Cricket

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen believes Rishabh Pant's impressive performance in the recent IPL match against Gujarat Titans is a positive sign for the Indian team ahead of the T20 World Cup. Pant's mobility, keeping skills, and captaincy during the game have given him and the team management confidence.Pant's mobility was particularly encouraging, as he had suffered a horrific car crash in 2022. His ability to move around the field with ease suggests that he is recovering well from his injuries. Pietersen emphasized that this mobility will be crucial for Pant's performance in the T20 World Cup.In addition to his mobility, Pant's keeping skills were also on display against Gujarat Titans. He grabbed two catches, effected a stumping, and played a 16-run cameo. His performance earned him the 'Player of the Match' award, a first for a wicketkeeper in the IPL since Dinesh Karthik in 2009.Pietersen also praised Pant's captaincy during the game. He noted that Pant used his resources tactfully, backing his strike bowlers and keeping them on for multiple overs. This strategy proved effective, as Delhi Capitals dismissed Gujarat Titans for just 89 runs in 17.3 overs.Overall, Pietersen believes that Pant's performance in the IPL is a positive sign for the Indian team. He believes that Pant's mobility, keeping skills, and captaincy will be valuable assets in the T20 World Cup.

Jasprit Bumrah, the Mumbai Indians' bowling spearhead, has expressed his desire to make an early impact in T20 matches. While he is often deployed as a trump card in the latter stages of the innings, Bumrah believes he can contribute significantly in the powerplay overs."Of course, you want to make an impact early on when the ball does something," Bumrah said. "In this format, the ball does swing for the first two overs, and I want to make an impact when the opportunity comes."Despite the high-scoring nature of this year's IPL, Bumrah has maintained his miserly economy rate of 5.96 and has taken 13 wickets in seven matches. He acknowledges the challenges bowlers face in the current T20 landscape, but emphasizes the importance of preparation and self-belief."This format is a little difficult for the bowlers because the batsmanship is going up," Bumrah said. "But I feel like all of those things are not in your control. What you can do is try to prepare to the best of your ability and back yourself in any situation."Bumrah also plays a leadership role within the Mumbai Indians team, providing guidance to his fellow bowlers."Whenever there's an opportunity, I do relay a message from wherever I am," Bumrah said. "But sometimes in the heat of the moment, it's difficult to pass on a lot of message. But yes, I am always there if anybody needs help."Bumrah's versatility and leadership qualities make him a crucial asset for the Mumbai Indians as they aim to defend their IPL title.

Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional bowling performance propelled Mumbai Indians to a thrilling 9-run victory over Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday. Bumrah's three-wicket haul proved decisive in restricting Punjab to 182/9 in pursuit of Mumbai's 192/4.Bumrah's impact was evident from the outset as he dismissed Rilee Rossouw and Sam Curran in his opening over. The right-arm pacer's ability to swing the new ball effectively put Punjab on the back foot. He returned in the middle overs to remove Shashank Singh, who had threatened to take the game away from Mumbai.In the latter stages of the chase, Bumrah's tight bowling in the 17th over, conceding just three runs, proved crucial in stifling Punjab's momentum. Ashutosh Sharma's valiant 61 was not enough to prevent Mumbai from securing their third win of the season.After the match, Bumrah acknowledged the challenges bowlers face in the T20 format due to restrictions and deeper batting line-ups. "This format is a little difficult for bowlers, with time restrictions and impact player rules. Batting lineup becomes deeper and deeper," he said.As a senior player, Bumrah emphasized the importance of guiding his younger teammates. "I do relay the message to the bowlers whenever I can. But you also don't want to deliver too many messages in the heat of the moment," he added.Mumbai's victory lifted them to seventh place in the points table, while Punjab slipped to ninth after another close defeat.

