"If I Even Do It Wrong...": Iyer Breaks Silence On Negative Publicity

He has had a rough one month leading up to the IPL but KKR captain Shreyas Iyer wants to put all those negative thoughts in the back-burner as he focuses on what's there in store for him. Iyer, who recently was axed from BCCI central contracts list for his apparent reluctance to play Ranji Trophy, did score 95 in the final for Mumbai with a recurring back injury. But the NCA has given him clearance to play IPL with a rider -- that he should be careful while lunging forward. The KKR skipper however feels that he is in best possible shape.

"I don't want to think about what the doctor has said, what the injury was because, as I mentioned previously, when you over-think, put your focus on the injury, and in that moment, forget about what you're doing the best," Iyer told mediapersons ahead of team's opening game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

"So, I want to put all these things aside and focus on what's there for me on the plate," the skipper made his priority clear.

Personally, he feels that he is in good mind space getting into the tournament.

"I have ticked the boxes in every way possible so I am in high spirits," Iyer added.

"Right now, if I look at myself, I feel that I'm in the best shape possible. I played so many years in the IPL so it's not that I am completely distant from it. Personally, my preparation has been top-notch." He has done the hard yards and is ready for the big challenge.

"I've been doing my training regularly, I've been hitting the balls, and I've been batting for longer periods of time. So, that is something I'm thriving on."

There has been a lot of talk centering around Iyer and his back injury following his pullout from the Test series versus England as the India batter has found himself out of a central contract ahead of the T20I World Cup in June.

"I'm looking forward to winning the IPL. If you would ask any captain, they would have the same mentality. And that's why you have to be in the present as much as possible."

Obviously, he has attracted a lot of negative publicity of late but he doesn't want to dwell on those aspects.

"If you dwell too much either on past or future, I personally feel that you make a lot of mistakes. So, that's what I've learned over a period of time, that whatever is in your hand, you have to make the best use of it. The decision-making outside of it is not in your hand, and the more you dwell on that, the more mistakes you would be indulging in.

"So I just want to keep doing my work and see to it that I do it right. And if I even do it wrong, I want to learn from it and see to it that I don't repeat it again."

The season will also mark a second innings from their two-time IPL winning captain Gautam Gambhir who has returned as a mentor for the upcoming IPL.

KKR have been without a title since 2014 and have finished seventh in last two editions.

"He brings a lot of inputs. Strategically strong, having won two IPLs. Knows a lot about the venue and the opposition teams. Chandu sir (head coach Chandrakant Pandit) and Gautam sir give a lot of inputs. When I talk to them in practice, I get a lot of inputs.

"I have worked with him previously in a different franchise (Delhi) and I know what his mindset is. He is a fearless guy and he gives you a lot of freedom as a captain and also as a player.

"So, I am basically honoured to be playing under him and it gives a lot of pleasure for other players as well in the team to go and express themselves with freedom.

"Boys are in high spirits, to be honest. For me, particularly coming after a year, it gives me great pleasure to be back with the team. Looking at the spirits, I am also motivated internally." KKR also have revamped their pace bowling lineup by signing Mitchell Starc as the costliest ever buy of the IPL.

"Motivation is always good from the start. When Starc is in, it brings a lot of advantage. He can bowl anywhere, be it in powerplay, middle overs, or death. He carries a lot of experience. It's good for our youngsters as well." 

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/if-i-even-do-it-wrong-shreyas-iyer-breaks-silence-on-negative-publicity-on-missing-domestic-cricket-5291362

Mustafizur Rahman Stars In CSK's Easy Win Over RCB In IPL 2024 Opener

Mustafizur Rahman set it up with his bagful of cerebral variations before Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube got the job done with their superlative finishing skills to script a comfortable six-wicket win for Chennai Super Kings over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL opener on Friday. CSK, who have not lost to RCB at home since 2008, thus kept their enviable record intact. Mustafizur, with his best ever IPL figures of 4/29 in four overs, was largely responsible for restricting RCB to 173 for six on a good batting track, where a 95-run sixth wicket stand off 50 balls between Anuj Rawat (48 off 25 balls) and Dinesh Karthik (38 not out off 26 balls) was the visitors' only saving grace.

