News Analysis India

Tag: Indian Premier League 2021

  • Pace is Umran Malik’s biggest asset, he has great control: SRH all-rounder Jason Holder

    By ANI

    ABU DHABI: After registering a thrilling four-run win over Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, SunRisers Hyderabad all-rounder Jason Holder said that Umran Malik’s biggest asset is his pace.

    A spirited bowling performance saw Kane Williamson-led SRH defeat RCB by four runs here at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Wednesday. Bhuvneshwar Kumar defended 13 off the final over to help his side register a thrilling victory.

    “The first thing to mention is his pace, that is his biggest asset. He has been consistent in training and he has been giving us a hard time in training. He is very hard to get hold of, he has been deceiving the batters through his pace and that extra pace adds a boost to any bowling attack,” said Holder during a virtual post-match press conference.

    “It is good to see his control as well, a lot of guys who have bowled quick over the years, generally they can be erratic but he has been pretty consistent,” he added.

    Umran Malik clocked 153kph to bowl the fastest delivery of IPL 2021 against RCB. Malik achieved this feat in the 4th delivery of the 9th over against Devdutt Padikkal. RCB batter got the outside edge and scored a run on the fastest delivery of IPL 2021. Talking about his own performance, Holder said: “Well I just try to prepare well. Funny enough I did not practice on Tuesday, I tend to watch the footage and see patterns on where I can set the field when I bowl. I think batting is just about the situation, the partnership I formed, in the end, was crucial,” he added.

    Earlier, Jason Roy played a knock of 44 runs as SRH posted a total of 141/7 in the allotted twenty overs. For RCB, Harshal Patel returned with the figures of 3-33.

    SunRisers Hyderabad will next take on Mumbai Indians on Friday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

  • Umran Malik certainly is special: Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Kane Williamson

    By ANI

    ABU DHABI: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Kane Williamson believes that pace sensation Umran Malik is special after the Indian youngster clocked 153kph to bowl the fastest delivery of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

    Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) held the nerve to defeat Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by four runs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jason Holder, Siddarth Kaul, Umran Malik, and Rashid Khan picked one wicket each for SRH while Devdutt Padikkal and Glenn Maxwell played innings of 41 and 40 respectively for the RCB.

    Earlier, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) was restricted to the score of 141/7 as Harshal Patel scalped three wickets while Dan Christian and George Garton returned with two and one respectively. Yuzvendra Chahal also bagged one wicket. Jason Roy and Kane Williamson played innings of 44 and 31 respectively as SRH’s middle-order batters failed to bank on after such a good start.

    Kane Williamson, SRH skipper and Player of the Match during the post-match presentation said: “It’s been a tough season and it’s great to see some of those small improvements. To see those small adjustments was good, we thought that total was competitive and we saw that fight throughout the ball as well. I was just trying to maximize the powerplay and the ball was holding on the surface and we were fortunate to build a partnership and we knew things wouldn’t happen quickly from a bowling perspective, but we knew if we held our nerve and stay there for longer periods, we can build that pressure. Game was getting tight and dismissing him (Maxwell) one way or the other was the key, they are a fantastic side and even though we are not in the contention it was great to see the fight.”

    “He certainly is special (on Umran Malik). We saw him in the nets in the last couple of seasons and he is a real competitor and is proving to be effective even on slower surfaces. He’s got a lot of mates in the team as well and that helps in sharing the knowledge. It’s a great opportunity for the younger guys to get involved and hopefully we will keep learning and we go again on Friday,” he added. (ANI)

  • Cool and calm Maxwell: Aussie veteran makes the difference for RCB in IPL 2021

    By Express News Service

    CHENNAI: 145, 179, 310, 169 and 108 runs. These were Glenn Maxwell’s numbers in his last five IPL seasons. Such numbers are staggering for a player, who has done well in the shorter format of the game at the international level and leagues like the Big Bash. 

    He had a thing or two to prove in the 2021 campaign, and has delivered in style, scoring 407 runs for Royal Challengers Bangalore so far.

    Previously with other teams, the 32-year-old was seen as someone who can smash.

    Things have been a tad different in the 24th edition where he has played as the number four batsman allowing  him more time at the crease.

    Maxwell has also take upon himself the responsibility of being much more responsible.

    Much more calculated.

    So what has really worked for Maxwell in Bangalore colours? Previously with other teams, the 32-year-old was primarily looked up as someone who can smash quickfire runs at the end. As a result, he did not have much time to settle down. 

    He was also expected to deliver from ball one. Things have been a tad different in the 14th edition as the number four batsmen, allowing him more time at the crease.  

