Cricket

Glenn Maxwell Declared Fit for RCB's Clash with Sunrisers HyderabadRoyal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have received a major boost ahead of their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, with Director of Cricket Mo Bobat confirming that Glenn Maxwell has recovered from a thumb injury.Maxwell sustained the injury while fielding in RCB's previous match against Mumbai Indians. However, Bobat has allayed concerns, stating that the Australian all-rounder has undergone scans and is cleared to play."Maxi has had a couple of scans, and he's okay at the minute. So, there's no injury concerns. He's going to practice today and get more of a feel," Bobat said in the pre-match press meet.Despite his injury scare, Maxwell has been struggling for form in this season's IPL, scoring just 32 runs from six matches at an average of 5.33. However, Bobat expressed confidence that the 34-year-old will soon rediscover his touch."He's disappointed. He obviously has high standards and has a very, very impressive 12 to 24 months. He's in our plans, and is an important part of our batting lineup. So, up until now, we're trying to support him as best as we can and help him find his best form," he said.Bobat emphasized the importance of Maxwell's return to form for RCB's middle-overs strategy."It's good to see Rajat (Patidar) come back to some form in the last game (against MI). We're really trying to target that middle phase of the game where we feel like we could probably score at a better rate or put more pressure on the opposition. So, we're trying to work with him (Maxwell) to do that," he added.Maxwell's participation in the net session ahead of the SRH match suggests that he is ready to take the field. RCB will be hoping that the Australian can rediscover his form and provide the team with the impetus it needs to challenge for the IPL title.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have endured a dismal start to the ongoing IPL 2024, languishing at the bottom of the points table after losing five of their first six matches. Their latest setback came against five-time champions Mumbai Indians, who comfortably chased down RCB's total of 196/8 in just 15.3 overs.Despite their on-field struggles, RCB players have maintained a positive attitude off the field. This was evident in a recent advertisement video featuring Virat Kohli, Mohammed Siraj, and Faf du Plessis.In the video, Kohli, known for his strict diet and fitness regimen, surprised his teammates by ordering junk food such as pizza, aloo chaat, and barfi. Faf, lying beside Kohli, expressed shock and asked, "Seriously?" Siraj also questioned Kohli's dietary habits.Kohli responded with a nonchalant, "Abbe Kaahe ki diet, khaane de. (What diet? Let me eat)."Kohli's dietary deviation has sparked speculation about his role in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull believes that India should utilize Kohli as an opener alongside Rohit Sharma."I think Virat should open...100 per cent. I don't think he should bat at number three, because if he does, then Rinku Singh will miss out. And in my India starting XI, Rinku has to play. Therefore, Virat's got to open the batting," Doull said on Cricbuzz.In the ongoing IPL, Kohli has been in impressive form, scoring 319 runs in just six matches and emerging as the season's highest run-scorer. His performances have reignited the debate about his ideal batting position in the Indian team.

Virat Kohli's unwavering loyalty to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a testament to his unwavering commitment and deep connection with the franchise. Since the inaugural season in 2008, Kohli has been an integral part of RCB, serving as its captain for several seasons and leading the team through both triumphs and setbacks.Kohli's decision to remain with RCB despite the team's lack of IPL titles is a reflection of his belief in the franchise and its potential. In a recent podcast, Kohli explained his unwavering loyalty, stating that the loyalty he feels towards RCB is far greater than the satisfaction of winning an IPL trophy."At the end of the day, everyone has X number of years they live right and then you die and then life moves on," Kohli said. "And there would have been many great people who want trophies and this that blah blah blah but no one addresses you in the room like 'Oh he's an IPL champion' or 'he's a World Cup champion.'"Kohli's loyalty to RCB is rooted in the opportunities and belief the franchise gave him in his early years. Despite having the opportunity to join other teams, Kohli chose to stay with RCB, recognizing the trust and support they had shown him."What this franchise (RCB) has given me in terms of opportunity in the first three years and believed in me, that is the most special thing," Kohli said. "There were many teams who had the opportunity but they didn't back me, they didn't believe in me."Kohli's commitment to RCB has made him a beloved figure among the team's fans. His exceptional batting displays, leadership qualities, and unwavering loyalty have cemented his status as a central figure in the franchise's history.Despite RCB's struggles to clinch the IPL title, Kohli's individual brilliance has been a constant source of inspiration for the team. His multiple centuries and accolades, including the Orange Cap, highlight his impact on the team.Kohli's loyalty to RCB is a testament to his character and his belief in the power of teamwork. His unwavering commitment to the franchise has made him a role model for aspiring cricketers and a symbol of the enduring spirit of the IPL.