Jadeja (25 not out off 17 balls) brought his oodles of experience just when things could have got tricky in the run chase, hurrying a rusty Dube (34 off 28 balls) into completing some quick doubles to complete the chase in 18.4 overs. Dube also grew in confidence in Jadeja's company towards the end as he finished the chase in a jiffy.

Credit should also be given to Rachin Ravindra (37 off 15 balls), who teed off in brilliant fashion with three sixes and as many boundaries to set the tone.

Ajinkya Rahane (27 off 19 balls), who had a forgettable Ranji season with the bat, also hit a couple of sixes before a great piece of outfielding by Glenn Maxwell saw his back.

Dube and Daryl Mitchell (22 off 18 balls) were peppered with short balls from Alzarri Joseph and Cameron Green with the latter falling prey to one such delivery.

When RCB batted, Mustafizur brought back memories of his rookie days but an impressive rear-guard action from Rawat took RCB to a fighting total.

Rawat, who initially was cautious, launched into Tushar Deshpande, whose natural length is on the shorter side. Three sixes and a four in the 18th over turned the course as RCB knocked 83 runs in their last six overs. Rawat hit four fours and three sixes in his innings.

This was after Mustafizur took four wickets in his first two overs to reduce RCB to 78 for five.

'Fizz' as he is known in the cricketing fraternity wouldn't have got a first eleven nod had Matheesha Pathirana been fit to represent the 'Yellow Brigade'.

Brought in the Powerplay to stop a rampaging Faf du Plessis (35 off 23), Mustafizur, gauging the pace of the track, didn't keep it too full and bowled between the 7-8 metre length to extract enough bounce to get a couple of dismissals.

Kohli made a painstaking 21 off 20 balls in his first competitive game in more than two months.

Having got to face only six deliveries in the Powerplay, Kohli's first attacking stroke was a pull six off Maheesh Theekshana (0/36 in 4 overs) but he never looked in rhythm after a two-month paternity break as a mistimed pull led to his dismissal. Rahane had caught it at deep mid-wicket but as he was about slide out, he flicked it inside for Rachin to complete the relay catch.

Mustafizur's best delivery however was one that cleaned up Green when he rolled his wrists to bowl a cutter with a wobbly seam.

At the onset, Deepak Chahar (1/37 in 4 overs) did look woefully short of match practice, as his loopy outswingers got harsh treatment first up from skipper Du Plessis.

But RCB's joy was short-lived as the skipper was caught in the deep after a brisk knock.

Rajat Patidar's (0) wretched run since England Tests continued as he nicked one to Mahendra Singh Dhoni behind the stumps.

The break in momentum for RCB worked in Chahar's favour as a change of ends saw him bowl one that pitched on back of length and moved a shade to have Glenn Maxwell caught behind.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/csk-vs-rcb-mustafizur-rahman-stars-in-chennai-super-kings-easy-win-in-ipl-2024-opener-5292786

"The Action Is Breaking": Ashwin On Pathirana And Malinga's Bowling Style

Indian spin veteran Ravichandran Ashwin on Wednesday spoke on the bowling action of Sri Lanka and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer Matheesha Pathirana and pointed out that the youngster puts his back under immense strain while bowling and "gets into awkward positions". The 21-year-old pacer was one of the standouts for CSK in their fifth-title-winning season last year, taking 19 wickets at an average of 19.52. The pacer recently suffered a hamstring injury during the second T20I against Bangladesh this month. He has played 12 ODIs and six T20Is for Sri Lanka.

Speaking on his Youtube channel on Wednesday, Ashwin said that Pathirana has a lower angle of release, which puts his back under strain and his front leg "collapses" while releasing the ball. Comparing his action with Lankan pace legend Lasith Malinga, with whom the 21-year-old has drawn comparisons due to his slingy action, Ashwin said that Malinga has a "beautiful" side-on action which is much better for his body as his back and feet are "parallel to the crease".

