Cricket

England's Heather Knight once again proved her mettle as she guided her team to a 15-run victory over New Zealand in the second T20I in Nelson. Knight's unbeaten 56* lifted England from a precarious 77 for 6 to a competitive 149 for 7.New Zealand's chase started promisingly with Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr at the helm. However, the return of England's frontline spinners, Charlie Dean, Linsey Smith, and Sarah Glenn, proved decisive. Dean and Glenn had earlier played crucial roles with the bat, supporting Knight's rescue act.Smith, making her international comeback after nearly five years, made an immediate impact by dismissing Suzie Bates with her first delivery. Dean then removed Devine, while Gibson's dismissal of Kerr proved to be the turning point.As the asking rate climbed, New Zealand's middle and lower order crumbled under the pressure. Maddy Green's struggles continued, and Lauren Bell claimed two wickets in three balls to seal the victory for England.Knight's innings was a masterclass in composure and adaptability. She played alongside Dean and Glenn to stabilize the innings and then accelerated the scoring rate in the final overs. Her ability to adapt to the situation and play according to the team's needs is a testament to her leadership qualities.England's spinners were the stars of the show, with Dean, Smith, and Glenn combining for figures of 12-0-74-4. Their ability to control the run rate and pick up crucial wickets proved to be the difference between the two sides.

MS Dhoni's decision to relinquish the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captaincy has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. While many speculated about his retirement, Dhoni has clarified that he will continue playing for CSK in what is likely to be his final season.Dhoni's decision to hand over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad marks a significant shift in the CSK leadership. Gaikwad, a young and talented batsman, has been a key member of the team for several seasons. Dhoni's confidence in Gaikwad's leadership abilities is a testament to the latter's maturity and potential.Dhoni's decision to step down as captain is not a hasty one. He had been contemplating the move for some time, believing that it was the right time for a transition. Dhoni's previous experience with Ravindra Jadeja as captain had not gone as smoothly as he had hoped, and he was determined to avoid a similar situation.Despite stepping down as captain, Dhoni will continue to play a pivotal role in the team. He will mentor Gaikwad and provide guidance to the team's leadership group. Dhoni's experience and tactical acumen will be invaluable to CSK as they navigate the upcoming IPL season.While Dhoni's decision to step down as captain has raised questions about his future, he has not ruled out playing beyond this season. However, he is aware that his body is not as resilient as it once was, and he is prepared to retire when the time is right.Dhoni's legacy as a captain is unparalleled. He has led India to two World Cup titles and CSK to four IPL titles. His ability to inspire and motivate his players has been a key factor in his success.As CSK prepares for the upcoming IPL season, all eyes will be on Dhoni. Fans will be eager to see how he performs in his new role and whether he can lead the team to another title. Dhoni's presence on the field will undoubtedly provide a sense of calm and confidence to the team.

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma is preparing for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season with a customized training program, which has kept him out of Mumbai Indians' practice games.Rohit, who led India to a historic Test victory over England recently, joined the Mumbai Indians squad on Monday but has not participated in any practice matches. According to a release from the franchise, Rohit is undergoing a "customized training program that involves simulated net sessions, mobility and strength and conditioning sessions" ahead of the new season."Rohit Sharma, who joined the squad on Monday, is on a customized training program that involves simulated net sessions, mobility and strength and conditioning sessions, for the past 3 days, hence stayed back in Mumbai to focus on his pre-season program. Rohit did not take part in the practice game," said MI in an official release.Rohit is expected to be available for Mumbai Indians' IPL opener against Gujarat Titans on Sunday. The star batter will join the team in Ahmedabad later this week.Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya, who has replaced Rohit as Mumbai Indians captain for the 2024 season, has been actively participating in practice sessions. Pandya, who led Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in 2022, is set to make his captaincy debut for Mumbai Indians this season.The Mumbai Indians played their first intra-squad practice game behind closed doors in Mumbai on Wednesday before departing for Ahmedabad. The team is looking to bounce back from a disappointing performance in the previous IPL season, where they finished last in the points table.

