News Analysis India

Tag: IPL 2021

  • Players are in good rhythm, we will look to go one up: DC assistant coach Mohammad Kaif

    By PTI
    MUMBAI: Delhi Capitals assistant coach Mohammad Kaif said most of his players, including new skipper Rishabh Pant, are in good rhythm going into the IPL as they aim to go one better compared to last time when Mumbai Indians dashed their dreams of a maiden title.

    “We want to go one step further this year and that’s the Delhi Capitals team goal. We have the players to win the title,” said Kaif, who attended his first practice session with the team at the Cricket Club of India here on Saturday.

    “We were very close last year and the plus point for this season is that most of the players such as Rishabh Pant have been playing a lot of cricket.

    “They have been in touch with the game and therefore they are in good rhythm going into the IPL.” Delhi boasts of the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin, Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Prithvi Shaw, Ishant Sharma and overseas players such as Steve Smith, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje– all of whom have played some cricket or the other in the last few months.

    The 40-year-old said Kaif said the team focussed on taking catches under lights during their practice session on Saturday.

    “The players have been carrying out batting and bowling drills in the last few days. As a coaching group we decided to focus on fielding skills in today’s practice session.

    “The players took some catches under lights. It was a great session. I got to meet many young players in the team and the experienced ones as well. I had a good chat with Ravichandran Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane.”

    Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting will be attending his first training session after completing his quarantine period.

    “I am looking forward to meeting Ricky in person. I have been in touch with him on the phone. We will chalk out a training plan with Ponting for the upcoming days once he joins the team on the field,” Kaif said.

    Delhi Capitals will start their IPL 2021 campaign against Chennai Super Kings in Mumbai on April 10.

  • IPL 2021: Gurkeerat Singh Mann replaces injured Rinku Singh at Kolkata Knight Riders

    By IANS
    NEW DELHI: Gurkeerat Singh Mann has replaced the injured Rinku Singh at the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the Indian Premier League (IPL) said in a statement.

    Rinku has been ruled out of the season due to his knee injury.

    “Kolkata Knight Riders have signed up Gurkeerat Singh Mann as replacement for batsman Rinku Singh, who will be unavailable for the entire season due to a knee injury,” said the IPL in a statement.

    Gurkeerat played for Royal Challengers Bangalore last season in the IPL. He played eight matches and managed to score just 80 runs. This will be his eighth season in the IPL. Rinku, who made his IPL debut in 2017, has played a total of 11 IPL games.

    The 2021 IPL starts on April 9 and KKR face SunRisers Hyderabad in their first match of the season on April 11.

  • IPL 2021: Wankhede groundstaff test positive for COVID-19, franchises tighten checks

    By ANI
    NEW DELHI: With seven days to go for the high-octane Indian Premier League clash between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium, groundstaff have tested positive for coronavirus at the stadium. With cases rising in the state of Maharashtra, IPL franchises have started feeling a little wary and are keeping fingers crossed with the 14th edition of the league set to get underway from April 9.

    Speaking to ANI, an official of one of the franchises — currently based in Mumbai — said that it does change the situation and calls for stricter protocols.

    “You do get a little concerned when you hear such things days before the start of the tournament. We have all been following protocols to the core, but obviously, when such a news come in, it makes us a little wary. We are looking at keeping things as tight as possible. Have to be on our guard,” the official said.

    Another franchise official said it was a wake-up call for everyone heading into the tournament. “This could actually serve as a wake-up call before the start of the tournament. Sometimes we tend to get a little comfortable after going inside the bubble. But this will ensure we follow every protocol and there is no messing up,” the official said.

    ALSO READ | Rising Covid-19 cases, but IPL okay

    Wankhede is set to host 10 IPL games this season from April 10-25. The first match at the Mumbai stadium is slated to be played on April 10 between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings.

    Four franchises — Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals have set up their base in Mumbai as of now.

    Maharashtra reported 47,827 new COVID-19 cases and 202 deaths on Friday with Mumbai registering the highest-ever single day spike of 8,832 new cases. It was the second day in a row that Mumbai recorded more than 8,500 cases.

    On Thursday, Kolkata Knight Riders batsman Nitish Rana had tested negative for coronavirus after returning a positive result on March 22. Having undergone self-isolation after the positive result, he underwent a COVID-19 test on Thursday and tested negative. He will start training shortly with an eye on the opening game against SunRisers Hyderabad on April 11.

    Commenting on the turn of events, KKR issued a statement which read: “Nitish Rana had checked into the KKR team hotel in Mumbai, on March 21 with a negative COVID report which was done on March 19. As per IPL protocol, he was tested on March 22, during his quarantine and the report showed that he was positive. He has had no symptoms and has been completely asymptomatic since. Again as per IPL protocol, he isolated himself and was tested again today. We are glad to report that he has tested negative. We expect him to start training with the team shortly and be fully fit well before the start of the season.”

    The BCCI SOP says a player who tests positive must isolate in the designated area outside the bio-secure environment for a minimum of 10 days from the first day of symptoms or the date of collection of the sample which resulted in a positive RT-PCR report, whichever is earlier.

    “During the 10-day isolation, the individual must rest and avoid any exercises. The team doctor should regularly monitor the case. If symptoms worsen during the course of isolation, the individual must be hospitalised immediately,” the SOP states. 

  • IPL 2021: David Warner asks fans for ideas to kill time in quarantine

    By ANI
    CHENNAI: Australia opener David Warner, who joined his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise SunRisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Friday, asked fans to suggest things which he can do to kill time during week-long quarantine.

    The Hyderabad-based side’s skipper will be in quarantine for the next seven days in his hotel room as per BCCI’s SOPs for IPL 2021.

    The Warner-led side had won five out of their last six games to qualify for the playoffs in the 13th edition of the tournament and the team will be looking to carry forward the momentum in this year’s IPL.

    Taking to Instagram he shared a video of himself and wrote, “I’ve arrived and ready to go but one problem I need some ideas to get through the next few days of quarantine!! Please give me some ideas please comment below. #boredinthehouse #india #cricket.”

    “I’m just waking up after a massive massive sleep, arrived yesterday afternoon here in Chennai. Got some 6-7 days to get through quarantine. I need some ideas, please comment below give me some ideas funny stuff, silly stuff whatever it is. Netflix shows, I need something,” he said in a video.

    On Thursday, Warner posted a picture with his wife Candice Warner on social media and said “last wine together” and added it was time to pack the bags and head to India.

    “Our last wine together for a few months, blessed to have spent some quality time at home but it’s time to pack the bags and head to India. Love you lots darling @candywarner1 #cricket #ipl #india #missyou,” Warner wrote in an Instagram post.

    Warner is the third-highest run-scorer and highest among foreign players in the tournament. So far, he has racked up 5,254 runs from 142 matches at an average of 42.71. The southpaw has slammed four tons and 48 fifties in the league.

    SRH will begin their IPL 14 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 11.

  • IPL 2021 SWOT analysis: Will the arrival of Glenn Maxwell and Kyle Jamieson help RCB end title drought?

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI:  Armed with exciting new recruits, including Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson, perennial under-achievers Royal Challenger Bangalore will hope to battle hard in their bid for the elusive IPL trophy.

    Balance issues in the squad, injuries and over reliance on skipper Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers marred RCB’s chances to win the title last season.

    Off to a brilliant start, they ran out of steam towards the fag end of the tournament, losing five in a row to bow out in the Eliminator.

    Having released 10 players ahead of the auction, the team management focussed on strengthening the batting and pace bowling units.

    Here’s is a SWOT analysis of the side that will take on defending champions Mumbai Indians in the tournament opener on April 9

    STRENGTHS:

    RCB have assembled a strong batting line up on paper.

    Run-machine Kohli, who enjoys an impressive record as an opener in the league, has already confirmed that he will be opening the innings.

    Partnering Kohli will be the highly-talented Devdutt Padikkal who impressed everyone last season and is in red-hot form.

    Young wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Azharuddeen, who had a staggering strike-rate of 194.54 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and New Zealand’s Finn Allen are other attacking options at the top.

    De Villiers and Maxwell add the fire-power to the middle-order while Sachin Baby, experienced Daniel Christian and Washington Sundar add to the depth.

    RCB possess a potent spin battery and it augers well for them that they will be playing a major chunk of their matches on the slow tracks in Chennai and Ahmedabad.

    Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has enjoyed a lot of success in the league and will be eager to weave magic with the ball.

    He will be joined by the immensely accurate off-spinner Washington, who was Kohli’s go to man in the powerplays last season.

