Cricket

Riyan Parag, the young batting sensation from the Rajasthan Royals (RR), has etched his name in the record books of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by becoming the third-highest run-scorer among uncapped players in a single season. With his crucial 36-run knock in the Eliminator against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Parag has amassed a total of 567 runs in the ongoing IPL 2023.Parag's impressive performance has been marked by a strike rate of 151.60 and an average of 56.70. He has notched up four half-centuries, with his highest score being an unbeaten 84. His consistent run-scoring has propelled him to the third spot on the list of uncapped players with the most runs in an IPL season.The record for the most runs by an uncapped batsman in an IPL season is held by Yashasvi Jaiswal, also from RR. In the 2023 season, Jaiswal amassed a staggering 625 runs in 14 games, setting a new benchmark for uncapped players. His tally included a century and five fifties, with a career-best score of 124.Australian batsman Shaun Marsh, who was uncapped in 2008, ranks second on the list with 616 runs scored in 11 matches. Marsh's impressive performance included five half-centuries and a century, with his highest score being 115.Parag's remarkable run-scoring has not only established him as a rising star in the IPL but has also placed him among the top run-getters for RR in a single season. In 2022, Jos Buttler set a record for the most runs scored by a right-handed RR batsman in a single season with 863 runs. Jaiswal's 625 runs in the 2023 season currently hold the second position.Parag also holds the record for the most runs scored by a batter batting fourth or lower in an IPL season. The previous record was held by Rishabh Pant of the Delhi Capitals (DC), who amassed 579 runs while batting in the middle order during the 2018 season.The Rajasthan Royals will now face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 2 on Friday in Chennai. The winner of this match will advance to the final on Sunday, where they will face the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Glenn Maxwell's Golden Duck Disappoints Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL EliminatorRoyal Challengers Bengaluru's hopes of advancing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 were dashed after a disappointing performance by star player Glenn Maxwell in their Eliminator clash against Rajasthan Royals. Maxwell, known for his explosive batting, was dismissed for a golden duck, matching Dinesh Karthik's dubious record of 18 ducks in the IPL.The critical moment came in the 11th over, when veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin removed Maxwell with a deceptive delivery. After dismissing Cameron Green for 27 off 21 balls, Ashwin outsmarted Maxwell, leaving RCB reeling.Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan and ex-England skipper Kevin Pietersen were critical of Maxwell's shot selection. Pathan questioned Maxwell's decision-making, while Pietersen remarked that Maxwell's performance was "not good enough" in such a crucial game.Maxwell's failure was particularly disappointing given his reputation as a match-winner. His dismissal left RCB vulnerable, and they were unable to recover, eventually losing the match and their chance to advance in the tournament.With this dismissal, Maxwell joined Dinesh Karthik at the top of the unwanted leaderboard for the most ducks in IPL history, each having 18 to their name. They are followed by Indian skipper Rohit Sharma with 17 ducks, and Piyush Chawla, Mandeep Singh, and Sunil Narine, each with 15 ducks.Maxwell's golden duck will be remembered as a turning point in RCB's season. His failure to deliver when it mattered most contributed to their elimination from the tournament.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian off-spinner, has revealed that he battled an abdominal injury during the first half of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, which hindered his bowling performance.In his initial nine matches, Ashwin managed only two wickets at an economy rate of 9.00. However, in the subsequent four games, he has claimed seven wickets at a much-improved economy of 6.81. This includes his impressive 2 for 17 in four overs against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Eliminator, which helped Rajasthan Royals (RR) secure a thrilling victory."To be honest, in the first half of the season, my body wasn't moving at all," Ashwin admitted after being named Player of the Match. "I felt like I couldn't complete my action properly on many occasions. I had a bit of an abdominal injury as well, so I couldn't really get through it."Despite the injury, Ashwin remained committed to his team and pushed through the pain. "I put my body on the line in many of the games," he said. "For me, it was more about finding the rhythm and hitting the right lengths. Coming from Test-match mode, your body needs to adjust... I mean, I'm aging, so it's not that easy anymore."As the tournament progressed, Ashwin gradually found his rhythm through consistent practice. "The amount of repetitions I need for the T20 game is a lot," he explained. "I actually bowl a lot off the game time as well. I needed that amount of bowling time to get into the groove."RR's victory over RCB ended their five-match winless streak. After a strong start with eight wins in nine games, the team's form dipped, coinciding with injuries to Shimron Hetmyer and the departure of Jos Buttler for national duty."We haven't done incredibly well over the last few games," Ashwin acknowledged. "Our batting has struggled to put up par-plus scores. We lost Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer was injured - some crucial blows at the top of the order and in the middle. It's not easy for any team to come out of that. I thought we were a bit rusty chasing 173, but that confidence will come right back into the dressing room now."RR will now face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 in Chennai. Ashwin expressed confidence in his team's ability to bounce back. "The greatest strength of our team is the exuberance of youth and the balance of the senior players," he said. "Now that Hettie is back and Rovman [Powell] also got a few boundaries away, which is very critical for us, we would be going confident into that game. We've got a decent spin attack, we've got Keshav [Maharaj] sitting outside. If you can get off to a good start against SRH, you never really know."RR captain Sanju Samson, who is not in the best of health, praised his team's character for overcoming adversity. "We will have some great phases and we'll have some really bad phases," he said. "But we need to have the character to think that we can bounce back at the crucial moment. Looking at the last four-five games, we have not had any momentum. We had been completely losing all the games and coming here at the knockouts, we were definitely asking ourselves some questions, but the character the team showed, the way we fielded, the way we batted, the way we bowled, I am really happy."

