Cricket

Ashutosh Sharma, the audacious late-order specialist for Punjab Kings (PBKS), has emerged as a fearless force in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite his unconventional technique, Sharma has consistently delivered explosive performances, earning him the title of "Daredevil with the Bat."Hailing from Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, Sharma's journey to the IPL was not without its challenges. After a brief setback in his early career, he returned to domestic cricket with a vengeance, delivering a maiden Ranji ton and a blistering 11-ball fifty in T20s. His six-hitting prowess caught the attention of PBKS, who acquired him for his base price of ₹20 lakh.In just nine matches, Sharma has struck 14 sixes, the third-most in his franchise. His ability to disrupt the opposition's plans with unorthodox shots has been a major asset for PBKS. Against Gujarat Titans, he shocked the opposition with a 17-ball 31, including a ramp and a scoop.In a thrilling encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sharma's quick hands and unconventional technique came to the fore. He slapped Pat Cummins over point and scooped his slower ball over the wicketkeeper. Despite falling short of the target, his partnership with Shashank Singh gave SRH a serious scare.Sharma's improvisation and ability to play inside-out shots have also been crucial for PBKS. Against Rajasthan Royals, he played a 16-ball 31, giving his team a fighting chance. His most memorable performance came against Mumbai Indians, where he emulated Suryakumar Yadav and Jos Buttler with a 27-ball 67.Sharma's success has been attributed to his close work with Sanjay Bangar, PBKS's head of cricket development. Bangar's guidance has helped Sharma realize his potential as a proper cricketer, not just a hard hitter.While Sharma's bat has been quiet in recent matches, his ability to build on his gains and avoid second-season blues will be a true test of his talent. His journey has only just begun, and he has the potential to become a formidable force in the IPL for years to come.

