Did a Wrong Coin Toss Cost PBKS the Game? Shreyas Iyer Weighs In

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CngZQ" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CngZQ.jpg"/> <p> Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer said there was no dew on the day in Mullanpur. Hence, bowling second wasn’t very tough for the Rajasthan Royals in the evening game, making the 206-run chase a tough ask for the flying Punjab, who slumped to a 50-run defeat on Saturday, April 5. </p> <p> Yashasvi Jaiswal ‘s 67 and Riyan Parag’s late flourish with an unbeaten 43 powered Rajasthan to a whopping 205/4, the highest total at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium in Mullanpur. </p> <p> In reply, Punjab faltered under pressure, managing just 155/9 as their homecoming turned sour. </p> <p> Iyer said that there were a lot of learnings from the defeat to Rajasthan, in the bowling and batting departments specifically. </p> <p> “Many things to learn from this game. Today, there was no dew. We cannot be blaming that. We need to go back to the drawing board and see the videos of where we were not able to execute with the bowling,” Iyer said while speaking at the post-match presentation. </p> <p> “In the batting, we could be focusing on building partnerships. We also lost back-to-back wickets. It is not easy for a new batter to get going,” Iyer added. </p> <p> The captain of Punjab praised the 24-year-old Nehal Wadhera for his aggressive fifty under pressure, keeping Punjab in the game after they had been reduced to 43/4 during the powerplay. </p> <p> “Phenomenal batting under pressure. He took some time, he was able to analyse and was able to charge on the loose balls,” Iyer said. </p> <p> Rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal’s return to form with a sparkling half-century and fiery blows from Jofra Archer spoiled Punjab’s homecoming as Rajasthan bagged a handsome 50-run victory. </p> <p> Once RR built a tall 205/4 around Jaiswal’s stroke-filled 67, it was never going to be easy for PBKS, and they were limited to 155/9. Wadhera played a lone hand with a 41-ball 62 for them. </p> <p> Archer (3/25), pacer Sandeep Sharma (2/21), and spinner Maheesh Theekshana (2/26) bowled with precision as well, while Kumar Kartikeya and Wanindu Hasaranga provided fine support. </p> <p> Punjab next face the Chennai Super Kings at home on Tuesday and a win over the misfiring five-time champions will ensure they remain in the top half of the table. </p> <p class="story_para_10" id="10"> Keep up-to-date with the newest information and developments. <strong> IPL 2025 </strong> , including the <strong> schedule , points table </strong> , top run-scorers ( <strong> IPL </strong> Orange Cap ), and top wicket-takers ( <strong> IPL Purple Cap </strong> Stay updated with live scores, match highlights, and professional analysis exclusively on DIWIDA News|. </p>

Did a Wrong Coin Toss Cost PBKS the Game? Shreyas Iyer Weighs In

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Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer said there was no dew on the day in Mullanpur. Hence, bowling second wasn’t very tough for the Rajasthan Royals in the evening game, making the 206-run chase a toug…

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Watch: Suryakumar Yadav Stunned as MI Retires Out Tilak Varma for Mitchell Santner; Coach Clarifies the Move

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CkwRM" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CkwRM.jpg"/> <p> In an IPL 2025 clash at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday evening, Mumbai Indians required 24 runs from their final seven balls to triumph over the Lucknow Super Giants. With seasoned batsmen Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya holding fort for MI—the five-time champions—a surprising twist occurred when they opted to retire Tilak, who specializes as a batter. Instead, they brought in Mitchell Santner, primarily known for his skills with the ball as a left-arm spinner. </p> <p> It appeared that the choice wasn't received favorably by MI batting star Suryakumar Yadav Initially, he appeared puzzled as head coach Mahela Jayawardene explained the rationale behind it. </p> <p> Watch the video below: </p> <div> <span data-embed-id="ed984bae0cff48e7b1aee64f9129b58e" data-embed-type="social-auto"> </span> </div> <p> When Tilak was at 25 runs from 23 balls, MI decided to implement their strategy by retiring him out. </p> <p> The shift did not yield notable results since Santner scored only 2 runs from 2 deliveries, and MI ended up losing the match with a score of 191/5 while aiming for 204. </p> <p> The MI skipper, Hardik Pandya, subsequently mentioned that it was an "inevitable" choice because although Tilak put in great effort, he struggled to hit boundaries. </p> <p> "I believe that was quite clear. We required some crucial hits, but Tilak wasn’t able to deliver them. As they often say in cricket, sometimes despite your best efforts, things just don’t come together," Pandya stated. </p> <p> Thus, Tilak joined an exclusive list as the fourth batsman in IPL history to be retired out, following Ravichandran Ashwin, Atharva Taide, and Sai Sudharsan. </p> <p> Jayawardene tackled the contentious issue during his interaction with the press, voicing similar sentiments as Pandya. </p> <p> He simply wanted to proceed, but he couldn't," stated Jayawardene. "We waited until the final overs, thinking that since he had faced some deliveries, he would be capable of getting those shots done. However, towards the end, all I could think about was needing a fresh player who wasn't tired, as he seemed to be having difficulty. </p> <p> Keep up-to-date with the newest information and stories. <strong> IPL 2025 </strong> , including the <strong> schedule , points table </strong> , top run-scorers ( <strong> IPL </strong> Orange Cap ), and top wicket-takers ( <strong> IPL Purple Cap </strong> ). Get real-time updates, match highlights, and expert insights—only on DIWIDA |. </p>

Watch: Suryakumar Yadav Stunned as MI Retires Out Tilak Varma for Mitchell Santner; Coach Clarifies the Move

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In an IPL 2025 clash at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday evening, Mumbai Indians required 24 runs from their final seven balls to triumph over the Lucknow Super Giants. With seasoned batsmen Tila…

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Why Smaller Venues Were Chosen for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup: Key Insights

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Ckp6J" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Ckp6J.jpg"/> <p> <strong> New Delhi: </strong> The smaller Indian cities have been selected as hosts for the 2025 ICC Women's World Cup because of a rotation system for venue selection. Due to this same system, some stadiums that hosted matches during this year’s ODI World Cup won’t be utilized again for the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, revealed an insider from the Board of Control for Cricket in India. </p> <p> The five Indian cities of Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, Mullanpur, Indore, and Thiruvananthapuram are being considered as potential venues for hosting fixtures in the forthcoming Women's Cricket World Cup, which is scheduled to commence around late September. However, an official match timetable has yet to be published. </p> <p> The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been criticized over its choice to hold the esteemed 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup in lesser-known places. A representative from within the Indian cricket administration stated, “Since the BCCI plans to organize the 2026 World Cup, it was agreed upon to allocate matches across various smaller towns so as not to overlook their opportunity to stage global events like this one. Consequently, those stadiums selected for hosting women's world cup fixtures will be excluded from being part of the upcoming men’s T20 World Cup.” </p> <p> Next year, India and Sri Lanka will co-host the men's T20 World Cup, with venue details yet to be announced. Concurrently, India will also organize both the Women's ODI World Cup and an additional ICC women’s event, which signifies their return to hosting such tournaments for the first time since 2013 and 2016, respectively. </p> <p> The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Punjab, will be hosting the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup finale. The same venue serves as the home field for the Punjab Kings in the IPL. Earlier women’s world cup finales took place at venues such as Lord's, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Hagley Oval, Newlands, and the Dubai International Stadium. </p> <p> In order to potentially include Pakistani involvement in the Cricket World Cup, the BCCI chose Thiruvananthapuram as one of the host cities. This decision was based on an earlier agreement with the Pakistan Cricket Board and because Thiruvananthapuram has special immigration and visa services not available at other considered venues. Should Pakistan qualify, their games would take place elsewhere; however, Thiruvananthapuram’s positioning aids in making travel logistics easier for competing teams from different regions. </p> <p> The ICC Women's Cricket Qualifiers 2025 will be held in Pakistan starting from April 9th. This event features teams from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, West Indies, Thailand, and Scotland, where the top two performing nations will secure their spots in the World Cup. </p>

