"Still Got It": Kohli's Massive Declaration Amid Chatter Over T20 WC Spot

After a minor hiccup in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's first game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 204, Virat Kohli is back where he belongs. The same craftiness and class that Kohli has been known to exude was visible once again as he registered his 100th T20 fifty-plus score, becoming the first Indian and overall only third player to do so, in a match against Punjab Kings on Monday. He scored 77 runs in 49 balls, with 11 fours and two sixes. He scored his runs at a strike rate of over 157. RCB beat PBKS by four wickets, and Kohli played a major role.

Kohli, who took a two-month paternity break, didn't forget to mention that whether it is cricket in the Olympic program or T20 World Cup in the USA, he is 'The Face'.

In 378 appearances in T20s, Virat has scored 12,092 runs at an average of 41.26, with eight centuries and 92 fifties. His best score is 122*. Virat is India's leading T20 run-getter and overall sixth. Kohli's scintillating 77 came in the backdrop of chatter that the former Indian cricket team captain may not be picked for the T20 World Cup. 

After getting the Orange Cap, Kohli opened up on his form. "[To the crowd] Don't get overexcited, it's just two games. I know what this (orange cap) means. [Love story with the crowd] It's been going on for years. People talk a lot about playing the sport. At the end of the day, you don't talk about the achievements, stats or numbers but the memories. It's what Rahul Dravid says. The friendship, love, appreciation, and backing has been amazing and is what you'll miss and never forget," he said.

He then went on to say that he still has it in him to perform in the shortest format.

"In T20, I'm opening, I try to give the team a blazing start. But when wickets start falling, you have to understand the conditions as well. The wicket wasn't as placid as normal here. It was a bit two-paced. Had to play correct cricketing shots, couldn't hit balls across the line. Tried a few, felt like I needed big hits at the other end, which didn't happen as Maxi and Anuj got out quickly. Disappointed not having finished it off. It was a slot ball that I sliced straight to deep point. Not a bad bad though playing after two months and getting into the tournament," he said.  

"I had to, bowlers know I play the cover drive pretty well. So they won't allow me to hit gaps. Guys like KG and Arshdeep, if they are hitting length, you have to create momentum, once you're closer to the ball you negate the bounce. You have to come up with a game plan and try to keep improving. I know my name is often used to just promote the T20 game across the world when it comes to T20 cricket these days but still got it I guess." 

Though players' places in the T20 squad will be defined on the basis of the IPL 2024 campaign, a report has claimed that chief selector Ajit Agarkar has been asked to 'convince' Virat to make way for youngsters in the team.

As per a report in The Telegraph, Virat was informed by Agarkar about the need for a change in his approach. The conversation prompted Kohli to bat more aggressively in T20Is against Afghanistan but could only register the highest score of 29 in a match.

The report further claims that the selectors are of the opinion that the slow wickets in the West Indies wouldn't suit Kohli's natural game as a batter. Hence, the selection committee has been assessing its options for the showpiece event.

With PTI and ANI inputs

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/still-got-it-virat-kohlis-massive-declaration-after-77-for-rcb-amid-chatter-over-t20-world-cup-spot-5309650

IPL 2024 Points Table: RCB Register First Victory. The Leaders Are...

Royal Challengers Bengaluru registered their first victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 and moved up to the sixth position in the points table. Virat Kohli was the top performer for RCB with a brilliant 77 while Dinesh Karthik finished it in style as the team bounced back from their loss against Chennai Super Kings in the opener. Rajasthan Royals are currently top of the table thanks to the best Net Run Rate (NRR) followed by CSK, Gujarat Titans, Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings.

Virat Kohli produced a quality half-century on a slightly gummy pitch that took the Holi-day crowd on a joyride and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a four-wicket victory over Punjab Kings.

The 177-run target wasn't a massively tough one, but needed a meticulous scaling down because of the deck's nature.

Kohli (77, 49b, 11x4, 2x6) conducted it to near-perfection as RCB made 178 for six with four balls to spare to register their first win of this IPL.

