Cricket

Rohit Sharma Takes the Wheel: Mumbai Indians Star Turns Bus Driver for TeammatesIn a heartwarming display of camaraderie, Mumbai Indians legend Rohit Sharma surprised fans by taking the wheel of the team's bus. Amidst thunderous cheers, Rohit hopped into the driver's seat and playfully asked the crowd to clear the path as he prepared to drive.The video, which has gone viral on social media, captures the moment Rohit, no longer the Mumbai Indians captain, embraced his new role with infectious enthusiasm. Fans erupted in a frenzy, their cheers echoing through the air as they witnessed the former skipper in an unexpected light.Rohit's gesture not only showcased his playful spirit but also highlighted the strong bond within the Mumbai Indians squad. Despite relinquishing the captaincy to Hardik Pandya, Rohit has remained a pillar of support for the team, providing guidance and mentorship to the younger players.Under Pandya's leadership, Mumbai Indians endured a challenging start to the IPL 2024 season, suffering three consecutive losses. However, the team has since bounced back with two consecutive victories, demonstrating their resilience and determination.Rohit, who turns 37 later this month, has expressed his desire to continue playing for the Indian cricket team for several more years. His unwavering passion for the game and his commitment to winning the World Cup remain strong."I am playing well at the moment and I am thinking of continuing for a few more years. I really want to win that World Cup. The 50-over World Cup is the actual World Cup. We have grown up watching the 50-over World Cup," Rohit said in a recent interview.India's impressive performance in the Cricket World Cup 2023, where they remained unbeaten for 10 games before losing to Australia in the final, has fueled Rohit's aspirations. He believes that the team has the potential to achieve even greater heights in the future."It was happening in India. We played well until that final. When we won the semis, I thought, we were just one step away from it (victory). I thought, what's that one thing that can make us lose that final, and honestly, nothing came to my mind," Rohit said, reflecting on the team's near-triumph.Rohit Sharma's bus-driving antics have not only delighted Mumbai Indians fans but have also served as a reminder of the camaraderie and spirit that define the team. As the IPL 2024 season progresses, Rohit's experience and leadership will undoubtedly continue to play a vital role in Mumbai Indians' quest for success.

Rajasthan Royals' Puzzling Decision to Open with Tanush Kotian Raises EyebrowsIn a surprising move that left cricket experts baffled, Rajasthan Royals sent off-spinning all-rounder Tanush Kotian to open the batting against Punjab Kings in their Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter. The decision drew widespread criticism and raised questions about the team's strategy.Former India batsman Robin Uthappa expressed his astonishment, stating, "I was dumbfounded when I saw Kotian walking out to open. What's the logic? Putting a kid who's playing his first IPL match in a situation he's never been in."Echoing Uthappa's sentiments, former India pacer Zaheer Khan highlighted the risks involved, remarking, "They showed exactly what not to do in a run chase. They sent a No.10 batter to open the innings. He was playing his first game. This could have cost them two points."Despite the initial skepticism, Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson defended the move, explaining, "He came in as an all-rounder. He had a fabulous Ranji Trophy season and has been impressing everyone in the nets. We had a settled batting order, so we didn't want to unsettle it. Jos is almost ready for the next game, and we wanted to try him (Kotian) up the order."However, Kotian's performance at the crease left much to be desired. He struggled to find momentum, playing the slowest knock by a batter facing more than 25 balls this season. His innings raised concerns about the team's decision-making and the lack of clarity in their batting strategy.Fortunately for Rajasthan Royals, an explosive innings by Shimron Hetmyer rescued them from potential disaster, securing a narrow three-wicket victory. The win averted a potential crisis, but the decision to open with Kotian remains a puzzling one that has left cricket pundits scratching their heads.

