Cricket

KKR vs RR Live Score: Royals' Batters Face Pressure to Revive Playoff HopesRajasthan Royals find themselves in a precarious position as they prepare to face Kolkata Knight Riders in a crucial match that could determine their playoff fate. After securing a playoff berth with 16 points, the Royals have stumbled in recent matches, losing four consecutive games.The Royals' batting has been a major concern, with the team failing to cross the 150-run mark in their last two outings. The absence of star opener Jos Buttler, who has returned home for national duty, has left a significant void in the batting lineup.Yashasvi Jaiswal, skipper Sanju Samson, and local hero Riyan Parag will need to step up and shoulder the responsibility of leading the Royals' batting charge. Jaiswal, in particular, has been in impressive form this season, scoring 250 runs in 13 matches. Samson, the team's captain, has also shown glimpses of his brilliance, but he will need to find consistency.Parag, known for his aggressive batting style, could be a key factor in the Royals' success. His ability to hit big shots and accelerate the scoring rate could prove invaluable in the middle overs.The Royals' bowling attack, led by Yuzvendra Chahal and Trent Boult, has been one of the most effective in the tournament. Chahal, the leg-spinner, has taken 27 wickets in 13 matches, while Boult, the left-arm pacer, has picked up 18 wickets.However, the Royals will need their bowlers to be at their best against a formidable Kolkata Knight Riders batting lineup that includes Andre Russell, Nitish Rana, and Shreyas Iyer.The match between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders is a must-win for the Royals if they want to finish in the top two and secure two chances to reach the final. The Royals will need to find their batting form and execute their plans flawlessly to overcome the challenge posed by the Knight Riders.

Shakib Al Hasan, the renowned Bangladeshi all-rounder, has joined the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) for the upcoming season of Major League Cricket (MLC). This marks a significant move for both Shakib and the LAKR franchise, which is owned by the Knight Riders Group, the same group that owns the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Shakib has a long-standing association with the Knight Riders family, having played for KKR in multiple seasons, including their championship-winning campaigns in 2012 and 2014. His addition to the LAKR squad is expected to bolster their lineup and enhance their chances of success in the upcoming MLC season.The LAKR franchise, which finished last in the inaugural season of the MLC in 2023, has retained several key players from that squad, including Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Jason Roy, and Spencer Johnson. They have also drafted in local players Derone Davis, Matthew Tromp, Cirne Dry, and Adithya Ganesh to strengthen their roster.The MLC player draft was held on March 21, 2023, and an additional draft will be held on June 16 for the six teams to complete their squads. The second edition of the tournament will commence on July 5 with a fixture between MI New York and Seattle Orcas, the winners and runners-up of the inaugural edition, respectively. The final is scheduled for July 29.Shakib's signing by LAKR is a testament to his exceptional talent and global recognition. His all-round abilities, including his aggressive batting and skillful bowling, make him a valuable asset to any team. The LAKR franchise will be hoping that Shakib can replicate his success with KKR and help them achieve their goals in the upcoming MLC season.

Gujarat Titans' playoff hopes were dashed after their match against Kolkata Knight Riders was washed out on Monday, making them the third team to be eliminated from the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoff race.Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) now have a 75% chance of finishing as the sole toppers and a 25% chance of ending up in second place, assuming no more matches are rained off. A win in their last game will guarantee them the top spot, while they could still top even with a loss if Rajasthan Royals (RR) fail to win both their remaining games.RR, on the other hand, are not guaranteed to top even if they win their remaining games, but their chances of being sole toppers are a respectable 25%. They also have a nearly 40% chance of finishing second, but their qualification is not yet certain. If they lose both games, they could end up tied second with three other teams - Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) - depending on results in other games.CSK, currently in third place, have a better than 90% chance of making the top four on points, but their qualification is far from certain. They could end up tied second with three other teams (RR, SRH, and LSG) or tied third with up to four other teams or tied for fourth with three other teams. However, their better net run rate at this stage gives them an advantage over the other teams competing for the last two qualifying slots.SRH, in fourth place, have an even better chance (96.9%) of making it to the top four slots on points, thanks to the extra game in hand. But they too are unsure of qualification with the possibility of four-way ties for second, five-way ties for third, or three-way ties for fourth looming. The good news is that they don't have to necessarily win both their remaining games.Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), in fifth place, have a chance of making it to the top four spots on points, but their chances are just above 40%. Their last game against CSK is a must-win, but even winning it is not enough. Other results will need to go their way.Delhi Capitals (DC), in sixth place, have a chance of finishing among the top four on points, but their chances are barely over 31%. And if they lose to LSG, the best they can hope for is sixth.For LSG, the game against DC is not a must-win because they have another game in hand. However, despite a 56% chance of making the top four slots on points, they are looking at possible ties with up to three teams for second, up to four teams for third, and up to three teams for fourth. Their NRR is the worst among all the teams they could tie with.