"One problem that he has but Malinga does not have is that his angle of release is much lower. That puts immense strain on his back, and his front leg literally collapses when he releases the ball; the core gets worked up too much, and it is very strenuous. Lasith Malinga goes for a beautiful side-on position. His back and feet will be parallel to the crease. But Pathirana does not get that. The action is breaking, it is rotating, and the torque is huge," said Ashwin.

Ashwin later pointed out that though Malinga speaks highly of the young pacer, he is getting into "dangerous positions and complications."

"I understand the complexity of facing him is different, but he is facing different problems now. This might be just his early stages, and his body needs to fill up more, but he is getting into some dangerous positions and complications. In fact, I have worked so much with Malinga, and Malinga himself told me that he's a great prospect, but he gets into awkward positions, which is what I feel," he added.

The 17th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will start from March 22, with defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) set to clash with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a South Indian derby at their home arena--MA Chidambaram Stadium. Pathirana could feature in the match depending on his fitness.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/the-action-is-breaking-ravichandran-ashwin-differentiates-between-matheesha-pathirana-and-lasith-malingas-bowling-style-5277170

"Best Indian Batter Ever": Sidhu's Kohli vs Sachin vs Gavaskar Verdict

Former India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu is back to cricket, with the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 being his new commentary assignment, years after he left the cricketing arena for politics. As the world gears up to hear Sidhu's anecdotes from the commentary box, the former all-rounder dropped a big statement just days before the start of the 17th season of the IPL. Speaking of some of the legends of Indian cricket, including Virat Kohl, MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar, Sidhu named the batter he rates the highest.

During the pre-IPL chat, Sidhu was asked if he feels Virat Kohli should bat at the No. 3 spot for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Sidhu wasn't in agreement with the idea, though he admitted that he is the greatest batter in the world.

"I don't think so. It's what the team demands. You could be the greatest player in the world, which he is. But if your team is not winning, especially hasn't held the trophy once, then it's a blot that you would want to erase. It's not detrimental to him in anyway, because he has given his best and you could see it," Sidhu said.

"I have rated him as the best Indian batter ever. There are eras where I would put up my transistor and listen to Sunil Gavaskar bat against the West Indies, those are the 70s. The great West Indies fast bowlers, bunking school and just going out one period and listening to how he was batting and without a helmet, that was his era. He dominated for almost 15-20 years. Then came Tendulkar, another era. Then came Dhoni, and then came Virat. If you look at four, I would rate him as the best because he has adapted to all three formats," Sidhu further added.

"In the same way, his technical ability and the fittest of all of them. If you look at all four, he would be the fittest. Tendulkar had problems, in the latter stages of his career. Dhoni, he is fit. Virat is super fit. That holds him in good stead. It elevates him to a level, a few notches higher, that others have not been able to achieve. The longevity factor, gives him a plus. The adaptability factor is Sone Pe Suhaaga," concluded the former India batter.

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/rated-him-best-indian-batter-ever-navjot-sidhus-dhoni-vs-kohli-vs-sachin-vs-gavaskar-verdict-5273404

"Only Time Will Tell Who'll Be Comfortable": Harbhajan On MI Captaincy Row

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has opened up on the Mumbai Indians captaincy saga, with Rohit Sharma set to play under the new leadership of Hardik Pandya. Hardik replaced Rohit as captain of the franchise after MI traded him from Gujarat Titans before the IPL 2024 players auction. While there has been rumours of a possible rift between the two players, Harbhajan shared his views on the equation between Rohit and Hardik, and hoped that the too could set their differences aside and do what's best for the franchise.

"Only time will tell. Who will be comfortable or who will not? Mumbai Indians have been a solid and formidable team in IPL. I am sure they would love to leave the controversies behind and pave the way for the future," Harbhajan told Times of India in an interview.

Rohit is the most successful captain in the history of the IPL, alongside MS Dhoni, having led MI to five titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020).

Hardik, on the other hand, led GT to IPL glory in their debut season in 2022 and then guided them to the final last season where they lost to Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

In a recent event, Pandya was asked about whether he had the chance to discuss the change in leadership with Rohit and the India all-rounder had a clear answer.

"Yes and No. I haven't got a lot of time to talk with Rohit because he has been touring. I will definitely catch up when he links up with the team," Hardik said at the event.

