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Tag: Arshdeep Singh

  • ‘Only a worthless person…’: Harbhajan Singh on Kamran Akmal’s controversial comment on Sikh community and Arshdeep Singh | Cricket News

    Former India bowler Harbhajan Singh on Wednesday lambasted former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal, terming his inappropriate comments against the Sikh community as “childish”. Singh questioned the former cricketer about his knowledge of the history that Sikh community has and expressed that he should never mock or disrespect any religious sentiments.

    Akmal made controversial comments about Arshdeep Singh during a show on ARY News that covered the India-Pakistan ICC T20 World Cup match. During the show, the Pakistani cricketer used a “Kuch bhi ho sakta hai…12 baj gaye hai (Anything can happen. It is already 12).” (Pakistan Captains To Beat India In ICC Events – In Pics)

    His remarks sparked widespread outrage after which Akmal issued an apology on Monday. Slamming Akmal, Harbhajan said that such remarks can be uttered only by a “Naalayak” (incompetent) person.

    Speaking to ANI, Harbhajan Singh said, “This is a very absurd statement and a very childish act that only a ‘Nalaayak’ person can do. Kamran Akmal should understand that there is no need to say anything about anyone’s religion and make fun of it. I would like to ask Kamran Akmal if he knows the history of Sikhs, who are Sikhs and all the work that Sikhs have done to save your community, your mothers, and sisters. Ask this from your ancestors, at 12 o’clock the Sikhs used to attack Mughals and rescue your mothers and sisters, so stop talking nonsense.”

    #WATCH | Brooklyn, New York: On former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal’s comment over the Sikh community, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh says “This is a very absurd statement and a very childish act that only a ‘Nalaayak’ person can do. Kamran Akmal should understand… pic.twitter.com/SyCKW59fgf

    ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2024

    “It is good that he understood so quickly and apologized but he should never again try to hurt any Sikh or any religion. We respect all religions, whether it is Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism or Christianity,” the former cricketer added.

    Akmal faced a huge backlash after his remarks, which finally prompted him to apologize. He expressed his ‘deep regret’ and said he has “utmost respect” for Sikhs worldwide.

    “I deeply regret my recent comments and sincerely apologize to @harbhajan_singh and the Sikh community. My words were inappropriate and disrespectful. I have the utmost respect for Sikhs all over the world and never intended to hurt anyone. I am truly sorry. #Respect #Apology,” Kamran Akmal posted on X following the backlash on Monday.

    Harbhajan Singh was among the first cricketing names to issue a deep condemnation of Akmal’s remarks.

    “Lakh di laanat tere Kamraan Akhmal. You should know the history of Sikhs before you open your filthy mouth. We Sikhs saved your mothers and sisters when they were abducted by invaders, the time was invariably 12 o’clock . Shame on you…Have some Gratitude,” Singh posted on X, followed by angry emojis.

    In the match between India and Pakistan at Nassau County International Stadium on Sunday, India defended a mild total of 120 runs and defeated the arch-rivals by six runs in a low-scoring thriller. Jasprit Bumrah (3/14) was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ for his fiery spell.

  • Kamran Akmal Apologises For Racist Remark Towards Arshdeep Singh During India vs Pakistan Match | Cricket News

    Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has issued an unconditional apology to Harbhajan Singh for making “inappropriate and disrespectful” remarks about India pacer Arshdeep Singh’s religion during the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 match. Akmal expressed that he was “truly sorry” for his comments concerning Sikhs, which provoked a strong reaction from Harbhajan on social media.

    “I deeply regret my recent comments and sincerely apologize to Harbhajan Singh and the Sikh community. My words were inappropriate and disrespectful. I have the utmost respect for Sikhs all over the world and never intended to hurt anyone. I am truly sorry. #Respect #Apology,” Akmal wrote on X, tagging the former India cricketer. (Shoaib Malik Demads Resignation From Babar Azam After Defeat Against India In T20 World Cup 2024)

    In a video reposted by Harbhajan, the former Pakistan cricketer, who was part of a panel on ARY News (A Pakistani news channel), made a controversial remark about Arshdeep’s religion. “Anything can happen… Look, Arshdeep Singh has to bowl the last over. However, he did not have the rhythm. 12 o’clock gaye hai (Anything can happen. The last over will be bowled by Arshdeep Singh; he hasn’t looked in a great rhythm. And It is already 12),” Akmal said while laughing with other panellists on the show.