Why Smaller Venues Were Chosen for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup: Key Insights

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New Delhi: The smaller Indian cities have been selected as hosts for the 2025 ICC Women's World Cup because of a rotation system for venue selection. Due to this same system, some stadiums tha…

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IPL 2025: Lucknow Super Giants Triumph in Thrilling High-Scoring Battle Against Mumbai Indians

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CjPFf" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CjPFf.jpg"/> <p> The bowling display from the Lucknow Super Giants limited the five-time champions Mumbai Indians to just 191 runs, leading to a 12-run victory for the host team at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday. </p> <p> Pursuing an enormous target of 203 runs, the Mumbai side had a slow beginning as they lost their initial two wickets within just ten deliveries during the second inning. Initially, Will Jacks scored only 5 runs off 7 balls before being dismissed; at this point, the team’s score stood at 11. Shortly after, Ryan Rickleton made 10 runs from 5 balls but also ended up getting out when the score reached 17. </p> <p> During the pursuit, Suryakumar Yadav (scoring 67 runs from 43 deliveries) and Naman Dhir (accumulating 46 runs off 24 balls) led the run-getting charts for the team based in Mumbai. </p> <p> The team captain Hardik Pandya (scoring 28 runs off 16 deliveries) and left-handed batsman Tilak Varma (contributing 25 runs in 23 balls) managed to pile up significant scores for their squad; however, these efforts fell short as they ended up losing the match by 12 runs. </p> <p> <strong> Keep abreast of the newest updates. Join KT on WhatsApp Channels. </strong> </p> <p> During the 19th over, Tilak got retired out following an innings that saw him score 25 runs, aided by two boundaries. At this point, the team required 24 more runs from just seven deliveries left. </p> <p> In the final over delivered by right-handed fast bowler Avesh Khan, the team captained by Hardik Pandya required 22 runs to win. Despite giving away a six on the opening delivery of the 20th over, Avesh allowed just nine runs from his total of six deliveries. </p> <p> In the match led by Rishabh Pant, Shardul Thakur (1/40), Akash Deep (1/46), Avesh Khan (1/40), and Digvesh Rathi (1/21) claimed one wicket each during their individual spells of four overs apiece. </p> <p> In the earlier part of the game, Pandya secured the win during the coin toss and decided to have his team bowl first. However, MI’s bowling lineup faced immediate strain when Marsh and Markram provided LSG with a rapid kickoff. This duo achieved a fifty-run milestone within just 5.1 overs and pushed their score up to 69 by the conclusion of the power play period. </p> <p> Mitchell Marsh took charge as an aggressive force, scoring 60 runs from just 31 deliveries, featuring nine boundaries and two sixes. He concluded his knock after being caught and bowled by Vignesh Puthur following their collaborative effort of putting together a 76-run partnership at the start, alongside Markram. </p> <p> Nicholas Pooran, who has been performing exceptionally well this season, failed to leave his mark and was bowled out by Hardik for just 12 runs. LSG’s skipper Rishabh Pant's batting woes persisted as he was sent off by Pandya for only 2 runs, putting LSG at 107/3 in 10.4 overs. </p> <p> Aiden Markram continued to anchor the innings and found a reliable partner in Ayush Badoni, who chipped in with a quick 30 off 19 balls before being dismissed by Ashwani Kumar. Markram went on to score a composed 53 off 38 deliveries, hitting two fours and four sixes. </p> <p> David Miller contributed vital late scores with a swift 27 but was caught out by Pandya, who subsequently achieved his fifth wicket by bowling Akash Deep for a duck. </p> <p> Pandya came back with bowling stats of 5/36 from his four overs, keeping Mumbai Indians competitive. The remaining wickets were taken by Vignesh Puthur, Ashwini Kumar, and Trent Boult. </p> <p> Summary of the match: The Lucknow Super Giants scored 203/8 with contributions from Mitchell Marsh who made 60 runs and Aiden Markram scoring 53 runs, while Hardik Pandya took 5 wickets for 36 runs. In response, the Mumbai Indians managed to reach 191/5 thanks to Suryakumar Yadav’s 67 runs and Naman Dhir’s 46 runs, but were restricted by Digvesh Rathi taking one wicket for just 21 runs. </p> Revived IPL match-hero Siraj lauded for his 'fierce determination' Iyer's rapid fire helps Kolkata secure a large victory against Hyderabad in the IPL match.

IPL 2025: Lucknow Super Giants Triumph in Thrilling High-Scoring Battle Against Mumbai Indians

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The bowling display from the Lucknow Super Giants limited the five-time champions Mumbai Indians to just 191 runs, leading to a 12-run victory for the host team at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari …

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RR Captain Samson On Trusting Archer and Sandeep's Pace Duo Under Pressure: The International Edition

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CmOgs" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CmOgs.jpg"/> <div class="content count-br"> <p> <p> In Mullanpur (Punjab) [India] on April 6 (ANI), following their victory against Punjab Kings (PBKS), Rajasthan Royals' captain Sanju Samson praised the fast bowling pair of Jofra Archer and Sandeep Sharma, describing them as "lethal." He expressed complete confidence in these bowlers during crucial moments of the game. </p> <p> RR notched up their second victory in the IPL 2025, bouncing back from an uncertain beginning with a triumph over Shreyas Iyer’s PBKS side at Mullanpur. They managed to hold off a challenging pursuit led by Nehal Wadhera and Glenn Maxwell when defending a target score of 206 runs. </p> <p> Following the match’s conclusion, Samson commented on the fast-bowling pair who together claimed five wickets: “This is quite an impressive combination—one bowler delivering at approximately 150 km/h and the other at roughly 115 km/h.” When informed that Sandeep had reached speeds of up to 130 km/h during this game, he added jokingly, “Perhaps we ought to celebrate that achievement with some cake” (followed by laughter). “I have full confidence in their ability to handle crucial moments under pressure. Everyone enjoys watching him (Archer) unleash his rapid deliveries. For several matches now, Sandy (Sandeep) has consistently performed well for us; he ranks among the top players in India both in the power play and towards the end of innings." </p> <p> Regarding his squad’s performance at bat, Samson commented, “Our start during the power play seemed somewhat lacking. However, considering our caliber of batting and the challenges we faced, I believed others would struggle too. We managed an impressive total nonetheless. Despite being relatively young, this batting lineup has accumulated substantial experience through numerous matches, enabling them to read situations effectively. Overall, I think we handled ourselves quite adeptly.” </p> <p> Following their victory in the coin toss, Punjab Kings chose to field first. An opening partnership of 89 runs between Yashasvi Jaiswal (scoring 67 off 45 deliveries, including three boundaries and five maximums) and Sanju Samson (contributing 38 off 26 balls, featuring six fours) set the stage for Rajasthan Royals. Later innings by Riyan Parag (notching up 43*, hitting three fours and three sixes in just 25 balls), along with Shimron Hetmyer’s aggressive knock of 20 (with two fours and one six in 12 balls), propelled Rajasthan to a total score of 205/4 within their allotted twenty overs. </p> <p> Among PBKS's bowlers, Lockie Ferguson emerged as the best with 2/37. Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen both claimed one wicket each. </p> <p> While chasing, Punjab Kings (PBKS) slipped to 43/4 due to Jofra Archer’s impressive performance of taking 3 wickets for just 25 runs. Nonetheless, an essential partnership of 88 runs formed between Nehal Wadhawa, who scored 62 off 41 deliveries including five boundaries and three maximums, and Glenn Maxwell, contributing 30 off 21 balls featuring three fours and one six, which brought PBKS back into contention. Despite this effort, once they were dismissed, PBKS struggled to regain momentum and lacked crucial boundary hits. Eventually, PBKS managed only 155/9 in the allotted twenty overs, largely attributed to commendable bowling contributions from Sandeep Sharma, securing two wickets at a cost of 21 runs, along with Maheesh Theekshana claiming two scalps for 26 runs. (ANI) </p> </p> </div> Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

