Cricket

The Australian cricket team's arrival in the Caribbean for the T20 World Cup was marred by lost luggage, flight delays, and gusty winds. However, all-rounder Ashton Agar revealed that a cruise along the stunning coastline of Barbados helped calm the players' nerves.Pace spearhead Pat Cummins and fellow fast bowler Mitchell Starc returned to Australia after the Indian Premier League (IPL) for a short break. Cummins lost his luggage while en route to the West Indies, but it eventually reached him. Starc and Glenn Maxwell also faced flight delays, spending nights in Los Angeles and Miami before arriving in Barbados.Marcus Stoinis missed a practice match due to a late delivery of his kit. Despite these setbacks, Agar said a cruise on Saturday brought a sense of tranquility to the team."A lot of the boys are coming off a long time in India in the IPL, maybe 48 hours at home for a couple of them, so to do something like that is so refreshing," Agar told reporters. "I think mentally once you've done that, you go into the sessions ready to go, because you've already enjoyed what the Caribbean has to offer."Agar highlighted the memorable moment of watching the sunset from the catamaran. "You've got all the boys sitting on the roof watching the sun go down, having a drink together, having a genuinely good time and enjoying each other's company. It was pretty easy to forget you're here for a World Cup," he quipped.Despite the distractions, Agar attended an optional training session. "Before a tournament where you're not going to train too much when the matches come thick and fast, you want to get all your drills in," he said. "You want to make sure you're good to go, your mechanics are working well, nailing that four-to-six meter length, getting my shoulder on the right path."Australia will open their T20 World Cup campaign against Oman on June 5.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has hailed Mitchell Starc's delivery to dismiss SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener Abhishek Sharma in the IPL 2024 final as "nearly unplayable." Starc's out-swinger kickstarted SRH's downfall, who were bowled out for 113 after batting first.Gambhir believes that while there is no such thing as an "unplayable" delivery, Starc's effort came close. "I don't know whether I should say that was an unplayable delivery or not, because we were taught that no delivery is unplayable, but it was certainly very close to unplayable," he said.Starc had a below-par season with the ball for KKR, but he managed to perform in the key matches, including the final. Gambhir labeled Starc as an X-factor, saying that players like him save their best for the big games."We always knew he was the X-Factor and he will become one at the right time. I mean, what other big matches could be there in the IPL? It was the Qualifier 1 and the Final. That is why I say that the big players wait for such occasions, they thrive on these occasions. Money is irrelevant. What Starc brings to the team was more important," Gambhir told Sportskeeda.Starc's performance in the final was crucial in KKR's third IPL trophy win, their first in a decade. He was named Player of the Match, finishing with 17 wickets in the tournament, including five in the two knock-out games.

Mitchell Starc's IPL 2024 journey with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was a rollercoaster ride. Despite being acquired for a record-breaking Rs 24.75 crore, Starc initially struggled, facing criticism for his poor performances. However, he silenced his detractors with exceptional bowling displays in the Qualifier 1 and final, leading KKR to their third IPL title.Starc's inconsistent start drew criticism from experts, but he remained unfazed. In a recent interview on Sportskeeda, KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir addressed the criticism, stating that players should prioritize the opinions of their teammates over external voices."Experts judge you on your daily performances. If you get out on zero, they will criticize you. If you score a century, these same people will praise you," Gambhir said. "What the experts say, what the social media says, what the crowd says - it does not matter. What the people say in your dressing room think about you is important."Gambhir's comments highlight the importance of internal support and self-belief in the face of external criticism. Starc's ability to overcome adversity and deliver when it mattered most is a testament to his resilience and determination.The IPL 2024 season was a reminder that even the most experienced players can face challenges. However, it also showcased the power of perseverance and the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive team. Starc's journey serves as an inspiration to all athletes who face setbacks and criticism on their path to success.

