Cricket

Mumbai Indians' Woes Continue as Rajasthan Royals Dominate in JaipurFormer India captain Sunil Gavaskar expressed his disappointment as Mumbai Indians suffered their fifth loss in the ongoing IPL 2024 season, this time at the hands of the formidable Rajasthan Royals (RR). The comprehensive nine-wicket defeat in Jaipur marked Mumbai's second loss to RR this season, further denting their playoff hopes.Gavaskar's commentary highlighted critical moments in the match that contributed to Mumbai's downfall. Tim David's dropped catch of RR captain Sanju Samson on 19 runs proved costly, as Samson went on to score an unbeaten 56 and guide his team to victory. Another fielding lapse by Mohammad Nabi allowed Samson to secure a boundary, adding to Mumbai's frustration."It's hard to recognize this team," Gavaskar lamented. "I have been following Mumbai Indians ever since 2008. Got to say that this is not the team that I know."RR's dominance was evident throughout the match. Yashasvi Jaiswal's magnificent unbeaten century propelled the Royals to victory with 10 balls to spare. Jaiswal's stellar performance silenced the doubters who had questioned his form after a slow start to the season.The victory solidified RR's position at the top of the points table, while Mumbai slipped to seventh place. The loss exposed Mumbai's weaknesses, particularly in their fielding and batting departments.

IPL 2024: Sunil Gavaskar Raises Concerns Over Bowlers' Plight, Calls for Boundary ExpansionLegendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his concerns over the dominance of batters in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, calling for measures to protect bowlers from the relentless onslaught.Speaking on the official broadcaster, Gavaskar proposed increasing the size of the boundary at every ground as a solution to address the imbalance between bat and ball in T20 cricket. He emphasized the importance of extending the boundary ropes, especially at smaller venues, to provide bowlers with a fair chance against power-hitting batters."I wouldn't suggest any changes to a cricket bat because they are all within regulations, but I have been saying this for a long time, increase the size of the boundary at every ground," Gavaskar said.He highlighted the space between the advertisement boards and the fence where the stands begin, stating that pushing the boundary back by a few meters could significantly impact the outcome of matches and provide bowlers with a much-needed respite."Look at this ground today, there is enough space to take it back a little more by a couple of metres. It can often prove to be the difference between a catch and a sixer," Gavaskar explained.Expressing his frustration with the current state of affairs in T20 cricket, Gavaskar criticized the prevalent trend of power-hitting, likening it to a final net session."What we have been seeing in T20 cricket over the last few days is that this is batting like the coach tells in the nets, 'This is the last round,' and everybody starts swinging their bat around bang, bang whether they get out or not," he said.Gavaskar underscored the diminishing excitement beyond a certain point, stressing the need for a more balanced contest between bat and ball."It's not exciting anymore. It's like a final net session. You know, you're just going to hit every ball for a six. There's no excitement in that," he added.Gavaskar's concerns highlight the growing need to address the imbalance between bat and ball in T20 cricket, ensuring that bowlers have a fair chance to compete and that matches remain exciting and competitive.

Hardik Pandya's struggles as captain of the Mumbai Indians have raised concerns among cricket experts. The all-rounder, who led Gujarat Titans to two consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) finals, has failed to replicate his success with his former franchise.Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has criticized Pandya's captaincy decisions, particularly his reluctance to introduce spinners earlier in the match against Chennai Super Kings. "I saw a captain that had a plan A from a team meeting that was five hours ago and the captain didn't want to go to Plan B when he should have," Pietersen said. "How on earth have you not bowled a spinner when your seamers are going for 20 runs?!"Pietersen believes that off-field issues, such as the crowd's negative reaction to Pandya replacing Rohit Sharma as captain, are affecting the all-rounder's performance. "I think with Hardik, everything away from the game is affecting him so much," Pietersen said. "He's smiling too much when he does the toss. He's trying to act like he's so happy. He's not happy!"Pietersen's comments echo those of Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, who highlighted Pandya's poor bowling and batting form. "Hardik is not bowling well, he's not batting well, and he's not captaining well," Gavaskar said. "He's not doing anything right at the moment."Pandya's struggles have coincided with a poor start to the season for the Mumbai Indians, who have lost four of their first five matches. The team's batting has been inconsistent, while their bowling has lacked penetration.Pandya's captaincy has also been questioned, with some critics suggesting that he is too inexperienced for the role. The all-rounder has admitted that he is still learning and that he is open to feedback.However, Pietersen believes that Pandya needs to make changes quickly if he wants to turn things around. "Something needs to happen," Pietersen said. "He needs to find a way to get back to his best form and he needs to find a way to lead this team."

