Cricket

Riyan Parag, the young all-rounder from Assam, is poised for a pivotal role in the Rajasthan Royals' batting lineup in IPL 2024. After years of playing as a finisher, Parag is set to bat at No. 4, a testament to his impressive domestic form and the potential he holds as an "all-round batter."Despite underwhelming numbers in previous IPL seasons, the Royals believe Parag possesses the skills and maturity to excel in this new role. "We looked at how he has performed over the years," said Royals' director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara. "He has a much more important role that he can play for us."Parag's domestic performances have been nothing short of spectacular. At the Deodhar Trophy, he emerged as the highest run-getter, highest six-hitter, and third-highest wicket-taker. His two List A centuries in that tournament showcased his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed.In the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s, Parag continued his impressive run, scoring 510 runs in ten innings at a strike rate of 182.79. His seven consecutive half-centuries earned him a call-up to the BCCI's National Cricket Academy.Sangakkara attributes Parag's growth to increased maturity and self-awareness. "He's still a very young cricketer, but he's also seen the huge jumps that [Yashasvi] Jaiswal and [Dhruv] Jurel have made," said Sangakkara. "He's got a hunger there now and an example to follow into the national team."Parag's promotion to No. 4 is a significant step in his development. It provides him with the opportunity to showcase his all-round abilities and contribute more consistently to the Royals' success. If he continues to perform at the level he has shown in domestic cricket, Parag could soon shed the "uncapped" label and become a regular feature in the Indian national team.

Rishabh Pant and Ravichandran Ashwin's Heartwarming Exchange at RR Practice SessionAhead of the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) clash between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in Jaipur on March 28, a touching moment unfolded during the practice session involving Indian teammates Rishabh Pant and Ravichandran Ashwin.RR, who commenced their campaign with a 20-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants, were eager to maintain their winning momentum. DC, on the other hand, suffered a defeat to Punjab Kings by four wickets in their opening match.During the practice session, Ashwin stood behind Pant's practice net, offering words of encouragement to boost his spirits. The accomplished wicketkeeper-batsman, who recently returned to competitive cricket after surviving a life-threatening accident in December 2022, wasted no time in displaying his prowess, sending the ball soaring into the sky.This exchange between the two Indian cricket stars evoked memories of the lively interactions they often share while representing India. It's a familiar sight to witness Pant cheering on Ashwin from behind the stumps, saying, "Come on, Ash! Come on Ash!".However, on this occasion, the roles reversed. Pant's comeback innings during DC's match against Punjab saw him scoring 18 runs off 13 balls, including two fours. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman will be eager to surpass his performance this time and captivate the Jaipur audience.The heartwarming exchange between Pant and Ashwin highlights the camaraderie and support that exists within the Indian cricket team. It also serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of Pant, who has overcome adversity to return to the field.As the IPL season progresses, fans can expect to witness more such moments of sportsmanship and camaraderie, both on and off the field.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) spinner Ravichandran Ashwin heaped praise on right-arm seamer Sandeep Sharma for his exceptional performance in their IPL 2024 opener against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Sharma's economical spell of 3 overs for 22 runs, including a wicket, played a crucial role in RR's 20-run victory at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.Ashwin highlighted the impact of Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag's 93-run partnership, which laid the foundation for RR's competitive total of 193/4. Samson's unbeaten 82 off 52 balls, studded with six maximums and three fours, was a standout performance. Parag contributed a valuable 43 off 29 balls, including three sixes."Sanju and Riyan batted really well," Ashwin said. "But I felt we were 10 runs short, with so many impact players coming up in the form of Hetmyer and Jurel."Ashwin also praised Sharma's consistency and work ethic. "Sandy has been a top-5 bowler (in the IPL)," Ashwin said. "He's a character, does the dirty work for us, did a lot to cover for Prasidh in the last season as well. I see him as a fighter."In the chase, LSG was reduced to 11/3 before Deepak Hooda and KL Rahul steadied the innings. However, RR bowlers Trent Boult, Sandeep, Ashwin, Nandre Burger, and Yuzvendra Chahal combined to restrict LSG to 173/6, with Nicholas Pooran's 64 off 41 balls proving insufficient.Boult was the pick of the bowlers with 2/35, while Sandeep, Ashwin, Burger, and Chahal took a wicket each. Samson was adjudged 'Player of the Match' for his match-winning half-century.

