Cricket
IPL 2024: Pant Shines As DC Survive Late Scare To Steal 4-Run Win vs GTRishabh Pant virtually sealed his spot as India s first choice wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup with a belligerent unbeaten half-century in Delhi Capitals narrow four-run win over Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday. Skipper Pant and Axar Patel forged a blistering stand of 113 runs off 68 balls en route to quickfire individual half-centuries to power DC to 224 for 4 in their must-win game. In reply, Sai Sudarshan (65 off 29 ) and David Miller (55 off 23) scored fifties, while Rashid Khan hit a 11-ball 21 not out but still couldn t take GT over the line, finishing at 220 for 8 in their 20 overs.
Sent in to bat, Pant led from the front, remaining unbeaten on 88 off 43 balls (5X4s, 8X6s), his innings proving to be a timely reminder to the national selectors, who are likely to pick him in India s first XI against Pakistan in the World T20 match in New York, barring fitness issues.
Pant s maturity showed as he paced his innings brilliantly in company of Axar, who made 66 off 43 balls after being promoted to the third spot. His innings was studded with five fours and four sixes.
Chasing 225, GT lost skipper Shubman Gill in the second over but Wriddhiman Saha (39) played some delightful shots and together with Impact Sub Sai Sudharsan shared 82 runs for the second wicket to keep GT in the hunt.
But once Saha departed, Azmatullah Omarzai too was brilliantly caught by Jake Fraser-McGurk at deep midwicket off Axar soon.
But Sudharsan, who got a reprieve in the fifth over, used his long handle to great effect to notch up his fifty off 29 balls.
But with the asking rate constantly creeping up, Sudharsan had to go for his shots which eventually led to his downfall as he was caught by Axar off Salam at long-off. He hit seven fours and two sixes.
Miller (55 off 23, 6X4s, 3X6s) then put up a show to take them closer to the target and once he was out, Rashid gave GT hope with a 11-ball 21-run unbeaten cameo.
Needing 19 runs off the last over, Rashid hit Mukesh Kumar for two consecutive fours in the first two balls and then sent the pacer over the fence in the penultimate ball to reduce the deficit to 5 off the last ball.
But Mukesh kept his calm as Rashid failed to clear the fence as GT fell short.
But Wednesday s game was all about Pant as he squashed all doubts about his World T20 Cup chances with a magnificent innings. The flamboyant keeper batter was also brilliant behind the stumps grabbing two sharp catches.
Earlier, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Prithvi Shaw got DC off to a flying start, racing to 34 in 3 overs.
Fraser-McGurk, who smashed a blistering 18-ball 65 in their last match, looked at his ominous best as he elegantly pulled GT bowlers over the fence but his knock was cut short by Sandeep Warrier as the young Australian was holed out at square-leg by Noor Ahmed.
It was double blow for DC in the fourth over as Shaw was caught by Noor off Warrier two balls later with a good diving effort at the deep backward square leg as the batter went for a maximum.
DC s problems were further compounded when Warrier accounted for his second scalp of the day in the form of Shai Hope, who was latched on by a diving Rashid at cover boundary as DC slumped to 44 for 3 in the powerplay.
With three wickets down, Pant and Axar initially played sensibly and tried to forge a partnership but once they were set, they unleashed their brutal attack.
Pant started slowly but gained in confidence as time progressed and unleashed his trademark pick up shots of his legs, cuts and pulls to score his runs.
While Pant looked in full flow after getting his groove, Axar played the second fiddle but didn t falter to dispatch the bad balls to the fence.
But Axar upped his tempo as the innings progressed and notched up his fifty off 37 balls with a boundary off Rashid in the last ball of the 15th over.
Pant attacked anything which was pitched on his legs as he effortlessly flicked Mohit Sharma for a six over midwicket in the 16th over. He then clobbered Mohit over long-off in the same over to prop up DC s run rate.
Axar matched his skipper stroke-for-stroke as he dispatched Noor for huge back-to-back sixes in the 17th over.
But in search of one too many, Axar perished in the next ball, caught by Sai Kishore at long-on.
Pant brought up his fifty with a hit over the long-on fence off Mohit.
Tristan Stubbs late seven-ball 26-run cameo and Pant s pyrotechnics towards the end took DC beyond the 200-run mark.
Pant unleashed havoc on Mohit in the last over, hitting the veteran bowler for four sixes and one four to pick up 31 runs.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
IPL Points Table: DC Dent MI s Playoff Chances Further, Go Level With CSK
Rishabh Pant virtually sealed his spot as India s first choice wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup with a belligerent unbeaten half-century in Delhi Capitals narrow four-run win over Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday. Skipper Pant and Axar Patel forged a blistering stand of 113 runs off 68 balls en route to quickfire individual half-centuries to power DC to 224 for 4 in their must-win game. In reply, Sai Sudarshan (65 off 29 ) and David Miller (55 off 23) scored fifties, while Rashid Khan hit a 11-ball 21 not out but still couldn t take GT over the line, finishing at 220 for 8 in their 20 overs.
The win helped DC jump two spots in the points table to reach the number 6 spot. Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians slipped a place each to move to the 7th and 8th positions, respectively. Rest of the table remained unchanged.
Here is the updated IPL 2024 points table -
Virat Kohli continues to hold the Orange Cap by topping the scorers chart with 379 runs from 8 matches, while Jasprit Bumrah has the Purple Cap with 13 wickets from 8 games.
Sent in to bat, Pant led from the front, remaining unbeaten on 88 off 43 balls (5X4s, 8X6s), his innings proving to be a timely reminder to the national selectors, who are likely to pick him in India s first XI against Pakistan in the World T20 match in New York, barring fitness issues.
Pant s maturity showed as he paced his innings brilliantly in company of Axar, who made 66 off 43 balls after being promoted to the third spot. His innings was studded with five fours and four sixes.
Chasing 225, GT lost skipper Shubman Gill in the second over but Wriddhiman Saha (39) played some delightful shots and together with Impact Sub Sai Sudharsan shared 82 runs for the second wicket to keep GT in the hunt.
But once Saha departed, Azmatullah Omarzai too was brilliantly caught by Jake Fraser-McGurk at deep midwicket off Axar soon.
But Sudharsan, who got a reprieve in the fifth over, used his long handle to great effect to notch up his fifty off 29 balls.
But with the asking rate constantly creeping up, Sudharsan had to go for his shots which eventually led to his downfall as he was caught by Axar off Salam at long-off. He hit seven fours and two sixes.
Miller (55 off 23, 6X4s, 3X6s) then put up a show to take them closer to the target and once he was out, Rashid gave GT hope with a 11-ball 21-run unbeaten cameo.
