Cricket
IPL 2024 Points Table: RCB Keep Slim Playoff Hopes Alive, Knock Out PBKSRoyal Challengers Bengaluru beat Punjab Kings by 60 runs in their IPL 2024 match in Dharamsala on Thursday. Star batter Virat Kohli smashed 92 runs off 47 balls as RCB posted 241 for 7 in 20 overs after being invited to bat first. In reply, Punjab Kings were all out for 181 in 17 overs. Rilee Rossouw hit 61 in 27 balls, while Shashank Singh scored 37 in 19 balls. Mohammed Siraj returned figures of 3 for 43 for RCB, while Swapnil Singh, Lockie Ferguson and Karn Sharma picked two wickets apiece.
Earlier, in-form opener Kohli got off to flying start before Rajat Patidar (55 off 23 balls) joined him to take the PBKS bowlers to the cleaners. Cameron Green contributed a breezy 46 off 27 balls.
The win helped RCB keep their slim playoff hopes alive with 10 points to their credit from 12 matches. To make it to the final four, RCB need to win their remaining two games and hope for favourable results from other matches.
RCB s win meant that PBKS slipped to the ninth position with Mumbai Indians rising to the 8th spot.
See the updated IPL 2024 points table here:
RCB batter Virat Kohli continues to hold the Orange Cap with 634 runs from 12 matches, while PBKS Harshal Patel has the Purple Cap now with 20 wickets from 12 matches.
Kohli, who scored 92 runs off 47 balls in the game, crossed the mark of 1000 IPL runs against PBKS and thus became the first-ever batter in the history of the tournament to do it against three opponents. He already did it against DC and CSK.
We re All Hurt... : LSG s Emotional Message To Fans After Big SRH Defeat
Lucknow Super Giants took to social media to post an emotional message for their fans following a heavy loss against SunRisers Hyderabad on Wednesday. LSG failed to accelerate as they ended up scoring just 165 runs despite losing only 4 wickets and in response, SRH completed the run chase in just 9.4 overs. It was a brilliant batting performance from Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma as they completely dominated the LSG bowlers. We re all hurt by that game. But we are so grateful for each blue flag at Uppal, and every social media post or comment in our support despite this defeat. This team has shown resilience over the last two years, and we ll show it again. Thank you for sticking with us, LSG Brigade, it read.
We re all hurt by that game.
But we are so grateful for each blue flag at Uppal, and every social media post or comment in our support despite this defeat.
This team has shown resilience over the last two years, and we ll show it again.
Thank you for sticking with us, LSG…
LSG s IPL 2024 playoff dreams were dealt a massive blow following the heavy loss against SRH. On the other hand, SRH are third with 14 points and the big win improved their Net Run Rate (NRR) quite a bit.
LSG captain KL Rahul was lost for words after the defeat.
Am lost for words. We have watched that kind of batting on tv. But this is unreal batting. Everything seemed to find the middle of the bat. Kudos to their skills. They have worked hard on their six hitting skills. They didn t give us a chance to know what the pitch played in the second innings.
Was hard to stop them as they teed off from ball one. Once you are on the losing side, there are questions marks on the decisions taken. We were 40-50 runs short. When we lost wickets in the powerplay, we couldn t get any momentum. Ayush and Nicky batted well to get us to 166. But even if we would have got 240, they could have chased it as well, Rahul said after the match.
Could Have Given More Time : Aus Great To 3rd Umpire After Samson s Dismissal
Delhi Capitals registered a brilliant 20-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in a high-scoring IPL 2024 match on Tuesday at the Arun Jaitely stadium. However, this match gained a lot of limelight due to the controversy regarding the dismissal of RR skipper Sanju Samson. Chasing 222, the RR skipper was dismissed in the 16th over after he was caught at long-on by Shai Hope. While completing the catch, Hope came extremely close to the boundary line and some replays suggested that there was a chance that he ended up touching the boundary rope with the ball in his hand.
But, the decision came in the favour of DC and Samson was declared out by the third umpire and had to depart for 86.
This became a controversial scene as even Samson got involved into a heated argument with the on-field umpires. Amid all this drama, former England batter Paul Collingwood stated that the third umpire should have checked a few more angles before delivering his decision.
Goughy (Michael Gough) is a very good friend of mine. So I am going to defend him (chuckles). Maybe he could have given himself another angle, just to double-check. Because it was so, so close. Those decisions and those moments make a huge difference. So maybe he could have given himself a little bit more time, Collingwood told Star Sports.
I know in the IPL, the organisers want to quicken things up, the umpires are being told that they have got to quicken the decisions. I think, on this occasion, a couple of more angles, just to clarify could have put everybody at ease. That might have been the best way to go, he added.
Talking about the incident, Samson was also fined 30 per cent of his match fee for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct.
Samson committed a Level 1 offence under Article 2.8 of the IPL s Code of Conduct. He admitted to the offence and accepted the Match Referee s sanction. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee s decision is final and binding, a statement from IPL.
India Women Register 5-0 T20I Series Sweep Over Bangladesh
Radha Yadav (3/24) ran through Bangladesh s top-order after Richa Ghosh s quickfire unbeaten 28 off 17 balls, setting up India s 21-run win in the fifth T20I and a 5-0 series sweep at Sylhet, Bangladesh on Thursday. Chasing a huge 157-run target, Bangladesh began promisingly but collapsed against the left-arm spinner Yadav. Despite the rearguard act by Ritu Moni (37, 33b, 4x4) and Shorifa Khatun (28 not out, 21b, 3x4s), the hosts finished at 136 for six in 20 overs. All-rounder Moni and Shorifa put on a resolute stand of 57 runs for the sixth wicket to lead the fightback and put India in pressure, but the visitors prevailed eventually.
