Tag: Gujarat Titans

  • Hardik Pandya shines with ball as Gujarat Titans limit Rajasthan Royals to 130/9 in IPL final

    By PTI

    AHMEDABAD: Gujarat Titans’ highly-rated bowling attack, led by skipper Hardik Pandya himself, limited a formidable Rajasthan Royals batting unit to 130 for nine in the Indian Premier League final here on Sunday.

    Hardik (3/17) struck thrice in his four overs while Rashid Khan (1/18) delivered yet again on the big stage to put their team on course for a title in its debut season.

    Rajasthan did not have the best of starts after skipper Sanju Samson decided to put runs on the board in a big final.

    With more than a lakh supporting the home team, Gujarat bowlers were able to maintain the pressure on the opposition though Jos Buttler (39 of 35) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (22 off 16) tried their best to break free.

    Jaiswal, who looked tentative against the pace and swing of Mohammad Shami, took more chances compared to Buttler at the start of the innings.

    Among the shots Jaiswal attempted, his most assuring stroke was a beautifully timed six over cover off Shami.

    After pulling Yash Dayal for a massive six over long leg, the southpaw tried one too many and was caught in the deep.

    The extra bounce induced the mishit.

    Buttler, who began his innings with a crisp square cut, was joined by Samson (14 off 11) in the middle.

    Knowing both Rajasthan right-handers struggle against Rashid Khan, Hardik brought the star spinner into the attack in the powerplay itself.

    Both Buttler and Samson chose to play safe against Rashidh as Rajasthan reached 44 for one in the powerplay.

    The in-form Buttler decided to force the issue as he drove Lockie Ferguson over the cover fielder before cutting him for successive boundaries.

    The New Zealander was generating serious pace and went on to clock 157.3 kmph, the fastest ball of the tournament.

    Samson did not last long as his opposite number Hardik removed him on his second ball of the game.

    Hardik hit the hard length and Samson went for the pull shot only to be caught on the off-side, leaving Rajasthan at 60 for two in 8.2 overs.

    Rajasthan’s struggles worsened when Devdutt Padikkal (2), who took eight balls to get off the mark, and Buttler departed in a space of three balls.

    Rashid ended the painful stay of Padikkal before Hardik got the massive wicket of Buttler.

    The Englishman attempted to steer one to third man but ended up edging it back to the wicketkeeper.

    At the other end, new batter Shimron Hetmyer had to answer to the guile of Rashid, who was getting his googlies to rip.

    With Rajasthan going at run a ball after 14 overs, big hits were the need of the hour.

    However, Hardik made it 94 for five by having the dangerous Hetmyer caught and bowled.

    R Ashwin perished in the following over, ending all hopes of a Rajasthan fight back.

    PTI Shami ended the innings in style by castling Riyan Parag’s stumps with a perfectly placed yorker.

    AHMEDABAD: Gujarat Titans’ highly-rated bowling attack, led by skipper Hardik Pandya himself, limited a formidable Rajasthan Royals batting unit to 130 for nine in the Indian Premier League final here on Sunday.

    Hardik (3/17) struck thrice in his four overs while Rashid Khan (1/18) delivered yet again on the big stage to put their team on course for a title in its debut season.

    Rajasthan did not have the best of starts after skipper Sanju Samson decided to put runs on the board in a big final.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    With more than a lakh supporting the home team, Gujarat bowlers were able to maintain the pressure on the opposition though Jos Buttler (39 of 35) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (22 off 16) tried their best to break free.

    Jaiswal, who looked tentative against the pace and swing of Mohammad Shami, took more chances compared to Buttler at the start of the innings.

    Among the shots Jaiswal attempted, his most assuring stroke was a beautifully timed six over cover off Shami.

    After pulling Yash Dayal for a massive six over long leg, the southpaw tried one too many and was caught in the deep.

    The extra bounce induced the mishit.

    Buttler, who began his innings with a crisp square cut, was joined by Samson (14 off 11) in the middle.

    Knowing both Rajasthan right-handers struggle against Rashid Khan, Hardik brought the star spinner into the attack in the powerplay itself.

    Both Buttler and Samson chose to play safe against Rashidh as Rajasthan reached 44 for one in the powerplay.

    The in-form Buttler decided to force the issue as he drove Lockie Ferguson over the cover fielder before cutting him for successive boundaries.

    The New Zealander was generating serious pace and went on to clock 157.3 kmph, the fastest ball of the tournament.

