Cricket

Dinesh Karthik's Late Heroics Guide RCB to Thrilling Victory Over Punjab KingsRoyal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pulled off a remarkable four-wicket victory against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Monday, thanks to a scintillating knock from Dinesh Karthik.Chasing a challenging target of 177, RCB found themselves in a precarious position when Karthik came to the crease. However, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter displayed his trademark power-hitting prowess, smashing an unbeaten 28 off just 10 deliveries, including three fours and two sixes.Karthik's blistering innings, coupled with Virat Kohli's solid 77 (49 balls), propelled RCB to victory with four balls to spare. The win was a crucial one for RCB, who had lost their previous two matches.Speaking after the match, Karthik admitted to feeling some rustiness but expressed satisfaction with his performance. He praised the contributions of his teammates, particularly Mahipal Lomror, who played a crucial role in the chase."Little bit (dusting off the rustiness). I wasn't completely in control, but getting there. We needed that (knock from Lomror), Anuj batted well last time, but when Mahipal walked out.. he took the pressure off me," Karthik said.Karthik also lauded the bowling of Harshal Patel, who picked up three wickets for RCB. He acknowledged Patel's skill and the challenges he poses to batsmen."He (Harshal) is a wily customer, he has the dipping slower one and if you missed that you are a goner, I had to wait to play the scoop. I didn't say anything, he (Lomror) was calm and when he hit that six, I just told him to keep a still head. If I start bowling then you can know what the situation would be for RCB," Karthik added.RCB's victory was a testament to their resilience and the impact of their experienced players. Karthik's late heroics and Kohli's consistent performances have been instrumental in RCB's resurgence this season.

Delhi Capitals Suffer Major Setback as Ishant Sharma Sustains Ankle InjuryIn a major blow to the Delhi Capitals (DC), veteran fast bowler Ishant Sharma suffered an ankle injury during their opening fixture of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) against the Punjab Kings in Mullanpur, Chandigarh.The incident occurred during the final over of the powerplay as Punjab Kings chased a target of 175 runs. Ishant collected a single off Mitchell Marsh's delivery but twisted his right ankle while attempting to throw it back to the wicketkeeper.The injury was severe, with Ishant collapsing to the ground in agony. The physio rushed to his aid and assisted him off the field.Ishant's injury is a significant setback for the Delhi Capitals, who are already facing a depleted squad due to the absence of Lungi Ngidi and Harry Brook. The team's bowling options have been severely impacted, leaving captain Rishabh Pant with fewer resources.Before the injury, Ishant had already made a significant impact on the match, bowling two overs for 16 runs and dismissing Shikhar Dhawan.The injury to Ishant Sharma has raised concerns about the Delhi Capitals' prospects for the remainder of the season. The franchise is hopeful that the injury is not severe and that Ishant will recover swiftly.Meanwhile, English all-rounder Sam Curran played a pivotal role in the Punjab Kings' victory over the Delhi Capitals. Curran's aggressive half-century, crafted from just 47 balls, propelled Punjab Kings to chase down the target of 175 runs with four wickets in hand and four balls to spare.Curran found valuable support from his compatriot, Liam Livingstone, who remained unbeaten on 38 runs off 21 balls, as the duo orchestrated a successful chase for Punjab Kings.Earlier in the match, Delhi, led by the returning Pant, posted a total of 174 for nine after their innings. However, Pant failed to make a significant impact with the bat, and Punjab Kings capitalised on the opportunity to restrict the Delhi Capitals' scoring.

In a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) opener, Punjab Kings emerged victorious over Delhi Capitals by four wickets, thanks to a counterattacking half-century from English all-rounder Sam Curran.Chasing a target of 175, Punjab Kings got off to a solid start with Shikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran Singh contributing valuable runs. However, the dismissal of Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow put Punjab under pressure. Curran then stepped up with a blistering 47-ball 63, ably supported by Liam Livingstone's unbeaten 38 off 21 balls.Earlier, Delhi Capitals had struggled to post a formidable total, with Abhishek Porel's unbeaten 32 off 10 balls proving to be the highest individual score. David Warner and Mitchell Marsh had provided a strong start, but their dismissals and the loss of wickets at regular intervals prevented Delhi from building a substantial partnership.Punjab Kings' bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh and Kagiso Rabada, kept the Delhi batsmen in check, with Harshal Patel claiming the crucial wicket of Warner.Rishabh Pant, making his comeback after a horrific car accident, received a warm welcome from the crowd but failed to make a significant impact, scoring only 18 runs.Punjab Kings' victory was a testament to their resilience and the brilliance of Curran, who played a match-winning knock under pressure.

Abhishek Porel's Impactful Performance Powers Delhi Capitals to Competitive TotalIn a thrilling opening clash of IPL 2024, Abhishek Porel emerged as an unlikely hero for the Delhi Capitals (DC), delivering a sensational performance as an Impact Substitute against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mullanpur, Chandigarh.Porel, batting at number nine, entered the crease with DC reeling at 147-8 in 18.3 overs. However, he displayed remarkable composure and power-hitting, scoring an unbeaten 32 off just 10 deliveries. His innings included a flurry of boundaries and a massive six off the final ball of the innings, bowled by Harshal Patel.Porel's aggressive approach not only lifted DC to a competitive total of 174/9 but also showcased his ability to thrive under pressure. His fearless stroke play turned the tide in favor of DC, giving them a fighting chance in the match."I knew I was going in before 3 overs. And the support staff told me to be ready as you are one of the impact players. I translated on the field today what I practiced before. My plan was to hit the ball where it came from. 174 is a good score and our bowling unit is good, so let's see," Porel said at the mid-innings break.Porel's performance highlights the importance of Impact Substitutes in the IPL, allowing teams to introduce a fresh player into the game at a crucial moment. His ability to make an immediate impact and contribute significantly to the team's total is a testament to his talent and determination.As the IPL 2024 season progresses, Porel's performance will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most impactful and memorable moments. His fearless batting and ability to deliver under pressure have made him a valuable asset for the Delhi Capitals and a rising star in the Indian Premier League.