The stand between Moni and Khatun was also Bangladesh s highest for the sixth wicket in WT20Is, breaking the 32 between Sanjida Islam and Nigar Sultana.
It was leg-spinner Asha Sobhana (2/25) who broke the resilient partnership, cleaning up Moni in the 17th over to shut the doors on the home side.
Bangladesh were left reeling at 52 for five halfway through but Moni and Shorifa reignited their hopes, cashing in on every opportunity to score boundaries and with deft rotation of strike.
Yadav made her first impression in the game with an athletic catch to get rid of an on-song Sobhana Mostary (13) off Titas Sadhu. Mostary had hit three fours off Pooja Vastrakar s first over to set her side on track during the chase.
After getting Dilara Akter (4), caught at mid-off by Vastrakar for her first breakthrough off her first ball, Yadav cleaned up Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana (7) and pinned Rubya Haider (20) in the front of the stumps for two wickets in the ninth over to derail the hosts.
Earlier, Ghosh smacked a handy little innings with three fours and a six to take India to 156 for five, providing a much-needed impetus after the visitors stumbled with a flurry of wickets.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (30), Dayalan Hemalatha (37) and S Sajana (1) fell in quick succession which allowed Bangladesh to halt India s progress as they were aiming for a big score.
Harmanpreet and Hemalatha put on 60 runs for the third wicket for a strong foundation.
India s 156 for five was the highest total of the series from either team with Smriti Mandhana setting the tone early on, hitting four fours and one six to make a fluent 33 off 25 balls.
Yadav finished as the highest wicket-taker in the series with 10 dismissals in five games whereas Mandhana s 116 runs in five outings were the most for any batter.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Amir Gets Irish Visa, Set To Join Pakistan Side Ahead Of Second T20I
Pakistan cricket authorities heaved a sigh of relief on Thursday after the Irish consulate issued visa to Mohammad Amir who is likely to join the team before the second T20I in Dublin on May 12. The first of the three T20Is will be played on Friday at the Clontaff ground. A PCB source said the board has been notified about Amir s visa clearance and they are making travel arrangements for the left-arm pacer.
Amir is currently in Lahore while the rest of the squad left on Tuesday (May 7) for Dublin for the series.
After days of deadlock, the breakthrough eventually came after discussions between the Pakistan Cricket Board and Cricket Ireland over the delay in issuing visa to Amir.
The PCB was not given any particular reason for the delay in issuing the visa to Amir by the Irish consulate.
But the source said the delay occurred because of a technical ground, which has now been resolved.
“Obviously, the PCB was unhappy with the visa delay as it affects the team management plans for the (T20) World Cup and also has a bearing on the affected player who has returned from retirement to international cricket after four years,” the source said.
After the series against Ireland, Pakistan will move to England for four T20Is starting from May 22 at Leeds.
Interestingly, Amir was readily issued a visa to play in Ireland s inaugural Test match against Pakistan back in 2018.
SL s T20 WC Squad: Recuperating Pathirana Included, Hasaranga To Lead
Pacer Matheesha Pathirana, who is recuperating from a hamstring niggle, was on Thursday named in Sri Lanka s squad for next month s T20 World Cup, which will be led by Wanindu Hasaranga, who is also returning from an injury. On May 5, Chennai Super Kings Pathirana was ruled out of the ongoing Indian Premier League with a hamstring injury and the pacer returned to Colombo for rehabilitation process. Pathirana played just six matches for CSK in IPL 2024 and took 13 wickets at an economy rate of 7.68.
The 21-year-old had first sustained the injury during Sri Lanka s away T20I series against Bangladesh in March.
The left-arm pacer Dilshan Madhushanka too has been included in the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury that led to him being ruled out of this IPL.
Madhushanka was signed by Mumbai Indians but was replaced by South African pacer Kwena Maphaka.
Similarly, skipper Hasaranga too is returning from a chronic heel pain on his left leg, which forced him to miss the ongoing IPL.
The leg-spinner was drafted in by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 1.5 crore after Royal Challengers Bengaluru released him after IPL 2023.
Sri Lanka squad: Wanindu Hasaranga (captain), Charith Asalanka (vice-captain), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madhushanka.
Travelling reserves: Asitha Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage.
Kohli Scripts IPL History With Massive Record As RCB Knock Out PBKS
PBKS vs RCB Highlights, IPL 2024: Virat Kohli starred as Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Punjab Kings by 60 runs at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Thursday. Virat Kohli anchored the innings as RCB posted a huge total of 241 for 7 in 20 overs. Kohli, who scored 92 runs off 47 balls in the game, crossed the mark of 1000 IPL runs against PBKS and thus became the first-ever batter in the history of the tournament to do it against three opponents. He already did it against DC and CSK. Rajat Patidar (55 off 23) and Cameron Green (46 off 27) also played crucial knocks after Punjab Kings stand-in captain Sam Curran won the toss and opted to bowl first. Chasing the mammoth target, PBKS were bowled out for 181 in 17 overs. (Scorecard | IPL 2024 Points Table)
Here are the Highlights of PBKS vs RCB IPL 2024 match:Never Expected Chasing Like That : Travis Head After Explosive Win vs LSG
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batting star Travis Head never expected the way he and his fellow opener Abhishek Sharma chased down the total of 166 in 9.4 overs in the IPL 2024 match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Wednesday night at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Head smashed a 16-ball half-century with some astonishing display of cricketing shots and remained unbeaten on 89 off just 33 deliveries to guide his team home. He along with his opening duo Abhishek Sharma stitched up 166 runs opening partnership and hammered 107 runs in the power play in comparison to LSG s 27.
I don t think we could have ever expected chasing it like that, acknowledged Head at the post-match press conference. It looked like a tough wicket in the first innings, it looked like it was holding and a slow pitch. I guess, knowing that as a batter, you know that the powerplay is important. (We were) trying to maximise that and we played beautifully, we were able to get ahead of the rate, which is nice. And once we got going in the first two or three overs, it was just about trying to maximise that as much as we can and I felt we picked our targets and played very well, he said.