RR Captain Samson On Trusting Archer and Sandeep's Pace Duo Under Pressure: The International Edition

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In Mullanpur (Punjab) [India] on April 6 (ANI), following their victory against Punjab Kings (PBKS), Rajasthan Royals' captain Sanju Samson praised the fast bowling pair of Jofra Archer and S…

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Samson Surpasses Warne: Leads Rajasthan Royals to Most IPL Victories as Captain

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CmOgr" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CmOgr.jpg"/> <div class="content count-br"> <p> <p> Mullanpur (Rajasthan), India, April 6 (ANI): In a remarkable achievement on Saturday, Indian cricketer Sanju Samson surpassed the legendary Australian player Shane Warne, who passed away later, to secure the position of having the highest number of victories as captain for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. </p> <p> Samson achieved this feat during his team's victory against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mullanpur. </p> <p> This marked Samson's 32nd victory as the Rajasthan Royals' captain, surpassing Warne's total of 31 wins. Warne led the team from 2008 to 2011, securing 31 victories and suffering 24 losses during his tenure. </p> <p> Currently, Samson has been at the helm of RR since 2021, achieving 32 victories, suffering 29 defeats, and experiencing one tie. Under his leadership, RR secured second place in 2022 against GT and made it to the playoffs in 2024. </p> <p> Following their victory in the coin toss, PBKS chose to field initially. This decision paid off as Yashasvi Jaiswal’s solid knock of 67 runs from 45 deliveries (including three boundaries and five maximums), supported by Sanju Samson’s brisk 38 runs from 26 balls (featuring six fours), set up Rajasthan Royals well for scoring. Later innings from Riyan Parag, who scored an unbeaten 43 from just 25 balls (comprising three fours and three sixes), along with Shimron Hetmyer’s quickfire 20 runs from 12 balls (with two fours and one six), propelled RR to a competitive total of 205/4 after twenty overs. </p> <p> The standout bowler for PBKS was Lockie Ferguson with 2/37. Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen took one wicket each respectively. </p> <p> While chasing, PBKS found themselves at 43/4 due to Jofra Archer’s impressive performance of taking 3 wickets for just 25 runs. Nevertheless, a crucial partnership worth 88 runs between Nehal Wadhera (scoring 62 off 41 deliveries including five boundaries and three maximums) and Glenn Maxwell (contributing 30 off 21 balls featuring three fours and one six) provided PBKS with renewed optimism. Unfortunately, once both were dismissed, PBKS struggled to regain momentum and suffered without scoring those much-needed boundary hits. Ultimately, PBKS managed only 155/9 in their allotted twenty overs, largely owing to commendable bowling efforts from Sandeep Sharma (taking two wickets conceding 21 runs) and Maheesh Theekshana (also claiming two scalps giving away 26 runs). (ANI) </p> </p> </div> Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).

Samson Surpasses Warne: Leads Rajasthan Royals to Most IPL Victories as Captain

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Mullanpur (Rajasthan), India, April 6 (ANI): In a remarkable achievement on Saturday, Indian cricketer Sanju Samson surpassed the legendary Australian player Shane Warne, who passed away late…

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Lucky Break for RR's Pacer Archer After Match-Winning Effort Against PBKS

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CmEM2" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CmEM2.jpg"/> <div class="content count-br"> <p> <p> Mullanpur (Punjab), India, April 6 (ANI): After his team defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS), Rajasthan Royals (RR) bowler Jofra Archer said he was pleased to have played a part in securing the victory. </p> <p> A strong fifty from Yashasvi Jaiswal along with impressive bowling performances from Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma, and Maheesh Theekshana enabled the Rajasthan Royals (RR) to claim a 50-run victory against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) during their Indian Premier League (IPL) match held in Mullanpur on Saturday. Following several underwhelming displays where he struggled to contain runs, English bowler Archer delivered an outstanding performance, taking three wickets for just 25 runs across his four-over spell. </p> <p> In the post-match interview, Archer stated, “At the start of the tournament, things didn’t go well for me (with poor performances), but I’m glad to have helped secure the victory today. When moments like these come around, you seize them, savoring the good times and taking the tough periods in stride. Sometimes luck favors you, yet remember that everybody trains just as diligently as you do; not every single day can be perfect.” </p> <p> Following their victory in the coin toss, Punjab Kings opted to field initially. A significant partnership of 89 runs between Yashasvi Jaiswal (scoring 67 off 45 deliveries, including three boundaries and five maximums) and Sanju Samson (contributing 38 off 26 balls, featuring six fours) set the stage for Rajasthan Royals. Later innings by Riyan Parag (notching up 43*, hitting three fours and three sixes in just 25 balls), along with Shimron Hetmyer’s aggressive knock (20 off 12 balls, comprising two fours and one six) propelled Rajasthan to a formidable total of 205/4 within their allotted twenty overs. </p> <p> The standout bowler for PBKS was Lockie Ferguson with 2/37. Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen took one wicket each respectively. </p> <p> While chasing, PBKS found themselves at 43/4 due to Jofra Archer’s impressive performance of taking 3 wickets for only 25 runs. Nevertheless, an essential partnership of 88 runs between Nehal Wadhera (scoring 62 off 41 deliveries including five fours and three sixes) and Glenn Maxwell (contributing 30 off 21 balls featuring three fours and one six) reignited PBKS’s chances. Yet, once they were out, PBKS struggled to regain momentum and suffered from a lack of boundary-scoring opportunities. Eventually, PBKS managed to post a total of 155/9 in their allotted twenty overs, largely credited to strong bowling efforts from Sandeep Sharma (taking two wickets conceding just 21 runs) and Maheesh Theekshana (also claiming two wickets giving away 26 runs). </p> <p> Following this defeat, PBKS has experienced their initial loss in IPL 2025, which also marks the beginning of their home leg with an obstacle. Currently, they stand at the fourth position with two victories and one loss, while RR remain at the seventh spot after securing two wins out of two games played. (ANI) </p> </p> </div> Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).

