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Jasprit Bumrah
Cricket, IPL

“They missed the trick upfront by not bowling Jasprit Bumrah” : Heinrich Klassen points out a strategy blunder by Hardik Pandya

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“They missed the trick upfront by not bowling Jasprit Bumrah” : Heinrich Klassen points out a strategy blunder by Hardik Pandya Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians put on a spectacle for the fans at the Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. Over 520 runs were scored in 40 overs, with the hosts managing to register the highest ever total in an IPL innings. Sunrisers Hyderabad claimed their first win of the season, winning by 31 runs, after posting a mammoth score of 277 runs. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma started the onslaught, scoring 62 and 63 runs, respectively. As usual, Heinrich Klassen made a complete mockery of the bowling in the death overs, scoring 80 runs off just 34 balls. The South African batter pointed out to a strategy blunder by Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya. He believes that the visitors did not utilize their marquee bowler Jasprit Bumrah in the powerplay overs. The Indian pacer bowled just one over in the first six overs, as he came back into the attack only in the 13th over. “I feel they missed the trick upfront by not bowling him (Bumrah) inside the powerplay and we have got the best strikers. They didn’t use their best bowlers. It was incredible to have my best mate with me at the end of the innings who also played a fantastic knock,” Klaasen said in the mid-match presentation. Did Hardik Pandya miss a trick with Jasprit Bumrah? Hardik Pandya was hesitant to throw the ball to Jasprit Bumrah whilst Sunrisers Hyderabad were running away with the match. He brought his main bowler back into the attack in the 13th over, when much of the damage was already done. In the powerplay, Jasprit Bumrah just bowled one over which has certainly raised several questions. Hardik Pandya bowled two overs in the powerplay, with Kwena Maphaka also bowling two overs. Piyush Chawla was handed the sixth over, which was not the best decision to make at that point. Jasprit Bumrah has demonstrated has ability to pick wickets at any stage of the game. Moreover, Mumbai Indians were in desperate need to at least stop the flow of runs, with Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head going after each and every delivery. This makes us question Hardik Pandya’s decision to hold back his key bowler, when a wicket or two could have certainly helped Mumbai’s case. Also Read: “I’ve still got it I guess,” Virat Kohli promises to deliver his best amidst speculations about involvement in T20I World Cup

Carlos Sainz
Formula 1

“Nobody expected a result like this,” Fred Vasseur makes honest admission after Carlos Sainz’s Australian GP victory

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“Nobody expected a result like this,” Fred Vasseur makes honest admission after Carlos Sainz’s Australian GP victory Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur admitted that no one expected Carlos Sainz to claim the 2024 Australian GP victory. The Spaniard was still in the process of recovering from his appendicitis surgery from two weeks ago, as he claimed his first victory of the season on Sunday. Fred Vasseur applauded Carlos Sainz for a brilliant drive at the Albert Park, as he helped Ferrari secured their first 1-2 finish since the season opener in Bahrain in 2022. The former McLaren driver is still without a seat for the next season, and has revealed that there are no offers on the table just yet. Fred Vasseur stated that in the months leading up to the season, the goal was to push to the limit until the end of the season. “This winter we agreed together to push until the last lap of the season,” said Fred. “And he did a fantastic job. He was there in Bahrain, pushing the team also, and for sure Jeddah was a tough weekend, a tough weekend for Carlos, a tough weekend for the team.“ “But the recovery is mega. You have to keep in mind that two weeks ago he was in the hospital. I think even Friday he was not 100 per cent sure to be able to drive. And after a couple of laps, he was on the pace, and this was part of the success – because you can’t give up one lap in free practice if you want to perform. For sure, it’s amazing. If you have a look on where he’s coming from nobody expected a result like this today,” he added. Fred Vasseur denies Carlos Sainz having an advantage over Charles Leclerc Fred Vasseur also denied the fact that Carlos Sainz had the advantage over Charles Leclerc at the Australian GP. “We are speaking about plus or minus half a tenth,” he said. “And classification is one thing, the pace is another one. I think during the race the issue is that we had to cover [Oscar] Piastri at the beginning, that was not ideal in terms of race time, for sure,” he added. “We didn’t want to give up the position on track, and we put him in a tough situation. But on the last stint, he knew more about the degradation of the hard, and he was able to be very consistent and it was a good one,” said Vasseur. Ferrari have now cut the deficit to just four points in the Constructor Championship. Three-time World Champion Max Verstappen was forced to retire in the opening laps after issues with his rear break. His teammate Sergio Perez managed to finish only fifth, which meant that Red Bull could score only 10 points in Australia. Red Bull had a near perfect start to the season, finishing 1-2 in the first two races of the season. Also Read: Helmut Marko sends warning to Ferrari after Max Verstappen’s Australian GP disaster