Riyan Parag's blistering knock of 43 runs off 29 balls propelled Rajasthan Royals (RR) to a 20-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The all-rounder revealed that he developed new shots while batting alongside skipper Sanju Samson, who guided him to play cautiously on a challenging wicket.Parag's innings was a display of power and precision, with three towering sixes and a boundary. He credited Samson for advising him to avoid risky shots, recognizing the tricky conditions. "Today, when batting with Sanju bhaiya, I had developed a few shots and I was constantly trying to poke him by asking 'Sanju bhaiya, let me hit one'," Parag said. "But he was like 'no, no, today's wicket isn't that easy.'"Parag acknowledged that he would have attempted more aggressive shots if Samson had not been present. "If I didn't have him there, I would have tried to play that shot, it may or may not have come off," he admitted. "But then that element of risk goes down and you prolong your innings and get your team to a better score."RR's innings was anchored by Samson's unbeaten 82 off 52 balls, which included six sixes. The duo shared a 93-run partnership, setting the platform for a competitive total of 193/4.LSG's chase got off to a shaky start, losing three wickets for just 11 runs. Deepak Hooda and KL Rahul steadied the innings, but their dismissals left LSG in a precarious position. Nicholas Pooran's 64 off 41 balls kept LSG in the hunt, but RR's bowlers struck at crucial moments to secure the victory.Trent Boult was the standout bowler for RR, claiming 2/35. Sandeep, Ashwin, Nandre Burger, and Yuzvendra Chahal also chipped in with wickets. Samson was named 'Player of the Match' for his match-winning half-century.

Riyan Parag, the Rajasthan Royals all-rounder, has silenced his critics with an impressive knock in the opening match of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Parag, who has often been criticized for failing to capitalize on his opportunities, showcased his talent with a blistering 43 off just 29 deliveries against the Lucknow Super Giants.Parag's innings was a testament to his hard work and dedication in the off-season. He had a stellar run of form in domestic cricket, and he has carried that momentum into the IPL. His knock was characterized by aggressive strokeplay, with three towering sixes and one boundary.Parag's performance earned him widespread praise on social media, with fans and experts alike applauding his efforts. Many hailed it as a sign of his redemption and a potential breakout season for the young all-rounder.The Rajasthan Royals captain, Sanju Samson, had expressed confidence in Parag before the match, stating that he would be their number four batter. Parag justified Samson's faith with his impressive display, providing a much-needed boost to the Royals' batting lineup.The Royals, who won the toss and elected to bat first, posted a competitive total of 180/6. Jos Buttler and Shimron Hetmyer also made significant contributions with scores of 45 and 37, respectively.The Lucknow Super Giants, in reply, fell short of the target, managing only 165/8. Marcus Stoinis top-scored for the Giants with 46, while Quinton de Kock and Nicholas Pooran chipped in with 35 and 32, respectively.The Royals' victory was a perfect start to their IPL campaign, and Parag's knock was a major highlight. The all-rounder has proven that he has the talent and determination to succeed at the highest level, and he will be looking to continue his impressive form throughout the season.

IPL Match Halted Due to Spidercam Wire SnappingIn an unprecedented incident, the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants was briefly halted for seven minutes on Sunday due to a snapped spidercam wire. The incident occurred during the first over of Rajasthan's innings at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.As skipper Sanju Samson elected to bat after winning the toss, the spidercam wire fell onto the outfield after just two balls were bowled. Engineers swiftly responded, rushing onto the ground to retrieve the fallen wire and remove it from the field of play.The spidercam, a camera system suspended from wires above the field, is used to capture aerial footage of the match. The snapping of the wire raised concerns about safety and the potential for further disruptions.Despite the brief interruption, the match resumed without further incident. Rajasthan Royals, fielding three overseas players in Jos Buttler, Trent Boult, and Shimron Hetmyer, faced off against Lucknow Super Giants, led by returning wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul.The two teams have a history of close encounters in the IPL, with Lucknow Super Giants emerging victorious once and Rajasthan Royals securing wins twice. In their most recent meeting, Lucknow Super Giants triumphed over Rajasthan Royals by a margin of 10 runs.The incident highlights the importance of safety measures in sports events, particularly those involving high-tech equipment. The swift response of the engineers ensured that the match could continue without any major delays or injuries.