Virat Kohli's valiant efforts, culminating in a tournament-leading 741 runs in 15 matches, proved insufficient as Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) quest for an elusive Indian Premier League (IPL) title remains unfulfilled.After RCB's heartbreaking four-wicket defeat to Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator, Kohli's symbolic dislodging of the bails reflected his profound disappointment at the team's failure to advance further.Kohli's remarkable 741 runs, amassed at an impressive average of 61.75, showcased his unwavering reliability and insatiable hunger for runs. He illuminated the tournament with 62 boundaries and 38 towering sixes, captivating fans and inspiring his team.Earlier in the match, Kohli etched his name in IPL history by becoming the first player to surpass 8000 runs. This monumental achievement underscores his unparalleled consistency, skill, and dominance in the tournament since its inception.The former RCB captain reached this milestone in his 252nd IPL match, boasting an impressive tally of 8 centuries and 55 fifties.RCB's remarkable turnaround, rising from the bottom of the table after eight matches to win six in a row and secure a play-off berth, ultimately proved insufficient.In the do-or-die playoff at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Rajasthan restricted RCB to 172-8, successfully chasing the target with six balls to spare.Rajasthan will now face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 on Friday in Chennai, with the winner advancing to face Kolkata Knight Riders in the final on May 26.

Rajasthan Royals emerged victorious in a thrilling Eliminator match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, securing a spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) Qualifier 2. After restricting RCB to 172/8, RR's batters faced a mid-innings slump, allowing RCB to regain momentum. However, the 2008 champions rallied to secure a four-wicket win with an over to spare.Chasing 173, RR's innings was anchored by Riyan Parag (36 off 26), who showcased resilience in a challenging situation. Shimron Hetmyer (26 off 14) also played a crucial role, while Rovman Powell (16 not out) provided the finishing touches in a tense finish.Earlier, Yashasvi Jaiswal (45 off 30) provided RR with a solid start, hitting four fours in the third over. However, Lockie Ferguson dismissed Tom Kohler-Cadmore (20) to give RCB their first breakthrough. Jaiswal's innings was cut short due to the extreme heat, and Karn Sharma dealt a further blow by stumping Sanju Samson (17).RCB continued to make inroads, with Dhruv Jurel (8) being run out after a brilliant effort from Virat Kohli and Cameron Green. RR's pressure intensified in the 15th over, but Hetmyer and Parag responded with a six each and a four to collect 17 runs.Rajasthan Royals' bowling effort was equally impressive. Trent Boult (4-0-16-1) produced an economical opening spell, while Ravichandran Ashwin (4-0-19-2) claimed the wickets of Green and Glenn Maxwell on consecutive deliveries. Avesh Khan (3/44) also contributed with three wickets.RR's fielders provided excellent support, particularly Rovman Powell, who took two stunning catches to halt RCB's progress.