    The two will have assistance from Maxwell, who consistently bowls for Australia in white-ball cricket and in the Big Bash League, while Australian Adam Zampa is another available leg spin option.

    WEAKNESSES:

    The RCB pace department does not inspire confidence.

    Navdeep Saini and Mohammed Siraj lack the experience of bowling with the white ball and have a propensity of leaking runs.

    Jamieson has struggled in T20Is and has no experience of playing in India.

    Other options include medium pacer Harshal Patel, and the Australian trio of Christian, Daniel Sams and Kane Richardson.

    OPPORTUNITY:

    The presence of several big-hitters in the team could go in RCB’s favour while chasing big totals.

    It is also the perfect opportunity for Maxwell to set the tournament ablaze.

    A proven match winner for Australia, the all-rounder has been a disappointment in the IPL.

    RCB have two attacking batsmen in the uncapped Azharuddeen and Sachin, who would be keen to grab on to their opportunities.

    THREATS:

    Maxwell is a vital cog in RCB’s grand scheme of things this season. If he tanks with the bat, it could have disastrous consequences for the side. The over-reliance on Kohli and de Villiers continued last year despite big signings. The Indian batsmen in the team need to step up to avoid going the familiar route.

    Squad: Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers, Devdutt Padikkal, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj, Kane Richardson, Washington Sundar, Pavan Deshpande, Finn Allen, Shahbaz Ahamad, Navdeep Saini, Adam Zampa, Kyle Jamieson, Glenn Maxwell, Rajat Patidar, Sachin Baby, Mohammed Azharuddeen, Daniel Christian, KS Bharat, Suyash Prabhudessai, Daniel Sams, Harshal Patel.

  • IPL 2021 SWOT analysis: KKR desperate to turn fortunes post tough transition

    By PTI
    KOLKATA: Two-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders will be striving for consistency in its bid to recreate old magic which has been lost during a difficult phase of rebuilding lost post Gautam Gambhir’s departure.

    Be it the opening combination, middle-order or finding a finisher, KKR struggled for stability in the last edition in the UAE, while a change of captaincy at the halfway stage did not help them either.

    Add the floundering forms of their two biggest Caribbean stars — a half-fit Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, who is not even half the bowler after being repeatedly called for suspect action, KKR missed the playoffs for a second time in a row in the Gambhir era.

    Here’s is a SWOT analysis of the side that will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in their season-opener in Chennai on April 11.

    STRENGTHS:

    In Eoin Morgan, his first stint as full-time KKR captain, the Purple Brigade have got one of the most astute brains of the white-ball format.

    The English World Cup-winning skipper, who took over the role after seven games last season, was one of the brightspots for the team in 2020.

    The left-hander struck 418 runs in 14 innings at an average of 41.

    80 and also hit the most sixes (24), giving impetus in the death overs with his cameos.

    KKR have made some smart additions to their squad in the mini-auction, apart from retaining their core of the side — 17 players — despite a disappointing season.

    By bringing back Bangladesh star all-rounder Shakib-Al-Hasan and signing 2016 IPL Final man-of-the-match Ben Cutting, they have got the much-needed back-ups for the Windies duo of Narine and Russell, who failed to fire last season.

    KKR will also be buoyed by the smash-hit international debut of Prasidh Krishna, who took 4/54 in the first ODI against England in the recently-concluded series.

    This would also mean KKR would have a settled pace attack spearheaded by Aussie superstar Pat Cummins with Lockie Ferguson as the back-up option.

    WEAKNESSES:

    Once their strength, KKR of late has struggled in the spin department.

    Left arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav is a shadow of his past and retuned with just one wicket in five matches, of which he was not given the ball in one.

    One of the architects of their twin triumphs in 2012 and 2014 under Gambhir, Sunil Narine is also floundering.

    Narine’s action once again came to haunt him in 2020 as he was warned of suspect action and went on to miss four matches.

    Before that he had to be pulled out of CPL final for Trinbago Knight Riders as he was found chucking.

    It was another mystery spinner, Varun Chakravarthy a Tamil Naud architect-turned-cricketer who took up the responsibility in Narine’s absence to finish with most wickets — 17 — for KKR.

    But Chakravarthy’s fitness has come under the scanner time and again as it remains to be seen how he shapes up for the IPL.