At 32, Shashank Singh has spent nearly a decade in domestic cricket, earning his first IPL contract over six years ago. Yet, it is only now that he's being hailed as the big discovery of IPL 2024.Shashank's journey began in senior domestic limited-overs cricket during the 2014-15 season. Five years later, he made his Ranji Trophy debut. In this IPL, he has been one of the standout performers, consistently delivering impressive performances as a middle-order batter."It feels good when someone refers to me as a find. Ultimately, that's because I have been able to back myself, showcase my potential, and deliver frequently this IPL season," Shashank tells The Hindu. "People like you follow domestic cricket so closely that you know that I have been around the circuit for a decade now. I am not sure how I have fared, but I have survived. I have always been confident about my abilities, and I am glad I have been able to execute them better."Shashank doesn't shy away from hitting good balls out of the park, but one cannot ignore his tendency to downplay himself. The fact that it took him a lot of time to cement a place in a side — domestic or IPL — seems to have made him more practical in his approach.Growing up in Bhilai and representing Madhya Pradesh in Under-15 and Under-17 cricket, Shashank, the son of a police officer and telecommunications officer, moved to Mumbai with his family to pursue his cricketing dreams. Although he made it to the Mumbai Under-19 team, his senior debut was delayed. He finally made the cut as an all-rounder in 2014-15 season, but despite his effective medium-pace bowling, he struggled to secure a regular spot in the team.In 2018-19, he tried his luck in Pondicherry but eventually returned to Chhattisgarh, which was a recognized member of the Board of Control for Cricket in India by now. During his first season with Chhattisgarh, Shashank played a crucial role in securing its first-ever victory over Mumbai in all formats at the senior level.While competing in Mumbai's maidans, Shashank had caught the eye of IPL scouts, earning stints with Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) and Rajasthan Royals between 2017 and 2021. His IPL debut was with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2022, but he was released and went unsold in the 2023 auction.Fast forward to 2024, and Shashank's fortunes have turned. His heroics for Punjab Kings, including a stunning unbeaten 68 off 28 balls, helped his team chase down the highest-ever IPL target of 262 with eight balls to spare. Shashank, unaffected by his past setbacks, embraces his success this time."This is a by-product of all the struggles I have had at various levels. I have learned from every failure and little success I have had over all these years." He chuckles at being called "old," just as he does when dubbed "the find of the season."Thanks to his morning yoga routine and countless hours on the cricket grounds across India, Shashank seems to be in his prime. His knack for breaking down challenging targets, like turning 127 off 54 balls into "six sixes and six fours," shows his confidence. Age doesn't bother him; he's focused on emulating his Mumbai teammates to reach his dream of playing for India."I have been playing with Pravin Tambe at D.Y. Patil (in Mumbai's corporate leagues) and have seen him debut in the IPL and in Ranji in his 40s," Shashank says. "And I have a friend in Surya (Suryakumar Yadav) with whom I have been playing for Parsee Gymkhana for the last 15 years."Shashank emphasizes the Suryakumar example, noting how both he and Suryakumar excel at turning high-risk shots into calculated risks with precision, especially under pressure. "The world sat up and took notice when Surya hit Jofra Archer for a six off his first ball in international cricket, but I had been watching him do the same for well over a decade, so I knew he would do it. Similarly, I know what I am capable of, and I support my abilities."Being the mature individual he is, on and off the field, Shashank doesn't require pep talks from mentors. He gleans pointers from short conversations as adeptly as he reads a bowler's wrist — it could be with former India cricketer Abey Kuruvilla or his head coach at one of his earlier teams, SRH's Brian Lara."We miss him (Kuruvilla) at D.Y. Patil since he is with BCCI now, but he calls and shares his observations regularly," said Shashank. "And he (Brian) texted me the other day to compliment me, and we had a short chat."Even Punjab Kings head coach Trevor Bayliss and director Sanjay Bangar are no exceptions. Just before the KKR game, Bangar and Shashank bumped into each other over breakfast. "All he told me was to be careful about a specific ball that Sunil Narine bowls, and I kept it in mind. Even Trevor — we had this meet and greet event with the fans, and someone was late by a couple of minutes — so in those two minutes, Trevor had a suggestion about a drive I played, and that's about it," Shashank says.Throughout the conversation, there is a wide grin on Shashank's face. Perhaps Jonny Bairstow should take credit for it. "I got a duck in our season opener (against Delhi Capitals on March 23), was sitting dejected in the dug-out, and suddenly Jonny tapped me from behind and said, ‘If I don’t see you smiling, I will stop speaking with you’. I have kept it in mind ever since."Despite his accomplishments, no conversation with Shashank is complete without mentioning the IPL Auction in Dubai on December 19. After the franchise raised the paddle for him, there was confusion as another player with the same name, a younger hard-hitting batter from Punjab, seemed to be preferred. The franchise issued a clarification the next day, but Shashank wasn't fazed. Bangar called him ‘around 6 a.m.’ and assured him of the franchise's trust."Hitesh Goswami sir, our Chhattisgarh head coach and talent scout for the franchise, indicated that Punjab Kings was interested in me," he recalls. "It's been reduced to nothing but a joke in our camp ever since."Shashank even appeared in a social media video for the franchise, humorously addressing the identity confusion with a famous dialogue from the Hindi film Andaz Apna Apna.With his confidence being sky-high and form at its peak, call him old or call him a find. Shashank Singh, at 32, does not mind!

Rajasthan Royals' playoff hopes took a significant hit as they suffered a fifth consecutive defeat in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, this time at the hands of Punjab Kings. Despite the loss, the Royals remain in contention for a playoff berth with 16 points, but their inferior net run rate could prove costly.Punjab Kings restricted Rajasthan Royals to a modest 144 for nine on a challenging pitch. Riyan Parag top-scored for the Royals with 48 off 34 balls, while Sam Curran, Harshal Patel, Nathan Ellis, and Rahul Chahar shared the wickets for Punjab.In response, Punjab Kings skipper Curran led from the front with an unbeaten 63 off 41 balls, guiding his team to a five-wicket victory with seven balls to spare. Curran's innings was crucial as Punjab chased down the target with relative ease.After the match, Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson expressed his disappointment and acknowledged the need for introspection. "We have to sit back and accept that we are going through failures, have lost four games on the trot. Got to find out what's not working out for us as a team. Somebody needs to step up, we have so many match-winners in the team. This is the time we need to show character," Samson said.Samson also highlighted the team's struggles on challenging pitches, where high scores have become the norm. "We are not used to playing on such wickets this season where 200-plus totals are getting scored easily. We had to play smart cricket and build those partnerships today," he added.With just one match remaining in the league stage, Rajasthan Royals face an uphill task to finish in the top two. Their net run rate is significantly lower than that of Sunrisers Hyderabad, who are also in contention for a playoff spot. The Royals will need to win their final match and hope for other results to go their way in order to secure a top-two finish.

