Cricket

Yuzvendra Chahal's Exceptional Spin Bowling Propels Rajasthan Royals to PlayoffsFormer Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has hailed Yuzvendra Chahal's exceptional spin bowling prowess, which has played a pivotal role in Rajasthan Royals' qualification for the Indian Premier League playoffs.Chahal's unique approach sets him apart from his peers, according to Harbhajan. "He's the only bowler who's bowling like a spinner. I should say, a spinner who is bowling like a spinner," Harbhajan remarked.Chahal's ability to impart flight, variation, and tactical acumen is unmatched. "Spinning the ball, he's got that flight, he's got that variation, and he's using it very wisely," Harbhajan noted. "When I look at him bowling and look at other spinners, there's a vast difference."Harbhajan emphasized the importance of a wicket-taking mindset in Chahal's success. "You have to think that I'm going to get you out. That's what Yuzvendra Chahal is doing," he affirmed.While acknowledging the achievements of established spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav, Harbhajan drew attention to the contrast with spinners who appear content with containment rather than actively seeking wickets.Chahal's exceptional spin bowling skills have been instrumental in Rajasthan Royals' success this season. The team has already secured its playoff spot and will play its last two league games in Guwahati.

Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup squad selection reflects their anticipation of slow, batter-unfriendly conditions in the USA and Caribbean. Chief selector Upul Tharanga explained that the team has prioritized spin-bowling options, with Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana leading the line.Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, and Dunith Wellalage offer all-round capabilities, while Vijayakanth Viyaskanth is among the traveling reserves. Dhananjaya and Wellalage have been included despite limited T20I experience, showcasing the team's focus on versatility.Tharanga emphasized that the team's all-rounders provide flexibility, allowing them to field three spinners if necessary. Dhananjaya's bowling skills and Wellalage's batting potential were cited as key factors in their selection.Concerns over power-hitting have been raised, but the selectors expressed confidence in the team's ability to generate enough runs. They highlighted the presence of Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Dasun Shanaka as capable power hitters.Janith Liyanage, despite not being initially shortlisted, has been named as a traveling reserve due to his impressive ODI performances. Matheesha Pathirana's availability remains uncertain due to a hamstring injury, but the team is hopeful he will be fit for the tournament's start.Sri Lanka's seam attack includes Nuwan Thushara, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, and Asitha Fernando as a traveling reserve. Tharanga believes they have the necessary options to trouble batters in all phases of play, particularly in the powerplay.

Piyush Chawla, the veteran Mumbai Indians (MI) spinner, has expressed his desire to continue playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after his impressive performances in the ongoing edition. Despite going unsold in the IPL 2022 auction, Chawla was picked up by MI ahead of IPL 2023 and has made a significant impact.With 10 wickets in as many games this season, Chawla has been one of the few bright spots for MI, who have already been eliminated from the playoffs race. However, it is unlikely that the franchise will retain him for the IPL 2025 mega auction.When asked about his future in the IPL, Chawla responded with a cheeky remark, leaving journalists in splits. "You tell me, if I should be playing with the way I'm bowling? If you have given your permission, of course I will see you somewhere next time," he said during the post-match press conference.Chawla has played 191 IPL matches for four different franchises, including Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and MI. The 35-year-old surpassed Dwayne Bravo earlier this season to become the second all-time leading wicket-taker in the tournament, with 189 wickets. He was part of the KKR team that won the IPL in 2014.In MI's recent match against KKR at the Eden Gardens, Chawla picked up two wickets, but the team ultimately lost in a rain-hit game. Reflecting on the defeat, Chawla acknowledged that MI failed to gain momentum and praised KKR spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine for turning the tide."T20 is about momentum, and we didn't get that momentum right from the beginning. Some days we bowled well, but our batting didn't click, and sometimes our batters did well, but the bowlers ended up leaking runs," he said."As a unit, we have failed in a few games, and we have to accept that as a team. We have a brilliant lineup, but things didn't fall into place. Today also, we started off brilliantly, but that spell of (Sunil) Narine and Varun (Chakravarthy) actually made the difference. You have to give credit to their bowlers," Chawla added.Despite MI's disappointing season, Chawla's performances have been a positive sign for the veteran spinner. He remains hopeful of extending his IPL career and will be looking to make a strong impact in the remaining matches of the season.

Kuldeep Yadav's resurgence in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has propelled him to the forefront of India's spin bowling options for the upcoming T20 World Cup. After a dismal 2019 season, where he struggled for wickets and economy, Kuldeep has transformed into a formidable force, showcasing his improved pace and accuracy.In the ongoing IPL, Kuldeep has been a revelation for the Delhi Capitals, claiming 14 wickets in just nine matches at an impressive average of 20.50 and an economy rate of 8.20. His ability to break the bail with his deliveries highlights his increased pace, which has made him a more challenging proposition for batters.Kuldeep's resurgence has come at a crucial time for India, who are seeking a replacement for the injured Ravindra Jadeja in their T20 World Cup squad. With his current form, Kuldeep is the frontrunner to join Axar Patel as India's primary spin duo in the tournament.In contrast, Yuzvendra Chahal, who initially impressed for the Rajasthan Royals, has endured a dip in form in recent matches. His struggles have raised concerns about his ability to handle the pressure of the World Cup, especially on flat pitches where batters can dominate.Kuldeep's resurgence and Chahal's struggles have created a clear hierarchy in India's spin bowling department. Kuldeep is now the undisputed number one spinner, while Chahal's place in the World Cup squad is in jeopardy. However, Chahal has the experience and talent to bounce back and prove his worth in the business end of the tournament.

India's T20 World Cup Bowling Strategy Relies Heavily on SpinIn preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, India has devised a bowling plan centered around a heavy reliance on spin. The team's decision is based on the slow and sluggish wicket conditions expected in the region, as well as the early start times for India's matches.Captain Rohit Sharma justified the inclusion of four spinners and just three pacers in the 15-member squad. He explained that the morning start times, typically around 10 am local time, present technical challenges that favor spin bowling."With a morning start at 10-10.30am, there's a little bit of technical aspect involved in this," Rohit said. "The reason for picking four spinners is something I won't reveal now."The four spinners in the squad are Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yuzvendra Chahal. Jadeja and Patel are left-arm spinning all-rounders, while Yadav and Chahal are wrist spinners.Rohit also highlighted the need for a middle-order power hitter to accelerate the scoring against spinners. He identified Mumbai all-rounder Shivam Dube as the player to fill this role."The one thing we really looked at was middle-overs hitting," Rohit said. "We picked Shivam Dube based on the IPL and a few games before the IPL as well."Dube has been in impressive form for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, smashing 350 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 171.56. He is expected to contribute with the ball as well, despite bowling only one over in this IPL.Rohit revealed that he had a clear idea of the World Cup squad before the IPL. "You make the playing XI in your mind and work around it," he said. "The talk of what our final 15 started much before the IPL."

Punjab Kings' Harpreet Brar, a left-arm spinner, has revealed his bowling strategy against the formidable batters in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. After Chennai Super Kings (CSK) openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ajinkya Rahane weathered the storm in the powerplay, Brar's introduction in the ninth over proved pivotal.With his first delivery, Brar dismissed Rahane, and with his next, he trapped the in-form Shivam Dube in front of the stumps. This double-wicket breakthrough shifted the momentum in Punjab's favor, and Rahul Chahar's support from the other end made it difficult for CSK batters to score freely.Brar's game-changing spell earned him the Man of the Match award, as it opened the floodgates for Punjab's eventual triumph. "It was a good wicket to bowl on, and even Rahul bowled really well," Brar said after the match. "I have been playing for 6 years, so my confidence has been pretty high. Now bowling to these legends of the game feels normal, I just bowl to my strengths."Brar emphasized the importance of dot balls in his bowling strategy. "To be honest, I don't think wickets, my aim is only to bowl lots of dot balls and dot balls create the wickets," he explained. "When there is spin in the wicket, the bowlers' confidence goes up and it is a bit helpful."The combined efforts of Brar and Chahar resulted in an impressive spell of 4/33 in 8 overs. Brar has now claimed six wickets in 10 matches at an economical rate of 7.21.Brar's contributions played a crucial role in Punjab's fifth win at Chepauk against CSK in the IPL. They now stand level with Mumbai Indians for the most number of wins against CSK at Chepauk in the tournament's history.In the match, CSK's decision to bat first proved costly as the dew factor became a hindrance for their bowlers in the second half. Gaikwad's 62 off 48 deliveries and MS Dhoni's late-innings cameo powered CSK to 162/7.Punjab's chase was effortless, with Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw forming a 64-run partnership to seize control of the match. Sam Curran and Shashank Singh completed the chase with a 7-wicket victory for Punjab.

