Cricket

Riyan Parag's resurgence in IPL 2023 has been a testament to his hard work and dedication. After a disappointing campaign last year, where he managed only 78 runs in seven innings, Parag has bounced back with a vengeance, scoring 127 runs in just two innings this season.Parag's success can be attributed to his meticulous preparation during the off-season. He emerged as the top-scorer in the 2023-24 Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy, amassing 510 runs in ten innings at an average of 85 and a strike rate of nearly 183. This included a record-breaking sequence of seven consecutive half-centuries.Parag's partnership with Zubin Bharucha, the former Mumbai player and director of high performance at Rajasthan Royals, has also played a crucial role in his development. Bharucha has helped Parag fine-tune his T20 game, focusing on specific shot selection and execution.Parag's recent exploits have showcased his ability to adapt to different situations. Against Delhi Capitals, he played a patient innings, rebuilding the innings with R Ashwin. However, in the final over, he unleashed his power-hitting prowess, taking Anrich Nortje for 24 runs.Parag's confidence stems from his belief in his abilities. "I know I've got the power and the strength to dig out yorker balls or even hit sixes off the short balls," he said. "So, I'm just backing myself and whenever it comes, I'm going to hit a boundary."Parag's resurgence is a positive sign for Rajasthan Royals, who will be hoping for him to continue his good form throughout the season. His ability to score runs quickly and consistently will be crucial to the team's success.

Riyan Parag's scintillating 84 not out off 45 balls propelled Rajasthan Royals to a competitive 185 for 5 against Delhi Capitals in their Indian Premier League encounter on Thursday. Parag, who had impressed with a 43 in the Royals' previous match, unleashed a whirlwind assault on veteran South African pacer Anrich Nortje in the final over, plundering 25 runs with a barrage of boundaries and sixes.The 21-year-old's knock, studded with seven fours and six maximums, was the cornerstone of the Royals' innings after they were invited to bat first. He forged crucial partnerships with Ravichandran Ashwin (29) and Dhruv Jurel (20) to steady the ship after a shaky start.Royals captain Sanju Samson threatened to explode with another destructive innings following his unbeaten 82 against Lucknow Super Giants, but his stay was cut short by Khaleel Ahmed. The wicketkeeper-batter nicked a delivery to Rishabh Pant, leaving RR at 30 for 2.Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav then forced Pant to review a leg before wicket decision, which proved successful, dismissing Jos Buttler. Ashwin came to the crease and provided some impetus with two sixes off Kuldeep, but he was eventually caught by Tristan Stubbs for 29.Parag took center stage, showcasing his power-hitting prowess. He smashed two boundaries and a six off Ahmed to take RR past 100 in the 15th over. The youngster reached his maiden IPL fifty in style with a boundary off Mukesh Kumar in the next over.Parag continued to torment the Delhi bowlers, sending a Kuldeep delivery over the midwicket boundary. After Jurel's dismissal, Parag went on a rampage, entertaining the home crowd with a flurry of boundaries.Nortje, who had been economical until then, was taken for 25 runs in the final over as Parag sealed his highest T20 score. The Royals' total of 185 for 5 proved to be a challenging target for the Delhi Capitals.

Liam Dawson, the 34-year-old English spin-bowling all-rounder, has acknowledged that his Test cricket aspirations are over. Dawson, who last played a Test in 2017, was not selected for England's tour of India this winter, despite being the leading English spinner in last year's County Championship.Dawson had previously indicated that he would have to weigh up whether to accept an England call, having agreed a lucrative contract to play for Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20, a tournament that clashed directly with the start of the Test tour. He ultimately chose to prioritize his T20 commitments, a decision he does not regret."For me, probably Test cricket now is completely off the radar," Dawson said. "But it is what it is, I'm 34 and I want to enjoy my cricket and try to win trophies towards the end of my career."Dawson has won 20 England caps across three formats going back to 2016, as well as an ODI World Cup winners' medal in 2019. He was a travelling reserve for both the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cups, but said he does not expect to be in the mix for this year's tournament in the Caribbean and USA."I think with my age, 34, realistically that's probably gone to be honest," Dawson said. "I'm looking forward to playing for Hampshire this season, and the Hundred with London Spirit."Dawson's decision to prioritize T20 cricket reflects the challenge for young English spinners to come through the system. With the rain teeming down in England for much of the year, it can be difficult for spinners to get enough game time to develop their skills."Without doubt, it's very, very difficult," Dawson said. "If you're an out-and-out spinner it's not easy to play in these conditions, the time of the year we play. There's no ideal scenario, what gives, what doesn't? When do you play Championship cricket? It's a tough thing to do."Despite the challenges, Dawson believes that England have two promising young spinners in Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir, who both impressed on the tour of India."They [Hartley and Bashir] did very well," Dawson said. "They're good bowlers. I faced Bashir last year here, I thought he was a really good bowler, and the same with Tom Hartley when we played them in Southport, very consistent. Hopefully they can continue to do well."