Suryakumar Yadav's Blazing Knock Powers Mumbai Indians to VictoryAfter a disappointing start to his IPL 2024 campaign, Suryakumar Yadav has roared back into form with a blistering half-century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The swashbuckling batsman smashed a 17-ball fifty, his fastest in the IPL, as Mumbai Indians cruised to a seven-wicket victory.Yadav's innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, with four towering sixes and five boundaries. His aggressive approach set the tone for Mumbai's chase, and his quickfire knock proved crucial in securing the win.The 32-year-old's return to form is a major boost for Mumbai Indians, who have struggled for consistency in the early stages of the tournament. Yadav's ability to score runs at a rapid pace and adapt to different match situations makes him a vital cog in the team's batting lineup.Yadav's impressive performance has also caught the attention of fans and experts alike. A video shared by Mumbai Indians on social media shows the batsman practicing in the nets with a camera placed behind him. As Yadav attempts to play a short ball, he cuts the delivery defensively, and the ball strikes the camera, breaking it.The incident highlights Yadav's quick reflexes and ability to handle pressure situations. His aggressive batting style and versatility make him one of the most dangerous batsmen in the IPL, and his return to form is a welcome sight for Mumbai Indians.With two wins from five matches, Mumbai Indians are currently seventh in the points table. They will face Chennai Super Kings in a marquee clash at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, and Yadav's form will be crucial to their chances of success.

Mumbai Indians' star batter Suryakumar Yadav made a triumphant return to form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, showcasing his exceptional skills in a fiery fifty against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).Yadav, who had missed the initial matches of the season due to a sports hernia surgery, proved why he is hailed as the modern Mr. 360 in T20 cricket. He dazzled with a 19-ball 52, studded with four sixes and five fours, helping Mumbai Indians chase down RCB's 197-run target in just 15.3 overs.Speaking after the match, Yadav attributed his audacious array of shots to "muscle memory" and constant practice at the nets. "I just try to play the field. I practice these shots. It is in my muscle memory," he said.Yadav's favorite shot in the match was the slice over point, a testament to his exceptional hand-eye coordination and ability to manipulate the ball into gaps.The 33-year-old also praised his teammate Ishan Kishan, who made a blistering 69 off just 34 balls. "That's what we have told him. Just go out and enjoy. His intent has been great. He is enjoying the fruits," Yadav said.Yadav's return to form has been a major boost for Mumbai Indians, who have now won two consecutive matches at the Wankhede Stadium. "I think the train was always on track, it just took a while to get going. It's fine, we're coming back and have found our rhythm," he said.Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson hailed Yadav's exceptional talent, saying, "When his mind's free, he just lets loose. The sky is the limit for him when he's batting like that. He can hit them and does hit them all around the ground."With Yadav back in the lineup, Mumbai Indians will be looking to continue their winning streak and challenge for the IPL title.

Harbhajan Singh Raises Concerns over Mohammed Siraj's Performance, Calls for RestFormer Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed concerns regarding the performance of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's fast-bowler, Mohammed Siraj, in the ongoing IPL 2024. Harbhajan believes that Siraj may benefit from both mental and physical rest following a string of disappointing performances, particularly highlighted by a difficult outing against the Mumbai Indians.Siraj has managed to secure only four wickets in six matches this season, significantly below his previous standards. His average and economy rate have also suffered, standing at 57.25 and 10.40 respectively. This is a stark contrast to his impressive showing in the IPL 2023, where he secured 10 wickets with an economy rate of 5.9 in the Powerplay overs.Harbhajan believes that Siraj's recent struggles may be due to a combination of mental and physical fatigue. He has played a significant number of matches in recent months, including four Tests against England and various other series for Team India."He should be given rest for a couple of reasons," said Harbhajan. "He should think about what has been happening in the team. He is the same Siraj that we have seen taking wickets with the new ball whether it's in Test cricket, one-day cricket or even this format in T20.""He has been a champion bowler for Team India, and even for RCB, he has done well. But I feel he's not doing what he is required to do, he requires rest, not only mentally but physically as well because he has been playing a lot of cricket."Harbhajan's comments come after RCB's disappointing performance against the Mumbai Indians, where they conceded 72 runs without taking any wickets during the Power-play overs. All RCB bowlers struggled to contain the opposition, with each of them returning with an economy rate above 10.Former Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Brian Lara has also weighed in on RCB's performance, suggesting that their batters need to step up and make 20-30% more runs than usual."They've got to understand that with the bowling attack that they've got, they have to try and hit 20 or 30% more runs because it's just not enough," said Lara. "So they need to break their innings together and say we need to get so much in the Power-play, middle overs and the death, but nobody is getting into batting form, nobody is getting into bowling form as well, and it's a team that is just not in the top 6 or 7 in this tournament."RCB will need to address these concerns if they want to improve their performance in the remaining matches of the IPL 2024.