    The comments were made during the 19th over of Pakistan’s chase in the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match on Sunday at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

    His remarks didn’t sit well with Harbhajan. The former India off-spinner lambasted Akmal. “Lakh di laanat tere Kamraan Akhmal.. You should know the history of sikhs before you open your filthy mouth. We Sikhs saved your mothers and sisters when they were abducted by invaders, the time was invariably 12 o’clock. Shame on you. ..Have some gratitude,” he wrote.

  • India’ T20 World Cup 2024 Squad: Who Are The Confirmed Names? Who Are The Contenders Vying For A Spot? , cricket news

    India T20 World Cup 2024 Squad: India’s selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar is going to have some sleepless nights ahead of the squad announcement for the T20 World Cup 2024. Except for a few names, one cannot for sure still say that this is going to. be the squad that will be in USA and West Indies for the mega event. There have been some outstanding performances in IPL 2024 which will make the job of the selectors even more tough. The tournament starts in June and the squad is likely to be announced by the start of May.

    Some of the names who are almost confirmed are veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav and Kuldeep Yadav as the leading wrist spinner. Arshdeep Singh has had a good IPL so far, so he should too make the cut. But there are still nine spots up for grabs.

    Will Hardik Pandya get picked?

    Hardik Pandya, the batting all-rounder, is not in great form either with bat or ball which is a huge concern. However, if he is bowling and batting without any discomfort, Hardik should make the cut. Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh are two names who are fighting for one spot in India playing 11 at the World Cup. But selectors may opt to take both of them to WC as backups for each other. Shivam should easily make it as he can bowl too.

    Three-way battle really for keeper’s slot

    The fight is for the wicketkeeper’s slot. There are six contenders in the form of Ishan Kishan, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Jitesh Sharma, Sanju Samson and Dinesh Karthik. But the real battle mostly should be between Pant, Samson and Rahul. One or maybe two of them could be picked, depending upon what roles they are told to play.

    The bowling department: Tough fight among pacers

    Kuldeep should definitely be the first choice wrist spinner. But India will need another spinner, maybe a wrist or a finger spinner. It could be a battle between Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal who make the cut.

    Then came the pacers. Apart from Bumrah and Arshdeep, India will need 2 more pacers. These two names are very hard to pick. Delhi Capitals’ Khaleel Ahmed, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s T Natarajan, Punjab Kings’ Harshal Patel, and even Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar have become contenders for the spot.

    With no Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj completely out of form, India will have to make a bold choice. Mayank Yadav can be a surprise and bold pick but also a risky one. He has an X-factor which is his extreme pace. But he also lacks experience.

    India’s likely T20 World Cup 2024 squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant/Sanju Samson/KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Two more pacers and one spinner

  • Iftikhar Ahmed Gets Angry On Fan For Calling Him ‘Chachu’, Incident Rocks NZ vs PAK 2nd T20I, Vide Goes Viral – WATCH | cricket news

    In a dramatic turn of events during the NZ vs PAK 2nd T20I at Seddon Park, Hamilton, senior all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. The cricketer, known for his composure, lost his cool when a Pakistani fan referred to him as ‘Chachu.’ The incident, caught on camera, unfolded near the boundary ropes, showcasing a rare heated exchange between a player and a supporter. As Pakistan grappled with New Zealand’s formidable total of 194, Iftikhar Ahmed, stationed near the boundary, faced an unwanted encounter with a vocal fan. The fan, expressing allegiance by saying, “We are your fans,” inadvertently irked Iftikhar, who retorted with a stern “Stay quiet.” The situation escalated quickly, leading to Iftikhar employing strong language to silence the fan, leaving spectators both shocked and intrigued.

