‘When You Lose a Game, Everything Hurts’ – Rohit Sharma Reflects on India’s Loss Against Sri Lanka in 2nd ODI

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India’s long-format skipper, Rohit Sharma, recently reflected on the Men in Blue’s disappointing defeat against Sri Lanka in the second ODI of the three-match series. The hosts secured a comfortable 32-run victory, dismissing India for 208 in 42.2 overs.

Sri Lanka batted first and posted a total of 240 runs in their allotted 50 overs. Chasing the target, Rohit Sharma provided a brisk start, scoring 64 runs off 44 deliveries at a strike rate of 145.45. However, his dismissal by Jeffrey Vandersay marked a turning point, leading to a collapse in the Indian batting order.

‘You have to play consistent cricket and we failed to do that today’ – Rohit Sharma 

During the post-match presentation ceremony, Sharma expressed his disappointment over the loss and acknowledged Vandersay’s exceptional performance, which included a six-wicket haul. “When you lose a game, everything hurts. It’s not just about those 10 overs. You have to play consistent cricket and we failed to do that today. Little disappointed but these things happen. You have to adapt to what’s in front of you. With left-right, we felt it’ll be easier to rotate strike. Credit to Jeffrey, he got six wickets. The reason I got 65 is because of the way I batted. When I am batting like that, there’s a lot of risks taken,” said Rohit.

Reflecting on his batting approach, Sharma emphasized the importance of scoring heavily during the powerplay. “If you don’t cross the line, you always feel disappointed. I don’t want to compromise on my intent. We understand the nature of this surface, it gets really tough in the middle overs. You have to try to get as many as possible in the powerplay. We weren’t good enough. Don’t want to look too much into how we played. But there’ll be talks about our batting in the middle overs,” he added.

With the series currently poised at 1-0 in favor of Sri Lanka, India will aim to level the series in the final match on August 7 in Colombo. The visitors will be eager to bounce back and secure a victory to draw the series.

Dindigul Dragons Clinch Maiden TNPL Title with Six-Wicket Victory Over Lyca Kovai Kings

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Dindigul Dragons have lifted their maiden Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) title after a thrilling six-wicket victory over the defending champions Lyca Kovai Kings in the 2024 final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai last night.

Led by veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, the Dragons showcased consistent performances throughout the season. In the final, they successfully chased a modest target of 130 runs to clinch the title.

Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Dindigul Dragons made early inroads by picking three wickets in the powerplay, putting the Lyca Kovai Kings on the back foot. Opener S Sujay provided a brisk start with 22 runs off 12 deliveries but was soon dismissed by Varun Chakravarthy. The Kings’ middle-order batsmen Ram Arvindh and Atheeq Ur Rahman were the top scorers for their team, contributing 27 and 25 runs respectively, and helping their side reach a total of 129/7 in 20 overs.

The Dragons’ bowlers were instrumental in restricting the Kings to a low score. Sandeep Warrier, Varun Chakravarthy, and P Vignesh each picked up two wickets, ensuring the Kings couldn’t build substantial partnerships.

Chasing 130, the Dindigul Dragons faced early setbacks as they lost both openers, Vimal Khumar and Shivam Singh, for single digits. However, a crucial partnership between skipper Ravichandran Ashwin and wicketkeeper Baba Indrajith steadied the innings. Ashwin scored a composed 52 off 46 balls, while Indrajith added 32 off 35 balls.

Sarath Kumar’s quickfire 27 runs sealed the victory for the Dragons, with a towering six in the 19th over. The Dragons reached the target in 18.2 overs, marking a historic win as they lifted their first TNPL trophy.

Sourav Ganguly Questions Delhi Capitals’ Decision of Rejecting Him as Head Coach for IPL 2025

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The Delhi Capitals franchise has recently turned down Sourav Ganguly’s proposal to become the team’s head coach for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This decision comes shortly after the team parted ways with veteran Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who had served as the head coach for seven years.

With the IPL 2025 mega auction on the horizon, Delhi Capitals are in search of a new head coach who can bring an aggressive and dynamic approach to the team, much like Gautam Gambhir did for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Gambhir’s mentorship helped KKR secure the IPL title after a decade-long wait. Recently appointed as the head coach of India’s men’s senior cricket team, Gambhir has stepped down from his role at KKR.

In a recent interview with Bengali daily Aajkaal, Ganguly expressed his interest in taking on the head coach role for the first time in his career. However, his proposal was dismissed by the Delhi Capitals management. Ganguly currently holds the position of Director of Cricket for Delhi Capitals, while also managing the sister franchises Pretoria Capitals in SA20 and Dubai Capitals in ILT20.

“Why not me? Let’s see if I can do it or not. We need to bring in new players. I wanted to recruit England’s rising star, Jamie Smith, for DC’s SA20 team (Pretoria Capitals). He was even ready to join, but England will be busy with their India tour during that time,” Ganguly remarked.