Despite their disappointing seven-wicket defeat against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans found solace in the remarkable knock by Dinesh Karthik.Karthik's late blitz, an unbeaten 23-ball 53, propelled RCB to a respectable total of 196/8. His explosive innings, featuring four sixes and five fours, provided a glimmer of hope for the struggling franchise.The RCB faithful expressed their gratitude towards Karthik in a video shared by the official RCB X handle. "We are grateful that Dinesh Karthik plays for RCB," exclaimed one fan. Another fan expressed their desire for Karthik to continue playing for the team, saying, "If this is DK's last season, we don't want it to be his last season."A highlight of Karthik's knock was his exceptional strokeplay towards the third man fence. He executed four ramp-like scoop shots for boundaries in the same over by Akash Madhwal.Karthik's impressive performance even caught the attention of Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma, who was heard teasing him on the stump mic. "He's trying to push for World Cup selection, it's on his mind, it's on his mind, World Cup, World Cup," Sharma remarked.Despite Karthik's heroics, RCB's struggles continued as they suffered their fifth defeat in six games. The team currently languishes at the ninth spot in the points table.

Virat Kohli's Frustration Boils Over as Umpire Denies No-Ball Call in IPL 2024Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli was left fuming after on-field umpire Nitin Menon's controversial decision to deny a waist-high no-ball to Dinesh Karthik during the IPL 2024 match against Mumbai Indians on Thursday.In the final over of RCB's innings, Karthik connected with a full-toss delivery from Akash Madhwal around his waist. However, the umpire refused to signal a no-ball, prompting Karthik to immediately request a review. Replays clearly showed that the ball was just above the waist, leaving Kohli and many social media users baffled by the decision.Kohli's frustration was evident as he engaged in an animated conversation with the umpires after the RCB innings ended. The exact nature of the conversation remains unknown, but it is clear that Kohli was unhappy with the no-ball call.The incident occurred during a thrilling match that saw Mumbai Indians chase down RCB's total of 196 for 8 with ease. Ishan Kishan (69) and Rohit Sharma (38) laid the foundation for the chase, while Suryakumar Yadav (52) and Hardik Pandya (21*) finished the game in style.Earlier, Jasprit Bumrah claimed his second five-wicket haul of the IPL, but it was not enough to prevent RCB from posting a competitive total. Faf du Plessis and Rajat Patidar scored gritty half-centuries, while Karthik provided a late flourish with a blistering 23-ball-53.Kohli's frustration over the no-ball call highlights the importance of accurate umpiring decisions in cricket. The use of technology, such as the Decision Review System (DRS), has helped to reduce errors, but it is not foolproof. Umpires still play a crucial role in making the correct calls, and their decisions can have a significant impact on the outcome of matches.

Glenn Maxwell's IPL 2024 campaign has hit a new low as the Australian all-rounder recorded his 17th duck in the tournament during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's seven-wicket defeat to Mumbai Indians on Thursday. This unwanted record ties him with Dinesh Karthik and Rohit Sharma for the most ducks in IPL history.Maxwell's struggles in this year's IPL stand in stark contrast to his impressive performance in the ODI World Cup late last year, where he played a crucial role in Australia's triumph on Indian soil. However, in six innings this season, Maxwell has managed a mere 32 runs, with a string of disappointing scores including four ducks.Maxwell's poor form is part of a wider trend of Australian players struggling at RCB. Cameron Green, who was dropped for the match against Mumbai Indians, has also failed to make an impact since joining the franchise.The Australian contingent's struggles have contributed to RCB's inconsistent start to the season. Despite boasting a star-studded lineup, the team has won only two of their first six matches.Maxwell's record-equaling duck highlights the challenges he has faced in adapting to the IPL's demanding conditions. The Australian has been known for his explosive batting, but he has struggled to find his rhythm in this year's tournament.With RCB facing a crucial stretch of matches, Maxwell will be under pressure to turn his form around. The team will need him to contribute with both bat and ball if they are to challenge for the IPL title.