Virat Kohli's IPL 2024 journey was a tale of individual brilliance and collective heartbreak. The charismatic leader and prolific batsman emerged as the Orange Cap holder, amassing an impressive 741 runs throughout the season. His remarkable consistency was reflected in an average of 61.75, showcasing his reliability and hunger for runs.Kohli's strike rate of 154.69 underscored his aggressive intent and ability to accelerate the scoring, keeping bowlers on their toes. His stellar season included five half-centuries and one magnificent century, proving his dominance at the crease. He lit up the tournament with 62 boundaries and 38 towering sixes, enthralling fans and driving his team forward.Throughout the season, Kohli, who became the first player to score 8000 runs in IPL, demonstrated his class and commitment, often being the backbone of his team's batting lineup. His century was a masterclass in pacing an innings, combining textbook shots with innovative stroke play. The half-centuries were crucial in building or consolidating the innings, often coming under pressure situations.Despite his extraordinary individual success, the season ended in heartbreak for Kohli and his team. The culmination of a long and grueling season saw them fall short of the ultimate prize. The disappointment was palpable, especially given Kohli's immense contributions. His eyes told the story of a warrior who had given his all, yet the elusive IPL trophy remained just out of reach.Kohli's 2024 IPL campaign will be remembered for his sheer brilliance with the bat. His performances were a testament to his skill, fitness, and mental toughness. The numbers he accumulated stand as a monument to one of the greatest batsmen in the game's history. Yet, the heartbreak of not securing the championship will undoubtedly spur him on for future campaigns.As fans reflect on the season, they will cherish Kohli's batting masterclasses while sharing in the disappointment of a title that narrowly escaped their grasp.

Yuzvendra Chahal, the enigmatic leg-spinner, has etched his name into the annals of Rajasthan Royals history by becoming the franchise's all-time leading wicket-taker in the Indian Premier League (IPL). During the IPL 2024 Eliminator against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Ahmedabad, Chahal claimed the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli, reaching the milestone of 66 wickets for the Royals.Chahal's remarkable achievement is a testament to his exceptional skill and consistency. He has consistently been among the most effective bowlers in the IPL, showcasing his ability to deceive batsmen with his variations and accuracy. His strike rate of 15.6 is a testament to his ability to strike regularly and make breakthroughs.The Rajasthan Royals have been fortunate to have a plethora of talented bowlers over the years, but Chahal's record stands out. He has surpassed the likes of Siddharth Trivedi (65 wickets), Shane Watson (61 wickets), Shane Warne (57 wickets), and James Faulkner (47 wickets) to become the franchise's most prolific wicket-taker.Chahal's success is not limited to the Rajasthan Royals. He is also the leading wicket-taker in the IPL overall, with an impressive tally of 205 wickets in 159 matches. His ability to adapt to different conditions and outsmart batsmen has made him one of the most sought-after bowlers in the league.The Rajasthan Royals will be hoping that Chahal can continue his impressive form in the upcoming seasons. His experience and skill will be crucial as the team aims to challenge for the IPL title.

Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore Clash in IPL EliminatorIn a highly anticipated encounter, Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore will face off in the eliminator of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on May 22 in Ahmedabad. The winner of this crucial match will advance to Qualifier 2, where they will face Sunrisers Hyderabad.Rajasthan Royals, led by Sanju Samson, have been in impressive form throughout the tournament. They finished second in the league stage with 18 points, winning 10 of their 14 matches. Their batting lineup boasts the likes of Jos Buttler, Devdutt Padikkal, and Shimron Hetmyer, who will be bolstering the team as an 'impact' substitute player.Royal Challengers Bangalore, captained by Virat Kohli, have also had a strong season. They finished third in the league stage with 16 points, winning 8 of their 14 matches. Their batting lineup is equally formidable, featuring Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, and Glenn Maxwell.The match is expected to be a close contest, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. Rajasthan Royals have a slight edge in the bowling department, with Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Ravichandran Ashwin leading the attack. Royal Challengers Bangalore, on the other hand, have a more experienced batting lineup and will be looking to capitalize on any mistakes made by the Royals' bowlers.The winner of the eliminator will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 on May 25. The winner of that match will advance to the IPL final, which will be played on May 29.

Virat Kohli's resurgence has been the driving force behind Royal Challengers Bangalore's remarkable turnaround in IPL 2024. After a dismal start, RCB has won six consecutive matches to qualify for the playoffs, where they will face Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator on Wednesday.Kohli has silenced critics who questioned his T20 strike rate by amassing the most runs in the tournament. With 708 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 155.60, including one century and five half-centuries, he has led RCB's resurgence.In a video shared by Star Sports, Kohli revealed his approach to finding solutions while batting. "I keep things simple. I don't rely on stats or analysis. I trust my instincts and react to the ball. Finding solutions is an in-the-moment process," he said.Kohli's ability to adapt and find solutions has been crucial for RCB's success. After losing seven of their first eight matches, they have turned their season around with a six-match winning streak.If RCB defeats Rajasthan on Wednesday, they will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 for a chance to reach the final against Kolkata Knight Riders. Kolkata secured a place in the title clash by defeating Sunrisers in Qualifier 1.Kohli's leadership and RCB's newfound momentum make them a formidable opponent in the playoffs. With the former India captain in top form, RCB will be confident of making a deep run in the tournament.