Virat Kohli's resurgence in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a sight to behold. The former India captain has shed his conservative approach and embraced an aggressive style of play, leading Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to a thrilling victory over Punjab Kings.In a match-winning 49-ball 77 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Kohli showcased his dominance from the outset. He smashed five fours in the first eight balls he faced, a departure from his usual cautious start. His willingness to take advantage of the field restrictions was evident as he charged down the track to pacers, including Kagiso Rabada, and dispatched them over extra cover.Kohli's intent was unwavering even after the Powerplay. He scored 42 runs off 28 balls, including three fours and two sixes, while wickets fell around him. His ability to maintain a high strike rate against Punjab's economical left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar was particularly impressive.Kohli's recent knock suggests that he is willing to adapt to the attacking brand of cricket that has become synonymous with young India in the T20 circuit. However, the challenge lies in consistently scoring at a higher strike rate.RCB skipper Faf du Plessis praised Kohli's innings, saying, "Virat was important in the way he tempered his innings. It was not a normal Chinnaswamy pitch, where you could just hit through the line. Good to see him, he's always smiling and enjoying himself. Still very passionate about playing cricket."With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, the IPL provides Kohli with an opportunity to showcase his ability to play in fifth gear throughout. His recent performance is a testament to his determination to remain a force in the shortest format of the game.

The T20 format's rapid evolution poses a unique challenge for batters: their experience can sometimes work against them. As India's selectors grapple with the dilemma of whether to include both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the upcoming World T20, they face this philosophical conundrum.In traditional sports like cricket, experience is generally seen as an advantage. A seasoned spinner like Ravichandran Ashwin has a wider repertoire of tricks than he did a decade ago. Similarly, Kohli and Sharma have a deeper understanding of their batting now than they did in their early years.However, in T20 cricket, the emphasis shifts towards adaptability and flexibility. The format demands batters to forget past experiences and approach each ball as a new challenge. While experience can provide a foundation, it can also become a burden, hindering a batter's ability to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the game.This is particularly evident in the case of young batters who have grown up playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Untroubled by the weight of past performances, they embrace the unexpected and prioritize striking with confidence. They have no preconceived notions about how to bat, allowing them to experiment and innovate.In contrast, experienced batters may be more hesitant to change their approach. They have witnessed the pitfalls of different shots and are aware of the many ways to get out. This knowledge can sometimes limit their ability to adapt to the unique challenges of T20 cricket.The IPL has been a breeding ground for young batters who have embraced the T20 mindset. Shikhar Dhawan and David Warner, despite their impressive records, have recognized the need to adapt or perish.The evolution of T20 cricket has also highlighted the importance of bowling attacks. While the format was initially perceived as a batter's game, it has become increasingly clear that teams with strong bowling units have a significant advantage.As the IPL unfolds, the progress of India's two most experienced batters, Kohli and Sharma, will be closely monitored. Their ability to adapt to the demands of T20 cricket will be crucial in determining their success in the upcoming World T20.

The 2024 Women's Asia Cup, scheduled from July 19 to 28 in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, promises to be an exciting spectacle in the T20 format. The tournament has expanded to eight teams, including hosts Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, UAE, Nepal, Thailand, and Malaysia.Unlike the previous edition, the teams will be divided into two groups. Group A comprises India, Pakistan, UAE, and Nepal, while Group B features Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Malaysia. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on July 26, followed by the title clash on July 28.The tournament will serve as a crucial warm-up for teams ahead of the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in September. India, the defending champions and most successful team with seven titles, will be eager to retain their crown.The Asia Cup will also showcase the growing talent pool in women's cricket in Asia. The inclusion of female umpires, as in the previous edition, is a testament to the ACC's commitment to promoting women in the sport.The tournament schedule is as follows:* July 19: Pakistan vs Nepal, India vs UAE* July 20: Malaysia vs Thailand, Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh* July 21: Nepal vs UAE, India vs Pakistan* July 22: Sri Lanka vs Malaysia, Bangladesh vs Thailand* July 23: Pakistan vs UAE, India vs Nepal* July 24: Bangladesh vs Malaysia, Sri Lanka vs Thailand* July 26: Semi-finals* July 28: FinalThe Asia Cup will provide a platform for players to showcase their skills and compete against the best in Asia. It will also be an opportunity for fans to witness the growth and development of women's cricket in the region.

