Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has revolutionized the world of cricket, significantly impacting the careers of international players and reshaping the dynamics of the sport. Former Sri Lankan batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan and New Zealand's Ross Taylor have shared their perspectives on how the IPL has influenced players' priorities and provided financial security, allowing them to focus solely on cricket.Dilshan, who was part of the inaugural IPL in 2008, acknowledged the substantial financial rewards associated with playing T20 cricket in the league. He emphasized that the money earned from the IPL helped players set aside other concerns and concentrate exclusively on their cricketing pursuits. In many countries, the remuneration for cricketers is relatively modest, making the IPL an attractive proposition for players seeking financial stability."Playing T20 cricket involved a lot of money, and I know that our countries don't pay that much money, but that money helped him to keep other problems aside and focus only on cricket. That's an advantage, we can focus fully on cricket, everyone needs money to survive, and we're only playing cricket now, not doing any other jobs. I think it's a good deal, money is good for players and they can keep all problems aside and focus," Dilshan told the 180 Not Out podcast.Taylor echoed similar sentiments, recognizing the IPL's role in providing a platform for international players to interact with some of the best cricketers in the world. This exposure has undoubtedly shaped the future of cricket in their respective countries."IPL is providing a platform for international players to interact with some of the best cricketers in the world, ultimately shaping the future of the sport in their country," opined the former Kiwi batter.During their IPL careers, Dilshan represented the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (now Royal Challengers Bengaluru), amassing 735 runs in 38 matches. Taylor, on the other hand, scored 1017 runs in 55 games while playing for four different franchises: RCB, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils, and Pune Warriors India.The IPL has not only provided financial security for international players but has also allowed them to develop their skills and knowledge by playing alongside and against the world's best. This has had a positive impact on the overall quality of cricket globally, as players have been able to learn from each other and implement new techniques and strategies.

India continued its dominance over Bangladesh in the fourth women's T20 match in Sylhet on May 6, securing a 56-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis method. The match was shortened to 14 overs per side due to persistent rain and hail.Harmanpreet Kaur (38) and Richa Ghosh (24) shared a crucial 44-run partnership to help India post a competitive 122 for six. Bangladesh, chasing 125 in 14 overs, struggled to keep up with the required run rate.Opener Dilara Akter (21) provided some resistance, but the rest of the batters failed to reach double digits. India's bowlers, led by Asha Sobhana (2/18), Deepti Sharma (2/22), Radha Yadav (1/15), and Pooja Vastrakar (1/16), restricted Bangladesh to 68 for seven.India now leads the five-match series 4-0. The victory was particularly significant for Kaur, who played her 300th international game. She and Ghosh played key roles in boosting India's total after a rain break.Bangladesh's batters, on the other hand, were unable to cope with the pressure of chasing a revised target. The Indian bowlers maintained a tight line and length, making it difficult for the hosts to score boundaries.India's victory extends their impressive record against Bangladesh in women's T20 cricket. The team has now won 10 consecutive matches against their neighbors.

KL Rahul Breaks Silence on Strike Rate Debate, Addresses India Squad OmissionLucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul has addressed the ongoing debate surrounding strike rate in T20 cricket, following his team's match against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024. Rahul, along with Virat Kohli, has faced criticism for their strike rates despite being among the top run-scorers in the tournament."There's been a lot of talk about strike rate, and T20 cricket has changed a lot in the last couple of years," Rahul said. "We have to adapt to the conditions and play according to the situation."Rahul's comments come after he was omitted from the India squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Skipper Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar cited the need for middle-order batting options as the reason for selecting Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson as wicket-keepers."I'm not a best reader of a wicket, we just like chasing," Rahul added. "The good thing is we have been able to adapt really well and quickly to the conditions."In the match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Rahul won the toss and opted to field. He praised the performance of Venkatesh Iyer, who scored a crucial half-century for KKR."He (Venkatesh Iyer) got tremendous character and happy for the way he executed," Rahul said. "It's important to stay in the present."KKR captain Shreyas Iyer also expressed confidence in his team's ability to defend their total."We would have bowled as well. Defending that total with five bowlers in the last game gives us a lot of confidence," Iyer said. "There's a lot of self-belief in the team."