SRH obliterated LSG s challenge by first stifling them with the new ball and then launching a sensational chase of 166 in just 9.4 overs, the highest 10-over score in any T20. In all T20 cricket, only seven times 100 or more been scored in the powerplay, SRH have the two top scores, both in IPL 2024.
You always want to perform, you always want to be consistent, you always want to try and be doing the job; it s not going to always happen in T20 cricket (but) I felt the way we have been playing is great. We re going to have ups and downs, we ve had that. Nice to be able to chase a score tonight after being put under pressure by them batting (first).
A couple of times we ve chased throughout the season, we ve been put under pressure. To be able to do the job tonight, and chasing, (it feels great). Looking forward to the next two games being at home as well, said Head.
Head and Abhishek have combined for three century stands in the IPL with two of the, coming in the powerplay. SRH is the only side with more than one century opening stand in the IPL 2024.
It s nice to just come here and contribute. I wasn t sure if I was going to play. Nice to get a go, nice to be performing, and the partnership with Abhi has been fantastic. He s such an exciting talent for Indian cricket, he s exceptional. We complement each other well and he s very, very enjoyable to be around. He s so excited and thinks about the game, he s got loads of energy, so he s a great partnership to be involved in, Head said of the opening stand before he added that the middle order has also played a key role for SRH.
I guess the Kings game (against Punjab Kings) is a blueprint for us in the way we re able to go about the game. It s not always going to work at the top of the order, we are going to lose wickets, but we want to be brave through the whole middle. Nitish [Reddy] has played some unbelievable innings, obviously we ve got Klassy (Heinrich Klaasen) and (Abdul) Samad tops it off for us...
Everyone is high on confidence, everyone is playing well, we re not dependent on the top order. Yes we are playing well but I don t think it defines the team. I feel like we ve got a really strong middle order...we re very well rounded at the moment, he conluded.
SRH will next face Gujarat Titans on May 16 and will end their league stage on May 19 against Punjab Kings at their home.
--IANS
hs/bc
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Abhishek Credits Skipper Cummins, SRH Support Staff After Big Win vs LSG
The unwavering support from skipper Pat Cummins and the entire think-tank played a big role in his success in the on-going IPL, reckoned Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma. The 23-year-old Punjab left-hander fired from all cylinders for Hyderabad this season, making 401 runs from 12 matches and those runs have come at an awesome strike-rate of 205. Our support staff and Pat (Cummins), the way they think, I have never seen anyone else think like that, Abhishek said on JioCinema Match Centre Live after their record 10-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants here on Wednesday.
They re like, Go out there and express yourself. Play as aggressively as you can, we ll back you. I think that matters a lot, said Abhishek, who has hit 35 sixes so far, highest by any batter this season.
The SRH openers Abhishek (75 not out off 28 balls) and Travis Head (89 not out off 30 balls) scaled down 166 in just 9.4 overs, rewriting the record for the quickest chase of 150-plus in T20 cricket.
SRH s total of 167 was also the highest by any team by the end of the tenth over in men s T20s.
I think this approach was something I took on during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, said Abhishek who played a key role in Punjab winning the domestic T20 title last season.
Abhishek (485 runs from 10 matches) was the second highest run-getter behind Riyan Parag (510) of Assam in last season s SMAT.
I feel when I play this way, look at the ball, and react, my shots come off better and the bowler comes under pressure. I always thought if I play in the IPL, I ll try to maintain this, he added.
Big fan of Head
With Head at his explosive best, SRH have smashed many batting records this season including the highest ever IPL total of 287/3 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Abhishek hailed the way Head played spin.
I don t think anyone plays spin better than Travis. The shots he hit off (Krishnappa) Gowtham, normally batters can t do that, that shows how special he is.
He s very clear, whenever I talk to him, the way he compliments me, I have always been a big fan of him over the last year that I have followed him.
When our understanding was established and our partnership improved, we became good friends off the pitch and have started spending more time, he added.
Abhishek then touched upon his strategy against the LSG bowlers, especially pacers.
They were bowling cutters in the middle. I thought the cutters could slow down on their way, but Travis and I had planned to play it the way you would hit a spinner with the spin.
So, if it s an off-cutter, we look to hit towards long-off covers. If it s a leg cutter, obviously we look at mid-wicket or mid-on, he added.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
PBKS vs RCB, IPL 2024: Predicted Playing XI Of Both Teams
Punjab Kings (PBKS) will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 58th match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on Thursday. Having won four games out of 11, PBKS are placed eighth in the IPL 2024 standings. On the other hand, RCB are currently placed seventh in the IPL 2024 standings with eight points on the board after winning four matches out of 11.
Ahead of another exciting clash between these teams, we look at the predicted XIs of both sides.
PBKS Predicted XI
Prabhsimran Singh
Prabhsimran Singh will open the innings for PBKS in the absence of Shikhar Dhawan. He eventually found his form in IPL 2024 and has scored 251 runs in 11 matches. With a fifty-plus score and strike rate of 156.88 to his name, the right-hander will aim to guide his team to a brisk start on Thursday.
Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow s recent batting performances have been remarkable. Sporting an impressive average of 32.13 and a strike rate of 163.69, he has amassed 257 runs in nine matches. The English wicketkeeper-batter has even notched a century in IPL 2024 and will be determined to challenge RCB s bowlers in front of the home crowd.
Rilee Rossouw
Rilee Rossouw didn t have an ideal beginning to his IPL 2024 journey, but he has steadily found a bit of form. In five matches, Rossouw has accumulated 79 runs, highlighted by a rapid 43-run cameo against CSK. Having scored at a strike rate of 151.92, the South African international will be determined to make a significant impact against RCB in the upcoming fixture on Thursday.
