Cricket

Delhi Capitals' Strategic Retention of Tristan Stubbs Lauded by Paul AdamsFormer South African spinner Paul Adams has hailed the Delhi Capitals' decision to retain Tristan Stubbs for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Amidst significant roster changes, including the release of former captain Rishabh Pant, Stubbs's retention underscores the franchise's belief in his abilities."It was a calculated move from Delhi Capitals," Adams told IANS. "Stubbs is one of the few young players who will be a long-term asset for the franchise. He has proven his credentials in all formats, including a classy innings against Bangladesh in Tests. Having a young, hard-hitting batter and a terrific fielder will always benefit the team."The 22-year-old Stubbs has impressed with his aggressive batting and efficient fielding in previous IPL seasons, scoring three half-centuries in 18 matches. Alongside Stubbs, Delhi Capitals have also retained Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and uncapped player Abishek Porel, aiming to solidify their core team."With Axar, Kuldeep, and Porel also in the retention list, DC has tried to retain their core strength," Adams added. "But with Rishabh gone, it will be interesting to see who will lead the team."Stubbs, who made his IPL debut in 2022, has scored 405 runs at an average of 36.82, including three fifties. Acquired for Rs 50 lakh in the 2024 IPL Auction, his performance showcases his potential as a long-term asset for the team.Adams also praised the emergence of young talent like Gerald Coetzee and credited the SA20 tournament for its positive impact on South African cricket, attributing part of its success to the involvement of IPL franchises."Coetzee has been around for a while and has always been able to contribute with the bat," Adams said. "His innings the other night was absolutely amazing. Coming in and taking the pressure off Stubbs immediately. Having a player like that down the order and the batting depth South Africa now has in T20 is important.""It allows batters to continue to keep going hard," Adams added. "And you've got to understand that the game's never finished. You've got to make sure you've got length in your batting and batters down the order that can clear the ropes. And we had to see what Gerald is capable of."

Tristan Stubbs' unbeaten 47 guided South Africa to a thrilling three-wicket victory over India in the second T20I at St George's Park in Gqeberha. The 22-year-old, who grew up in Knysna, admitted to being "proper nervous" but managed to control his breathing and shepherd his team home.Stubbs entered the crease with South Africa struggling at 33 for 2 in the sixth over. He watched as his side slipped to 66 for 6 in the 13th and 86 for 7 in the 16th. However, he found vital support from Gerald Coetzee, with whom he shared an unbroken 42-run stand for the ninth wicket off just 20 balls."Fortunately, the run rate never got away from us," Stubbs said. "Once we lost the wickets, I had 30 in mind off the last three and then G [Coetzee] really came and played an innings to help that out and then, fortunately, we got over the line."Stubbs praised the Indian spinners, Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi, who kept things tight and out-skilled the South African batters on a surface that was "typically staying low." However, he was pleased to stay till the end and take his side home."They both [Chakravarthy and Bishnoi] were doing just enough to beat you on either side," he said. "It wasn't easy to come in and just rotate even, let alone take them on. They are two of the best spinners in the world so when they are on, it's really tough and they got the better of us in the middle there by just outskilling us."Stubbs' performance has been a highlight of South Africa's recent resurgence in white-ball cricket. In February, he became just the 11th batter to score a first-class triple-century in South Africa. He has also racked up Test and ODI centuries in the last month and a bit.When asked about the maturity in his game, Stubbs said, "I don't actually know how to answer that. It's just been nice. I really enjoy the longer format because you can spend more time in the middle without feeling like you need to play a big ball and I really enjoy the graft of batting long.""I think the longer form cricket just naturally helps your T20 game and the batsmanship and spending time in the middle and not having to make a play really helps the rest of the formats. So I think that's been the biggest thing."

The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise retention deadline is fast approaching, with teams having until October 31 to submit their lists. Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has predicted the players that Delhi Capitals (DC) may retain ahead of the auction, which is likely to take place on November 25-26 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.According to Singh, Rishabh Pant is an automatic choice for retention. He believes that DC should also retain Axar Patel, Tristan Stubbs, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and potentially Mitchell Marsh. This would mean that DC would retain five capped players, which would cost them a minimum of Rs 75 crore.Singh does not believe that DC will opt for an uncapped player, as the price slabs for capped players are higher. He believes that DC should focus on retaining a strong core of players and then filling out the rest of their squad through the auction.