Andy Murray
Tennis

“The drama is still there, the fight is still there,” Andy Roddick praises Andy Murray after Miami Open defeat

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“The drama is still there, the fight is still there,” Andy Roddick praises Andy Murray after Miami Open defeat For Andy Murray, it was again a story of being so close, yet so far. The three-time Grand Slam champion suffered a three-set defeat to Tomas Machac in the third round of the 2024 Miami Open. The Briton won the first set, and had multiple opportunities in the final set tiebreak to progress to the last 16. Despite his third round loss, former American tennis player Andy Roddick has showered words of praise on Andy Murray. The 2003 US Open champion believes that despite his struggles with injury in the last five-six years, the grit and determination has remained the same. “Since 2019 with the hip issue, he would tell you that he’s not been the same,” said Roddick in an interview. “But the guts of him has been the same. Even if he used to turn these matches and pull them, lately, he hasn’t been able to.” Andy Roddick applauds Andy Murray for strengthening his legacy over the past four-five years Andy Roddick has applauded Andy Murray for strengthening his legacy over the past couple of years. The former world number one has not been the same player as he was prior to the hip injury, however, he has never lacked the intensity on the court. “The drama is still there, the fight is still there. In a way, this compromised version of Murray almost adds to his legacy with the way he’s grinded out the last four or five years. I certainly respect it; I don’t know if I or a lot of us could’ve done it. So, props to him if it is the last time we see him in Miami. It’s been a hell of a run, pal,” he added. Andy Murray has already hinted at retiring this season, as he looks to compete for Great Britain at the Paris Olympics. Wimbledon 2024 could well mark his final Grand Slam appearance. The Briton has not been able to make an impression in the first part of the season, as he has failed to make the quarterfinals of any tournament. Also Read: “Hopefully it has just started,” Jannik Sinner on his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz

Virat Kohli
Cricket, IPL

“I’ve still got it I guess,” Virat Kohli promises to deliver his best amidst speculations about involvement in T20I World Cup

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“I’ve still got it I guess,” Virat Kohli promises to deliver his best amidst speculations about involvement in T20I World Cup Virat Kohli powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their first victory this season, as the hosts saw off Punjab Kings in yet another thriller. Chasing a modest total of 177 runs on a batting-friendly wicket, Virat Kohli’s knock of 77 runs off just 49 balls set the stage for the hosts. However, the Punjab Kings kept chipping away with wickets which brought them right back into the match. Finally, it was Dinesh Karthik’s valiant knock of 28 runs off just 10 deliveries which steered Bengaluru past the finishing line. There has been quite a bit of speculation in the media regarding Virat Kohli’s place in the side for the upcoming T20I World Cup. After being awarded the player of the match award for his magnificent innings against Punjab, the Indian batter stated that he still believes he can deliver the goods in the shortest format of the game. “I know my name is now attached to just promoting the game in different parts of the world when it comes to T20 cricket. I’ve still got it I guess. Just to feel normal for two months – for me, my family – it was a surreal experience. Couldn’t have been more grateful to God for the opportunity to spend time with the family. It’s an amazing experience to just be another person on the road and not be recognised. That’s the promise I can give here – I’ll keep turning up and keep trying me best,” Virat Kohli said in his post-match conference. Also Read: “I completely back him, not an issue,” Hardik Pandya defends Tilak Varma for debatable single call Virat Kohli ‘disappointed’ to not steer RCB past the finishing line Virat Kohli got off to an absolute flyer, as he took the attack to the opposition right from the first over. The RCB batter smashed 11 boundaries, and two maximums in his stylish knock on Monday. He praised the fans for turning out in big numbers once again, and spoke about how he had to adapt out in the middle. “It’s been going on for years (love story with fans at Chinnaswamy). People talk about a lot of other things when you play sport – achievement, stats, numbers. But when you look back it’s the memories you create. The love, appreciation and backing I’ve received has been amazing. I try to give the team a blazing start, but if wickets fall you have to assess. Wasn’t the usual flat pitch. Disappointed I couldn’t finish the game,” said Kohli. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have got their first points on the board, as they will next face Kolkata Knight Riders at home again on Friday. They will be desperate to see Glenn Maxwell get some runs under his belt after failing to make any sort of impact with the bat in the first two matches. Also Read: “Didn’t want to face Rashid Khan”: Irfan Pathan slams Hardik Pandya for ‘poor captaincy’

