Cricket

Gautam Gambhir, the former India opener and current mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has emerged as a potential frontrunner for the vacant head coach position of the Indian cricket team. BCCI secretary Jay Shah's recent statement that the board is seeking individuals with a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure has fueled speculation about Gambhir's candidacy.Gambhir's lack of formal coaching experience is not seen as a deterrent, as his reputation for plain speaking and his ability to empower players are considered valuable assets. As captain of KKR, he revived the team's fortunes, leading them to two IPL titles in four years.Sources close to the development indicate that Gambhir has not yet received a formal proposal from the BCCI, but he is reportedly open to considering the role. His success with KKR this season, where the team topped the table and is favored to win the final, has further enhanced his credentials.Gambhir's philosophy as a leader emphasizes rewarding small contributions and fostering a sense of empowerment among players. He has consistently recognized the contributions of lesser-known players, such as Venkatesh Iyer and Harshit Rana, alongside the team's star performers.One of Gambhir's notable strengths as a captain was his willingness to take bold decisions. In the 2012 IPL final, he dropped Brendon McCullum to include Manvinder Bisla, a move that proved to be a masterstroke. Similarly, as KKR mentor, he invested heavily in Mitchell Starc, who played a crucial role in the team's Qualifier 1 victory.Gambhir's potential appointment as head coach would bring a fresh perspective to the Indian team. His emphasis on empowering players, recognizing small contributions, and making bold decisions could help the team overcome its recent challenges and achieve greater success.

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that Mahendra Singh Dhoni should continue playing in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Kaif's opinion is based on Dhoni's current form, physical fitness, and his remarkable ability to effortlessly hit big shots.Despite the widespread speculation about Dhoni's potential retirement from the IPL, Kaif sees no reason for him to hang up his boots just yet. Dhoni, who underwent knee surgery last year, showcased an impressive performance in the recent IPL season, amassing 161 runs in just 73 balls at an outstanding strike rate of 220.55. Additionally, his wicket-keeping skills remained sharp throughout the tournament.As the captain, Dhoni has led the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to an impressive five IPL titles. His leadership, combined with his on-field prowess, has been instrumental in the team's success over the years. Kaif thinks Dhoni has enough left in the tank to keep playing."Personally, I don't think he's done, he could not win the game (last league match against RCB). In the last over after hitting a six, he got out. You could make out seeing his body language that he seemed very disappointed not winning the game for CSK," Kaif, a cricket expert with Star Sports, told PTI Videos."Why should he not come back? He is fit, he is scoring runs and hitting sixes, and there's no reason to stop playing... it's up to him, we can't say with Dhoni what's his plan," added Kaif, regarded as one of India's greatest fielders.Kaif also remarked that Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Shreyas Iyer had been a revelation with his calm demeanour, attributing the team's success this year to his leadership qualities. Two-time IPL champions KKR entered their fourth final with a thumping eight-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 1. They had also topped the league stage with 20 points."He (Iyer) missed the whole IPL last year and KKR probably missed his captaincy in 2023. The way he is changing the bowlers, and picking his playing XI, he looks very calm under pressure.""In a tournament like the IPL, you have to be very composed, you have to know what's happening in the game and Iyer has come a long way. He has become a much better captain now," opined Kaif.Gambhir's return to KKR as the team mentor has been cited by experts as a key factor in the team's success this season. However, Kaif believes that the team's impressive performance is largely due to Iyer's leadership skills on the field."We always talk about (Gautam) Gambhir, but he can't enter the field... in the rope with the players. Iyer has been there with the players and it will help him grow as a person and player.""He missed out on the (T20) World Cup this year (beginning in the US and West Indies next month), but certainly it's great learning for him, captaining the team, leading it to the finals. He has a great future ahead," said Kaif.Kaif expressed his belief that KKR had the highest chances of securing the IPL championship this year. He attributed this to the team's possession of two crucial elements: a group of exceptional bowlers and a well-rounded lineup. According to him, these factors are essential for achieving success in the tournament."I think KKR is a very well-balanced side. Tournament-winning team has to have good bowlers, KKR has got the bowlers. You saw how (Mitchell) Starc bowled against (SRH in Qualifier 1), it's a balanced side. KKR has got all bases covered in terms of batting and bowling. They are the team to beat in the IPL, they are way ahead."