    Samson did not last long as his opposite number Hardik removed him on his second ball of the game.

    Hardik hit the hard length and Samson went for the pull shot only to be caught on the off-side, leaving Rajasthan at 60 for two in 8.2 overs.

    Rajasthan’s struggles worsened when Devdutt Padikkal (2), who took eight balls to get off the mark, and Buttler departed in a space of three balls.

    Rashid ended the painful stay of Padikkal before Hardik got the massive wicket of Buttler.

    The Englishman attempted to steer one to third man but ended up edging it back to the wicketkeeper.

    At the other end, new batter Shimron Hetmyer had to answer to the guile of Rashid, who was getting his googlies to rip.

    With Rajasthan going at run a ball after 14 overs, big hits were the need of the hour.

    However, Hardik made it 94 for five by having the dangerous Hetmyer caught and bowled.

    R Ashwin perished in the following over, ending all hopes of a Rajasthan fight back.

    PTI Shami ended the innings in style by castling Riyan Parag’s stumps with a perfectly placed yorker.

  • Rajasthan Royals opt to bat against Gujarat Titans in IPL final

    By PTI

    AHMEDABAD: Rajasthan Royals opted to bat against Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League final here on Sunday.

    While Royals did not make changes to their playing XI, Gujarat replaced Alzari Joseph with Lockie Ferguson.

    Teams:

    Gujarat Titans: Wriddhiman Saha (w), Shubman Gill, Matthew Wade, Hardik Pandya (c), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Lockie Ferguson, Yash Dayal, Mohammed Shami

    Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (w/c), Devdutt Padikkal, Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Prasidh Krishna, Obed McCoy, Yuzvendra Chahal

  • Rajasthan Royals opt to bat against Gujarat Titans in IPL final

    By PTI

    AHMEDABAD: Rajasthan Royals opted to bat against Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League final here on Sunday.

    While Royals did not make changes to their playing XI, Gujarat replaced Alzari Joseph with Lockie Ferguson.

    Teams:

    Gujarat Titans: Wriddhiman Saha (w), Shubman Gill, Matthew Wade, Hardik Pandya (c), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Lockie Ferguson, Yash Dayal, Mohammed Shami

    Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (w/c), Devdutt Padikkal, Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Prasidh Krishna, Obed McCoy, Yuzvendra Chahal

    AHMEDABAD: Rajasthan Royals opted to bat against Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League final here on Sunday.

    While Royals did not make changes to their playing XI, Gujarat replaced Alzari Joseph with Lockie Ferguson.

    Teams:googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Gujarat Titans: Wriddhiman Saha (w), Shubman Gill, Matthew Wade, Hardik Pandya (c), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Lockie Ferguson, Yash Dayal, Mohammed Shami

    Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (w/c), Devdutt Padikkal, Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Prasidh Krishna, Obed McCoy, Yuzvendra Chahal

  • I am trying to hold one end up and let bowler from other end attack: Gujarat Titans all-rounder Rashid Khan 

    By PTI

    AHMEDABAD: The risk-free tactic used by opposition batters has helped Rashid Khan deploy a defensive game-plan of trying to hold one end up while allowing the bowler at the other end go for the kill.

    In his fifth IPL season, Rashid is no longer an unknown entity and the batters across franchises are trying to see off his overs while trying to go after other bowlers in Gujarat Titans line-up.

    While an economy rate of 6.73 in 15 games is very impressive, Rashid is currently ninth in the overall list with 18 wickets.

    “My mindset wasn’t any different in play-offs. The energy and the thought process is the same throughout. But teams are playing it safe against me. So, I am trying to keep it tight and that increases the chance of picking up wickets by the bowler at the other end,” the Afghan spinner said ahead of Sunday’s final.

    For him, hitting one particular area is key.

    “Irrespective of whether it is a league game or knockouts, my mindset is to bowl in a certain area and I don’t try anything differently. My objective is to build pressure,” Rashid said at the pre-final press conference.

    Evolving as a batter

    Rashid has shown that he is no mug with the bat with nine sixes and a strike-rate of 206 plus in this season.

    Having developed a second skill obviously boosted his confidence and especially after contributing in finishing a couple of close games this season.

    “I batted a bit higher than where I was batting before. The other thing is the confidence. It is given by the coaching staff, captain and all the players. They believed I will be able to perform. That is the kind of energy you need as a player and that has been given to me,” he said.

    He in fact practises a lot at the nets.

