Tag: Indian Premier League

  • Clarity in roles and continuity help Gujarat Titans scale the peak

    Express News Service

    CHENNAI: Up until 7 pm on the second day of the auction, Gujarat Titans did not have a single wicket-keeper and they were also searching for an overseas batter. After all, they had spent the bulk of their money on the likes of Mohammed Shami, Rahul Tewatia, and Lockie Ferguson. In pursuit of salvaging their day and to put up a basic playing XI, they bagged David Miller, Wriddiman Saha and Matthew Wade in the final hour.

    Their squad looked like the one with a lot of raw ingredients on paper, without a proven recipe that could make it work. That Jason Roy, their first-choice overseas opener, pulled out weeks before the tournament didn’t help either. With their squad, and the support staff that included Gary Kirsten and Ashish Nehra — whose record as coaches in IPL isn’t great — meant that memes and jokes were made off them on social media.

    But as their first few games passed by, Titans showed that they did have the recipe. With perfect roles that were specified for every individual, they were able to outplay their opponents. More importantly, they were getting on the right side of the close games early on, with one player or the other stepping up for them — Tewatia against Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, Miller versus Chennai Super Kings. With momentum on their side, Titans put up one of most dominating performances in the IPL to clinch the title on their maiden appearance as they overpowered Rajasthan Royals in their home ground on Sunday.

    So, what brought out the best in those players irrespective of the situations? After Titans qualified for the final, Miller said it was the unconditional backing from the team management with a long rope in a specified role that helped him. “It’s been enjoyable that I am not in and out and I’ve managed to build something and keep my confidence going,” he had said.

    And it wasn’t the regular platitudes that we often hear from players when a team is winning. Titans were putting those words into action. For example, Tewatia, essentially a bowling all-rounder, played a role of a specialised batter in the lower-order where he just have to come out all guns blazing from ball one. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t, but it worked more often than not as Tewatia won matches for them with the bat while bowling a total of only six overs in 16 matches.

    Saha was given the licence to go after every bowler in the powerplay when the ‘Wade experiment’ didn’t work. If Shami was their go-to wicket-taking option with the new ball, Rashid Khan’s four overs meant that teams were often playing a 16-over contest against the Titans. Talk about the benefits of quality bowling attack in the format.

    Then there was their skipper Hardik Pandya, the gel that was holding the side together. Throughout the tournament, he batted at No 4 or No 3, something that he hardly got to do in Mumbai Indians, anchored when needed before unleashing his stroke play in the end. With the ball too, he was chipping in here and there, leading his side from the front. “If I want my team to function in a certain way, I need to be the first flag-bearer to show them the way. So it makes more sense if I do it first,” he said after winning the title.

    So, how could one sum up the Titans’ success recipe? It was probably as simple as backing a bunch of talented players to the hilt with a fluid approach while playing the format the way its supposed to be. 

  • Clarity in roles and continuity help Gujarat Titans scale the peak

    Express News Service

    CHENNAI: Up until 7 pm on the second day of the auction, Gujarat Titans did not have a single wicket-keeper and they were also searching for an overseas batter. After all, they had spent the bulk of their money on the likes of Mohammed Shami, Rahul Tewatia, and Lockie Ferguson. In pursuit of salvaging their day and to put up a basic playing XI, they bagged David Miller, Wriddiman Saha and Matthew Wade in the final hour.

    Their squad looked like the one with a lot of raw ingredients on paper, without a proven recipe that could make it work. That Jason Roy, their first-choice overseas opener, pulled out weeks before the tournament didn’t help either. With their squad, and the support staff that included Gary Kirsten and Ashish Nehra — whose record as coaches in IPL isn’t great — meant that memes and jokes were made off them on social media.

    But as their first few games passed by, Titans showed that they did have the recipe. With perfect roles that were specified for every individual, they were able to outplay their opponents. More importantly, they were getting on the right side of the close games early on, with one player or the other stepping up for them — Tewatia against Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, Miller versus Chennai Super Kings. With momentum on their side, Titans put up one of most dominating performances in the IPL to clinch the title on their maiden appearance as they overpowered Rajasthan Royals in their home ground on Sunday.

    So, what brought out the best in those players irrespective of the situations? After Titans qualified for the final, Miller said it was the unconditional backing from the team management with a long rope in a specified role that helped him. “It’s been enjoyable that I am not in and out and I’ve managed to build something and keep my confidence going,” he had said.

    And it wasn’t the regular platitudes that we often hear from players when a team is winning. Titans were putting those words into action. For example, Tewatia, essentially a bowling all-rounder, played a role of a specialised batter in the lower-order where he just have to come out all guns blazing from ball one. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t, but it worked more often than not as Tewatia won matches for them with the bat while bowling a total of only six overs in 16 matches.

    Saha was given the licence to go after every bowler in the powerplay when the ‘Wade experiment’ didn’t work. If Shami was their go-to wicket-taking option with the new ball, Rashid Khan’s four overs meant that teams were often playing a 16-over contest against the Titans. Talk about the benefits of quality bowling attack in the format.

    Then there was their skipper Hardik Pandya, the gel that was holding the side together. Throughout the tournament, he batted at No 4 or No 3, something that he hardly got to do in Mumbai Indians, anchored when needed before unleashing his stroke play in the end. With the ball too, he was chipping in here and there, leading his side from the front. “If I want my team to function in a certain way, I need to be the first flag-bearer to show them the way. So it makes more sense if I do it first,” he said after winning the title.

    So, how could one sum up the Titans’ success recipe? It was probably as simple as backing a bunch of talented players to the hilt with a fluid approach while playing the format the way its supposed to be. 