The 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season witnessed a plethora of captivating moments and remarkable achievements. Here are some of the most unforgettable highlights:Mitchell Starc's "Ball of the Tournament"Kolkata Knight Riders' Mitchell Starc lived up to his hefty price tag with exceptional performances in the playoffs. In the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he delivered a mesmerizing delivery that breached opener Abhishek Sharma's defense. The ball pitched on middle stump and deviated away at the last moment, clipping the off bail. Sharma was left bewildered by Starc's brilliance.Punjab Kings' Record-Breaking ChasePunjab Kings etched their name in history by chasing down the highest total in T20 cricket history against Kolkata Knight Riders. KKR had posted a formidable 261/6, but Punjab Kings cruised to victory with eight wickets in hand and eight balls to spare. Prabhsimran Singh set the tone with a blistering 54 off 20 balls, while Jonny Bairstow smashed an unbeaten 108 off 48 balls. Shashank Singh provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 68 off 28 balls.Thrilling Final Over in RCB vs CSKThe most nail-biting finish of the IPL came in the crucial match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). CSK needed 17 runs off the final over to qualify for the playoffs ahead of RCB. MS Dhoni started with a massive six, but a change of ball helped RCB's Yash Dayal bowl his slower deliveries into the pitch. CSK fell 10 runs short, and RCB celebrated a remarkable comeback.'Travishek' Sets Powerplay RecordSunrisers Hyderabad created history by registering the highest Powerplay team score in T20 cricket against Delhi Capitals. The opening duo of Travis Head (84 off 26 balls) and Abhishek Sharma (40 off 10 balls) went on a rampage, smashing the Delhi bowlers for 125 runs in the first six overs.Will Jacks' Sensational HundredOne of the most impressive individual performances of the IPL came from RCB's Will Jacks against Gujarat Titans. The England all-rounder transformed from a struggling 17 off 17 balls to a destructive force, scoring 83 off the next 24 balls. He took Rashid Khan to the cleaners, hitting 10 sixes in a staggering 41-ball hundred.

Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has hinted at potentially retiring from one format of international cricket to accommodate more franchise cricket in his schedule. The 34-year-old, who has been a mainstay in the Australian Test and ODI teams for over a decade, has expressed his desire to prioritize franchise cricket as he nears the twilight of his career.Starc's decision comes after a stellar season with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he played a pivotal role in their title triumph. He finished the tournament with 17 wickets, including five in the two knockout games, showcasing his exceptional skills and match-winning abilities.While Starc did not explicitly state which format he intends to give up, it is likely to be ODIs considering the next 50-over World Cup is not scheduled until 2027. This would allow him to focus on T20 cricket, which has gained immense popularity in recent years and offers lucrative financial opportunities.Starc's decision reflects the changing landscape of cricket, where franchise leagues are becoming increasingly competitive and financially rewarding. Players are now faced with the dilemma of balancing their international commitments with the allure of lucrative contracts in franchise cricket.Starc's experience in the IPL has not only boosted his confidence but also provided him with valuable preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies. He believes that the tournament will be a different challenge compared to the IPL, with pitches likely to offer more assistance to spinners and lower scores expected.Despite the criticism he faced during the early stages of the IPL, Starc remained unfazed and focused on contributing to his team's success. He emphasized that he does not need additional motivation from his price tag and that he is committed to performing at his best for whichever team he represents.Starc's decision to potentially retire from one format of international cricket is a significant development in the world of cricket. It highlights the growing influence of franchise leagues and the challenges faced by players in balancing their international and franchise commitments.

Mitchell Starc's record-breaking price tag in the Indian Premier League (IPL) initially raised eyebrows, but the Australian all-rounder has silenced the critics with a stellar performance that culminated in Kolkata Knight Riders' third IPL title.Starc, the most expensive cricketer in IPL history, was named Player of the Match in the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad, taking 2-14 and bowling opener Abhishek Sharma with an unplayable delivery that experts hailed as the tournament's best.His performance followed on from his brilliant semi-final, where he claimed three wickets and dismissed Australia teammate Travis Head with the second ball.Starc's stunning return to form in the IPL burnishes his record in big matches and comes just days before the T20 World Cup begins in the United States and the Caribbean. The 34-year-old took three wickets in the final of last year's 50-over World Cup against hosts India and will likely be crucial to Australia's hopes of becoming the first nation to hold cricket's three global trophies in tests, ODIs, and T20s.Kolkata's hefty bid for Starc during the IPL auctions stunned the cricket world late last year, but it now appears to have been a masterstroke. They may have to fork out more to retain his services in 2025.Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins will no doubt be happier playing with Starc for Australia than against him in the IPL. "I thought they bowled fantastically," Cummins said after Hyderabad were skittled for 113. "Unfortunately, my old mate Starcy turned it on again."

