Cricket

Marcus Stoinis' blistering unbeaten century propelled Lucknow Super Giants to a stunning six-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings in their IPL encounter on Tuesday. The Australian all-rounder's 124-run knock, studded with 13 fours and six sixes, helped LSG chase down a daunting target of 211 at the Chepauk.Stoinis' innings was a stark contrast to the elegant century scored by CSK opener Ruturaj Gaikwad. The Indian batter's 108-run knock, featuring 12 fours and three sixes, laid the foundation for CSK's competitive total. Shivam Dube's 66-run cameo further boosted the Super Kings' innings.Stoinis' power-hitting was on full display as he effortlessly dispatched the CSK bowlers to all parts of the ground. His six off Mustafizur Rahman, a straight drive over the bowler's head, was a testament to his brute force.At the other end, Nicholas Pooran provided valuable support with a 34-ball 51. The West Indian batter's quickfire innings, including two sixes and a four off Shardul Thakur in the 16th over, kept LSG in the hunt.Pooran's dismissal left Stoinis with the responsibility of guiding LSG home. The Australian responded with a flurry of boundaries in the 19th over, reducing the equation to 17 runs off the final over.Stoinis then smashed Mustafizur Rahman for three fours and a six in the last over, sealing the victory with three balls to spare.Earlier, Gaikwad and Dube had provided the impetus to CSK's innings after a slow start. Gaikwad's classic strokeplay, characterized by precise timing and gap placement, was a delight to watch. He reached his fifty off just 28 balls and went on to score his second IPL century.Dube's power-hitting added further momentum to the CSK innings. The left-hander smashed three consecutive sixes off Yash Thakur, helping CSK post a challenging total.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, the young and dynamic captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has etched his name in the franchise's history books by becoming the first skipper to score a century in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His magnificent innings of 108 not out against Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday showcased his exceptional batting prowess and leadership qualities.Gaikwad's century was a testament to his class and determination. He paced his innings beautifully, reaching his second IPL century off just 56 deliveries. His knock was studded with 12 boundaries and three towering sixes, highlighting his ability to score runs all around the wicket.The right-handed opener played a crucial role in guiding CSK to a massive total of 210/4. He shared a crucial 104-run partnership with Shivam Dube, who played a blistering cameo of 66 off 27 balls. Gaikwad's innings was particularly impressive considering the subdued start CSK had in the Power Play.Gaikwad's century not only showcased his exceptional batting skills but also underscored his growing stature within the team. He has emerged as a key player for CSK, leading from the front and inspiring his teammates. His milestone achievement has further elevated his reputation as one of the brightest talents in the IPL circuit.The 25-year-old's innings was a masterclass in timing and placement. He eschewed the big-hitting approach that has become prevalent in modern-day T20 cricket, instead opting to time the ball through the gaps for boundaries. His first fifty came off just 28 balls, highlighting his ability to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking.One of the most spectacular shots Gaikwad played on the night was a slice-cut off pacer Mohsin Khan that beat the point fielder for a boundary. It was a testament to his hand-eye coordination and ability to play unconventional shots.Gaikwad's century has given CSK a much-needed boost in the ongoing IPL season. The defending champions have struggled for consistency in the tournament so far, but Gaikwad's leadership and batting prowess could inspire them to turn their fortunes around.

Tilak Varma, the young Mumbai Indians batter, has etched his name in the annals of IPL history by becoming the second-fastest Indian batsman to reach the 1000-run milestone. Varma achieved the feat in just 33 innings, following in the footsteps of legendary Sachin Tendulkar and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who jointly held the record at 31 innings.Varma's exceptional talent and prowess with the bat were on full display during his innings against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur. Despite Mumbai Indians losing two early wickets, Varma joined Suryakumar Yadav in the middle and played a fine knock of 65 off 45 balls, guiding his team to a respectable total of 179/9.Varma's knock was a testament to his composure and ability to handle pressure situations. He played with maturity beyond his years, hitting five fours and three sixes to keep the scoreboard ticking. His innings helped Mumbai Indians stay in the game and gave them a fighting chance against a strong Rajasthan Royals side.Beyond his individual achievement, Varma's feat also highlights the bright future that lies ahead for him. At just 21 years and 166 days, he is the third youngest Indian to reach the 1000-run mark in the IPL, behind only Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal.Varma's rapid rise in the IPL is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and natural talent. He has shown that he has the potential to become one of the best batsmen in the world, and his achievement is a major milestone in his promising career.

Navjot Singh Sidhu, the former Indian opener, has sparked a debate about the leadership dynamics within the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team. Sidhu believes that despite Ruturaj Gaikwad's official captaincy, it is still the legendary MS Dhoni who is effectively leading the team.Sidhu's observation underscores Dhoni's enduring influence and leadership prowess. Widely regarded as one of the most successful captains in Indian cricket history, Dhoni's presence continues to shape CSK's strategy and decision-making.Sidhu emphasized that Dhoni's leadership extends beyond his official title. "You can say as many times that Dhoni is not captaining, but ultimately he is leading the side," Sidhu said. "When Dhoni leaves, there might be no shadow of him."Sidhu also praised Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson for his maturity and skillful resource management. However, he named Australian skipper Pat Cummins, currently leading Sunrisers Hyderabad, as the best captain.Dhoni's tenure as CSK captain has been marked by remarkable achievements, including five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles. His shrewd tactics and astute leadership have solidified his reputation as a cricketing mastermind.While Ruturaj Gaikwad has assumed the formal captaincy position, he may still be in the process of growing into his leadership role. Dhoni's experience, tactical acumen, and ability to mentor younger players likely play a crucial role in guiding Gaikwad and the rest of the team.Sidhu's remarks highlight the intricate dynamics of leadership within cricket teams. The presence of a seasoned veteran like Dhoni can continue to shape the team's performance and direction, even as newer leaders emerge. Dhoni's leadership legacy at CSK remains a cornerstone of the team's identity, with his influence extending far beyond his official title.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad lauded the exceptional performance of wicketkeeper MS Dhoni, whose three consecutive sixes off Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya proved pivotal in CSK's victory at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday.Gaikwad acknowledged Dhoni's crucial contribution, stating that it made the decisive difference in the match. Dhoni's 20 runs off four balls proved to be the exact margin of victory for CSK.Chasing 207 for victory, five-time winners Mumbai finished on 186/6 despite Rohit Sharma's ton in 61 balls. Dhoni arrived at the crease with the scorecard showing 186/4 in 19.2 overs and quickly transformed the scoreboard to 206/4 in the stipulated 20 overs, with the help of three massive sixes and a double off the last ball of the innings."The young wicketkeeper scoring those three sixes helped us a lot, that proved to be the difference. We needed those 10-15 extra runs for this kind of venue. In the middle phase, Bumrah bowled really well. I feel we were spot on with our execution with the ball despite them scoring some great shots. I would have taken 6 overs 60 at the powerplay," Gaikwad said at the post-match interaction.Gaikwad also praised the bowling performances of Malinga, Tushar, and Shardul, highlighting their ability to execute yorkers and restrict Mumbai's scoring. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and continuing the team's winning ways.Gaikwad and Shivam Dube powered Chennai to 206/4, with Gaikwad hitting 69 and Dube smashing an unbeaten 66. Sri Lanka quick Matheesha Pathirana then took four wickets to push Mumbai to their fourth loss of the season.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has etched his name in the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by becoming only the fourth player from his franchise to amass 2,000 runs. The 27-year-old achieved this milestone in a scintillating knock against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.Gaikwad, known for his elegant strokeplay, played one of his most fluent innings of the season, scoring 69 runs off just 40 deliveries. His knock was adorned with five boundaries and five towering sixes, showcasing his power and timing. His runs came at a blistering strike rate of 172.50.In his 58 IPL matches, Gaikwad has accumulated 2,021 runs at an impressive average of 39.62 and a strike rate of 134.91. He has registered a century and 16 fifties in 57 innings, with his highest score being an unbeaten 101. Among CSK players, he ranks fourth in terms of runs scored, behind Faf Du Plessis, MS Dhoni, and Suresh Raina.Gaikwad's achievement is even more remarkable considering he is the fastest Indian to reach the 2,000-run mark in the IPL, doing so in just 57 innings. Overall, he is the third fastest behind Chris Gayle (48 innings) and Shaun Marsh (52 innings).The 2021 season was Gaikwad's most prolific with CSK, where he amassed 635 runs in 16 matches at an average of 45.35 and a strike rate of 136.26. His tally included a century and four fifties, earning him the 'Orange Cap' for most runs and helping CSK clinch their fifth IPL title.This season, Gaikwad has continued to impress, scoring 224 runs in six matches at an average of 44.80 and a strike rate of 130.09. He has registered two half-centuries, with his best score being 69, making him the seventh-highest run-getter in the ongoing tournament.In the match against MI, CSK won the toss and elected to bat first. After early dismissals of Ajinkya Rahane and Rachin Ravindra, Gaikwad and Shivam Dube forged a crucial 90-run partnership. Gaikwad's innings laid the foundation for CSK's eventual total of 206/4 in 20 overs.Hardik Pandya was the most successful bowler for MI, claiming two wickets for 43 runs. Shreyas Gopal and Gerald Coetzee also picked up a wicket each.

