Cricket

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have rediscovered their winning form under the guidance of their mentor and former captain, Gautam Gambhir. All-rounder Ramandeep Singh attributed the team's success to Gambhir's leadership and clarity in defining roles."There is a lot of clarity about the roles. The team is performing so well only because of him. He is backing everyone," said Ramandeep.KKR currently sits second in the Indian Premier League (IPL) standings with five wins in seven matches. The team's resurgence has been marked by consistent performances from its players, including Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, and Varun Chakravarthy.Ramandeep dismissed concerns about the fitness of star bowler Mitchell Starc, stating that the Australian is available for selection. "Yes, he is available. It has got to do with his workload management," he said.Meanwhile, Punjab Kings will continue to play without their captain, Shikhar Dhawan, who is still recovering from a shoulder injury. Bowling coach Sunil Joshi said Dhawan is on the road to recovery and is expected to be fit for the next match against Chennai Super Kings.In Dhawan's absence, all-rounder Sam Curran will continue to lead the Punjab Kings. The team has struggled in the IPL so far, winning only two of their seven matches.

Rinku Singh Receives Second Bat from Virat Kohli After Breaking Previous OneKolkata Knight Riders' star batsman Rinku Singh has received a second bat from batting maestro Virat Kohli, marking the second time the Indian captain has gifted him a bat. The gesture comes after a viral video on social media showed Rinku requesting another bat from Kohli, who initially seemed less pleased when Rinku mentioned breaking the bat gifted to him earlier in the season.Following Kolkata Knight Riders' thrilling one-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Eden Gardens, Rinku approached Kohli for another bat. In a video posted by KKR on social media, Rinku explained to Kohli that the bat he previously received broke while facing a spinner.However, it appears that Rinku has now received a new bat from Kohli. In a trending video on social media, the left-handed batter is seen showing the bat to a fan. "Rinku bhai, bat mila?" a fan asked Rinku. Rinku showed a bat and said, "Mil gya."Rinku's request for a second bat from Kohli highlights the high regard he holds for the Indian captain. Kohli is widely considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time, and his bats are highly sought after by aspiring cricketers.The gesture also underscores the camaraderie between the two players, who have played together for the Indian national team. Kohli's willingness to gift Rinku a second bat despite his initial displeasure shows his support for the young batsman.Rinku's performance for Kolkata Knight Riders this season has been impressive. He has scored 183 runs in seven matches, including two half-centuries. His contributions have played a crucial role in KKR's success, as they currently sit second in the points tally with five wins in seven matches.The two-time champions will next face Punjab Kings on Friday, and Rinku will be hoping to continue his good form with his new bat from Virat Kohli.

Mitchell Starc, the Australian fast bowler, has been underperforming for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Despite his hefty price tag of $3 million, Starc has failed to justify his worth, raising concerns about his form and the team's bowling unit.KKR, currently second in the 10-team table, has relied heavily on its top-order batting, with Sunil Narine, Phil Salt, Andre Russell, and Shreyas Iyer leading the charge. However, the bowling department has been a cause for concern, with Starc's underwhelming performance being a major factor.In seven matches, Starc has managed only six wickets at an economy rate of 11.48, the worst among KKR's specialist bowlers. His lack of pace and reluctance to bowl slower deliveries have made him vulnerable to batsmen, especially in the death overs.In contrast, uncapped Indian pacers Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora have impressed with their economy rates of 9.25 and 9.57, respectively. However, they have also been hit at times, highlighting the need for a more consistent bowling performance from KKR.Against a power-hitting Punjab Kings side, KKR's bowling unit will need to step up. Starc, in particular, will have to rediscover his mojo and play a leading role alongside Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, who have been effective in the middle overs.Punjab Kings, on the other hand, have struggled to find consistency in their batting. Despite having talented players like Prabhsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone, Rilee Rossouw, and Jonny Bairstow, they have failed to deliver consistently.However, their uncapped duo of Ashutosh and Shashank have salvaged the team from precarious situations with their astonishing power-hitting. The return of skipper Shikhar Dhawan, who is nursing a shoulder injury, would be a major boost to their morale.The match between KKR and Punjab Kings promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams looking to improve their fortunes in the IPL. KKR will rely on their top-order batting and bowling unit, while Punjab Kings will hope to exploit KKR's bowling weaknesses and find their rhythm in the tournament.