Lucky Break for RR's Pacer Archer After Match-Winning Effort Against PBKS

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Mullanpur (Punjab), India, April 6 (ANI): After his team defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS), Rajasthan Royals (RR) bowler Jofra Archer said he was pleased to have played a part in securing the vict…

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Jofra's World-Class Mettle Confirmed: Sandeep Sharma's Archer Brilliance Seals RR’s 50-Run Victory Over PBKS

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CnjtI" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CnjtI.jpg"/> <div class="content count-br"> <p> <p> Mullanpur (Punjab), India, April 6 (ANI): Following a series of disappointing displays, Jofra Archer Ultimately found his groove with the ball, unleashing a scorching spell that aided the Rajasthan Royals RR ) registers a dominant 50-run victory over Punjab Kings ( PBKS ) during their Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter in Mullanpur on Saturday. </p> <p> The English bowler, who had previously found it difficult to restrict scoring, improved significantly with impressive stats of 3/25 over his four-over spell. His blistering speed coupled with precise bowling unsettled the opposition. PBKS batting line-up, triggering a collapse that RR capitalized on. </p> <p> He received excellent support from Sandeep Sharma And Maheesh Theekshana, who each contributed pivotal wickets during key moments. Theekshana’s changing deliveries perplexed the batsmen, whereas Sandeep's precision in the opening overs stifled the run rate. </p> <p> At the post-game press briefing, he said, Sandeep Sharma He showed his happiness about Archer coming back strong and commended the quick bowler's distinctive abilities. </p> <p> Sandeep stated, 'We have always recognized Jofra as a world-class bowler. The talent he exhibits both on and off the field is unmatched by very many.' </p> <p> "Both the management and the team placed their trust in him. They felt that securing that single wicket, perhaps even two strong overs, could significantly enhance his self-assurance. As we have witnessed recently, he possesses remarkable skills as a challenging bowler to confront. This was merely our fourth match together; I am confident that with each additional game, he will continue improving," he concluded. </p> <p> The royal team now appears well-established, with their bowling lineup functioning cohesively, and Jofra Archer His comeback to his best form will surely provide a significant lift as they strive for an impressive performance in the IPL. </p> <p> After PBKS won the coin toss and chose to field first, an opening partnership of 89 runs between Yashasvi Jaiswal (67 off 45 deliveries, including three boundaries and five maximums) and Sanju Samson (38 off 26 balls, featuring six fours) set the stage for their team. RR Cameos from Riyan Parag (scoring 43* off 25 deliveries, including three boundaries and three maximums) and Shimron Hetmyer (accumulating 20 runs in 12 balls, featuring two fours and one six) propelled the team forward. RR reaching 205/4 in 20 overs. </p> <p> The best bowler was Lockie Ferguson with 2 wickets for 37 runs. PBKS Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen each took one wicket. </p> <p> During the run-chase, PBKS was decreased to 43/4 Jofra Archer (3/25). Nonetheless, Nehal Wadhera (who scored 62 runs off 41 deliveries, including five boundaries and three maximums) and Glenn Maxwell (scoring 30 runs in 21 balls, featuring three fours and one six) formed an 88-run partnership which turned the tide. PBKS Nevertheless, following their dismissals, PBKS they lost their way and sorely neglected the limits. PBKS was limited to 155/9 in 20 overs, owing to some impressive bowling assistance Sandeep Sharma (2/21) and Maheesh Theekshana (2/26). </p> <p> With this loss, PBKS has experienced their inaugural defeat in IPL 2025 and commenced their home leg with a setback. Positioned at the fourth spot, they have accumulated two victories alongside one loss. RR They currently stand at the seventh position with two victories in as many games. (ANI) </p> </p> </div> Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Jofra's World-Class Mettle Confirmed: Sandeep Sharma's Archer Brilliance Seals RR’s 50-Run Victory Over PBKS

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Mullanpur (Punjab), India, April 6 (ANI): Following a series of disappointing displays, Jofra Archer Ultimately found his groove with the ball, unleashing a scorching spell that aided t…

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IPL 2025: Sai Sudharsan Shines with Unmatched Powerplay Performance for GT

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BUFim" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BUFim.jpg"/> <div class="content count-br"> <p> <p> In Ahmedabad (Gujarat), India, on Saturday, Sai Sudharsan from the Gujarat Titans maintained his impressive performance during the IPL with an outstanding fifty against the Mumbai Indians (MI). This achievement marks yet another milestone for him in powerplay batting, setting a new record within the tournament’s history. </p> <p> In the game against MI, Sudarshan delivered an impressive performance with 63 runs off 41 deliveries, including four fours and two sixes. He maintained a striking rate of 153.66 throughout his innings. </p> <p> Following his performance for PBKS, Sudharsan scored 74 runs off only 48 deliveries. Currently, he stands as the second-highest run-scorer in the IPL 2025 season, having amassed 137 runs at an average of 68.50 and maintaining a striking rate of 167.07, with his top score being 74. </p> <p> According to CricViz Analyst data, Sudharsan has faced 22 deliveries during the powerplay and been out just three times. He boasts the highest batting average—110—in this period among all IPL batsmen with at least 20 innings; he’s closely trailed by Kevin Pietersen (98) and Travis Head (71). </p> <p> In his past six outings in the IPL, Sudharsan has amassed 395 runs with an impressive average of 79.00 and maintains a striking rate exceeding 170. During this period, he has notched one century along with four half-centuries, culminating in a top score of 103. </p> <p> At the outset of the game, MI secured victory in the coin toss and decided to field first. The opening duo for GT, Shubman Gill (scoring 38 off 27 deliveries including four boundaries and one six), along with Sai Sudarshan, set a strong foundation with their partnership worth 78 runs. Further consolidating their innings was another fifty-run alliance formed by Sai Sudarshan and Jos Buttler (who scored 39 from 24 balls featuring five fours and one six). Notably, Sai Sudarshan anchored an impressive inning of 63 runs from 41 balls, adding four boundaries and hitting two sixes. Despite being at 179/4 earlier on, GT experienced a slight downfall toward the conclusion of their innings, ultimately finishing at 196/8 after twenty overs. </p> <p> Skipper Hardik Pandya (2/29) stood out as the most effective bowler for MI, with Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Satyanarayana Raju claiming one wicket apiece. (ANI) </p> </p> </div> Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

IPL 2025: Sai Sudharsan Shines with Unmatched Powerplay Performance for GT

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In Ahmedabad (Gujarat), India, on Saturday, Sai Sudharsan from the Gujarat Titans maintained his impressive performance during the IPL with an outstanding fifty against the Mumbai Indians (MI…

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IPL 2025: Shardul Thakur Stumbles, Hazlewood Eyes Climb as Top 5 Purple Cap Contenders Battle It Out