Rishabh Pant's much-anticipated return to competitive cricket in the IPL 2024 clash between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings has garnered immense support and encouragement from fellow cricketer Nicholas Pooran. Pooran, who himself faced adversity after surviving a car crash, empathized with Pant's struggle to return to the cricket field after a life-threatening car accident in December 2022.Expressing his joy for Pant's comeback, Pooran remarked in an exclusive conversation with IANS, "I think everyone is looking forward to seeing how he goes, and I am really excited and very happy for him." Recognizing the challenges Pant faced during his recovery, Pooran reached out to him to provide moral support and guidance. He emphasized the importance of having a supportive network during tough times, stating, "You just need people to be there to support you, and I was trying to do exactly that."Throughout their conversations, Pooran offered words of encouragement and shared his own experiences of overcoming adversity. He recalled reassuring Pant that he would eventually return to cricket, emphasizing the importance of staying positive during challenging moments. Pant's journey to recovery demanded patience and resilience, traits that Pooran admired in him. He noted, "He handled the recovery process admirably like a champ, so well done to him."Witnessing Pant's progress, including moments like being crutches free and returning to the nets, brought immense joy to Pooran. He emphasized the significance of these small victories in the recovery journey, stating, "Those little victorious moments mean a lot." As Pant prepares to resume his role on the cricket field, Pooran believes that embracing every moment and having fun will be key to his success. He expressed confidence in Pant's ability to thrive in his multiple roles, including batting, wicketkeeping, and captaining Delhi Capitals.Pant's resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to many, and his return to cricket symbolizes his unwavering belief in himself. With the support of friends like Pooran, Pant's journey from adversity to triumph exemplifies the power of perseverance and faith.

The Indian T20 League 2023 kicks off with a thrilling encounter between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Mohali. Both teams will be eager to start their campaign on a winning note.Delhi Capitals, led by Rishabh Pant, have a balanced squad with a mix of experienced and young players. They will be looking to Prithvi Shaw and David Warner to provide a solid start at the top of the order, while Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav will be key in the bowling department.Punjab Kings, captained by Shikhar Dhawan, will be hoping to improve on their performance from last season. They have a strong batting lineup with Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, and Liam Livingstone, but their bowling attack may be a concern.The pitch at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium is known to be balanced, with both pacers and spinners expected to play a role. The average first innings score at this venue in the last 20 matches is 147 runs.In terms of fantasy cricket, Harpreet Brar, Samuel Curran, and Axar Patel are among the top picks for bowlers, while Prabhsimran Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, and David Warner are expected to be popular choices for batters.The match promises to be a close contest between two evenly matched teams. Delhi Capitals will be slightly favored due to their experience and depth, but Punjab Kings have the potential to surprise.

Rishabh Pant's remarkable return to cricket after a life-threatening car crash in December 2022 has become a testament to his resilience and determination. The star wicketkeeper-batter is set to lead Delhi Capitals in their IPL opener against Punjab Kings on March 23, marking a significant milestone in his recovery.Pant's miraculous escape from the accident has been followed by an accelerated rehabilitation process. He has been cleared to play as a keeper-batter and has taken on the additional responsibility of captaining the side, replacing David Warner.Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting expressed confidence in Pant's abilities, stating that he has "probably batted more in the last week than he has ever batted leading into most of the IPLs."The team's potent fast bowling arsenal, led by Anrich Nortje, will be complemented by an explosive batting lineup featuring Warner, Prithvi Shaw, Mitchell Marsh, and Tristan Stubbs.Meanwhile, Punjab Kings, who have never won the IPL, will be looking to turn things around under the leadership of Shikhar Dhawan. The team boasts a strong all-rounder contingent, including Sikandar Raza, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, and Rishi Dhawan.However, Delhi Capitals are considered the favorites for the day game, given their overall strength and Pant's return. The match promises to be an exciting clash between two teams eager to make a statement in the new IPL season.

England's Jonny Bairstow, despite recently returning from a grueling Test tour of India, will be available for the entirety of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which commences on March 22. During the Dharamsala Test, BCCI officials engaged in discussions with their ECB counterparts regarding the availability of English players for the IPL.While Test regulars Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Mark Wood have opted out of the lucrative T20 league due to ECB's workload management strategy, Bairstow has confirmed his participation. "Bairstow is expected to arrive in India on March 18 or 19 and will be available for the team's first game against Delhi Capitals on March 23," revealed an IPL source.Bairstow, who reached the milestone of 100 Tests in Dharamsala, endured a disappointing batting performance in India. The IPL provides him with an opportunity to regain his form and contribute to his team's success.Meanwhile, Punjab Kings have made significant changes to their coaching staff. Sanjay Bangar, appointed as cricket director ahead of the 2024 edition, will also serve as the batting coach. Bangar's previous experience includes stints with RCB and as India's batting coach.Consequently, Wasim Jaffer, who held the position of batting consultant last season, has been released by the franchise. Punjab Kings, despite reaching the final in 2014, have consistently underperformed in the IPL. Head coach Trevor Bayliss' contract expires after the season, and the team must qualify for the play-offs for him to be considered for an extension.Dharamsala is expected to host Punjab's final two home games, as it did last season. The remaining five home games will be played at the new stadium in Mullanpur, Mohali.