In a thrilling encounter at the Wankhede Stadium, Punjab Kings emerged victorious over Rajasthan Royals by five wickets, thanks to a stellar performance from captain Sam Curran.Curran led the charge with a well-paced half-century, scoring 63 not out off 41 deliveries. His innings included five boundaries and three sixes, providing the much-needed stability to the Punjab Kings' chase. He found able support from Jitesh Sharma, who contributed 22 runs off 20 balls. The duo shared a crucial 63-run partnership for the fifth wicket, guiding their team to victory in 18.5 overs.Despite a modest target of 145, the Punjab Kings faced a challenge on a sluggish track. However, Curran's composed batting and crucial wickets proved decisive. He claimed two wickets for 24 runs, including the key scalp of Riyan Parag, who had played a valiant knock of 48 for Rajasthan Royals.Earlier, Rajasthan Royals struggled to post a competitive total, managing only 144 for nine. Riyan Parag and R Ashwin provided some resistance with a 50-run partnership, but the Punjab Kings' bowlers maintained a tight line and length, making it difficult for the Royals' batters to score freely.Avesh Khan was the pick of the Punjab Kings' bowlers, claiming two wickets for 28 runs. Nathan Ellis and Rahul Chahar also chipped in with two wickets each.Despite their fourth consecutive defeat, Rajasthan Royals remain in second place on the table with 16 points, securing a spot in the playoffs. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, move up to fifth place with their fifth win of the season.

Yuzvendra Chahal's Acrobatic Catch Stuns in Rajasthan Royals' VictoryIn a thrilling encounter at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Rajasthan Royals' Yuzvendra Chahal showcased his exceptional fielding skills with a remarkable catch to dismiss Punjab Kings' Prabhsimran Singh. The incident occurred during the first over of Punjab's chase, as Singh attempted to dispatch Trent Boult's delivery over the on-side. However, the ball took a top edge and soared high into the air towards short third-man.Chahal, positioned inside the circle, initially appeared to misjudge the trajectory of the ball. However, he quickly backpedaled and contorted his body in an acrobatic manner, keeping his eyes firmly fixed on the ball. In a tumbling motion, he extended his right hand in a reverse cup and miraculously managed to secure the catch.The catch left Chahal's teammates and Boult in disbelief, as it seemed impossible that he had managed to hold onto the ball. The dismissal proved to be a crucial moment in the match, as it marked Boult's record 28th wicket in the first over across all IPL seasons.Earlier in the match, Punjab Kings had restricted Rajasthan Royals to a modest total of 144 for nine. Riyan Parag emerged as the top scorer for Royals with a gritty 48 off 34 deliveries on a challenging pitch. Punjab's bowlers, led by Sam Curran (2/24), Harshal Patel (2/28), Nathan Ellis (1/24), and Rahul Chahar (2/26), shared the wickets.With this victory, Rajasthan Royals have secured their place in the playoffs, while Punjab Kings have been eliminated from the tournament. Despite their disappointing season, Punjab Kings will be proud of their fighting spirit and the exceptional fielding display by Chahal, which will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the highlights of the IPL 2023 season.

RR vs PBKS IPL 2024: Rajasthan Royals Aim for Top Two Finish Against Punjab KingsIn a crucial encounter at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) will face off in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. RR captain Sanju Samson won the toss and elected to bat first, recognizing the importance of securing a victory to enhance their chances of finishing in the top two.PBKS, on the other hand, have already been eliminated from playoff contention. However, they are expected to field a stronger lineup with the return of captain Shikhar Dhawan, who missed the previous match due to injury. Stand-in skipper Sam Curran has returned to England for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan.RR, meanwhile, will be without star opener Jos Buttler for the remainder of the tournament due to his international commitments. Despite this setback, they will be confident in their ability to overcome PBKS and secure a top-two finish.The match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams eager to prove their mettle. RR will rely on the explosive batting of Samson, Devdutt Padikkal, and Shimron Hetmyer, while PBKS will look to their experienced bowlers, including Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, and Liam Livingstone, to restrict the opposition.The outcome of this match will have significant implications for the IPL 2024 standings. RR currently sit in third place with 16 points, while Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are close behind with 14 points. A victory for RR would strengthen their position in the top two, while a defeat could open the door for SRH to overtake them.

