Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs race is intensifying, with Rajasthan Royals (RR) leading the pack and no team yet eliminated from contention. RR has dominated the competition so far, amassing 14 points. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are all tied at 10 points each. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Gujarat Titans (GT) are also in the hunt with 8 points apiece.Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has predicted RR, KKR, and CSK as his favorites to reach the playoffs, with the fourth spot being a toss-up between SRH and Mumbai Indians (MI)."Three teams are selecting themselves: CSK, KKR, and RR. There are two teams that I think... One is SRH, and I don't know why, but I feel like taking a gamble on MI, no matter what," Sidhu said in a video posted by Star Sports. "I always feel MI has the tenacity to overcome difficult situations. They are like a rubber ball, the more you hit them, the stronger they become. If they can sort out their bowling and Hardik [Pandya] comes back into his own, MI is a lethal side."MI has struggled to gain momentum in IPL 2024, sitting eighth in the points table with three victories. The Hardik Pandya-led side has faced controversies and suffered three consecutive defeats at the start of the competition.Sidhu previously commented on the speculation surrounding Hardik replacing Rohit Sharma as MI captain. "Nobody can digest the fact that India's hero, India's captain, is not the captain of our franchise. 'What wrong has he done?' is what fans of the franchise would be thinking," Sidhu said on Star Sports. "But what does he have to do? There is nothing that succeeds like success. If he had won these two matches, there wouldn't have been any noise."

Ahead of the T20 World Cup in the Americas, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has once again voiced his support for Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson's inclusion in the Indian squad. Tharoor has consistently advocated for Samson's selection, highlighting his exceptional performances and the lack of opportunities he has received from the selectors.Samson's impressive form in the ongoing IPL 2024 has further strengthened his case for a place in the national team. In just eight matches, he has amassed 314 runs at an average of 62.80, including three half-centuries and an unbeaten 82. His consistent contributions have played a crucial role in RR's success, as they currently top the standings with 12 points from eight games.Tharoor's support for Samson is echoed by former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, who also believes that the wicketkeeper-batsman deserves a chance to prove his worth at the international level. The debate over India's wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup has intensified, with Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Dinesh Karthik also in contention.However, Samson's recent form suggests that he is the ideal candidate for the role. His ability to score runs quickly and consistently, combined with his excellent wicketkeeping skills, makes him a valuable asset to any team. With six games remaining in the IPL group stage, Samson has the opportunity to further enhance his credentials and cement his place in the Indian squad.India's probable squad for the T20 World Cup is expected to be announced later this week, and Tharoor's vocal support for Samson is likely to put pressure on the selectors to consider his inclusion. The wicketkeeper-batsman has consistently performed at the highest level, and it remains to be seen whether the selectors will finally give him the recognition he deserves.

Virender Sehwag, the former Indian opener, has expressed his unwavering support for Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young star of Rajasthan Royals. Despite a challenging start to the IPL season, Sehwag believes Jaiswal has the potential to be included in India's T20 World Cup squad.Sehwag, speaking on Cricbuzz, acknowledged the pressure of comparisons that Jaiswal faces. He drew from his own experiences, stating that he was compared to Sachin Tendulkar during his early days. However, Sehwag emphasized the importance of ignoring such comparisons and focusing on one's own game."Comparison can hurt you," Sehwag said. "I can't perform like Tendulkar. When I was compared, I made some changes in stance and how I played, so people stopped saying that I look or bat like Tendulkar."Sehwag expressed optimism for Jaiswal's future, acknowledging the challenges that come with being a young cricketer from a small city. "I have high hopes for this boy," Sehwag said. "When you come from a small city, you know you have to put in the hard work otherwise you might have to go back."Despite Jaiswal's initial struggles in the IPL, Sehwag remained steadfast in his support, asserting, "He will come back to form soon. I believe his ticket and visa for the World Cup is confirmed."Jaiswal's return to form came in spectacular fashion during Rajasthan Royals' clash against Mumbai Indians, where he notched a breathtaking unbeaten century, guiding his team to a resounding nine-wicket victory. This performance has reignited discussions about his potential inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad, despite facing competition from other talented players.Sehwag's endorsement of Jaiswal is a significant boost for the young cricketer. With his talent and determination, Jaiswal has the potential to become a valuable asset for the Indian team in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Rajasthan Royals' medium pacer Sandeep Sharma has emphasized the importance of composure and execution when bowling at the death in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. After recording the best bowling performance of the season with a remarkable 5 for 18 against Mumbai Indians, Sharma shared his insights on the challenges of bowling in the final overs."In this year's IPL, batters are going big, and with the impact player rule, there's an extra batter, so the games are high-scoring. You have to have a big heart while bowling at the death and try to execute your plans and bowl good balls," Sharma said after RR's nine-wicket win over MI.Sharma, who initially started as a new-ball exponent in the IPL, has been entrusted with the responsibility of bowling the death overs by the Royals in the three games he has played this season. "Even today, you ask me where I feel comfortable, I'll say it's with the new ball. With the old ball, you have to adapt and evolve as a bowler," he said.Sharma returned to the RR playing XI after recovering from a side strain that kept him out for close to a month. "I was working hard towards my fitness for the last three weeks. I had two practice sessions before the game, my main focus was to execute the variations that I did tonight."Against MI, Sharma's scalps included the dangerous Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, the big-hitting Tim David, Ishan Kishan, and Gerald Coetzee. He took three wickets in the final over, restricting MI to 179 despite a 99-run stand between Varma and Nehal Wadhera."If you're bowling at the death, it can go both ways. Sometimes, you go for runs, and when you're lucky enough, you end up getting a wicket. When we started, the wicket was low and slow. My plan was to keep bowling those cutters, and it came off nicely tonight," he said.Despite the loss to RR, Mumbai Indians remain optimistic about their chances of qualifying for the playoffs. Young batter Nehal Wadhera expressed confidence in the team's ability to turn things around."MI need to win all their games from here, and we need to tighten our socks. We need to raise our game and figure out where we have been going wrong or where we have been going right so that we can rectify our mistakes whenever we return," Wadhera said after the match.The 23-year-old, who smashed a splendid 24-ball 49, pointed out that MI are not new to being involved in a mid-table muddle, having risen from the proverbial ashes time and again."We have been in such a situation in earlier seasons as well, and we have, you know, upped our game from there and qualified. So, we are optimistic even right now. We will continue the process we are following and win the games for the team. We win as a team, and we lose as a team,” Wadhera added.

