Cricket

Momentum vs. Performance: Gautam Gambhir's Take on RCB's IPL ExitKolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir has dismissed the notion that momentum played a significant role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's loss to Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2024 Eliminator. Despite RCB's impressive six-game winning streak leading into the playoffs, Gambhir believes that Rajasthan's superior performance on the day was the decisive factor."Momentum is a word that we just use too much," Gambhir told Sportskeeda. "What matters is with what intensity you take the field on the day. The team that plays fearlessly and with courage is the one that ends up with the advantage because neither the ball nor the bat knows the momentum."Gambhir emphasized the importance of mindset and consistency, particularly before crucial knockout games. He believes that players should treat every game with equal importance, maintaining intensity even throughout the league stages."You can't just switch on and off," Gambhir said. "You have to be consistent throughout the tournament. You can't just say, 'Oh, we're in the playoffs now, so we're going to play with more intensity.' You have to play with the same intensity from the first game to the last game."Gambhir also highlighted the competitiveness of the IPL, pointing out that there is very little separating the ten teams in the tournament. He believes that the league's difficulty and parity make it comparable to global tournaments."There isn't much difference between the team that finished No.1 and the team that finished No.10," Gambhir said. "If there's a five-match series between the two teams, I won't be surprised if the No.10 team beats the No.1 team comfortably. That's why the IPL is the toughest league in the world and at the level of any T20 World Cup. We all get the same purse and all teams formed are good."

Virat Kohli's elusive quest for an IPL title continues as Rajasthan Royals extinguished Royal Challengers Bengaluru's playoff hopes in the 2024 edition. Despite a remarkable comeback and a six-match winning streak, RCB's resurgence was cut short by RR's four-wicket victory in the Eliminator.Kohli, who became the first player to amass 8000 IPL runs, witnessed his team's downfall as RR chased down a 173-run target with ease. The Indian star's frustration was evident as he was seen shouting from the boundary line, prompting speculation that he was directing his anger towards his teammates.Rajasthan Royals, after a topsy-turvy chase, broke their five-match losing streak and set up a Qualifier 2 clash with Sunrisers Hyderabad. Avesh Khan and Ravichandran Ashwin's disciplined bowling restricted RCB to 172/8, while Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, and Rovman Powell guided RR to victory.Jaiswal's 45, Parag's 36, and Hetmyer's 26 laid the foundation for RR's chase. Despite some setbacks, Powell's unbeaten 16 ensured RR's triumph. RCB's hopes were dashed as they failed to capitalize on their recent resurgence.The result sets up an intriguing Qualifier 2 clash between RR and SRH, with the winner facing Kolkata Knight Riders in the final. Kohli's wait for an IPL title extends, while RR remains in contention for their second championship.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) hopes of reaching the IPL 2024 final hinge heavily on the performance of their star opener, Travis Head, according to former India cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra. SRH will face Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 in Chennai on Friday, and Head's recent struggles have raised concerns.Head has been a standout performer for SRH this season, amassing 533 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 199.62 in 13 innings. However, he has fallen for ducks in his last two outings against left-arm seamers. With Trent Boult and potentially Nandre Burger in Rajasthan's lineup, Head faces a stern test.Chopra emphasized the critical role of SRH's opening pair, Head and Abhishek Sharma, in their success. "Their strength is their two openers. If these two openers start firing, no one is able to stop them. They turn the match in their favor in the first eight to 10 overs. Travis Head has gone down a little, gotten out two successive times, but you expect him to play well," Chopra stated.Chopra noted that while Head's overall numbers are impressive, his recent vulnerability against left-arm seamers could be exploited by Rajasthan. "Trent Boult hasn't troubled him that much, although he could have got out last time. Riyan Parag dropped a catch. So they might try to trap Travis Head in the same way once again. However, he scored a fifty against this team last time. This team cannot progress without Travis Head scoring runs," Chopra added.Abhishek Sharma, SRH's second-highest run-scorer this season with 470 runs at a strike rate of 207.04, also received praise from Chopra. "My second player is Abhishek Sharma because he is batting very well. If Travis Head is scoring runs in the first innings, Abhishek Sharma is scoring runs in the second innings. If he keeps batting like this, you never know, he might play for India soon. Times are changing, the Indian selectors have already started focusing on the next generation," he elaborated.Chopra emphasized the importance of SRH maintaining their momentum, pointing out other key players who could make a difference. "The thing that goes in favor of this team is that, because of the type of cricket they have played, if they get on a roll, it's very difficult to bring them down. Rahul Tripathi is batting well now. Nitish Reddy plays very well against spin, scored 70-odd runs against this team last time, and hit massive sixes," he said.However, Chopra also highlighted SRH's potential weaknesses in the middle order. "After that, they have Heinrich Klaasen. So Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, the two openers, then Heinrich Klaasen and two Indians in the middle. This is both a strength and a weakness because only Abdul Samad and Shahbaz Ahmed are left after that. So they are seen slightly stumbling there," he observed.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the star spinner, has emerged as a crucial player for the Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing IPL season. After battling an abdomen injury, Ashwin has regained his form and is now a key figure in the team's quest for an IPL title.Ashwin's journey in the IPL has been a tale of two halves. In the first half of the tournament, he struggled with an abdomen injury that hindered his performance. However, as the tournament progressed, the injury healed, and Ashwin began to find his rhythm.The Chepauk pitch, where the Royals will face the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the qualifier, is expected to favor spinners. Ashwin's experience and understanding of the conditions will be invaluable to the Royals.In the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Ashwin showcased his versatility by employing a variety of variations, including the slower off-break, the faster off-break, and the drifter. His ability to control the flow of runs and pick up crucial wickets has made him a formidable force in the Royals' bowling attack.Ashwin's resurgence has coincided with the emergence of Yuzvendra Chahal, India's No. 1 T20 leggie. The duo has formed a formidable spin partnership, providing the Royals with a potent weapon in the middle overs.With the Chepauk pitch offering assistance to spinners, Ashwin and Chahal will be looking to make a significant impact in the qualifier. If they can replicate their recent performances, they could lead the Royals to a memorable victory and a place in the final.

