Cricket

Punjab Kings skipper Shikhar Dhawan has taken to social media to express his love for his son, Zoraver, amidst a challenging IPL season for his team. Dhawan posted a heartwarming picture on Instagram, wearing a jersey with his son's name and number.Dhawan's gesture comes after a difficult period in his personal life, following his separation from his former wife, Ayesha Mukherjee, in 2021. The family court of Delhi granted them a divorce on grounds of cruelty. Dhawan had previously expressed his frustration at being blocked from contacting his son.Despite the personal challenges, Dhawan has remained focused on his cricket. In five matches of IPL 2024, he has scored 152 runs at an average of 30.40, including a half-century. However, he missed the previous game against Rajasthan Royals due to a shoulder injury.Punjab Kings Cricket Director Sanjay Bangar has provided an update on Dhawan's injury, stating that he could be ruled out for at least seven to ten days. This is a significant blow to the team, as Dhawan is an experienced opener with a proven track record in the IPL.Dhawan is the second-highest run-getter in IPL history, with 6768 runs in 222 matches. His absence will be a major concern for Punjab Kings, who are currently struggling in the tournament with two wins and four losses.Despite the setbacks, Dhawan remains a key figure for Punjab Kings. His leadership and experience will be crucial as the team looks to turn their fortunes around in the remaining matches of the IPL.

Punjab Kings' Captaincy Controversy: Jitesh Sharma Not Designated Vice-CaptainPunjab Kings' decision to appoint Sam Curran as captain in place of the injured Shikhar Dhawan during their IPL 2024 match against Rajasthan Royals has sparked controversy on social media. Fans expressed their displeasure, particularly as Jitesh Sharma had been earlier designated as the franchise's 'vice-captain'.However, Punjab Kings head coach Sanjay Bangar has clarified that Jitesh Sharma was never officially designated as the vice-captain. He explained that Jitesh's attendance at the IPL captain's shoot ahead of the season was in accordance with IPL directives, which stated that any player could represent the franchise at the event.Bangar revealed that Curran was initially slated to attend the event but missed it due to his late arrival from the UK. "Jitesh wasn't the designated vice-captain. The impression could have been because he attended the captain's seminar or meeting at the start of the tournament," stated Bangar. "But we were very clear in our minds that if at all there would be an opening, it would be Sam to lead the team."The confusion surrounding the captaincy decision left veterans and experts puzzled, while fans expressed their frustration on social media platforms.

Punjab Kings' all-rounder Sam Curran expressed disappointment after his team's narrow three-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite restricting Royals to a modest 147/8, Punjab's batters failed to capitalize, leaving Curran to lament their inability to finish games.Curran, who led the team in the absence of injured skipper Shikhar Dhawan, acknowledged the challenging nature of the wicket but emphasized the need for better execution. "We didn't start well with the bat and didn't finish well in the end," he said. "It was a good effort from the lower order, getting (close) to 150 was excellent, but unfortunately, it was another close loss."Punjab's batting woes have been a recurring theme this season, with the team struggling to convert competitive performances into wins. Curran highlighted the importance of adapting to the new venue, but expressed confidence in his team's ability to bounce back."Three games is a hard way to fully work out the conditions, but we've adapted well," he said. "We won the first match and lost two matches by close margins. It's hard to take, but the boys will be lifted by how well we've played in the last couple of games."Despite the setbacks, Curran praised his team's bowling and fielding efforts. "We stuck to our plans, bowled and fielded well," he said. "We're confident we'll bounce back in the next game."Punjab Kings will be looking to break their losing streak when they face Kolkata Knight Riders on April 13.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 witnessed another nail-biting encounter on Saturday, with Rajasthan Royals (RR) edging out Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a low-scoring thriller.PBKS, batting first, struggled to gain momentum, posting a modest 147/8 in 20 overs. Ashutosh Sharma (31), Jitesh Sharma (29), and Liam Livingstone (21) provided some resistance, but the RR bowlers kept them in check.In response, RR's chase was far from smooth. Yashasvi Jaiswal (39), Tanush Kotian (24), and Riyan Parag (23) all got starts but failed to convert them into substantial scores.With the match hanging in the balance, Shimron Hetmyer stepped up for RR. The West Indian smashed an unbeaten 27 off just 10 deliveries, including the winning boundary with one ball to spare.Kagiso Rabada was the standout bowler for PBKS, claiming 2/18. For RR, Keshav Maharaj and Avesh Khan picked up two wickets each.The victory consolidated RR's position at the top of the IPL 2024 points table with five wins in six games. PBKS, on the other hand, remained eighth with two wins in six matches.Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Virat Kohli continues to lead the Orange Cap race with 319 runs, while RR's Yuzvendra Chahal holds the Purple Cap with 11 wickets.