    “There are more batting practice sessions for me, batting more than before and the belief that everyone has on me, that this guy can deliver and score some runs for the team, crucial runs.

    “I always had that belief that I can score those 20-25 runs for the team at the end, if the team needs,” he added.

    All praise for ‘Killer Miller’

    Rashid also praised his team-mate David Miller, stating that he makes the job of the top-order easy.

    “Having David, someone who’s in form in the middle, making scores, makes the job of top order easy. Numbers 4, 5 and 6 are important in T20 and once you have them in form, it does help to win games and doesn’t matter whatever the target is.

    “They have scored without any fear, especially when you look at the game against CSK (Chennai Super Kings), the kind of innings David played, he showed his class,” Rashid signed off.

  • I am trying to hold one end up and let bowler from other end attack: Gujarat Titans all-rounder Rashid Khan 

    By PTI

    AHMEDABAD: The risk-free tactic used by opposition batters has helped Rashid Khan deploy a defensive game-plan of trying to hold one end up while allowing the bowler at the other end go for the kill.

    In his fifth IPL season, Rashid is no longer an unknown entity and the batters across franchises are trying to see off his overs while trying to go after other bowlers in Gujarat Titans line-up.

    While an economy rate of 6.73 in 15 games is very impressive, Rashid is currently ninth in the overall list with 18 wickets.

    “My mindset wasn’t any different in play-offs. The energy and the thought process is the same throughout. But teams are playing it safe against me. So, I am trying to keep it tight and that increases the chance of picking up wickets by the bowler at the other end,” the Afghan spinner said ahead of Sunday’s final.

    For him, hitting one particular area is key.

    “Irrespective of whether it is a league game or knockouts, my mindset is to bowl in a certain area and I don’t try anything differently. My objective is to build pressure,” Rashid said at the pre-final press conference.

    Evolving as a batter

    Rashid has shown that he is no mug with the bat with nine sixes and a strike-rate of 206 plus in this season.

    Having developed a second skill obviously boosted his confidence and especially after contributing in finishing a couple of close games this season.

    “I batted a bit higher than where I was batting before. The other thing is the confidence. It is given by the coaching staff, captain and all the players. They believed I will be able to perform. That is the kind of energy you need as a player and that has been given to me,” he said.

    He in fact practises a lot at the nets.

    “There are more batting practice sessions for me, batting more than before and the belief that everyone has on me, that this guy can deliver and score some runs for the team, crucial runs.

    “I always had that belief that I can score those 20-25 runs for the team at the end, if the team needs,” he added.

    All praise for ‘Killer Miller’

    Rashid also praised his team-mate David Miller, stating that he makes the job of the top-order easy.

    “Having David, someone who’s in form in the middle, making scores, makes the job of top order easy. Numbers 4, 5 and 6 are important in T20 and once you have them in form, it does help to win games and doesn’t matter whatever the target is.

    “They have scored without any fear, especially when you look at the game against CSK (Chennai Super Kings), the kind of innings David played, he showed his class,” Rashid signed off.

    AHMEDABAD: The risk-free tactic used by opposition batters has helped Rashid Khan deploy a defensive game-plan of trying to hold one end up while allowing the bowler at the other end go for the kill.

    In his fifth IPL season, Rashid is no longer an unknown entity and the batters across franchises are trying to see off his overs while trying to go after other bowlers in Gujarat Titans line-up.

    While an economy rate of 6.73 in 15 games is very impressive, Rashid is currently ninth in the overall list with 18 wickets.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “My mindset wasn’t any different in play-offs. The energy and the thought process is the same throughout. But teams are playing it safe against me. So, I am trying to keep it tight and that increases the chance of picking up wickets by the bowler at the other end,” the Afghan spinner said ahead of Sunday’s final.

    For him, hitting one particular area is key.

    “Irrespective of whether it is a league game or knockouts, my mindset is to bowl in a certain area and I don’t try anything differently. My objective is to build pressure,” Rashid said at the pre-final press conference.

    Evolving as a batter

    Rashid has shown that he is no mug with the bat with nine sixes and a strike-rate of 206 plus in this season.

    Having developed a second skill obviously boosted his confidence and especially after contributing in finishing a couple of close games this season.

    “I batted a bit higher than where I was batting before. The other thing is the confidence. It is given by the coaching staff, captain and all the players. They believed I will be able to perform. That is the kind of energy you need as a player and that has been given to me,” he said.

