News Analysis India

Tag: IPL

  • Able to do things which I was trying for a while: Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Shivam Dube

    By PTI

    NAVI MUMBAI: The 2022 edition could well be a breakthrough season for all-rounder Shivam Dube, who feels he is finally able to translate his domestic form into the IPL.

    The Chennai Super Kings all-rounder paved the way for his team’s first win of the season with an unbeaten 95 against RCB on Tuesday night.

    “I am able to do things, which I was trying for a while. The things I was doing in Ranji Trophy, at the domestic level, but after coming to this (IPL) level, you have to come one level up.

    “So, I was trying to keep the balance, not think much and back myself. I am following my basic game, not doing anything extra. But yes there is one thing, my confidence is high and I am playing well,” Dube said at the post-match press conference.

    The lanky left-handed batter also maintained that he has been backing his game.

    Dube has been an aggressive batter on the domestic circuit but has not been able to replicate that form at the IPL and international level.

    He has played 13 T20s and an ODI for India with his last appearance coming back in February 2020.

    “(The team management) has given security and at the same time I back my game. I feel the ball which I can hit, I do that and I am able to connect well, so my confidence is high. I’m trying to play my own game,” said the Mumbai batter, who recorded his highest score in the IPL.

    Dube and Uthappa shared a 165-run stand – the highest for the third wicket in the history of IPL.

    The 28-year-old said they had decided to attack the RCB bowlers after a slow start.

    “We didn’t speak much. The bowlers whom we thought we could attack, sometimes I was hitting, and sometimes he (Uthappa) was hitting.

    “The ball was gripping in the beginning, but we thought we would attack, but it was difficult in the start, the new ball was gripping, but we backed ourselves and the game turned out this way,” he added.

    Dube signed off by dedicating his first player of the match award of the IPL to his father, saying “this is for my dad.”

    NAVI MUMBAI: The 2022 edition could well be a breakthrough season for all-rounder Shivam Dube, who feels he is finally able to translate his domestic form into the IPL.

    The Chennai Super Kings all-rounder paved the way for his team’s first win of the season with an unbeaten 95 against RCB on Tuesday night.

    “I am able to do things, which I was trying for a while. The things I was doing in Ranji Trophy, at the domestic level, but after coming to this (IPL) level, you have to come one level up.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “So, I was trying to keep the balance, not think much and back myself. I am following my basic game, not doing anything extra. But yes there is one thing, my confidence is high and I am playing well,” Dube said at the post-match press conference.

    The lanky left-handed batter also maintained that he has been backing his game.

    Dube has been an aggressive batter on the domestic circuit but has not been able to replicate that form at the IPL and international level.

    He has played 13 T20s and an ODI for India with his last appearance coming back in February 2020.

    “(The team management) has given security and at the same time I back my game. I feel the ball which I can hit, I do that and I am able to connect well, so my confidence is high. I’m trying to play my own game,” said the Mumbai batter, who recorded his highest score in the IPL.

    Dube and Uthappa shared a 165-run stand – the highest for the third wicket in the history of IPL.

    The 28-year-old said they had decided to attack the RCB bowlers after a slow start.

    “We didn’t speak much. The bowlers whom we thought we could attack, sometimes I was hitting, and sometimes he (Uthappa) was hitting.

    “The ball was gripping in the beginning, but we thought we would attack, but it was difficult in the start, the new ball was gripping, but we backed ourselves and the game turned out this way,” he added.

    Dube signed off by dedicating his first player of the match award of the IPL to his father, saying “this is for my dad.”

  • Able to do things which I was trying for a while: Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Shivam Dube

    By PTI

    NAVI MUMBAI: The 2022 edition could well be a breakthrough season for all-rounder Shivam Dube, who feels he is finally able to translate his domestic form into the IPL.

    The Chennai Super Kings all-rounder paved the way for his team’s first win of the season with an unbeaten 95 against RCB on Tuesday night.

    “I am able to do things, which I was trying for a while. The things I was doing in Ranji Trophy, at the domestic level, but after coming to this (IPL) level, you have to come one level up.

    “So, I was trying to keep the balance, not think much and back myself. I am following my basic game, not doing anything extra. But yes there is one thing, my confidence is high and I am playing well,” Dube said at the post-match press conference.