Rajasthan Royals' star batter Jos Buttler paid homage to the legendary MS Dhoni by attempting his iconic helicopter shot during a pre-match net session in Jaipur. The playful gesture not only showcased Buttler's versatility but also highlighted the enduring legacy of Dhoni's signature stroke.Buttler's attempt at the helicopter shot added an element of excitement and nostalgia for fans and teammates alike. The England cricketer, known for his aggressive batting style, demonstrated his ability to adapt and emulate different techniques.The gesture also served as a reminder of Dhoni's immense impact on the cricketing world. The former India captain popularized the helicopter shot, a powerful and unorthodox stroke that became synonymous with his explosive batting.Buttler's consistent performances in the IPL have earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the tournament. In IPL 2023, he scored 392 runs in 14 matches, despite facing five ducks. His ability to anchor innings and score quick runs makes him a valuable asset to any team.In IPL 2022, Buttler's exceptional form saw him clinch the prestigious Orange Cap with a staggering 863 runs, including four centuries. His performances propelled Rajasthan Royals to the final, showcasing his ability to lead from the front.Throughout his IPL career, Buttler has accumulated 3223 runs at an impressive average of 37.92 and a blistering strike rate of 148.32. His innings have been characterized by a blend of aggression and finesse, resulting in five centuries and 19 half-centuries.In the IPL 2024 auction, Rajasthan bolstered their squad with strategic acquisitions, bringing in talents such as Rovman Powell, Shubham Dubey, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Abid Mushtaq, and Nandre Burger. These additions aim to further strengthen the team's composition and increase their chances of success in the upcoming season.

KL Rahul's return to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the Indian Premier League (IPL) opener against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on March 24 will be a crucial test of his form and fitness. Rahul missed the last four Tests against England due to a quadriceps injury and was out for four months last year after undergoing thigh surgery.As LSG captain, Rahul will aim to lead the team to a strong start, especially after guiding them to successive playoffs in the first two seasons. He is likely to play purely as a batter, at least initially, but the additional burden of keeping could strengthen his chances of making the T20 World Cup squad.RR's Sanju Samson, Rahul's opposite number on March 24, is also a candidate for the wicket-keepers' role in the India squad for the ICC event. Samson will be keen to find his rhythm right from the start. RR came tantalizingly close to clinching a second title before Gujarat Titans broke their heart in the final in 2022.Both teams face tough decisions in selecting their best XI. RR boasts a solid batting line-up, including in-form Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, and skipper Samson. They also have a finisher in Dhruv Jurel, who made an impressive India debut in the recent five-match Test series against England. Samson may consider strengthening the middle-order by bringing in West Indies' Rovman Powell to join countryman Shimron Hetmyer.LSG, on the other hand, will rely on Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stonis, and Nicholas Pooran to do the bulk of the scoring alongside skipper Rahul. The team will have to contend with spin wizards Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal, who can run through any batting line-up on a given day.Lucknow also has a shrewd customer in leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, who will be eager to put up a good show to put himself in line for a place in the T20 World Cup squad. Veteran leg-break bowler Amit Mishra is also a threat. However, their pace battery looks dim after foreign recruits Mark Wood and David Willey were ruled out and Indian talents Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan are plagued by fitness issues.The inexperience of pacer Yash Thakur and lack of game time for Shivam Mavi mean LSG might hand the responsibility to experienced Naveen ul Haq and West Indies sensation Shamar Joseph. It will be interesting to see how Justin Langer goes about his business in his first IPL assignment as coach of LSG.

Tanush Kotian, the Mumbai all-rounder who played a pivotal role in their record-breaking 42nd Ranji Trophy victory, has been roped in by Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa.Kotian, known for his crisis management skills, was acquired by the Royals at his base price of Rs 20 lakh. Despite retaining Zampa under his Rs 1.5-crore contract, the Australian opted out due to the heavy workload leading up to the T20I World Cup in June.The 25-year-old Kotian, an off-spinner and a handy lower-order batter, had been expecting an IPL contract in 2023 after playing a vital role in Mumbai's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy triumph. However, he was reported for a suspect bowling action.Undeterred, Kotian fought back and became the player-of-the-tournament in Mumbai's Ranji Trophy triumph this season, scoring 502 runs and taking 29 wickets. Batting at No. 8, he scored an unbeaten 120 in the second innings and followed it up with an 89 not out in the quarterfinal and semifinal games against Baroda and Tamil Nadu respectively.In another IPL replacement, Karnataka wicketkeeper-batter BR Sharath has been signed by Gujarat Titans as a replacement for Robin Minz, who was ruled out after getting injured in a freak motorcycle accident.Sharath, who has played 28 T20s, 20 First-Class matches, and 43 List A games for Karnataka, has 328 T20 runs to his name. He will join GT for his base price of Rs 20 lakh.