    He in fact practises a lot at the nets.

    “There are more batting practice sessions for me, batting more than before and the belief that everyone has on me, that this guy can deliver and score some runs for the team, crucial runs.

    “I always had that belief that I can score those 20-25 runs for the team at the end, if the team needs,” he added.

    All praise for ‘Killer Miller’

    Rashid also praised his team-mate David Miller, stating that he makes the job of the top-order easy.

    “Having David, someone who’s in form in the middle, making scores, makes the job of top order easy. Numbers 4, 5 and 6 are important in T20 and once you have them in form, it does help to win games and doesn’t matter whatever the target is.

    “They have scored without any fear, especially when you look at the game against CSK (Chennai Super Kings), the kind of innings David played, he showed his class,” Rashid signed off.

  • Change in mindset against spinners key to IPL 2022 success: Gujarat Titans batter David Miller

    By PTI

    AHMEDABAD: A change in mindset while facing spinners has played a big part in his success in the ongoing Indian Premier League, believes Gujarat Titans batter David Miller.

    Miller has been the second highest run-scorer for GT with 449 runs from 15 matches, with an unbeaten 94 being his highest score.

    Skipper Hardik Pandya leads the chart with 453 runs from 14 games.

    And the South African said the hardwork he had put in at the nets paid rich dividends.

    “It has been a good season for me against spin. It has been something that I have worked hard on. I have never really felt that I struggled against spin, but it is an area I had to improve,” Miller said during the pre-match press conference ahead of their IPL final against Rajasthan Royals here on Sunday.

    “…I have changed my mindset against spin. I have changed one or two things. I feel like it is just about making sure, especially in T20 cricket, that I am looking to score every ball.

    “If there is a bad ball at least I am in a good position to put it away. It creates a bit of pressure on the bowler. So that is one of the things mentally I have tried to improve,” he added.

    Miller said playing all the matches for GT has been a confidence booster for him.

    “This season (I am) batting a bit higher. I am batting at five. I have managed to bat from the start of the season and play all the games, so it has been enjoyable that I am not in and out (of the team).

    “I have managed to build something the whole season and keep my confidence growing,” he said.

    “I have been backed all the way. Playing all the games allows a player to settle down and really not worry about selection. I am loving being part of this successful team,” added Miller, who has been playing in the IPL for 12 years.

    He attributed GT’s success in its debut season to collective effort.

    “It has obviously been a really good season. But for me the standout has been Rahul Tewatia. Someone like (Mohammed) Shami has bowled incredibly well this season. He has put us in good positions in the powerplay.

    “It is tough to single out players. A lot of guys have put their hands up throughout the competition and that has contributed to a lot of wins,” he said.

    Miller was also effusive in his praise for opener Wriddhiman Saha.

    “He (Saha) is almost like a pillar of strength. I played with him for many years at Kings XI (Punjab Kings) and he is the one who doesn’t complain, doesn’t speak much but gets on with the job.

    “The contributions that he has made has been extremely good upfront. He has set the tone, scoring a lot of boundaries in the powerplay, really getting us to good starts. He has had an incredible season and hopefully he tops with one more extremely good game,” Miller signed off.

  • Change in mindset against spinners key to IPL 2022 success: Gujarat Titans batter David Miller

    By PTI

    AHMEDABAD: A change in mindset while facing spinners has played a big part in his success in the ongoing Indian Premier League, believes Gujarat Titans batter David Miller.

    Miller has been the second highest run-scorer for GT with 449 runs from 15 matches, with an unbeaten 94 being his highest score.

    Skipper Hardik Pandya leads the chart with 453 runs from 14 games.

    And the South African said the hardwork he had put in at the nets paid rich dividends.

    “It has been a good season for me against spin. It has been something that I have worked hard on. I have never really felt that I struggled against spin, but it is an area I had to improve,” Miller said during the pre-match press conference ahead of their IPL final against Rajasthan Royals here on Sunday.

    “…I have changed my mindset against spin. I have changed one or two things. I feel like it is just about making sure, especially in T20 cricket, that I am looking to score every ball.

    “If there is a bad ball at least I am in a good position to put it away. It creates a bit of pressure on the bowler. So that is one of the things mentally I have tried to improve,” he added.

    Miller said playing all the matches for GT has been a confidence booster for him.

    “This season (I am) batting a bit higher. I am batting at five. I have managed to bat from the start of the season and play all the games, so it has been enjoyable that I am not in and out (of the team).