Tristan Stubbs' maiden ODI century propelled South Africa to a resounding 174-run victory over Ireland, securing the Proteas' series triumph with a match to spare. The 24-year-old Stubbs unleashed an explosive 112 off 81 deliveries, adorned with eight boundaries and three towering sixes, as South Africa amassed a formidable 343-4 in their allotted 50 overs.Ireland's response crumbled under the weight of the Proteas' onslaught, as they were dismissed for a paltry 169 with nearly 20 overs remaining. The defeat marked their second consecutive heavy loss, following a 139-run setback in the series opener.Stubbs, who had impressed with a 79 in the first match, continued his ruthless form on Friday. He reached his century in just 75 deliveries, exposing the deficiencies of the Irish bowling attack despite their rotation of seven bowlers.The Proteas' middle order provided ample support to Stubbs. Kyle Verreynne contributed a solid 67 off 64 balls, while Wiaan Mulder chipped in with a brisk 43 off 34 deliveries. At the top of the order, Ryan Rickelton added to his 91 from the opening fixture with a valuable 40."I thought in the first game, myself and 'Ricks' got out back to back. Today I didn't want that to happen," Stubbs explained. "That was the big focus. I thought they bowled quite well. They made us hit to the big side. We were rotating nicely and that helped us get the runs."The only concern for South Africa was the injury to skipper Temba Bavuma, who was forced to retire with an elbow injury sustained while attempting to avoid a run out. Bavuma had scored 35 when he was forced to leave the field, and he remained off the field during Ireland's innings, with Rassie van der Dussen taking over the captaincy."I think I aggravated an old injury on my elbow. We will get to know in the next few days. Right now, I am at the mercy of the doctors," Bavuma said.Ireland's reply began disastrously, with openers Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling dismissed cheaply, leaving the team reeling at 7-2 after three overs. The Proteas continued to make regular breakthroughs, but tailenders Craig Young (29 not out) and Graham Hume (21) provided some entertainment with a 52-run last-wicket partnership.South Africa fast bowler Lizaad Williams, who had claimed a career-best 4-32 in the first match, continued his impressive form with figures of 3-36 from five overs."It was a tough day at the office," said Stirling.The three-match series concludes at the same Abu Dhabi venue on Monday.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has unveiled new retention rules for the upcoming season, allowing franchises to retain a maximum of six players. Delhi Capitals (DC) have begun deliberations on their potential retentions, with co-owner Parth Jindal confirming the retention of star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant.Jindal revealed that other players under consideration for retention include Axar Patel, Tristan Stubbs, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Kuldeep Yadav, Abishek Porel, Mukesh Kumar, and Khaleel Ahmed. According to the IPL Player Regulations, franchises can retain up to five capped players (Indian or overseas) and two uncapped players through retention or the Right to Match (RTM) option."We have some very good players in our team," said Jindal. "The rules have just come out, so after discussing with co-owners GMR and our director of cricket, Sourav Ganguly, decisions will be made."DC have yet to win the IPL since its inception in 2008. Jindal expressed optimism about the team's chances in the upcoming season, stating, "We'll see what happens in the auction. As per the rule, we can retain six players. Those discussions will be held first."The new retention rules provide DC with flexibility in building a competitive squad. With a strong core of players to retain, the franchise can target specific areas of improvement in the auction. The retention of Pant, a key figure in the Indian national team, is a significant boost for DC.

Tristan Stubbs, a rising star in South African cricket, has been entrusted with the crucial role of Test No. 3 by coach Shukri Conrad. Despite his limited experience, Conrad believes Stubbs possesses the ideal combination of batting prowess and intimidating presence for the position.Conrad, who holds the sole responsibility for selecting both the squad and the playing XI, has decided to give Stubbs an extended opportunity to prove his worth. He sees something special in the young batsman's technique and physical attributes."Technique is crucial because he'll be facing the new ball most of the time," Conrad explained. "And he's quite an imposing character, a big, strong, strapping boy, and I quite like that. I like the fact that at the top of the order, there are quite imposing guys; guys that have got a good aura about them and strong body language."South Africa's top three for the upcoming Test series against West Indies will comprise Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, and Stubbs. All three players stand over 1.8 meters tall and exude a confident presence.Conrad did not elaborate on the specific advantages of having three physically imposing players at the top of the order, but it may have something to do with the diminutive stature of their captain, Temba Bavuma. Bavuma, who stands at 1.62 meters, has not played a Test match since March 2022 due to hamstring injuries.While Bavuma does not require protection, he needs players around him who can bat consistently and provide a solid foundation. Stubbs has been identified as someone who can fulfill that role."His psyche and his technique speak to someone who will do that job really well," Conrad said. "We've got a good one for the future of South African cricket."Stubbs' impressive first-class record supports Conrad's confidence. In 18 matches, he has averaged 50.20, with three centuries and a highest score of 302*. His ability to score quickly and dominate the opposition has caught the attention of selectors.Conrad has committed to giving Stubbs a significant run in the No. 3 spot throughout the remainder of the World Test Championship cycle. South Africa has eight more Tests scheduled in this cycle, providing Stubbs with ample opportunities to prove his worth."I'm going to give him a good run," Conrad said. "I'd be surprised if we didn't back him throughout the rest of the cycle. I'm pretty confident Tristan is going to come good."Stubbs has been instructed to express himself freely and play to his strengths. Conrad believes that by embracing their own identities, players can achieve success."Whatever that identity is, you couple that with the conditions that you're confronting and then marry that with what the skills the opposition bring, but ultimately, you still operate with your own identity in mind," Conrad said.