Riyan Parag's Homecoming: Rajasthan Royals Eye Playoff Berth Against Punjab KingsRiyan Parag, the prodigious young cricketer from Assam, is set for a grand homecoming as Rajasthan Royals face Punjab Kings in their penultimate league game of IPL 2024. The match, to be played in Guwahati, holds immense significance for the Royals, who are vying for a spot in the playoffs.Currently placed second in the standings with 16 points, the Royals need just one win from their remaining two home games to secure a top-four finish. Guwahati has been their second home base for several years, and the franchise has invested heavily in Parag's development.Parag, who has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in Indian cricket, is expected to receive a rousing welcome from his home fans. The 21-year-old all-rounder has been in impressive form this season, showcasing his versatility with both bat and ball.The Punjab Kings, on the other hand, have been eliminated from playoff contention. However, they will be keen to end their campaign on a high and spoil the Royals' party. Led by Mayank Agarwal, the Kings possess a formidable batting lineup that includes Shikhar Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, and Jonny Bairstow.The Royals, meanwhile, will rely on their balanced squad, which features experienced players like Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, and Trent Boult. The team's bowling attack has been a strength this season, with Yuzvendra Chahal and Obed McCoy leading the charge.The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to prove their mettle. The Royals will be determined to secure their playoff berth, while the Kings will be looking to play the role of spoilers.

Rajasthan Royals Face Punjab Kings in Crucial Clash, Seeking Top-Two FinishGuwahati, India - Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings will lock horns in a pivotal Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter on Wednesday, with both teams aiming for contrasting goals.Rajasthan Royals, currently sitting on 16 points, are in danger of slipping out of the top two after three consecutive defeats. The absence of Jos Buttler, who has departed for England's T20 World Cup duty, has further complicated their path to the playoffs.To fill the void left by Buttler, the Royals may consider promoting Tom Kohler-Cadmore or Dhruv Jurel up the order. However, Kohler-Cadmore has yet to play a T20 in India, while Jurel has limited experience as an opener in the format.Punjab Kings, on the other hand, are out of playoff contention and will be looking to avoid finishing at the bottom of the table. They will be boosted by the return of Sam Curran and Johnny Bairstow, who are available for this fixture before joining the England squad for the T20 World Cup.Key Players to Watch:* Riyan Parag (Rajasthan Royals): The young all-rounder has been in impressive form this season, scoring seven consecutive fifties in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He will be eager to make an impact in his third match at the venue in Guwahati.* Jitesh Sharma (Punjab Kings): The India T20 keeper-batter has struggled for form this season, averaging just 13.30 with a strike rate of under 125. He will be looking to end the season on a high note.Stats to Consider:* Arshdeep Singh has a favorable match-up against Yashasvi Jaiswal, having dismissed him twice in 20 balls.* Trent Boult has struggled against Punjab Kings, averaging 43.6 and conceding an economy rate of 9.98.* Yuzvendra Chahal has had a mixed season, with his average and economy rate deteriorating in his last six matches.Pitch and Conditions:This will be the first of two matches in Guwahati in IPL 2024. The pitch is expected to be conducive to batting, with the team batting first having won on both previous occasions at this venue.

Riyan Parag, the rising star of Indian cricket, is poised to receive a thunderous welcome from his home crowd when Rajasthan Royals face Punjab Kings in their penultimate league game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on May 15, 2024.Placed second in the 10-team standings with 16 points, the Royals need just one win in their remaining two "home" games in Guwahati to secure a berth in the playoffs. This strategic move by the franchise, which has invested heavily in Parag's development over the past six years, has paid dividends.Despite not being an opener, Parag has amassed an impressive 483 runs at a strike rate of 153 this season. His consistency and adaptability have made him a contender for India's next T20 series, where he is expected to make his international debut.Parag's emergence as a cricketing icon from the northeast region adds significance to this match and the Royals' subsequent clash against Kolkata Knight Riders. The support for the 22-year-old will be overwhelming, bolstering Sanju Samson and his men against Punjab Kings.Punjab Kings, on the other hand, have struggled to find their footing this season, despite unearthing two T20 gems in Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma. Skipper Shikhar Dhawan's absence due to injury has exacerbated their woes, with his stand-in Sam Curran failing to impress.In contrast, Samson has grown as a leader, leading the Royals' charge with 486 runs, the highest in the team. The dynamic opening duo of Yashasvi Jaiswal (344 runs) and Jos Buttler (359 runs) have had an average season by their standards, but Parag and Samson have ensured that the batting remains solid.The Royals' strength lies in their bowling unit, which has been consistently effective throughout the tournament. Sandeep Sharma (Economy Rate 8.07) and Trent Boult (ER 8.38) have executed their plans with precision, while Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal have provided the necessary spin and wicket-taking ability.