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1C8b43" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1C8b43.jpg"/> <p> No alterations occurred among the leading wicket-takers of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 following the game between the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 1. The pitch favored the batsmen, thus an in-form Shardul Thakur ended up paying dearly after giving away 39 runs in just three overs. Unable to reclaim the purple cap from Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) left-arm chinaman bowler Noor Ahmad . </p> <p> In the meantime, two fresh entries made their way into the top 10 rankings. LSG’s sole wicket-taker versus PBKS, the enigmatic spinner Digvesh Rathi, claimed two more scalps to secure the seventh spot. His victims included opening batsmen Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh. Despite being selected at his base price of ₹30 lakh, this bowler gave away 30 runs off his four-over spell as a part of his contribution. Additionally, he faced a penalty equivalent to 25 percent of his match fee along with receiving one demerit point for violating the IPL Code of Conduct when he used a notebook-style celebration directed towards Aryan. </p> <p> Arshdeep from PBKS climbed up 19 positions to secure the ninth rank after taking three wickets against LSG. He bowled out LSG’s opening batsman Mitchell Marsh in the very first over. Subsequently, he also took down Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad. This southpaw paceman allowed only 43 runs off his four-over spell, assisting his team in limiting LSG's score to 171 for seven wickets. </p> <h2> IPL 2025 Purple Cap Leaderboard: </h2> <table> <tr> <td> <h2> Position </h2> </td> <td> <h2> Player </h2> </td> <td> <h2> Wickets </h2> </td> <td> <h2> Matches </h2> </td> <td> <h2> Economy </h2> </td> <td> <h2> Average </h2> </td> <td> <h2> Best bowling figues </h2> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> 1. </td> <td> Noor Ahmad (CSK) </td> <td> 9 </td> <td> 3 </td> <td> 6.83 </td> <td> 9.11 </td> <td> 4/18 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> 2. </td> <td> Mitchell Starc (DC) </td> <td> 8 </td> <td> 2 </td> <td> 10.04 </td> <td> 9.62 </td> <td> 5/35 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> 3. </td> <td> Khaleel Ahmed (CSK) </td> <td> 6 </td> <td> 3 </td> <td> 7.91 </td> <td> 15.83 </td> <td> 3/29 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> 4. </td> <td> Shardul Thakur (LSG) </td> <td> 6 </td> <td> 3 </td> <td> 10.22 </td> <td> 15.33 </td> <td> 4/34 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> 5. </td> <td> Kuldeep Yadav (DC) </td> <td> 5 </td> <td> 2 </td> <td> 5.25 </td> <td> 8.40 </td> <td> 3/22 </td> </tr> </table> <p> <strong> ALSO READ: </strong> Sanjiv Goenka, the LSG owner, was seen engaged in an enthusiastic conversation with captain Rishabh Pant after their loss to Punjab Kings at their home ground. </p> <h2> Expected changes following the RCB versus GT match </h2> <p> A shift in the top five is anticipated when Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) face off against Gujarat Titans (GT) on April 2 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. With five wickets from just two matches, RCB’s leading bowler Josh Hazlewood ranks sixth right now. Another wicket would elevate him into the top five. Should he claim additional scalps, he could overtake both Khaleel Ahmed of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Deepak Chahar of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). </p> <p> <strong> ALSO READ: </strong> "It seemed like the Punjab curator was working on this pitch": LSG mentor Zaheer Khan enraged by Lucknow’s pitch preparation favoring the Punjab Kings </p> <p> Additionally, GT’s left-arm spinner Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore has the potential to climb higher up the rankings. At present, he stands at number 12 with four wickets under his belt. Securing a few more wickets could elevate him to the top five. On the other hand, RCB fast bowler Yash Dayal and off-spinner Krunal Pandya, both boasting three wickets each, also stand a chance of improving their positions in the leaderboard. </p>

IPL 2025: Shardul Thakur Stumbles, Hazlewood Eyes Climb as Top 5 Purple Cap Contenders Battle It Out

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No alterations occurred among the leading wicket-takers of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 following the game between the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 1. The pitc…

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"The middle order batters are experienced, dangerous and explosive": Ajinkya Rahane backs KKR batters to deliver after opener

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BuQ0k" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BuQ0k.jpg"/> <div class="content count-br"> <p> <p> Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], March 23 (ANI): Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders suffered a 7-wicket loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening game of TATA IPL 2025 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, as per the KKR press release. </p> <p> Skipper Ajinkya Rahane led from the front with a scintillating 56 runs in 31 balls to get KKR off to a blistering start, before the team stumbled in the middle overs, posting a total of 174/8. </p> <p> Despite the result in the opening game, captain Rahane is confident that the batting unit will bounce back. He said, "The guys who are batting in the middle order are experienced, dangerous and explosive players. They have handled many situations like this in the past. It's always about giving them the freedom and allowing them to go out there to play their game." </p> <p> "When that works out, it looks good. It didn't work out today and that's okay, it's going to happen. It's a long tournament; we're going to back every individual", he added while addressing the media during the post-match press conference. </p> <p> Reflecting on his performance with the bat, the experienced campaigner shared, "For me, it's all about contributing to the team. Whatever runs I score, it's always for the team and that's what matters to me. I would prefer scoring those runs and ending up on the winning side." </p> <p> Rahane also shed some light on the opening combination for KKR , He stated, "We have batters who like to go after the bowlers. Quinton de Kock has been a dangerous player in this format. He has scored runs at the top of the order. Sunil (Narine), we all know he had a brilliant season and he's been doing well. As a team, we believe that de Kock and Narine can be a dangerous opening pair." </p> <p> Kolkata Knight Riders will look to bounce back when they take on Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on March 26. (ANI) </p> </p> </div> Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

"The middle order batters are experienced, dangerous and explosive": Ajinkya Rahane backs KKR batters to deliver after opener

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Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], March 23 (ANI): Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders suffered a 7-wicket loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening game of TATA IPL …

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"Magical Inning Erupts": Shikhar Dhawan Cheers Virat Kohli's Historic 400th T20I Match

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BushY" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BushY.jpg"/> <div class="content count-br"> <p> <p> New Delhi [India], March 23 (ANI): In this IPL The 2025 season kickoff match featuring Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Virat Kohli delivered a brilliant performance, remaining undefeated at 59*, which both stabilized RCB's innings and celebrated his noteworthy achievement of playing his 400th T20 match. </p> <p> Shikhar Dhawan ,a previous cricket player and analyst, was providing commentary for the game and found himself praising Kohli's outstanding play. </p> <p> "What an amazing inning Virat has played, such a big match for him playing in his 400th T20. Ishq mai jeetane ke liye kaafi hu, mai akela hi Zamane ke liye kaafi hu. Dil khol kar tum mujhe kharch karo bacho, mai akela hi run banane ke liye kaafi hu," Shikhar Dhawan said while doing commentary on JioHotstar. </p> <p> This served as a heartfelt tribute to Kohli's achievement. The line emphasized Kohli's ability to make a significant impact and carry the team with his brilliance. </p> <p> Shikhar's words were more than just praise; they highlighted Kohli's consistency and immense contribution to T20 cricket. The Shayari perfectly captured the respect Shikhar has for Kohli, not only as a fellow cricketer but also as a constant source of inspiration in the game. </p> <p> Royal Challengers Bengaluru kicked off the Indian Premier League ( IPL ) 2025 with a statement 7-wicket win against the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday at the Eden Gardens. Rajat Patidar began his RCB captaincy reign with the sweet taste of victory, while Ajinkya Rahane had to settle for defeat in his first game as KKR skipper. </p> <p> KKR batted first and posted a target of 175 for RCB, captain Rahane was the top scorer for KKR with 56 runs, and KKR struggled in the first three overs where they lost De cock. After losing the first wicket Rahane and Narine built a strong partnership of 103 runs which was later broken by Rasikh Salam. Josh Hazelwood and Krunal Pandya then took wickets at regular intervals and restricted KKR to 174 runs. </p> <p> In the quest for 175, Phil Salt (56) and Virat Kohli (59*) gave an explosive beginning to Bengaluru. The Englishman took on the role of the aggressor, while Kohli was fierce with the few deliveries he faced during the powerplay. With Salt's merciless batting, RCB surged to 80 by the end of the powerplay without losing a wicket, marking their second-highest score in the history of the lucrative league. </p> <p> Kohli remained not out and finished the game along with Liam Livingstone in the 17th over. Biref Score: Kolkata Knight Riders 174/8 (Ajinkya Rahane 56, Sunil Narine 44; Krunal Pandya 3-29) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru 177/3 ( Virat Kohli 59*, Phil Salt 56; Sunil Narine 1-27). (ANI) </p> </p> </div> Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

