Cricket

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has outlined his ideal bowling combination for India for the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. Manjrekar believes that the team should select their bowlers based on the opposition and the size of the ground.Manjrekar said that leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal may struggle to make the playing XI if the grounds are on the smaller side. He explained that Chahal thrives on bigger grounds, while Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav can be more effective on smaller grounds.Despite Chahal's impressive performance in IPL 2024, where he picked up 18 wickets, Manjrekar emphasized that he would prefer to see all three frontline pacers in the side. He gave the edge to Arshdeep Singh over Mohammed Siraj, if only one can play alongside Jasprit Bumrah."Arshdeep offers you more variety; a left-arm seamer, who has a great range as a bowler," Manjrekar said.Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan agreed with Manjrekar's assessment, pointing out that Arshdeep has the most T20I wickets in the last year among Indians."Don't underestimate the power of a left-arm fast-bowler," Pathan joked.Arshdeep Singh scalped 19 wickets in IPL 2024, but had an expensive economy rate over 10. However, Manjrekar believes that his variety and range make him a valuable asset to the team.

Yuzvendra Chahal Concedes Most Sixes in IPL History, Underscoring T20 Cricket's Relentless PressureYuzvendra Chahal, the Indian Premier League's (IPL) leading wicket-taker, has etched his name in an unwanted record book. During Qualifier 2 of IPL 2024 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chahal conceded three sixes, bringing his career tally to a staggering 224. This makes him the bowler with the most sixes hit off his bowling in IPL history.Chahal's record highlights the relentless pressure faced by bowlers in the high-stakes environment of T20 cricket. Despite his impressive wicket-taking ability, Chahal has often found himself on the receiving end of some ferocious hitting. However, his resilience and endurance in the face of such adversity are a testament to his skill and determination.Close behind Chahal is Piyush Chawla, another seasoned IPL campaigner, with 222 sixes conceded. Chawla's wily leg-spin and ability to turn the ball sharply have made him a consistent performer over the years. Ravindra Jadeja, with 206 sixes conceded, brings a unique dimension to this list. Known for his all-round capabilities, Jadeja's left-arm spin and pinpoint accuracy have made him a mainstay in various IPL franchises.Ravichandran Ashwin, another prominent figure in Indian cricket, has conceded 202 sixes in the IPL. Ashwin's off-spin and his propensity to experiment with different bowling variations have made him a formidable opponent.Despite being on the receiving end of some ferocious hitting, these bowlers have displayed remarkable perseverance and skill. Their records highlight not just the challenges of T20 cricket, but also the incredible talent and determination required to succeed at the highest level.

IPL's most formidable power-hitters, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, will face a formidable challenge in the form of seasoned spin twins Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin when Sunrisers Hyderabad takes on Rajasthan Royals in a high-stakes second Qualifier on Friday.Head and Sharma, affectionately known as "Travishek" by fans, have redefined power-hitting with their exceptional performances. Head has amassed 533 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 199.62, while Sharma has contributed 470 runs at an equally impressive strike rate of 207.04. Together, they have unleashed a barrage of 72 sixes and 96 boundaries.However, the Chepauk pitch, known for its slow and sticky nature, poses a different challenge for the power-hitters. The ball tends to stop and stroke-makers face difficulties in hitting through the line.Ashwin, a master of his craft at this ground, has an intimate understanding of the pitch's behavior. His form has also improved significantly towards the latter stages of the tournament. With the country's premier leg-spinner, Chahal, as his partner, Royals will be hoping to neutralize Head, Sharma, and their explosive teammate Heinrich Klaasen (413 runs at 180) early on.SRH's bowling attack will once again rely heavily on T Natarajan, their leading wicket-taker this season. Playing on his home turf, he will be eager to exploit the conditions. The experienced duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Pat Cummins also have a crucial role to play, especially since Kumar has been wicketless in his last two outings.SRH's weakness lies in their lack of quality spinners. Mayank Markande is considered mediocre at best, while Shahbaz Ahmed's primary skill is batting rather than bowling.In contrast, RR has found its rhythm after a five-game winless streak, thanks to a comprehensive performance against RCB. The top-order, particularly Yashasvi Jaiswal, displayed positive signs and will be keen to continue their form ahead of the T20 World Cup in the Americas.However, skipper Sanju Samson needs to improve his performance, having failed to cross the 20-run mark in his last three contests. Dhruv Jurel, in the middle order, will be under pressure after failing to reach double digits in his last two outings.The side will also rely on its Caribbean game-changers, Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell, for some of the power-hitting they showcased against RCB. Riyan Parag, who has been in impressive form this season, is another bankable batter for RR.