    “I have managed to build something the whole season and keep my confidence growing,” he said.

    “I have been backed all the way. Playing all the games allows a player to settle down and really not worry about selection. I am loving being part of this successful team,” added Miller, who has been playing in the IPL for 12 years.

    He attributed GT’s success in its debut season to collective effort.

    “It has obviously been a really good season. But for me the standout has been Rahul Tewatia. Someone like (Mohammed) Shami has bowled incredibly well this season. He has put us in good positions in the powerplay.

    “It is tough to single out players. A lot of guys have put their hands up throughout the competition and that has contributed to a lot of wins,” he said.

    Miller was also effusive in his praise for opener Wriddhiman Saha.

    “He (Saha) is almost like a pillar of strength. I played with him for many years at Kings XI (Punjab Kings) and he is the one who doesn’t complain, doesn’t speak much but gets on with the job.

    “The contributions that he has made has been extremely good upfront. He has set the tone, scoring a lot of boundaries in the powerplay, really getting us to good starts. He has had an incredible season and hopefully he tops with one more extremely good game,” Miller signed off.

    AHMEDABAD: A change in mindset while facing spinners has played a big part in his success in the ongoing Indian Premier League, believes Gujarat Titans batter David Miller.

    Miller has been the second highest run-scorer for GT with 449 runs from 15 matches, with an unbeaten 94 being his highest score.

    Skipper Hardik Pandya leads the chart with 453 runs from 14 games.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    And the South African said the hardwork he had put in at the nets paid rich dividends.

    “It has been a good season for me against spin. It has been something that I have worked hard on. I have never really felt that I struggled against spin, but it is an area I had to improve,” Miller said during the pre-match press conference ahead of their IPL final against Rajasthan Royals here on Sunday.

    “…I have changed my mindset against spin. I have changed one or two things. I feel like it is just about making sure, especially in T20 cricket, that I am looking to score every ball.

    “If there is a bad ball at least I am in a good position to put it away. It creates a bit of pressure on the bowler. So that is one of the things mentally I have tried to improve,” he added.

    Miller said playing all the matches for GT has been a confidence booster for him.

    “This season (I am) batting a bit higher. I am batting at five. I have managed to bat from the start of the season and play all the games, so it has been enjoyable that I am not in and out (of the team).

    “I have managed to build something the whole season and keep my confidence growing,” he said.

    “I have been backed all the way. Playing all the games allows a player to settle down and really not worry about selection. I am loving being part of this successful team,” added Miller, who has been playing in the IPL for 12 years.

    He attributed GT’s success in its debut season to collective effort.

    “It has obviously been a really good season. But for me the standout has been Rahul Tewatia. Someone like (Mohammed) Shami has bowled incredibly well this season. He has put us in good positions in the powerplay.

    “It is tough to single out players. A lot of guys have put their hands up throughout the competition and that has contributed to a lot of wins,” he said.

    Miller was also effusive in his praise for opener Wriddhiman Saha.

    “He (Saha) is almost like a pillar of strength. I played with him for many years at Kings XI (Punjab Kings) and he is the one who doesn’t complain, doesn’t speak much but gets on with the job.

    “The contributions that he has made has been extremely good upfront. He has set the tone, scoring a lot of boundaries in the powerplay, really getting us to good starts. He has had an incredible season and hopefully he tops with one more extremely good game,” Miller signed off.

  • CSK coach Stephen Fleming predicts a bright future for Pathirana after fruitful debut vs Gujarat Titans

    By IANS

    MUMBAI: Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has predicted a bright future for young Sri Lankan pace bowler Matheesha Pathirana for the franchise in the coming years, after the 19-year-old grabbed two wickets in a losing cause for the four-time champions against Gujarat Titans at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

    Pathirana bowled an economical spell while also taking the wickets of GT opener Shubman Gill and skipper Hardik Pandya to rattle them in the chase in his debut match for CSK. However, Wriddhiman Saha’s unbeaten half-century helped the IPL newcomers to a seven-wicket victory with five balls to spre.

    “Yeah, great. We were really looking forward to him playing and he has had success straightaway. He is very young, we know who the similarities he has with which are big shoes to fill. He had a great debut, and we are really pleased for him. It is a unique skill, and learning to coach how to use that is one of the challenges. It was great for him to get a game with us,” Fleming said.

    The head coach also added that the Super Kings know where they want to improve going into next year, and they will leave “no stone unturned” for IPL 2023.

