Cricket

Virat Kohli's exceptional fielding brilliance during the IPL 2024 Eliminator between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday left a lasting impression on fans and commentators alike.Kohli, who had a rare batting failure, scoring only 33 off 24 balls, made up for it with his electric fielding in the deep. In the 12th over of RR's 173-run chase, Kohli covered a vast expanse near the midwicket boundary before unleashing a bullet throw to end Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel's partnership.Cameron Green received Kohli's throw at the non-striker's end and dislodged the bails to give Jurel his marching orders. Kohli's fielding prowess caught the attention of former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, who questioned Jurel and Parag's decision to go for a second run with Kohli patrolling the midwicket region."Yes, the throw is even more important. Flat! Once you hesitate, you do not proceed. Was there a second run? You also see who the fielder is. Any other fielder, go for the second. This is a big deal, big deal. I think he is gone. Magnificent effort. He has got RCB back in the game," Gavaskar said on-air.Kohli's fielding brilliance was a testament to his enduring hunger for the game, according to RCB head coach Andy Flower. "Working in the same dressing room with him has been a real pleasure," Flower said. "The way he thinks about the game -- and he backs that up with an amazing level of skill, aggression and hunger -- I look forward to watching him in the World Cup."Despite Kohli's fielding heroics, RCB were knocked out of IPL 2024. However, Kohli's performance throughout the season, where he led the batting charts with 741 runs, including a century and five fifties, showcased his unwavering commitment to the sport.

The SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) faced off in a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Thursday, marked by a controversial stumping decision that sparked debate.In the 15th over, SRH batter Travis Head was involved in a close call. Avesh Khan bowled a full delivery outside off, and Head shuffled across to chase the ball. As he lost balance, RR wicketkeeper Sanju Samson threw the ball towards the stumps. Replays showed an ambiguous moment, but TV umpire Rohan Pandit ruled Head not out.The decision drew criticism from RR Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara, who engaged in an animated discussion after the call. Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan also expressed his disapproval, calling it a "horrible decision."Despite the controversy, SRH went on to post a competitive total of 201 for three. Head, who was dropped by Riyan Parag in the first over, made the most of his reprieve with a 44-ball 58. Nitish Reddy also contributed with an explosive 76 not out off 42 balls.The duo shared a 96-run stand for the third wicket, while Heinrich Klassen added a quickfire 42 not out off 19 balls to take SRH past the 200-run mark.RR's bowling attack struggled to contain the SRH batters, with Yuzvendra Chahal conceding 62 runs in his four overs. Avesh Khan picked up two wickets, while Sandeep Sharma and R Ashwin claimed one each.In the end, SRH's strong batting performance proved too much for RR, who fell short in their chase. The controversial stumping decision remained a talking point, highlighting the importance of accurate umpiring in high-stakes matches.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged victorious in their IPL 2024 encounter against Delhi Capitals (DC), securing a 7-wicket triumph. Phil Salt's exceptional performance, with a blistering 68 runs off just 33 deliveries, propelled KKR to victory and solidified their position in the top two of the points table.Axar Patel emerged as the lone shining light for DC, claiming two wickets and effectively controlling the run rate. However, it was his remarkable delivery that dismissed Salt that garnered widespread acclaim from the cricketing fraternity, including former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu.On the opening delivery of the ninth over, Axar employed an arm-ball that deceived Salt. The ball turned sharply from a length, crashing into the stumps and leaving the batsman bewildered. Sidhu, providing commentary, drew comparisons between Axar and the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi. He praised Axar's ability to outsmart the in-form batter, stating, "This came at the speed of a bullet. Bishan Singh Bedi used to do this very often. To outfox a batsman who was playing like this, sending him back, Axar, wah! (Ek set batsman ko bewakoof banake ghar bhejna... Axar, you beauty) That's why Axar Patel is selected again and again in the Indian team."With just one day remaining before countries announce their squads for the T20 World Cup in June, players from all 10 IPL teams are eager to impress the national selectors. Axar's name is among those being considered for a place in the squad, given his impressive form with both bat and ball.According to various reports, India's squad is expected to be announced on Tuesday, April 30. BCCI secretary Jay Shah will meet with the India selectors in Ahmedabad prior to the announcement. On Sunday, India skipper Rohit Sharma, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Rahul Dravid, and other BCCI officials held a meeting in New Delhi to discuss the squad.The selectors face a challenging decision in choosing between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill as the third opener for the marquee event. Additionally, the bowling fitness of all-rounder Hardik Pandya remains a concern for the selectors.

Punjab Kings Skipper Shikhar Dhawan Misses Match Due to Injury, Sam Curran Leads TeamIn a surprising turn of events, Punjab Kings' regular captain Shikhar Dhawan was absent from the toss for their match against Rajasthan Royals at Mullanpur, Chandigarh on Saturday. Star all-rounder Sam Curran stepped in to represent PBKS at the toss with RR's Sanju Samson.After winning the toss, Curran revealed the reason behind Dhawan's absence. "Shikhar (Dhawan) picked up a niggle, that's why I'm here," said Curran.Curran also shared that PBKS would have preferred to bowl first, but would now have to bat first. He praised the team's balance and highlighted the contributions of Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma in the middle order.For Rajasthan Royals, Jos Buttler and Ravichandran Ashwin were also absent due to injuries, as confirmed by captain Sanju Samson.Samson explained that RR would bowl first, as the wicket appeared conducive to bowling. He emphasized the team's focus on process and building a strong unit.Playing XIs:Rajasthan Royals: Sanju Samson(w/c), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Tanush Kotian, Keshav Maharaj, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Sen, Yuzvendra ChahalPunjab Kings: Jonny Bairstow, Atharva Taide, Prabhsimran Singh, Sam Curran(c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma(w), Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada