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.

? pic.twitter.com/MC7swZOGtd

— 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

"Must Have Come As A Shock": Harbhajan's Massive Take On MI Captaincy Saga

Former Indian cricket team spinner Harbhajan Singh believes that the change in captaincy at Mumbai Indians would have come as a shock for Rohit Sharma. Hardik Pandya, who completed a sensational move from Gujarat Titans ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, was appointed captain and it meant the end of a ten-year tenure for Rohit. While Harbhajan pointed out that he hopes that the decision is for the "betterment" of MI going forward, the decision would have been quite sudden for Rohit.

"I hope it's for the betterment of the Mumbai Indians going forward. You know, Rohit has been a true leader and a champion player for Mumbai Indians and India as well. Knowing him, after winning so many trophies for MI and done so well at the international level, it must have come as a shock to him to suddenly not be part of the leadership group," Harbhajan said on the IPL Daily Show on Star Sports.

"I'm sure he is going to be involved in some way or the other but we have seen Rohit growing as a player and captain and winning those five trophies. That speaks volumes about his captaincy. I don't know; the management has taken the decision and I hope everyone takes it in the right spirit and Mumbai Indians plays like a champion side," the former Indian cricket team spinner added.

Harbhajan was all praise for Hardik as a captain and said that the proof of the all-rounder's leadership skills comes from the fact that led GT to the title back in 2022.

"He is someone who thrives on challenges; he has done well for GT, winning the title in the first year and runners-up the next. This goes to show that he is a leader; he is now very quiet; operates well. So I feel that he has got all the qualities of a leader," concluded the former Mumbai Indians player.

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/must-have-come-as-a-shock-harbhajan-singhs-massive-take-on-mumbai-indians-captaincy-saga-5245079

"Does This Regularly": Akram On England Star After Ugly Spat With Iftikhar

England batter Jason Roy and Pakistan all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed were involved in an ugly spat during a Pakistan Super League (PSL) match between Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans on Tuesday. The incident took place during the second ball of the third over of Gladiators' run-chase after David Willey trapped Roy LBW. As Roy walked towards his opening partner Saud Shakeel to discuss a possible review, he got tangled in an altercation with Iftikhar Ahmed.

Before the matter could escalate, both players were separated by Shakeel and Iftikhar's teammates. Roy was fuming over the incident as he threw his bat and helmet in anger after reaching the dugout.

heat moments between iftikhar chachu and jason roy pic.twitter.com/S4crrtBz1t

— Babarfied (@THORthayaar) March 12, 2024

Reacting to the ugly war of words between Roy and Iftikhar, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram slammed the English batter for his "useless anger".

Akram said that Roy must not forget that he is playing in Pakistan, adding that the England opener has a knack of getting himself into such fights on a regular basis. 

"Just gets angry unnecessarily. Jason Roy must know he is in Pakistan. He has to respect our players and our culture. Why was he angry after getting out? It was his own mistake, and his anger was useless. He does this regularly," Akram said on A Sports.

Meanwhile, Roy recently pulled himself out of the upcoming season of the T20 tournament due to "personal reasons".

Roy had joined KKR ahead of last season after Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan had confirmed his unavailability for the season.

As his replacement, KKR have roped in another Englishman in Phil Salt, who was released by Delhi Capitals ahead of the IPL 2024 auction.

"Kolkata Knight Riders have named Phil Salt as a replacement for Jason Roy after the latter pulled out of the upcoming IPL 2024 owing to personal reasons. Having remained unsold in the auction after representing the Delhi Capitals last year, this will be Salt's second season in the IPL."

KKR bagged Salt for his reserve price of Rs 1.5 crore.

"Bought at his reserve price of INR 1.5 crore, the aggressive wicket-keeper batter from England scored two consecutive T20I centuries against the West Indies in December last year. His 48-ball century in the 4th T20I at Trinidad is also the joint-fastest for England," it added.

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/does-this-regularly-wasim-akram-slams-england-star-after-heated-exchange-with-iftikhar-ahmed-in-psl-5230410

"BCCI Ko Dhamkana Chahiye": Ex-Star Slams Hardik, Asks "Is He From Moon?"

Former India pacer Praveen Kumar lashed out at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), demanding equality in rules for all the players. While announcing the central contracts in February, the country's apex cricket board made it clear that the players who are fit and not on national duty need to be available for their respective domestic teams. Several speculations suggested that Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were axed from the player retention list of BCCI as they were unavailable for their respective domestic teams despite being away from India matches.