Delhi Capitals assistant coach Pravin Amre has hailed Tristan Stubbs as a player "for the next five years" after the South African batter's impressive performances in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.Stubbs, who was brought in as a backup for Harry Brook, has seized the opportunity to showcase his talent. His ability to find the boundary with ease and precision has drawn comparisons to former South African great AB de Villiers.In DC's final game of the season against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Stubbs played a pivotal role in the team's victory. His unbeaten 57-run blitz left LSG bowlers bewildered and powered Delhi to an imposing total of 208/4."If Harry Brook was there, Stubbs was actually a backup. It was so important that we had to pick a really good backup. We saw the South African League, and he had done really well there. He contributed to the winning team there. He got a triple hundred in first-class cricket, also. What we saw is that he is such a cricketer who can play well against spinners as well. He looks very hungry and composed, also. He is a player for the next five years," Amre said in the post-match press conference.Despite DC's disappointing group stage exit, Amre highlighted the positives from the season, including the emergence of young players like Stubbs, Jake Fraser McGurk, Abhishek Porel, and Rasikh Dar Salam.Rasikh, a 24-year-old pacer, has impressed with his consistent performances, especially in the death overs. In 11 matches, he has claimed 9 wickets at an economy of 10.43 and a bowling average of 37.67."I think as an Indian, bowling in the death is a specialist's job. He has discovered and backed himself really well. In the last four or five games, all Indian bowlers have been doing really well and that is what is important for us as a franchise," Amre added.While Stubbs made an impact with the bat against LSG, veteran quick Ishant Sharma rattled LSG's top-order in the powerplay. He dismissed KL Rahul, Quinton de Kock, and Deepak Hooda with his skillful bowling."He is the guy who has played 100 Test matches; he knows how to bowl on Delhi's wicket. He has contributed a lot this season and I am really happy for him," Amre said.

Tristan Stubbs, the dynamic all-rounder for Delhi Capitals, has revealed an intriguing secret about his relationship with India's star left-arm spinner, Kuldeep Yadav. In a recent interview with The Grade Cricketer podcast, Stubbs disclosed that Yadav has consistently refused to bowl to him in the nets."He won't bowl to me. I have tried a few times to go face him, but he won't bowl to me," Stubbs said.This revelation has sparked speculation about Yadav's motives. Stubbs believes that Yadav is intentionally keeping his wrong-un delivery a mystery, preventing him from gaining an advantage in potential future encounters."I think he's trying to keep it a mystery, so I can't tell you," Stubbs said. "I have tried to face him, but he's not having it."Stubbs's comments have raised questions about whether Yadav's refusal to bowl to him is a strategic move or a sign of respect. Some believe that Yadav is simply trying to protect his secret weapon, while others suggest that he may be acknowledging Stubbs's potential as a dangerous batsman.Stubbs, who has been a key contributor to Delhi Capitals' recent resurgence, has expressed a desire to face Yadav in order to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, he understands Yadav's decision to keep his delivery under wraps."I think it's quietly not been said, but I think so, yeah," Stubbs said when asked if he wanted to face Yadav in preparation for the World Cup. "I think he's smart to do so. We're on the same page."Meanwhile, Yadav has been in impressive form for Delhi Capitals, picking up 14 wickets in nine matches. His performances have helped the team climb to fifth place in the points table.As the IPL season progresses, it remains to be seen whether Yadav will change his stance and bowl to Stubbs in the nets. However, the mystery surrounding their relationship has added an intriguing subplot to the tournament.

Tristan Stubbs: Hockey Skills Fueling Batting Prowess in IPL 2024Like the legendary South African fielder Jonty Rhodes, young Proteas batsman Tristan Stubbs attributes some of his batting prowess to his hockey background. Currently excelling for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024, Stubbs has showcased his big-hitting abilities, scoring 41 off 20 balls in a recent victory over the Rajasthan Royals.In a post-match interview, the 23-year-old revealed how hockey skills have influenced his batting, particularly his sweeps. "I learned the basics from hockey and practiced them a lot," Stubbs explained. "The way I turn my hands for spinners and seam is like I'm holding a hockey stick. Both sweeps, getting down low, definitely come from hockey."Stubbs' hockey background has provided him with a solid foundation for his batting. The hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes required in hockey translate well to the cricket field. His ability to generate power and execute precise shots has been evident throughout IPL 2024.With a strike rate of 188.16, Stubbs has amassed 318 runs in 11 innings for the Delhi Capitals, including two half-centuries. His tally includes an impressive 22 sixes, demonstrating his ability to clear the boundary with ease.Stubbs' contributions have been crucial for the Delhi Capitals, who are vying for a playoff spot. His aggressive batting has provided the team with much-needed momentum and has helped them stay in contention for a top-four finish.As the IPL 2024 season progresses, Stubbs will look to continue his impressive form and help the Delhi Capitals achieve their playoff aspirations. His unique blend of hockey skills and cricketing talent makes him an exciting prospect for the future of South African cricket.