MS Dhoni: The Guiding Force Behind Chennai Super Kings' SuccessAs the Indian Premier League (IPL) gears up for its highly anticipated clash between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar has shed light on the pivotal role played by former CSK captain MS Dhoni in the team's remarkable success.In a recent interview with Star Sports, Gavaskar expressed his admiration for Dhoni's leadership abilities, stating that he has two favorite teams in the IPL: Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. When asked about Dhoni's ability to extract the best from his players, Gavaskar quipped, "That's why he's called 'Thala' for a reason."Gavaskar elaborated on Dhoni's exceptional leadership qualities, emphasizing his ability to unite players from diverse backgrounds and guide them towards a common goal. He noted that while it may be necessary to bench certain players for team balance, Dhoni ensures that they feel valued and integral to the team's success."All these abilities are with MSD," Gavaskar said. "That's why he's 'Thala' for a reason."The upcoming IPL season marks a transition for both Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, with Hardik Pandya and Ruturaj Gaikwad taking over as captains respectively. However, the intense rivalry between the two teams is expected to continue unabated.Pandya and Gaikwad will face the challenge of maintaining their teams' legacy of success while bringing their own unique leadership styles to the table. It remains to be seen how they will handle the pressure of leading such prestigious franchises and how their leadership will impact the MI-CSK rivalry in the years to come.

Sunil Gavaskar's fury erupted when Sarfaraz Khan recklessly threw away his wicket shortly after the tea break on day two of the fifth and final Test between India and England in Dharamsala. Making his third Test appearance, the 26-year-old Khan had settled into a promising 56 but opted for an ill-advised cut shot against spinner Shoaib Bashir. The ball found an edge and was gratefully accepted by Joe Root in the slips.Gavaskar, providing commentary during the live broadcast, was scathing in his criticism of Khan's shot selection. "The ball was pitched up, it wasn't short enough for that shot," Gavaskar lamented. "Goes for it and pays the price. I mean you are playing the first ball after tea. Give yourself a little sighter."Gavaskar's ire stemmed from a meeting with Khan the previous day, where he had emphasized the significance of shot selection. A crestfallen Khan later apologized to Gavaskar through Dubai-based businessman Shyam Bhatia, who had arranged their meeting. "Sir, please say sorry to Mr Gavaskar – I made a mistake! I won’t make that mistake again," Khan reportedly conveyed through Bhatia.Gavaskar's anger was not unfounded. Khan's dismissal was a glaring example of poor decision-making, especially considering the crucial stage of the match. India was looking to consolidate its position after a dominant first day, and Khan's wicket gave England a much-needed boost.The incident highlights the importance of shot selection in Test cricket. Batsmen must carefully assess the situation and play shots that are appropriate for the conditions and the match situation. Impulsive or reckless shots can have disastrous consequences, as Khan's dismissal demonstrated.Despite Khan's lapse, India went on to win the Dharamsala Test inside three days, securing a 4-1 series victory. However, the incident served as a reminder of the importance of discipline and shot selection in the longest format of the game.

India's resounding 4-1 victory over England in the Test series has sparked a scathing attack from former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar. Despite missing key players and losing the first Test, India's young team led by Rohit Sharma displayed exceptional resilience and dominance.Gavaskar's criticism centers on England's perceived arrogance and condescending attitude towards India. He contrasts this with the more affable and adaptable nature of Australian players, who have embraced the Indian culture and the lucrative opportunities offered by the Indian Premier League (IPL).Gavaskar argues that the Aussies' willingness to integrate and respect Indian culture has fostered a positive relationship between the two teams, despite the intense rivalry on the field. In contrast, he believes England's "supercilious attitude" has created a sense of animosity.Gavaskar's comments come after he expressed disappointment with Sarfaraz Khan's reckless shot selection in the fifth Test. He emphasized the importance of patience and discipline, even for experienced batsmen.India's victory has solidified their position at the top of the World Test Championship points table, while England languishes near the bottom. The series has highlighted the depth and talent of India's young players, who have stepped up in the absence of senior stars.

Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian cricketer, recently expressed his admiration for England batter Joe Root's high regard for Ravichandran Ashwin's bowling prowess. In a heartfelt conversation with Ashwin after the conclusion of the India vs England Test series, Gavaskar highlighted the significance of Root's praise for the seasoned all-rounder.Root had earlier acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Ashwin to premier batters, emphasizing the spinner's ability to consistently trouble opponents with his crafty bowling variations. Gavaskar echoed these sentiments, stating that Ashwin's ability to outfox batters with a diverse array of deliveries and tactical maneuvers has always been a highlight of his career.Ashwin, who marked his 100th Test appearance for Team India in the series, delivered a stellar performance, claiming nine wickets as India clinched victory by an innings and 64 runs. He set a new record by registering the best bowling figures (9 for 128) in a 100th Test, surpassing Muthiah Muralitharan's record.Gavaskar conveyed the sentiment shared by many cricket enthusiasts, emphasizing Ashwin's ability to outwit batters with a diverse array of deliveries and tactical maneuvers. "A lot of good players of spin bowling will be thinking a hundred times about how to cope with you," Gavaskar remarked, echoing Root's sentiments.In response, Ashwin credited his adaptability and willingness to experiment, acknowledging the evolving nature of modern cricket and the importance of staying ahead in a game increasingly influenced by detailed analysis and strategic planning.Ashwin's remarkable achievements in Test cricket, including his record-breaking 36 five-wicket hauls, underscore his status as one of India's premier bowlers. With a stellar performance in the series against England, Ashwin further solidified his reputation as a key asset for the Indian team across all formats.As Ashwin embarks on his journey beyond the milestone of 100 Tests, his contributions to Indian cricket continue to inspire admiration and reverence from fans and peers alike. With upcoming challenges on the horizon, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Bangladesh Test series, Ashwin's leadership and expertise are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping India's cricketing fortunes in the times to come.

Sunil Gavaskar Slams Sarfaraz Khan's Shot Selection, Triggers Indian CollapseFormer Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his disappointment with the shot selection of young Sarfaraz Khan, which ultimately led to his dismissal on the first ball after tea during the second day of the fifth and final Test against England in Dharamsala.Sarfaraz, who was well settled at 56 and had forged a promising 97-run partnership with debutant Devdutt Padikkal, squandered a golden opportunity to transform his innings into a potential century. Unfortunately, his innings concluded in a somewhat anti-climactic fashion when a late cut, executed on the first ball after tea, led to his dismissal. He was caught at slip off Shoaib Bashir.Gavaskar couldn't stop himself from reacting as he instantly recalled cricketing great Sir Don Bradman's million-dollar advice on never to get complacent even if you are batting on 200. "The ball was pitched up; it wasn't short enough for that shot. Goes for it and pays the price. I mean you are playing the first ball after tea. Give yourself a little sighter. Don Bradman said to me 'Every ball that I face, even if I am on 200, I think I am on 0.' And here is [Sarfaraz] is… playing such a shot first ball of the session," Gavaskar shared his opinion during the commentary.Sarfaraz's dismissal proved to be a turning point as it triggered a collapse for India. From a position of strength at 376/3, the team stumbled to 428/8, losing quick five wickets in a span of 54 runs, allowing England to make a significant comeback.Both Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill struck their second hundred of the series to fetch India a handy first innings lead. Each of India's top five batters, including debutant Devdutt Padikkal, managed 50-plus scores to power the hosts to a commanding 473-8 for a lead of 255.

Sunil Gavaskar's Historic 10,000 Test Runs Milestone Celebrated by BCCIOn March 7, 2023, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) commemorated the 36th anniversary of Sunil Gavaskar's historic achievement of becoming the first batter to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket.Gavaskar, who was commentating on the fifth and final Test between India and Australia in Dharamshala, fondly recalled the momentous day in 1987 when he etched his name in cricketing history. The legendary opener marked the occasion by cutting a cake and expressing gratitude to the BCCI for acknowledging the special moment."It's a really special day for Indian cricket, not just for me or Ashwin," said Gavaskar, highlighting the shared significance of the milestone with veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who was playing his 100th Test match.Gavaskar's remarkable career spanned 125 Test matches, during which he amassed 10,122 runs, including 34 centuries and 45 fifties. His contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark on the annals of cricketing history, inspiring generations of cricketers to follow in his footsteps.The BCCI's celebration of Gavaskar's achievement serves as a testament to his enduring legacy as one of cricket's most iconic figures. His unwavering determination, exceptional technique, and ability to perform under pressure have made him a role model for aspiring cricketers around the world.As the sport continues to evolve, Gavaskar's 10,000-run milestone remains a benchmark of excellence that few have been able to match. His achievement stands as a reminder of the enduring power of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of greatness.