    CHENNAI: Up until 7 pm on the second day of the auction, Gujarat Titans did not have a single wicket-keeper and they were also searching for an overseas batter. After all, they had spent the bulk of their money on the likes of Mohammed Shami, Rahul Tewatia, and Lockie Ferguson. In pursuit of salvaging their day and to put up a basic playing XI, they bagged David Miller, Wriddiman Saha and Matthew Wade in the final hour.

    Their squad looked like the one with a lot of raw ingredients on paper, without a proven recipe that could make it work. That Jason Roy, their first-choice overseas opener, pulled out weeks before the tournament didn’t help either. With their squad, and the support staff that included Gary Kirsten and Ashish Nehra — whose record as coaches in IPL isn’t great — meant that memes and jokes were made off them on social media.

    But as their first few games passed by, Titans showed that they did have the recipe. With perfect roles that were specified for every individual, they were able to outplay their opponents. More importantly, they were getting on the right side of the close games early on, with one player or the other stepping up for them — Tewatia against Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, Miller versus Chennai Super Kings. With momentum on their side, Titans put up one of most dominating performances in the IPL to clinch the title on their maiden appearance as they overpowered Rajasthan Royals in their home ground on Sunday.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    So, what brought out the best in those players irrespective of the situations? After Titans qualified for the final, Miller said it was the unconditional backing from the team management with a long rope in a specified role that helped him. “It’s been enjoyable that I am not in and out and I’ve managed to build something and keep my confidence going,” he had said.

    And it wasn’t the regular platitudes that we often hear from players when a team is winning. Titans were putting those words into action. For example, Tewatia, essentially a bowling all-rounder, played a role of a specialised batter in the lower-order where he just have to come out all guns blazing from ball one. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t, but it worked more often than not as Tewatia won matches for them with the bat while bowling a total of only six overs in 16 matches.

    Saha was given the licence to go after every bowler in the powerplay when the ‘Wade experiment’ didn’t work. If Shami was their go-to wicket-taking option with the new ball, Rashid Khan’s four overs meant that teams were often playing a 16-over contest against the Titans. Talk about the benefits of quality bowling attack in the format.

    Then there was their skipper Hardik Pandya, the gel that was holding the side together. Throughout the tournament, he batted at No 4 or No 3, something that he hardly got to do in Mumbai Indians, anchored when needed before unleashing his stroke play in the end. With the ball too, he was chipping in here and there, leading his side from the front. “If I want my team to function in a certain way, I need to be the first flag-bearer to show them the way. So it makes more sense if I do it first,” he said after winning the title.

    So, how could one sum up the Titans’ success recipe? It was probably as simple as backing a bunch of talented players to the hilt with a fluid approach while playing the format the way its supposed to be. 

  • Gujarat Titans win IPL title in maiden season, beat Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in final

    By PTI

    AHMEDABAD: Nobody gave them a chance but Gujarat Titans, bucking all pre-tournament predictions, surprised everyone by lifting the Indian Premier League title in a dream maiden season after a seven-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals in the final here on Sunday.

    Gujarat’s highly-rated bowling attack, led by skipper Hardik Pandya (3/17) himself, limited a formidable Rajasthan Royals batting unit to 130 for nine after losing the toss.

    Shubman Gill and David Miller remained unbeaten on 45 and 32, respectively, to complete an emphatic win for their team.

    It should have been a comfortable chase but Rajasthan bowled their hearts out to make it an interesting final.

    As they showed all season, Gujarat remained calm in tough situations to finish the chase in 18.1 overs.

    Not many gave Gujarat a chance in their first season especially after a mixed auction where they waited till the end to secure the services of wicketkeepers Wriddhiman Saha and Matthew Wade.

    It was not a team studded with star players but Hardik impressed with his leadership and got the best out of his colleagues.

    His performance with bat and ball also contributed immensely to the team’s triumph besides the ability to bounce back from any situation through the brilliance of Miller and Rahul Tewatia.

    After posting an underwhelming total, Rajasthan had to produce a special effort with the ball to get back in the game.

    The pace duo of Trent Boult and Prasidh Krishna were brilliant in the powerplay, reducing Gujarat to 31 for two with Wriddhiman Saha (5) and Matthew Wade (8) back in the dugout.

    Krishna got one to seam back in from good length to breach Saha’s defence and crash into the stumps.

    Boult, who also bowled a maiden over in his tidy spell, removed Wade.

    Gujarat would have been three down in the powerplay if Yuzvendra Chahal held on to a simple catch of Gill off Boult in the first over of the innings.

    Hardik and Gill struggled to get the boundaries but never felt extreme pressure as the asking rate remained very much in control.

    R Ashwin was introduced in the 12th over and Hardik (34 off 30) decided to go after him, collecting a four and six off successive balls to bring up the 50-run stand with Gill and take Gujarat to 77 for two in 12 overs.

    The skipper fell to a brilliant leg break from Chahal but Gill and Miller got the job done in the end.

    The entire stadium, housing more than a lakh people, erupted when Gill hit the winning six.

    Earlier, 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.

    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 well that both the 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 Rashid 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.

    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 Shimron Hetmyer caught and bowled.

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

    Brief Scores:

    Rajasthan Royals: 130/9 in 20 overs (Jos Buttler 39; Rashid Khan 1/18, Hardik Pandya 3/17).

    Gujarat Titans: 133/3 in 18.1 overs (Hardik Pandya 34, Shubman Gill 45 not out)

  • 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.

  • 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

    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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.