Yuzvendra Chahal, the enigmatic leg-spinner, has etched his name into the annals of Rajasthan Royals history by becoming the franchise's all-time leading wicket-taker in the Indian Premier League (IPL). During the IPL 2024 Eliminator against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Ahmedabad, Chahal claimed the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli, reaching the milestone of 66 wickets for the Royals.Chahal's remarkable achievement is a testament to his exceptional skill and consistency. He has consistently been among the most effective bowlers in the IPL, showcasing his ability to deceive batsmen with his variations and accuracy. His strike rate of 15.6 is a testament to his ability to strike regularly and make breakthroughs.The Rajasthan Royals have been fortunate to have a plethora of talented bowlers over the years, but Chahal's record stands out. He has surpassed the likes of Siddharth Trivedi (65 wickets), Shane Watson (61 wickets), Shane Warne (57 wickets), and James Faulkner (47 wickets) to become the franchise's most prolific wicket-taker.Chahal's success is not limited to the Rajasthan Royals. He is also the leading wicket-taker in the IPL overall, with an impressive tally of 205 wickets in 159 matches. His ability to adapt to different conditions and outsmart batsmen has made him one of the most sought-after bowlers in the league.The Rajasthan Royals will be hoping that Chahal can continue his impressive form in the upcoming seasons. His experience and skill will be crucial as the team aims to challenge for the IPL title.

Yuzvendra Chahal's Acrobatic Catch Stuns in Rajasthan Royals' VictoryIn a thrilling encounter at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Rajasthan Royals' Yuzvendra Chahal showcased his exceptional fielding skills with a remarkable catch to dismiss Punjab Kings' Prabhsimran Singh. The incident occurred during the first over of Punjab's chase, as Singh attempted to dispatch Trent Boult's delivery over the on-side. However, the ball took a top edge and soared high into the air towards short third-man.Chahal, positioned inside the circle, initially appeared to misjudge the trajectory of the ball. However, he quickly backpedaled and contorted his body in an acrobatic manner, keeping his eyes firmly fixed on the ball. In a tumbling motion, he extended his right hand in a reverse cup and miraculously managed to secure the catch.The catch left Chahal's teammates and Boult in disbelief, as it seemed impossible that he had managed to hold onto the ball. The dismissal proved to be a crucial moment in the match, as it marked Boult's record 28th wicket in the first over across all IPL seasons.Earlier in the match, Punjab Kings had restricted Rajasthan Royals to a modest total of 144 for nine. Riyan Parag emerged as the top scorer for Royals with a gritty 48 off 34 deliveries on a challenging pitch. Punjab's bowlers, led by Sam Curran (2/24), Harshal Patel (2/28), Nathan Ellis (1/24), and Rahul Chahar (2/26), shared the wickets.With this victory, Rajasthan Royals have secured their place in the playoffs, while Punjab Kings have been eliminated from the tournament. Despite their disappointing season, Punjab Kings will be proud of their fighting spirit and the exceptional fielding display by Chahal, which will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the highlights of the IPL 2023 season.

Yuzvendra Chahal, the renowned leg-spinner for the Rajasthan Royals, is known for his infectious humor and ability to lighten the mood both on and off the field. As the Royals prepare for their upcoming match against the Punjab Kings, Chahal's antics have once again brought laughter to the dressing room.In a video shared by the Royals on social media, Chahal is seen attempting to take photographs of his teammates, including local lad Riyan Parag. However, Parag initially ignores Chahal's attempts to get his attention, prompting the spinner to call out various nicknames, including "Chintu," "hello," and "tattoo wale bhaiya."Undeterred, Chahal persists, and when he finally calls out Parag's name, the batsman turns and gives a thumbs-up sign. Chahal then proceeds to click pictures of his other teammates, capturing the lighthearted atmosphere within the Royals camp.The Royals are currently in a strong position in the Indian Premier League (IPL) standings, having secured a spot in the playoffs with eight victories and four defeats. Parag has been a key contributor with the bat, scoring 483 runs in 12 matches, while Chahal has taken 15 wickets in 12 games.Chahal's humor and camaraderie have played a significant role in maintaining a positive and relaxed environment within the Royals team. His ability to keep the atmosphere light has helped the players stay focused and motivated throughout the tournament.As the Royals prepare for their match against the Punjab Kings, Chahal's antics are sure to continue, providing a much-needed dose of laughter and camaraderie to the team.