Sunrisers' Mady Villiers' spin wizardry proved too much for The Blaze as they cruised to a seven-wicket victory in a rain-shortened encounter at Chelmsford.The former England white-ball international spun her magic, claiming 3 for 18 from nine overs, as The Blaze, missing several key players, were dismissed for a paltry 87 in a game reduced to 42 overs per side.England U19 Jodi Grewcock complemented Villiers' efforts with 1 for 7 from eight overs, leaving The Blaze reeling at 52 for 6 after losing four wickets for four runs. Australian seamer Nicola Hancock then polished off the tail with 3 for 20.Sunrisers faced some early setbacks in their chase, but skipper Grace Scrivens' unbeaten 46 guided them to victory in the 21st over. Villiers fittingly sealed the win with the winning runs.The match was delayed due to overnight and morning rain, and the overcast conditions and grassy pitch favored the bowlers. Scrivens' decision to field first proved astute as The Blaze struggled to cope with the spin duo of Villiers and Grewcock.Marie Kelly, who was dropped early on, was dismissed by Hancock, while Teresa Graves fell to Kate Coppack. Daisy Mullan and Nadine de Klerk briefly threatened a fightback, but Villiers and Grewcock's introduction proved decisive.Villiers trapped de Klerk in front and bowled Mullan, while Grewcock dismissed Ella Claridge. Sarah Glenn's wicket gave Villiers her third scalp, and The Blaze's recovery hopes were dashed as Hancock and Coppack cleaned up the tail.Sunrisers, who had been bowled out for 150 in a heavy defeat to Thunder three days earlier, initially struggled in their chase. Ariana Dowse was dismissed by Grace Ballinger, and Cordelia Griffith was run out in a mix-up with Scrivens.However, Scrivens and Grewcock steadied the ship with a 40-run stand, and although Grewcock departed before the end, Sunrisers cruised to victory, with Villiers hitting the winning runs.

Chennai Super Kings' batting coach Michael Hussey has attributed the team's recent struggles with spin bowling to the presence of dew on the ground at their home stadium. Hussey explained that the dew makes it difficult for the spinners to grip the ball and impart spin, rendering them less effective."In the last few matches, the dew has been a challenge for the bowlers," Hussey said. "Our game plan has been based around spin over many years. We have always had good spinners and spinning conditions here.""So, with the dew, then sometimes that takes the spinner out of the game. I mean, just the other night (against LSG), the spin bowlers were finding it very difficult to hold the ball. They couldn't get any spin on the ball. It was just getting on nicely under the bat. So, it makes it very challenging."Hussey emphasized that the dew is not an excuse for the team's poor performance, but rather a factor that they must adapt to. He believes that the team that manages to handle the dew conditions better will have an advantage."But again, it's no excuse," Hussey said. "We've just got to try and deal with it as best as we possibly can. It's hopefully the same for both the teams. And the team that just manages that situation the best, can hopefully come out on top."Despite the challenges posed by the dew, Hussey remains confident in the team's ability to perform well at home. He pointed out that the team still has a strong record at the stadium and that they are supported by a passionate crowd."Our record is still pretty good here at home," Hussey said. "We've still got a great crowd that supports us. We know the conditions pretty well. It's just that sometimes the dew factor makes it a bit more challenging."

Travis Head, the Australian opener for Sunrisers Hyderabad, has faced a setback in his impressive run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. In the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Thursday, Head managed to score only one run before being dismissed by Will Jacks' off-spin.Head's dismissal highlighted his struggles against spin bowling this season. In the IPL 2024, he has scored only 63 runs against spin at an average of 15.75 and a strike rate of 150. This is in contrast to his performance against pace, where he has amassed 262 runs at an average of 87.33 and a strike rate of 236.Despite his recent struggles against spin, Head's overall performance in IPL 2024 has been impressive. He has accumulated 325 runs at an average of 46.42 and a strike rate of 212.41, including a century and two fifties. He is currently the fifth-highest run-scorer in the tournament.Head's ability to deliver impactful innings for Sunrisers Hyderabad has been evident throughout the season. His aggressive batting style and power-hitting have been crucial for the team's success. However, his recent struggles against spin may raise concerns for the team as they progress through the tournament.Despite the setback against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Head remains a key player for Sunrisers Hyderabad. His ability to score quickly and consistently makes him a valuable asset to the team. If he can overcome his struggles against spin, he will be a major threat to opposing bowlers in the remaining matches of IPL 2024.