Qualifier 2: Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad - A Clash of Batting and Bowling ProwessThe stage is set for a thrilling Qualifier 2 encounter between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The match, scheduled for 19:30 IST (14:00 GMT), promises an intriguing battle between SRH's explosive batting lineup and RR's formidable bowling unit.SRH's Batting Juggernaut vs RR's Bowling ArsenalSRH has shattered IPL batting records this season, boasting the highest team total of 263/5. Their destructive opening pair, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, has been instrumental in their success, scoring over 100 runs in the powerplay twice. Heinrich Klaasen, the in-form T20 batter, adds further firepower to their lineup.RR, on the other hand, possesses one of the most potent bowling attacks in the tournament. Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, and Sandeep Sharma provide early breakthroughs, while R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal form a formidable spin duo. The battle between SRH's batters and RR's bowlers will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match.Form and Previous MeetingBoth teams have struggled in their recent outings in Chennai. SRH lost heavily to Chennai Super Kings, while RR fell short against the same opposition. However, their previous encounter was a nail-biting affair, with RR narrowly losing by 2 runs.Team News and Impact Player StrategyRR may consider including Keshav Maharaj as a third spinner on the slow Chepauk pitch. However, they may need to adjust their overseas combination if they bowl first. SRH could bring in Aiden Markram or Glenn Phillips to strengthen their batting, with Mayank Markande replacing Sanvir Singh as their legspinner.Players in the SpotlightR Ashwin has regained his form in recent games, picking up seven wickets in his last four outings. He will be eager to continue his impressive run on his home ground. Travis Head, SRH's MVP, has been dismissed twice by left-arm seamers in his last two matches. RR's Trent Boult will be looking to exploit this weakness.Stats that Matter* Ashwin has never dismissed Head but has kept him quiet, conceding only 10 runs in 17 balls.* Klaasen has dominated his match-up against Chahal, scoring 108 runs off 46 balls.* Jaiswal has an impressive record against Bhuvneshwar and Cummins, having never been dismissed by either bowler.Pitch and ConditionsThe Chennai pitch is expected to be hot and humid, with dew likely in the second innings. Teams may prefer to bowl first on winning the toss, as chasing teams have won five of the seven games played here this season.

Trent Boult, the star pacer for Rajasthan Royals, has emerged as a pivotal figure in the team's quest for the IPL 2024 title. Beyond his exceptional on-field performances, Boult has also embraced Indian culture, immersing himself in the vibrant festival of Holi."My first time celebrating Holi was an amazing experience," Boult remarked. "It's always fun to experience the culture in India."Boult's surname, with its cricketing connection, has also garnered attention. "My parents chose my name, and I chose my career," he said. "I'm fortunate to have a name like Boult when it comes to bowling. It's always a funny pun when 'Lightning Boult' comes out."On the field, Boult has been instrumental in Rajasthan's success. In a crucial play-off match against Bengaluru, he restricted the opposition to 172-8, paving the way for Rajasthan's victory.Bengaluru's title drought continues, while Rajasthan advances to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final play-off. The winner of that match will face Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL final on May 26.Rajasthan, under the guidance of Shane Warne, won the inaugural IPL edition in 2008. After a challenging start to the 2024 season, the team has rebounded with a series of impressive performances.Bengaluru's remarkable run came to an end after they surged from the bottom of the table to win six consecutive matches and secure a play-off berth.