Mumbai Indians Express Solidarity with Chennai Super Kings After Captaincy ChangeThe Indian Premier League (IPL) witnessed a significant shift in leadership as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) announced the appointment of Ruturaj Gaikwad as their new captain, replacing the legendary MS Dhoni. In a heartfelt gesture, Mumbai Indians (MI), another IPL powerhouse, extended their support to CSK on social media.MI shared an image of Rohit Sharma and Dhoni, the captains of their respective teams, adorned in their IPL jerseys. The caption featured yellow and blue heart emojis, symbolizing the bond between the two franchises, with an infinity sign representing their enduring legacy.The announcement of Gaikwad's captaincy comes after Rohit Sharma, who led MI to five IPL titles, was replaced by Hardik Pandya ahead of the 2024 season. The decision has sparked speculation about Dhoni's playing future with CSK, as he is widely expected to retire at the end of the season.CSK's statement on the captaincy change highlighted Gaikwad's contributions to the team since his debut in 2019. The 26-year-old has played 52 IPL matches for CSK, showcasing his exceptional batting skills and leadership qualities.The transition to Gaikwad as captain is seen as a strategic move by CSK to ensure a smooth handover of leadership while Dhoni remains an integral part of the team. Gaikwad's experience in international cricket, having represented India in ODIs and T20Is, will be invaluable in his new role.The IPL community has reacted positively to the captaincy change, recognizing the potential of Gaikwad to lead CSK to future success. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one, with the battle for the IPL trophy intensifying as teams navigate the challenges of a new era of leadership.

The opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the tournament's most successful teams, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The match will be played at the iconic M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 22.CSK, led by the newly appointed captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, will be eager to start their campaign on a positive note. The team has a strong batting lineup, with the likes of Devon Conway, Ambati Rayudu, and Shivam Dubey. However, they will miss the experience and leadership of M.S. Dhoni, who has retired from the IPL.RCB, on the other hand, will be looking to make a statement under the captaincy of Virat Kohli. The team has a formidable batting lineup, with Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Glenn Maxwell. However, their bowling attack has been a concern in recent seasons.The match is expected to be a battle of contrasting styles. CSK relies on its spinners to control the game, while RCB prefers to attack with its explosive batting lineup. The outcome of the match will likely depend on how well RCB's batters handle CSK's spin attack.RCB will be hoping that Kohli can hit the ground running after a two-month break from competitive cricket. The former India captain has been in excellent form in recent months, and his return will be a major boost for RCB.On the other hand, CSK will be confident of starting their campaign with a win. The team has a strong record at home, and they will be looking to make the most of the home advantage.The opening match of the IPL is always a special occasion, and this year's clash between CSK and RCB promises to be no different. Both teams will be eager to start their campaign on a positive note, and the match is sure to be a thrilling contest.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni has been diligently preparing for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, showcasing his exceptional batting skills in a recent practice session. At the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Dhoni faced the CSK bowlers with unwavering determination.In a widely shared video, Dhoni effortlessly dispatched boundaries, including his signature helicopter shot off Deepak Chahar's delivery. Chahar's overpitched ball was met with Dhoni's precise footwork and timing, sending the ball soaring over the midwicket boundary.CSK batting coach Michael Hussey has heaped praise on Dhoni's preparation, comparing him to the ageless Benjamin Button. "He's preparing really well. His knee seems good at this stage. And he's batting extremely well at the moment. I must admit he's like Benjamin Button! He keeps getting better," Hussey remarked.However, Hussey acknowledged that Dhoni's age may affect his running between the wickets. "He's not as young as he used to be. So, the scampering between the wickets is going to be more difficult for him. But at the back end of the innings, where there's not as much sprinting, he can still hit the ball very cleanly," Hussey added.Despite facing knee issues throughout the previous season, Dhoni led CSK to their fifth IPL title. After the IPL 2023 final, he underwent successful knee surgery.The CSK squad for IPL 2024 includes:* MS Dhoni (c)* Moeen Ali* Deepak Chahar* Tushar Deshpande* Shivam Dube* Ruturaj Gaikwad* Rajvardhan Hangargekar* Ravindra Jadeja* Ajay Mandal* Mukesh Choudhary* Ajinkya Rahane* Shaik Rasheed* Mitchell Santner* Simarjeet Singh* Nishant Sindhu* Prashant Solanki* Maheesh Theekshana* Rachin Ravindra* Shardul Thakur* Daryl Mitchell* Sameer Rizvi* Mustafizur Rahman* Avanish Rao Aravelly