Mumbai Indians Opt to Bowl First Against Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024 ClashIn a highly anticipated match-up, Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and elected to bowl first against Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 encounter at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 14.Pandya cited the dew factor as a potential game-changer, believing it could aid the team batting second. The Mumbai Indians lineup remained unchanged from their previous match.Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad echoed Pandya's sentiments, stating that he would have also opted to bowl first. He expressed confidence in his team's ability to continue their winning momentum after their recent victory.The Super Kings made one change to their squad, bringing in Matheesha Pathirana in place of Mahesh Theekshana.Squads:Chennai Super Kings:* Rachin Ravindra* Ruturaj Gaikwad (c)* Ajinkya Rahane* Daryl Mitchell* Shivam Dube* Ravindra Jadeja* Sameer Rizvi* MS Dhoni (wk)* Shardul Thakur* Tushar Deshpande* Mustafizur RahmanMumbai Indians:* Rohit Sharma* Ishan Kishan (wk)* Tilak Varma* Hardik Pandya (c)* Tim David* Mohammad Nabi* Romario Shepherd* Shreyas Gopal* Gerald Coetzee* Jasprit Bumrah* Akash MadhwalKey Points:* Mumbai Indians won the toss and chose to bowl first.* Dew factor could play a crucial role in the match.* Chennai Super Kings made one change to their squad, bringing in Pathirana.* Both captains expressed confidence in their teams' abilities.* The match is a highly anticipated rivalry in the IPL.

Ahead of the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) clash between arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), CSK head coach Stephen Fleming hinted that pacer Matheesha Pathirana could miss the game due to a minor injury.Pathirana, who has been a key performer for CSK, has missed the team's previous two matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Fleming expressed optimism that Pathirana may be available for the MI game, but emphasized that the team would not rush him back if he is not fully fit."It (Pathirana's niggle) was not as bad as what we had thought, so we are very hopeful that if not tomorrow, then very close," Fleming said at a pre-match press conference. "We know the importance of him in games like this, but we will make sure he is 100 per cent in this form."Fleming also praised CSK's new captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who he believes possesses similar qualities to former skipper MS Dhoni. "There is no difference (between Gaikwad and Dhoni). He is as cool as it gets," Fleming said. "He is cut from the same cloth, so that is rubbed through."Fleming dismissed concerns about Gaikwad's "slow" strike rate, arguing that it needs to be put into context. "He is such an impressive young man around his game and what he needs to do," Fleming said. "He has been, I think, unfairly put into a bracket where he has been called slow. But you have to have context to some of these stats."Fleming acknowledged that batting has evolved significantly in the IPL, but stressed the need for measures to help bowlers. "The two bouncers (rule) is one, and maybe we need to keep looking at other ways to do that," he said.The CSK-MI rivalry is one of the most intense in the IPL, with both teams having won five titles each. Fleming expressed his excitement for the upcoming match. "We love it. We look forward to this fixture," he said. "Over the years it has developed into a really competitive rivalry, and it is based on two good teams playing successful brands of cricket."

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has defended captain Ruturaj Gaikwad against criticism of his batting pace, comparing him to legendary former skipper MS Dhoni. Gaikwad, who took over the captaincy at the start of the season, has faced criticism for his strike rate despite a solid start to his leadership tenure.Fleming highlighted Gaikwad's contributions to the team, emphasizing his ability to anchor innings and build partnerships, qualities reminiscent of Dhoni's leadership. While Gaikwad's strike rate may not be as high as some of his counterparts, Fleming believes his value to the team extends beyond mere statistics."He's as cool as it gets," Fleming said of Gaikwad's leadership style. "He's been unfairly put into a bracket where he's been called slow. But you have to have context to some of these stats."Fleming clarified that the decision to appoint Gaikwad as captain is a strategic and long-term one, rather than a temporary arrangement. "I hope so. That's the plan, and so far it's worked well," he said.Fleming also praised the love and support that fans have for Dhoni, which has benefited CSK. "It's magnificent, to be honest," he said. "The team feels pride when they walk out to an away game and there's a large amount of yellow."Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians' Mohammad Nabi said getting the team combination right was key to their recent victories. "The plans from the bowling and batting groups are going really well which is why we won the last two games," he said.Nabi also discussed the challenges of bowling as an off-spinner at the Wankhede Stadium. "The conditions at Wankhede as a spinner are really tough to bowl as an off-spinner," he said.