Ahead of the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) clash between arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), CSK head coach Stephen Fleming hinted that pacer Matheesha Pathirana could miss the game due to a minor injury.Pathirana, who has been a key performer for CSK, has missed the team's previous two matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Fleming expressed optimism that Pathirana may be available for the MI game, but emphasized that the team would not rush him back if he is not fully fit."It (Pathirana's niggle) was not as bad as what we had thought, so we are very hopeful that if not tomorrow, then very close," Fleming said at a pre-match press conference. "We know the importance of him in games like this, but we will make sure he is 100 per cent in this form."Fleming also praised CSK's new captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who he believes possesses similar qualities to former skipper MS Dhoni. "There is no difference (between Gaikwad and Dhoni). He is as cool as it gets," Fleming said. "He is cut from the same cloth, so that is rubbed through."Fleming dismissed concerns about Gaikwad's "slow" strike rate, arguing that it needs to be put into context. "He is such an impressive young man around his game and what he needs to do," Fleming said. "He has been, I think, unfairly put into a bracket where he has been called slow. But you have to have context to some of these stats."Fleming acknowledged that batting has evolved significantly in the IPL, but stressed the need for measures to help bowlers. "The two bouncers (rule) is one, and maybe we need to keep looking at other ways to do that," he said.The CSK-MI rivalry is one of the most intense in the IPL, with both teams having won five titles each. Fleming expressed his excitement for the upcoming match. "We love it. We look forward to this fixture," he said. "Over the years it has developed into a really competitive rivalry, and it is based on two good teams playing successful brands of cricket."

Punjab Kings' all-rounder Sam Curran expressed disappointment after his team's narrow three-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite restricting Royals to a modest 147/8, Punjab's batters failed to capitalize, leaving Curran to lament their inability to finish games.Curran, who led the team in the absence of injured skipper Shikhar Dhawan, acknowledged the challenging nature of the wicket but emphasized the need for better execution. "We didn't start well with the bat and didn't finish well in the end," he said. "It was a good effort from the lower order, getting (close) to 150 was excellent, but unfortunately, it was another close loss."Punjab's batting woes have been a recurring theme this season, with the team struggling to convert competitive performances into wins. Curran highlighted the importance of adapting to the new venue, but expressed confidence in his team's ability to bounce back."Three games is a hard way to fully work out the conditions, but we've adapted well," he said. "We won the first match and lost two matches by close margins. It's hard to take, but the boys will be lifted by how well we've played in the last couple of games."Despite the setbacks, Curran praised his team's bowling and fielding efforts. "We stuck to our plans, bowled and fielded well," he said. "We're confident we'll bounce back in the next game."Punjab Kings will be looking to break their losing streak when they face Kolkata Knight Riders on April 13.

South Africa's women's cricket team secured an unassailable 1-0 lead in their three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka after a dominant seven-wicket victory in Kimberley. Laura Wolvaardt's third century as captain, and sixth overall, propelled the Proteas to the highest successful chase in a women's ODI at the venue.Wolvaardt's 110* and Marizanne Kapp's 80* formed the backbone of South Africa's chase, as they shared a 143-run partnership for the fourth wicket. The Sri Lankan bowlers struggled to contain the duo on a pitch with low bounce, allowing the Proteas to reach their target with 14 balls to spare.Earlier, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 229 thanks to Chamari Athapaththu's 51. However, South Africa's bowlers, led by Ayabonga Khaka (3-28) and Nadine de Klerk (3-23), kept the visitors in check.The victory not only gives South Africa a series lead but also solidifies their position in second place in the ICC Women's Championship standings. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, remain outside the automatic qualification zone for the 2025 World Cup.Wolvaardt's century was a significant milestone, making her South Africa's leading run-scorer in ODI cricket. The Proteas captain has now amassed 2,753 runs in 94 matches, surpassing Lizelle Lee's previous record.The match was also marked by a lightning delay, with the players taken off the field for a brief period due to approaching thunderstorms. However, the chase resumed shortly after, and Wolvaardt guided South Africa to victory.

Delhi Capitals (DC) emerged victorious in their second match of IPL 2024, defeating Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by six wickets on Friday. Opting to bat first, LSG posted a competitive 167/7 in 20 overs, with Ayush Badoni anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 55.DC's chase was spearheaded by a strong partnership between skipper Rishabh Pant (41) and debutant Jake Frazer-McGurk (55). However, Pant's bizarre dismissal caught everyone's attention. Attempting a big hit, he stepped out of the crease and missed the ball, which went straight to wicketkeeper KL Rahul. As Pant missed the shot, his bat slipped off his hands and hit Rahul behind the stumps, resulting in a timely stumping.Despite losing Pant, DC remained composed, with Tristan Stubbs (15*) and Shai Hope (11*) guiding the team to victory in 18.1 overs. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav was adjudged Player of the Match for his impressive figures of 3/20 in four overs."We wanted a win badly," said Pant after the victory. "We need to think like champions and keep fighting hard."DC's next challenge will be against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on April 17, while LSG will face Kolkata Knight Riders in Kolkata on Sunday.