Pandya also said that Rohit will continue to be a guiding force for him during the IPL despite the unexpected change of leadership that the franchise announced ahead of the upcoming season.

"It will not be any different, he will always be there to help me. This team, what it has achieved, it has achieved under him and I just have to carry forward that. He is going to have his hand on my shoulders," said Pandya in a media interaction.

"We respect fans but we focus on the sport and what is required. I focus on the controllables, fans have every right and I respect their opinion," he replied when asked about the fans' outrage at Rohit's removal.

The upcoming season of the IPL will mark Hardik's return to competitive cricket. The all-rounder had picked up an injury during the ODI World Cup in October last year.

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/only-time-will-tell-who-will-be-comfortable-who-will-not-harbhajan-singh-on-mumbai-indians-captaincy-row-5275129

IPL 2024: Mumbai Indians Replace Dilshan Madushanka With Kwena Maphaka

Mumbai Indians on Wednesday named uncapped South African medium-pacer Kwena Maphaka as injured Sri Lankan pacer Dilshan Madushanka's replacement for the upcoming IPL season. The 23-year-old Lankan pacer suffered a hamstring injury in the just-concluded ODI series in Bangladesh, which the visitors lost 1-2. Madushanka was roped in by MI during the IPL Auction ahead of the upcoming season for Rs 4.6 crore, having shone during the ODI World Cup last year, claiming 21 wickets in nine meetings.

Meanwhile, the 17-year-old Maphaka came into the limelight after being adjudged the Player of the Tournament during the U19 World Cup at home this year, scalping 21 wickets at an average of 9.71.

He is rated very highly by Proteas legend Allan Donald.

Having played for South Africa A and South Africa Emerging teams since last year, he was roped in by Paarl Royals for SA20 2023-24 but did not get to play a game.

Maphaka's T20 numbers read 13 wickets in nine games at an economy of 6.71, including a four-wicket haul.

"Maphaka already is capable of generating serious pace and has a very mean bouncer that is known to hurry the batters up. He debuted for the South Africa U19 team at 15 & has already played in two U19 World Cups," said MI in a media release.

"He is capable of touching speeds of 140kph, and his death bowling and yorkers were a standout too at the U19 World Cup earlier this year.

"He will share the dressing room with two of the best bowlers in world cricket - Lasith Malinga, bowling coach and Jasprit Bumrah putting him on a path of learning, development and building on that knowledge." MI plays its IPL 2024 opening match versus last season's runner-up, Gujarat Titans, in Ahmedabad on March 24 under new skipper Hardik Pandya.

Warrier Replaces Shami In GT

Gujarat Titans have roped in Kerala medium-pacer Sandeep Warrier as a replacement for injured senior Indian seamer Mohammed Shami, the Indian Premier League said on Wednesday.

Shami recently underwent a successful Achilles heel surgery in London for his right heel problem.

He is expected to be undergoing rehabilitation for almost the whole of IPL 2024, thus ruling him out of the entire event.

Shami has not played competitive cricket since last year's ODI World Cup final here, which India lost by six wickets against Australia.

As for Warrier, the 32-year-old has played five IPL matches since 2019, grabbing two wickets at an economy of 7.88.

"Shami - the veteran Indian pacer - recently successfully underwent surgery for his right heel problem and is currently recovering," read a statement from IPL. "His replacement, Sandeep Warrier, has so far played 5 IPL matches and will join GT for his base price of INR 50 Lac." GT will be his fourth IPL franchise, having previously played for Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians.

GT will play their IPL 2024 opener against Mumbai Indians on March 24.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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"Unsure About Rohit's Fitness": Sidhu, Drops Sehwag 'With Glasses' Take

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have not played a lot of T20 cricket since the 2022 edition, are expected to be on the flight to USA and Caribbean for the ICC showpiece. Former Indian cricket team star Navjot Singh Sidhu, who is set to be back in the commentary box after a decade with the upcoming IPL, has an interesting take on the duo's role for the 2024 T20 World Cup. 

"They will be needed there. These are giants of cricketing world. Form is like the morning dew, it can elude you but class of these people has stamp of authority.