    “We have got some jigsaw puzzles and we are just trying to fit them all together. It is not just about how a player will perform one day, it is the role that he does. We have got a view to where we want to get to, and where we need to improve for next year. We went through this two years ago, and we got it right. So, we are really working hard on trying to get the jigsaw pieces together.

    “There are some places that we probably need to fill as a lot of teams that don’t qualify have that same challenge. What we try and do is see what we have got right now and make sure that we have no stone unturned when we plan for next year,” said Fleming.

    Fleming added that the expansion of the IPL had provided more opportunities to youngsters to showcase their talent.

    “It has been good. The two new teams have allowed more youngsters to get more prominent roles, which I think is another great opportunity for Indian cricket to develop more talent. We have got a few, we have seen a few on show and we have introduced a few today. Our preference has been for more experience, but by no means do we not look for young players and young talent.

    “And, we are very happy with the guys that have played today and certainly happy with the guys we have in our squad.

    “The start of the three-year cycle is the time that you bring the young players in and then you make something out of them during those three years,” added Fleming.

  • CSK coach Stephen Fleming predicts a bright future for Pathirana after fruitful debut vs Gujarat Titans

    By IANS

    MUMBAI: Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has predicted a bright future for young Sri Lankan pace bowler Matheesha Pathirana for the franchise in the coming years, after the 19-year-old grabbed two wickets in a losing cause for the four-time champions against Gujarat Titans at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

    Pathirana bowled an economical spell while also taking the wickets of GT opener Shubman Gill and skipper Hardik Pandya to rattle them in the chase in his debut match for CSK. However, Wriddhiman Saha’s unbeaten half-century helped the IPL newcomers to a seven-wicket victory with five balls to spre.

    “Yeah, great. We were really looking forward to him playing and he has had success straightaway. He is very young, we know who the similarities he has with which are big shoes to fill. He had a great debut, and we are really pleased for him. It is a unique skill, and learning to coach how to use that is one of the challenges. It was great for him to get a game with us,” Fleming said.

    The head coach also added that the Super Kings know where they want to improve going into next year, and they will leave “no stone unturned” for IPL 2023.

    “We have got some jigsaw puzzles and we are just trying to fit them all together. It is not just about how a player will perform one day, it is the role that he does. We have got a view to where we want to get to, and where we need to improve for next year. We went through this two years ago, and we got it right. So, we are really working hard on trying to get the jigsaw pieces together.

    “There are some places that we probably need to fill as a lot of teams that don’t qualify have that same challenge. What we try and do is see what we have got right now and make sure that we have no stone unturned when we plan for next year,” said Fleming.

    Fleming added that the expansion of the IPL had provided more opportunities to youngsters to showcase their talent.

    “It has been good. The two new teams have allowed more youngsters to get more prominent roles, which I think is another great opportunity for Indian cricket to develop more talent. We have got a few, we have seen a few on show and we have introduced a few today. Our preference has been for more experience, but by no means do we not look for young players and young talent.

    “And, we are very happy with the guys that have played today and certainly happy with the guys we have in our squad.

    “The start of the three-year cycle is the time that you bring the young players in and then you make something out of them during those three years,” added Fleming.

    MUMBAI: Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has predicted a bright future for young Sri Lankan pace bowler Matheesha Pathirana for the franchise in the coming years, after the 19-year-old grabbed two wickets in a losing cause for the four-time champions against Gujarat Titans at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

    Pathirana bowled an economical spell while also taking the wickets of GT opener Shubman Gill and skipper Hardik Pandya to rattle them in the chase in his debut match for CSK. However, Wriddhiman Saha’s unbeaten half-century helped the IPL newcomers to a seven-wicket victory with five balls to spre.

    “Yeah, great. We were really looking forward to him playing and he has had success straightaway. He is very young, we know who the similarities he has with which are big shoes to fill. He had a great debut, and we are really pleased for him. It is a unique skill, and learning to coach how to use that is one of the challenges. It was great for him to get a game with us,” Fleming said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The head coach also added that the Super Kings know where they want to improve going into next year, and they will leave “no stone unturned” for IPL 2023.

    “We have got some jigsaw puzzles and we are just trying to fit them all together. It is not just about how a player will perform one day, it is the role that he does. We have got a view to where we want to get to, and where we need to improve for next year. We went through this two years ago, and we got it right. So, we are really working hard on trying to get the jigsaw pieces together.