The Royal Challengers needed 47 from 24 balls from that point Dinesh Karthik (28 not out off 10 balls) and 'Impact Player' Mahipal Lomror (17 not out, 8 balls)carried them past the rope with some sensible cricket. Karthik team's designated finisher showed that he can seamlessly switch from microphone to willow as he walloped Harshal Patel and Arshdeep Singh with minimum fuss to finish it in style.

Kohli's innings was not a blemish free effort as he received reprieves on the very first ball on zero and then when he was on 33, and on both the times pacer Sam Curran was the aggrieved party.

But when Kohli bats at such a lofty zone those are momentary distractions – for him and for the fans.

He showed that in no little measure, clanking Curran for three more fours after that first drop as 16 runs cascaded in the opening over of the chase.

There were his money shots too – cover drives, swat-flicks, lofts over extra cover as Kohli dismantled the Kings attack all alone.

But a shot stood out from the rest for its sheer timing and execution. Rabada, who was otherwise superb for a 2/23 figure, pitched one slightly short, and Kohli danced down to magnificently flay the offering over the covers for a four.

The inside out maximum over covers off leg-spinner Rahul Chahar too has the touch of Kohli's genius.

Those shorts also bore testimony of Kohli's class on a tacky deck where other RCB batters such as Cameron Green and Glenn Maxwell struggled to get a move-on against Rabada and highly-impressive spinner Harpreet Brar (2/13).

It reflected in the fact that the highest partnership in RCB innings was a 43-run association between Kohli and Rajat Patidar (18, 18b) for the third wicket.

But the lone Odyssey of Kohli ended when his slash off Harshal Patel's slower ball on off-stump failed to generate enough power and distance to clear Brar at deep third man.

(With PTI inputs)

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/ipl-2024-points-table-royal-challengers-bengaluru-register-first-victory-the-leaders-are-5309621

"Where Is Bumrah?": Pietersen, Gavaskar Blast Hardik For Tactical Decision

Former England cricket team batter Kevin Pietersen and legendary India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar were extremely critical of Hardik Pandya's decision to bowl the first over during the match between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024 on Sunday. The MI skipper decided to start proceedings with the new ball instead of choosing star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah - a choice that led to a lot of discussion in the commentary box. Things got worse as Hardik was taken to be the cleaners by GT openers Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha with the all-rounder conceding 20 runs in his first six deliveries.

"Why Jasprit Bumrah is not opening the bowling? I don't understand this," Pietersen remarked.

"Very good question. Very, very good question," Gavaskar replied on commentary.

Even Irfan Pathan took to social media to have his say on the matter.

“Where is Bumrah?” he posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Where is Bumrah?

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 24, 2024

Gujarat went on to score 169 runs with the bat, a decent total on the wicket. Mumbai Indians were off to a bad start as Ishan Kishan feathered an edge to wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, dismissed for a four-ball duck by Azmatullah Omarzai. MI was 0/1 in 0.4 overs.

Rohit Sharma later on developed a brief partnership with young batter Naman Dhir, a 24-year-old with an experience of four T20 innings. Rohit smacked Umesh Yadav for two cracking fours while Naman smashed Omarzai for three fours and a six.

However, Omarzai had the last laugh, trapping Naman leg-before-wicket for 20 in 10 balls, with three fours and a six. MI was 30/2 in three overs. Rohit, however, was unfazed as he continued punishing Umesh with a four and a six.

Dewald Brevis was next up on the crease. With a delightful boundary on Rashid Khan's delivery, Rohit helped MI reach the 50-run mark in 5.4 overs.

Australia pacer Spencer Johnson delivered an expensive over to conclude the first half of the innings, being hit for two fours by Rohit and a six by Brevis. At the end of 10 overs, MI was 88/2 with Rohit (40*) and Brevis (26*) unbeaten.

Brevis hit Mohit Sharma for a four to help MI reach the 100-run mark in 11.1 overs.

The 77-run partnership for the third wicket was ended by Sai Kishore, who trapped Rohit leg-before-wicket for 43 in 29 balls, with seven fours and a six. MI was 107/3 in 12.1 overs.

