Cricket

Chennai Super Kings' Daryl Mitchell Apologizes and Compensates Fan After Accidental HitDuring a practice session ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match against Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings batsman Daryl Mitchell inadvertently struck a fan with a powerful shot. The incident occurred at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.The impact of the shot caused the fan to fall from his seat, resulting in damage to his iPhone. A viral video captured the moment, showing the fan holding his injured phone.Mitchell, known for his sportsmanship, immediately apologized from the nets for his unintended stroke. However, he went above and beyond by presenting the injured fan with his pair of gloves as a gesture of goodwill. The fan proudly displayed the gloves in the same video.In the subsequent IPL 2024 match, Ravindra Jadeja played a pivotal role in CSK's 28-run victory over Punjab Kings. Batting first, CSK benefited from Jadeja's quick-fire 43 off just 26 deliveries, providing the necessary impetus to their batting effort.In response, PBKS struggled from the outset, with only two batsmen managing to make notable scores. Prabhsimran Singh scored 30, while Shashank Singh contributed 27. However, their efforts were insufficient as PBKS could only muster 139 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs.Jadeja's bowling figures of 3 for 20 played a key role in restricting the opposition and sealing the victory for CSK. His all-round performance showcased his versatility and underlined his importance to the team.

Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals Set for Clash in IPL 2024Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) will face off in a crucial encounter in Match 56 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday.Team Standings and Recent PerformancesDelhi Capitals currently sit sixth in the points table with 10 points from 11 matches, while Rajasthan Royals are second with 16 points from 10 matches. In their last outing, Delhi Capitals lost to Kolkata Knight Riders by seven wickets, with Axar Patel emerging as their top fantasy player with 81 points. Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, suffered a narrow one-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, with Riyan Parag scoring 109 fantasy points.Pitch Conditions and Weather ForecastThe pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium is expected to favor batters, with good stroke play and limited assistance for bowlers. The average first-innings score at this venue in the last 20 matches is 169 runs, making chasing a preferred option.Head-to-Head RecordIn the 28 matches played between these two teams, bowlers have consistently earned the most fantasy points. In their previous encounter, Riyan Parag was named Man of the Match, while Tristan Stubbs and Riyan Parag topped the fantasy points charts for Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals, respectively.Fantasy PicksTop Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:* Rishabh Pant (DC): A top-order batter and wicket-keeper with an average of 66 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Riyan Parag (RR): A consistent performer with an average of 60 fantasy points in the last 10 games.Other Fantasy Picks:* Axar Patel (DC): An all-rounder with an average of 54 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Jos Buttler (RR): A wicket-keeper and top-order batter with an average of 52 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Tristan Stubbs (DC): A wicket-keeper and batter with an average of 52 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Sandeep Sharma (RR): A right-arm medium bowler with an average of 46 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Jake Fraser-McGurk (RR): An all-rounder with an average of 43 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Yuzvendra Chahal (RR): A leg-break googly bowler with an average of 38 fantasy points in the last 10 games.Fantasy Team:* Wicket-Keepers: Jos Buttler, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson* Batters: Tristan Stubbs, Dhruv Jurel* All-Rounders: Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin* Bowlers: Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Trent Boult* Captain: Rishabh Pant* Vice-Captain: Yuzvendra Chahal