    “There are some places that we probably need to fill as a lot of teams that don’t qualify have that same challenge. What we try and do is see what we have got right now and make sure that we have no stone unturned when we plan for next year,” said Fleming.

    Fleming added that the expansion of the IPL had provided more opportunities to youngsters to showcase their talent.

    “It has been good. The two new teams have allowed more youngsters to get more prominent roles, which I think is another great opportunity for Indian cricket to develop more talent. We have got a few, we have seen a few on show and we have introduced a few today. Our preference has been for more experience, but by no means do we not look for young players and young talent.

    “And, we are very happy with the guys that have played today and certainly happy with the guys we have in our squad.

    “The start of the three-year cycle is the time that you bring the young players in and then you make something out of them during those three years,” added Fleming.

  • Gujarat Titans commit harakiri as Daniel Sams’ superb last over seal Mumbai Indians’ second win in IPL

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Pacer Daniel Sams displayed ice-cool temperament as he conceded just three runs in the last over to help Mumbai Indians pull off a stunning five-run victory over table-toppers Gujarat Titans in an IPL game on Saturday.

    MI were seemingly down and out with the Titans’ opening pair of Wriddhiman Saha (55 off 40 balls) and Shubman Gill (52 off 36 balls) sharing a 106-run partnership in 12.1 overs while chasing 178.

    However, the Titans kept losing wickets, including two crucial run-outs as they required nine runs in the last over to win the match.

    They could score just three, while losing one wicket to slump to their second successive defeat in the season.

    For MI, who were already out of contention for a play-off berth, it was only their second win of the season as they remained at the bottom.

    Opting to bowl, Gujarat restricted MI to 177 for six, despite quickfire innings from opening pair of Rohit Sharma (43 off 28 balls) and Ishan Kishan (45 off 29 balls) and Tim David (44 not out off 21 balls).

    Rashid Khan was the most successful bowler for the Titans with his two wickets for 24, while Pradeep Sangwan and Lockie Ferguson got one each.

    Alzarri Joseph also took a wicket but he bled 41 runs in his four overs.

    Chasing 178, Saha looked in full flow as he cracked two fours and a six off Jasprit Bumrah’s first over, before smashing Riley Meredith for two boundaries.

    Shubman Gill slog-swept Murugan Ashwin for a six, before picking up another four as the fifty-run stand came up in quick time, taking the Titans to 54 for one in six overs.

    The Chandigarh batter exploded in the eighth over with three boundaries off Daniel Sams, who had bowled a briliant opening over.

    Kumar Kartikeya was next in line as he yielded 15 runs with Saha smashing his first ball for a four and Gill producing a clean hit over long off before slog-sweeeping the bowler for another four.

    Soon, 100 was up in 11 overs with Saha also completing his fifty.

    Gill too joined him as his single off Pollard took him to a 33-ball half-century.

    Both Saha and Gill smashed six boundaries and two maximums each.

    A bizzare hit wicket ended Sai Sudharsan’s (14) innings, while Hardik Pandya (24) fall short after going for an unnecessary single.

    Needing 20 off last two overs, Miller deposited Bumrah over deep mid-wicket but the Titans couldn’t score nine of the last over lose the match.

    Earlier, invited to bat, Rohit seemed to be in good touch after a series of low scores as he took the early initiative, dominating the proceedings with his strokeplay as Kishan played the second fiddle.

    The MI skipper was particularly harsh on Joseph as he smashed the bowler for four boundaries and a six, while Kishan joined the party in the fifth over, slamming Rashid Khan for a couple of fours to bring up their 50-run partnership.

    Rohit then hit Lockie Ferguson for a four as MI posted 63 for no loss, their best in the powerplay this season.

    Rashid produced the breakthrough in the eighth over, removing the dangerous Rohit, who was trapped in front while looking to play a reverse shot.

    Kishan then took over, dancing down the pitch to send Rahul Tewatia over mid-wicket.

    Suryakumar Yadav produced his trademark whip for a maximum but perished in his next attempt off Pradeep Sangwan.

    Back into the attack, Joseph then struck with a slower delivery which Kishan ended up sending to Rashid at mid-wicket as MI slipped to 111 for 3 in 12 overs.

    Kieron Pollard lived dangerously with Sangwan and Ferguson bowling two quiet overs and was eventually cleaned up by Rashid, who set up the West Indian with two googlies.