"I would rate Kohli as the greatest Indian batsmen for the simple reason, his fitness, he is getting fitter with age like old wine does. Technically very sound and he has the uncanny knack of adapting to all three formats, same goes for Rohit," Sidhu explained in his inimitable style.

"Both are quality players. I am not sure about Rohit's fitness levels. With age you tend to slow down, your reflexes tend to go. Sehwag with those glasses, his reflexes were not the same, I saw it in the IPL." 

Sidhu closely tracked India's campaign in the ODI World Cup last year where the hosts ended as runners-up after being the sole unbeaten side in the group stages. The final loss extended their long wait for a world title but Sidhu isn't too concerned.

"In the recent World Cup they were playing very well, they just had one bad game, one bad game cannot asses the fortunes of a team. I see the Indian team ruling the roost for a long time because the system that breeds cricketers is very congenial and conducive.

"In my time, people would carry on despite bad form because there were no replacements. Now,

There are multiple options for wicket-keeper batter's slot in the World Cup squad with likes of

Sidhu said he would go with someone who has superior keeping skills with his batting prowess being "secondary".

It has been a while since the 60-year-old held the mic but three days from his "first" commentary comeback, the former India opener was as gung-ho as ever.

"Boss, cricket is my first love. If your hobby becomes your profession there is nothing better than that. A duckling would never forget how to swim, I will take to commentary like a fish takes to water," he said.

Rishabh Pant Appointed Delhi Capitals Captain For IPL 2024

Rishabh Pant was on Tuesday appointed as the captain of Delhi Capitals for the upcoming edition of the IPL, marking a wonderful chapter in his miraculous comeback saga. The keeper-batter missed cricketing action for 14 months after suffering a horrific car accident in December 2022. "We are delighted to welcome Rishabh back as our captain. Grit and fearlessness have always dictated his brand of cricket, and not surprisingly, even his road to recovery.

"I can't wait to see him walk our team out once again as we look forward to a new season with renewed passion, vigour and enthusiasm," said DC chairman and co-owner Parth Jindal in a media release.

The left-hander has been a part of the Capitals pre-season preparatory camp in Visakhapatnam, ahead of their first IPL 2024 match against Punjab Kings in Chandigarh on March 23.

The IPL begins on March 22.

Earlier, Pant was given clearance by the BCCI to play as a wicketkeeper batter in this year's IPL.

"After undergoing an extensive 14-month rehab and recovery process, following a life-threatening road mishap on December 30, 2022, near Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Rishabh Pant has now been declared fit as a wicket-keeper batter for the upcoming IPL 2024," the board had stated in a medical update.

Delhi head coach Ricky Ponting too had given a thumbs-up for the way Pant was playing at nets during the team's camp.

"We missed him incredibly last year. The whole tournament missed him. Rishabh brings so much energy to the team. He's got that smile on his face, he's hitting the ball as good as ever and he tends to lift all of his teammates around him," said Ponting.

Last year's Australian veteran David Warner had led the Capitals and they finished ninth in the 10-team league with five wins and nine loses ahead of Sunrisers Hyderabad.

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/rishabh-pant-appointed-delhi-capitals-captain-for-ipl-2024-5271338

"I Didn't Hear Anything": Smriti's Candid Confession On Virat's Video Call

Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Smriti Mandhana revealed that she couldn't hear a single thing during her video call conversation with India's stalwart batter Virat Kohli but happiness was visible on his face after RCB's triumph in the Women's Premier League Season 2. RCB with a clinical performance clinched an 8-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium to lift their maiden WPL title. After the game, Kohli joined the post-match celebrations through a video call and had a chat with skipper Mandhana as well as the rest of the team.

In the post-match press conference, Mandhana revealed that she couldn't hear a single thing Kohli said to her and she would meet and have a conversation with him in Bangalore.

"I didn't hear anything he was saying because it was too loud, he was like just thumbs up and I just did thumbs up, I will be meeting him. He looked happy there was a bright smile. I remember him coming last year and a little pep talk which really helped me personally as well as the whole team. He has been a part of this franchise and I think he has been there for the past 15 years so I could see that happiness on his face but because of the noise I couldn't hear him, maybe I will chat to him when we go to Bengaluru," Mandhana said in the post-match press conference.