Gujarat Titans' Playoff Hopes Dashed as Rain Abandons Match Against Kolkata Knight RidersThe first abandoned match of IPL 2024 occurred in Ahmedabad on Monday due to a combination of lightning and heavy rain, confirming two crucial outcomes: Kolkata Knight Riders' top-two finish in the league stage and Gujarat Titans' elimination from playoff contention.Gujarat Titans, languishing in eighth place, needed a victory to remain in the hunt, but the relentless rain prevented even a toss from taking place. The storm's intensity was such that it affected some floodlights, and torn stadium banners wrapped around them, necessitating manual removal.Gujarat Titans' task was already daunting, with the season's lowest net run-rate of -1.063. Even two substantial victories in their remaining two games could have left them short. Kolkata Knight Riders, on the other hand, were virtually assured of a top-two finish thanks to their dominant net run-rate of 1.428 after 12 games, which was solidified by their 19th point in the tally.This marks the first time Gujarat Titans have failed to qualify for the IPL playoffs since joining the competition in 2022. They will play a consolation match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 16.The abandoned match could have provided Kolkata Knight Riders with an opportunity to integrate wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz into their starting lineup. Gurbaz is expected to replace Phil Salt, who will depart to join his national team camp.Kolkata Knight Riders' next goal is to finish the league stage at the top, a feat they have never achieved before. A victory over Rajasthan Royals in their final league game on Sunday will guarantee them the top spot. They will also secure the top position if Rajasthan Royals fail to secure two wins in their remaining two matches, including the KKR fixture.Even if Kolkata Knight Riders do not finish first, they will not be overly concerned. In the two previous seasons they finished second in the IPL points table (2012 and 2014), they emerged as IPL champions.

Gujarat Titans Face Kolkata Knight Riders in Crucial Playoff Race ClashAhmedabad, India - The Gujarat Titans (GT) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will lock horns in a pivotal match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, May 9th. Both teams are vying for a spot in the playoffs, with KKR already securing a berth but aiming for a top-two finish, while GT is fighting to stay in contention.KKR's Dominance and GT's InconsistencyKKR has been the standout team of the season, boasting a formidable top-order batting lineup and a potent bowling attack. Their top four batters have all scored over 300 runs at a strike rate of over 10, a first in IPL history. Openers Sunil Narine and Phil Salt have been particularly impressive, forming a solid partnership.In contrast, GT has struggled with consistency, using 23 players so far, the most in the tournament. However, they secured a comprehensive victory in their last game, which may have provided them with some much-needed momentum.Rashid Khan as GT's Key WeaponGT's hopes of countering KKR's batting prowess may rest on the shoulders of Rashid Khan. The Afghan spinner has a decent record against most of KKR's batters, including Narine, Salt, and the Iyer brothers.Gurbaz's Potential ImpactWith Salt set to depart for England's T20 World Cup preparations, KKR could consider bringing in Rahmanullah Gurbaz as a replacement. Gurbaz has a stellar record against Rashid, having scored 30 runs off 11 balls without being dismissed in the IPL.Team News and Impact Player StrategyGT may stick with the opening partnership of B Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill, while R Sai Kishore or Sandeep Warrier could be considered as an impact sub for Sudharsan. KKR could swap Vaibhav Arora for Nitish Rana or introduce Gurbaz in place of Salt.Players in the SpotlightB Sai Sudharsan has been a bright spot for GT, leading their run-scoring with 527 runs in 12 innings. Varun Chakravarthy has also been in impressive form for KKR, taking 10 wickets in his last four games and moving up to third on the wicket-takers' list.Pitch and ConditionsThe team batting second has won four out of six games in Ahmedabad this season, suggesting that dew could play a factor. However, GT's recent victory batting first indicates that a high score is still possible.ConclusionThe clash between GT and KKR promises to be a thrilling encounter with significant playoff implications. KKR will be looking to maintain their dominance, while GT will be desperate to keep their playoff hopes alive. The outcome of this match could have a major impact on the final standings of the IPL 2024 season.

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has criticized Mumbai Indians' (MI) batting duo Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav for their slow starts and subsequent dismissals in the IPL 2024 match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).In a rain-affected encounter reduced to 16 overs, MI chased a target of 158. While Ishan Kishan provided a solid start with 40 off 22 balls, Rohit and Suryakumar struggled to get going. Rohit scored 19 off 24 deliveries, while Suryakumar managed only 11 off 14.Sehwag believes that the duo's inability to accelerate their innings cost MI the match. "Whoever bowls good, just play him out. If two wickets hadn't fallen, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav could've finished the match an over before," he said on Cricbuzz.He emphasized the importance of respecting the bowlers and playing out their good deliveries. "You can't have an ego when you come out to bat. You play them out or punish the loose deliveries," Sehwag added.Sehwag also pointed out that Rohit and Suryakumar's dismissals came on good deliveries. "The ball on which Rohit Sharma got out wasn't a weak ball. No doubt Rohit and Suryakumar are great players, but that doesn't mean you should hit the good deliveries, too," he said.KKR's bowlers, led by Venkatesh Iyer, restricted MI to 142/9, securing a 15-run victory. Sehwag believes that if Rohit and Suryakumar had been set, they could have easily chased down the target."If Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav were set at that time, they would've hit 5 balls for boundaries. You could be Rohit Sharma or Suryakumar Yadav, but at least respect the delivery if you can't respect the bowler," he concluded.