Mumbai Indians' Woes Continue as Rajasthan Royals Dominate in JaipurFormer India captain Sunil Gavaskar expressed his disappointment as Mumbai Indians suffered their fifth loss in the ongoing IPL 2024 season, this time at the hands of the formidable Rajasthan Royals (RR). The comprehensive nine-wicket defeat in Jaipur marked Mumbai's second loss to RR this season, further denting their playoff hopes.Gavaskar's commentary highlighted critical moments in the match that contributed to Mumbai's downfall. Tim David's dropped catch of RR captain Sanju Samson on 19 runs proved costly, as Samson went on to score an unbeaten 56 and guide his team to victory. Another fielding lapse by Mohammad Nabi allowed Samson to secure a boundary, adding to Mumbai's frustration."It's hard to recognize this team," Gavaskar lamented. "I have been following Mumbai Indians ever since 2008. Got to say that this is not the team that I know."RR's dominance was evident throughout the match. Yashasvi Jaiswal's magnificent unbeaten century propelled the Royals to victory with 10 balls to spare. Jaiswal's stellar performance silenced the doubters who had questioned his form after a slow start to the season.The victory solidified RR's position at the top of the points table, while Mumbai slipped to seventh place. The loss exposed Mumbai's weaknesses, particularly in their fielding and batting departments.

Yashasvi Jaiswal's admiration for Rohit Sharma was on full display after the Rajasthan Royals' emphatic nine-wicket victory over the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024. The young opener, who has often expressed his gratitude for Sharma's guidance, made a beeline for his former Mumbai Indians captain after the match.In a heartwarming video shared by the Rajasthan Royals, Jaiswal can be seen embracing Sharma, who has been a mentor and inspiration throughout his career. The camaraderie between the two India openers was evident, despite being on opposite sides in Jaipur.Jaiswal's respect for Sharma extends beyond the field. In a recent interview, he credited Sharma for helping him maintain a positive mindset. "Rohit bhaiya helps me stay focused and positive," Jaiswal said.Jaiswal's performance in the match was a testament to his growing maturity and talent. Opening the batting alongside Jos Buttler, he smashed an unbeaten 104 off just 60 balls, guiding the Royals to a comfortable victory. It was his second IPL century, adding to his eight half-centuries.Jaiswal's consistency and big-match temperament have made him a strong contender for India's opening slot in the upcoming T20 World Cup. With Sharma as his captain, Jaiswal will have the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest batsmen of all time.The Rajasthan Royals' victory was also a testament to the team's depth and resilience. Sandeep Sharma's five-wicket haul crippled the Mumbai Indians' batting, while Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson provided valuable contributions.The win extended the Royals' winning streak to seven matches, solidifying their position at the top of the IPL standings. With Jaiswal in top form and the team firing on all cylinders, the Royals are poised for a deep run in the tournament.