Shashank Singh
Shashank Singh plays a crucial role in the Punjab Kings batting lineup. With 315 runs in 11 matches, the hard-hitting batter flaunts an outstanding average of 63 and an impressive strike rate of 165.79. He is the team s top-scorer this season and could be a game-changer in their upcoming match against RCB.
Sam Curran (captain)
In the absence of the injured Shikhar Dhawan, Sam Curran will assume the role of captaincy. While Curran s batting performances have been average, his bowling has shone brightly, with 13 wickets in 11 IPL 2024 matches. He will be eager to make significant contributions with both bat and ball in the upcoming match.
Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper)
Jitesh Sharma certainly bolsters the Punjab Kings batting lineup. Despite a subpar performance with the bat in IPL 2024, having amassed only 128 runs in 11 matches, Sharma s capacity to unleash powerful shots could catch the RCB bowling unit off guard come Thursday.
Ashutosh Sharma
Ashutosh Sharma has enjoyed a sensational debut IPL season. The skilled batter has been formidable, accumulating 162 runs in just eight matches. With a half-century to his name and an impressive strike rate of 172.34, Sharma has shown signs of being a match-winner. If allowed to bat against RCB, he has the potential to amass crucial runs and accelerate the innings for his team.
Harpreet Brar
Harpreet Brar is set to spearhead PBKS spin bowling attack in the upcoming match. With six wickets to his credit in 11 matches and a decent economy rate of 7.56, Brar has showcased his bowling prowess. Along with taking wickets, he is also handy in containing the opposition batters. Additionally, he possesses batting skills and can contribute crucial runs lower down the order.
Rahul Chahar
Rahul Chahar will partner with Harpreet Brar in the spin bowling attack. His diverse spin arsenal has the potential to outfox even the most seasoned batters, leading him to claim eight wickets in six matches this season. Chahar heads into this match fresh from a three-wicket performance against CSK and will look to add to his wickets tally against RCB.
Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel is a key figure in the pace bowling department for Punjab Kings. The right-arm pacer is currently the second-highest wicket-taker in the ongoing IPL edition with 17 scalps from 11 matches. His proficiency in delivering deceptive slower balls will be instrumental in both containing batters and securing vital breakthroughs for PBKS.
Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada is expected to lead the Punjab Kings bowling attack on Thursday. His ability to take wickets during the powerplay and maintain accurate lengths has resulted in 11 scalps in 11 matches this season. Rabada will be eager to secure early dismissals and put pressure on RCB.
Impact sub
Arshdeep Singh
RCB Predicted XI
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli heads into this match on the back of a 27-ball 42 runs in his last match against Gujarat Titans. Kohli s innings included two boundaries and four sixes, showcasing a striking rate of 155.56. With a total of 542 runs in just 11 matches this season, he is the leading run-scorer in IPL 2024 and will look to contribute again on Thursday.
Faf du Plessis (captain)
RCB captain Faf du Plessis will open the innings along with Virat Kohli in the upcoming match against PBKS. Faf has been in decent form in IPL 2024 with 352 runs in 11 matches including three fifty-plus scores while maintaining an impressive strike rate of 172.55. The former Proteas captain will be eager to put up a big score in the upcoming match.
Will Jacks
In IPL 2024, Will Jacks announced himself with a blazing 41-ball ton against GT. With 177 runs in six matches at an average of 35.40 and a strike rate of 186.32, the English batter has been outstanding. Jacks has also contributed with the ball, claiming two wickets for RCB. The hard-hitting English cricketer will be eager to showcase his power-hitting skills at Dharamshala.
Rajat Patidar
Talented batter Rajat Patidar is an important member of the RCB lineup. With a strike rate of 178.53, Patidar has scored 213 runs in 11 matches in IPL 2024. He did not bat well in the previous match, but Rajat will be keen to bounce back with a fiery performance sooner rather than later.
Glenn Maxwell
With only 36 runs in eight matches, Glenn Maxwell has yet to have a successful outing with the bat in IPL 2024. However, the Australian all-rounder has managed to claim five wickets and is capable of taking games away with the bat when in form, making him a key player for RCB.
Cameron Green
Maxwell s compatriot Cameron Green adds depth to RCB s batting as well as bowling department. Green has had a below-par performance with the bat this season but has been impressive with the ball in hand. The Australian all-rounder has taken seven wickets in nine matches and will aim to produce an all-round performance against PBKS.
Dinesh Karthik (wicketkeeper)
The addition of Dinesh Karthik to RCB s starting lineup injects crucial firepower into their already lethal batting lineup. In 11 matches, the wicketkeeper-batter has accumulated 283 runs, including two fifty-plus scores. He also boasts an impressive average of 56.60 and a striking rate of 193.84. Karthik will look to make a significant impact and further bolster his run tally in the upcoming match against Punjab.
Swapnil Singh
Swapnil Singh has made a bit of an impact with ball in hand in IPL 2024. The off-spinner s ability to outsmart batters with his spin variations has led to him taking three wickets in three matches. He could lead the spin-bowling attack for RCB and will aim to improve his wicket tally against PBKS come Thursday.
Karn Sharma
Karn Sharma is an important member of the RCB spin-bowling outfit and has scalped four wickets in five matches. He is likely to play a crucial role in containing PBKS s hard-hitting batters and will try to provide breakthroughs during the middle overs.
Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj will spearhead the pace bowling attack for RCB. While the Indian speedster has taken only eight wickets in 10 matches, he has been slightly expensive, conceding at an economy rate of 9.26. Siraj will hope to provide early breakthroughs with the new ball in the upcoming match.