Delhi Capitals on the hunt for an aggressive leader like Gautam Gambhir: Sources 

A source from News18 disclosed that the Delhi Capitals management is seeking a head coach who can adopt an aggressive coaching style and closely monitor players at both domestic and international levels.

ALSO READ ‘I feel much better now’ – LSG Pacer Mayank Yadav Optimistic After Successful Recovery Program Post-IPL 2024

Reports suggest that Delhi Capitals’ main reason for rejecting Ganguly’s proposal is their desire for stability and continuity within the team as they prepare for the IPL 2025 mega auction.

“Ganguly already has many responsibilities as the Director of Cricket, planning various aspects for the franchise. The team requires a very hands-on coach who follows the cricket circuit diligently, much like Gautam Gambhir. His success as a mentor stems from his detailed tracking of players, both internationally and domestically. The management doesn’t want a temporary solution for the head coach position, especially with the new cycle starting after the mega auction,” the source revealed.

Top 5 Masters of Death Overs in IPL History

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Throughout the colorful history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), luminaries like Sachin Tendulkar, AB de Villiers, and Dale Steyn have illuminated the stage with their extraordinary performances. Amidst these cricketing giants, certain bowlers have distinguished themselves with their prowess in the high-pressure death overs, consistently amassing wickets and stalling oppositions’ momentum. Here’s a rundown of the top 5 specialists in bowling during the death overs in IPL history:
  1. Lasith Malinga
Renowned for his unorthodox side-arm action and lethal yorkers, Lasith Malinga stands tall as one of the most influential figures in IPL history. Featuring in 122 matches, Malinga snared an impressive tally of 170 wickets at an economy rate of 7.14. His intimidating presence on the field and unparalleled skills with the ball played a pivotal role in Mumbai Indians’ multiple title triumphs.
  1. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah, hailed as one of India’s premier fast bowlers, is a versatile asset capable of wreaking havoc in any phase of the game. A cornerstone of the Mumbai Indians’ bowling unit for over a decade, Bumrah’s tally of 158 wickets in 128 matches, coupled with an economy rate of 7.32, underscores his mastery over the death overs.
  1. Dwayne Bravo
A stalwart in the T20 circuit, Dwayne Bravo’s bag of tricks and knack for conjuring wickets make him a formidable force in the IPL. With 183 wickets in 161 appearances for the Chennai Super Kings, Bravo’s economy rate of 8.38 belies his effectiveness as a death-over specialist, often turning the tide in his team’s favor with his astute bowling variations.
  1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing bowling prowess and ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs have made him a vital cog in the IPL wheel. Amassing 174 wickets in 167 matches at an economy rate of 7.51, Kumar’s reliability at the death has been instrumental in stifling opposition batsmen and turning the tide in favor of his team.
  1. Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel’s emergence as a dependable performer in the IPL has been a testament to his skill and adaptability. Featuring in 100 matches, Patel has scalped 124 wickets at an economy rate of 8.67, showcasing his prowess as a death-over specialist. Armed with an array of deceptive slower deliveries, Patel has consistently outfoxed batsmen and cemented his reputation as a reliable option in crunch situations. In conclusion, these five stalwarts have left an indelible mark on the IPL landscape with their mastery over the death overs, embodying the essence of skill, strategy, and resilience in the shortest format of the game.

Match 20: IPL 2024 – Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals Top Fantasy Picks

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  Game 20 Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals Location: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Head-to-Head History: MI vs DC Total Matches: 33 MI Victories: 18 DC Victories: 15 No Result: 1 Pitch Analysis The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai has a reputation for facilitating high-scoring matches. Its pitch predominantly favors batsmen, with small boundaries amplifying the scoring potential. Probable Lineup for Mumbai Indians (MI)
  1. Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper)
  2. Rohit Sharma
  3. Naman Dhir
  4. Tilak Varma
  5. Hardik Pandya (captain)
  6. Tim David
  7. Gerald Coetzee
  8. Piyush Chawla
  9. Akash Madhwal
  10. Jasprit Bumrah
  11. Kwena Maphaka
Probable Lineup for Delhi Capitals (DC)
  1. Prithvi Shaw
  2. David Warner
  3. Mitchell Marsh
  4. Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper/captain)
  5. Tristan Stubbs
  6. Abishek Porel
  7. Axar Patel
  8. Anrich Nortje
  9. Mukesh Kumar
  10. Ishant Sharma
  11. Khaleel Ahmed
Stadium Statistics Total Matches Played: 112 Matches Won by Team Batting First: 50 Matches Won by Team Batting Second: 62 Winning Prediction MI: 55% DC: 45% Top Fantasy Picks for the Match Wicket-Keepers: Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan Batsmen: Rohit Sharma, David Warner, Tilak Varma All-Rounders: Mitchell Marsh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Anrich Nortje, Akash Madhwal