At the end of 15 overs, MI was 126/3, with Brevis (46*) and Tilak Varma (15*) unbeaten.

Mohit turned things around for GT, dismissing Tim David for 11 in 10 balls after he was caught by David Miller. MI was 142/5 in 18 overs, needing 27 runs in the final 12 balls.

In the next over, Spencer started off by conceding a six, but got Tilak on the next ball, caught by Abhinav Manohar for 25 in 19 balls. MI was 148/6, needing 21 in 10 balls.

Hardik Pandya and Gerald Coetzee were the fresh pair and they took the team to the last over with 19 runs to get in the final over as Gerald was dismissed on the final ball of the over by Spencer for one run. MI was 150/7 in 19 overs.

Shams Mulani was next up on the crease. Hardik started the next over with a six and four. However, he was dismissed for 11 in four balls by Umesh, caught by Tewatia. MI was 160/8, needing nine runs in three balls. Umesh was on a hat-trick, getting Piyush Chawla on next ball for a duck. MI was 160/9, needing nine in two balls.

MI finished their innings at 162/9 in 20 overs, losing by six runs.

With ANI inputs

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/where-is-jasprit-bumrah-kevin-pietersen-sunil-gavaskar-blast-hardik-pandya-for-tactical-decision-5303879

IPL 2024 Points Table After Gujarat Titans' Narrow Win Over Mumbai Indians

An inexplicable batting strategy by Mumbai Indians at the death saw Shubman Gill make an auspicious debut as Gujarat Titans captain with a thrilling six-run victory in their opening IPL game in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Jasprit Bumrah (3/14) was at his absolute best in his first IPL game in two years, firing in his express yorkers at will to help Mumbai Indians restrict Gujarat Titans to 168/6. But Bumrah's effort was not enough as batters like Tilak Varma and skipper Hardik Pandya failed to complement his brilliance. MI ended at 162/9 as things went downhill when all they needed was 43 runs off last five overs with seven wickets in hand.

MI thus failed to break their opening game jinx. The last time they won their IPL opener was against Chennai Super Kings way back in 2012.

After the game GT held the fourth spot in the IPL 2024 table with two points and an NRR of +0.300 while MI were at the 7th spot.

Rajasthan Royals, who won their campaign opener against Lucknow Super Giants in the day game on Sunday, held the top spot with two points and an NRR of +1.000. Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings held the second and third positions, respectively.

See the updated IPL 2024 points table here -

While spinners Rashid Khan (0/23 in 4 overs) and R Sai Kishore (1/24) gave very little with the ball despite the dew setting in, veteran Mohit Sharma (2/32) used his variations with different types of slower deliveries to turn the course of the match.

Spencer Joshnson (2/25) and Umesh Yadav (2/32) were brilliant bowling the 19th and 20th over as Hardik Pandya relegating himself to No. 7 in batting order is something that would need explanation. He did hit a six and four in the last over but Umesh had the last laugh.

Even Tilak Varma refusing a single to Tim David also beggars belief.

MI lost their first wicket without a run on the board after Ishan Kishan failed to open his account, nicking an Azmatullah Omarzai (2/27) delivery to Wriddhiman Saha as the pacer set him up with some excellent swing bowling. After testing Kishan with inswingers, Omarzai got one to move away and the batter could only edge it to the keeper.

New face Naman Dhir began with a flurry of boundaries, leaving the likes of Ravi Shastri excited in the commentary box as the experts discussed the best possible combination for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Having being hit for three fours and a six by Dhir, Omarzai had the last laugh as the batter was adjudged lbw after the Afghan had opted for a review after the on-field umpire thought otherwise.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma (43 off 29 balls) found one on the slot and flicked Umesh Yadav over mid-wicket for a maximum as MI reached 52/2 at the end of powerplay.

Dewald Brevis (46 off 38 balls) also was in fettle as the South African struck sixes off Rashid Khan, Spencer Johnson and Sai Kishore as MI inched closer to the target of 169.

