Cricket

Gujarat Titans (GT) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) will face off in a crucial match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Both teams have struggled in recent matches and will be eager to get back to winning ways.GT, the defending champions, have won three and lost four matches so far. Their batting has been a concern, with the team failing to score big runs consistently. However, their bowling has been impressive, with the fast bowlers taking the most wickets in the tournament.PBKS, on the other hand, have won two and lost five matches. Their batting has also been inconsistent, with the specialist batters failing to live up to expectations. However, the team has found some solace in the performances of their unsung Indian players, Shashank and Ashutosh.The absence of skipper Shikhar Dhawan has been a blow for PBKS. The southpaw has been undergoing rehabilitation since picking up a shoulder injury and his availability for Sunday's fixture is in doubt.GT will be looking to bounce back from their embarrassing loss to Delhi Capitals, where they were bowled out for 89. PBKS will also be keen to get back to winning ways after their narrow defeat to Mumbai Indians.The match promises to be a close contest between two evenly matched teams. GT will be confident of their bowling, while PBKS will hope their batting can finally click.

Punjab Kings Eye Victory Against Gujarat Titans Amidst Dhawan's Injury ConcernsAhead of their crucial IPL encounter against Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings assistant coach Brad Haddin addressed the team's strategy and provided updates on captain Shikhar Dhawan's injury.Dhawan's absence has left a significant void in the Punjab Kings lineup. "It's difficult to replace someone like Shikhar," Haddin acknowledged. "He's one of the most successful openers in the IPL and has been in great form this season."Despite the setback, Haddin expressed optimism about Dhawan's recovery. "He has started to progress well," he said. "We will decide on Sunday morning whether he's available for selection."In Dhawan's absence, Punjab Kings will rely on their bowlers, particularly their seamers. "Our fast bowlers have the most wickets in IPL 2024," Haddin noted. "If we can find the runs, our spinners and pacers could find some much-needed support."Haddin also highlighted the team's need to convert close matches into wins. "We have got to find a way to get a result in this game," he emphasized. "The last three games were very close."The Punjab Kings batsmen, including Ashutosh Sharma and Shashank Singh, have shown promise in recent matches. "The way they have been performing, we want to give them more time on the pitch," Haddin said.Facing Gujarat Titans presents a formidable challenge, but Haddin believes his team is up to the task. "We have a good team," he said. "We just need to find a way to put it all together and get a win."

Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans Struggle with Top-Order WoesIn the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans have faced significant challenges with their top-order batting performances. Despite playing seven matches, only Shubman Gill of Gujarat Titans has managed to score a half-century.Both teams have the slowest scoring top three in the competition, with Punjab Kings averaging a strike rate of 128.80 and Gujarat Titans at 130.54. This has hindered their ability to post competitive scores.While big scores are not always necessary in T20 cricket, rapid 20s and 30s are crucial for building a strong foundation. However, Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans have struggled to achieve even that.Rashid Khan, Shashank Singh, and Ashutosh Sharma have often bailed out their teams with valuable contributions down the order. However, their efforts have not been enough to compensate for the lack of top-order support.Team News and Impact Player StrategyPunjab Kings may consider bringing back Jonny Bairstow as an opening partner for Prabhsimran Singh, given their need for top-order muscle. Gujarat Titans are likely to continue using R Sai Kishore or Shahrukh Khan as their Impact Sub.Players in the SpotlightJitesh Sharma of Punjab Kings has faced criticism for his recent performances, averaging only 11.8 against pace bowling. He will be eager to prove his worth and secure a spot in India's T20 World Cup squad.David Miller of Gujarat Titans has been a key contributor for the team, providing consistency and a high strike rate. His return from injury will boost the team's middle order.Pitch and ConditionsThe pitch in Mullanpur has favored both batters and fast bowlers. The average first-innings score is 187, and fast bowlers have taken 47 wickets compared to only 9 for spinners.Key Stats* Ashutosh Sharma and Shashank Singh have contributed 343 runs at a strike rate of 190 and an average of 57, while the rest of Punjab Kings have managed only 820 runs at a strike rate of 127 and an average of 20.* Kagiso Rabada has benefited from a switch in his role, contributing 10 wickets with an economy rate of 8.32.

Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans Clash in Crucial IPL EncounterMatch 37 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 pits Punjab Kings against Gujarat Titans at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Mohali. Both teams are vying for a playoff berth, with Punjab currently ninth and Gujarat eighth in the standings.Punjab's recent loss to Mumbai Indians has put them in a precarious position. Ashutosh Sharma emerged as their top fantasy performer with 95 points, followed by Harshal Patel (94) and Shashank Singh (69). Gujarat, on the other hand, suffered a setback against Delhi Capitals, with Rashid Khan scoring 70 fantasy points.The pitch at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium is expected to favor batters, with pacers likely to have the upper hand. The average first-innings score at this venue is 154 runs.Punjab's bowlers have been their most consistent fantasy performers, while Gujarat's batters have been their top point-getters. In their previous encounter, Shashank Singh was the Man of the Match for Punjab, while Shubman Gill led the fantasy points tally for Gujarat.Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:* Samuel Curran (Punjab Kings): All-rounder with an average of 67 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans): Leg-break googly bowler with an average of 63 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Ashutosh Sharma (Punjab Kings): Batter with an average of 54 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Harshal Patel (Gujarat Titans): Right-arm medium bowler with an average of 52 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Shashank Singh (Punjab Kings): Batter with an average of 50 fantasy points in the last 10 games.Fantasy Team:* Wicket-Keepers: Jitesh Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha* Batters: Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma* All-Rounder: Sam Curran* Bowlers: Mohit Sharma, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Harshal Patel* Captain: Sam Curran* Vice-Captain: Ashutosh Sharma

Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Gujarat Titans (GT), both struggling in the Indian Premier League (IPL), will face off in a crucial match on April 21 in Mullanpur. PBKS, currently in ninth place, has lost five of their seven matches, while GT, ranked eighth, has suffered four defeats in seven outings.PBKS's woes stem from the absence of skipper Shikhar Dhawan, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury. The team's specialist batters, including Prabhsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone, and Rilee Rossouw, have failed to live up to expectations. However, young Indian players Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma have shown promise, providing some respite for the team.GT, on the other hand, has been let down by its batting, particularly in their recent loss to Delhi Capitals. Despite boasting quality players like Shubman Gill, David Miller, and Rashid Khan, GT's batting lineup has struggled to find consistency. The absence of Mohammad Shami has also hurt the team's bowling attack, while Umesh Yadav has been expensive.Both teams will be desperate to turn their fortunes around in this match. PBKS will need their batters to step up and provide a solid foundation, while GT will need to find a way to overcome their batting woes. The match promises to be a close contest, with both teams having the potential to emerge victorious.

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed his disappointment with Punjab Kings' (PBKS) approach in their recent loss to Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Chopra criticized the team's decision to not utilize in-form batter Shashank Singh effectively.Chasing a target of 193, PBKS lost four early wickets, leaving them in a precarious position. Despite an explosive knock from Ashutosh Sharma, who brought them close to victory, they ultimately fell short by nine runs. Chopra believes that PBKS's decision to treat Singh as a finisher, rather than playing him in the top order, was a major factor in their defeat."When your team is 14/4, it seems like the match can't be won because you are too far behind, and your four main players', whom you consider your main players, innings' have ended. Shashank comes in such a situation and Jitesh (Sharma) was there with him," Chopra said on his YouTube channel."I would want to say one thing about Shashank. The way he is batting, how did you decide that he is your finisher only, that even though he is batting well, you won't send him up the order? What is the point? Someone who is batting well and has the temperament is not a finisher only. He plays red-ball cricket and is an experienced player," he added.Stand-in skipper San Curran praised Shashank and Ashutosh for their performances but acknowledged the disappointment of losing such close matches. "Another close one, I think this team likes a close one, but unfortunately another loss. Another incredible knock from the young guy (on Ashutosh), but another close loss. It's very tough, you want to lose close games rather than getting absolutely thumped, but we've lost a lot of wickets at the start, the way the younger guys have taken the team so close is heartening (on Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma)," Curran said."They have incredible confidence, you see a guy like Ashutosh having the confidence to play the sweeps and the big hits against pacers, it's so great to watch them in action. It's disheartening to lose close games, but there are a lot of positives in this team. We still have the belief in us, we believe we can turn this around, the sun will come up tomorrow and we will hopefully get on a winning run," Curran added.

Rohit Sharma's future with the Mumbai Indians has been a subject of intense speculation since he was replaced as captain by Hardik Pandya. Rumors have circulated that he may leave the franchise ahead of the 2025 IPL auction. However, no official confirmation has been made.Amidst this uncertainty, an alleged quote from Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta went viral on social media. The quote claimed that Zinta would "bet her life" to acquire Rohit Sharma for her team.Zinta has since taken to Twitter to denounce the quote as fake. She stated that she holds Rohit Sharma in high regard and is a big fan, but has never discussed him in any interview or made such a statement.Zinta also expressed respect for Shikhar Dhawan, who is currently injured. She suggested that the timing of the fake articles was in poor taste.Zinta urged the media to refrain from circulating the false information and embarrassing all parties involved. She emphasized that the Punjab Kings' focus is on winning games and making the most of the 2024 IPL season.The alleged quote and Zinta's subsequent denial have added fuel to the speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma's future. However, until an official announcement is made, it remains unclear whether he will remain with the Mumbai Indians or seek a new home in the IPL.