"Magical Inning Erupts": Shikhar Dhawan Cheers Virat Kohli's Historic 400th T20I Match

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New Delhi [India], March 23 (ANI): In this IPL The 2025 season kickoff match featuring Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Virat Kohli delivered…

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"Noor Ahmed's X Factor Shines": CSK Captain Ruturaj Praises Win Over MI in IPL Match

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Bv3iG" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Bv3iG.jpg"/> <div class="content count-br"> <p> <p> Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 24 (ANI): Following his side's hard-fought four-wicket win over arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad termed spinner Noor Ahmed as the 'X Factor' but added they would have liked to be more clinical with the bat. </p> <p> A spirited spell from Noor Ahmed and a gritty 65* from Rachin Ravindra steered Chennai Super Kings to a four-wicket win against Mumbai Indians at Chepauk on Sunday in the ongoing Indian Premier League. </p> <p> Speaking during the post-match presentation, Gaikwad said, "Happy to be on the winning side, loved to have been more clinical but that is how the game goes. That is the requirement of the team (talking about the move to bat at three) and that gives the team more balance and I am really happy to change my position. The spinners were right on point and right after the auction, one thing we were really excited was all those three spinners bowling in tandem at Chepauk. Khaleel (Ahmed) is experienced and Noor is an X factor and that is why we wanted him in the team and good to have Ash (Ravichandran Ashwin) as well. He (MS Dhoni) is more fitter this year and he is still looking young." </p> <p> CSK won the toss and opted to bowl first. Khaleel Ahmed (3/29) restricted MI to 36/3 before a 51-run stand between skipper Suryakumar Yadav (29 in 26 balls, with two fours and a six) and Tilak Varma (31 in 25 balls, with two fours and two sixes) helped MI get back in the game. </p> <p> Noor Ahmed (4/18) delivered a game-changing spell as MI lost wickets regularly. Deepak Chahar (28* in 15 balls with two fours and two sixes) gave bowlers something worth fighting for as MI put 155/9 in their 20 overs. </p> <p> In the run-chase, CSK lost Rahul Tripathi (2) early. A 67-run stand between skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad (53 in 26 balls, with six fours and three sixes) and Rachin helped CSK stabilise but a fine spell from Vignesh Puthur (3/32) threatened to change the game. CSK was reduced to 116/5, but Rachin (65* in 45 balls, with two sixes and four sixes) and Ravindra Jadeja (17 in 18 balls) took CSK to the finishing line with four wickets and five balls left. (ANI) </p> </p> </div> Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

"Noor Ahmed's X Factor Shines": CSK Captain Ruturaj Praises Win Over MI in IPL Match

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Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 24 (ANI): Following his side's hard-fought four-wicket win over arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad termed s…

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Travis Head Predicts Stellar 2025 for Abhishek Sharma in IPL Renewal

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Bu92t" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Bu92t.jpg"/> <p> <span> Australia and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener Travis Head is delighted about the growth of his opening partner Abhishek Sharma's prominence in international cricket. He looks forward to further strengthening their partnership to lay a solid base for the team during the IPL 2025 season. </span> </p> <p> In the previous edition, Head emerged as the top run-scorer for the team, accumulating 567 runs which included four fifty-plus scores and one century. Meanwhile, Abhishek came close, scoring 484 runs featuring three fifties. Additionally, he demonstrated his prowess on the global arena representing India. </p> <p> Prior to their opening match against the Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, Head expressed his thoughts on the team's lineup and atmosphere. </p> <p> "It feels great to return and having witnessed quite a few impressive performances over the past year. Here's hoping for an equally successful beginning this time around so we can maintain the positive energy from before. Abhi (Abhishek Sharma), who has experienced remarkable progress during these twelve months, seems to perform exceptionally well internationally as compared to his previous form. I am excited at the prospect of backing him yet again; I believe he'll continue excelling significantly. Ideally, I would also like to kick off strongly myself. The key is simply maintaining our earlier approach—keeping things laid-back but with high expectations that everyone gets a chance to shine," he stated. </p> <p> The Australian batsman stated that SRH is not depending on just one person but counting on the entire team to perform during the tournament following their runner-up finish in the previous season. </p> <p> "Pat (Cummins) and Dan (Vettori) create a laid-back atmosphere. No single player is expected to carry the load; it’s a collective responsibility. With plenty of experience among us both as batters and bowlers, our initial focus will be building that rhythm and consistency. Although I've had solid training over the past three days, these matches can be grueling, and success isn’t assured. Here’s hoping for an impressive start," Head concluded. </p>

Travis Head Predicts Stellar 2025 for Abhishek Sharma in IPL Renewal

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Australia and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener Travis Head is delighted about the growth of his opening partner Abhishek Sharma's prominence in international cricket. He looks forward to further …

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No Rachin Ravindra, Shivam Dube As Impact Player? CSK's Likely Playing XI Against Mumbai Indians

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BrPwh" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BrPwh.jpg"/> <p> Chennai Super Kings will face arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in their first match of IPL 2025 on Sunday (March 23) at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The Ruturaj Gaikwad -led side, which failed to qualify for IPL playoffs last year, would like to get the better of the Mumbai Indians in front of home fans and make a memorable start in the new season of the world’s richest franchise cricket league. Unlike the Mumbai Indians, CSK will have a full squad available for selection, but due to the presence of multiple star players, they have a problem of plenty to choose from. </p> <p> Captain Gaikwad, after topping the run scorers list last season, will open the innings once again, but it will be interesting to see who out of Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway partners him. Going by the current form, Rachin seems to be an obvious choice, but Conway’s IPL record for CSK is magnificent, and it will be very hard to neglect him. </p> <p> <strong> Also read: MI’s likely playing XI against CSK </strong> </p> <p> Ajinkya Rahane batted at No. 3 for CSK in IPL 2024, but this time they have the option to choose between Rahul Tripathi , Deepak Hooda and Vijay Shankar. All three are quality Indian players and can be a great addition to the top order. Shivam Dube was excellent for CSK as a No. 4 batter last season, and he is all set to continue at the same position. </p> <p> In the IPL 2025 mega auction, CSK signed England all-rounder Sam Curran , who in the last couple of years has improved his batting a lot, which is why there is a high possibility that he could be seen batting at No. 5. </p> <p> For the lower middle-order and finisher role, CSK have the trio of Ravindra Jadeja , MS Dhoni and Ravichandran Ashwin . </p> <p> Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, who was retained for Rs 13 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, will lead the team’s fast bowling attack and will have uncapped Indian pacer Anshul Kamboj and left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed for support. </p> <p> For the match against Mumbai Indians in Chennai, where spinners usually get more assistance than any other venue, CSK could unleash Noor Ahmed as well. The premier Afghanistan spinner was signed for Rs 10 crore by the Chennai-based franchise in the IPL 2025 mega auction last year. </p> <p> <strong> CSK’s likely playing XI for the IPL 2025 match against the Mumbai Indians: </strong> Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Dube, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana. </p> <p> <strong> Impact players: </strong> Khaleel Ahmed, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Andre Siddarth, Mukesh Choudhary </p>