Needing 19 runs off the last over, Rashid hit Mukesh Kumar for two consecutive fours in the first two balls and then sent the pacer over the fence in the penultimate ball to reduce the deficit to 5 off the last ball.
But Mukesh kept his calm as Rashid failed to clear the fence as GT fell short.
But Wednesday s game was all about Pant as he squashed all doubts about his World T20 Cup chances with a magnificent innings. The flamboyant keeper batter was also brilliant behind the stumps grabbing two sharp catches.
Earlier, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Prithvi Shaw got DC off to a flying start, racing to 34 in 3 overs.
Fraser-McGurk, who smashed a blistering 18-ball 65 in their last match, looked at his ominous best as he elegantly pulled GT bowlers over the fence but his knock was cut short by Sandeep Warrier as the young Australian was holed out at square-leg by Noor Ahmed.
It was double blow for DC in the fourth over as Shaw was caught by Noor off Warrier two balls later with a good diving effort at the deep backward square leg as the batter went for a maximum.
DC s problems were further compounded when Warrier accounted for his second scalp of the day in the form of Shai Hope, who was latched on by a diving Rashid at cover boundary as DC slumped to 44 for 3 in the powerplay.
With three wickets down, Pant and Axar initially played sensibly and tried to forge a partnership but once they were set, they unleashed their brutal attack.
Pant started slowly but gained in confidence as time progressed and unleashed his trademark pick up shots of his legs, cuts and pulls to score his runs.
While Pant looked in full flow after getting his groove, Axar played the second fiddle but didn t falter to dispatch the bad balls to the fence.
But Axar upped his tempo as the innings progressed and notched up his fifty off 37 balls with a boundary off Rashid in the last ball of the 15th over.
Pant attacked anything which was pitched on his legs as he effortlessly flicked Mohit Sharma for a six over midwicket in the 16th over. He then clobbered Mohit over long-off in the same over to prop up DC s run rate.
Axar matched his skipper stroke-for-stroke as he dispatched Noor for huge back-to-back sixes in the 17th over.
But in search of one too many, Axar perished in the next ball, caught by Sai Kishore at long-on.
Pant brought up his fifty with a hit over the long-on fence off Mohit.
Tristan Stubbs late seven-ball 26-run cameo and Pant s pyrotechnics towards the end took DC beyond the 200-run mark.
Pant unleashed havoc on Mohit in the last over, hitting the veteran bowler for four sixes and one four to pick up 31 runs.
(With PTI Inputs)
Justice For Sanju : Tharoor Bats For Best IPL Keeper For T20 World Cup
Ahead of the T20 World Cup in the Americas, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has thrown his weight behind Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson. India are expected to announce their 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup later this week and Tharoor has re-iterated his support for Samson, who according to him should be picked by the selectors. This isn t the first time that Tharoor has openly came out in support of Samson over the lack of opportunities given to him by the Indian selectors.
Tharoor once again re-iterated that Samson doesn t get enough backing of the selectors, expressing his displeasure regarding the lack of attention regarding the wicketkeeper.
Delighted to agree with my fellow MP Harbhajan Singh on both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson. Have been arguing for years that Sanju has not had the selectoral breaks he deserved. Now he is the leading Keeper-batsman in the IPL but is still not discussed when the team is debated. Justice for Sanju!, Tharoor wrote while resharing a tweet from former India spinner Harbhajan, who also batted for Samson s selection.
Delighted to agree with my fellow MP @harbhajan_singh on both @ybj_19 and @IamSanjuSamson ! Have been arguing for years that Sanju has not had the selectoral breaks he deserved. Now he is the leading Keeper-batsman in the @IPL but is still not discussed when the team is debated.... https://t.co/ZaqVHMIpTT
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 24, 2024There has been a lot of discussion regarding India s wicketkeeper for the tournament with the likes of Rishabh Pant, Samson, KL Rahul and Dinesh Karthik in the mix.
However, judging by his recent form, Samson fits the bill. He has scored 314 runs at 62.80 in just eight matches so far in IPL 2024. His scores read 82*, 15, 12, 69, 68, 18, 12 and an unbeaten 38.
He only needs 48 runs to equal his tally from last season (362) with six games left to play in the group phase. RR are currently top in the standing with 12 points from a possible 16 and could seal their spot in the playoffs if they win their next two matches.
India s probable squad and travelling reserves:
Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Md. Siraj, Arshdeep Singh & Avesh Khan
ICC Ropes In Usain Bolt As Ambassador Of T20 World Cup 2024
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday named sprint legend Usain Bolt as the ambassador of the upcoming T20 World Cup to be played in the West Indies and USA from June 1 to 29. Jamaica-born Bolt had created history at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing where he won the 100m, 200m and 4x100m races in world record times. Bolt currently holds world records in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m with times of 9.58 secs, 19.19 secs and 36.84 secs.
Bolt was delighted about his new role as the World Cup comes to his home.
I am thrilled to be an ambassador for the upcoming ICC Men s T20 World Cup. Coming from the Caribbean where cricket is a part of life, the sport has always held a special place in my heart, Bolt said in an ICC media release.
Bolt said it will be massive for cricket to find a market in the USA.
While I will be supporting West Indies at the WC, getting the sport into the US is big for cricket. It s the biggest sports market in the world.
The energy that we will bring for the T20 World Cup is a huge opportunity leading towards cricket s inclusion in the LA Olympics in 2028, he said.
As an ambassador, Bolt will play a key role in promoting the event, starting with a cameo appearance in next week s release of the event s official anthem alongside iconic artists Sean Paul and Kes.
ICC Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Allardice said: Usain Bolt is a global icon, we are thrilled to have him on board as an Ambassador for the T20 World Cup. His passion for cricket is well known, making him the perfect fit for this role.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
6,4,6,6,6: Rishabh Pant Last Over Rampage Lights Up IPL Amid T20 WC Race
Any discussion on the IPL 2024, these days, is almost always followed by whether any particular player is good enough for the T20 World Cup 2024 or not. The T20 World Cup will follow the IPL 2024 and the Indian cricket team for the marquee event will be announced in a week. There is a stiff competition all the the slots but going by form, it seems Delhi Capitals skipper Rishabh Pant has all but sealed his spot as the no. 1 wicketkeeper-batter.
After recovering from injury sustained in a car crash, Pant has been astute behind the stumps while being fairly consistent with his batting, But what he did against Gujarat Titans Mohit Sharma in the last over was just awesome. DC started the last over on 193/4 and finished it on 224/4, all thanks to Pant s fiery batting. He hit 6,4,6,6,6 off the last five balls as GT looked shell shocked. The DC player was unbeaten on 88* off 43 balls.