Rohit Sharma's Form Slump Raises Concerns for Mumbai Indians and IndiaFormer India cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has expressed concern over the alarming dip in form of Mumbai Indians' opener Rohit Sharma. Sharma's struggles have extended beyond the IPL franchise, casting a shadow over India's preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup.In the recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sharma's woes continued as he was dismissed for a mere four runs off five deliveries. This dismal performance followed a string of low scores since his century against Chennai Super Kings on April 14th. Sharma's subsequent scores of 6, 8, 4, 11, and 4 have raised serious concerns about his form."There is a massive difference between Rohit Sharma's first six matches and last five matches. He is going in single digits in the last five matches and that is a real worry," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.Sharma's struggles are particularly concerning given his importance to both Mumbai Indians and the Indian team. As the captain of Mumbai Indians, his form is crucial for the franchise's success. For India, Sharma is a key player in the upcoming T20 World Cup, where his experience and leadership will be vital.Sharma's dismissal against SRH, where he attempted a big shot off Pat Cummins only to be caught behind, highlighted his difficulties in finding his rhythm and timing at the crease. Chopra emphasized that Sharma's form is essential for both Mumbai Indians and India, as his struggles could have significant implications for both teams.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has revolutionized the world of cricket, significantly impacting the careers of international players and reshaping the dynamics of the sport. Former Sri Lankan batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan and New Zealand's Ross Taylor have shared their perspectives on how the IPL has influenced players' priorities and provided financial security, allowing them to focus solely on cricket.Dilshan, who was part of the inaugural IPL in 2008, acknowledged the substantial financial rewards associated with playing T20 cricket in the league. He emphasized that the money earned from the IPL helped players set aside other concerns and concentrate exclusively on their cricketing pursuits. In many countries, the remuneration for cricketers is relatively modest, making the IPL an attractive proposition for players seeking financial stability."Playing T20 cricket involved a lot of money, and I know that our countries don't pay that much money, but that money helped him to keep other problems aside and focus only on cricket. That's an advantage, we can focus fully on cricket, everyone needs money to survive, and we're only playing cricket now, not doing any other jobs. I think it's a good deal, money is good for players and they can keep all problems aside and focus," Dilshan told the 180 Not Out podcast.Taylor echoed similar sentiments, recognizing the IPL's role in providing a platform for international players to interact with some of the best cricketers in the world. This exposure has undoubtedly shaped the future of cricket in their respective countries."IPL is providing a platform for international players to interact with some of the best cricketers in the world, ultimately shaping the future of the sport in their country," opined the former Kiwi batter.During their IPL careers, Dilshan represented the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (now Royal Challengers Bengaluru), amassing 735 runs in 38 matches. Taylor, on the other hand, scored 1017 runs in 55 games while playing for four different franchises: RCB, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils, and Pune Warriors India.The IPL has not only provided financial security for international players but has also allowed them to develop their skills and knowledge by playing alongside and against the world's best. This has had a positive impact on the overall quality of cricket globally, as players have been able to learn from each other and implement new techniques and strategies.

Mumbai Indians (MI) have no plans to rest star pacer Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the T20 World Cup, despite being eliminated from the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs. Batting coach Kieron Pollard stated that the team's focus remains on finishing the IPL strongly.Pollard emphasized that resting Bumrah is not a priority at this stage, as the team aims to maintain its momentum and end the season on a high note. He acknowledged that the T20 World Cup is an important event, but stressed that the team's immediate focus is on the remaining IPL matches."I certainly haven't had any discussions about that," Pollard said when asked about the possibility of resting Bumrah. "I don't think that's my role and function at this point in time. But let's see what happens. We are all here to play an entire IPL."Pollard also discussed the challenges of coaching an all-rounder like Suryakumar Yadav, who is known for his aggressive batting style. He explained that the key is to balance Yadav's attacking instincts with the need for discipline and adaptability to different match situations."He's one, who, by nature, instinctively, is very aggressive. He wants to take the bowler's on more often than not. At times it's just a matter of understanding the situation and respecting the new ball when it's moving around," Pollard said.Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) assistant coach Simon Helmot praised Yadav's exceptional innings, which helped MI chase down a target of 174 with ease. Helmot acknowledged that Yadav is a world-class batter who will have a significant impact in the T20 World Cup."On some days you just have to take your hat off and say well played and well played to him. He's an exceptional cricketer and he's always going to demand a spot in the Indian team and I'm sure he'll have an influence in the World Cup," Helmot said.Despite the loss, Helmot highlighted the positives for SRH, including maintaining their fourth position in the IPL points table. He emphasized the importance of quickly moving on from the defeat and focusing on the upcoming match against Lucknow Super Giants.

Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) fast bowler Harshit Rana has taken a humorous jab at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following his team's victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.Rana, who was previously fined and suspended for his on-field celebrations, teased his infamous 'flying kiss' celebration but refrained from completing it. This gesture was a subtle dig at the BCCI's strict Code of Conduct, which had penalized him for similar actions in the past."Don't talk to the BCCI," Rana quipped in a video that has gone viral on social media.The incident occurred after KKR's charter flight from Lucknow to Kolkata was diverted to Guwahati due to inclement weather. In the video, Rana is seen discussing the team's remaining fixtures with head coach Chandrakant Pandit.Rana jokingly suggested that since they were already in Guwahati, they should play their next match against Rajasthan Royals there and complete that fixture. Pandit was amused by the suggestion and playfully replied that he would consider it."Please don't talk to the BCCI," Rana responded, eliciting laughter from Pandit.Despite his playful banter with the BCCI, Rana played a crucial role in KKR's victory over LSG, taking three wickets. He emphasized the team's focus on making it to the playoffs and highlighted the importance of hitting the hard lengths.Rana's performance and his humorous dig at the BCCI have garnered attention on social media, with fans appreciating his lighthearted approach to the game.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans were left bewildered on Sunday as MS Dhoni, the team's iconic captain, batted at an unprecedented No. 9 position against Punjab Kings (PBKS). The decision raised eyebrows, as Dhoni has traditionally been a middle-order mainstay throughout his illustrious career.The bizarre move came after CSK suffered a dramatic middle-order collapse, losing four wickets in quick succession. Shardul Thakur was sent in ahead of Dhoni, remaining at the crease for 11 balls before being dismissed in the penultimate over.Dhoni's eventual appearance at No. 9 marked the first time he had batted so low in his T20 career. However, his stay was brief, lasting just one ball. PBKS pacer Harshal Patel deceived Dhoni with a slow yorker, clean bowling the veteran batter for a golden duck.It was the first time Dhoni had been dismissed by a bowler in this IPL season, his only previous dismissal coming via a run-out. The bizarre batting order decision sparked a flurry of memes on social media, with fans expressing their amusement and bewilderment.Dhoni's struggles against Harshal Patel continued, with the pacer dismissing him three times in 33 deliveries. Patel's off-cutter on the final ball of the penultimate over proved too much for Dhoni, who failed to connect with the ball and saw his off-stump shattered.Despite Dhoni's early dismissal, CSK managed to post a competitive total of 167/9, thanks to a 43-run knock from Ravindra Jadeja. The visitors ultimately clinched a 28-run victory, moving up to third place in the points table.The decision to bat Dhoni at No. 9 remains a mystery, with many fans questioning the CSK management's strategy. However, the team's victory suggests that the move may have been a calculated risk that ultimately paid off.

Sanju Samson, the captain of Rajasthan Royals (RR), has revolutionized his T20 approach by embracing an aggressive mindset from the outset. He believes that every batsman must adopt this mentality for their team to thrive in the fast-paced format.Samson's transformation has earned him a recall to the Indian team for the T20 World Cup. In IPL 2024, he has amassed 385 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 159.09, propelling RR to second place in the points table with 8 wins."It's a 20-over game," Samson emphasized. "Each over is crucial. You can't afford to wait to settle down or target specific bowlers. You have to go for boundaries from the start."Samson's philosophy aligns with the modern T20 game, where teams prioritize boundary-hitting and aggressive intent. He believes that every player must contribute to the team's dominance, eliminating the concept of individual scoring patterns."There's only one way to succeed in T20s," Samson asserted. "You have to dominate. If you don't, you're setting yourself up for failure. Everyone needs to contribute to the team's success."Samson's journey to international recognition has been a testament to his perseverance and adaptability. Despite making his T20I debut in 2015, he only earned his first ODI cap in 2021. However, his recent resurgence has solidified his position as a valuable asset to the Indian team.With the T20 World Cup approaching, Samson is eager to cement his place in the national side. His aggressive approach and proven ability to score runs at a rapid pace make him a formidable force in the shortest format of the game.

Yuvraj Singh, the iconic Indian cricketer and brand ambassador for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, has expressed his ardent desire to witness his close friend Rohit Sharma donning a World Cup medal as India's captain. Yuvraj, who played a pivotal role in India's T20 World Cup triumph in 2007 and ODI World Cup victory in 2011, believes Rohit possesses the leadership qualities necessary to guide India to glory in the upcoming tournament.Yuvraj emphasized the importance of a captain who can make sound decisions under pressure, and he believes Rohit fits the bill perfectly. "He's the one to take them," Yuvraj asserted. "He was the captain when we lost in the 50-over (2023 World Cup) final. He has won five IPL trophies (for Mumbai Indians) as a captain. I think we need somebody like him to captain India."Yuvraj's friendship with Rohit dates back to their early days in the Indian team. He fondly recalled Rohit's debut during the 2007 Ireland tour, when Yuvraj was already an established member of the white-ball squad. Their bond has only grown stronger over the years, and Yuvraj described Rohit as a "great guy at heart" who has remained humble despite his immense success."Fun-loving, always having fun with the guys. A great leader on the park and one of my closest friends from cricket," Yuvraj said of Rohit. "I really want to see Rohit Sharma with a World Cup trophy and a World Cup medal (as captain). He really deserves it."India will kick off their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5 in New York. Yuvraj's presence as brand ambassador and his unwavering support for Rohit Sharma will undoubtedly inspire the Indian team as they strive to bring home the coveted trophy.