Mayank Yadav’s Pace Phenomenon Unveiled by LSG Star’s Mother

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In the electrifying atmosphere of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), Mayank Yadav’s performance for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) has left fans spellbound. Yadav’s thunderous deliveries, clocking speeds of over 150 kmph, have been pivotal in securing victories for Lucknow. Recently, Mamta Yadav, Mayank’s mother, shed light on a surprising aspect of her son’s lifestyle that may be contributing to his cricketing success. In a recent interview, Mamta Yadav disclosed a remarkable revelation about her son’s dietary choices, which could be linked to his remarkable performance on the cricket field. “Mayank has recently embraced a vegetarian diet. Previously, he consumed non-vegetarian food. For the past two years, he has adhered strictly to a vegetarian regimen, following a diet chart meticulously tailored to his needs. He prefers simple fare such as lentils, flatbread, rice, milk, and vegetables,” she revealed. Explaining Mayank’s transition, Mamta mentioned, “He found that non-vegetarian food didn’t agree with his body. He also mentioned his growing belief in Lord Krishna as a contributing factor. While he didn’t elaborate further on why he made the switch, he expressed confidence that his dietary choices were benefiting his game and overall health.” Mamta Yadav expressed optimism about her son’s prospects of representing India on the international stage, despite the dietary change. With Mayank’s stellar performances in the IPL sparking speculation about his potential debut in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, anticipation is high among fans and pundits alike. Hailing from Delhi, Mayank Yadav has emerged as a formidable asset for the Lucknow Super Giants. Although initially signed in the IPL 2023 Auctions for a modest sum of 20 lakh, an injury sidelined him for the entire season. However, his return in the IPL 2024 has been nothing short of spectacular. In just two matches, Mayank Yadav has claimed six wickets, consistently bowling at speeds exceeding 150 kmph. His delivery clocking 156.7 kmph against the Royal Challengers Bangalore stands as the fourth-fastest in IPL history and the quickest of the 2024 season. The transformation from a non-vegetarian to a vegetarian diet could well be the “hidden ingredient” propelling Mayank Yadav’s meteoric rise in cricket.

Previewing the 16th Match of IPL 2024: Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders

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Indian Premier League’s 16th showdown will unfold between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Vizag, presently serving as DC’s home ground due to the ongoing general election. With DC having played three matches thus far and KKR two, the latter has emerged victorious in both encounters, while DC clinched their inaugural win against CSK at Vizag. Head-to-Head Comparison: Teams Matches Won Lost Highest Score Lowest Score DC 32 15 16 228 98 KKR 32 16 15 210 97 Probable Playing 11: Delhi Capitals:
  1. Rishabh Pant (c) (wk)
  2. Tristan Stubbs
  3. Axar Patel
  4. Abishek Porel
  5. Prithvi Shaw
  6. David Warner
  7. Mitchell Marsh
  8. Anrich Nortje
  9. Mukesh Kumar
  10. Ishant Sharma
  11. Khaleel Ahmed
Kolkata Knight Riders:
  1. Phil Salt (wk)
  2. Sunil Narine
  3. Venkatesh Iyer
  4. Shreyas Iyer (c)
  5. Rinku Singh
  6. Andre Russell
  7. Ramandeep Singh
  8. Mitchell Starc
  9. Anukul Roy
  10. Harshit Rana
  11. Angkrish Raghuvanshi

Preview of Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings: 13th IPL Match

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The excitement ramps up as the Indian Premier League’s 13th match unfolds between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, India. Both teams are gearing up for a thrilling encounter, each with its own narrative shaping the game. Delhi Capitals enter this match seeking redemption after facing defeats against Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings in their previous outings. With no points on the board yet, they are eager to turn the tide and secure their first win of the season. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings have enjoyed a confident start, having clinched victories against Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Titans. Head-to-Head Records: In their previous encounters, Chennai Super Kings have held the edge over Delhi Capitals. Out of the 29 matches played between the two teams, CSK has emerged victorious 19 times, while DC has managed to win on 10 occasions. The rivalry is intense, with both teams aiming to outshine each other once again on the cricketing battlefield. Probable Starting Lineups: Delhi Capitals:
  1. Rishabh Pant (c & wk)
  2. David Warner
  3. Mitchell Marsh
  4. Ricky Bhui
  5. Tristan Stubbs
  6. Axar Patel
  7. Sumit Kumar
  8. Kuldeep Yadav
  9. Anrich Nortje
  10. Khaleel Ahmed
  11. Mukesh Kumar Impact Player: Abhishek Porel
Chennai Super Kings:
  1. Ruturaj Gaikwad (c)
  2. Rachin Ravindra
  3. Ajinkya Rahane
  4. Daryl Mitchell
  5. Shivam Dube
  6. Ravindra Jadeja
  7. Sameer Rizvi
  8. MS Dhoni (wk)
  9. Deepak Chahar
  10. Tushar Deshpande
  11. Mustafizur Rahman Impact Player: Matheesha Pathirana
As the stage is set for another gripping encounter, all eyes will be on the players as they strive to leave their mark on the game and lead their respective teams to victory. With both sides boasting of formidable lineups, cricket fans can expect nothing short of a riveting showdown in Visakhapatnam.