Yash Dayal
Yash Dayal s inclusion in RCB s playing XI adds an element of anticipation and excitement to the team s bowling lineup. With his versatile skills, Dayal has taken 10 wickets in as many matches. Known for his deceptive bowling variations, Dayal is the team s top wicket-taker and is poised to have a significant impact on the game.
Impact sub
Vijaykumar Vyshak
Twist In Tale After Reports Predict Rahul May Resign From LSG Captaincy
All but out of contention for the IPL play-offs, KL Rahul s future as Lucknow Super Giants skipper has become a topic of intense debate after his team received a pasting at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday. It is being speculated that the skipper may step down and concentrate on his batting in the remaining two games. However since it s a matter of just two games, Rahul is expected to continue as leader of the pack.
There is a five-day gap before the next game against DC. As of now, no decision has been taken but it is understood that if Rahul plans to just concentrate on his batting for the remaining two games, no one would mind, an IPL source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
A video of LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka s agitated conversation with Rahul emerged on social media after Sunrisers Hyderabad openers Travis Head (89 not out off 30 balls) and Abhishek Sharma (75 off 28 balls) bludgeoned the LSG attack to overhaul the 167-run target in less than 10 overs.
This was after the LSG batters struggled to get going on the same track in Hyderabad.
Worse, Rahul s (29 off 33 balls) batting in the Powerplay has been one of the biggest reasons for LSG s below-par show in the cash-rich league and it seems that Goenka has finally run out of patience.
The India star has scored 460 runs in 12 games and could cross the 500-run mark again but it is his strike-rate of 136.09 which is the problem.
Among the top eight run-getters in the ongoing season, Rahul has the worst strike-rate batting inside the top three.
All the other seven batters have a strike rate above 140, with some like Travis Head in the range of 200-plus. Virat Kohli, whose strike-rate was criticised, scores at a rate of 148-plus.
LSG are still mathematically in contention as they can reach 16 points by winning their remaining two games -- against Delhi Capitals in New Delhi on May 14 and vs Mumbai Indians at Wankhede on May 17.
However, it will be very difficult to massively improve upon the net run-rate (-0.760).
In case, Rahul decides to step down, vice-captain Nicholas Pooran, easily the team s most impactful batter in the season, is likely to lead the side in the remaining two games.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
PBKS vs RCB: Match Preview, Fantasy picks, Pitch and Weather reports
Punjab Kings (PBKS) will be taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 58 of the Indian Premier League, 2024, at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala, on Thursday. Punjab Kings have played 11 matches in the series and are ranked eighth on the points table with eight points, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru have also played 11 matches and are ranked seventh on the points table also with eight points.
In their last match against Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings lost by 28 runs. The top fantasy player for Punjab Kings was Harshal Patel who scored 124 fantasy points.
In their last match in this series against Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by four wickets. The top fantasy player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru was Faf du Plessis who scored 98 fantasy points.
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The pitch at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala, will allow for good stroke play and the batters will find it easy to bat on the surface. The surface will only allow a little assistance to the bowlers and wicket-taking is going to take a lot of work. The average first-innings score at this venue in the last 20 matches is 133 runs. The pitch is balanced with decent assistance for both batters and bowlers on offer. The team winning the toss may decide to bat or bowl depending on the ground conditions.
Pace or Spin?
The pacers have been very successful at this venue. They have taken 80% of the total wickets at this venue. We would suggest that you pick as many pace bowlers as possible in your team. Based on the stats available, we predict that the pitch will continue to assist the pacers.
Weather Report
The temperature is expected to be around 24 degree C and humidity is expected to be around 36%. 5.02 m/s winds are expected.
Head-to-Head
In the 32 matches played between these two teams, Royal Challengers Bengaluru s batters have earned the most fantasy points for their team, while the bowlers have earned the most fantasy points for Punjab Kings.
Fantasy Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is a batter with an average of 80 fantasy points in the last 10 games, a fantasy rating of 10 and can be a good pick for your Dream11 Team. He is a top-order batter who bats right-handed. In the last 11 matches, has scored 542 runs averaging 67.8 per match.
William Jacks
Will Jacks is a high-risk, high-returns player for your Fantasy Team. He has an average of 63 fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 9.7. He is a top-order, right-handed batter. Jacks has scored 177 runs averaging 35.4 per match in the recent six matches.
Sam Curran
Sam Curran is a very consistent player in terms of fantasy points. He has an average of 55 fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 8.5. He is a left-handed batter. In the recently played 11 matches, Sam has scored 185 runs averaging 20.6 per match. He also bowls decently, bowling left-arm medium-fast and in recent matches, he has taken 13 wickets at an average of 26.3 per match.
Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow is a wicket-keeper with an average of 54 fantasy points in the last 10 games, a fantasy rating of 8.5 and is a high-risk, high-returns player for your Fantasy Team. He is a top-order batter who bats right-handed and also keeps wickets. In the last nine matches, Bairstow has scored 257 runs at an average of 32.1 per match.
Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel can be a good safe pick for your Dream11 Team. He has an average of 52 fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 8.4. Harshal bowls right-arm medium and in the last 11 matches, he has taken 17 wickets at an average of 21.3.
Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis is a fairly consistent player in terms of fantasy points. He has an average of 50 fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 9.7. Faf du Plessis is a top-order, right-handed batter. In the last 11 matches, he has scored 352 runs averaging 32 per match.
Harpreet Brar
Harpreet Brar can be a differential pick for your Dream11 Team. He has an average of 32 fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 8.1. Brar bowls slow left-arm orthodox and in the last 11 matches, he has taken six wickets at an average of 42.8.
Yash Dayal
Yash Dayal is a bowler with an average of 31 fantasy points in the last 10 games, a fantasy rating of 7 and is a good-to-have player for your Fantasy Team. He bowls left-arm medium-fast and in the recently played 10 matches, he has taken 10 wickets at an average of 33.8.