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has hailed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Shreyas Iyer for his exceptional leadership in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Under Iyer's guidance, KKR has reached the final, showcasing a remarkable team performance throughout the season.Watson praised Iyer's ability to bring out the best in his players, allowing them the freedom to express themselves on the field. "As a leader, he has had a lot of success. This means he is getting the best of the people around him," Watson said.Iyer's own performance has been impressive, with the skipper scoring 345 runs in 13 innings at an average of 38.33 and a strike rate of 146.18. His knock of 58* in the Qualifier 1 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) was a testament to his leadership qualities.Watson highlighted the all-round contributions from the KKR team, with Sunil Narine, Phil Salt, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, and Varun Chakravarthy all playing crucial roles. "It is not just him doing his thing, he is performing well, the team and players around him are doing very well, which is a telltale sign that you as a leader are doing a very good job," Watson added.In the Qualifier 1 match, Mitchell Starc's fiery spell of 3/34 in four overs set the tone for KKR's victory. The left-arm pacer has consistently made an impact in big matches, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure.KKR's victory has earned them a direct spot in the final, while SRH will have one more chance to reach the title clash in Qualifier 2. The two-time champions will be hoping to continue their impressive form and lift the IPL trophy once again.

Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings: A Rivalry of SimilaritiesThe Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed some epic rivalries over the years, and one of the most intense has been between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Out of their 31 head-to-head encounters, CSK holds a commanding 19-11 advantage, with one match ending in a no result.Former KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir, who recently spoke to Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, believes that the two teams have always shared a similar approach to the game. "I always felt that CSK and KKR were very, very similar in the way they approached the game," said Gambhir.Gambhir highlighted the similarities in their strategies, particularly in their use of spinners. "The way MS Dhoni used the spinners and we had three quality spinners as well. CSK had three quality spinners and probably the conditions, whether it was in Chepauk or in Eden at that time, were very similar," he explained.The former left-hander added that the tactical battles between the two sides were always intense. "Our strategies were very similar to each other. That is the reason KKR had to be at our best from the tactical point of view to be able to beat CSK. That's the reason why I always felt that CSK and KKR during those times were very very similar teams," said Gambhir.Gambhir, who returned to KKR as a mentor last year, has a wealth of experience in the IPL, having played for both Delhi Capitals and KKR. He led the Knight Riders to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014.KKR will be looking to add to their trophy cabinet when they face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2024 on Tuesday. The match will be a crucial test for the Knight Riders, who will be aiming to reach the final and challenge for the championship.

KKR's Gurbaz Returns from Afghanistan to Aid Team in IPL PlayoffsKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz has revealed that his mother is still recovering in the hospital, but he returned from Afghanistan to support his team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs.Gurbaz played a crucial knock of 23 runs from 14 balls in KKR's Qualifier 1 victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday. Speaking at the post-match press conference, he expressed his gratitude for the support of his family and the KKR franchise."My mother is still recovering in the hospital, but I knew my KKR family needed me here once Phil Salt left. So I came back from Afghanistan, and I'm happy to be here. My mother is happy for me too," Gurbaz said.The 22-year-old had not featured in any games for KKR this season due to the success of Salt and Sunil Narine at the top of the order. However, with Salt departing, Gurbaz was called upon to fill the void.In the match against SRH, Gurbaz provided a solid start alongside Narine, scoring two fours and two sixes before being dismissed. His innings helped set the platform for a dominant run-chase by KKR, who reached the target with 38 balls to spare.Skipper Shreyas Iyer (58*) and Venkatesh Iyer (51*) played blistering half-centuries to guide KKR to victory. Mitchell Starc was the pick of the bowlers for KKR, taking 3/34 in four overs.With this win, KKR has secured a direct spot in the final, while SRH will face the winner of the eliminator match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Qualifier 2.