Yorkshire's bid to host a Tier 1 team in England's new domestic women's structure has been unsuccessful, sparking disappointment and frustration within the club. However, ECB chief executive Richard Gould has denied that the decision was influenced by Yorkshire's past failings in addressing allegations of institutional racism.Northern Diamonds, the regional side in the north east, will continue to be based primarily at Headingley but will also play home games at other locations in 2024. Durham will host a Tier 1 county in the initial eight-team structure from 2025, a decision that Yorkshire's board described as "tough to take."Yorkshire's board highlighted the club's large active playing base of women and girls, as well as its success in producing players who have gone on to play internationally for England. They expressed disappointment that they would not be able to use a Tier 1 women's team to help them achieve their ambition of becoming "the most welcoming and inclusive cricket club in the country."Gould emphasized that the ECB's decision was not a punishment for Yorkshire's past sins. "Our role is to promote the game, not punish," he said. "We have responsibility when we have an opportunity such as this to get the best outcomes nationally."The news has caused concern among Northern Diamonds players and staff, with England captain Heather Knight confirming that the prospect of having to relocate from Leeds to Durham has caused "quite an unsettling time" for some of the Yorkshire-based domestic players.Gould acknowledged that such tough decisions are part of the process. "This is professional sport," he said. "It's no bad thing. If you want to be paid to be a player in this set-up, you're going to be a Tier 1 player."The Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) anticipates some "teething problems" and has pledged to hold counties accountable in delivering on their proposals. Knight believes that the scale of disappointment is a sign of the progress that has been made in women's cricket.The ECB's investment in women's domestic cricket is expected to grow the number of female professional players in the country by 80% in the next five years. Knight believes there is enough talent to sustain the structure and that investment is key to growing the depth.The revamp is seen as the next logical step in the professionalization of women's cricket in England and Wales. Knight expressed excitement about the plans and hopes that women's cricket will be given equal opportunity alongside the men's game.

Mumbai Indians Snatch Thrilling Victory from Punjab Kings in IPL 2024In a nail-biting encounter at Mullanpur on Thursday, Mumbai Indians (MI) narrowly escaped a late onslaught from Punjab Kings (PBKS) to secure a thrilling 9-run victory in the IPL 2024 match.PBKS, chasing a challenging target of 193, found themselves in a precarious position at 77/6, with their top order back in the pavilion. However, Ashutosh Sharma's remarkable innings of 61 runs off just 28 balls ignited their hopes.Sharma displayed audacious strokeplay, executing helicopter pulls and dispatching Jasprit Bumrah for a six with a sweeping shot. He punished Akash Madhwal's bowling, leaving MI stunned for a moment.However, Sharma's dismissal in the deep when PBKS were just 25 runs away from victory halted their momentum. The lower-order batsmen failed to carry them across the finish line.Bumrah once again emerged as the standout performer for MI, claiming crucial wickets with the new ball and later breaking a threatening partnership by dismissing Shashank Singh. Despite the onslaught from the opposition batsmen, Bumrah remained economical and showcased his brilliance yet again.Another MI pacer, Gerald Coetzee, made a significant contribution with figures of 3/32, shifting the momentum in MI's favor by dismissing Sharma at a crucial juncture.MI captain Rohit Sharma described the match as a see-saw battle, noting that both teams had opportunities to clinch victory until the final over."What a game! We got a good total on the board, we started really well (with the ball), we thought we had it.. cricket is a funny game and they batted really well, it was like a seesaw and couldn't decide who would win the game," said Rohit."I saw the ball land and knew it would spin, so I got my body behind, I didn't care how I stopped it as long as I stopped it (16.3). It is incredible, it is completely different to whatever I have experienced and even the fan experience, just incredible," he added.

Ashutosh Sharma, the 25-year-old Punjab Kings batter, has emerged as a rising star in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Despite his team's loss against Mumbai Indians, Sharma's sensational 28-ball-61 showcased his exceptional talent.Sharma's knock, which included 2 fours and 7 sixes at a strike rate of 217.86, brought Punjab Kings close to victory despite losing four early wickets. His performance adds to his impressive tournament tally of 156 runs in just 4 matches.Sharma's journey to the IPL has been marked by both triumph and adversity. From 2020 to 2022, he faced a challenging period where his career seemed uncertain. "There was a time when I wasn't even allowed to get a feel of the cricket ground," Sharma revealed.An alleged falling out with then Madhya Pradesh head coach Chandrakant Pandit left Sharma feeling depressed and isolated. "I would go to the gym and retire to my hotel room. I was sinking into depression and no one told me what my fault was," he said.Despite his struggles, Sharma's determination remained unwavering. A job offer from Railways proved to be a lifeline, and in the 2023 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he equaled Yuvraj Singh's record for the fastest T20 half-century, scoring 50 in just 11 deliveries.Sharma's exceptional performance caught the attention of Punjab Kings batting coach Sanjay Bangar, and he was picked up by the franchise in the IPL 2024 auction for the base price of Rs 20 lakh.Sharma's recent knock against Mumbai Indians is a testament to his resilience and talent. His ability to play explosive innings and contribute to his team's success has made him a valuable asset for Punjab Kings. As the IPL 2024 continues, Sharma is poised to make a significant impact on the tournament and further cement his status as a rising star in Indian cricket.

