Cricket

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has recently shared his struggles and triumphs during his playing days. In a candid conversation with Ravichandran Ashwin on a YouTube show, Gambhir revealed the challenges he faced in his early cricket career.Growing up, Gambhir was not selected for his first under-14 tournament due to his refusal to touch the selector's feet. This incident left a lasting impact on him, and he vowed never to engage in such practices.Despite his affluent family background, Gambhir faced criticism and skepticism throughout his career. People often questioned his motivation, suggesting that he did not need to play cricket due to his family's wealth. However, Gambhir was determined to prove his worth and overcome these perceptions."I wanted to beat that perception," Gambhir said. "So when I was able to do that, no other perception ever bothers me. The toughest perception for me to beat in my life was that I didn't want it that hard. I wanted it harder than any of them."Gambhir's determination and hard work paid off. He played a pivotal role in India's victories in the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup. He also led KKR to its first IPL title in 2012.In the same interview, Gambhir also spoke about his relationship with KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. He praised Khan for his trust and support, noting that they had never discussed cricket strategy in their seven years of working together."He had never asked me a single question on cricket in those seven years. Can you imagine?" Gambhir said.Gambhir's journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing adversity, he never gave up on his dream of becoming a successful cricketer. His story serves as an inspiration to young athletes and anyone who faces challenges in their pursuit of their goals.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 has witnessed an unprecedented display of batting firepower and bowling strength, with a staggering 1,208 sixes struck in just 70 matches. Among the teams leading the charge is Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who have climbed from last place last year to second this year, thanks to their fearless batting approach.SRH's batting prowess is exemplified by their league-leading 160 sixes in 13 matches. Led by the dynamic Australian pacer Pat Cummins, SRH will be eager to continue their impressive run in the first qualifier against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.KKR, mentored by Gautam Gambhir, have been the form team this season. Their opening pair of Sunil Narine and Phil Salt have been devastating, but with Salt leaving for national duty, his replacement, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, will be under pressure to perform. The middle-order, featuring Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer, and Nitish Rana, has provided consistent support, while Rinku Singh and Andre Russell have made vital contributions down the order.SRH's bowling attack, featuring veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, left-arm pacer T Natarajan, and Cummins, will pose a significant challenge to the KKR batting lineup. With Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga missing in action, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and Shahbaz Ahmed will provide the spin bowling options.SRH's batting has been equally impressive, with left-handed batters Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma setting the tone from the start. Head and Sharma both strike at a rate in excess of 200, making them a formidable threat to any opposition. Rahul Tripathi, Reddy, and Heinrich Klassen provide the impetus in the middle order, while Abdul Samad and Ahmed are also capable hitters.KKR's bowling attack will be led by Mitchell Starc, who has the potential to decimate any batting unit. Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora have bowled well in tandem, while the spin bowling duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Narine have been difficult to get away and have struck crucial wickets.In the only clash between the two teams earlier this season, KKR edged SRH by four runs in a high-scoring thriller at the Eden Garden. If that game is anything to go by, Ahmedabad should be in for a humdinger of a clash. The weather in Ahmedabad has been very hot, and it remains to be seen how the playing surface will play out.

Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders: A Rivalry of Strategic SimilaritiesThe Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed several intense rivalries over the years, but the one between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) stands out as a clash of strategic brilliance. Former KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir recently shed light on the similarities between the two teams' approaches to the game.In a YouTube interview with Ravichandran Ashwin, Gambhir highlighted that CSK and KKR shared a common philosophy in their game plans. "I always felt that CSK and KKR were very, very similar in the way they approached the game," he said.Both teams relied heavily on their spin bowling prowess. CSK boasted the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, and Imran Tahir, while KKR had Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla, and Kuldeep Yadav. The spinners played a crucial role in controlling the run rate and taking wickets at crucial junctures.The conditions at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai and the Eden Gardens in Kolkata also played a part in shaping the teams' strategies. Both grounds had large dimensions, which favored spinners and made it difficult for batsmen to score boundaries.Gambhir emphasized that KKR had to be at their tactical best to overcome CSK. "That's the reason why I always felt that CSK and KKR during those times were very very similar teams," he added.The rivalry between CSK and KKR has produced some memorable matches over the years. In the 31 head-to-head encounters since 2008, CSK has emerged victorious 19 times, while KKR has won 11. The remaining match ended in a no-result.Gambhir's insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the strategic nuances that have defined this iconic rivalry. The similarities between CSK and KKR's approaches have made their matches a battle of wits, where the team that executes its plans more effectively emerges victorious.