Rohit Sharma Mania Grips Mullanpur as Mumbai Indians TriumphThe MYSI Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur witnessed an outpouring of adoration for Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma during their thrilling encounter with Punjab Kings on Thursday. Chants of "Mumbai Cha Raja, Rohit Sharma" reverberated throughout the stadium, led by a Sam Curran doppelganger who ignited the crowd's enthusiasm.The Curran doppelganger, a regular fixture at recent India international and IPL matches, bears an uncanny resemblance to Punjab Kings all-rounder Sam Curran, who captained the hosts in the absence of Shikhar Dhawan. His infectious energy and unwavering support for Rohit Sharma captivated the spectators.On the field, Mumbai Indians faced a stern challenge from Punjab Kings, who were inspired by a sensational 61 from Ashutosh Sharma. Sharma's whirlwind knock brought Punjab to the brink of victory, but his dismissal in the 18th over swung the momentum back in Mumbai's favor.Despite losing early wickets, Punjab fought back valiantly through Sharma and Shashank Singh (41 off 25). However, Mumbai's bowlers held their nerve, restricting Punjab to 183 all-out in 19.1 overs.Suryakumar Yadav was the star performer for Mumbai with the bat, scoring a crucial 78 to guide his team to a competitive total of 192 for seven. Mumbai's third win in seven games lifted them up the standings, while Punjab's slide continued with their fifth loss in seven matches.The victory was a testament to the enduring popularity of Rohit Sharma and the resilience of the Mumbai Indians. The team's fans, including the enthusiastic Curran doppelganger, played a significant role in creating an electric atmosphere that propelled Mumbai to victory.

Tom Moody, a former Australian all-rounder, has criticized the Mumbai Indians (MI) for underutilizing pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah during their IPL match against Punjab Kings (PBKS). Moody believes that this allowed PBKS to rally from a precarious position and come within striking distance of MI's total.In the match, Bumrah was matchless, taking off the dangerous Shashank Singh, Rilee Rossouw, and opener Sam Curran to help MI win by nine runs. MI had given PBKS a 193 target.However, Moody pointed out that Bumrah was removed from the attack just as PBKS appeared to be losing ground, which allowed the home team to rally."Again, Mumbai leaning on him so much to turn their fortunes around. He bowled two overs early on and had the Punjab Kings on their back. But, interestingly enough, he didn't bowl another over until the 13th," said Moody on Star Sports Cricket Live."He's at the peak of his powers at the moment. And that's my point of where I think the Mumbai Indians let the Punjab Kings back into this contest. (Gerald) Coetzee and Bumrah for mine, and I'll be interested to hear what the other fast bowlers think on this show. Should (Bumrah) have bowled again to be able to put Punjab completely out onto the campus," he added.Former South African fast Dale Steyn agreed with Moody, saying that MI's front-line pacers Bumrah and Coetzee needed assistance from other bowlers. He suggested that MI's bowling department was suffering from an unmotivated Hardik Pandya."We want to see them (MI) close out games early by bringing Bumrah back or Coetzee. But then they have to depend on guys like Hardik to finish off, who hasn't been bowling as well of late and some of the other bowlers travelling like (Romario) Shepherd, they may struggle in the back end.""Mumbai are in a situation now where they have to tactically figure things out, but they also need somebody to step up, their bowlers to step up and really help out Bumrah and Coetzee, because if they (MI) keep going the way they are, they might lose more points again."Moody also commented on Suryakumar Yadav, who recently recovered from an ankle injury and a hernia operation. He said that Yadav needed to participate for the whole league season in order to fully recover.On Thursday, "Mr 360 degrees" amassed a 53-ball 78 to lead MI to 192. Moody said that the middle-order hitter needed to return to optimal health in order to help India's chances of winning the T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies."It's important that he slowly works back into full fitness, he needs to be playing for the whole 40 overs and that would be great. Not that he bowls or anything but for his own peace of mind and fitness for that the preparation for what is beyond the IPL. It was a great innings today (from him).Steyn praised PBSK batter Ashutosh Sharma for the sweep shot he employed against Bumrah, something which has not been used against the India quick too often."I mean, IPL never ceases to disappoint us with close games and creating new heroes... Bumrah bowls a no-ball, and the next thing Ashutosh goes down and plays that sweep that goes for six."