However, Sai Kishore trapped Rohit and Impact Sub Mohit had Brevis caught and bowled to bring GT back into the contest.

Tilak Varma (25 off 19) perished while truing to force the pace, and MI skipper Hardik Pandya too failed to complete the chase after coming close.

Earlier, young left-hander B Sai Sudharsan top-scored with a 45 off 39 balls for GT, while Rahul Tewatia made 22 off 15 balls down the order.

But the evening, without an iota of doubt, belonged to Bumrah, who missed the whole of last edition due to a lower back stress fracture.

He dismissed David Miller and Sudharsan in the 17th over in a space of three deliveries but it didn't help in final outcome.

Assuming that there could be dew later in the evening, MI's new skipper Hardik Pandya invited GT to bat first, and Shubman Gill in his first game as captain was up to the task.

Looking to make an impact against his former team, Pandya opened the bowling and Wriddhiman Saha (19) slapped a wide ball through the off-side to begin GT's campaign with a boundary.

Up against Gill, Pandya erred in line and the stylish batter used his wrists to whip him off his pads for a four, as the MI captain conceded 11 runs after his surprise move to start the proceedings at the expense of one of the world's best bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah.

As Saha got a few useful boundaries, Gill found the fence with consummate ease as GT were off to a flyer.

However, Bumrah's introduction in the fourth over brought MI instant success as the lead pacer sent back Saha with an express yorker, hitting the base of the middle stump. The former India stumper couldn't bring his bat down in quick time.

Spin was brought on in Shams Mulani and Gill rocked back to cut the left-arm spinner through covers for a four. The GT captain then got down on one leg to slog-sweep Mulani for a huge six over deep square-leg.

Piyush Chawla bowled an economical first over, even as GT managed 47 runs for the loss of one wicket in the powerplay.

Chawla continued and Gill tried to disturb his rhythm, but failed. He danced down the ground to hoick him but did not get the necessary elevation, as Rohit Sharma, who is normally not seen fielding in such positions, judged it well to complete a neat catch in the deep.

The experienced Chawla snared the big fish with a googly as Gill (31 off 22 balls) walked back after getting his eye in, much to the relief of the hordes of Mumbai supporters at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

However, with Sai Sudharsan determined to start from where he left in the title clash against CSK last season with a magnificent 96, MI knew they had their task cut out.

(With PTI Inputs)

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/updated-ipl-2024-points-table-after-gujarat-titans-narrow-win-over-mumbai-indians-5304145

Shreyanka Patil Has A Special Message For RCB Men's Team In IPL 2024

The Indian women's cricket team received the 'Sports Performance Of The Year' award at the NDTV Indian Of The Year 2024 award ceremony held in New Delhi on Saturday. The team was represented by Shreyanka Patil, Shafali Verma, Sneh Rana and Radha Yadav. They were presented the award by tennis icon Sania Mirza. Shreyanka spoke about the change that women's cricket has seen in India over the past few years and thanked the BCCI for their support when it comes to opportunities and finances. 

"Firstly thank you NDTV for having us here and presenting this wonderful award. Means a lot. To answer this question, I think it's changed thoroughly over the past few years. Women's cricketers are also given preference for being financially and it is also opportunity for us. It's been amazing and thank you BCCI for giving us an opportunity and also giving us financial support," Shreyanka said.

Shreyanka was part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) side that won the recently concluded Women's Premier League (WPL) title after defeating Delhi Capitals in the final. This was the first time that a RCB side (men's or women's) won a title and Shreyanka had a special message for Virat Kohli and Co for their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign.

"I mean we were all waiting for this cup for past 16 years and we finally did it but I think the men's team are doing really great. They're working really hard for that trophy and we can all see that that they're really working hard and really wanting to do well and get the trophy home. I think they'll really do it very soon and good luck for them and thank you so much," the youngster said.

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/ndtv-indian-of-the-year-shreyanka-patil-has-a-special-message-for-rcb-mens-team-in-ipl-2024-5298368

"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