    Iftikhar Ahmed got angry When a fan called him “Chachu” Dont call me “Chachu” iftikhar replied.#PAKvsNZ #NZvsPAK #NZvPAK#Iftimania #PakistanCricketTeam pic.twitter.com/G9DRBBWBxU

    — Rizwan Babar Army (@RizwanBabarArmy) January 14, 2024 Match Overview

    Despite the off-field drama, the match itself witnessed New Zealand posting an imposing total of 194 runs in their 20 overs, courtesy of Finn Allen’s stellar 74-run performance. In response, Pakistan, fueled by Babar Azam’s 66 and Fakhar Zaman’s 50, fell short by 21 runs, losing their second consecutive match in the series.

    Road to Redemption

    With two losses in a row, Pakistan now faces a must-win situation in the upcoming NZ vs PAK 3rd T20I scheduled for January 17 in Dunedin. The pressure is mounting on the Men in Green to secure a victory and stay alive in the series.

    The Viral Moment

    The incident involving Iftikhar Ahmed’s heated exchange with the fan quickly became the talk of the town, circulating on social media platforms. The hashtag ‘Khamosh Reh Ch*****’ trended as cricket enthusiasts expressed their opinions on the altercation, further intensifying the spotlight on the cricketer.

  • Arshdeep Singh delighted to represent India, says bowling to Punjab Kings​ batters helped perfect yorkers

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Delighted to earn a maiden national call-up, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh said bowling to the big-hitting Punjab Kings batters in the nets helped him perfect his yorkers.

    The 23-year-old, who has impressed one and all with his death over bowling this season, ended his IPL campaign with 10 wickets and an economy rate of 7.70.

    His ability to bowl the change-ups along with wide yorkers and deliveries in the block-hole earned him a place in the squad for the home series against South Africa next month.

    Arshdeep got to know the good news on his way to Punjab’s last league stage match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday.

    “I got to know just before the match, in the bus that I have got selected in the Indian team. Because the match was going on I didn’t feel much,” Arshdeep told teammate Harpreet Brar after Punjab Kings’ five-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad.

    “It will sink in slowly. It is a special moment. I feel lucky and grateful would like to continue like this,” he added.

    The youngster, who served as a net bowlers for the Indian team in an away series against Sri Lanka last year, said bowling to world-class batters, including Jonny Bairstow, Shikhar Dhawan and Liam Livingstone, in the Punjab Kings nets session helped him perfect his craft.

    “Credit goes to management. They got such batters in the team that the only option to stop them in the nets was by bowling yorkers. And that improved my ability to bowl yorkers.”

  • Arshdeep Singh delighted to represent India, says bowling to Punjab Kings​ batters helped perfect yorkers

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Delighted to earn a maiden national call-up, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh said bowling to the big-hitting Punjab Kings batters in the nets helped him perfect his yorkers.

    The 23-year-old, who has impressed one and all with his death over bowling this season, ended his IPL campaign with 10 wickets and an economy rate of 7.70.

    His ability to bowl the change-ups along with wide yorkers and deliveries in the block-hole earned him a place in the squad for the home series against South Africa next month.

    Arshdeep got to know the good news on his way to Punjab’s last league stage match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday.

    “I got to know just before the match, in the bus that I have got selected in the Indian team. Because the match was going on I didn’t feel much,” Arshdeep told teammate Harpreet Brar after Punjab Kings’ five-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad.

    “It will sink in slowly. It is a special moment. I feel lucky and grateful would like to continue like this,” he added.

    The youngster, who served as a net bowlers for the Indian team in an away series against Sri Lanka last year, said bowling to world-class batters, including Jonny Bairstow, Shikhar Dhawan and Liam Livingstone, in the Punjab Kings nets session helped him perfect his craft.

    “Credit goes to management. They got such batters in the team that the only option to stop them in the nets was by bowling yorkers. And that improved my ability to bowl yorkers.”

    MUMBAI: Delighted to earn a maiden national call-up, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh said bowling to the big-hitting Punjab Kings batters in the nets helped him perfect his yorkers.