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FIFTY for the @DelhiCapitals skipper, who aims to finish on a high with such serious shots
Watch the match LIVE on @JioCinema and @StarSportsIndia #TATAIPL | #DCvGT | @RishabhPant17 pic.twitter.com/Vc8ZXRBngj
Talking about the game, Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel scored contrasting fifties to power Delhi Capitals to 224 for 4 against Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League on Wednesday. After medium pacer Sandeep Warrier (3/15) ran through the top three, Axar (66 off 43 balls) and Pant (88 not out of 43 balls) stitched a 113-run partnership to steady the innings.
Skipper Pant was in his element scoring as many as eight maximums and five fours. Tristan Stubbs blazed away to 26 off 7 balls.
Brief Score: Delhi Capitals: 224 for 4 in 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 88 not out, Axar Patel 66; Sandeep Warrier 3/15).
With PTI inputs
Lone Lucknow Fan s Mocking Dance After Win vs CSK Goes Viral. Watch
The Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday achieved a rare double against Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2024. Days after beating the five-time champions at Home, LSG beat CSK in Chennai too. In the process, the KL Rahul-led side became the first team to beat CSK at home. The unavailability of key players has left Chennai Super Kings (CSK) change in the action plan this IPL season which led coach Stephen Fleming to admit that the team is trying to find the right combination noting that they ve had to adapt more changes due to mix of unavoidable circumstances.
Throughout the tournament, CSK s equilibrium has been disturbed by injuries to Matheesha Pathirana (hamstring niggle) and Rahane (calf niggle). Additionally, Mustafizur Rahman s absence from CSK s away game against Sunrisers Hyderabad was due to his US visa obligations for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
During the match, the MA Chidambaram Stadium was filled with CSK fans, but a handful of LSG supporters had the night of their lives. One such video has gone viral where a LSG supporter can be seen mocking CSK supporters.
&39; #HappyBirthdaySachin pic.twitter.com/PxRRT0251v
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 23, 2024The decision to drop Rachin Ravindra and the inconsistency of Daryl Mitchell s inclusion in the team, along with changes in the batting order to pair up captain Ruturaj Gaikwad with Ajinkya Rahane at the top, failed to yield the desired results for CSK.
We re a little bit uncomfortable with some areas. So, we re just trying to find not a quick fix, but we re where players are going to contribute for the back end of this tournament. We ve got another change coming up with Mustafizur (leaving) in a couple of games, Fleming said in a post-match presentation.
So, we re just trying to prepare and get a side that will give us the run home. We ve had injuries, we ve been a little bit unsettled, but the main thing is getting guys in key areas and in form. That sometimes takes a bit of time. Yes, there has been more change; some were forced upon us and some of it is form, he said.
In Tuesday s home match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Mitchell fell for 11 off 10 balls and Rahane for 1 off 3. In their previous match against LSG in Lucknow. Sameer Rizvi came into bat at no. 6 and was dismissed for a mere 1 run in 5 balls while Rachin opened with Rahane and Gaikwad batted at no. 3.
Mitchell, who was acquired by CSK for Rs 14 crore at the auction, has been shuffled across four different batting positions. He has only accumulated 146 runs in seven innings, with a highest score of 34.
Reflecting on Mitchell s batting order, Fleming said getting the right-hander up the order is more comfortable for him as he has done well for New Zealand while batting at the no. 3.
There s a lot of pressure. Getting up the order is more comfortable for him. Me putting him down the order in the hitting role wasn t his best position. So, we ve looked to rectify that and get him up the order where he has had his best performances internationally. That might take a little bit of time, but the top three need to contribute the majority of runs.
Ruturaj did that today, so hopefully he can continue his form and the others can pick that up... We re not firing on all cylinders by any means but we re in each game and we re asking teams to play well to beat us. We just got to get a little bit better, said Fleming.
With IANS Inputs
Not Dhoni! CSK Great s Ex-Teammate Names This Star As Cleanest Hitter
Former Australia cricketer Matthew Hayden hailed Nicholas Pooran as cleanest hitter in the world after the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) wicketkeeper-batter s cameo in a stunning chase of 211 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as the hosts pulled off the highest run chase at Chepauk. As Marcus Stoinis smashed a sensational maiden century with his unbeaten 124 of 63, Pooran supported him from the other end with his cameo of 15-ball 34 to execute a record run chase against the defending champions in their home. Deepak Hooda, too, played his part in the record win with a quickfire 17 off six.
Reflecting on Lucknow s batting performance against Chennai, Hayden praised Pooran and said the 28-year-old have got great options of shots to play against both pace and spin.
I can say that about Nicholas Pooran as well. The 19 balls that Padikkal took up before his dismissal, that was putting Marcus Stoinis under enormous pressure. When he was bowled this evening, that was probably the best outcome for LSG because it brought in the accelerator to LSG. Nicholas Pooran is the cleanest hitter in the world, I think, in this IPL. Such a talented free hitter of the ball. Got great options against both pace and spin, said Hayden, who played with MS Dhoni in the Chennai Super Kings, on Star Sports Cricket Live.
At that stage, when you ve got a Ruturaj Gaikwad-like innings forming, as Marcus Stoinis was creating, they were actually going neck to neck as well. It was almost like a competition within the competition as to the stabilisers of the innings and then the finishers, Shivam Dube and Nicholas Pooran, that were just blasting away. And some great re-guard action from Deepak Hooda as well.
Hayden further discussed how LSG can utilise Pooran and suggested that the left-hander can come up the order with the Stoinis and bat longer, similar to his role for the West Indies in international cricket.
Well, I ve had this discussion with my mate, Justin Langer, around where they utilize him. And there s two schools of thought. There s a school of thought that says, we need someone batting in that 5 and 6 position that can bring a game home. And Nicholas Pooran can do exactly that.
But then you look at, you know, someone like Devdutt Padikkal, who hasn t had the tournament that you d expect him to have. And you ve got a world-class player in Nicky P who can come up the order with the Stoinis and in combination at 4 and can bat longer. And that s what he s been doing in international cricket as well. You know, so, obviously, they re still really comfortable in playing his role for LSG down the order, said Hayden.
But there s still, I think, room as the tournament gets a little tighter and scoreboard pressure becomes an option. You want an experienced international player there to take it forward for the team, he concluded.
Warne Bought His Last House From My In-Laws, Reveals Pakistan Great
Legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram has heaped praises on spin great Shane Warne and also talked about the equation he had with the late Australian player. Despite playing for different countries, Wasim and Warne were close friends. Warne was a family friend of Akram s Australian wife Shaniera Thompson. Akram, who married Shaniera in 2013, also revealed that Warne bought a property that belonged to the Pakistan great s in-laws Tony Thompson and Greta. He added that Warne lived at a close distance to his house.