    The lanky left-handed batter also maintained that he has been backing his game.

    Dube has been an aggressive batter on the domestic circuit but has not been able to replicate that form at the IPL and international level.

    He has played 13 T20s and an ODI for India with his last appearance coming back in February 2020.

    “(The team management) has given security and at the same time I back my game. I feel the ball which I can hit, I do that and I am able to connect well, so my confidence is high. I’m trying to play my own game,” said the Mumbai batter, who recorded his highest score in the IPL.

    Dube and Uthappa shared a 165-run stand – the highest for the third wicket in the history of IPL.

    The 28-year-old said they had decided to attack the RCB bowlers after a slow start.

    “We didn’t speak much. The bowlers whom we thought we could attack, sometimes I was hitting, and sometimes he (Uthappa) was hitting.

    “The ball was gripping in the beginning, but we thought we would attack, but it was difficult in the start, the new ball was gripping, but we backed ourselves and the game turned out this way,” he added.

    Dube signed off by dedicating his first player of the match award of the IPL to his father, saying “this is for my dad.”

  • Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Titans​ set for high-voltage clash

    By PTI

    NAVI MUMBAI: A battle royale is on the cards when Hardik Pandya’s Gujarat Titans take on the Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals, two line-ups armed with potent bowling units in a top-of-the-table IPL showdown here on Thursday.

    The Royals put together one of the best if not the best bowling attacks for this season and all their spinners and pacers have been right on the mark.

    The seasoned Trent Boult has continued to reign fire with the new ball and has been equally impressive in the slog overs.

    In the previous game against Lucknow Super Giants, he bowled a fiery opening spell to get rid of skipper KL Rahul and Krishnappa Gowtham in the very first over.

    Prasidh Krishna has given a glimpse of why he is touted to be the next fast-bowling sensation in Indian cricket.

    Alongside Boult, the duo has bowled with pace and aggression.

    Rookie Kuldeep Sen too proved he has the stomach to play with the bigwigs.

    He performed tremendously under pressure on his debut, defending 15 runs off the last over against LSG.

    The spin duties, on the other hand, are being ably carried out by senior India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and the wily Yuzvendra Chahal.

    The latter is the leading wicket taker in the league at the moment, spinning the opposition batters in to submission.

    The leg spinner has 11 scalps at and economy of 6.50.

    Ashwin though has not had many breakthroughs, the off-spinner has operated at an economy of 6.87 and has managed to choke the opposition for runs.

    It will be a tall task for the Titans’ batters, who are thin on experience, to navigate through the Royals bowling.

    The new-entrants have relied heavily on young opener Shubman Gill, who has been in scintillating form, and Pandya.

    But the skipper, who is known for his pyrotechnics, has been more restrictive in his approach and his looked to take his innings deep.

    Matthew Wade has struggled to get runs while David Miller is also yet to fire, leaving rookies Abhinav Manohar and B Sai Surdharshan with more responsibility.

    However, Rahul Tewatia seems to be loving his role as the finisher tonking sixes at will.

    The Titans boast of formidable bowling unit themselves.

    The pace bowling department includes the likes of Lockie Ferguson, one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket, senior India quick Mohammed Shami, and Pandya, all attacking wicket-taking bowlers, who can put the opposition under pressure.

    Rashid Khan, expectedly, is their most economical bowler.

    The opposition batters have preferred to play his four overs out rather than go for the big shots.

    The Titans bowlers, however, lacked sharpness in the loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad, the team’s first defeat this season.

    It will be interesting to see how they regroup against the Royals batting line up that includes the likes of the flamboyant Jos Buttler, the big-hitting Shimron Hetmyer and Samons besides the prodigiously talented Devdutt Padikkal.

    Both teams have won three games and lost one with the Royals perched on top of the points table owing to a superior net run rate, while the Titans are placed fourth.

    Teams (from):

    Rajasthan Royals: Sanju Samson (captain/wicketkeeper), Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna, Riyan Parag, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Devdutt Padikkal, Navdeep Saini, Karun Nair, Rassie van der Dussen, James Neesham, Anunay Singh, Daryl Mitchell, Dhruv Jurel, Shubham Garhwal, Kuldip Yadav, Kuldeep Sen, Obed McCoy, Tejas Baroka, KC Cariappa.