Max Verstappen
Formula 1

Helmut Marko sends warning to Ferrari after Max Verstappen’s Australian GP disaster

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Helmut Marko sends warning to Ferrari after Max Verstappen’s Australian GP disaster Max Verstappen’s near perfect start to the 2024 F1 season came to a halt on Sunday, as he was forced to retire in the opening laps of the Australian GP. The Dutchman started from pole position, and was able to fend off early pressure from Carlos Sainz to maintain the lead after Turn 1. However, towards the halfway mark of the second lap, Max Verstappen complained of his breaks being loose. Carlos Sainz capitalized on the same, and made a quick pass on the reigning champion who could hardly offer any resistance. Just a couple of seconds later, there were signs of smoke coming out from his right rear break which meant that he had to retire his car. Carlos Sainz led a Ferrari 1-2, as the Spanaird claimed his third win in Formula One. Max Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez could manage to finish only P5, as the Italian side has reduced the deficit in Constructors championship to only 10 points. However, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has fired a warning to Ferrari, as the action moves to Japan in a couple of weeks. “The outcome would have been completely different” : Helmut Marko on Verstappen’s retirement Helmut Marko stated that the outcome of the race would have been very different if Max Verstappen was not forced to retire. He stated that the Dutchman was able to match Carlos Sainz’s pace in the second lap despite facing issues with his brake. “I spoke to Max and he said that despite the problems, he kept up with Sainz’s pace relatively easily,” Marko told Sky Germany. “With Max in the race, the outcome would have been completely different.” “We don’t know exactly yet, but already on the lap when Sainz overtook him, the brake didn’t release. In addition, he got slightly sideways and Sainz overtook him as a result. As a result, the brake got completely stuck and we are very glad that not everything caught fire. We need to evaluate the exact cause,” he added. Max Verstappen still sits on top of the Drivers Championship with 51 points in three races. The Dutchman will look to extend his lead at the Suzuka Circuit in two weeks from now. The three-time champion has won the two previous Japanese GP’s, winning by 19 seconds in 2023, and 27 seconds in 2022.

Hardik Pandya
Cricket, IPL

“Didn’t want to face Rashid Khan”: Irfan Pathan slams Hardik Pandya for ‘poor captaincy’

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“Didn’t want to face Rashid Khan”: Irfan Pathan slams Hardik Pandya for ‘poor captaincy’ Mumbai Indians have only themselves to blame after they succumbed to a six-run defeat in their IPL 2024 opener against Gujarat Titans. With only 40-odd runs required off the final five overs, and with seven wickets in hand, the five-time champions were all set to leave Ahmedabad with two points. Irfan Pathan has hit out at Hardik Pandya after demoting himself down the order. The former Indian all-rounder believes that the Mumbai Indians skipper should have stepped up, and come out instead of Tim David when the fourth wicket fell. He further added that Hardik Pandya wanted to avoid facing Rashid Khan, who had one more over up his sleeve. “Hardik Pandya didn’t want to face Rashid Khan and he sent Tim David, that’s where Mumbai Indians lost the match. Poor captaincy,” said Irfan Pathan. Mumbai Indians continue tradition of losing their IPL opener Mumbai Indians have continued their tradition of losing their IPL opening matches. Since 2012, the five-time champions have failed to win their first match of the tournament, and have earned themselves the reputation of being the slow-starters. However, there are a couple of positives for Mumbai Indians in their six-run defeat to Gujarat. MI’s new signing Gerald Coetzee did a fine job, as he picked up two wickets in his four over spell, conceding just 27 runs. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah who missed the previous season die to injury, picked up 3 wickets on his return, conceding just 14 runs in his 4 overs. Mumbai Indians will look to get back to winning ways, as they face Sunrisers Hyderabad in their second match on Wednesday. This will be Mumbai’s second consecutive away match, before they shift base back home for a couple of matches in April. Also Read: “I completely back him, not an issue,” Hardik Pandya defends Tilak Varma for debatable single call

Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma
Cricket, IPL

“I completely back him, not an issue,” Hardik Pandya defends Tilak Varma for debatable single call

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“I completely back him, not an issue,” Hardik Pandya defends Tilak Varma for debatable single call Mumbai Indians’ long wait to start their IPL season on a winning note will continue just a little further, as they succumbed to a six-run defeat against Gujarat Titans. The last time the five-time champions won their IPL opener was back in 2012, when they defeated Chennai Super Kings. From there on, every passing year has thrown up a similar story in one way or the other. Mumbai Indians seemed in cruise control during the run-chase, needing just 43 runs off the final five overs with seven wickets in hand. The collapse started with Dewald Brevis’ wicket in the 16th over. Tilak Varma has come under some scrutiny, as he refused to take a single off the third ball of Rashid Khan’s final over with Tim David on the other end. Mumbai Indians’ new skipper Hardik Pandya certainly did not have a good welcome back to his former franchises’ home ground on Sunday. The Indian all-rounder defended the southpaw for refusing a single, and stated that there would be some rationale behind his thought process. “I think Tilak felt that that was a better idea at that point of time, I completely back him, not an issue, 13 games to go,” Hardik on Tilak’s decision in the post-match press conference. “It feels good to be back” : Hardik Pandya on returning to Ahmedabad Hardik Pandya was the main man in focus during Sunday’s clash between Mumbai and Gujarat. The stylish all-rounder made his transfer from Gujarat to Mumbai a couple of months ago, replacing Rohit Sharma at the helm. He led the Titans to their first IPL title in their inaugural edition, followed by a runners-up finish last year. Hardik Pandya stated that it was great to be back in Ahmedabad, and praised the fans for turning out in big numbers once again. “Obviously we backed ourselves to chase those 42 runs but it was one of those days when we see the score quite less compared to what it could have been in five overs, I think we lost little bit of momentum there. It feels good to be back because this is one stadium where you can enjoy and feel the atmosphere quite lively and obviously the crowd was full and they got a good game as well,” he added. Hardik Pandya’s Mumbai Indians will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Both teams are coming on the back of losses in their opening matches, with the Sunrisers almost pulling off a last-gasp miracle against Kolkata Knight Riders. Also Read: “Two of India’s Greatest ever to play the game,” Faf du Plessis expects box-office start to IPL 2024

Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni
Cricket, IPL

“Two of India’s Greatest ever to play the game,” Faf du Plessis expects box-office start to IPL 2024

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“Two of India’s Greatest ever to play the game,” Faf du Plessis expects box-office start to IPL 2024 Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings will lock horns against each other in the IPL 2024 opener on Friday. The fixture will be played in the home of the reigning champions in Chennai. This battle will pit two cricketing icons, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni against each other for probably the final time. RCB skipper Faf du Plessis is all sets for a box-office start to IPL 2024, with two of the most popular teams in the league kickstarting the 17th edition of the tournament. Virat Kohli joined the RCB camp earlier this week, after missing the entire five-match Test series against England, on account of the birth of his second child. “Two of India’s Greatest ever to play the game, MS Dhoni & Virat Kohli – two Iconic teams so it’s going to be proper Box-office start to IPL 2024,” said Faf du Plessis. Royal Challengers Bengaluru hope to double their trophy count this season Royal Challengers Bengaluru ended their 16-year wait for their first IPL title, as the women’s team were crowned WPL champions last Sunday. The men’s team are motivated as ever to double their trophy count this season. Chennai Super Kings are the reigning champions, having claimed the title on two occasions in the last three editions. The Men in Yellow have assembled a solid squad, with some great picks at the auction. The likes of Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell will provide useful batting options, whereas, the addition of Shardul Thakur has strengthened their bowling department. MS Dhoni stepped down from his captaincy duties at CSK on the eve of IPL 2024. Ruturaj Gaikwad has been appointed as MS Dhoni’s successor, and as such, he will have big shoes to fill into. The rivalry between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings, popularly known as the ‘Southern Derby,’ has given us some epic battles in the past. We hope to see more of this on Friday, which could well set the stage for the rest of the tournament. Also Read: “MS is the best judge and he felt the time was right,” Stephen Fleming on CSK captain change