    The 23-year-old, who has impressed one and all with his death over bowling this season, ended his IPL campaign with 10 wickets and an economy rate of 7.70.

    His ability to bowl the change-ups along with wide yorkers and deliveries in the block-hole earned him a place in the squad for the home series against South Africa next month.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2′); });

    Arshdeep got to know the good news on his way to Punjab’s last league stage match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday.

    “I got to know just before the match, in the bus that I have got selected in the Indian team. Because the match was going on I didn’t feel much,” Arshdeep told teammate Harpreet Brar after Punjab Kings’ five-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad.

    “It will sink in slowly. It is a special moment. I feel lucky and grateful would like to continue like this,” he added.

    The youngster, who served as a net bowlers for the Indian team in an away series against Sri Lanka last year, said bowling to world-class batters, including Jonny Bairstow, Shikhar Dhawan and Liam Livingstone, in the Punjab Kings nets session helped him perfect his craft.

    “Credit goes to management. They got such batters in the team that the only option to stop them in the nets was by bowling yorkers. And that improved my ability to bowl yorkers.”

  • Seeds of Arshdeep Singh’s stellar IPL run were sown in Sri Lanka

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The seeds of Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh’s stellar IPL season were sown in Sri Lanka where he straightened his run up to improve his inswinger under the guidance of India A and NCA coach Paras Mhambrey.

    The 22-year-old left-arm pacer had travelled to Sri Lanka as a net bowler with the India squad in June-July and was close to making his international debut after a COVID outbreak in the team.

    Arshdeep, who is into his third season, made instant impact on IPL resumption by taking a five-wicket haul against Rajasthan Royals.

    He has taken 16 in the season so far at an average of 19.18.

    Over the past two seasons, he had already made a reputation as an effective death bowler but now he is also making the new ball talk.

    Courtesy a straighter run-up, he is able to bring ball back into the right-hander and the best example of that was the late inswinger to Shubman Gill in the game against KKR.

    Speaking to PTI on the sidelines of the UAE leg, Arshdeep recalled the time spent with the Indian team and how it made him a better bowler.

    Rahul Dravid was head coach on that tour.

    “It was a great experience. You learn a lot when you travel with the team even if you are not playing. The environment under Rahul sir was good. The first zoom call we had after landing there, he said ‘It is not a squad of 20, it is a squad of 25 (including net bowlers) and everyone will get the same treatment’.

    “That makes you feel part of the group. Also there was no senior or junior, you could learn from anyone, from captain to fellow net bowlers to the support staff,” he said.

    Talking about work done on his run up with former India pacer Mhambrey, Arshdeep said: “I did some fine tuning work with Paras sir. He worked on my run up, straightened it a bit which allowed me to move the ball back in, the angle was little too much.

    “We also worked to how better my finish on the follow through. I was there for a month, it was very good experience training wise.”

    Arshdeep, who was born in Madhya Pradesh but hails from Kharar in Punjab, is aware that left-arm pacers are a sought after lot but meditation has taught him to not lose sleep over selection matters — be it for his IPL franchise or the Indian team.

    “Paaji, I believe in expecting nothing and be ready for everything at the same time and also learning never stops. Our mental health expert (with Punjab Kings) told us to medidate regularly and with that I have learnt is that don’t expect much.

    “They even say in a love story also one should not expect as it always hurts,” said the lanky pacer on a lighter note.

    Arshdeep also gives personal coach Jaswant Rai a lot of credit in his rapid rise.

    Having started his IPL career with Punjab Kings, the “homely” atmosphere of the team has also helped him perform.

    “It is like family here. Even when there was change in support staff, it always felt like home.”

    He may not be part of India’s T20 World Cup squad but it is evident that he is on selectors’ radar and the performance in the ongoing IPL has only helped his case.

    Arshdeep signed off after remembering a conversation with Dravid during the Sri Lanka tour.

    “Rahul sir said ‘you are doing well,you are getting results and you are on the radar and just keep performing game after game’. That has stayed with me.”

