Cricket

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav has credited skipper Rohit Sharma for his improved batting skills, which have been on display during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Speaking ahead of Delhi Capitals' (DC) match against Rajasthan Royals (RR), Kuldeep revealed that Rohit had provided valuable guidance during the Test series against England earlier this year.Kuldeep's batting prowess was evident in India's 4-1 triumph over England, where he scored 97 runs in six innings, including a crucial 30. He also played a key role in DC's recent match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), scoring an unbeaten 35 off 26 balls."Rohit bhai does not talk to me much about bowling because I am doing what he wants from me with the ball," Kuldeep said. "He was concerned about my batting. He told me to improve my batting. I worked on it during the Test series against England and he was impressed by my hard work."Kuldeep explained that Rohit's guidance focused on the nuances of batting, such as shot selection and footwork. "He used to be with me in the nets and speak to me about the nuances of batting. This helped me a lot and now I am enjoying my batting as much as my bowling," he said.DC will face RR in a crucial match on Tuesday, with both teams looking to improve their standings in the IPL table. DC currently sits in sixth place with five wins and six losses, while RR is in second place with eight wins and two losses.

Suryakumar Yadav's scintillating century and Mumbai Indians' disciplined bowling propelled them to a resounding seven-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Monday.Yadav's explosive innings of 102 not out from 51 balls, his second IPL century, powered Mumbai to an emphatic win in just 17.2 overs. Sunrisers had earlier recovered from a shaky start to post a competitive 173 for eight.The victory lifted Mumbai Indians from the bottom of the points table to ninth place, while Sunrisers, despite the loss, remained in fourth place with 12 points from 11 games.Joining forces inside the powerplay with Mumbai reeling at 31 for three, Yadav and Tilak Varma (37 not out off 32) stitched together a superb 143-run unbeaten stand to script a comprehensive victory. Yadav's sensational knock included 12 fours and half a dozen sixes.With their backs against the wall, Yadav picked Marco Jansen to attack, collecting 22 runs off the seventh over with two sixes and two fours. Shortly after completing his fifty off 30 balls, Yadav appeared to be struggling with a strain, but he hung on to guide Mumbai over the line, finishing the game with a flurry of boundaries.Apart from Yadav's heroics, Hardik Pandya's return to form ahead of the T20 World Cup and veteran Piyush Chawla's three-wicket haul were crucial for Mumbai's success. Pandya returned figures of 4-0-31-3, while Chawla (4-0-33-3) troubled the Sunrisers batters.However, Sunrisers skipper Pat Cummins chipped in with a quick 17-ball 35 (2x4s, 2x6s) late in the innings to take them past the 150-run mark. In contrast to their previous encounter in this IPL, where Sunrisers hammered 277/3, their batters struggled for momentum and initiative against Mumbai's bowlers.Travis Head top-scored with 48, while Cummins' late cameo provided some respectability to the Sunrisers' total.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a major setback with the departure of their star pacer Matheesha Pathirana due to a hamstring injury. The Sri Lankan speedster has been a key performer for CSK this season, taking 13 wickets in six matches with an impressive economy rate of 7.68.Pathirana's absence is a significant blow to CSK's bowling attack, which has already been depleted by the injuries to Deepak Chahar and Maheesh Theekshana. Chahar, a pace-bowling all-rounder, is expected to miss the remainder of the IPL after sustaining a niggle during the match against Punjab Kings. Theekshana, a Sri Lankan spinner, is also set to miss a few more matches as he returns to Sri Lanka to complete his USA visa process ahead of the T20 World Cup in the Americas.Pathirana's last game for CSK was during their 78-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he bowled two overs and dismissed Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen. He missed the match against Punjab Kings in Chennai on May 1, with England pacer Richard Gleeson stepping in as his replacement.In a heartfelt message on social media, Pathirana expressed his gratitude to the CSK team and his teammates. "A hard goodbye with my only wish to see the 2024 IPL champion trophy in CSK's room soon! Grateful to the CSK team for all the blessings and love from Chennai," he wrote.CSK's bowling options have been severely weakened by the injuries to Pathirana, Chahar, and Theekshana. The team will need to find replacements quickly to maintain their competitiveness in the tournament.