Virat Kohli, the former Indian cricket team captain, has made a resounding return to form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. After a brief paternity break, Kohli has showcased his exceptional skills once again, becoming the first Indian and only the third player overall to score 100 T20 fifty-plus scores.In a match against Punjab Kings on Monday, Kohli registered a scintillating 77 runs off 49 balls, including 11 fours and two sixes. His innings played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bangalore's four-wicket victory.Kohli's performance comes amidst speculation that he may not be selected for the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, his recent form has silenced critics and demonstrated that he still possesses the ability to perform at the highest level.Speaking after the match, Kohli expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from the crowd and acknowledged the importance of creating memories in the sport. He also emphasized his commitment to improving his game and contributing to the team's success.Despite his impressive performance, reports suggest that the Indian selectors are considering making changes to the T20 squad, potentially including Kohli. However, Kohli's recent form has put him in a strong position to retain his place in the team.With the IPL 2023 season still in its early stages, Kohli will be eager to continue his impressive form and prove that he remains a vital asset to the Indian cricket team.

Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian batter, has opened up about his two-month break from cricket after the birth of his second child. Speaking after his match-winning 77 against Punjab Kings, Kohli revealed that he and his family spent time away from the country, where they could experience life as normal people."We were not in the country. We were at a place where people were not recognising us. Just time together as a family, just to feel normal for two months," Kohli said. "For me, for us as a family, it was a surreal experience."Kohli emphasized the transformative impact of having two children on his family life. "Things become totally different from a family perspective. So just the ability to be together, the connections that you make with your older child, it's amazing."The former India captain expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to spend time with his family, away from the constant attention he receives as a celebrity. "I couldn't have been more grateful to God for the opportunity that I got to spend time with my family."Kohli also spoke about the love and support he receives from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans, especially in Bengaluru. "It's been going on for years and you know, people talk about a lot of other things when you play sport. The achievements, the stats, the numbers. Look at the end of the day when you look back you're not going to think of the numbers and the stats. It's the memories that you create."However, Kohli acknowledged the need to adapt his game to the evolving nature of T20 cricket. "Well I mean you have to [make additions to your game]," he said. "People know I play the cover drive pretty well so they're not going to allow me to hit gaps and with guys like KG [Kagiso Rabada] and Arshdeep [Singh] as well, he's tall. So, I mean, if they're hitting length, you have to create some momentum in the ball."Kohli concluded by reminding everyone of his enduring ability as a batter. "I know my name is nowadays quite attached to just promoting the game in many parts of the world when it comes to T20 cricket. But, I've still got it, I guess."

Virat Kohli's scintillating knock of 77 propelled Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to a thrilling four-wicket victory over Punjab Kings at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Monday. This triumph marked RCB's first win in the ongoing IPL 2024 season, following their defeat in the opener against Chennai Super Kings.Kohli, the former Indian captain, played a pivotal role in RCB's successful chase. His 49-ball innings was studded with 11 boundaries and two towering sixes. He single-handedly led the charge, anchoring the chase before Dinesh Karthik and Mahipal Lomror sealed the deal with an unbeaten 48-run partnership. RCB reached the target of 178 with four balls to spare.Kohli's exceptional performance earned him the Player of the Match award and the Orange Cap for being the leading run-scorer in the tournament so far. In the post-match presentation, he expressed his gratitude for the recognition but emphasized the importance of team success over individual achievements."It's just two games, so let's not get overexcited," Kohli said. "I understand the significance of the Orange Cap, but at the end of the day, it's the memories that matter. As Rahul Dravid always says, it's the friendships, love, and support that we'll cherish."Kohli acknowledged the challenges he faced during the chase, particularly after RCB lost quick wickets. He stressed the need to adapt to the situation and expressed disappointment at not finishing the match himself."In T20 cricket, I'm opening the batting and trying to give a blazing start," Kohli explained. "But when wickets start falling, you have to play according to the situation. The wicket wasn't as flat as usual, so I couldn't hit the ball across the line. I'm disappointed not to have finished it off, but it's not a bad start considering we lost early wickets."Despite the setback, Kohli remains confident in his abilities in the T20 format. "I know my name is often used to promote T20 cricket worldwide, but I still believe I have the skills to excel in this format," he asserted.