Tallon Griekspoor vs Alex Michelsen
Tennis

Miami Open 2024: Tallon Griekspoor vs Alex Michelsen Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

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Miami Open 2024: Tallon Griekspoor vs Alex Michelsen Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction Tallon Griekspoor and Alex Michelsen will lock horns against each other in the second round of the Miami Open on Friday. The former is seeded 25th in Miami, whereas, the American is unseeded. Miami Open 2024: Tallon Griekspoor vs Alex Michelsen Preview Tallon Griekspoor received a bye in the first round, by virtue of being the 25th seed. The Dutchman last competed at the Indian Wells Masters, where he was defeated by Alexander Zverev in straight sets in the second round. The 27-year-old’s best run came at the ATP Rotterdam Open in February, where he managed to reach the semifinals, before losing to Jannik Sinner in straight sets. As far as Alex Michelsen is concerned, the American saw off Lukas Klein in the first round in Miami. The American also featured in the Indian Wells Masters, where he was defeated by fellow countryman Tommy Paul in the second round. The 19-year-old has had a couple of encouraging results on tour in the past couple of months, as he managed to reach the third round of the 2024 Australian Open. He also had a decent run at the Los Cabos Open, defeating Alex de Minaur in straight sets to reach the quarterfinals. Miami Open 2024: Tallon Griekspoor vs Alex Michelsen Head to Head The two players have not faced each other yet, and this will be their first meeting on any surface. Miami Open 2024: Tallon Griekspoor vs Alex Michelsen Prediction This match could go either way, as both players are more than capable of playing some high-quality tennis. Tallon Griekspoor has been relatively inconsistent in the past couple of tournament, as compared to his opponent. Nevertheless, the Dutchman has experience on his side, which should just about help him see off the American in a three-set battle. Tallon Griekspoor has been struggling to get his first serves in, which has been really impacting his service games. There could be several breaks of serve in the match, as both players have found difficulties with their first serves. Also Read: ATP 2024 Clay Court Season: Schedule of Rafael Nadal’s last season on clay courts

Jannik Sinner- Carlos Alcaraz
Tennis

“Hopefully it has just started,” Jannik Sinner on his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz

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“Hopefully it has just started,” Jannik Sinner on his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz Carlos Alcaraz ended Jannik Sinner’s streak of 19 consecutive wins, as he defeated the Italian in the semifinals of the Indian Wells Masters last week. Jannik Sinner has had a brilliant start to the year, as he claimed his first Major title at the 2024 Australian Open in January. The rivalry between the two youngsters has kept the fans on the edge of their seats over the past 18 months. The duo have faced each other on eight occasions, with both parties winning four matches each. Interestingly, the two players are on opposite sides of the draw in Miami, and could well meet each other in the finals. Jannik Sinner hopes that his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz has just started. He reserved some words of praise for his compatriot, complementing him for his magnificent levels of skills on court. “I enjoy it [the rivalry], hopefully it has just started,” Sinner said, as quoted by EuroSport. “He’s an incredible player and usually when we play it’s a very good match up. We both try our best on the court. We have a lot of respect for each other. Off the court we don’t speak that much because he has his own things and I have my things, but on the court he’s a player who can show so many things on the court,” he added. Jannik Sinner says pressure of protecting his winning streak did not impact his performance against Alcaraz Jannik Sinner dismissed claims of being under pressure to protect his 19-match winning streak, which could have led to his loss against Carlos Alcaraz at the Indian Wells Masters. The Italian stated that he was well-prepared that the streak was going to end sometime, and the fact that it came so late in the tournament has been a real positive for him. “Every tournament you go to, it’s a new opportunity and here is a new opportunity again for me to show some good tennis. There are tough situations on the court which I have to solve, like in every other match and then that’s it. No, I was not even thinking about the wins and the losses throughout the year,” said Sinner. Jannik Sinner will kickstart his Miami Open campaign against fellow Italian, Andrea Vavassori on Friday. Following Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from the tournament, the 2024 Australian Open is seeded second in Miami, whereas, Carlos Alcaraz is the top seed. Also Read: ATP 2024 Clay Court Season: Schedule of Rafael Nadal’s last season on clay courts

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