Ramandeep Singh's Sensational Catch Stuns IPL 2024In a thrilling encounter between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Sunday, Ramandeep Singh etched his name in IPL history with an extraordinary catch that has been hailed as the "best catch of IPL 2024."During the second over of LSG's innings, young opener Arshin Kulkarni mistimed a swinging delivery from Mitchell Starc, sending the ball soaring high into the night sky. Ramandeep, who was initially nowhere near the ball, displayed incredible athleticism by sprinting a considerable distance before executing a full-body dive to complete the catch.The effort left commentators and fans alike in awe. Former Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri exclaimed, "That's up in the air, difficult chance...ohhhhh! What a catch! Is that the best catch of the IPL?" Former India star Deep Dasgupta echoed his sentiments, responding with an "Oh my God."Ramandeep's catch not only showcased his exceptional fielding skills but also played a crucial role in KKR's eventual victory. The visitors went on to restrict LSG to a modest total, with Sunil Narine top-scoring for KKR with 81 runs. Harshit Rana and Varun Chakaravarthy claimed three wickets each to guide KKR to a comfortable win.After the match, LSG captain KL Rahul acknowledged the brilliance of Ramandeep's catch. "That was a sensational catch," he said. "It was a difficult chance, but he made it look easy."Ramandeep's catch has become an instant viral sensation, with fans and experts alike praising his athleticism and skill. It is a testament to the high level of fielding that has become synonymous with the IPL, and it is sure to be remembered as one of the most iconic moments of the 2024 season.

Matthew Hayden's daughter, Grace, recently experienced the electrifying atmosphere of the Mumbai Indians (MI) fan base at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. As the team prepared for their match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Grace immersed herself in the vibrant cricketing environment.Donning the iconic blue MI jersey, Grace embraced the local culture by sampling traditional Indian cuisine and learning the enthusiastic chants of the MI faithful. She danced and sang alongside the passionate fans, fully immersing herself in the unique experience.Grace's father, Matthew Hayden, a former Australian cricketer, played for the Chennai Super Kings from 2008 to 2010. Since his retirement, Hayden has become a respected commentator in the Indian Premier League (IPL), providing expert analysis and insights.Despite their struggles this season, with only three wins in 11 matches under new captain Hardik Pandya, the MI fans remain unwavering in their support. Grace's presence at the Wankhede Stadium showcased the enduring popularity of the franchise and the infectious enthusiasm of its supporters.As the IPL continues, Grace's experience serves as a testament to the captivating atmosphere and global appeal of the tournament. The Mumbai Indians, with their passionate fan base and rich history, continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of cricket.

Thunder's resilience was tested to the limit as they narrowly escaped with a one-wicket victory over The Blaze in a thrilling Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy encounter. Bolstered by the return of four England players, Thunder looked poised for a comfortable win after a solid start. However, a dramatic collapse saw them lose six wickets for 39 runs, giving The Blaze a glimmer of hope.England A batter Seren Smale (58) and opener Emma Lamb (44) had provided a solid foundation for Thunder, guiding them to 89 without loss in 15 overs. But the Blaze spinners, led by Kirstie Gordon (3-23) and Lucy Higham (3-28), fought back valiantly, exploiting the conditions to restrict Thunder's scoring.As the wickets tumbled, it was left to last-wicket pair Phoebe Graham and Hannah Jones to hold their nerve and guide Thunder to victory. Jones struck the winning boundary in the 45th over, securing a hard-fought triumph.Earlier, The Blaze had been bowled out for 174 in 46.4 overs, with England's Mahika Gaur (3-33) and Jones (3-37) sharing the spoils. Gordon's 43 provided some resistance, but it was ultimately not enough to prevent Thunder from claiming their second win of the campaign.