Virat Kohli's return to action in the Indian Premier League (IPL) opener against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has sparked anticipation and analysis. Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden believes that Kohli's ability to bat long on the tricky Chepauk pitch could pose a significant threat to CSK.Hayden highlighted Kohli's average of 30 and strike rate of 111 at the Chepauk Stadium, suggesting that the venue has historically presented challenges for the Indian batsman. However, he emphasized that Kohli's danger lies in his ability to adapt and become more dangerous as he spends more time at the crease."It's really tricky, so they're going to need Virat Kohli out early inside the powerplay," Hayden said. "They've done so thrice over the last 5 innings, and they'll need to do so for the 4th time."Hayden also noted that Kohli's recent form has been exceptional, with the batsman scoring 765 runs in the ODI World Cup last November. Former India batter Mohammed Kaif echoed Hayden's sentiments, praising Kohli's hunger and desire to score runs."We already know he's a great player, but every innings, he wants to play a match-winning innings, make the team win whether it's for India or RCB," Kaif said. "This hunger has been self-made and now that he's come back from a break, he'll be fresh for the IPL."Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh believes that the onus will be on RCB's batters to win games, given the team's perceived bowling weaknesses. He suggested that RCB should aim for scores of 230 or more to give their bowlers a cushion."The best thing you can do this season, if they are batting first, doesn't matter, look to get 230, 240... they must target at least 220 or 230, because a 20-run margin can probably win them more number of games," Harbhajan said.

Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting has expressed his admiration for skipper Rishabh Pant's dedication and determination as he prepares for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Pant, who suffered a horrific car accident in December 2022, has been working tirelessly to regain his confidence and physical abilities."He (Pant) has probably batted more in the last week than he has ever batted leading into most of the IPLs," Ponting said. "I think from his point of view, he wants to get a bit of trust back in his body again."Ponting praised Pant's positive attitude and infectious energy, which he believes will inspire his teammates. "He has been putting himself through a few different paces and playing all the shots that he plays. He has been great, and more importantly, he has got a smile on his face, which is what all we love to see," Ponting added.Delhi Capitals director of cricket Sourav Ganguly echoed Ponting's sentiments, highlighting Pant's unconventional style of batting and leadership. "He is not the conservative type of batter, so you expect that character in his captaincy," Ganguly said. "Nobody comes as a ready-made captain. You learn as you go and I think captaincy is by instinct."Ganguly acknowledged the emotional challenges Pant has faced during his recovery. "I'm surprised with the improvements he has made. Hopefully, it's a good season for him because he has gone through a lot emotionally. It's never easy when you go through that sort of injury," Ganguly said.Delhi Capitals will kick off their IPL campaign against Punjab Kings on March 23. Pant's return to the field is highly anticipated, as he is considered one of the most exciting and talented players in Indian cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the Indian spin maestro, has expressed concerns over the bowling action of Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, highlighting the potential risks to his physical well-being.Pathirana, who impressed for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their title-winning IPL campaign last year, has drawn comparisons to Lasith Malinga due to his slingy action. However, Ashwin believes that Pathirana's lower angle of release puts excessive strain on his back and front leg."His angle of release is much lower, which puts immense strain on his back," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. "His front leg literally collapses when he releases the ball; the core gets worked up too much, and it is very strenuous."In contrast, Ashwin praised Malinga's side-on action, which he described as "beautiful" and less taxing on the body. "Lasith Malinga goes for a beautiful side-on position. His back and feet will be parallel to the crease," Ashwin explained.Ashwin also noted that Pathirana's action is causing him to get into "dangerous positions and complications." He added, "I understand the complexity of facing him is different, but he is facing different problems now. This might be just his early stages, and his body needs to fill up more, but he is getting into some dangerous positions and complications."Pathirana's fitness is currently a concern after he suffered a hamstring injury during the second T20I against Bangladesh. His participation in the upcoming IPL season, which begins on March 22, remains uncertain.Ashwin's analysis highlights the importance of proper bowling technique to prevent injuries and ensure longevity in the sport. Pathirana's unique action may give him an advantage on the field, but it also raises questions about its long-term sustainability.