    An impressive opening stand between Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal has helped Maxwell a lot, ensuring he does not walk in under pressure.

    It would not be wrong to say that Maxwell has been one of the main reasons for Bangalore’s success this season as they have already reached the Playoffs. 

    And if things go as per plan, they could well finish in the top two. More importantly, when he has walked to bat for Bangalore, the element of pressure is quite non-existent with the likes of AB de VIlliers, who can score at blistering pace at the end, batting at number five.

    “It is more about the overs that we are trying to get our batters out there. For me, I am looking to get out there just after powerplay. If I can have that opportunity to bat a little more than 10 overs to go, then I give myself an over or two out  there to get used to the conditions and give myself a platform to go. AB is a little bit later…he has the ability to hit boundaries early on in his innings, he is suited to back end and later overs, where he can cash in. Having (De Villiers) come after me and be there to finish the innings is a hell of a luxury,” said Maxwell, who has scored three half-centuries in a row in his last three innings.

    Maxwell has also taken upon himself to be much more responsible. 

    Often criticised for playing reckless shots in the past, he has been much more calculative and taken time to understand the conditions before taking charge. 

    After getting his eye in, he has been dangerous, hitting sixes at will against both the spinners and pacers.

    “I know I score quickly in ODI and T20 cricket. It was more about having a solid technique at the start of my innings and making sure I take in much information before taking the first risks. With this (RCB) line-up I am afforded a little bit more time to gather information and spend more time in the middle and then when I decide to flick the switch and have a crack, it is a well informed decision.”

    It remains to be seen if he can outdo his best (552 runs in 2014) for the then Kings XI Punjab.

  • Hope my last game is in Chennai: Dhoni gives hint of retiring from IPL  

    By Express News Service

    CHENNAI: With a full-fledged player auction lined up at the end of the ongoing IPL, MS Dhoni has hinted at continuing with the Chennai Super Kings at least for another season.

    No other captain has won more matches than Dhoni in the IPL and he also has three trophies to show and in the ongoing edition, Chennai have already made it to the play-offs.

    However, over the past couple of seasons, Dhoni’s performance with the bat has been nowhere close to what it was during his heydays.

    Dhoni is now 40-year-old and there were questions whether this season could be his last as he had already retired from international cricket in 2020.

    On Tuesday, speaking at India Cements 75 not out — organisation’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations — Dhoni in a virtual conference, said: “When it comes to farewell, you can always come and see me play for CSK. You will still get the opportunity to bid me farewell. Hopefully, we will come to Chennai and I will play my last game there and meet all the fans.”

    In the one-hour live event hosted on the franchise’s YouTube channel, apart from Dhoni, CSK players Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Imran Tahir also took part. Also part of the virtual interaction was N Srinivasan, vice-chairman and MD India Cements. 

  • I’ll be back stronger, says injured CSK all-rounder Sam Curran

    By ANI

    DUBAI: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Sam Curran has been ruled out of IPL 2021 and the upcoming T20 World Cup due to a lower back injury. But the English player has promised to come back stronger.

    “Unfortunately I have received a gutting news that I will, unfortunately, be missing the remainder of the IPL season and the World Cup. Extremely gutted…absolutely loved my time with Chennai this season,” CSK website quoted Curran as saying.

    “The boys are doing extremely well. It hasn’t really sunk in yet but I’m leaving with the team in a fantastic space. The boys are playing really good cricket. I want to be supporting them from where I am in the next few days. Once it’s all sunk in, I’ll definitely be supporting the team and I’m sure they can go all the way and lift the trophy.

    “Just want to say a massive thank you to all the Chennai Super Kings fans, I’ve absolutely loved all your support in the last two seasons I’ve been playing. It won’t be long until I’m back running, bowling and batting in front of all you guys. I’ll be back stronger, until then stay safe. Cheers guys,” he added.

    Talking about Curran’s injury, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said: “It’s really unfortunate that Curran won’t be available for the rest of the season due to a lower back injury. We wish him a speedy recovery and I’m sure he will emerge stronger from this. BCCI has been informed about the injury.”

    Curran, 23, has played 24 Tests, 11 ODIs and 16 T20Is for England. He was a part of the England Test squad that played India in England prior to the IPL.

    For England, Curran’s brother, Tom, has been drafted into the squad for the T20 World Cup.

    In addition, Surrey’s Reece Topley has been added as a travelling reserve. Topley will join the England party in due course. The England players and management not part of the IPL arrived at their Muscat base on Tuesday and will remain in Oman until October 16 before moving to Dubai for the start of the tournament.