    Gujarat Titans: Abhinav Manohar, David Miller, Gurkeerat Singh, B Sai Sudarshan, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya (Captain), Rahul Tewatia, Vijay Shankar, Matthew Wade, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Wriddhiman Saha, Alzarri Joseph, Darshan Nalkande, Dominic Drakes, Jayant Yadav, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Shami, Noor Ahmad, Pradeep Sangwan, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Varun Aaron, Yash Dayal.

    Match starts at 7.30 PM.

    NAVI MUMBAI: A battle royale is on the cards when Hardik Pandya’s Gujarat Titans take on the Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals, two line-ups armed with potent bowling units in a top-of-the-table IPL showdown here on Thursday.

    The Royals put together one of the best if not the best bowling attacks for this season and all their spinners and pacers have been right on the mark.

    The seasoned Trent Boult has continued to reign fire with the new ball and has been equally impressive in the slog overs.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2′); });

    In the previous game against Lucknow Super Giants, he bowled a fiery opening spell to get rid of skipper KL Rahul and Krishnappa Gowtham in the very first over.

    Prasidh Krishna has given a glimpse of why he is touted to be the next fast-bowling sensation in Indian cricket.

    Alongside Boult, the duo has bowled with pace and aggression.

    Rookie Kuldeep Sen too proved he has the stomach to play with the bigwigs.

    He performed tremendously under pressure on his debut, defending 15 runs off the last over against LSG.

    The spin duties, on the other hand, are being ably carried out by senior India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and the wily Yuzvendra Chahal.

    The latter is the leading wicket taker in the league at the moment, spinning the opposition batters in to submission.

    The leg spinner has 11 scalps at and economy of 6.50.

    Ashwin though has not had many breakthroughs, the off-spinner has operated at an economy of 6.87 and has managed to choke the opposition for runs.

    It will be a tall task for the Titans’ batters, who are thin on experience, to navigate through the Royals bowling.

    The new-entrants have relied heavily on young opener Shubman Gill, who has been in scintillating form, and Pandya.

    But the skipper, who is known for his pyrotechnics, has been more restrictive in his approach and his looked to take his innings deep.

    Matthew Wade has struggled to get runs while David Miller is also yet to fire, leaving rookies Abhinav Manohar and B Sai Surdharshan with more responsibility.

    However, Rahul Tewatia seems to be loving his role as the finisher tonking sixes at will.

    The Titans boast of formidable bowling unit themselves.

    The pace bowling department includes the likes of Lockie Ferguson, one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket, senior India quick Mohammed Shami, and Pandya, all attacking wicket-taking bowlers, who can put the opposition under pressure.

    Rashid Khan, expectedly, is their most economical bowler.

    The opposition batters have preferred to play his four overs out rather than go for the big shots.

    The Titans bowlers, however, lacked sharpness in the loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad, the team’s first defeat this season.

    It will be interesting to see how they regroup against the Royals batting line up that includes the likes of the flamboyant Jos Buttler, the big-hitting Shimron Hetmyer and Samons besides the prodigiously talented Devdutt Padikkal.

    Both teams have won three games and lost one with the Royals perched on top of the points table owing to a superior net run rate, while the Titans are placed fourth.

    Teams (from):

    Rajasthan Royals: Sanju Samson (captain/wicketkeeper), Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna, Riyan Parag, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Devdutt Padikkal, Navdeep Saini, Karun Nair, Rassie van der Dussen, James Neesham, Anunay Singh, Daryl Mitchell, Dhruv Jurel, Shubham Garhwal, Kuldip Yadav, Kuldeep Sen, Obed McCoy, Tejas Baroka, KC Cariappa.

    Gujarat Titans: Abhinav Manohar, David Miller, Gurkeerat Singh, B Sai Sudarshan, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya (Captain), Rahul Tewatia, Vijay Shankar, Matthew Wade, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Wriddhiman Saha, Alzarri Joseph, Darshan Nalkande, Dominic Drakes, Jayant Yadav, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Shami, Noor Ahmad, Pradeep Sangwan, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Varun Aaron, Yash Dayal.

