes said in a video uploaded by LSG.The entire dressing room erupted in laughter, and Hooda took the joke sportingly.Dhoni, who came to bat in the 18th over after Moeen Ali's dismissal, played an unbeaten cameo of 28 from nine balls, slamming two sixes and three boundaries.Despite the dropped catch, LSG's clinical bowling performance in the middle overs, led by Shivam Dube's three-wicket haul, restricted CSK's scoring.Openers Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul set up the chase for LSG with a superb 134-run partnership. De Kock hit a 43-ball 54 while Rahul smashed an incredible 82 runs off 53 balls.LSG achieved the target with an over to spare, securing their third win of the season.

Lucknow Super Giants' Fielding Coach Jonty Rhodes Lauds Deepak Hooda's 'Clever Thinking' in Dropping Catch to Keep MS Dhoni OutIn a surprising move, Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) fielding coach Jonty Rhodes awarded the 'best fielder' award to Deepak Hooda for a dropped catch during the team's victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2024.While attempting to catch an aerial hit by Ravindra Jadeja at the long-on fence, Hooda could only manage to tip it over the bar, resulting in a six. However, Rhodes praised Hooda's effort, explaining that it prevented MS Dhoni from entering the game as the next batsman."Fielding award is not just about brilliant performances, fielding is about awareness," Rhodes said in a video posted by LSG. "In the yellow team (Chennai) they have this guy MSD. He is striking it at 400 strike rate. I think it was a real smart decision by birthday boy Deepak Hooda to let the ball go for six. That meant Dhoni didn't come up for another five balls."Rhodes's analysis was spot on, as Dhoni, when he eventually came in, bludgeoned 28 runs off just 9 balls, including two sixes and three fours."That is magical! So the award goes to Deepak Hooda," Rhodes concluded before presenting Hooda with the award.Rhodes's decision highlights the importance of situational awareness in fielding. By preventing Dhoni from facing more deliveries, Hooda's dropped catch ultimately contributed to LSG's victory.