    OPPORTUNITIES:

    Having decided to step away from being captain to “focus on his batting”, Dinesh Karthik too will look to make amends in 2021.

    Then there are the seasoned duo of Shakib-Al-Hasan and veteran Indian offspinner Harbhajan Singh who too will look to make most of the limited opportunities that come their way on slow tracks on offer in Delhi and Chennai.

    KKR have two interesting uncapped new signings in Venkatesh Iyer and Vaibhav Arora, who too will look to grab their opportunities.

    Left-hand Madhya Pradesh batsman Iyer is fresh from a blistering 146-ball 198 against Punjab in the Vijay Harare Trophy.

    Himachal Pradesh medium-pacer Arora is in the form of his life after taking a hat-trick on debut against Maharashtra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

    THREATS:

    KKR would need good start from opener Shubman Gill to give better starts this year in the Powerplay overs.

    Gill consumed a lot of deliveries upfront in most games which did create pressure on middle-order.

    The Morgan-led side would look to ensure that they get a winning combination, something that eluded them last time as they would be desperate to make the cut.

    KKR Squad:

    Eoin Morgan (c), Dinesh Karthik, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Tim Seifert, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Kuldeep Yadav, Shivam Mavi, Lockie Ferguson, Pat Cummins, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Sandeep Warrier, Prasidh Krishna, Rahul Tripathi, Varun Chakravarthy, Shakib Al Hasan, Sheldon Jackson, Vaibhav Arora, Harbhajan Singh, Karun Nair, Ben Cutting, Venkatesh Iyer and Pawan Negi.

  • IPL 2021: KKR batsman Nitish Rana tests negative for COVID-19 after testing positive on March 22

    By ANI
    NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders batsman Nitish Rana has tested negative for coronavirus after returning a positive result on March 22. Having undergone self-isolation after the positive result, he underwent a COVID-19 test on Thursday and tested negative. He will start training shortly with an eye on the opening game against SunRisers Hyderabad on April 11.

    Commenting on the turn of events, KKR issued a statement which read: “Nitish Rana had checked into the KKR team hotel in Mumbai, on March 21, 2021 with a negative COVID report which was done on March 19, 2021. As per IPL protocol, he was tested on March 22, during his quarantine and the report showed that he was positive. He has had no symptoms and has been completely asymptomatic since. Again as per IPL protocol, he isolated himself and was tested again today. We are glad to report that he has tested negative. We expect him to start training with the team shortly and be fully fit well before the start of the season.”

    The BCCI SOP says a player who tests positive must isolate in the designated area outside the bio-secure environment for a minimum of 10 days from the first day of symptoms or the date of collection of the sample which resulted in a positive RT-PCR report whichever is earlier.

    “During the 10-day isolation, the individual must rest and avoid any exercises. The team doctor should regularly monitor the case. If symptoms worsen during the course of isolation, the individual must be hospitalised immediately,” the SOP states.

    “During the 10-day isolation, the individual will undergo an RT-PCR test on Day 9 and Day 10. Provided, both the test results from Day 9 and Day 10 are negative, and he does not have any symptoms for more than 24 hours, the individual will be permitted to re-enter the bio-secure environment. After recovery, players must undergo a cardiac screening before resuming any team activities,” the SOP adds.

    To account for any false positive RT-PCR test results, viz. anyone with a high CT-value and history of COVID-19 infection in the previous 90 days, serology tests will be conducted for the presence of IgG antibodies. If the serology test shows high IgG antibody levels indicating a recent infection, a repeat RT-PCR test will be conducted and if the result of the same is negative, the participant will be allowed to re-enter the bio-bubble immediately.

  • Back at his old franchise, Delhi Capitals pacer Umesh Yadav ready for IPL 2021

    By PTI
    MUMBAI: Out of mandatory seven-day quarantine, India and Delhi Capitals fast bowler Umesh Yadav is ready to hit the deck as he returns to be with the familiar faces at his old franchise in the Indian Premier League, beginning on April 9.

    The 33-year-old Yadav, who started his IPL career with the Delhi franchise, returned to the side after being acquired for his base price of Rs 1 crore in the auction in February.

    “After being in quarantine for one week, it was great to step onto the ground and spend some time with the boys,” Yadav said.

    “I just want to do well whenever I have the ball in my hand. I will definitely give my best for my team and keep getting better everyday,” he said in a DC release.