  • Poor contributions by Indian players has let Mumbai Indians down: Ex-England cricketer Mark Butcher

    By IANS

    LONDON: Former England cricketer Mark Butcher feels that the lacklustre performance of Indian players, unlike the previous editions, has let down the defending champions Mumbai Indians in the ongoing IPL 2021.

    Mumbai’s batting has been off-colour and it’s the reason behind their slide this season. The key Indian players like captain Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Panday, and Krunal Panday have failed to take responsibility and post big totals.

    Mumbai Indians, who are currently in the seventh position in the points table, face Rajasthan Royals — placed just one place above them, on Tuesday evening in Sharjah. The Rohit-led Mumbai Indians came into this match with a defeat against Delhi Capitals while Rajasthan Royals stunned Chennai Super Kings in their last clash.

    “If all your eyes are turning towards Quinton de Kock at the top and if all eyes are turning towards Trent Boult as a wicket-taker in the powerplay, th’n you’ve got a problem. Mumbai Indians’ success has been built around the fact that they’haven’t looked to overseas players to win the tournament. They have great overseas players, but the Indian players have come to the party and done the job,” said Butcher on Crick’t.com’s show Man vs Machine.

    “Rohit Sharma hasn’t made the ‘uns you’d expect him to make.’Yes, he’s a brilliant captain.’Yes, he’ll probably become India’s T20I captain in the near future. But they need runs from him. Ishan Kishan has found himself out of the team, such has been his form. Contribution from Indian players is just as important, in fact, more important when it comes to winning IPL and qualifying than anything else,” he added.

    In the past, Mumbai have qualified for the playoffs and won titles after being in improbable positions and the former England batsman feels the defending champions have what it takes to pull a rabbit out of the hat once again.

    “They have pulled rabbits out of their hat’ before. It’s in the feature of their success in the IPL. Their fans would be confident that they can beat these two teams – Rajasthan Royals — they took them down in April,” said Butcher.

    “They would also think Sunrisers are there for the taki’g as well. It’s simply a case of concentrating on the job in your hands. No point worrying about ifs and buts. Win this one and the next one. Get two points on the board and then worry about the net run-rate,” he added.

  • Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan’s shot selection has not been exactly correct: Sunil Gavaskar

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: Mumbai Indians batsmen Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan have failed to rise to the challenge in the second leg of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League in the UAE. Not only has their form hurt MI, but also questions have been raised on whether they deserve to be a part of India’s T20 World Cup squad for the showpiece event.

    Speaking on Star Sports show Cricket Connected, legend Sunil Gavaskar said: “I think it looks to me like, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan have just relaxed a little bit after getting the India cap. They might not have, but some of the shots they are playing — it looks like they are trying to play these big shots just because they are India players.

    “Sometimes what happens is, you gotta give yourself a little bit of time, and you gotta get your shot selection right. And I think that is where they have missed this time around, where their shot selection has not been exactly correct, and that’s why they’ve got out cheaply.”

    Throwing light on all-rounder Hardik Pandya not bowling in the IPL, the former India skipper said it is a big blow not just for the franchise, but also for the national team.

    “Hardik Pandya, not bowling is a big blow, not just for Mumbai Indians, but for India as well, because he was taken in the team as an all-rounder. And if you are in the team, batting at No.6 or No.7, and you’re not able to bowl, then it makes it difficult for the captain. He doesn’t get the flexibility and option, that is so required for somebody batting at No.6 or 7 like an all-rounder.”

    The Indian national selectors on September 8 picked the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup to be hosted by the BCCI in UAE and Oman. In a surprise move, R Ashwin was included in the team which will begin its campaign in the showpiece event against arch-rivals Pakistan. Ashwin had last played a T20I against West Indies in July 2017. Yuzvendra Chahal missed out while MS Dhoni will be the mentor of the team.

    Interestingly, RCB spinner Chahal has had a brilliant outing in UAE and has been one of the top bowlers in the second leg of the IPL.

  • Had a good chat with MS Dhoni, he gave me lot of confidence: Delhi Capitals batter Ripal Patel

    By ANI

    DUBAI: Delhi Capitals moved to the top of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 table after securing a three-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday.

    The Delhi Capitals bowlers restricted Chennai Super Kings to 136/5 in their 20 overs before the Delhi batsmen wrapped up the chase in 19.4 overs.

    Middle-order batsman Ripal Patel, who made his IPL debut against the Chennai Super Kings, was thrilled about the fact that MS Dhoni saw him bat from behind the stumps.