KL Rahul Snubbed from India's T20 World Cup Squad, Lucknow Super Giants Expresses SupportLucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul has been left out of India's 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia. The selection committee opted for Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson as the designated wicketkeeper-batters, leaving no room for Rahul in the team.Rahul's exclusion has sparked widespread disappointment among fans and experts alike. The 30-year-old has been in impressive form for Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL), leading the team to the playoffs in their debut season.Despite his strong performances, Rahul's lack of recent international experience may have played a role in his omission. He has not played for India since the Asia Cup in September 2022, where he struggled with form and fitness.The selection committee has also opted to leave Rahul out of the reserves list, which includes Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Avesh Khan. This decision suggests that the selectors do not believe Rahul is currently in contention for a place in the team.Following the announcement of the squad, Lucknow Super Giants took to social media to express their support for Rahul. The franchise posted a message stating that Rahul remains their "No.1" despite his exclusion from the Indian team.Rahul's omission has raised questions about the selection criteria used by the committee. Some critics argue that his IPL performances should have been given more weight, while others believe that his recent international form justified his exclusion.Regardless of the reasons for his omission, Rahul's absence from the T20 World Cup squad is a significant blow to India's chances of success. He is a proven match-winner and his experience and leadership would have been invaluable in the high-pressure environment of a global tournament.

Virat Kohli's T20 form has been a subject of intense debate, with his strike rate and approach under scrutiny. However, a closer examination of his numbers reveals a more nuanced picture.In the ongoing IPL 2024, Kohli is leading the run charts with 500 runs at an average of 71.42 and a strike rate of 147. His middle-overs strike rate (137.17) is his highest since 2016, when he scored 973 runs. Against spin in the middle overs, he has struck at 138.4, his best in years.Kohli's power-play strike rate (154.43) is also at an all-time high. He has scored 244 runs in this phase, with 29 fours and 10 sixes. His death overs strike rate (168.00) is decent, though he has not had many opportunities to play in this phase.Overall, Kohli's strike rate against pace (157.69) is his highest since 2023. Against spin, his strike rate (135.66) is lower than in previous seasons, but still respectable.Despite the mixed debates, Kohli's numbers suggest that he remains a formidable T20 batter. His ability to anchor innings, accelerate when needed, and perform under pressure make him a valuable asset to any team.

KL Rahul's T20 Evolution: Guidance from the GreatsLucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul has attributed his growth as a T20 cricketer to the invaluable mentorship he received from some of the game's legends. In an interview with Star Sports' Captains Speak, Rahul acknowledged the profound impact of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Kane Williamson on his understanding of the format.Rahul's journey to T20 mastery was not without its challenges. It took him several years to fully grasp the nuances of the game. However, his time spent with Kohli and de Villiers at Royal Challengers Bengaluru proved to be a transformative experience."T20 gets over very quickly, you don't get much time," Rahul explained. "It took me 2-3 years to understand how I can bat in T20 and how I can be successful. Just being around really great players in the IPL helped me."While he may not have engaged in extensive conversations with Kohli and de Villiers, Rahul's keen observation of their preparation, mindset, and approach to the game proved invaluable. "I was with them in RCB. I used to see how they prepared, how they were playing their cricket, and what their mindset was. Sometimes I would go and talk to them, ask them questions. That really helped me," he said.Rahul also highlighted the influence of Kane Williamson during his stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad. "Kane Williamson is another guy. With Sunrisers, I spent a lot of time with him. And just by talking to people, I found my own way. Earlier, I used to feel nervous about the game, but I ended up getting my highest score."In the ongoing IPL 2024 season, Rahul has been in scintillating form, amassing 378 runs in nine matches, including three half-centuries and a highest score of 82. His performances have not only been impressive with the bat but also behind the stumps, solidifying his credentials as a potential wicket-keeping option for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup.As the captain of LSG, Rahul has led his team to five victories, proving his leadership qualities and determination to guide his side to the playoffs. The right-hander's next challenge lies ahead as LSG prepare to face Mumbai Indians in the 48th match of IPL 2024 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