Shubman Gill, the prodigious Indian batter, is set to reach a significant milestone in his illustrious IPL career as he prepares to play his 100th match in the lucrative tournament. The Gujarat Titans skipper will lead his team against the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday, marking a testament to his remarkable journey in the IPL.Gill's IPL debut came with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2018, following his impressive performance at the ICC U19 World Cup. Since then, he has established himself as one of the most consistent and promising batters in the league. In 99 matches, Gill has amassed 3,088 runs at an average of 38.12 and a strike rate of 138.12, including three centuries and 20 fifties. His highest score of 129 ranks him among the league's top run-scorers.Gill's tenure with KKR played a pivotal role in his development as a cricketer. He received consistent support from the franchise, which allowed him to showcase his talent. In his first season, he played 13 games and scored 203 runs at an average of 33.83. His breakthrough came in KKR's remarkable 2021 campaign, where he emerged as the team's leading run-scorer with 478 runs in 17 matches.Gill's performances in the elimination stages were particularly impressive. He played a crucial role in KKR's victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Eliminator, scoring a quickfire 29 off 18 balls. In the Qualifier 2 against Delhi Capitals and the final against Chennai Super Kings, he demonstrated his big-match temperament with scores of 46 and 51, respectively.In 2022, Gill joined the Gujarat Titans, who went on to win the championship in their inaugural season. Gill played a key role in their success, finishing as the team's second-highest run-scorer with 483 runs in 16 games. He scored four half-centuries, including a match-winning 45* in the final against Rajasthan Royals.The 2023 season has witnessed Gill's game reach new heights. He has been in scintillating form, amassing 298 runs in eight matches at an average of 42.57 and a strike rate of 146.80. His two fifties include a top score of 89*.Gill's impressive IPL career has earned him numerous accolades. He won the Orange Cap for being the tournament's leading run-scorer in 2022 and was named Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performances. At the age of 24, he has already captained Gujarat Titans to victory, adding another feather to his cap.As Gill prepares for his 100th IPL match, he stands as a testament to the talent and dedication that has made him one of the most exciting young batters in the world. His journey in the IPL has been marked by consistent performances, pivotal victories, and a remarkable rise to the top. With his leadership and batting prowess, Gill is poised to continue making a significant impact on the tournament and Indian cricket for years to come.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), led by Shreyas Iyer, have emerged as a formidable force in IPL 2024, securing five victories in seven matches. Despite Iyer's modest batting performance, the team's consistent success has boosted morale.In a recent interview with Cyrus Broacha, Iyer attributed his confident stride to childhood teasing. "They used to tease me," he said, referring to his teammate Nitish Rana. "This is natural. I've walked like this since I was young."Iyer humorously suggested that his "bouncy toes" might contribute to his distinctive gait. The trio, including Iyer, erupted in laughter at his explanation.KKR's success has been a collective effort, with contributions from various players. Andre Russell has been a key performer, scoring 180 runs and taking 10 wickets. Nitish Rana has also been impressive, amassing 200 runs.The team's bowling attack has been equally effective, with Umesh Yadav leading the charge with 12 wickets. Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine have also been instrumental in restricting opposition batters.KKR's strong start has positioned them as one of the favorites to reach the playoffs. With a balanced squad and a winning mentality, they aim to continue their impressive run and challenge for the IPL title.