Players and leaders like Shane Warne are not born everyday in this world. I knew him personally very well. He used to live just two minutes away from my house. In fact, I ll tell you another interesting thing. Shane Warne bought his last house from my in-laws - Tony Thompson and Greta. He bought their house, Akram told Sportskeeda.
It is worth noting that Warne holds the world record of picking second-most wickets in Test cricket. He claimed 708 wickets in 145 matches in the format of the game.
What made him special was some surreal amout of spin Warne extracted from the surface. Facing him was nothing less than a nightmare for many batters.
The spin great, who also led Rajasthan Royals to Indian Premier League title in the inaugural edition in 2008, died in March 2022.
There was only one Shane Warne. The passion, the knowledge about the game, the involvement in the game, the energy he brought, I don t think it is easy to match that. If I remember correctly, he even led Rajasthan Royals to the IPL trophy in the inaugural season, Akram said.
Bhai Select Karo : On T20 WC, Agarkar Receives Public Plea For Star
Just over a week remains for the announcement of India s T20 World Cup 2024 squad. The deadline for announcing the squad is May 1, which means that by the end of this month the provisional squad will be announced. India s drought in ICC tournaments has not ended since MS Dhoni-led India won the 2013 Champions Trophy. The heartbreak of the ICC 2023 ODI World Cup final is still fresh in Indian fans mind and the 2024 T20 World Cup is a brilliant chance to achieve redemption.
While some players like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli look like automatic selections, there are those who may either be selected or rejected because of the limited number of spots. To increase BCCI selectors troubles, several young Indian players are in form. Like, Shivam Dube.
The left-handed batter is in terrific form for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2024. In eight matches, Dube has scored 311 at a strike-rate of 169.95. he ahs three half-centuries. After his recent half-century against Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar received public plea from Suersh Raina to select him.
World Cup loading for Shivam dube ! @imAagarkar bhai select karo please, wrote in a post on X.
World Cup loading for Shivam dube ! @imAagarkar bhai select karo please https://t.co/b7g0BxHRSp
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) April 23, 2024Shivam Dube is perfect to bat after the top order and before the big hitters. Should be India s No. 4 or No. 5 at World T20, another former India star Mohammad Kaif wrote on X.
Shivam Dube is perfect to bat after the top order and before the big hitters. Should be India s No. 4 or No. 5 at World T20.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 23, 2024Experts have argued that the concept negates the role of an all-rounder. Someone like Shivam Dube has only been used as a power-hitter by his franchise Chennai Super Kings. Dube, also medium pacer, is in contention for the seam bowling all-rounder s option in the India set-up for the T20 World Cup but he has hardly got an opportunity to showcase his talent with the ball.
I completely agree it s debatable, little concern for sure. But we need to find a way on how to deal with it. In Impact Player rule you will find half all-rounders but not not a complete one, Zaheer Khan said in an online interaction facilitated by JioCinema.
On Sachin s Birthday, Karthik Reveals Denying India Great A Century
As Indian cricket great Sachin Tendulkar celebrated his 51st birthday on Wednesday, April 24, veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik recalled his one good and bad memory with the legendary batter. In a video uploaded by his IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Karthik revealed the first instance of seeing Tendulkar in person, labelling the incident as a good memory. However, the 38-year-old revealed that denying Tendulkar his century in a match was the worst memory he has with the Master Blaster .
Karthik recalled how he hit a boundary to win the game for India, leaving Tendulkar stranded on 96. He revealed that he still gets flak for doing the same to this date.
Well, I can give you good memory, bad memory. Good memory being the fact that the first time I met him, it was on top of a flyover. We were going in a bus en route to the airport and he joined in his car and just got into the bus midway. That s the first time I ever seen the man in my life. So that is a good memory, Karthik said in a video posted by RCB.
Bad memory was 97, not out. We needed four runs to win and I hit a six. So, I ended up making sure that he didn t get the hundred, Till today, I get a lot of grief for it and rightly so. Understandable, Karthik furter recalled.
Happy Birthday Sachin Tendulkar!
RCB cricketers wish Sachin on his birthday and share their favourite memories with one of India s finest cricketing icons, on @bigbasket_com presents Bold Diaries! #PlayBold #RCB @sachin_rt pic.twitter.com/6R7aMzis4n
For the unversed, Karthik is talking about the third T20I against Sri Lanka at Cuttack in 2009. Chasing 239 to win, Tendulkar and Karthik stitiched an unbeaten 74 runs for the fourth wicket and took India home with 7.3 overs to spare.
However, it wasn t Karthik who denied Tendulkar his century. Instead, Lasith Malinga bowled a delivery down the leg side of Karthik and the ball went for five extras, resulting in the conclusion of the match.
RCB captain Faf du Plessis also opened up on his first meeting with Tendulkar.
I remember the first memory playing for South Africa against India was just, wow. When you walk in, you saw Sachin batting there for the first time because it was someone that I looked up to as a young kid and always admired his consistency. I think that for me was the biggest thing that always stood out. But seeing him for the first time and for such a small guy to have such a huge presence was a thing that stood out for me that first time I played against him, Faf said in the same video.
MI Are Not Making Playoffs... : Ex-India Star Trashes Pandya s Captaincy
Mumbai Indians confidence once again got hit the five-time champions registered a big defeat against Rajasthan Royals. Batting first, Hardik Pandya and co posted a good total of 179/9 in 20 overs, despite RR Sandeep Sharma claiming a five-wicket haul. However, their happiness was short-lived as Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was struggling for form in the ongoing season, hammered an unbeaten ton and took RR across the line with nine wickets in hand. This was MI s fifth defeat in eight matches.
After the match, former India batter Manoj Tiwary slammed captain Hardik was not utilizing pacer Jasprit Bumrah, right from the first over against RR.
If you have Jasprit Bumrah in the line-up why will you not bowl him in the first over? Buttler came off a hundred, Jaiswal was not in the best form, you need to give your best bowler the best chance of picking a wicket. When Hardik Pandya came in, he got hit for 2 boundaries and that took the shine away from the new ball slightly, and the margin of swing reduced. Things got easier for the batter, Manoj Tiwary said on Cricbuzz.
I don t see MI progressing in the points table because these silly mistakes are being made. If this kind of captaincy continues, MI are not making the playoffs. Previously, players were with Rohit Sharma. Now it feels like that MI players have not bought into Hardik Pandya as the captain of the side, he added.
Jaiswal hits an unbeaten 104 off 60 balls and helped RR claim their seventh win of the season in just 18.4 overs.
Credit has to go to all the players. Started well in the powerplay. In the middle, the left-handers played unbelievably. But the way we came back was where we won the game. Wicket looked a bit dry. But when lights come in, gets colder in the night, it gets better to bat in the second innings. People are professional enough about what to do when they get a break. I don t think he needs (advice from) anyone (Jaiswal). He s very confident. Was about one game. Let s see how the wicket is there (Lucknow) and let s see how it goes, said RR captain Sanju Samson after the victory.
IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant Stars As DC Edge Past GT In High-Scoring Thriller
DC vs GT Highlights, IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant dazzled with an unbeaten 88 as Delhi Capitals defeated Gujarat Titans by four runs in the Indian Premier League 2024 match at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday. Invited to bat, Pant (88 not out of 43 balls) and Axar Patel (66 off 43 balls) scored contrasting fifties to power Delhi Capitals to 224 for 4. In reply, Sai Sudarshan (65 off 29 ) and David Miller (55 off 23) scored fifties but couldn t take GT over the line, finishing at 220 for 8 in their 20 overs. Earlier, Axar and Pant stitched a 113-run partnership to steady the innings after medium pacer Sandeep Warrier (3/15) ran through the top three. Skipper Pant was in his element scoring as many as eight maximums and five fours. Tristan Stubbs blazed away to 26 off 7 balls. (Scorecard | IPL 2024 Points Table)
Mayank, Riyan In; No Hardik, Pant In T20 WC Squad By 6-Time IPL Winner
Amid the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), India captain Rohit Sharma is expected to meet the BCCI selectors later this week to discuss the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. ICC have set May 1 as the deadline for squad submission for the participating teams. As the deadline for the selection of India s T20 World Cup 2024 squad nears, several experts have shared their views on the same. Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ambati Rayudu has also picked his 15-man probables for the World Cup.
Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has been under the scanner for his performance in the ongoing season of IPL, is one of the notable absentees from Rayudu s 15-man squad.
Hardik is leading MI for the first time this season, having replaced Rohit Sharma as captain, but his captaincy and performance have been below-par to say the least.
While it has been reported that the BCCI is unlikely to pick any new IPL performer, Rayudu included the likes of LSG tearaway pacer Mayank Yadav and Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Riyan Parag in his predicted squad.
Mayank, after a remarkable start to his IPL career, has been backed by many to feature in the upcoming T20 World Cup in Americas, starting June 2.
While there weren t any surprises in the batting department with Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar making up the top four, Rayudu omitted the likes of Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Sanju Samson for the keeper s role.
He instead chose veteran Dinesh Karthik to keep the wickets. Karthik is enjoying one of his finest seasons with the bat, despite his franchise RCB lying in the bottom place in the points table.
In the bowling department, Rayudu went with the combination of three spinners and four pacers.
#IncredibleStarcast expert @RayuduAmbati has picked 15 ambitious players for his #TeamIndia squad ahead of #T20WorldCup2024 & there s only one all-rounder, @imjadeja!
Participate in the biggest opinion poll ever on our social media handles (23rd April-1st May) and see if you... pic.twitter.com/1PB3TwATc8
Ambati Rayudu s India squad for T20 World Cup 2024:
Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Dinesh Karthik, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj.
Wild Card MS Dhoni Gets Backing For T20 World Cup 2024 Selection
The most formidable finisher in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, as far as statistics are concerned, MS Dhoni has rolled back the years with his performances this year. The veteran wicket-keeper batter is dealing in boundaries, scoring runs over a strike-rate of 250 while he is yet to be dismissed this year. As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors look to narrow down their search for the 15 players for the T20 World Cup 2024, some experts have floated the idea of selecting MS Dhoni.
In a chat on Star Sports, the likes of Irfan Pathan and Aaron Finch discussed the possibility of putting MS Dhoni as a wildcard for the T20 World Cup.
We could see a wildcard entry in India s T20 World Cup squad... MS Dhoni, former Australia captain Aaron Finch exclaimed to Star Sports, calling the suggestion as the wildest card.
Irfan Pathan also feels the idea is something that no one will mind. If he says he wants to play the T20 World Cup, no one will deny him that chance...no one will mind, no one will have a problem with it. The guy is batting so well.
Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag also spoke about the possibility on Cricbuzz, highlighting the staggering numbers the Thala has this year.
MS Dhoni has a strike-rate of over 250 and doesn t have an average because he hasn t been dismissed yet, Sehwag asserted.
Earlier, India captain Rohit Sharma was also asked about the possibility of bringing Dhoni back from retirement for the T20 World Cup, considering his form. Rohit, in a candid chat with Adam Gilchrist, suggested that it s going to be quite tough to convince Dhoni for such a decision. But, the possibility of getting another veteran, Dinesh Karthik, ready for the showpiece event is higher.
On Report Claiming India Won t Travel To Pakistan For CT, PCB Says This
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) would look into options to respond to the BCCI -- Board of Control of Cricket in India -- if it officially refuses to send its team to Pakistan to play the ICC Champions Trophy, said a source in the PCB responding to a question about the recent report that neighbors might not travel to the country for the next year s tournament. “PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said it already that Pakistan is open to play a bilateral series with India at a neutral venue only if India agrees to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year,” the PCB source told IANS.
“There is a clear and glaring contrast between the statement of Rohit Sharma and a corresponding BCCI source-based story. It clearly shows that if its about cricket, the players are willing and have no problem in playing each other at home grounds. But its the political leadership of India that always creates nuisance and blocks the way every time.
They further reminded that Pakistan sent its team to India for the World Cup, highlighting Islamabad s readiness to face the challenges and work towards revival of Indo-Pak cricket.
Pakistan is gearing up to host its first International cricket event since the 1996 World Cup. The Champions Trophy is an ICC (International Cricket Council) event and India expected refusal to send its team to Pakistan would not be an easy call to make.
However, the time and buildup to the ICC Champions Trophy may be used to discuss a hybrid model in which India-Pakistan matches may be shifted to neutral venues like Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
On Tuesday, sources in the BCCI told IANS that Team India may not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy next year, and the venue for the event will likely get shifted or a hybrid model used.
They also added that a bilateral series with the neighbours is “unlikely” in the near future.
India and Pakistan last played a bilateral limited-overs series in 2012-13, when Pakistan visited India.
Last year, India refused to send its team to play the Asia Cup in Pakistan and eventually, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) had to adopt a hybrid model for the event which was split with a vast majority of the matches being organised in Sri Lanka.
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Aaron Finch Hits Bulls Eye As He Explains What Exactly Is Wrong With RCB
With just one win in eight matches, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are on the brink of early elimination from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Just one more defeat in the remainder of the campaign could prove to be the final nail in the coffin for the Faf du Plessis-led side. But, it s not just this season that RCB have struggled to fire, their story has been the same for the most part of IPL history. Aaron Finch, a former Australia captain who played for RCB in the past, explained the core reasons behind the franchise s consistently poor performances in the T20 league. (IPL 2024 Points Table)
In a show on Star Sports, Finch pinpointed the auction strategy as one of the biggest reasons behind the Bengaluru side s underwhelming show in the IPL. Finch highlighted how the RCB management tends to spend heavy on batters while leaving little budget to sing a top bowler, especially spinner.
I think there have been a couple of reasons, hasn t gone well, and I think it does start off with the auction table when you put so much emphasis on your batting group and doesn t leave a huge amount of room for your bowling. The lack of world-class spinner I guess it s something and proven in the game against KKR, Sunil Narine is a world-class operator and he s somebody who gets the job done day in day out. It s just that lack of a spinner there to be relied on consistently, Aaron Finch said.
Finch also questioned the team management s decision to play Cameron Green in the middle despite knowing that it isn t the Australian all-rounder s best position.
I think they have got some issues with playing players out of position at times, I mean Cameron Green to trade for him for such a big price, for such a big percentage of a salary cap, to then bat him in the middle-order where is not as comfortable as batting at the top is is a real strange move. You re asking a guy to do a job which he is not comfortable with from the start so you re not setting him up for the ultimate success in my opinion, Finch asserted.
Languishing at the bottom of the 10-team points table, RCB need a miracle from here to enter the playoffs.
IPL Veteran David Warner Runs To Get Aadhaar Card, Video Goes Viral
Delhi Capitals opener David Warner is one of the most loved overseas cricketers in the Indian Premier League. Over the years, Warner has done wonders with his bat in the T20 league and also won the title, once with the Sunrisers Hyderabad. His association with the IPL dates back to 2009. Into the final phase of his career, Warner continues to entertain fans, not just with his bat but also with his social media activity. In a video that the Delhi Capitals shared on social media, the IPL franchise teased that the Aussie is getting an Aadhaar Card . (IPL 2024 Points Table)
In the video, Warner could even be heard answering to questions in Hindi. Here s the hilarious video:
Finallyyyyyy, Warner now has a _______? pic.twitter.com/gDoCtT62eA
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 23, 2024As for the ongoing IPL campaign, having lost five out of their eight matches, the Delhi Capitals will be desperate to turn things around when they take on Gujarat Titans on Wednesday. Warner has no doubts that his team needs to improve.
We re not where we want to be for the team s sake. We d like to win a few more games. But we ve got to win the next remainder to obviously compete in the finals.
So for us, it s about doing as best as we can. Hopefully, we can play each game like we did against Gujarat, Warner said during a media interaction.
The seasoned campaigner from Australia added, We ve got a little bit of improving to do, both with bat and the ball. If we can minimise the totals, it would be great. And then if we bat first, try and put a big total on the board and defend it. Warner further highlighted that DC have a dangerous bowling attack that bowled out GT for 89 in their first leg match.
Cannot fault the way the guys are training and preparing. It s just sometimes in the games that the execution isn t there. And we know when we take wickets up front and early, we re a very dangerous bowling attack. Asked about two youngsters in the team who have impressed him this season, Warner said, Jake s (Jake Fraser-McGurk) been very good. We know he s always had the talent. Abishek Porel has been outstanding as well.
Abishek wasn t even going to play in the first game, but we d lost early wickets and then came in as an impact player.
I think he had nine balls or something and he got 30-odd runs. That changed the game and then the other day as well, he played very well. He is going to be a very good player, he concluded.
With PTI inputs
Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans, IPL 2024: Predicted XI Of Both Teams
Delhi Capitals (PBKS) will take on Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 40th match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday, April 24. With three wins out of eight matches, Delhi Capitals find themselves in eighth place with six points in the IPL 2024 standings. Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans sit in sixth place with eight points from four wins out of eight matches. With both teams aiming to improve their standings on the points table, let s examine the predicted XIs for both sides.
DC Predicted XI
Prithvi Shaw
Delhi Capitals opener Prithvi Shaw has been in decent form in IPL 2024. He has guided the Capitals to brisk starts and has managed to score 174 runs in six matches at an impressive strike rate of 162.61. Shaw will aim to score big against GT to keep his momentum going.
David Warner
David Warner failed to score runs against SRH in DC s previous match. The Aussie opener has scored 167 runs in seven matches and has one fifty-plus score to his name. DC will expect more from Warner against GT as they aim to put up a competitive total.
Jake Fraser-McGurk
Jake Fraser-McGurk has emerged as a standout performer for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024. With an impressive average of 46.47 and a remarkable strike rate of 222.22, Jake has amassed 140 runs in three matches, including two fifty-plus scores. His form will be crucial for DC s success against GT.
Abishek Porel
Abishek Porel was one of the best performers for Delhi Capitals in their previous game against SunRisers Hyderabad. He has scored 148 runs in eight games at a strike rate of 162.63 in IPL 2024. Considered one of DC s most promising talents, Porel is expected to be among the runs once again in the upcoming match.
Tristan Stubbs
Tristan Stubbs has been a standout performer in the Delhi Capitals batting lineup in IPL 2024. The South African has scored 199 runs in seven innings, boasting an impressive average of 49.75 and a strike rate of 180.90. Stubbs also showcased his bowling prowess by taking two wickets in DC s previous encounter against GT, making him a player to keep an eye on in the upcoming match.
Rishabh Pant (captain and wicketkeeper)
Rishabh Pant has been in scintillating form with the bat in IPL 2024, boasting a solid strike rate of 150.29. He has amassed 254 runs in eight innings and has two fifty-plus scores. Pant has also had an equally impressive season behind the stumps. With the T20 World Cup approaching, the DC captain will look to maintain his momentum and deliver another good performance against GT on Wednesday.
Lalit Yadav
Lalit Yadav has had an underwhelming season with the bat this year. He has only scored 10 runs in two matches and is yet to be among the wickets for Delhi Capitals. Yadav will have to step up against GT in order to keep his place in DC s playing XI.
Axar Patel
Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has had a disappointing season with the bat, scoring only 57 runs in six innings. However, he has been effective with the ball, taking six wickets in eight matches at a decent economy of 6.82 and could have a big role to play with bat and ball against GT.
Anrich Nortje
Anrich Nortje has a crucial role to play in Delhi s fast-bowling lineup. His ability to generate bounce and bowl precise lengths has earned him six wickets in five IPL 2024 matches. With a big match approaching, the South African pacer will be eager to have an impact with the ball.
Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav will head into this match after a stellar performance, claiming a heroic four-wicket haul amidst carnage against SunRisers Hyderabad. With an impressive average of 15.40 and an economy of 7.70, Kuldeep has taken 10 wickets in five matches this season and will be eager to weave his magic against GT.
Khaleel Ahmed
Khaleel Ahmed has been a dynamic force in the Delhi Capitals bowling attack. The Indian fast bowler has captured 10 wickets in eight matches while maintaining an average of 28. Delhi will rely on him to provide vital breakthroughs both in the powerplay and during the death overs against Gujarat Titans.
Impact Sub
Mukesh Kumar
GT Predicted XI
Wriddhiman Saha (wicketkeeper)
Wriddhiman Saha looks set to open the innings for Gujarat Titans. Despite getting starts, the wicketkeeper-batter has managed 91 runs in six matches. Saha will need to convert his start into a substantial score to help GT set a challenging total against DC.
Shubman Gill (captain)
Shubman Gill, the skipper of Gujarat Titans, will partner with Saha at the top of the order. Gill boasts an impressive average of 42.57 and a superb strike rate of 146.79 having amassed 298 runs in eight matches. He s made two fifty-plus scores and will be a key player against DC.
Sai Sudharsan
Sai Sudharsan s inclusion in the playing XI will strengthen the Gujarat Titans top order. He has been in decent form with the bat and has scored 269 runs in eight matches. Sai hasn t managed a big score this season but will be looking to play a quick-fire cameo at the very least against DC.
David Miller
David Miller could play a crucial role in the Gujarat Titans batting lineup. Despite scoring only 83 runs in five innings in IPL 2024, Miller s capability to strike big hits effortlessly against formidable bowling attacks makes him a threat to any opposition team and he will be looking to make his presence felt against DC on Wednesday.
Azmatullah Omarzai
Afghan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai is capable of becoming an important member of the GT batting and bowling unit. Omarzai has not been a regular starter for the Titans but has scored 41 runs in three innings and has taken four wickets in five matches. He will be eager to put on an all-round show against DC in the upcoming match.
Rahul Tewatia
Rahul Tewatia adds stability to the Gujarat Titans middle-order. The talented southpaw has made 149 runs in eight games. With a strike rate of 200, Tewatia scored 36 not out off 18 balls against PBKS in GT s previous match and he will want to continue his momentum going against DC.
Shahrukh Khan
Shahrukh Khan has played only three IPL matches and is yet to make an impact this season. Although he has scored only 22 runs in those outings, Shahrukh has a strike rate of 169.23 this season and can be a destructive batter if he can find form against DC.
Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan, the spin maestro from Afghanistan, has shown decent form in IPL 2024. While he has only taken eight wickets in as many matches, his economy rate of 7.26 has been effective in restricting opposition batters from scoring freely. Rashid, who can also contribute with the bat, will be a key player for GT against DC.
Sai Kishore
Sai Kishore has been in excellent form for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024. Following his superb four-wicket haul against PBKS in the last game, he has accumulated six wickets in three matches this season. The 27-year-old spinner is expected to play a vital role with his spin variations against Delhi in the upcoming match.
Noor Ahmad
Noor Ahmad will play a crucial role in the Gujarat Titans spin bowling attack. Despite only managing to take five wickets in six matches this season, his economy rate of 7.46 is valuable in limiting the opposition s scoring. The Afghan spinner will be keen to increase his IPL 2024 wicket tally too in the upcoming match.
Mohit Sharma
Mohit Sharma has led Gujarat Titans pace attack in IPL 2024. With 10 wickets in eight games at an average of 24.80 this season, Sharma will play a vital role in restricting the opposition s scoring and securing crucial breakthroughs during the powerplay and death overs.
Impact Sub
Sandeep Warrier
DC vs GT, IPL 2024: Preview, Fantasy Picks, Pitch And Weather Reports
Delhi Capitals have played 8 matches and they are currently ranked eighth on the points table, while Gujarat Titans have also played 8 matches and are currently ranked sixth on the points table. The pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi is a balanced one. The average 1st innings score at this venue in the last 20 matches is 157 runs. The team batting first at this venue has won 26% of its matches. We predict that the team winning the toss will bowl first here.
Pace or Spin?
The venue is suited for both pacers and spinners alike.
Weather Report
Temperature is expected to be around 37.15 degree C and humidity is expected to be around 9%. 3.24 m/s winds are expected.
DC vs GT, Head to Head
In the 4 matches played between these 2 teams, bowlers of both teams have earned the most fantasy points for their respective teams so far.
In their previous encounter in this series, Rishabh Pant was the Man of the Match and Mukesh Kumar scored the highest fantasy points for Delhi Capitals with 103 match fantasy points while Rashid Khan topped the fantasy points leaderboard for Gujarat Titans with 70 match fantasy points.
DC vs GT Fantasy XI Prediction: Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks
1. Sai Sudharsan
Sai Sudharsan can be a good safe pick for your Fantasy XI Team. Sai Sudharsan has an average of 40 match fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 9.7. He is a top order batter, who bats left-handed. In the recently played 5 matches this player has scored 31, 12, 35, 31, 33 runs at an average of 28.4 per match.
2. Tristan Stubbs
Tristan Stubbs is a wicket-keeper with an average of 51 match fantasy points in the last 10 games, a fantasy rating of 9 and can be a good safe pick for your Fantasy XI Team. Tristan Stubbs is a right-handed batter and also keeps wickets. In the recent 5 matches he has scored 150 runs averaging 75 per match. This player also bowls decently, bowling off break and in the recent matches has taken 0, 2, 0, 0, 0 wickets at an average of 5.5 per match. Tristan Stubbs has been very successful against GT, taking 2 wickets in their recent match.
3. Mohit Sharma
Mohit Sharma can be a punt pick for your Fantasy XI Team. He has an average of 33 match fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 8.8. This player bowls right-arm medium and in the last 5 matches Mohit Sharma has taken 2, 0, 1, 0, 1 wickets at an average of 38.8. He has a very good record against this opponent, taking 0, 2, 1, 2, 1 wickets in the recent matches. This player has bowled well at this venue in the last 5 matches Mohit Sharma played here and has taken 1 wicket.
4. Sai Kishore
Sai Kishore can be a good pick for your Fantasy XI Team. He has an average of 33 match fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 8.8. This player bowls slow left-arm orthodox and in the last 4 matches Sai Kishore has taken 4, 0, 1, 1, 0 wickets at an average of 14.2. He has been very successful at this venue in the last 4 matches he s played here and has taken 3, 0, 1, 0 wickets in them.
5. Shahrukh Khan
Shahrukh Khan is an all-rounder with an average of 32 match fantasy points in the last 10 games, a fantasy rating of 8.7 and can be a good pick for your Fantasy XI Team. Shahrukh Khan is an off break bowler who is also capable of hitting the ball a long distance.
6. Jake Fraser-McGurk
Jake Fraser-McGurk is a very inconsistent player in terms of fantasy points and can be a differential pick in your team. Jake Fraser-McGurk has an average of 24 match fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 8. He is a top order right-handed batter. In his recently played 5 20-over matches this player has scored 65, 20, 55, 41, 14 runs at an average of 39 per match.
7. Khaleel Ahmed
Khaleel Ahmed is a bowler with an average of 42 match fantasy points in the last 10 games, a fantasy rating of 7.9 and is a fairly consistent player in terms of fantasy points. This player is a left-arm medium bowler and in the recent 5 matches Khaleel Ahmed has taken 0, 1, 2, 1, 1 wickets at an average of 38.4. He has been very successful against this team, taking 1, 2, 1, 2, 0 wickets in the recent matches against them and also has a good record at this venue in the last 5 matches having taken 0, 1, 0, 1, 1 wickets here.
8. Azmatullah Omarzai
Azmatullah Omarzai is a fairly consistent player in terms of fantasy points. This player has an average of 44 match fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 8.1. Azmatullah Omarzai is a top order batter, who bats right-handed. Good with the bat, this player can also give you some bowling fantasy points, bowling right-arm medium fast and in the recent matches has taken 2 wickets at an average of 54 per match.
DC vs GT Squad Information
Delhi Capitals (DC) Squad: Ishant Sharma, David Warner, Lizaad Williams, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Pravin Dubey, Anrich Nortje, Shai Hope, Ricky Bhui, Jhye Richardson, Mukesh Kumar, Rishabh Pant, Khaleel Ahmed, Prithvi Shaw, Lalit Yadav, Sumit Kumar, Rasikh Dar, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Yash Dhull, Kumar Kushagra, Tristan Stubbs, Abishek Porel, Vicky Ostwal and Swastik Chikara
Gujarat Titans (GT) Squad: Matthew Wade, Kane Williamson, Wriddhiman Saha, Umesh Yadav, David Miller, Jayant Yadav, Vijay Shankar, Mohit Sharma, Sandeep Warrier, Abhinav Manohar, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Joshua Little, Sai Kishore, Shubman Gill, Darshan Nalkande, Azmatullah Omarzai, BR Sharath, Kartik Tyagi, Spencer Johnson, Sai Sudharsan, Manav Suthar, Sushant Mishra and Noor Ahmad
DC vs GT Fantasy XI Team
Wicket-Keeper: Wriddhiman Saha
Batters: Sai Sudharsan and Vijay Shankar
All-Rounders: Shahrukh Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Axar Patel and Rahul Tewatia
Bowlers: Mohit Sharma, Sai Kishore, Rashid Khan and Spencer Johnson
Captain: Sai Kishore
Vice-Captain: Axar Patel
We Were Not Comfortable : CSK Coach s Interesting Take On Loss vs LSG
Following his side s six-wicket loss to Lucknow Super Giants, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming said that the team is not focusing on finding a quick fix to their problems, but rather a right combination that will contribute during the back-end of the tournament. Marcus Stoinis defied the odds with his relentless onslaught and his maiden ton guided Lucknow Super Giants to a 6-wicket win over the Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on Tuesday in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
Following the game in the post-match press conference, Fleming said, We are a little bit uncomfortable with some areas. So, we are just trying to find not a quick fix, but we are trying to find the right combination where players are going to contribute for the back end of this tournament. We have had injuries, and we have been a little bit unsettled, but the main thing is getting guys in key areas and in form and that sometimes takes a bit of time. But yeah, there has been more change. Some of it is forced upon us and some of it is form.
Talking more about the game, Fleming said that the team knew that dew was going to come after 20-25 overs of surface being slow so the toss was important. He also lauded the skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and LSG all-rounder Marcus Stoinis for their centuries.
We saw a great hundred from Ruturaj, absolute craft, fantastic knock and he played incredibly well with some power to get us to a score of 210. So, we were not comfortable with that score, but we knew we were in the game. And we saw another great hundred from Marcus Stoinis. So, they answered pretty well. And in the end, it was a good game of cricket. We felt we competed well, given the conditions, he added.
He also went on to laud Stoinis further, pointing out that he has got power and good batsmanship .
They (LSG) needed someone to do what Ruturaj did and Stoinis did that beautifully. But not a surprise, we knew he is a danger weapon, a dangerous player, we needed to get him out with Pooran and the other two at the top. So, we got close but we just could not get the last one out. Good game though and again two great hundreds, he added.
On former skipper and legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni s reception on the crease, Fleming said that the franchise and the fans are really lucky to have experienced Dhoni s magic over the last 16-17 years or so.
I think I said it earlier, but the love for him throughout India and throughout the world is testimony to the way he s played the game. People talk about MS as a person, but he is also a great player and he has done some great things for India and for Chennai. So, people were just taking time and energy and effort to appreciate him and we do that every day. And we are very lucky to have him in the side for so long, added Fleming.
Fleming also said that the batting all-rounder Shivam Dube, who has not bowled since IPL 2022, has been working really hard on his bowling for the last 12-18 months and is aware of how important he is as a bowler.
He knows the importance of him bowling. So, he is working very hard on that. It has not transpired for him to have overs in the games just yet, but he is working very hard on that. And what he is also working hard is his batsmanship. And I think that has been a real area of improvement in the last 12 to 18 months. Again, today he was a lot more comfortable against quicker bowling, but he still has that power, which is quite unique, said Fleming.
He has been a good, consistent performer for us this season. And I think to win the IPL you need a little bit of that, a bit of magic sprinkled throughout and he is providing that, concluded Fleming.
In the ongoing season, Shivam Dube is the sixth-highest run-getter. He has scored 311 runs in eight matches at an average of 51.83 and a strike rate of 169.94, with three half-centuries. His best score is 66*.
Coming to the match, LSG opted to bowl first. After a slow start, it was a century from skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad (108 in 60 balls, with 12 fours and three sixes) and an explosive half-century from in-form Shivam Dube (66 in 27 balls, with three fours and seven sixes) that powered CSK to 210/4 in their 20 overs.
Matt Henry, Mohsin Khan and Yash Thakur got a wicket each for LSG.
In the run-chase, LSG struggled to catch the right tempo in the first half and was 88/3 in 11 overs. But it was Stoinis, who was sent up the order, kept his side in the hunt with his ferocious striking. Cameos from Nicholas Pooran (34 in 15 balls, with six fours and two sixes) and Deepak Hooda (17* in six balls, with two fours and a six) relieved some pressure from the Aussie star s shoulders as he blasted 17 runs within three balls of the final over to seal a six-wicket win. Stoinis was unbeaten on 124 in 63 balls, with 13 fours and six sixes.
Stoinis took home the Player of the Match award.
LSG is in the fourth spot with five wins and three losses, giving them 10 points. CSK has dropped to fifth spot, with four wins, four losses and a total of eight points.