Rahul Chahar
Rahul Chahar is a bowler with an average of 26 fantasy points in the last 10 games, a fantasy rating of 7.7 and is a very inconsistent player in terms of fantasy points and can be a differential pick in your team. He bowls leg-break googly and has taken eight wickets at an average of 20.4 in the recent six matches.
Fantasy Team
Wicket-Keeper: Dinesh Karthik and Prabhsimran Singh
Batters: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis and Shashank Singh
All-Rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Sam Curran and Cameron Green
Bowlers: Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh and Yash Dayal
Captain: Virat Kohli
Vice-Captain: Harshal Patel
Debate Ends On Samson s Dismissal. New Video Shows What Actually Happened
While there were some terrific performances, the IPL 2024 match between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals grabbed the limelight for an entirely different issue. A massive controversy erupted over a contentious catch taken by Shai Hope to dismiss Sanju Samson. Samson, who was batting at 86, slammed Mukesh Kumar straight down the ground but was caught in the deep by Hope. However, while completing the catch, he came extremely close to the boundary line. The third umpire gave him out but Samson refused to leave the field. He continued talking to the official before reluctantly leaving.
There has been much debate on the issue with internet divided on whether he was out or not. Now, in a new video by official broadcasters Star Sports, is is quite conclusive that Samson was out. The video showed that Shai Hope s leg did not touch the cushion. In the video, IPL-winning coach Tom Moody explained how the boundary cushion never moved when Shai Hope took the catch.
Out or Not Out!?
Here s a closer look at why #SanjuSamson was given out last night v Delhi Capitals - a moment which changed the course of the match. @TomMoodyCricket and @jatinsapru dissected each and every replay available to demonstrate why the third umpire made the... pic.twitter.com/xZeySOSmd4
However, Navjot Singh Sidhu said in a separate video, that Hope had touched the boundary rope.
The decision that changed the game was Sanju Samson s dismissal. There could be differences of opinion, but if you look at the side-on angle, it touches the boundary twice. It was pretty clear. Either you don t use technology, or if you re using it and the technology is making a mistake, it s like there s a fly in milk, and someone asks you to drink it, Sidhu said on Star Sports.
It touched the boundary line twice. And after this, if someone says that it s out... see, I m a neutral person, so I ve seen it, it s not out. That s why I also kept saying it about Kohli (on his dismissal against KKR, which triggered controversy over potential no-ball). Whatever may be the rule, you can see it from the naked eye; some evidence is very strong not to believe. It s like finding a trout in a glass of milk. Umpire didn t do it on purpose, no one is at fault. It s part of the game. That changed the game, he added.
Dhoni Makes A Fan s Day By Signing His Hand-Made Portraits. Video Viral
MS Dhoni is undoubtedly one of the most loved cricketers in the world. Be it his batting performances of calm and composed captaincy, Dhoni always wins the hearts of his fans with his personality. In the ongoing IPL, the Chennai Super Kings star is fighting against his age and injuries and entertaining the crowd with his brilliant batting cameos. Recently, a beautiful example of his crazy fandom was seen when he made a fan s day by signing his hand-made portrait.
In a video going viral on social media, a fan approached Dhoni, carrying two portraits of the CSK legend. The beauty of the paintings left Dhoni utterly impressed as he applauded the fans and also gave a token of appreciation by signing the portraits.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani)
The video went viral on social media like a wild-fire, leaving the netizens is awe of Dhoni s simplistic nature.
Talking about IPL, Dhoni surprised everyone as he came out to bat at the No. 9 spot in the match against Punjab Kings Seeing Shardul Thakur walk out to bat ahead of Dhoni in the match, many fans and experts were left baffled.
Former India cricketers like Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan Singh also launched a stern attack at the wicket-keeper batter over the decision, suggesting he shouldn t even be a part of the team if he wants to bat so low in the order. But, it has now been reported that the reason behind Dhoni s delayed arrival is down to an injury.
In a report by the Times of India, Dhoni is carrying a muscle tear in his leg which prevents him from running too long on the field. Hence, the veteran cricketer isn t keen in coming out to bat too early for CSK, as running between the wickets is an issue for him.
We are virtually playing with our B team. Those who are criticizing Dhoni don t know the sacrifice that he is doing for this team, the report quoted a source as saying.
The report further said that had Devon Conway, team s second wicket-keeper batter, been available, Dhoni would ve given him a rest from a few matches at the least.
Madhevere, Mavuta Return To Zimbabwe Cricket After Completion Of Ban
Zimbabwe Cricket on Thursday cleared all-rounders Wessly Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta after the duo completed their four-month suspension, imposed on them due to recreational drug use . Along with the ban, the duo were fined 50 per cent of their salaries as well. Madhevere and Mavuta s rehabilitation was overseen by ZC s medical personnel and they had been ordered to train in the high-performance programme.
Zimbabwe Cricket released a statement to announce that the duo cleared the drug tests after the completion of their suspension period.
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has cleared national team players Wessly Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta to return to competitive cricket after serving their four-month suspension over drug use. Both of them were confirmed as clean after they returned positive results for drug tests conducted upon completion of their suspension period, ZC said in a statement.
Confirming the end of the suspension, ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni said in the statement released by the board, I am pleased to welcome Wessly and Brandon back to competitive cricket after both of them underwent rehabilitation and also passed a drug test carried out to check if they were now clean.
More importantly, the two players acknowledged their mistakes and have vowed to stay clean and focus on their very promising careers as cricketers, he added.
Before the suspension was imposed, Madhevere and Mavuta made their last appearance for Zimbabwe during their home series against Ireland in December last year.
They also featured in one match each in Zimbabwe s domestic first-class circuit the Logan Cup, for Mashonaland Eagles and Mid West Rhinos respectively.