Yuzvendra Chahal's Exceptional Spin Bowling Propels Rajasthan Royals to PlayoffsFormer Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has hailed Yuzvendra Chahal's exceptional spin bowling prowess, which has played a pivotal role in Rajasthan Royals' qualification for the Indian Premier League playoffs.Chahal's unique approach sets him apart from his peers, according to Harbhajan. "He's the only bowler who's bowling like a spinner. I should say, a spinner who is bowling like a spinner," Harbhajan remarked.Chahal's ability to impart flight, variation, and tactical acumen is unmatched. "Spinning the ball, he's got that flight, he's got that variation, and he's using it very wisely," Harbhajan noted. "When I look at him bowling and look at other spinners, there's a vast difference."Harbhajan emphasized the importance of a wicket-taking mindset in Chahal's success. "You have to think that I'm going to get you out. That's what Yuzvendra Chahal is doing," he affirmed.While acknowledging the achievements of established spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav, Harbhajan drew attention to the contrast with spinners who appear content with containment rather than actively seeking wickets.Chahal's exceptional spin bowling skills have been instrumental in Rajasthan Royals' success this season. The team has already secured its playoff spot and will play its last two league games in Guwahati.

Kuldeep Yadav's resurgence in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has propelled him to the forefront of India's spin bowling options for the upcoming T20 World Cup. After a dismal 2019 season, where he struggled for wickets and economy, Kuldeep has transformed into a formidable force, showcasing his improved pace and accuracy.In the ongoing IPL, Kuldeep has been a revelation for the Delhi Capitals, claiming 14 wickets in just nine matches at an impressive average of 20.50 and an economy rate of 8.20. His ability to break the bail with his deliveries highlights his increased pace, which has made him a more challenging proposition for batters.Kuldeep's resurgence has come at a crucial time for India, who are seeking a replacement for the injured Ravindra Jadeja in their T20 World Cup squad. With his current form, Kuldeep is the frontrunner to join Axar Patel as India's primary spin duo in the tournament.In contrast, Yuzvendra Chahal, who initially impressed for the Rajasthan Royals, has endured a dip in form in recent matches. His struggles have raised concerns about his ability to handle the pressure of the World Cup, especially on flat pitches where batters can dominate.Kuldeep's resurgence and Chahal's struggles have created a clear hierarchy in India's spin bowling department. Kuldeep is now the undisputed number one spinner, while Chahal's place in the World Cup squad is in jeopardy. However, Chahal has the experience and talent to bounce back and prove his worth in the business end of the tournament.

Yuzvendra Chahal: The First Indian Bowler to Conquer 350 T20 WicketsYuzvendra Chahal, the enigmatic leg-spinner from Rajasthan Royals, has etched his name in the annals of T20 cricket history by becoming the first Indian bowler to capture 350 wickets. This remarkable milestone, achieved during the IPL match against Delhi Capitals, is a testament to his exceptional skill and unwavering consistency in the shortest format of the game.Chahal's journey to this record-breaking feat has been marked by a series of match-winning performances for both the Indian national team and various T20 leagues around the world. His ability to outsmart batsmen with his deceptive leg-spin has made him a formidable force in T20 matches.Chahal's rise to prominence began with his impressive performances for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. His ability to control the flow of runs and pick up crucial wickets earned him a place in the Indian T20I team in 2016. Since then, he has been a mainstay in the national side, playing a pivotal role in India's success in major tournaments.In the IPL, Chahal has been a consistent performer for both RCB and Rajasthan Royals. His ability to adapt to different conditions and outwit batsmen with his variations has made him one of the most sought-after bowlers in the tournament.Chahal's success in T20 cricket stems from his exceptional control and accuracy. He possesses a wide range of deliveries, including the traditional leg-break, the googly, and the slider. His ability to mix up his pace and trajectory makes it difficult for batsmen to predict his next move.Off the field, Chahal is known for his jovial nature and infectious enthusiasm. His positive attitude and camaraderie with his teammates have made him a popular figure among fans and fellow players alike.Yuzvendra Chahal's achievement of 350 T20 wickets is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering passion for the game. He has established himself as one of the most successful bowlers in the shortest format of cricket, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of aspiring spinners.