RCB's spin attack weaved magic in the first innings to nullify DC's explosive start. Sophie Molineux spearheaded the attack but the 21-year-old off-spinner Shreyanka Patil turned out to be the game-changer for RCB. She picked up a four-wicket haul and removed the tail end within a blink of an eye to restrict DC to a sub-par total of 113.

"Shreyanka has been brilliant the first three or four matches didn't go her way, I remember having a chat with her and she was really low about a few things and I remember telling her on March 17th that we were going to do something special and little did I know it is going to happen and she will get the purple cap but really really happy for her. She has been a really hardworking person because she has really worked hard and I feel she is the most complete player to come in the last two years in the circuit of international cricket as well," Mandhana said while praising Shreyanka.

Coming to the final, DC won the toss and elected to bat with openers Shafali Varma (44 in 27 balls, with two fours and three sixes) and skipper Meg Lanning (23 in 23 balls, with three fours) providing the ideal start to the team with a quickfire 64-run opening stand. However, RCB bounced back to restrict them to a score of 113.

In reply, RCB comfortably chased down the target with three balls to spare and with eight wickets in hand.

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/he-has-been-there-for-15-years-smriti-mandhana-on-chat-with-virat-kohli-post-wpl-2024-triumph-5260207

"Have Been Fit Since Afghanistan Series, There Were No...": Hardik Pandya

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya on Monday talked about the "freak injury" he sustained during the World Cup 2023 and noted that his push during the initial period extended the recovery period. During India's World Cup clash against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in October, Pandya injured himself while attempting to stop a ball going to the boundary. He tried to use his right leg to stop the ball but slipped and twisted his ankle.

Ahead of the Indian Premier League 2024 season, Pandya opened up about the injury and revealed that he ended up aggravating it while making attempts to be available for the semi-final and final clash.

"My injury in the World Cup was a freak injury. It had nothing to do with my past injuries and it had nothing to do with my fitness. It was just I tried to stop the ball and twisted my ankle. I could have been back in one and a half months. But when I got injured my injury from Day 1 showed that I would be out of the World Cup. Playing for India has always been special. We pushed 10 days we knew it was a difficult uphill task to reach and kind of be fit for the semi-final or final. When we pushed I kind of triggered my injury more and my injury became a little longer," Pandya said in the Mumbai Indians' pre-season press conference.

He missed out on the series of five T20Is against Australia at home, and the tour to South Africa as well, which consisted of three ODIs and T20Is each. Suryakumar Yadav, the number-one ranked T20I batter, stepped up as captain in Pandya's absence.

Pandya revealed that he got his fitness when India played their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan but his absence extended as there were no games to play.

"When I got fit the Afghanistan series just started, I have been fit since then but there were no games to play," he added.

Pandya recently made his return during the Dy Patil T20 Tournament and led the Reliance 1 side. He will lead five-time champions Mumbai Indians. MI will kick off their campaign against Gujarat Titans on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

MI IPL 204 squad: Rohit Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, N. Tilak Varma, Tim David, Vishnu Vinod, Arjun Tendulkar, Shams Mulani, Nehal Wadhera, Jasprit Bumrah, Kumar Kartikeya, Piyush Chawla, Akash Madhwal, Jason Behrendorff, Romario Shepherd, Hardik Pandya (c), Gerald Coetzee, Dilshan Madushanka, Shreyas Gopal, Nuwan Thushara, Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Mohammad Nabi, Shivalik Sharma.

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/have-been-fit-since-afghanistan-series-there-were-no-games-to-play-hardik-pandya-5261509

Watch: Kohli Joins Mandhana And Co In Celebrations After WPL 2024 Victory

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finally found their night of reckoning as glory as the Smriti Mandhana-led side won the first silverware of the franchise on Sunday, defeating Delhi Capitals by eight wickets in the Women's Premier League (WPL) final at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Chasing a target of 114, RCB achieved their goal with eight wickets and two balls to spare. RCB's first WPL success sparked celebrations all over social media. Ahead of the presentation ceremony, RCB captain Mandhana received a special video call from star batter and former skipper of the men's team

- Congratulating all the RCB Players.