Along with the all-rounder duo, batter Kevin Kasuza was also been suspended with immediate effect from all cricket activities due to recreational drug use in January. As of now, there is no update from Zimbabwe Cricket regarding his suspension.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
T20 World Cup Will Spread Awareness , Says USA Cricket Chairman
The T20 World Cup will spread much-needed cricket awareness in the USA but eventually, it is the lure of competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics that will attract local Americans to the game that is mainly played by expats, feels USA Cricket chairman Venu Pisike. USA is co-hosting the event alongside West Indies and the US team will also be making its World Cup debut when it faces neighbours Canada in the tournament-opener on June 1.
The team is mainly made up of semi-professional cricketers of South Asian heritage with former New Zealand star Corey Anderson also switching allegiance to his adopted homeland of USA. Former Indian first-class cricketer Milind Kumar and former India U-19 player Harmeet Singh are also part of the squad.
Speaking to PTI, Pisike agreed it is a major challenge to take cricket to the masses in USA.
So far, cricket is predominantly an expats game, but with the marketing and promotion activities during the World Cup, there is some momentum and the World Cup will definitely boost the opportunities to expand the game in the USA, said Pisike.
Definitely, the World Cup is bringing a lot of awareness and then the opportunity for cricket to be in the Olympics, that will definitely attract the community because the US is a huge sports country.
Olympics is the prime area where all the sports bodies are focusing on since cricket is going to Olympics, that will actually give more opportunities to expand the sport between the World Cup and the Olympics.
New York will be ready in a week s time
The World Cup will be played across three venues in the USA but the facility that has been under close watch is in New York where India and Pakistan face off on June 9.
India will also play Ireland and USA in the 34,000 capacity makeshift stadium in Eisenhower Park. The drop-in pitches have been been imported from Australia.
The stadium will be ready in a weeks time, said Pisike.
So, the new stadium that is being built in New York will be unveiled in a week s time. It will become a wonder of cricketing infrastructure to put up in a very short time, he said, referring to the construction work that began only in January.
The pitches were recently brought in and dropped into the stadium. So, we are expecting decent pitches in terms of striking a balance between the bat and ball.
Looking at long-term collaboration with BCCI post World Cup
The USA did not to train in India with the World Cup taking place at home but Pisiki is seeking BCCI s help for training and exposure of his players after the mega event.
Yes definitely (we are talking to BCCI). In the past, we have sent our men s team to Karnataka before they participated in the CWC qualifiers in 2022. And there was some alliance with the associations, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and Andhra Cricket Association to send our under-19 boys before the World Cup to be held in Sri Lanka.
There are several discussions happening with the various cricket associations and we will definitely want to partner and use the resources that are available. And that is something we definitely look into for future. The BCCI recently made it clear the associate nations can t directly get in touch with state units and all requests have to be routed through the parent body.
Stable governance a challenge but we are in compliance now
The previous cricket body in the USA was suspended by the ICC due to governance issues and the current regime was given recognition in 2019. Pisike acknowledged the challenges on that front.
The governance will be streamlined with the opportunity to become an Olympic National Governing Body because the US Olympics requires certain guidelines to be followed and certain policies to be adopted.
In terms of financial management and other related activities, we are fully in compliance compared to the previous regime, he added.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Mutiny In MI? Report Says Rohit, Bumrah and SKY Held A Meeting For...
The Sunrisers Hyderabad s (SRH) demolition of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Wednesday saw the tied-record five-time IPL Champions, Mumbai Indians become the first team to be officially eliminated from the contention for the playoffs race. According to reports, some of the senior members of the team have expressed their concern regarding Hardik Pandya s style of captaincy which has seen the team s morale falter through the course of the IPL season. Senior players in the likes of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav held a meeting following a loss in which the players expressed what they believe is the underlying problem and individual meetings were also held to determine the problem, an Indian Express report stated.
Mumbai Indians have been under the leadership of Rohit Sharma for the past decade and with a new captain coming into a set hierarchy is bound to ruffle feathers around the dressing room.
A Mumbai Indian official attributed the team s struggles this season to the transitional phase that they are in. These are regular teething problems for a team that sees leadership change. This happens in sports all the time, the official was quoted as saying in the report.
Following MI s loss against the Delhi Capitals, Pandya spoke about how he believed Tilak Varma could have targeted Axar Patel more and blamed the loss on game awareness. This particular incident did not sit well with the team considering Varma played a great innings scoring 63 off 32 deliveries on the night and is also the top scorer for the team this season.
Mumbai India currently sits in ninth place in the points table having played a game more than the Gujarat Titans. With all hopes of qualification to the playoffs now behind the franchise, it is of utmost importance for the management to iron out all possible wrinkles before the next season to maximise their chances of winning their sixth IPL trophy next season.
Rohit Won t Be At MI, Imagine Him Open At... : Pace Legend s Prediction
With Rohit Sharma stay at Mumbai Indians next IPL season? That is one big question that is on everyone s mind. Mumbai Indians are already out of the IPL 2024 play-off race there is little to look forward to this season. Ahead of the next season, there is the mega auction where teams will see massive change. Pakistan pace legend Wasim Akram, who was earlier associated with Kolkata Knight Riders, in coaching capacity feels that Rohit will not play for MI next year.
Since the time Rohit Sharma was removed from MI captaincy, he and Hardik Pandya have been in the news.
I have a feeling, he won t be at Mumbai Indians next season. I would love to see him at KKR. Imagine him open there, Gauti as a mentor, Iyer as a captain. They will have a very strong batting, at that wicket (Eden Gardens). He bats very well on any wicket, he is that great a player. But it will be good to see him at KKR, Wasim Akram told Sportskeeda.
Akram also praised KKR s good show in the IPL 2024. The team currently leads the points table.
This was Gautam Gambhir s KKR and will remain his KKR. He sits off the field and talks to the players. But once the game is on, it is under the captain. Their captain has also done well and also scored runs at different positions. He (Iyer) knows that Gautam is there to take care of things.