  • Arshdeep Singh​ takes five wickets as Punjab Kings restrict Rajasthan Royals to 185 in IPL

    By PTI

    DUBAI: Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (49) and Mahipal Lomror (43) starred with the bat but Punjab Kings pulled things back in the rear end to bowl out Rajasthan Royals for 185 in their IPL match here on Tuesday.

    Arshdeep Singh returned with a five-wicket haul after Mohammed Shami claimed three as the duo restricted Rajasthan inside the 200-mark after they were going hammer and tongs at one stage.

    Put into bat, Jaiswal was part of in two vital partnerships, adding 54 with his new opening partner Evin Lewis (36) and then sharing another 48 off 28 balls with Liam Livingstone (25).

    Lomror then smashed his way to a 17-ball 43, studded with four sixes and two fours.

    However, Punjab pulled things back in the end with Shami claiming two wickets to restrict RR inside 200.

    Earlier, Jaiswal smashed two successive fours in the first over off Shami, while debutant Lewis sent Ishan Porel, also playing his first match, sailing over for a six as RR had a flying start.

    The West Indies batsman punished Porel for bowling short and wide, blasting four boundaries in the fourth over.

    Deepak Hooda was then taken to the cleaners as he bled 13 runs.

    Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh then produced the breakthrough, deceiving Lewis with a slower ball as Mayank Agarwal took a fine low catch.

    After the powerplay, RR were at 57 for one.

    Jaiswal then reverse swept England spinner Adil Rashid for a six, before depositing him over long off for another maximum.

    RR skipper Sanju Samson failed to make any impact as a terrific one-handed catch by KL Rahul ended his stay and gave Porel his maiden wicket.

    Livingstone then joined Jaiswal, who picked up another maximum off Rashid in the 9th over.

    Jasiwal raised the team hundred with another four off Harpreet Brar in the 11th over.

    Livingstone also tried to match his partner as he scooped one fine over KL Rahul and then smacked one over mid-wicket off Arshdeep.

    A sensational catch at deep midwicket by Fabian Allen sent Livingstone back to the hut with RR slipping to 116 for 3.

    Jaiswal couldn’t complete his fifty as his leading edge was held on to by Mayank at short cover.

    New man Lomror then went on a six-hitting spree, blasting two maximums off Rashid before sending Hooda for a couple more in the 16th over as RR crossed the 150-mark.

    Lomror also smashed two fours as Hooda conceded 24 runs off his second over.

    However, Shami and Arshdeep restricted their opponent to a competitive score in the end.

  • IPL 2021: Arshdeep Singh reveals how he stopped Sanju Samson from hitting a last-ball six

    By PTI
    MUMBAI: The plan was to “bowl wide yorkers” to the rampaging Sanju Samson, Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh said after he guided his team to a four-run win over Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.

    Samson almost took Royals home with a breathtaking 119 off 63 balls but was caught off the game’s final ball with left-arm pacer Arshdeep defending 13 runs in the last over on Monday night.

    At the post-match press conference, Arshdeep was asked how he prepares himself for bowling in high pressure situations.

    “I just back myself and the way support staff or the bowling coach said to back myself and try to keep the things simple and back the plan which has been devised after speaking to the captain and if you have to bluff, bluff the batsmen and not the captain,” Arshdeep said.

    He returned figures of 3/35 as Punjab managed to eke out a win after posting 221 for six on the board.

    The left-arm pacer dismissed Samson on the final ball as the Rajasthan skipper holed in the deep.

    Asked about his plans to bowl at Samson in the final over, Arshdeep said, “The field was set and the plan that he was to fed (with) wide (balls), had to try and bowl wide yorkers and if we could execute all the six balls, then it will be difficult for him.

    ” “The main thing was to back the execution and bowl as per the plan,” he said.

    According to the 22-year-old Guna-born speedster, there was not much dew at the Wankhede Stadium.

    ‘I guess every team now practices bowling at the depth with the dew, everyone knows that there will be some dew, but I don’t think that there was that much of dew tonight and yes every team practices because you prepare for everything,” he said.

    According to Arshdeep, no team can be written off in the IPL.

    “The wicket was pretty good and they batted really well and I guess IPL is such a big stage and such a good league, you cannot write off any team,” he signed off.