No Rachin Ravindra, Shivam Dube As Impact Player? CSK's Likely Playing XI Against Mumbai Indians

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Chennai Super Kings will face arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in their first match of IPL 2025 on Sunday (March 23) at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The Ruturaj Gaikwad -led side, which faile…

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This Spectacular Catch Could Revive Marnus Labuschagne’s Test Career

<div> <p> An astounding grab by Campbell Kellaway in the WACA outer field, recorded with blurry footage by live-streaming cameras, stood out as much more than just one of the most spectacular highlights of the 2024-25 season. </p> <p> It could also aid in making sure Marnus Labuschagne continues to bat at number three for Australia. during the Ashes next summer. </p> <p> At first mistaking a Cameron Gannon hook shot hit towards long leg, the 22-year-old Kellaway lunged desperately forward, securing the opportunity with his extended right hand. In this moment, he secured Victoria's win against Western Australia. </p> <p> His performance brought to mind a younger Matthew Hayden in an ODI match at Lord’s as far back as 1993, though there was also a significant element of Adam Dale lunging to grab hold of Phil Emery at the Gabba four years later. </p> <p> I honestly can't say I've seen a better catch," remarked Victoria's captain Will Sutherland about Kellaway. "Even with the filming, it turned out quite well, though not at the level of Big Bash cameras. But to make that grab facing the sun? It’s incredibly impressive—almost more remarkable than his 150. </p> <p> That outcome broke Western Australia's four-year reign in the Sheffield Shield final, which means Queensland will now take their place. leading team from South Australia in the final match After moving up from last place to second in the concluding stages of the match, a winning run-chase in the fourth innings could have propelled WA into the finals. </p> <div> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/video/AA1Bcyw3" data-reference="video"/> </div> <p> Conversely, Labuschagne will have the opportunity to captain Queensland in the final and potentially achieve a score substantial enough to bolster their position. His uncertain grip on securing a spot in the Australian Test batting lineup facing potential obstacles posed by Josh Inglis and Cameron Green. </p> <p> The national selectors will keep a close eye on the Shield final, considering it the most significant first-class match on the schedule for assessing a player’s merit when exposed to intense scrutiny just beneath the level of Test matches. </p> <p> Furthermore, Labuschagne will be tasked with scoring runs against South Africa’s formidable bowling lineup, a key factor behind the team previously called the Redbacks securing victories in six matches this season. The potent group includes Nathan McAndrew, Brendan Doggett, Jordan Buckingham, and Henry Thornton, bolstered by the spinning prowess of Lloyd Pope. </p> <p> Labuschagne is set to team up with Usman Khawaja in the Bulls' lineup as the Test opener has bounced back from hamstring and ankle issues that kept him sidelined for the last game of the regular season. </p> <p> Kellaway’s catch sealed an outstanding performance where he scored an undefeated 165 runs, building on his previous efforts of 79 and 77 in the match against SA at Junction Oval. </p> <p> Kellaway has been quite intriguing for us," commented Victoria's coach Chris Rogers. "We think we have a possible future Australian player, but he's really struggled. Playing professional cricket in Australia can be extremely challenging, particularly for top-order batsmen. </p> <p> It has taken him considerable time to figure out many aspects, but how he has approached the past couple of matches shows that he possesses the skills needed to succeed at a higher level down the road. This is very encouraging for us. </p> <p> Prior to the season, Victoria’s high-performance division raised concerns about the Shield points system with Cricket Australia. They believed that using bonus points from runs scored within the initial 100 overs of a first innings was diminishing the motivation to secure an outright victory and was unfairly favoring venues where scoring occurs more quickly compared to the MCG. </p> <div> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BcExw" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BcExw.jpg"/> </div> <p> These queries were refined based on the concluding form of this season's Shield table, where Queensland secured second place even though they won one less match outright compared to Victoria—a scenario that has occurred just twice within the last three decades. </p> <p> A little frustrating; I suppose we mostly have ourselves to blame," Sutherland stated. "We've had four consecutive losses, including two matches which we're certain we could have taken. This has been happening for several years now where we find ourselves at fault. </p> <p> However, we must acknowledge that we secured victories in four matches while Queensland claimed three wins and still managed to reach the finals. This outcome is somewhat intriguing and perplexing considering the bonus point system at play. Despite having a youthful and promising team, there remains much work ahead. </p> <p> Sam Konstas concluded his local season with a useful knock of 68 runs for NSW against Tasmania, and he will now await to find out if space can be made for him in county cricket. </p> <p> The Tigers wrapped up their campaign with a win in Hobart, partly due to a five-wicket performance from the left-handed spin bowler. Matt Kuhneman, for whom the legitimacy of his bowling technique is no longer under scrutiny . </p> <p> <b> <i> Every Monday, you can find the latest sports news, game outcomes, and insights from experts covering the previous week's events. Subscribe to our Sports bulletin . </i> </b> </p> </div>

This Spectacular Catch Could Revive Marnus Labuschagne’s Test Career

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An astounding grab by Campbell Kellaway in the WACA outer field, recorded with blurry footage by live-streaming cameras, stood out as much more than just one of the most spectacular highlights of…

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Rajasthan Royals Snatch Thriller Win Over CSK as Ruturaj Gaikwad Exposes Fielding Flaws