Chasing a modest target, RCB started cautiously with the pair of Mandhana and Devine sharing 49 runs in 8.1 overs.

While Mandhana played the role of an anchor, Devine opted to attack, decorating her innings with five boundaries and one maximum before she was trapped in front by pacer .

The wicket seemed to have slowed down RCB as Mandhana and Perry struggled to find their timing as boundaries dried up.

Perry finally broke the shackles in the 13th over, hitting pacer to the deep midwicket boundary and then two balls later Mandhana cut the bowler to backward point fence.

RCB were nearly at home, reaching 82 for one in the 15th over but a rash shot from Mandhana led to her downfall.

The left-hander skied a delivery to Reddy at mid-on to keep the contest alive.

But Perry continued her fine run and in the company of (17 not out) calmly helped RCB reach 115 in 19.3 overs, sharing an unbeaten 33 runs for the third wicket.

Ghosh finished off the chase in style with a four off Reddy.

"Sona Mere Liye Lucky Hai": LSG's Welcome Video For WI Star Is 'Gold'

West Indies all-rounder Kyle Mayers reached Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) team hotel on Saturday, March 16. Mayers arrived in Lucknow along with his wife and son, and the trio received a grand welcome from the LSG management. Mayers wearing a black t-shirt, an olive trouser and a black sunglass, with tons of gold jewellery on his neck. Taking to social media, LSG uploaded a video of Mayers arrival.

The franchise welcomed Mayers with a special tribute to late musician Bappi Lahiri, who was famous for his love for gold jewellery.

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— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) March 16, 2024

Mayers, who has been part of LSG for the past two seasons, was retained by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2024 mini auction. He made his IPL debut with LSG last season, scoring 379 runs in 13 matches.

LSG went into the IPL Players Auctions 2024 with six slots to fill (two overseas), and a remaining purse of Rs 13.15 crore. The KL Rahul-led side acquired the services of India pacer Shivam Mavi for Rs 6.4 crore.

The Lucknow-based franchise also roped in all-rounders Ashton Turner and David Willey for Rs 1 crore and Rs 2 crore, respectively. Amid his recent exploits in the U-19 Asia Cup, LSG bought uncapped Indian batter Arshin Kulkarni at his base price of Rs 20 lakh.

For the remaining slots, LSG bought M Siddharth for Rs 2.4 crore and Mohammad Arshad Khan for Rs 20 lakh.

LSG Pre-Auction Squad: KL Rahul (C), Quinton de Kock, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Kyle Mayers, Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Ravi Bishnoi, Naveen ul Haq, Krunal Pandya, Yudhvir Singh, Prerak Mankad, Yash Thakur, Amit Mishra, Mark Wood, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan

Released Players: Jaydev Unadkat, Daniel Sams, Manan Vohra, Swapnil Singh, Karan Sharma, Arpit Guleria, Suryansh Shedge, Karun Nair

Players traded in: Devdutt Padikkal (from Rajasthan Royals)

Players traded out: Avesh Khan (to Rajasthan Royals), Romario Shepherd (to Mumbai Indians)

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/ipl-2024-sona-mere-liye-lucky-hai-lsgs-welcome-video-for-wi-star-is-gold-5249894

"IPL Will Be Important But...": Report On India's T20 WC Team Selection

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has played a major role in India's team selection for the shortest format of the sport in the past but it not be the only criteria for the players heading to the T20 World Cup 2024, according to a report by Hindustan Times. According to the report, the -led selection panel has more or less decided on the cricketers who will be included in the World Cup squad and unless there is a breakthrough performance or a huge dip in form, there are not going to be big changes to the list.

"IPL will be important, but it won't be the main criteria for selection for the T20 World Cup. The selectors have more or less chalked out a squad. The IPL won't change too much unless there is a breakthrough performance or a drastic dip in form," the source was quoted as saying by .

Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore began their pre-tournament camp without their numero uno Virat Kohli, who might take a few more days to join before the team starts its IPL campaign against reigning champions Chennai Super Kings on March 22.

Most of the domestic players joined the camp under the guidance of new head coach and Director of Cricket Mo Bobat and they went through the paces on the opening day of the camp.

While skipper was in attendance along with West Indies fast bowler Kohli, easily the biggest 'Box Office' in Indian cricket, is yet to hit the straps after a paternity break that ruled him out of the marquee five-Test series against England.

"Kohli is expected to join in the next few days," a BCCI source, who is tracking developments within IPL teams, told PTI.

Kohli might make his first appearance for the franchise during 'RCB Unbox', a high-profile annual event held at the Garden City in which fans get a glimpse of their favourite stars.

As RCB started their training session, skipper Du Plessis told the team it was lucky to have Flower as its coach.

"I think he's an incredible coach. So I feel team is very lucky to have him, kind and big hearted man," Du Plessis was quoted as saying on RCB 'Bold Diaries'.

Flower, on his part, said: "New chapter to write in RCB story, we have been given the chance to write and it is a privilege, something to be very excited about."

(With PTI inputs)

"Keep Harassing...": Ravi Shastri Tells Ashwin But Anil Kumble 'Perplexed'

Rahul Dravid hopes that he doesn't call it quits anytime soon. Ravi Shastri would like to see him harass batters for at least two more years while Anil Kumble finds it perplexing that he isn't a regular in India's overseas fixtures. If ever Ravichandran Ashwin needed validation for being a rare talent, three national coaches -- one current and two former -- provided it heartily on the same evening, at the same platform and almost at the same time.

"I hope he is not finished. He has moved the craft of spin bowling through his hard work, dedication and innovation. That's a great legacy to have. Fantastic! Well done and inspired a whole generation of young spinners," Dravid said during a felicitation function organised by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) to celebrate Ashwin crossing the 500-wicket mark and completing 100 Tests.

"He always has the desire to contribute to the team's success. Have really enjoyed my time with him," 'The Wall' added.

What stands out for Dravid is Ashwin's quest for excellence and being ever inquisitive about the game of glorious uncertainties, which he finds challenging as a coach.

"The good thing about him is that he challenges you, and as a coach, you want that. Looking forward to more such memories with him. He is one of a kind."

Dravid's immediate predecessor Shastri, in his inimitable baritone, urged Ashwin to continue playing with the minds of the batters for a few more years.

"Achievements of gigantic proportions. It's no joke. Wish you the best. I believe you still have a lot of cricket left. Spinners mature with each passing age. Feel very proud. Well done, enjoy and keep harassing batsmen for at least a couple of years more," said Shastri.

Kumble, whose 619 wickets remains the most telling benchmark in Indian Test history for bowlers, spoke about Ashwin's heady contribution in India's success during the last decade.

"In my book, he is one of the best to have represented the country. His numbers have been outstanding. He has an overwhelming co-relation with his and India's success. He was never satisfied and always wanted more," Kumble, who was present in person, said.

The former Indian skipper felt that had Ashwin not been overlooked during overseas Tests, he would have played 100 Tests much earlier.

"He should have played his 100th much earlier. However, he doesn't always get picked while India travels overseas, which perplexes me."

Kumble termed the 37-year-old a leader who didn't need a designation to be heard in the Indian dressing room.

"Although he hasn't been the official Indian captain, he has always been a leader in the dressing room. Wonderful to see him dedicate his 500th wicket to his proud father. He still has some international and IPL cricket left in him. Looking forward to see him perform more." Ashwin's long time spin bowling partner Ravindra Jadeja and skipper Rohit Sharma expected the champion bowler to create more memories.

"Your contribution to the Indian team has been priceless. Looking forward to more," Jadeja said in a virtual message.

"We have played a lot of cricket together and with so many memories. The thing that stands out for you is how you have evolved. It's been wonderful to play alongside you. Congrats to you and your family. Wish you the best for the future," Rohit lavished praise on his lethal weapon. 

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/keep-harassing-ravi-shastri-to-r-ashwin-anil-kumble-perplexed-over-stars-overseas-absence-5252049