Rohit Sharma is a sensible captain who takes good decisions under pressure and his presence will be crucial for India, feels former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh who wishes to see his close friend win the elusive T20 World Cup next month. Besides reaching the final of the 50-over World Cup and the WTC Final last year, India made the semifinals of the 2022 T20 World Cup under Rohit s captaincy. The opener is set to lead the Men in Blue once again at the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and USA, starting on June 2.
(Rohit s presence is going to be) very crucial. I think we need a really good captain, a sensible captain who takes decisions well under pressure. And he s the one to take them, Yuvraj, who is the T20 World Cup 2024 ambassador, told ICC.
The World Cup 2023 final loss to Australia saw India s quest for an ICC title stretch to 10 years with their last victory dating back to the Champions Trophy in 2013 under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Yuvraj feels India needs someone with Rohit s expertise to lead the Indian team at the marquee event.
He was the captain when we lost in the (Cricket World Cup) 50-over final (in 2023). He has won five IPL trophies as a captain. I think we need somebody like him to captain India.
With PTI inputs
LSG Owner s On-Camera Outburst At KL Rahul: Pure Emotion Or Toxic Culture?
It s the owner s call...they spend the money, Ravi Shastri s comments on Mumbai Indians captaincy change seems more profound today, after what played out on Indian national television on Wednesday night. Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka verbally bashing his IPL team s skipper KL Rahul, following a 10-wicket thrashing by SunRisers Hyderabad, is a scene that is being replayed ever since. It was the biggest loss in IPL history as SRH chased down a 166-run target in just 58 balls. With 62 balls remaining in the innings it is the most dominating win in IPL, in terms of balls to spare (100+ targets). Naturally, Goenka, a very successful industrialist and also the co-owner of ISL runner-up Mohun Bagan Super Giant, was not a happy man.
In 2021, Goenka had bid over Rs 7000 crore to buy LSG franchise in IPL. According to several reports, Goenka will pay BCCI a franchise of Rs 7090 crore over 10 years. With him ready to shell out such a large amount of money, the attachment that Goenka has with the team is very apparent. His franchise has done well too in the past, reaching the playoffs in its first two years under KL Rahul s captaincy.
This year, however, things seemed to be different. Though playoffs hopes are not lost, LSG are in a tricky spot. The team is sixth among 10 teams.
Their 10-wicket thrashing to SRH has added to the woes. And it seemed, it was too much for Goenka to handle. Throughout the match, Goenka could be seen following the match quite closely. Following the loss, however, emotion seemed to take control. Even the broadcaster could not help but term the interaction between Goenka and Rahul as animated reaction from LSG camp . Even LSG coach and Australia great Justin Langer was not spared either, as Goenka seemed to given him an earful too.
All through this while, Rahul and Langer, stayed calm and took it all in. Rarely has such a scene been telecast on national television. But, can the readers vouch and say such incidents don t happen every day in boardrooms and corporate houses? Does this win-at-all-cost mentality not play out daily at all work places?
Just recently, two videos went viral on X (formerly Twitter) where officers of Bandhan Bank and Canara Bank can be seen reprimanding their junior employees using foul language over failing to meet targets. A few months ago, similar such incident happened in another bank and the foul-mouthing official was suspended.
Goenka s case got more highlighted as he is a celebrated name. On top of that, he may have momentarily forgotten that with the plethora of cameras on ground, nothing stays hidden. He has every right to feel bad about his team s loss, but to vent out his frustration at his captain on cricket matters, for which he has hired specialist support staff, was that the right thing to do?
Also, for every serious discussion, there is a thing called closed door meeting , something which the official broadcaster s also mentioned.
Maybe he could have taken a cue from how Kolkata Knight Rides co-owner Shah Rukh Khan reacted after his side s loss to Rajasthan Royals. In a video, which went viral, SRK said: Honestly, it s a very proud day. The way we played; all of us. I won t take individual names; that s been done. Don t feel down, GG. We will all bounce back. It s God s plan for today, as Rinku says. I think this is what we would like them to do. We ll be back with more and better, God willing. Thank you, everyone, and may God bless all.
Should other owners follow SRK s line? It s completely up to them, ultimately, they spend the money in a cash-rich private league - IPL.
Have To Call Them Out : Hayden Blasts LSG For Dismal Show Against SRH
Former Australian cricket team batter Matthew Hayden was left fuming over Lucknow Super Giants batting performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad during their IPL 2024 match on Wednesday. LSG failed to accelerate despite losing just 4 wickets during their innings and ended up scoring just 165 runs in 20 overs. In response, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma took the LSG bowlers to the cleaners as SRH marched on to victory in just 9.4 overs. Hayden said on commentary that someone needs to show intent for LSG and after having one of the slowest powerplays, they just never recovered and ended up with a score that was absolutely below-par with respect to the playing surface.
I have to call them out. This is not a 5 runs per over wicket. Somebody needed to show intent. They had one of the slowest powerplays. That took the innings nowhere. When the opposition team has Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, your intention should be to go at 10s and over. 160-170 will never be enough, Hayden said in commentary.
LSG captain KL Rahul was lost of words after the carnage from the SRH batters.
Am lost for words. We have watched that kind of batting on tv. But this is unreal batting. Everything seemed to find the middle of the bat. Kudos to their skills. They have worked hard on their six hitting skills. They didn t give us a chance to know what the pitch played in the second innings.
Was hard to stop them as they teed off from ball one. Once you are on the losing side, there are questions marks on the decisions taken. We were 40-50 runs short. When we lost wickets in the powerplay, we couldn t get any momentum. Ayush and Nicky batted well to get us to 166. But even if we would have got 240, they could have chased it as well, Rahul said after the match.