Daniel Gidney, Lancashire's chief executive, has urged the ECB to secure a title sponsor and a dedicated broadcast deal for the Charlotte Edwards Cup. This call comes after Lancashire's significant investment in women's cricket earned them Tier 1 status in the revamped domestic structure from 2025.Lancashire has been a major supporter of Thunder in England's regional competitions since 2020, with backing from Hilton and Sportsbreaks.com. They now boast a full-time squad of 15 professionals and have embarked on their third consecutive pre-season tour.Gidney expressed his delight at Lancashire's Tier 1 status, emphasizing the need for proper investment in women's cricket. He believes the ECB must find a title sponsor for the Charlotte Edwards Cup and invest in marketing games outside of the Hundred.The ECB has pledged to invest around £19 million in women's domestic cricket by 2027. However, Gidney argues that the Charlotte Edwards Cup needs to be backed by England players and taken seriously. He points out that their quarter-final at Blackpool last year attracted more spectators than Finals Day at New Road.While the men's county competitions have headline sponsors, the women's regional equivalents do not. Gidney insists that the Charlotte Edwards Cup requires a title sponsor that pays substantial money and that it should be broadcast.Gidney believes the move towards a county model reflects the rapid commercialization of women's sport. He cites the success of the Lionesses, Red Roses, and Arsenal's women's team as evidence of this growth.The tender process for Tier 1 teams has highlighted the counties that are genuinely committed to investing in women's cricket. Gidney emphasizes that authenticity is crucial and that counties must demonstrate their commitment through actions and investments.Thunder, who have appointed Chris Read as their coach, will play seven fixtures at Old Trafford this year, the most of any regional team at a men's Test venue. Lancashire is also building a new facility at Farington, which will serve as a training base and host matches.Gidney stresses that Emirates Old Trafford remains the home of Lancashire Cricket for both men and women. Old Trafford will also host women's international cricket again from 2025, and Gidney hopes to secure Women's T20 World Cup matches there in 2026.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed a series of controversial umpiring decisions this season, particularly from third umpires. Despite the availability of advanced technology, several calls have raised eyebrows among fans and experts.One such incident occurred during the match between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings on Thursday. Third umpire Nitin Menon ruled in favor of the MI batter on a wide review, leaving commentator Murali Kartik stunned. "Seriously? He (batter) was already outside the off stump. I thought, the lined moved (as the batter moved). That's touch and go," Kartik remarked on-air.Amidst the questionable calls, former Australian cricketer Tom Moody has advocated for the introduction of specialist third umpires in IPL matches. "It’s time we considered having specialist 3rd umpires, too many questionable decisions being made. Some umpires are better suited on field, the 3rd umpire requires experience and a certain skill set," Moody tweeted.The Mumbai Indians, led by Suryakumar Yadav's second fifty of the season (78), posted a competitive total of 192 for 7 against the Punjab Kings. Tilak Varma (34*) and Rohit Sharma (36) also made significant contributions.The IPL has been plagued by umpiring controversies in recent seasons. In 2021, third umpire Anil Chaudhary was criticized for a series of incorrect decisions, including a no-ball call that cost the Delhi Capitals a crucial match.The use of technology in cricket has been a double-edged sword. While it has helped reduce human error, it has also introduced new challenges. The introduction of specialist third umpires could potentially improve the accuracy and consistency of decision-making in the IPL.

MS Dhoni, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter, continues to captivate the world of cricket with his unwavering presence and exceptional skills. Despite stepping down as captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of IPL 2024, the 42-year-old remains a dominant force on the field.Dhoni's recent onslaught against Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya, where he smashed a hattrick of sixes, left fans and experts in awe. His ability to adapt to his age and set new benchmarks for the younger generation is a testament to his enduring legacy.Amidst the ongoing IPL season, speculation about Dhoni's potential retirement from the tournament has been rife. However, former CSK batter Suresh Raina, now a commentator with Jio Cinema, has provided a resounding answer to the question of whether Dhoni will continue playing for CSK in IPL 2025."Khelenge (He will play)," Raina declared confidently when asked about Dhoni's future.Former India pacer RP Singh, who was also part of the commentary panel, echoed Raina's sentiments, suggesting that Dhoni may have two more seasons left in him.Raina also revealed Dhoni's reaction to Bhojpuri commentary, a language spoken in Dhoni's home state of Jharkhand. "MS Dhoni was discussing Bhojpuri commentary. He said, 'Bahut hi gajabe commentary kar rahe Bhojpuriya me.' (they are doing a great job in Bhojpuri) I told him Haryanvi is also nice," Raina said.In the match against Mumbai Indians, Dhoni's blistering four-ball 20 proved crucial in CSK's 20-run victory. His ability to deliver under pressure and guide his team to success remains unmatched.As the IPL season progresses, all eyes will be on Dhoni to see if he can continue his remarkable journey and lead CSK to another championship title. His presence on the field is not only a source of inspiration for his teammates but also a reminder of the enduring power of experience and determination.