Murali Kartik's Hilarious Gaffe: Mistakenly Calls Varun Chakravarthy 'Sunil Narine'Former Indian cricketer Murali Kartik, currently working as a commentator in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, made a hilarious blunder during the post-match presentation ceremony on Saturday. After Kolkata Knight Riders' spinner Varun Chakravarthy was named Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling performance against Mumbai Indians at the Eden Gardens, Kartik mistakenly called him Sunil Narine, not once but twice.Kartik's repeated errors did not go unnoticed by fans on social media. "For his 2/17 at a crucial time, Sunil Narine is the Player Of The Match. Suni, oh sorry, Varun," Kartik said as he realized his mistake in addressing the KKR star.Kartik then asked Chakravarthy about his extravagant celebration after picking up the first wicket in the match. The mystery spinner replied that it was because he had taken Rohit Sharma's wicket for the first time. Chakravarthy also explained the plan he had devised against the former Mumbai Indians skipper."The plan was to make him (Rohit) hit across the line, obviously there was help from the wicket and I was able to use it to my advantage. Tactically we (talking about Narine) are similar, but technically we are slightly different. The wickets were too flat initially, my bowling has been same from the first match and it is just that the results are showing up now," he said in the presentation ceremony.Courtesy of the win, KKR became the first team in this campaign to qualify for the playoffs. Placed No. 1 in the points table, the Knight Riders have 9 wins in 12 matches to their name. The Shreyas Iyer-led side would be keen to win the remaining matches too in order to secure one of the top 2 spots.

Rohit Sharma's IPL 2024 campaign has taken a dismal turn, with the Indian skipper enduring a prolonged batting slump. In the latest setback, Sharma failed to deliver against Kolkata Knight Riders, scoring a meager 19 runs off 24 balls. This marked his sixth consecutive innings without a substantial contribution, with his recent scores reading 4, 11, 4, 8, and 6.Chasing a revised target of 158 in 16 overs, Mumbai Indians had a platform for Sharma to make an impact. However, he failed to capitalize on the opportunity, his dismissal proving a major blow to MI's hopes. The team ultimately fell short by 18 runs.Sharma's struggles have raised concerns among cricket experts. Former South Africa star Shaun Pollock expressed worry over the manner in which the Indian captain has been getting out. Pollock noted that Sharma's attempts to introduce unorthodox shots into his game have led to soft dismissals.Pollock also suggested that the stress of selecting the Indian team for the T20 World Cup may have contributed to Sharma's poor form. He speculated that the pressure of finding the right balance and explaining team selections could have added to the skipper's burden.The reaction to Sharma's dismissal was one of shock from the rival camp. KKR co-owner Juhi Chawla, Suhana Khan (daughter of another KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan), and Ananya Pandey were visibly stunned.Despite Sharma's struggles, Mumbai Indians remain hopeful of a turnaround. The team has shown resilience in the past and will be looking to regroup and find their winning ways. However, Sharma's form remains a major concern, and his ability to rediscover his touch will be crucial to MI's chances of success in the remainder of the tournament.

Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya expressed disappointment after his team's 18-run loss to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday. Pandya acknowledged that MI failed to capitalize on the momentum provided by openers Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma on a challenging wicket."As a batting unit, the foundation was there, but we could not capitalize after that and keep the momentum up," Pandya said at the post-match presentation. "The wicket was a little up and down and a little tacky, so momentum was very important."KKR became the first team to qualify for the IPL playoffs with the victory. Venkatesh Iyer's solid knock of 42 off 21 balls and Andre Russell's all-round performance, including 24 runs off 14 balls and two wickets, played a crucial role in their success.Pandya praised the KKR bowlers for their performance, noting that the wet conditions made it difficult for the batsmen. "Every ball that came back from the boundary came back wet," he said. "The bowlers made sure they kept taking wickets."Despite the loss, Pandya remained optimistic about MI's remaining matches. "Nothing, just to go and enjoy as much as we can and play good cricket, that's been my motto from the start," he said. "I do not think we have played enough good cricket this season."In the match, KKR opted to bat first after winning the toss. Despite losing early wickets, they managed to post a competitive total of 157/7 in 16 overs, thanks to contributions from Iyer, Nitish Rana, Russell, and Rinku Singh.MI's chase got off to a promising start with Kishan and Sharma putting on a 65-run opening stand. However, KKR's bowlers tightened their grip, restricting the run flow and taking wickets. Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir fought back with valuable knocks, but MI ultimately fell short by 18 runs.Varun Chakravarthy was the standout bowler for KKR, claiming 2/17. Russell and Harshit Rana also chipped in with two wickets each.