Iyer did play for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy semi-final and final matches but both the games took place only after his ouster from the BCCI contract list. On the other hand, Kishan failed to appear in any of the games for Jharkhand in the tournament.

Another player who came under the scrutiny of several critics was Hardik Pandya. The premium all-rounder was retained in the 'A' category of the central contracts but many questioned his availability in domestic cricket when he is off national duty.

"Hardik Pandya chaand se thodi utar ke aaya hai? Khelna padega isko bhi. Kyun iske liye alag niyam hai? Isko bhi board ko dhamkana chahiye. (Has Hardik Pandya descended from the moon? He has to play too. Why are there different rules for him? The BCCI should threaten him)," said Kumar on Shubhankar Mishra's YouTube channel.

Hardik has been out of the international circuit ever since he was ruled out of the Cricket World Cup 2023 due to an ankle injury. He recovered recently and played in the DY Patil T20 Cup in lead-up to the Indian Premier League 2024.

"Why would you play just the domestic T20 tournament? Play all three formats. Or have you played 60-70 Test matches that you will just play T20. The country needs you. If you don't want to play Test cricket, give it in writing," said Kumar.

"Maybe Pandya has been informed that he would not be picked for Tests. I don't have any clear information," he added.

Hardik is set to lead Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024. He will be replacing Rohit Sharma in the role.

In November last year, Pandya moved back from Gujarat Titans (GT) to his former franchise as part of a trade between both franchises.

The star all-rounder spent two momentous years with GT, spearheading their campaign in the cash-rich league with aplomb. In GT's debut season in 2022, Hardik got them off to a fairytale start, with the team lifting the coveted trophy.

(With ANI Inputs)

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/bcci-ko-dhamkana-chahiye-ex-india-star-slams-hardik-pandya-says-has-he-come-from-moon-5239966

WPL Eliminator: Defending Champions Mumbai Indians Eye Another Final

Defending champions Mumbai Indians will look to their captain Harmanpreet Kaur for inspiration when they take on a plucky Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Women's Premier League Eliminator in New Delhi on Friday. Mumbai head to the match on the back of five wins and three losses including the seven-wicket loss RCB inflicted on them earlier this week. However, the holders are counting it as a rare off day. "I have seen consistency. If we make an exception for the last match, all the other games that we won. Yes. the performance was not good in the last match, but that's okay.

"We are prepared for the next game. And this happened before the Eliminators so we are taking this as a good sign," MI batting coach Devika Palshikaar said on the eve of the game.

Last year, UP Warriorz dented MI's playoff chances by defeating them in the league stage. Harmanpreet and Co then went on to win a one-sided Elimnator before claiming the title.

"Don't you think that history is repeating. We went through this last year as well, just before the Eliminators there were little ups and downs, but we bounced back in the Eliminator and played one-sided against them.

"So, we are taking this as a 'good luck' sign hoping that we are going to repeat the same history this year with the same results as last year,"Palshikaar added.

Harmanpreet bailed MI out with a whirlwind 95 not out against Gujarat Giants and the skipper will be key with the bat come Friday.

RCB have improved vastly from last year but Smriti Mandhana and Co. have qualified for their maiden knockouts on the back of an inconsistent run. They have won four games and lost four.

The positives for RCB include Mandhana returning to form, and the big-hitting Richa Ghosh and all-rounder Ellyse Perry being among runs.

The bowling unit comprising Sophie Devine, Sophie Molineux, Asha Sobhana, Shreyanka Patil and Perry have also done reasonably well but will have to be razor sharp againt MI.

"We're really excited to qualify for the playoffs. To be able to do that, we've needed different contributors at different times. Except, we haven't been anywhere near perfect," RCB head coach Luke Williams said. "We've had performances we thought we can improve on. We're primed to play some good cricket hopefully on Friday and if we're good enough on Sunday as well," he added.

MI enjoy a 3-1 head to head against RCB.

The winner of the clash will take on Delhi Capitals in the final on Sunday.

(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/wpl-eliminator-defending-champions-mumbai-indians-eye-another-final-5239341

On ENG Star's Bizarre "We Should Take Credit" Take, Jaiswal's Blunt Reply

India's batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal has reacted to the comments made on him by Ben Duckett. Talking about the youngster's aggressive batting during England's recent five-match Test series against India, Duckett asserted that Jaiswal played in that style of cricket as a result of England's much-discussed Bazball approach in the game's purest form. Duckett remarked that England deserve "some credit" for the way Jaiswal adopted an attacking brand of cricket in Tests.