Yashasvi Jaiswal's scintillating century against Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has catapulted him into the annals of IPL history. The 22-year-old opener's unbeaten 104-run knock, crafted off just 60 deliveries at a blistering strike rate of 173.33, powered Rajasthan Royals to a comprehensive 9-wicket victory over MI.Jaiswal's century was his second in the IPL, and remarkably, his first also came against the same opposition, MI. This achievement places him in an elite group of players who have scored multiple centuries against a single team in the IPL. The list includes batting stalwarts like KL Rahul (vs Mumbai Indians), Chris Gayle (vs Punjab Kings), Virat Kohli (vs Gujarat Lions), David Warner (vs Kolkata Knight Riders), and Jos Buttler (vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders).Notably, Jaiswal becomes the sixth player to achieve this milestone and the first to do so before turning 23 years old. His innings was a masterclass in batting, as he smashed 9 fours and 7 sixes, showcasing his ability to score runs at a rapid pace while maintaining a solid technique.In the post-match press conference, Jaiswal expressed his gratitude to the Rajasthan Royals management, particularly Kumara Sangakkara and Sanju Samson, for providing him with opportunities to showcase his talent."I want to thank all my seniors the way they have guided me. I want to thank the Rajasthan Royals management and especially Sanga sir and Sanju bhai for giving me opportunities. I go out and give my best in the practice sessions and I'm so happy today," Jaiswal said.Jaiswal's century is a testament to his immense talent and hard work. The young opener has consistently impressed with his performances in domestic cricket, and his success in the IPL is a reflection of his ability to perform at the highest level.With his latest century, Jaiswal has established himself as one of the most promising young batsmen in India. His ability to score runs quickly and consistently makes him a valuable asset to any team, and he is sure to play a key role in Rajasthan Royals' quest for their second IPL title.

Mumbai Indians' struggles continued as they suffered a crushing 9-wicket defeat against Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Captain Hardik Pandya expressed his disappointment, acknowledging the team's shortcomings in all three departments of the game.Pandya admitted that Mumbai's batting unit failed to capitalize on a promising start, losing early wickets and failing to finish strongly. He also criticized the bowling attack for giving away too much width and the fielding unit for making uncharacteristic errors."We put ourselves in trouble early on," Pandya said. "We didn't finish well and that's why we were 10-15 runs short. We had to keep it within the stumps (while bowling), but we gave a lot of width. Overall, we did not put the right foot in the park."Despite the team's poor performance, Pandya remains confident in the players' professionalism and ability to rectify their mistakes. He emphasized the importance of accepting flaws and working on them as a collective."After the game, it's not the right time to go to the players," Pandya explained. "Everyone is professional, they know their roles. What we can do is learn from this game and the mistakes we have made, rectify it, and make sure that we don't make it."Pandya ruled out making significant changes to the playing XI, despite Mumbai's poor record of five losses in eight matches. He believes in backing the players and focusing on improving their execution."I don't believe much in chip and chop," Pandya said. "I like to back players and the focus would always be to play good cricket, sticking to our plans, and making sure that we don't make the basic errors."As Mumbai enters a crucial stage in their campaign, Pandya urged the team to remain united and determined. He emphasized the importance of simplicity and consistency in their approach."Cricket is simple, as long as we keep it simple, it's nice," Pandya concluded.

Trent Boult's Early Wicket Sets IPL Record, Bolsters Rajasthan Royals' Bowling ArsenalIn a thrilling encounter between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, pacer Trent Boult etched his name in the Indian Premier League (IPL) record books. Boult's dismissal of star MI batter Rohit Sharma in the first over of the match marked a unique milestone in the tournament's history.Boult's wicket not only gave RR an early advantage but also showcased his exceptional ability to strike in crucial moments. Notably, it was his first wicket in the powerplay in the previous five matches, with his last such dismissal also coming against MI.The credit for the dismissal also goes to RR skipper Sanju Samson, who held a well-judged skier after Rohit went for an expansive shot. The ball swung away from the right-hander, and he miscued it completely.With this wicket, Boult surpassed Bhuvneshwar Kumar (25) to become the bowler with the most wickets in the first over of IPL history. He now has 26 wickets to his name, followed by Praveen Kumar (15), Sandeep Sharma (13), Deepak Chahar, and Zaheer Khan (12 each).This achievement further solidifies Boult's reputation as a formidable new-ball bowler in the IPL. His ability to strike early and create pressure on the opposition has been a significant factor in RR's bowling success this season.Earlier, MI captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and opted to bat against RR. MI made three changes to their playing XI, while RR welcomed back Sandeep Sharma in place of Kuldeep Sen.In their previous encounter earlier this season, RR defeated MI by six wickets in Mumbai. This match marked RR's last game at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium this season.