Trapped In Sports

Menu
Facebook Twitter Youtube

Cricket

Hardik Pandya Mumbai Indians
Cricket, IPL

“Captain can’t bat with the batting strike rate of 120,” Irfan Pathan calls out Hardik Pandya for lack of intent in record chase

/

“Captain can’t bat with the batting strike rate of 120,” Irfan Pathan calls out Hardik Pandya for lack of intent in record chase Irfan Pathan has certainly not held back in calling out Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya. In Sunday’s loss to Gujarat Titans, the former Indian all-rounder was not very impressed by Hardik Pandya’s decision to bat so lower down in the order. In their second consecutive loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, Irfan Pathan called out the MI skipper for lacking intent in a record breaking chase. Sunrisers Hyderabad registered the highest ever total in an IPL innings, scoring 278 runs from their 20 overs. Mumbai Indians put on a valiant display, scoring 246 runs, falling short by just 31 runs. Whilst every MI batter had their strike rates over 200 or just near about, Hardik Pandya struggled to get going. The Indian all-rounder managed to score 24 runs off 20 deliveries, batting at a strike rate of just 120. After starting off with a six and a boundary, Hardik Pandya just could not find the fence. “If the whole team is playing with the strike of 200, Captain can’t bat with the batting strike rate of 120,” Irfan Pathan wrote on X. Mumbai Indians suffer second consecutive defeat Mumbai Indians have not had the best start to their IPL campaign. However, they are no strangers to a slow start, as they have almost always managed to turn around their fortunes in the second half of the tournament. Tilak Varma impressed with the bat against Hyderabad, scoring 64 runs off just 34 deliveries. Naman Dhir looked elegant out in the middle, scoring 30 off just 14 balls, hitting two maximums. The likes of Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma got off to an absolute flyer, scoring 50 runs in the first three overs. However, MI lost both their openers in consecutive overs, and it was always difficult to keep up with the required rate. In some positive news for the five-time champions, Mumbai Indians will now play four consecutive home games. This could be a great opportunity for Mumbai to register a couple of consecutive wins. On paper, they certainly look like a champion side, and a force to reckon with. Also Read: “They missed the trick upfront by not bowling Jasprit Bumrah” : Heinrich Klassen points out a strategy blunder by Hardik Pandya

Jasprit Bumrah
Cricket, IPL

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

/

“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

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

/

“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’

Hardik Pandya
Cricket, IPL

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

/

“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

/

“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

/

“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

MS Dhoni
Cricket, IPL

“MS is the best judge and he felt the time was right,” Stephen Fleming on CSK captain change

/

“MS is the best judge and he felt the time was right,” Stephen Fleming on CSK captain change MS Dhoni’s decision to step down from the helm at Chennai Super Kings has come as a huge surprise. There have been a lot of questions around his decision to hand over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad, just a day before IPL 2024 commences in Chennai. CSK Head Coach, Stephen Fleming has cleared the air surrounding the former Indian captain’s decision. The Kiwi coach has clarified that it was MS Dhoni’s decision to step aside from captaincy, in view of building a clear path for the future. “It was MS [Dhoni’s decision] with a lot of consideration and one view to the future on the back of a good season last year. The timing was good. Behind the scenes, Ruturaj and others have been on a, say, a captaincy-grooming process, looking forward to days like this and the opportunities come up, but MS is the best judge and he felt the time was right,” Fleming said, as quoted by CricInfo. This is for the second time in the last three seasons that Chennai Super Kings have named a new skipper just on the eve of IPL. In 2022, Ravindra Jadeja was handed over the captaincy, after MS Dhoni decided to step down. However, the change did not last long, as Dhoni was back in charge after Chennai suffered six losses in their first eight matches. “A couple of years ago we probably weren’t ready for MS to move aside” : Stephen Fleming Stephen Fleming acknowledged the fact that in 2022, the franchise was not ready for MS Dhoni to step aside from captaincy. Now that the ‘Men in Yellow’ claimed their fifth title last year, and with the mega auction coming up next season, the franchise is better placed to handle such a big change at the helm. “Well, the big thing about a couple of years ago was that we probably weren’t ready for MS to move aside. And what that did was probably shake us as a leadership group or coaches into looking at the possibility when he does go. And up until that stage, it was almost unthinkable, but it sowed the seed. So, we’ve worked pretty hard on making sure that any mistakes that were made during then aren’t made again. And that the leadership isn’t a secret,” Fleming added. Stephen Fleming has also confirmed that there would be ongoing mentorship on field from MS Dhoni. Moreover, the senior players in the team in the form of Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja will help Ruturaj Gaikwad ease into his new role. Chennai Super Kings kickstart their title defence against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Chepauk Stadium on March 22nd. The five-time champions are one of the strongest teams on paper, as they made some valuable additions to their squad in the auction. Shardul Thakur would return to his former franchise, whereas, the likes of Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell will provide options in the batting order. Also Read: IPL 2024: Chennai Super Kings Squad and Predicted XI