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BXjsj" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BXjsj.jpg"/> <div class="content count-br"> <p> <p> Guwahati (Assam), India, March 31 (ANI): Rajasthan Royals ( RR ) initiated their Indian Premier League ( IPL In the 2024 campaign, they secured an exciting 6-run win against Chennai Super Kings. CSK ) in Guwahati. Despite an scorching 81 runs off just 36 deliveries from Nitish Rana , CSK made a comeback with the ball, restricting the Royals to 182/9. However, their batting unit fell short in the chase, leaving captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to reflect on the key moments that cost them the match. </p> <p> Speaking after the game, Gaikwad admitted that CSK could have been more proactive in the field, especially during Rana's explosive innings. </p> <p> "In the powerplay, during their batting, Nitish [Rana] batted well, but we were not proactive. He was going behind square, so we had to be more ahead. It is always about one hit, and we were one hit away from crossing the line. We gave 8-10 runs in misfields, and that is something we are looking to improve but that is something that is costing us," Gaikwad said, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo. </p> <p> Despite the loss, the CSK skipper remained optimistic about their batting approach and praised his bowlers for their effort in the latter half of Rajasthan's innings. </p> <p> "180 was chaseable. It was still a good wicket. If you timed the ball well, it was a good wicket. I was happy towards the end of the innings, after the score they had in the powerplay, they were looking at 220-230," he added. </p> <p> Gaikwad also spoke about his batting position and the team's strategy, particularly the decision to have Rahul Tripathi take on an aggressive role while he moved down the order. </p> <p> "Over the years, we had Ajinkya batting at 3 and Rayudu taking care of the middle order. We thought it is better I come back one step. Rahul is known for playing aggressive roles and he can free himself up. Not much difference anyway, so I am getting to bat in the first or second over itself (smiles). Till now, no discussions have happened about me batting at three. It was decided during the auction time and I was convinced about that. I have no problem. I can take risks, rotate strike when needed - that is what you want when you have Shivam [Dube]," Gaikwad explained. </p> <p> The CSK captain also acknowledged the positives in their bowling attack, particularly the performances of Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, and Ravindra Jadeja. However, he emphasized the need for better fielding to build pressure on opponents. </p> <p> "Lots of positives - Noor, as usual, bowling well, Khaleel is bowling well, and Jaddu bhai bowled well. You need that sort of momentum in the bowling department when you get a wicket to build pressure. Not happening since the last game. Once fielding comes together, we will be a really good side," he concluded. </p> <p> With a long flight ahead and a chance to regroup, CSK will now focus on improving their execution as they aim to bounce back in their next fixture against Delhi Capitals on April 5 in Chennai. </p> <p> Coming to the match, CSK opted to bowl first after winning the toss. After Jaiswal was dismissed early, an 82-run stand between Sanju Samson (20 in 16 balls, with a four and a six) and Nitish Rana (81 in 33 balls, with six fours and six fours). Later on, skipper Riyan Parag (37 in 28 balls, with two fours and two sixes) held one end steady, but he kept running out of partners. In the end, RR was restricted to 182/9 in their 20 overs. </p> <p> Noor Ahmed and Matheesha Pathirana (2/28) each were the pick of the bowlers for CSK . Khaleel Ahmed (2/38) also delivered a fine spell for CSK . </p> <p> During the run-chase, CSK Lost Rachin Ravindra cheaply for a duck. After that, Rahul Tripathi (scoring 23 off 19 deliveries, including two boundaries and a six) formed a 46-run alliance with the captain. Ruturaj Gaikwad . Shivam Dube (18 off 10 deliveries, including one four and two sixes) and Vijay Shankar (nine runs in six balls) were dismissed quickly, leading to CSK to 92/4. Gaikwad did score a fighting 63 in 44 balls, with seven fours and a six, but his wicket changed the game for CSK , leaving them out at 129/5 in 15.5 overs. MS Dhoni (16 in 10 balls, with a four and a six), Ravindra Jadeja (32* in 22 balls, with two fours a six) and Jamie Overton (11* in four balls, with a six) tried their best, but CSK fell six runs short at 176/6 in their 20 overs. </p> <p> Wanindu Hasaranga (4/35) was the pick of the bowlers for RR While Sandeep Sharma and Jofra Archer took one wicket apiece. </p> <p> With this win, RR Finally have two points preceding their name and currently sit in the ninth position on the points table. CSK It stands at the seventh position with one victory and two defeats. (ANI) </p> </p> </div> Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).

Rajasthan Royals Snatch Thriller Win Over CSK as Ruturaj Gaikwad Exposes Fielding Flaws

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Guwahati (Assam), India, March 31 (ANI): Rajasthan Royals ( RR ) initiated their Indian Premier League ( IPL In the 2024 campaign, they secured an exciting 6-run win against Chenn…

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Questing for Knowledge: Tristan Stubbs Seeks Insights From Kevin Pietersen

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BX3BP" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BX3BP.jpg"/> <div class="content count-br"> <p> <p> Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), India, March 30 (ANI): Tristan Stubbs is making an effort to gain insights from English cricket icon and Delhi Capitals team advisor Kevin Pietersen by posing numerous queries to him. </p> <p> Stubbs brought an extra kick to Delhi's smooth 164-run pursuit against Sunrisers Hyderabad during the current season of the lucrative Indian Premier League on Sunday. </p> <p> When DC’s top order collapsed rapidly, the young South African batsman entered the game. He provided stability along with Abhishek Porel by precisely timing his shots for effective run-scoringrotation. </p> <p> He crossed the boundary three times and completed DC's victorious pursuit with an undefeated 21 runs off 14 balls, maintaining a commendable strike rate of 150. </p> <p> As Stubbs keeps improving his performance, he has been striving to maximize Pietersen’s potential and absorb all knowledge he can from him. </p> <p> In the post-match presentation, Stubbs stated, 'I've done my utmost, making an effort to absorb as much knowledge as possible from Kevin Pietersen. I pose numerous questions.' </p> <p> Stubbs recounted his experience, noting that he found the pitch's sluggishness challenging for batting. While sharing the crease with Porel, their main objective was to maintain simplicity in their approach. </p> <p> "The pace seemed somewhat sluggish; it appeared as though it rotated all day with the blades in operation. It didn’t feel particularly easy for batting. We opted for simplicity, positioning the players wherever they believed they should be at crucial points," he stated. </p> <p> In the first innings, it was DC's pace spearhead Mitchell Starc who set the tempo of the game with his sizzling five-wicket haul. While pursuing the Sunrisers' total, Faf du Plessis's 50-run blitzkrieg and his 81-run opening partnership with Jake Fraser McGurk paved the way for DC's success. </p> <p> Following their emphatic 7-wicket victory, DC is now level on points with Royal Challengers Bengaluru on the second spot, separated by net run rate. (ANI) </p> </p> </div> Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Questing for Knowledge: Tristan Stubbs Seeks Insights From Kevin Pietersen

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Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), India, March 30 (ANI): Tristan Stubbs is making an effort to gain insights from English cricket icon and Delhi Capitals team advisor Kevin Pietersen by posing …

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Umesh Yadav Cheers Saliva Ban Reversal in IPL 2025, Praises Jasprit Bumrah

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BWAah" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BWAah.jpg"/> <div class="content count-br"> <p> <p> By Vivek Prabhakar Singh </p> <p> On Sunday, Indian fast-bowling stalwart Umesh Yadav commented on the lifting of the saliva ban in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He mentioned that this change would be beneficial for bowlers in limited-overs cricket, particularly when using a brand-new ball. This statement was made from Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, as reported by ANI on March 30. </p> <p> Umesh attended an AstroLawn event in Greater Noida. </p> <p> Regarding the saliva ban, Umesh stated, “It could have an impact on white-ball cricket. However, it really hinges on the circumstances, as some evening games get damp from dew, making spit less relevant then. With a fresh ball, though, spit plays a crucial role... Thus, I believe this return is quite positive. It will greatly benefit fast bowlers.” </p> <p> Regarding Jasprit Bumrah, the lead pacer for India, Umesh stated that he is presently the finest bowler of this era, entirely due to his "dedication, training, and strategic mindset." </p> <p> "When you have that talent, it is important to showcase it. When Bumrah came, and the way he has grown, he has always tried to do better. That is why he is here at this level. It is his hard work, practice and thinking that have brought him here. When he started in the IPL and worked with Lasith Malinga, his Yorker got better. He learnt a lot within such a short time and now he is the best fast bowler of this generation," said Umesh about his teammate. </p> <p> Speaking of if the T20s have become excessively batting-friendly, Umesh said that the format will always be batter friendly as the ball does not get worn out much and there is barely any reverse swing. </p> <p> "T20 was always dominant for batters. The ball does not swing or reverse during 20 overs. The ball does not get that worn out in T20s. The white ball does not move much, and wickets are often flat. If you do not execute well in T20s, you will go for runs. If one focuses on their execution and line or length, they get rewarded too. If a team scores 280, it could be because of poor execution. It will forever remain a batter-dominated game. In IPL, teams would be aiming to score as much as possible," said Umesh. </p> <p> Speaking about MS Dhoni coming to bat at number nine during a Chennai Super Kings (CSK) home match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Umesh said, "It depends on the team or Dhoni himself. They decide his position." (ANI) </p> </p> </div> Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Umesh Yadav Cheers Saliva Ban Reversal in IPL 2025, Praises Jasprit Bumrah

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By Vivek Prabhakar Singh On Sunday, Indian fast-bowling stalwart Umesh Yadav commented on the lifting of the saliva ban in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He mentioned that this cha…

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