In March 2024, Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), inadvertently revealed the date of the IPL final as May 26. Two months later, his prediction has come to fruition.KKR, led by Shreyas Iyer, secured a spot in the final after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 1. Mitchell Starc's impressive bowling performance (3/34) restricted SRH to 159, which KKR chased down in just 13.4 overs. Skipper Iyer (58* off 24) and Venkatesh Iyer (51* off 28) played unbeaten half-century knocks to seal the victory.The opponent for KKR in the final will be determined by Qualifier 2, scheduled for May 24. The winner of the Eliminator between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face SRH in Qualifier 2.Interestingly, Gambhir's prediction of the final date was made on March 16, when the full IPL schedule was still unknown. In a video posted by KKR, Gambhir expressed his desire for the team to reach the final on May 26."On 26th May, we should be there, giving everything possible; and it starts from today...So if we walk the same path and if we fight, I am sure we are going to achieve a lot of success," Gambhir had said.Gambhir's words have proven prophetic, as KKR will now play their fourth IPL final on May 26. The former India opener is also reportedly in contention for the post of Team India's head coach, replacing Rahul Dravid after the T20 World Cup in June.

The search for India's next cricket team head coach has intensified, with Rahul Dravid confirming his departure. Among the potential candidates, former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has emerged as a strong contender, garnering support from legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram.Akram believes Gambhir possesses the ideal qualities for the role, citing his intelligence, straightforwardness, and aggression. He emphasized that Gambhir's bluntness and willingness to speak his mind, while not always aligned with Indian cricket culture, would bring a much-needed edge to the team.Gambhir's track record as a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) further strengthens his case. Under his guidance, KKR has secured a spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs, showcasing his ability to lead and inspire a team.Gambhir's previous success as KKR captain, guiding them to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, further demonstrates his leadership capabilities. His ability to motivate and extract the best from his players would be invaluable to the Indian team.While Gambhir's appointment would undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of aggression to the team, it remains to be seen whether he will accept the role. The time-consuming nature of the job and his personal commitments may influence his decision.

Shah Rukh Khan's Humility and Inspiration Inspire Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL FinalKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have secured their spot in the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 after an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 1. The team's success has been attributed not only to their on-field performances but also to the unwavering support and inspiration provided by their co-owner, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.After the match, KKR captain Shreyas Iyer and all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer expressed their admiration for Khan's humility and guidance. Iyer praised Khan's ability to connect with the players on a personal level, saying, "His presence itself gets that zest in the team environment and the attitude and approach automatically changes."Venkatesh Iyer highlighted Khan's role in motivating the team, particularly those dealing with injuries. "His pep talk had not just lifted me but the likes of Nitish Rana who was dealing with injuries," he said. "To come back from injury and to perform is a really big task."Khan's influence extends beyond the field. He is known for his active involvement in the team's decision-making and his unwavering belief in the players' abilities. This support has created a positive and encouraging atmosphere within the KKR camp.The team's success in Qualifier 1 is a testament to the impact of Khan's leadership and inspiration. Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer's unbeaten 97-run partnership for the third wicket propelled KKR to victory with more than six overs to spare.Since 2018, the team that has won Qualifier 1 has gone on to win the IPL trophy. KKR will now look to continue this trend and secure their fourth IPL title in their fourth final appearance.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) hopes of reaching the Indian Premier League (IPL) final suffered a setback after their eight-wicket defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Qualifier 1. Despite the disappointing result, captain Pat Cummins remained optimistic, acknowledging that his team had earned the right to bounce back.SRH's batting woes began early as Mitchell Starc's pace proved too much to handle in the powerplay. The Hyderabad-based franchise was eventually dismissed for a below-par 159 in 19.3 overs. In contrast, KKR's openers, Venkatesh Iyer and Shreyas Iyer, played scintillating knocks to chase down the target in just 13.4 overs.Cummins admitted that SRH's performance was below par, but he emphasized that such setbacks are part and parcel of T20 cricket. "We have earned the right to have one of those days and still win tournaments," he said. "Not our day, but good thing we have another crack at it."The decision to bring in Sanvir Singh as SRH's Impact Player also raised eyebrows. However, Cummins explained that the move was made to bolster the team's batting at the expense of an extra bowling option.Despite the setback, SRH still have a chance to reach the final. They will face the winner of the Eliminator between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Friday. Cummins expressed confidence that his team can bounce back and secure a berth in the title clash."Going to a new venue helps as well. It is going to be a bit different feel to here, so you start again," he said. "We have got a good body of work behind us this season to look back on, so we erase this one and move on."