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir, now a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), recently shared heartfelt memories of his time with the team. He recalled a special moment when he received unwavering support from Kolkata fans while facing Bengal's son, Sourav Ganguly, who was leading the Pune Warriors.In a conversation with Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, Gambhir reminisced about his arrival at KKR in 2011 and his journey from a Delhi cricketer to a beloved figure in Kolkata. Amidst the highs and lows, he described a crucial match at Eden Gardens against Pune Warriors.The stadium was a sea of conflicting allegiances, with KKR's purple and Pune's light blue dominating the stands. Ganguly, a Kolkata native, was leading Pune, while Gambhir captained KKR."A lot of people told me there would be a lot of backlash because you are replacing someone like Sourav Ganguly," Gambhir said. "But not even once in my seven years of captaincy was I made to feel that I did not belong to Kolkata."Amidst the media attention and high expectations, Gambhir revealed a heartwarming story from the pre-match build-up. As he left the team hotel for the game, a hotel employee approached him with words of consolation and support."There was this huge article on the match day where it was written that Bengal would be divided for the second time after partition," Gambhir recalled. "I remember walking out of the hotel and this guy at the gate said, 'When you walk today, when you go for the toss, just remember the entire Bengal will be only cheering for you because KKR belongs to Kolkata and you will not walk alone today.'"Gambhir carried that thought with him to the toss and throughout the match. He found strength in the unwavering support of the Kolkata fans, despite the initial doubts."The people of Kolkata have walked with me and that's the strength I got from Kolkata," he said. "That's the reason that when I come back to Kolkata, it is always about giving back to them."Gambhir's KKR will play for a spot in the final when they take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

IPL Broadcaster Denies Breaching Rohit Sharma's Privacy, Accuses KKR of Leaking AudioIndian Premier League (IPL) broadcaster Star Sports has vehemently denied allegations made by Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma that the channel breached his privacy by airing a private conversation. The incident occurred during a training session at the Wankhede Stadium on May 16, where Star Sports had authorized access.According to Star Sports, the clip in question only showed Rohit requesting that the audio of his conversation not be recorded. The channel claims that no audio from this conversation was either recorded or broadcast. The clip was featured in Star Sports' live coverage of pre-match preparations and lacked editorial relevance beyond this.Rohit Sharma, however, has accused the channel of airing a private conversation and has expressed concern about the erosion of trust between fans, cricketers, and the sport. He has urged for better sense to prevail.The controversy arose after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) posted the audio of the chat on their social media handle, leading to speculation about Rohit's future with Mumbai Indians. Following the backlash, KKR removed the video.Star Sports has emphasized its commitment to protecting players' privacy and stated that respect for players' privacy is at the core of its ethos. The channel remains committed to bringing fans moments of intense action and preparations while upholding the privacy of its players.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs are set to commence, with four teams vying for the coveted title. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) were the first to secure their spots, followed by SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).KKR, led by Shreyas Iyer, has been a consistent performer throughout the season, showcasing their all-around strength. RR, under the captaincy of Sanju Samson, started the tournament with a bang but have faced some setbacks recently.SRH, under the guidance of Kane Williamson, has overcome adversity to book their playoff berth. RCB, led by Faf du Plessis, clinched the final playoff spot in dramatic fashion, eliminating defending champions Chennai Super Kings.The playoffs will kick off with Qualifier 1 on May 21, featuring KKR and SRH at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Eliminator, scheduled for May 22 at the same venue, will pit RCB against RR.The loser of Qualifier 1 will face the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2 on May 24 at the Chepauk in Chennai. The winner of Qualifier 2 will then take on the winner of Qualifier 1 in the IPL 2024 Final on May 26, also at the Chepauk.RCB, the only team among the four playoff contenders yet to win the IPL title, will be eager to break their duck. KKR, SRH, and RR will all be looking to add to their trophy cabinets.The playoffs promise to deliver high-octane cricket, with each team determined to emerge victorious. The stage is set for an unforgettable conclusion to the IPL 2024 season.