    MI thus seemed to have frittered away the solid start but Tilak Verma (21) and Tim David then tried to put together a partnership with the latter launching Mohammed Shami for two fours at mid-off and long leg respectively.

    Varma was run-out with Hardik Pandya producing a direct throw, while Daniel Sams too perished with a second-ball duck.

    However, David smacked Shami for two maximums in the last over to take the team past 170-run mark.

    Mumbai Indians players celebrate after winning the IPL match against Gujarat Titans at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. (Photo | PTI)

    MUMBAI: Pacer Daniel Sams displayed ice-cool temperament as he conceded just three runs in the last over to help Mumbai Indians pull off a stunning five-run victory over table-toppers Gujarat Titans in an IPL game on Saturday.

    MI were seemingly down and out with the Titans’ opening pair of Wriddhiman Saha (55 off 40 balls) and Shubman Gill (52 off 36 balls) sharing a 106-run partnership in 12.1 overs while chasing 178.

    However, the Titans kept losing wickets, including two crucial run-outs as they required nine runs in the last over to win the match.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    They could score just three, while losing one wicket to slump to their second successive defeat in the season.

    For MI, who were already out of contention for a play-off berth, it was only their second win of the season as they remained at the bottom.

    Opting to bowl, Gujarat restricted MI to 177 for six, despite quickfire innings from opening pair of Rohit Sharma (43 off 28 balls) and Ishan Kishan (45 off 29 balls) and Tim David (44 not out off 21 balls).

    Rashid Khan was the most successful bowler for the Titans with his two wickets for 24, while Pradeep Sangwan and Lockie Ferguson got one each.

    Alzarri Joseph also took a wicket but he bled 41 runs in his four overs.

    Chasing 178, Saha looked in full flow as he cracked two fours and a six off Jasprit Bumrah’s first over, before smashing Riley Meredith for two boundaries.

    Shubman Gill slog-swept Murugan Ashwin for a six, before picking up another four as the fifty-run stand came up in quick time, taking the Titans to 54 for one in six overs.

    The Chandigarh batter exploded in the eighth over with three boundaries off Daniel Sams, who had bowled a briliant opening over.

    Kumar Kartikeya was next in line as he yielded 15 runs with Saha smashing his first ball for a four and Gill producing a clean hit over long off before slog-sweeeping the bowler for another four.

    Soon, 100 was up in 11 overs with Saha also completing his fifty.

    Gill too joined him as his single off Pollard took him to a 33-ball half-century.

    Both Saha and Gill smashed six boundaries and two maximums each.

    A bizzare hit wicket ended Sai Sudharsan’s (14) innings, while Hardik Pandya (24) fall short after going for an unnecessary single.

    Needing 20 off last two overs, Miller deposited Bumrah over deep mid-wicket but the Titans couldn’t score nine of the last over lose the match.

    Earlier, invited to bat, Rohit seemed to be in good touch after a series of low scores as he took the early initiative, dominating the proceedings with his strokeplay as Kishan played the second fiddle.

    The MI skipper was particularly harsh on Joseph as he smashed the bowler for four boundaries and a six, while Kishan joined the party in the fifth over, slamming Rashid Khan for a couple of fours to bring up their 50-run partnership.

    Rohit then hit Lockie Ferguson for a four as MI posted 63 for no loss, their best in the powerplay this season.

    Rashid produced the breakthrough in the eighth over, removing the dangerous Rohit, who was trapped in front while looking to play a reverse shot.

    Kishan then took over, dancing down the pitch to send Rahul Tewatia over mid-wicket.

    Suryakumar Yadav produced his trademark whip for a maximum but perished in his next attempt off Pradeep Sangwan.

    Back into the attack, Joseph then struck with a slower delivery which Kishan ended up sending to Rashid at mid-wicket as MI slipped to 111 for 3 in 12 overs.

    Kieron Pollard lived dangerously with Sangwan and Ferguson bowling two quiet overs and was eventually cleaned up by Rashid, who set up the West Indian with two googlies.

    MI thus seemed to have frittered away the solid start but Tilak Verma (21) and Tim David then tried to put together a partnership with the latter launching Mohammed Shami for two fours at mid-off and long leg respectively.

    Varma was run-out with Hardik Pandya producing a direct throw, while Daniel Sams too perished with a second-ball duck.

    However, David smacked Shami for two maximums in the last over to take the team past 170-run mark.

    Mumbai Indians players celebrate after winning the IPL match against Gujarat Titans at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. (Photo | PTI)