Sanju Samson's Dhoni-esque Run-Out Stuns Liam Livingstone in IPL ClashIn a thrilling encounter between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings, Rajasthan's wicket-keeper Sanju Samson showcased his exceptional glove-work, reminiscent of legendary MS Dhoni, to dismiss power-hitter Liam Livingstone in a stunning run-out.The incident occurred in the 18th over, with Livingstone and Ashutosh Sharma attempting a risky second run. Sharma's flat throw from deep mid-wicket was not precise, but Samson displayed remarkable agility to collect it low to his left.With lightning-fast reflexes, Samson flicked the ball onto the stumps while rolling onto the ground in the throw's followthrough. The tag team between Samson and Tanush Kotian proved decisive, as Livingstone fell short of his crease upon return.Samson's incredible effort drew comparisons to the legendary MS Dhoni, known for his lightning-fast stumpings. The dismissal was a crucial moment in the match, as Livingstone had been a dangerous presence at the crease.The Royals' all-round bowling performance restricted Punjab to a modest 147 for 8 in Mullanpur. Keshav Maharaj and Avesh Khan claimed two wickets each, while Trent Boult, Kuldeep Sen, and Yuzi Chahal chipped in with one wicket apiece.For Punjab, Ashutosh (31) and Jitesh Sharma (29) were the top scorers. However, Samson's brilliance behind the stumps proved to be the game-changer, as the Royals secured a crucial victory.

Rajasthan Royals' bowlers, led by Avesh Khan and Keshav Maharaj, exploited a challenging pitch at Mullanpur to restrict Punjab Kings to a modest 147 for eight in their Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter on April 13.Avesh (2/34) and Maharaj (2/23) stifled the Kings' batters, preventing them from gaining momentum on a surface that favored spin and slow bowling. Ashutosh Sharma (31, 16b), Jitesh Sharma (29, 24b), and Liam Livingstone (21, 14b) attempted to accelerate the innings, but their efforts proved insufficient.Punjab began their innings with a brisk start, scoring 26 runs in the first three overs. However, Atharva Taide's dismissal by Avesh Khan halted their progress. The Kings struggled to build partnerships as the Rajasthan spinners and Trent Boult's economical bowling kept them in check.The last three power play overs yielded only 10 runs for Punjab, leaving them with a meager 38 for one. The next five overs saw them manage just one boundary, as they labored to 53 for four in 10 overs. Jonny Bairstow, stand-in skipper Sam Curran, and Prabhsimran Singh all fell victim to the combination of a slow deck and accurate spinners.Curran's dismissal exemplified the Kings' struggles. The left-hander failed to generate power or timing on his pull shot off Maharaj, as the ball slowed down significantly after pitching. Dhruv Jurel took a tumbling catch while running in from deep mid-wicket.Shahshank Singh, Punjab's in-form batter, was expected to provide some impetus, but his feeble pull shot off Sen was caught by Jurel at mid-wicket. With the top order back in the pavilion, the Kings relied on Livingstone and Jitesh to salvage a competitive total.Sharma showed some intent, clobbering Chahal for a six over extra cover and later sending Sen for a six to the straight fence before getting out to Avesh. Livingstone, who creamed Sen for a six and four off successive balls through mid-wicket, and Ashutosh, who smoked Avesh for two sixes in the 19th over, helped PBKS add 61 runs in the last five overs, but their effort came too late.