Kolkata Knight Riders Triumph in IPL 2024, Shah Rukh Khan Celebrates with TeamAfter a decade-long wait, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team emerged victorious in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final. The Knights crushed Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets in Chennai on Sunday, claiming their second IPL title.Mitchell Starc, the Australian left-arm quick, played a pivotal role in KKR's triumph. He bowled a sensational opening spell, dismissing Sunrisers Hyderabad for a mere 113 runs, the lowest total in an IPL final. Starc's figures of 2-14 justified his status as one of the world's top T20 bowlers.KKR's victory was a testament to their resilience and determination. Despite Shah Rukh Khan's health issues, which forced him to be hospitalized before the final, the team rallied together and delivered a dominant performance.After the match, Khan celebrated with his team, hugging each member and lifting the trophy with them on the podium. His celebrations were tempered by his recent health concerns, but he still managed to share his joy with the fans.KKR's victory was a special moment for the franchise and its supporters. It marked their second IPL title triumph at the Chepauk stadium, where they had won their first trophy in 2012. The near-capacity crowd cheered on the Knights, creating an electric atmosphere.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Pat Cummins admitted that his team was "totally outplayed" by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the final of IPL 2024. SRH suffered an eight-wicket defeat, with 57 balls remaining, largely due to Mitchell Starc's devastating new-ball spell.Starc's swing bowling accounted for the dismissals of SRH's dangerous openers, Abhishek Sharma and Rahul Tripathi. "They bowled fantastically," Cummins said at the post-match presentation. "Unfortunately, [my] old mate Starcy turned it on again. Obviously, not enough tonight, [we were] totally outplayed."SRH never recovered from Starc's early onslaught and were eventually bowled out for a paltry 113. Their longest partnership was for the ninth wicket, lasting just 22 balls. "It was a bit of a tricky wicket," Cummins said. "I think if we got 160, it would have been like we were in the game. [It] didn't feel like a 200-plus wicket, again well short. But maybe [if] we found a few extra runs [it] might've given us a chance."Despite the disappointing result in the final, Cummins praised his team's aggressive batting approach throughout the season. Openers Abhishek and Travis Head played a key role in making IPL 2024 a high-scoring season. "The style that the guys played," Cummins said, "particularly with the bat, takes a lot of skill to not only get 250, [but] also [to do it] three times. You put yourself out there a fair bit. So I loved how brave the guys were in a high-pressure situation like the IPL. They took the game on, there was a lot of fun. Fans seemed to like it, back in Hyderabad. So, great season."

KKR's Triumphant Victory: Shah Rukh Khan's Heartfelt Kiss for Gautam GambhirKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged victorious in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final, securing their third IPL title. The triumph was marked by an emotional moment between co-owner Shah Rukh Khan and mentor Gautam Gambhir, who shared a heartfelt kiss amidst the jubilant celebrations.Gambhir, who captained KKR to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, played a crucial role in guiding the team to victory. His strategic insights, leadership skills, and ability to motivate the players were instrumental in KKR's successful campaign.The match witnessed a sensational opening spell from Mitchell Starc, who helped KKR bowl out Hyderabad for IPL's lowest total of 113 in a final. Starc's figures of 2-14 showcased his exceptional bowling skills.Kolkata's batsmen had an easy task, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Venkatesh Iyer forming a 91-run partnership to lead the team to victory with 9.3 overs to spare.The victory was a testament to the strong bond within the KKR family. Shah Rukh Khan's kiss for Gambhir symbolized the deep respect and gratitude he holds for the mentor's unwavering dedication.