    Match starts at 7.30 PM.

  • Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Titans​ set for high-voltage clash

    By PTI

    NAVI MUMBAI: A battle royale is on the cards when Hardik Pandya’s Gujarat Titans take on the Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals, two line-ups armed with potent bowling units in a top-of-the-table IPL showdown here on Thursday.

    The Royals put together one of the best if not the best bowling attacks for this season and all their spinners and pacers have been right on the mark.

    The seasoned Trent Boult has continued to reign fire with the new ball and has been equally impressive in the slog overs.

    In the previous game against Lucknow Super Giants, he bowled a fiery opening spell to get rid of skipper KL Rahul and Krishnappa Gowtham in the very first over.

    Prasidh Krishna has given a glimpse of why he is touted to be the next fast-bowling sensation in Indian cricket.

    Alongside Boult, the duo has bowled with pace and aggression.

    Rookie Kuldeep Sen too proved he has the stomach to play with the bigwigs.

    He performed tremendously under pressure on his debut, defending 15 runs off the last over against LSG.

    The spin duties, on the other hand, are being ably carried out by senior India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and the wily Yuzvendra Chahal.

    The latter is the leading wicket taker in the league at the moment, spinning the opposition batters in to submission.

    The leg spinner has 11 scalps at and economy of 6.50.

    Ashwin though has not had many breakthroughs, the off-spinner has operated at an economy of 6.87 and has managed to choke the opposition for runs.

    It will be a tall task for the Titans’ batters, who are thin on experience, to navigate through the Royals bowling.

    The new-entrants have relied heavily on young opener Shubman Gill, who has been in scintillating form, and Pandya.

    But the skipper, who is known for his pyrotechnics, has been more restrictive in his approach and his looked to take his innings deep.

    Matthew Wade has struggled to get runs while David Miller is also yet to fire, leaving rookies Abhinav Manohar and B Sai Surdharshan with more responsibility.

    However, Rahul Tewatia seems to be loving his role as the finisher tonking sixes at will.

    The Titans boast of formidable bowling unit themselves.

    The pace bowling department includes the likes of Lockie Ferguson, one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket, senior India quick Mohammed Shami, and Pandya, all attacking wicket-taking bowlers, who can put the opposition under pressure.

    Rashid Khan, expectedly, is their most economical bowler.

    The opposition batters have preferred to play his four overs out rather than go for the big shots.

    The Titans bowlers, however, lacked sharpness in the loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad, the team’s first defeat this season.

    It will be interesting to see how they regroup against the Royals batting line up that includes the likes of the flamboyant Jos Buttler, the big-hitting Shimron Hetmyer and Samons besides the prodigiously talented Devdutt Padikkal.

    Both teams have won three games and lost one with the Royals perched on top of the points table owing to a superior net run rate, while the Titans are placed fourth.

    Teams (from):

    Rajasthan Royals: Sanju Samson (captain/wicketkeeper), Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna, Riyan Parag, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Devdutt Padikkal, Navdeep Saini, Karun Nair, Rassie van der Dussen, James Neesham, Anunay Singh, Daryl Mitchell, Dhruv Jurel, Shubham Garhwal, Kuldip Yadav, Kuldeep Sen, Obed McCoy, Tejas Baroka, KC Cariappa.

    Gujarat Titans: Abhinav Manohar, David Miller, Gurkeerat Singh, B Sai Sudarshan, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya (Captain), Rahul Tewatia, Vijay Shankar, Matthew Wade, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Wriddhiman Saha, Alzarri Joseph, Darshan Nalkande, Dominic Drakes, Jayant Yadav, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Shami, Noor Ahmad, Pradeep Sangwan, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Varun Aaron, Yash Dayal.

    Match starts at 7.30 PM.

  • Have learned lot from MS Dhoni, he is fantastic captain: RCB skipper Faf du Plessis

    By ANI

    MUMBAI: Ahead of the Chennai Super Kings game against Royal Challengers Bangalore at DY Patil Sports Academy on Tuesday, Faf du Plessis spoke about facing his old team and the memories he shared with the team CSK.