    Punjab, who started their IPL 14 campaign on a winning note, will next face Chennai Super Kings on April 16 at the same venue.

  • Sanju Samson’s century goes in vain as Punjab Kings win this last-ball thriller match by 4 runs

    By PTI
    MUMBAI: Rajasthan Royals’ new captain Sanju Samson’s one man show met with last ball disappointment as Punjab Kings win the match by 4 runs in this high scoring thriller on Monday at the Wankhede Stadium Mumbai on the 12th April 2021. 

    With pacer Arshdeep Singh bowling the last over, Samson turned down Chris Morris’ call for a run in the penultimate ball and went for all in the last ball.

    With 5 runs required of the last ball, he went for a six but only to be caught along the boundary line.

    KL Rahul (91 off 50) and Deepak Hooda (64 off 28) powered Punjab Kings to an imposing 221 for six after being put in to bat on a batting beauty.

    Samson, who effortlessly struck seven sixes and 12 fours, was so confident of taking his team home that he refused a single to Chris Morris on penultimate ball of the game when Royals needed five runs off two balls.

    ALSO READ: Have no words to tell, don’t think I could have done anything more, says RR captain Sanju Samson

    In the end, it was not to be for Royals as Punjab scraped through.

    Chasing 222, Rajasthan lost opener Ben Stokes (0) early.

    Arshdeep then removed Manan Vohra (12) as he lobbed a regulation return catch, leaving Royals in trouble at 25 for two.

    Samson and Jos Buttler (25), who struck four successive boundaries off Riley Meredith, tried to take the game deep with a 45-run stand.

    Pacer Jhye Richardson pegged Rajasthan back by cleaning up Buttler.

    Samson, who was dropped twice, completed his fifty with a boundary and kept playing his shots to keep his team in the game despite losing partners at the other end.

    Royals fetched 26 runs from the 14th and 15th over and then Murugan Ashwin conceded three sixes in the 16th over, as Royals amassed 20 runs, to bring down the equation to 48 runs from the last four.

    Samson hammered Richardson for two boundaries and a six in the 18th over, in which Royals got 19 runs and took his team on the cusp of a fine win before falling short.

    Despite the win, Punjab will be worried that their expensive fast bowling recruits from Australia, Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith, leaked 55 and 49 runs respectively in their four overs.

    Earlier, Rahul smashed seven fours and five sixes while Hooda, playing his first game since the last IPL, plundered six maximums and four boundaries to fire Punjab past 200.

    They lost opener Mayank Agarwal (14) early, who edged it back to Samson for IPL debutant Chetan Sakariya’s first wicket.

    He ended being the pick of the bowlers, conceding only five runs in the 20th over.

    Rahul, who got his first four with a glance to the fine-leg fence, and Chris Gayle (40 off 28) gave the team a good start with their 67-run stand.

    Rahul got a ‘life’ after Ben Stokes dropped him at the fence in the seventh over even as Gayle, looked in his elements.

    The duo then took on Stokes, as Gayle hit his 350th IPL six, a pull over deep square in the 8th over with Punjab racing to 70 for one.

    Gayle was dropped by leggie Rahul Tewatia (0/25) off his own bowling and the very next ball, the left-hander smashed a six.

    However, in the 10th over, Riyan Parag (1/7) removed Gayle, who was holed out to Stokes in the deep.

    Rahul then changed gears and got to his fifty with a six over Shivam Dube’s (0/20) head in the 13th over.

    Hooda then smashed two maximums in the same over and then struck three sixes off Shreyas Gopal (0/40) in the next as Punjab went ballistic.

    It was Rahul and Hooda’s show at the Wankhede that made the difference to their total as the duo tore into the opposition attack on way to to their 105-run stand.

    Courtesy their monstrous hitting, Punjab added 111 runs in the final eight overs.

    Hooda, who had made a 62 against CSK in his last competitive game in November, had stormed out of the Baroda camp ahead of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after claiming that Krunal Pandya misbehaved with him.

    Hooda was subsequently suspended.