    Yadav, who has picked up 119 wickets in 121 IPL matches, said he felt at home in the Delhi Capitals camp.

    “I started my IPL career with the Delhi team, so the Delhi franchise feels like home to me. I know a lot of players in the team. I have been playing with the likes of Ishant Sharma, Axar Patel and Rishabh Pant for quite some time.

    “It doesn’t feel like I am joining a new team. I am already feeling very comfortable in the Delhi Capitals camp,” said Yadav.

    He said he really enjoyed his first practice session with the Delhi Capitals at the Cricket Club of India.

  • IPL 2021: Lungi Ngidi will fill Josh Hazlewood’s void, CSK look fairly strong, says Brad Hogg

    By ANI
    NEW DELHI: Former Australia spinner Brad Hogg on Thursday said that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) do not need to worry about Josh Hazlewood pulling out of this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) as they also have Lungi Ngidi in their squad.

    Hazlewood decided to pull out of this year’s IPL citing bubble fatigue and he also said that he wants to spend more time with his family.

    “CSK had a brilliant bowling line up with Hazlewood in it, but one man doesn’t make a team, Ngidi will fill that void with the Australian pulling out. #CSK looking fairly strong this year. #IPL2021,” tweeted Hogg.

    Hazlewood was set to depart for India with Australia’s IPL-bound players today, but the pacer has decided to give this year’s IPL a miss in order to spend some time with his family.

    “It’s been a long 10 months in bubbles and quarantine at different times, so I decided to have a rest from cricket and spend some time at home and in Australia in the next two months. We’ve got a big winter ahead too. The West Indies is going to be a long tour, with Bangladesh T20 tour potentially thrown on the end of that,” cricket.com.au quoted Hazlewood as saying.

    “Then potentially the T20 World Cup leading into the Ashes, so it’s a big 12 months, as it always is with Australia, and I want to give myself the best chance to be mentally and physically ready for that. That’s the decision I’ve made, and it sits pretty well with me,” he added.

    Hazlewood had played just three games for CSK in IPL 2020 and this year, he would have been competing with Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Lungi Ngidi and Dwayne Bravo for a spot in the playing XI.

    IPL 2021 is slated to commence on April 9 with Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) locking horns in the tournament opener. CSK will play its first match on April 10 against Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

    Dhoni has led CSK to IPL title thrice (2010, 2011, and 2018). The franchise had finished at the seventh spot last season and it was the first time, that the side failed to qualify for the playoffs. 

  • WATCH | MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina fine-tune skills in CSK’s training session

    By ANI
    MUMBAI: Ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star players MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina were seen fine-tuning their skills in a practice-session held on Wednesday.

    On Thursday, CSK posted a video on Twitter in which Dhoni and Raina can be seen going through various drills and the duo also had a hit with the bat in the middle.

    When Sam Curran came out for a batting session, Raina and Dhoni were keenly watching from the back and the duo also shared a laugh.

    “07:03 Anbu Moments,” CSK wrote as the caption.

    07:03 Anbu Moments! #Yellove #WhistlePodu @msdhoni @ImRaina pic.twitter.com/eJ1pdDuLMt
    — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 1, 2021

    Raina had missed IPL 2020 due to personal reasons, but he is back this year to lend more solidarity to the batting lineup.

    On Wednesday, Moeen Ali had said that CSK has a calm tone to it and he also said that every player in the world wants to play under the leadership of MS Dhoni. Moeen Ali was bought by CSK for INR 7 crore in the players’ auction held in February 2021.

    ALSO READ | IPL 2021 SWOT analysis: After last year’s low, there is lot to gain for CSK

    “I think what differentiates CSK from other teams is actually how they structure everything… from the squad they have to the way they do things. They look a very calm franchise that doesn’t panic,” the official website of CSK quoted Moeen as saying.

    “I’ve spoken to players who have played under MS and they tell me how he improves their game. I believe a great captain does that. I think it’s something on every player’s wish list to play under MS. I think it’s the confidence and the clarity he gives people. It’s exciting,” he added.

    IPL 2021 is slated to commence on April 9 with Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) locking horns in the tournament opener. CSK will play its first match on April 10 against Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

    Dhoni has led CSK to IPL title thrice (2010, 2011, and 2018). The franchise had finished at the seventh spot last season and it was the first time, that the side failed to qualify for the playoffs.