    “It was a different feeling altogether to see Mahi bhai behind the stumps when I took guard. It felt really good that Mahi bhai was watching me play. I started playing cricket watching Mahi bhai and I am looking to become a finisher like him. After the game, I asked him how he finishes every match, how he thinks on the field and what goes on in his mind while chasing a score. We had a good chat and he gave me a lot of confidence,” said Ripal in an official DC release.

    When asked about his emotions when he received the Delhi Capitals cap before the game, he said: “I was really happy when I received my cap from Mishy bhai. It didn’t feel like it was my first match. I felt really good going into the match. I just looked to back myself and enjoy every part of the game.”

    The 26-year-old, who scored 18 runs off 20 balls in the match, said that he looked to take his time at the crease, “When I went into bat (at 71/3), we needed to score at a run-a-ball pace. I aimed to finish the match for the team. Shikhar bhai told me to take my time at the crease, so I took my time and enjoyed my batting.”

    Ripal also enjoyed watching Kagiso Rabada finish the match with a boundary in the last over. “It was very important for us to win the match. It was a crunch situation when we needed 2 runs from 3 balls. We were looking for a couple of runs and it was great to see Rabada hit a boundary. I was disappointed that I didn’t finish the match, but it was great that the team won the match and reached 20 points,” he said. (ANI)

  • Family congratulates SRH pacer Umran Malik after excellent show in debut game against KKR

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: SunRisers Hyderabad pace sensation Umran Malik was in tears as his family congratulated him on an excellent debut in the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday night. The Jammu and Kashmir cricketer’s family also wished him luck for the upcoming games.

    “Umran, congratulations to you for getting a chance to play in the IPL. I keep praying for you, my prayers are always with you. Just keep performing well,” his mother said in a video posted by SRH on Twitter.

    “Umran, you have got an opportunity to play in the IPL. Our prayers are always with you. We hope you are happy, wherever you are. Entire Jammu and Kashmir is happy for you,” his father said.

    Sharing his joy, Umran’s brother said: “Congratulations you are getting a chance to play in the IPL. Everyone is proud of you, we are eagerly waiting to see you on television. Best of luck brother.”

    His sister said she was proud of his effort in the opening game. “Congratulations Umran for getting a chance to play in the IPL. I pray that you give your 100 per cent and make us feel proud,” she said.

    Umran impressed one and all with his quick pace to rattle the opposition batters on Sunday night. Umar, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir, clocked two deliveries over 150 kmph on the speed gun and his fastest ball was 151.03. As a result, he is now the only Indian in the top ten for this season to deliver the fastest balls.

    The 21-year-old clocked a delivery at 146 kmph speed in his very first over, and he then entered 150s twice on the speed gun.

    In fact, SRH skipper Kane Williamson had also praised him and said: “We’ve been facing him in the nets, and it’s something quite special. He’s got a lot of pace, he runs in and goes hard. He racked up some fast speeds as well, which is pretty special. What a talent!”

  • I am paid to finish games for my side: Delhi Capitals batsman Shimron Hetmyer

    By ANI

    DUBAI: Delhi Capitals batter Shimron Hetmyer has said that he is paid to finish off games for his side and it is a good feeling to be able to do the job against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

    Hetmyer played an unbeaten knock of 28 runs off just 18 balls to help Delhi Capitals defeat CSK by three wickets with two balls to spare. With this win, Rishabh Pant-led outfit moved to the top of the points table with 20 points from 13 games.

    “Very important for me to finish games. I tell the guys that is what I am paid for and I try to finish as many games as possible. I thought I was out (on his dropped catch), and the guy missed it and I was thankful,” Hetmyer told host broadcaster Star Sports after the game ended.

    “It was just about getting bat on ball. The 19th over was the one where I thought I’d try and get a six and bring it down as much as possible. I had enough practice against Bravo in the CPL. I knew he would go wide with the field he had and I just looked to go straight down the ground against him. It paid off twice,” he added.

    Earlier, Ambati Rayudu played an unbeaten knock of 55 runs off 43 balls as CSK posted a total of 136/5 in the allotted twenty overs. For Delhi Capitals, Axar Patel returned with figures of 2-18.

    “It is difficult, but important to assess the lines and the speeds at which we needed to be bowling on this pitch. I thought they were five or ten runs short in the powerplay. The discussion with Hetmyer was about the lines they’d bowl. He told me that they would bowl wide and he asked me to play straight and look for singles. Such matches give you a lot of confidence in the knockouts,” Axar told Star Sports.

    Delhi Capitals will next square off against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Friday at the Dubai International Stadium.