Gautam Gambhir's Controversial Remarks Spark Debate on Captaincy and CriticismFormer Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir recently ignited a controversy by criticizing AB de Villiers and Kevin Pietersen for their comments on Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya. In response, former cricketer Atul Wassan has urged Gambhir to moderate his tone while acknowledging his talent.The controversy erupted when De Villiers and Pietersen questioned Pandya's leadership abilities following Mumbai Indians' poor performance in the ongoing IPL 2024. Gambhir retaliated by stating that De Villiers and Pietersen's own captaincy records were unimpressive.Wassan, speaking to ANI, defended Gambhir's talent but expressed concern over his confrontational approach. He revealed that Gambhir believed adversity motivated him to perform at his best, but suggested that toning down his rhetoric would enhance his effectiveness as a mentor."Gautam Gambhir is a great player who has achieved a lot in his career. He used to thrive on conflict, but if he could just tone down a bit, he has a lot of talent and can be a great mentor," Wassan said.Wassan also criticized the tendency to heap praise on captains when teams succeed and blame them when they fail. He argued that such a perspective is unfair and that captains should be evaluated based on their own merits."I don't think it's right to compare Hardik Pandya to past captains. He's still an IPL-winning captain, so you should only compare him to other IPL-winning captains," Wassan added.Under Gambhir's mentorship, KKR has emerged as a top contender in IPL 2024, winning 9 of 13 matches and topping the standings. Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, have struggled, winning only four games and being eliminated from playoff contention.Gambhir's comments have sparked a debate about the role of criticism in sports. While some believe that constructive criticism can be beneficial, others argue that it can be counterproductive and undermine team morale.

Former South African skipper AB de Villiers has heaped praise on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Shreyas Iyer, hailing him as "absolutely incredible" in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.In the 17th season of the IPL, Iyer has led KKR to the top of the points table, becoming the first skipper in the franchise's history to achieve this feat. In 12 matches, he has amassed 287 runs at a strike rate of 135.38.Speaking on his YouTube channel, De Villiers lauded Iyer's composure and intelligence as a captain. "Shreyas Iyer has been absolutely incredible. There have been a lot of doubts and talks about him as captain. I punted him from the start of the tournament. He is a wise guy, a smart cricketer, and I love the way he is calm and composed as a captain. He never seems to get rushed, never seems to panic even though you know deep down that you feel some panic, especially playing at the Eden Gardens," De Villiers said.De Villiers also acknowledged the challenges of captaining a team with senior players like Sunil Narine and Andre Russell. "It's not easy to captain senior players who have been around for ages, especially Narine and Russell. We know that the West Indies have got different personalities, they are outgoing and can be outspoken sometimes. It must be sometimes difficult with a difference in culture to communicate properly with some of these experienced players," he added.KKR have won 9 of their 13 matches so far, losing only to Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Punjab Kings (PBKS). They currently have 19 points and a net run rate of 1.428.In their upcoming match, KKR will face Rajasthan Royals on Sunday at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati.

Sunil Narine, the enigmatic all-rounder for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has emerged as a pivotal figure in the ongoing IPL 2024. His exceptional batting and bowling skills have propelled KKR to the top of the standings, making him an indispensable asset to the team.Narine's batting prowess has been on full display this season. As an opening batsman, he has consistently provided KKR with explosive starts, setting the tone for their innings. His aggressive approach and ability to clear the boundary with ease have made him a nightmare for opposition bowlers. With 461 runs in 12 matches, Narine is the highest run-getter for KKR, averaging an impressive 38.42. His century against the Mumbai Indians stands as a testament to his batting prowess.Despite his on-field brilliance, Narine maintains a stoic demeanor, rarely cracking a smile. However, in a recent video shared by KKR, he showcased his linguistic skills by attempting to speak in Bengali. His efforts were met with amusement and admiration from his teammates and fans alike.As a spinner, Narine has also been instrumental in KKR's success. His mystery deliveries and ability to deceive batsmen have made him a formidable force in the middle overs. His variations, including the carrom ball and the knuckleball, have kept opposition batsmen guessing, leading to crucial wickets.KKR's dominance in IPL 2024 is largely attributed to Narine's all-round contributions. His ability to impact the game with both bat and ball has made him an invaluable asset to the team. As KKR gears up for the playoffs, Narine's performances will be crucial in their quest for the championship title.