RR vs PBKS Live Score: Rajasthan Royals Seek Redemption Against Punjab KingsThe Rajasthan Royals, led by Sanju Samson, will be eager to bounce back from their disappointing loss to the Gujarat Titans when they face the Punjab Kings in an Indian Premier League match on Saturday. The Royals had an opportunity to secure their fifth consecutive victory and solidify their position at the top of the standings, but Rashid Khan's heroics propelled the Titans to a thrilling last-ball triumph.The defeat exposed some tactical errors by the Royals, particularly their decision not to fully utilize the experience of Trent Boult. The veteran left-arm pacer was economical in his two overs, conceding just eight runs, and his presence in the final overs could have made a significant difference.Despite Boult's traditional role as a new-ball specialist, his experience and ability to execute under pressure make him a valuable asset in crucial situations. The Royals will need to improve their strategic decision-making and execution against the Kings.The Punjab Kings, on the other hand, have been a mixed bag this season, capable of both brilliance and inconsistency. They will be looking to capitalize on the Royals' recent setback and secure a much-needed victory.The match promises to be an intriguing contest between two teams with contrasting strengths and weaknesses. The Royals will be determined to prove that their loss to the Titans was an anomaly, while the Kings will be eager to show that they can compete with the best in the league.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) teammates Jos Buttler and Trent Boult engaged in a lighthearted Q/A session ahead of their clash with Punjab Kings (PBKS). The duo shared their favorite TV shows, actors they would like to portray them in a biopic, and their IPL and cricketing preferences.Buttler expressed his admiration for Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan, stating that he would choose him to play his character in a biopic. Boult, known for his humor, revealed that the last thing he searched on his phone was "Trent Boult dismissing Jos Buttler."When asked about his craziest fan interaction, Boult remarked on the enthusiastic nature of Indian fans, describing their requests for selfies, waves, and kisses as "weird." Buttler, a self-proclaimed fan of the American sitcom "Friends," said he could binge-watch it for the rest of his life.Boult named KL Rahul as his favorite Indian player, while Buttler praised Virat Kohli's cover drive. Boult's most memorable IPL dismissal was his 100th wicket in the tournament, which happened to be Kohli. He also expressed his desire to dismiss former England batter Kevin Pietersen if given the chance.If not a cricketer, Boult said he would have been a postman. When asked to choose between England's "Bazball" style of cricket and Yashasvi Jaiswal's "Jaisball" style, Buttler sided with the latter, acknowledging Jaiswal's impressive performance in the Test series against England.Boult crowned Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the "best new ball bowler" and expressed his desire to have Rashid Khan in the RR team.

Preity Zinta, the co-owner of the Punjab Kings franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is renowned for her infectious enthusiasm and unwavering support for her team. Despite the team's lack of title success, Zinta's energy and passion remain undiminished.During matches, Zinta is a constant presence, engaging with fans by throwing souvenirs and interacting with broadcasters. In a recent viral video, she shared an anecdote about preparing 120 aloo parathas for the Punjab Kings cricketers."I said I want aloo paratha, and they asked who would make it," Zinta recounted. "The hotel served us bland parathas, so I offered to teach them. The boys said they would make it if I made it for them. They won, so I had to make around 120 aloo parathas."Zinta's unwavering support for her team has made her a beloved figure among Punjab Kings fans. She is often seen cheering from the stands, adding a touch of glamour and enthusiasm to the franchise. Her involvement has also brought her into the spotlight as one of the prominent female franchise owners in the IPL.Beyond her team's performance, Zinta's involvement in the IPL has garnered attention for her enthusiastic support during matches. She has become a prominent figure in the franchise owner circle, known for her infectious energy and unwavering belief in her team.Currently, the Punjab Kings are placed eighth in the points table with two wins from five games. They will face the Rajasthan Royals in Mullanpur on Saturday, hoping to improve their standings and continue their quest for their maiden IPL title.