With the Mumbai Indians' IPL 2024 campaign nearing its end, the team's chances of qualifying for the playoffs are dwindling. Despite the disappointing season, former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta believes that the players, including Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya, should continue to perform at their best.Dasgupta emphasizes the importance of playing with pride and professionalism, regardless of the team's position in the standings. He urges Rohit, the team's captain, to set an example by maintaining his high standards. "You are playing for the pride of the team, you are playing as a professional cricketer, and you are playing for your pride as well," Dasgupta said.He also highlights the upcoming IPL mega auction as a potential motivator for Rohit. With Hardik now leading the franchise, there is speculation that Rohit may consider leaving after the season. Dasgupta believes that Rohit should use the remaining matches to showcase his abilities and attract interest from other teams.Furthermore, Dasgupta stresses the significance of Rohit's performances in the context of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. As an integral part of the Indian team, Rohit's form will be crucial to their success in the tournament.Dasgupta concludes by emphasizing the importance of Rohit continuing to perform at a high level, both for the Mumbai Indians and for his own personal growth. "He is such an integral part of the team since he is the captain, but he sets the tone as well at the top of the order," he said.

Jasprit Bumrah's Wife and Son Attend Mumbai Indians Match on Her BirthdayIndian cricket star Jasprit Bumrah's wife, Sanjana Ganesan, and their son, Angad, made a special appearance at the Mumbai Indians vs SunRisers Hyderabad match on Monday. The occasion marked Sanjana's birthday, and the couple brought their little one along to witness the thrilling encounter.Bumrah, who is currently representing the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, took to Instagram to express his love and gratitude for his wife on her special day. "Happy birthday to my person, the one who completes me," he wrote. "With her by my side, the world is a wonderful place. Angad and I wish you have the best birthday, with lots of love and cuddles from us."Sanjana responded with a heart emoji to the heartwarming post, which garnered over 28,000 likes. The couple tied the knot in Goa on March 15, 2021.The presence of Bumrah's family at the match drew attention on social media, with fans sharing photos and videos of Angad and Sanjana in the stands. The adorable toddler was seen watching his father bowl with rapt attention, earning him the nickname "Junior Bumrah."Bumrah's performance on the field was equally impressive, as he helped the Mumbai Indians secure a crucial victory over the SunRisers Hyderabad. His wife and son's presence seemed to inspire him, as he delivered a match-winning spell of bowling.The Mumbai Indians' victory was a special moment for Bumrah and his family, and the presence of his loved ones made it even more memorable. The couple's bond and the joy of parenthood were evident in the heartwarming photos and videos that emerged from the match.

MS Dhoni's Rare Golden Duck: A Tactical Masterstroke by Punjab KingsIn a surprising turn of events, legendary cricketer MS Dhoni fell for a golden duck in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Punjab Kings on Sunday. The dismissal, which came at the hands of Harshal Patel, left fans stunned and marked the second time in two matches that Dhoni had been dismissed without scoring in IPL 2024.Prior to this, Dhoni had remained unbeaten for seven consecutive matches, showcasing his exceptional finishing abilities. However, his struggles against spin in the previous match against Punjab Kings caught the attention of former Indian opener Navjot Singh Sidhu.Sidhu observed that Dhoni's practice routine primarily focused on smashing long hits against fast bowlers, leaving him unprepared for spin bowling. In the 19th over of that match, Rahul Chahar's introduction proved to be a tactical masterstroke, as Dhoni managed to score only two runs."They got done in by something unexpected. They used Dhoni's own medicine against him to fool him," Sidhu said. "Punjab's captain [Sam Curran] played a master stroke. He employed a spinner."On Sunday, Harshal Patel employed a similar strategy, bowling a slower delivery that Dhoni failed to pick up. The wicket left Patel with mixed emotions."I have too much respect for him to celebrate when I get him out," Patel said. "One of the advantages of playing a day game is that the square is quite rough. So the ball starts reversing. It's all about the feel of that delivery (slower one)."Dhoni's dismissal highlighted the importance of tactical adjustments in cricket. By exploiting Dhoni's weakness against spin, Punjab Kings managed to gain an advantage and ultimately secure the victory.