Surrey's quest for a three-peat in the County Championship got off to a promising start as they established a 73-run lead over Somerset at the Kia Oval. Dom Sibley's first century at home since returning in 2023, along with contributions from Rory Burns, Jamie Smith, and Ben Foakes, propelled Surrey to a first-innings total of 358 for 6.Sibley's 20th first-class century was a masterclass in patience and precision. His straight drives were a highlight, but a misjudgement almost cost him his wicket on 49. Burns, who reached his 94th fifty-plus score, provided solid support, and the opening pair looked set to match Somerset's 285 all out.However, Surrey lost four wickets for 99 runs, including the crucial dismissals of Ollie Pope, Sibley, and Smith. Pope hooked lazily to deep backward square leg, while Sibley was run out in bizarre fashion, hitting his own boot and sending the ball onto his stumps. Smith's aggressive innings, which included two sixes, was cut short by Craig Overton's nip and bounce.Despite their control, Surrey's scoring rate slowed down, with Shoaib Bashir's metronomic spin proving particularly effective. Bashir conceded just 31 runs in an unbroken 16-over spell, including five maidens.Ben Foakes and Cameron Steel added 48 for the sixth wicket, with Foakes reaching his first half-century of the season. However, Gregory trapped Foakes in front, and Steel secured Surrey's third and final batting point with a boundary through cover.Somerset's bowlers hustled throughout, with Lewis Gregory shuffling his attack and tinkering with his field. While they gave their all, the Kookaburra ball proved challenging, and they will welcome the return of the Dukes next week.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 witnessed another nail-biting encounter on Saturday, with Rajasthan Royals (RR) edging out Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a low-scoring thriller.PBKS, batting first, struggled to gain momentum, posting a modest 147/8 in 20 overs. Ashutosh Sharma (31), Jitesh Sharma (29), and Liam Livingstone (21) provided some resistance, but the RR bowlers kept them in check.In response, RR's chase was far from smooth. Yashasvi Jaiswal (39), Tanush Kotian (24), and Riyan Parag (23) all got starts but failed to convert them into substantial scores.With the match hanging in the balance, Shimron Hetmyer stepped up for RR. The West Indian smashed an unbeaten 27 off just 10 deliveries, including the winning boundary with one ball to spare.Kagiso Rabada was the standout bowler for PBKS, claiming 2/18. For RR, Keshav Maharaj and Avesh Khan picked up two wickets each.The victory consolidated RR's position at the top of the IPL 2024 points table with five wins in six games. PBKS, on the other hand, remained eighth with two wins in six matches.Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Virat Kohli continues to lead the Orange Cap race with 319 runs, while RR's Yuzvendra Chahal holds the Purple Cap with 11 wickets.

Kolkata Knight Riders' Gautam Gambhir Spreads Sweetness on Bengali New Year EveIn a heartwarming gesture, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir distributed sweets to media personnel on the eve of Bengali New Year. The thoughtful act came after KKR's pre-match press conference ahead of their clash against Lucknow Super Giants at the Eden Gardens on Sunday."It's new year tomorrow, so we have got sweets for you guys. So please feel free and put some calories on," said a smiling Gambhir before distributing Rasgullas.The gesture was met with appreciation and delight from the media contingent, who enjoyed the sweet treats distributed by KKR's "Guru Gambhir."The Bengali New Year, also known as Poila Boishakh, is celebrated on April 14th. Coincidentally, KKR will also play their home game on the same day, adding to the festive atmosphere.With three wins in four matches, KKR currently sit at the second spot on the Indian Premier League (IPL) points table, behind Rajasthan Royals. The team has been in impressive form, with Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer leading the charge with their explosive batting.Gambhir's gesture not only spread sweetness but also highlighted the strong bond between KKR and the media. The team's success on the field has been complemented by their off-field initiatives, which have endeared them to fans and the media alike.As KKR prepares for their upcoming match against Lucknow Super Giants, the team will be hoping to continue their winning ways and spread more joy to their supporters. The Bengali New Year celebrations will provide an added boost to the team's morale as they look to maintain their position at the top of the IPL standings.