Dinesh Karthik's Missed Singles Cost RCB Dearly in Narrow IPL Defeat, Says Harbhajan SinghFormer India spinner Harbhajan Singh has criticized Dinesh Karthik's decision to decline singles in the final over of Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) narrow one-run defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).RCB appeared poised for victory after Will Jacks and Rajat Patidar forged a century partnership. However, Karthik's reluctance to take singles proved costly, as he ultimately fell to Andre Russell on the final ball of the over."I feel DK was a very important player in this match," Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel. "Karn (Sharma) came in and struck three sixes, while they were batting Karthik missed two to three singles and I feel that it proved costly for RCB."Harbhajan believes that Karthik's missed singles could have made a significant difference in the outcome of the match. "If he had taken those singles then maybe this situation wouldn't have unfolded," he said. "They only needed one run, small things matter."RCB skipper Faf du Plessis had won the toss and elected to field first. Phil Salt's explosive 48 in 14 balls gave KKR a strong start, but wickets fell regularly at the other end. Shreyas Iyer (50), Rinku Singh (24), Andre Russell (27*), and Ramandeep Singh (24*) contributed valuable runs to take KKR to 222/6.RCB lost Virat Kohli (18) and du Plessis (7) early, but Jacks (55) and Patidar (52) revived their hopes with a 102-run partnership. However, their efforts proved insufficient as Karthik's missed singles ultimately cost RCB the match.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) continue to await a significant impact from their star signing, Mitchell Starc, halfway through the Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Despite being acquired for a hefty Rs 24.74 crore at the auction, the Australian pacer has struggled to contain opposition batters.KKR team mentor Gautam Gambhir initially expressed confidence in Starc's abilities, stating that he would soon make an impact. However, three games later, Starc's performance has raised concerns about his suitability as a death-over bowler, a role KKR had envisioned for him.In the recent match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Starc conceded 55 runs in three overs, including 21 in the final over. While he managed to defend the target thanks to a reflex catch, his economy rate of over 18 has fallen short of expectations.KKR's former skipper, Nitish Rana, had emphasized the team's need for a death-over specialist, which prompted them to pursue Starc. However, after seven matches, the team may be reconsidering their decision.Fellow KKR pacer Harshit Rana suggested that Starc's struggles may stem from his inability to adjust to the flat Indian wickets, where slower deliveries are more effective. Starc's lack of variation in pace has made him vulnerable to batsmen.KKR CEO Venky Mysore remains optimistic about Starc's potential, stating that his presence adds value to the team. However, the pacer's confidence could be affected by his recent performances, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching.Starc's struggles have raised questions about his decision to participate in the IPL, given his absence from the tournament since 2015. Some speculate that his aim was to prepare for the World Cup, but his current form may hinder his chances of making a significant impact.With several games remaining in the IPL, Starc still has an opportunity to prove his worth. However, he will need to adapt his bowling style and regain his confidence to justify KKR's hefty investment.

Sunil Narine, the enigmatic West Indian all-rounder, has unequivocally ruled out a return to international cricket, despite his exceptional form for Kolkata Knight Riders in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Narine, 35, has been in scintillating form, leading the tournament's MVP standings with a remarkable 109 not out from 56 balls against Rajasthan Royals last week, his maiden T20 century. He is also KKR's joint-leading wicket-taker, with nine scalps at an impressive economy rate of 7.10.Narine's resurgence has sparked calls for his recall to the West Indies squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will be hosted in the Caribbean and USA. West Indies' T20I captain, Rovman Powell, has openly expressed his desire to have Narine back in the fold, but the off-spinner has remained adamant in his decision to stay retired.In a statement issued by KKR, Narine expressed his gratitude for the support and well wishes he has received but reiterated his decision to remain retired from international cricket. "I'm truly flattered and humbled that my performances recently have moved many people to publicly express their wish for me to come out of retirement and play in the upcoming T20 World Cup," Narine wrote. "I have made peace with that decision and whilst I never wish to disappoint, that door is now closed and I will be supporting the guys who take the field in June for West Indies."Narine's decision is a blow to West Indies' hopes of winning their third T20 World Cup title. The Caribbean side has struggled in recent years, failing to qualify for the Super 12 stage of the last two tournaments. Narine's experience and skill would have been invaluable to a team looking to make a deep run in their home tournament.However, Narine's decision is understandable. He has been plagued by injuries throughout his career and has expressed a desire to spend more time with his family. He has also been critical of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) in the past, accusing them of mismanagement and a lack of support for players.Despite his absence from international cricket, Narine remains one of the most respected and feared players in the world. His performances in the IPL have shown that he is still capable of producing match-winning performances at the highest level.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Harshit Rana has expressed unwavering confidence in star fast bowler Mitchell Starc, despite his recent struggles in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Starc conceded 55 runs in three overs against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Sunday, but Rana believes the 34-year-old speedster will bounce back."It's his own plan. Every bowler takes the field with a plan. He is a top bowler and someday, he will win us games. We are not worried about him. We have full faith in him," Rana said in the post-match press conference.Rana identified the 12th over of RCB's run-chase as the turning point in the match. Andre Russell dismissed Will Jacks and Rajat Patidar in quick succession, while Sunil Narine removed Cameron Green and Mahipal Lomror in the following over."The over from Andre Russell was the turning point in the game where he took two wickets. In the last five overs, our bowlers did exceptionally, did not give away enough runs. That was the phase we played really well," Rana added.KKR's victory over RCB propelled them to second place in the IPL standings with five wins and two losses. RCB, on the other hand, remained at the bottom of the table with just one win and seven losses.Rana praised Starc's composure in the final over, when Karn Sharma blasted three huge sixes off the Australian. Starc held his nerve and helped KKR secure a thrilling one-run victory."He is a bowler who can help the Knights win games," Rana said of Starc. "We have full faith in him."