Post Match Report – RCB vs KKR: Narine and Venkatesh star as KKR ends home team’s winning streak

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  In a thrilling encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, Sunil Narine and Venkatesh Iyer spearheaded Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to a magnificent 7-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Match Summary: Chasing a challenging target of 183 runs set by RCB, the trio of Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, and Shreyas Iyer showcased exceptional batting prowess, leading KKR to clinch their first away win in IPL 2024. This victory also marked the end of KKR’s losing streak against RCB in Bengaluru, where they had previously succumbed to defeat in 9 matches. Batting Highlights:
  • Phil Salt (30) and Sunil Narine (47) provided KKR with a blazing start, setting the stage for a commanding run chase.
  • Venkatesh Iyer’s impressive half-century (50) and Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 39* guided KKR to a convincing victory.
  • Despite Virat Kohli’s powerful innings, which propelled RCB to a commendable total of 182/6, KKR’s determined batting lineup ensured their successful pursuit.
Bowling Performance:
  • RCB’s Yash Dayal, Mayank Dagar, and Vijayakumar Vyshak managed to pick up a wicket each but struggled to contain KKR’s aggressive batting display.
Fielding Lapses:
  • Kolkata Knight Riders’ fielding unit, however, was marred by errors, as they dropped three crucial catches during the match, providing RCB with opportunities that were not capitalized upon.
Captain’s Decision and Pitch Analysis:
  • KKR’s skipper, Shreyas Iyer, made a strategic decision to bowl first, anticipating the advantage of chasing at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. This decision proved pivotal as KKR successfully chased down the target.
  • The pitch at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium traditionally favors the team batting second, with its short boundaries conducive to high-scoring encounters, as witnessed in this match.
Milestones and Awards:
  • Sunil Narine’s stellar performance in his 500th T20 game earned him the well-deserved Man of the Match award.
  • Noteworthy milestones were also achieved by players such as Ravindra Jadeja and Andre Russell, adding to the excitement of the match.
  • Additionally, Venkatesh Iyer reached the milestone of 1000 IPL runs, while Shreyas Iyer notched up his 100th IPL six.
In conclusion, KKR’s emphatic victory against RCB not only marked a significant milestone in their IPL campaign but also showcased the resilience and skill of their players, particularly the standout performances of Sunil Narine and Venkatesh Iyer.

Rohit Sharma’s Potential Return to Mumbai Indians Captaincy Sparks Speculation Amid Consecutive Defeats

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  The ongoing IPL 2024 season has been a spectacle for cricket fans worldwide, not only for the on-field action but also due to the intriguing rift between former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma and the newly appointed skipper, Hardik Pandya. Sharma, celebrated for leading the team to five IPL titles, has garnered overwhelming support from fans who feel he was unfairly stripped of his captaincy. Recent reports suggest that the Mumbai Indians camp is divided, with players aligning themselves with either Sharma or Pandya. The start of IPL 2024 hasn’t been promising for the Mumbai Indians, suffering two consecutive defeats under Pandya’s leadership against the Gujarat Titans and the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Cricket pundits have questioned Pandya’s decisions and criticized his demeanor, particularly during the match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he was seen laughing despite the team’s bowling struggles. Pandya’s lackluster performance with the bat and perceived indecisiveness have compounded the team’s challenges. The rift between Sharma and Pandya seems to be affecting team dynamics, with tensions escalating after Pandya’s actions during the match against the Gujarat Titans, where he appeared to disregard Sharma’s authority. This incident, coupled with criticism from fans, has put additional pressure on Pandya as the captain. Reports of divisions within the Mumbai Indians camp, with players and management reportedly siding with either Sharma or Pandya, further complicate the team’s situation. The alleged factions within the team underscore the need for management to address internal issues promptly to ensure unity on the field. As speculation mounts regarding Sharma’s potential return to the captaincy, the Mumbai Indians face a critical juncture in their campaign. The franchise’s recent string of defeats has prompted calls for a leadership reassessment, with fans and pundits eagerly awaiting any developments ahead of the team’s upcoming match against the Rajasthan Royals. As the Mumbai Indians strive to overcome their challenges and regain their winning form, all eyes are on whether a change in leadership will be the catalyst for a turnaround in their fortunes during the remainder of the IPL 2024 season.