Avesh Khan's mantra of "eat, sleep, bowl, and repeat" has propelled him to success in this year's IPL. With 16 wickets in 15 matches, an economy rate of 9.81, and exceptional control at the death, Khan has emerged as a formidable bowler.Khan attributes his success to simplifying his approach to cricket. "I have to sleep well, eat well, and bowl well. There's nothing else to it," he said. By focusing on the basics and minimizing distractions, Khan has found a winning formula.After a demanding domestic season and IPL last year, Khan realized the importance of analyzing his strengths and weaknesses. He worked with his coach, Anand Rajan, to refine his bowling action and establish effective training and recovery routines.Khan's move from Lucknow Super Giants to Rajasthan Royals has also benefited him. The larger ground and supportive team environment have provided him with the margins he needs as a bowler.While acknowledging the value of mental toughness, Khan believes that nothing beats the experience of facing challenges repeatedly. "You can do whatever you can to build mental toughness, but until you're in a position to have faced the challenges repeatedly, you cannot overcome them," he said.In the Eliminator against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Khan witnessed the tense atmosphere in the Rajasthan Royals dugout. However, he recalled head coach Kumar Sangakkara's message before the game: "Either we win or go back home. We had to give it our all."Khan's performance in key games for Rajasthan Royals has earned him a spot among India's reserve players for the upcoming T20 World Cup. His simplified approach, technical improvements, and unwavering determination have made him a valuable asset to both his team and the national squad.

Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) remarkable Indian Premier League (IPL) journey came to an end on Wednesday with a four-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Eliminator. Despite a disappointing start, RCB's resurgence in the second half of the season had raised hopes of a title triumph.After winning just one of their first eight games, RCB faced the prospect of elimination. However, they rallied with six consecutive victories, including a crucial win over defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK). This remarkable turnaround secured them the final playoff spot based on net run rate.Reflecting on the season, Virat Kohli acknowledged the team's struggles in the first half. "We were not able to live up to our standards as cricketers," he said. "But we started expressing ourselves, played for our own self-respect. Our confidence came back."Skipper Faf Du Plessis praised the team's resilience. "The last six games were special for the way we turned things around," he said. "We fell short by around 15 runs, but we are extremely grateful for the fans' support."Wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, who may have played his last IPL season, expressed pride in the team's achievements. "We felt this could be the year we lift the trophy," he said. "But it was not to be. We should be proud of the fight we put up."Despite the disappointment of the Eliminator loss, RCB players and fans alike celebrated the team's remarkable turnaround. The team's ability to overcome adversity and qualify for the playoffs was a testament to their character and determination.

Rajasthan Royals Skipper Sanju Samson Emphasizes Resilience and Character in Dramatic IPL Eliminator VictoryIn a thrilling IPL 2024 Eliminator at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson led his team to a dramatic four-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Reflecting on the win, Samson highlighted the importance of resilience and character in overcoming adversity."Cricket and life have taught us that we will have good and bad phases," Samson said. "But we need to have the character to bounce back."The Royals' victory was a testament to their collective effort, with strong performances in fielding, batting, and bowling. Samson praised his team's ability to adapt to the opposition's tactics."Credit to the bowlers; they are always thinking about what the opposition batters might do and how to set the fields accordingly," he remarked.Samson also singled out young talents Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal for their crucial contributions. Despite their limited experience, both players displayed remarkable skill and composure under pressure."They are 22 each, as is Jurel," Samson noted. "With very little experience, the way they are performing at this level is amazing."Samson acknowledged that he is not at full health due to a bug circulating in the dressing room. However, he expressed confidence in his team's ability to overcome these challenges."Rovman finished that off well," Samson said, referring to Rovman Powell's match-winning knock. "I think we have a travel day and rest now, looking forward to the next game."The victory keeps Rajasthan Royals' hopes alive in the IPL 2024 playoffs. Samson's leadership and the team's collective effort have been instrumental in their success thus far.