The Lions have emerged victorious in the CSA T20 Challenge, securing their second trophy of the season after their triumph in the first-class competition. This latest victory comes just days before the announcement of South Africa's T20 World Cup squad, with several Lions players vying for inclusion.Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks, the second and third-highest run-scorers in the tournament, are among the Lions players in contention for the provisional squad. Hendricks played a pivotal role in the final, anchoring the successful chase of 166 with an unbeaten 73 off 52 balls. His half-century was his fourth of the campaign, placing him just one run behind Rickelton on the run charts.The Lions' triumph was not without its challenges. After electing to bowl first, they had the Dolphins in trouble at 103 for 6 in the 15th over. However, Jason Smith's first fifty of the campaign and a 57-run seventh-wicket partnership with Eathan Bosch propelled the Dolphins to a competitive score.Crucially, Smith scored 24 runs off legspinner Nqabayomzi Peter's final over, marking the first time in the competition that Peter had conceded more than 30 runs. Despite finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker with 20 at an average of 9.50, Peter's performance in the final was a slight blemish on his otherwise impressive tournament.Left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin, who led the Lions in this tournament, could also be in contention for South Africa's T20 World Cup plans. He took 2 for 24 in the final and maintained an economy rate of 5.85 across their 16 matches. His consistency mirrored that of the Lions, who won 10 of their 14 group matches and earned the right to host a home semi and final.Despite losing Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, and Temba Bavuma early in their chase, the Lions remained composed. Hendricks and Wiaan Mulder put on 85 for the fourth wicket, with Mulder bringing up his first half-century of the tournament to guide the Lions to victory.

India and Bangladesh are set to clash in a five-match T20I series in Sylhet, starting Sunday, as both teams prepare for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh later this year.Bangladesh, who were thrashed 3-0 by Australia at home recently, will be looking to improve their batting, which struggled against the Aussies. Captain Nigar Sultana was the only consistent performer, scoring 96 runs in three innings. The hosts will need top-order batters such as Fargana Hoque, Sobhana Mostary, and Rubya Haider to provide a solid foundation.India, on the other hand, will be hoping to carry the momentum from the 2024 WPL into international cricket. Several of their international players got back to form in the tournament, including openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. With some new names in the mix, India will be keen to experiment and find their ideal combinations before the T20 World Cup.One of the key problems for India will be how to accommodate all their talented spinners. Legspinner S Asha and spin-bowling allrounder S Sajana have earned maiden international call-ups on the back of their WPL performance, while Radha Yadav has returned to the squad after a year. With Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil being the first-choice spinners, it remains to be seen how India squeeze in Asha, Radha, and Saika Ishaque in the XI.The pitch and conditions in Sylhet are expected to assist the seamers initially, but both teams might still bank on spinners for wickets. India have played two T20Is against Bangladesh at this venue, and both times, they scored 150-plus and restricted the hosts to 100 or below.

David Warner, the Australian cricket legend, has hinted at a potential retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) after the upcoming T20 World Cup in June. However, he remains committed to the IPL and Big Bash League (BBL) for the foreseeable future.Warner, who retired from Test cricket in 2023, has been a mainstay in the IPL since its inception in 2008. He has played for several franchises, including the Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Kolkata Knight Riders.In a recent interview, Warner expressed his belief that he has inspired other players to pursue all three formats of the game. He credits his success in Test cricket to his ability to adapt to different conditions and his aggressive batting style.When asked about the transition between T20s and longer formats, Warner emphasized the importance of mindset. He believes that attacking players should maintain their attacking approach, while defensive players should focus on protecting their wicket.Warner is open to extending his T20 career as a freelancer after June 2024. He plans to prioritize the IPL and BBL, while also considering commentary and playing in domestic competitions to support young players.The IPL holds a special place in Warner's heart. He believes it provides a platform for players to showcase their talent and brings joy to fans. He attributes his success in the IPL to his ability to trust his methods and adapt to different conditions.Warner suggests that the IPL could benefit from allowing five overseas players per team. He also believes that the IPL's talent exposure program has played a significant role in developing young Indian cricketers.Despite his success, Warner remains focused on his team's performance. He emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment within the Delhi Capitals franchise.As the cricket ecosystem continues to evolve, Warner believes that the governing body, the ICC, should consider carving out specific windows for different formats of international cricket.