Cricket, Test Cricket

NZ vs AUS: Nathan Lyon believes 24-year old left-handed batter will become a superstar

/

NZ vs AUS: Nathan Lyon believes 24-year old left-handed batter will become a superstar Nathan Lyon waxed lyrical on the 24-year old Kiwi all-rounder Rachin Ravindra. The youngster burst onto the International stage only last year, as he took the 2023 ICC World Cup by storm. The southpaw scored 578 runs in 10 matches at an average of 64.22. He has also delivered strong performances in the recently concluded Test series against South Africa. Nathan Lyon believes that Rachin Rachindra is among the most promising names in International cricket at the moment, and expects him to become a superstar. The Australian spinner became the seventh highest wicket taker in Test cricket during the ongoing first Test match between Australia and New Zealand. Speaking to the reporters after the end of third day’s play in Wellington, Nathan Lyon said: “Give respect and credit where it is due. Rachin and Daryl batted superbly. Rachin is a good player and this is the first time I have bowled to him. I saw his performance performance in the ICC World Cup and he is going to be a superstar.” Australia are in a commanding position in the first Test against New Zealand after establishing a first innings lead of 204 runs. The hosts will resume the chase on Day 4, with 111 runs on the board for the loss of three wickets. The Kiwis still need to chase down 258 runs, which is a tall ask. Rachin Ravindra rescued the hosts, as the wickets kept tumbling in the second innings. His unbeaten knock of 56 runs has at least given New Zealand a glimmer of hope going into the fourth day.

Cricket, Featured, IPL

IPL 2024: Chennai Super Kings Squad and Predicted XI

/

IPL 2024: Chennai Super Kings Squad and Predicted XI Chennai Super Kings are the joint most successful team in the Indian Premier League, alongside Mumbai Indians. MS Dhoni guided the Men in Yellow to their fifth title last season, after they defeated Gujarat Titans in an epic finale. The Super Kings will now start their title defence on March 22nd, as the 17th edition of the IPL gets underway. The reigning champions will face Royal Challengers Bangalore in the tournament opener in their home stadium in Chennai. Chennai Super Kings had a successful auction in December last year, where they made a couple of interesting signings. They signed the duo of Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell to strengthen their batting department. Let us have a look at the CSK squad for the 2024 season: CSK Squad: Ajinkya Rahane, Shaik Rasheed, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sameer Rizvi, Daryl Mitchell, Nishant Sindhu, Moeen Ali, Rachin Ravindra, Shivam Dube, Mitchell Santner, Ravindra Jadeja, Aravelly Avinash, Devon Conway, MS Dhoni (wk), RS Hangargekar, Deepak Chahar, Ajay Mandal, Tushar Deshpande, Matheesha Pathirana, Shardul Thakur, Mustafizur Rahman, Prashant Solanki, Simarjeet Singh, Maheesh Theekshana, Mukesh Choudhary Chennai Super Kings have assembled a pretty strong squad, with reinforcements in their fast bowling department. They are more than capable of defending their title this season. Now, let us take a look at their predicted lineup. CSK Playing XI Ruturaj Gaikwad Devon Conway Ajinkya Rahane Daryl Mitchell Shivam Dube Ravindra Jadeja MS Dhoni (c and wk) Maheesh Theekshana Shardul Thakur Deepak Chahar Matheesha Pathirana It should be a toss up between Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra for a place in the middle order. However, the former is expected to get the nod, given that he is more accustomed to playing at number four or five for New Zealand. Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar will be accompanied by Matheesha Pathirana in the fast bowling department. Mustafizur Rahman was another crucial addition to the CSK squad, as he might come in handy during the latter stages of the tournament.

Scroll to Top