"When you see players from the opposition playing like that, it almost feels like we should take some credit that they're playing differently than how other people play Test cricket," Duckett had said while commenting on Jaiswal's batting at the end of play on Day 3 in Rajkot Test.

When asked to comment on it, Jaiswal refrained from speaking much on the topic.

"I don't want to say anything about it. I just need to try and do whatever I can do on the ground that says the best I can do," Jaiswal told The Indian Express.

Jaiswal's attacking approach yielded runs in tons for him and he bagged the Player of the Series award. He scored 712 runs across five matches.

Meanwhile, 29-year-old England batter Deckett faced plenty of backlash for his comment.

The opening batsman's opinion did not sit well with ex-England captain Hussain, who chastised Duckett for his statements and urged England players to "self-reflect" when it comes to supporting 'Bazball'.

"He's not learnt from you. He's learnt from his upbringing, all the hard yards he had to put in growing up. If anything, lads, look at him and learn from him. I hope there's a little bit of self-introspection going on. Otherwise it becomes a cult - and, at times, Bazball and this regime has been described as such, where you cannot criticise within or externally," Hussain told Sky Sports.

(With ANI Inputs)

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/yashasvi-jaiswal-finally-breaks-silence-on-england-stars-we-should-take-credit-quip-5233699

Delhi Capitals Qualify For WPL Final With Win Over Gujarat Giants

The big-hitting Shafali Verma led the way with a blazing 37-ball 71 as a dominant Delhi Capitals secured direct qualification into the final of the Women's Premier League with a seven-wicket hammering of Gujarat Giants in New Delhi on Wednesday. Table-toppers Delhi Capitals entered the game looking to bag a direct spot in the final and once their bowlers restricted Giants to 126 for nine with a disciplined show at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the hosts inched closer to realising their goal.

In the final on Sunday, the Capitals will play the winner of the eliminator between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

As she is wont to, Shafali launched into a furry of boundaries, including hitting as many as five sixes and seven fours, to help her side complete the chase of 127 without much ado.

DC finished the game with as many as 41 balls remaining.

Shafali reached her fifty in just 28 balls. She got to the landmark with a four over extra cover off Mannat Kashyap.

The duo of Shafali and Jemimah Rodrigues (38 not out) then bludgeoned Meghna Singh for 20 runs, and Ashleigh Gardner was also carted for 28 runs in two overs.

Earlier, Delhi Capitals' bowlers produced a fine effort to restrict Gujarat Giants to a modest total.

If it was not for Bharati Fulmali's 36-ball 42 and Kathryn Bryce's unbeaten 28, the Giants would have finished with a much lower total.

South African veteran Marizanne Kapp led the way with fine figures of 2/17 in four overs, bowling beautifully in the powerplay, while there were also two wickets apiece for Shikha Pandey and Minnu Mani.

Gugarat Giants' decision to bat first on winning the toss backfired as they found themselves in a spot of bother at 12/2 in the fourth over, including losing the big wicket of skipper Beth Mooney for a duck to South African all-rounder Kapp in the match's very first over.

Mooney shaped up to flick a length delivery on the leg stump but the ball brushed past her thigh pad before going on to disturb the leg and middle stump.

Dayalan Hemalatha (4) was the next batter to depart, bowled by Jess Jonassen as Delhi Capitals rejoiced the early success.

Another setback awaited the Giants as they lost Laura Wolvaardt (7), the successful bowler being Kapp again as the visitors slumped to 16 for three in the beginning of the fifth over.

Unable to force the pace, Wolvaardt was under pressure and succumbed in the face of some disciplined bowling by Kapp.

Experienced Australian player Ashleigh Gardner (12) and Phoebe Litchfield (21) looked to steady the innings but having added 23 runs for the fourth wicket, the former perished to a lovely flighted delivery from off-spinner Mani.

The Giants were tottering at 39 for four in the ninth over and the situation became worse for them when Radha Yadav pulled off a nice catch to send back Litchfield off the bowling of Mani.

At 48 for five in the 11th over, the Giants were in a hopeless situation but Fulmali and Kathryn Bryce put on 68 runs to help the side cross 120 and give their bowlers something to defend.

(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/delhi-capitals-secure-direct-qualification-into-wpl-final-5233096