    Former CSK star player, who is the current captain of the RCB team also expressed his excitement to meet his old teammates ahead of the clash. Speaking on the ‘Inside RCB’ show on Star Sports, Faf du Plessis said: “It would be really great to play against Chennai. As I said I have got an incredible amount of love and respect from the people for everything that they have done.”

    “So it would be a great day to see everyone again and obviously when we walk on the field hopefully I can put in some performances to get RCB the win on that game,” he added.

    Faf du Plessis also spoke about his journey with CSK, he said: “I’m extremely grateful for Chennai and being around with them for more than 10 years. They have a special place in my heart and I have learned a lot from MS Dhoni, he’s a fantastic captain as well, so I’m sitting in a position where I can learn from two of the great leaders in Indian cricket.”

    Both sides have so far savoured completely contrasting fortunes in the latest edition of the tournament as the Royal Challengers Bangalore have been soaring high with three consecutive wins while Chennai is still to get off the mark after the worst start to their campaign in the antiquity of the entire tournament.

  • Have learned lot from MS Dhoni, he is fantastic captain: RCB skipper Faf du Plessis

    By ANI

    MUMBAI: Ahead of the Chennai Super Kings game against Royal Challengers Bangalore at DY Patil Sports Academy on Tuesday, Faf du Plessis spoke about facing his old team and the memories he shared with the team CSK.

    Former CSK star player, who is the current captain of the RCB team also expressed his excitement to meet his old teammates ahead of the clash. Speaking on the ‘Inside RCB’ show on Star Sports, Faf du Plessis said: “It would be really great to play against Chennai. As I said I have got an incredible amount of love and respect from the people for everything that they have done.”

    “So it would be a great day to see everyone again and obviously when we walk on the field hopefully I can put in some performances to get RCB the win on that game,” he added.

    Faf du Plessis also spoke about his journey with CSK, he said: “I’m extremely grateful for Chennai and being around with them for more than 10 years. They have a special place in my heart and I have learned a lot from MS Dhoni, he’s a fantastic captain as well, so I’m sitting in a position where I can learn from two of the great leaders in Indian cricket.”

    Both sides have so far savoured completely contrasting fortunes in the latest edition of the tournament as the Royal Challengers Bangalore have been soaring high with three consecutive wins while Chennai is still to get off the mark after the worst start to their campaign in the antiquity of the entire tournament.

    MUMBAI: Ahead of the Chennai Super Kings game against Royal Challengers Bangalore at DY Patil Sports Academy on Tuesday, Faf du Plessis spoke about facing his old team and the memories he shared with the team CSK.

    Former CSK star player, who is the current captain of the RCB team also expressed his excitement to meet his old teammates ahead of the clash. Speaking on the ‘Inside RCB’ show on Star Sports, Faf du Plessis said: “It would be really great to play against Chennai. As I said I have got an incredible amount of love and respect from the people for everything that they have done.”

    “So it would be a great day to see everyone again and obviously when we walk on the field hopefully I can put in some performances to get RCB the win on that game,” he added.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Faf du Plessis also spoke about his journey with CSK, he said: “I’m extremely grateful for Chennai and being around with them for more than 10 years. They have a special place in my heart and I have learned a lot from MS Dhoni, he’s a fantastic captain as well, so I’m sitting in a position where I can learn from two of the great leaders in Indian cricket.”

    Both sides have so far savoured completely contrasting fortunes in the latest edition of the tournament as the Royal Challengers Bangalore have been soaring high with three consecutive wins while Chennai is still to get off the mark after the worst start to their campaign in the antiquity of the entire tournament.

  • Batters have stopped taking risks against me: Gujarat Titans spinner Rashid Khan

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Rashid Khan has been steady without being extraordinary like previous years and the reason for that is the safety first approach by opposition batters during this edition of IPL, feels Gujarat Titans spinner.

    Rashid has taken six wickets from four matches at an economy rate of 6.68 but batters across teams have negotiated the Afghan great pretty well.

    But the 23-year-old, who is among the most sought-after leg-spinners in franchise cricket around the world, is not surprised and says it’s just a matter of time.

    “I’m happy with the way I’m bowling in this competition so far,” Rashid said in a virtual media interaction here.

    “I don’t really focus on results, it’s all about how I’m bowling. At the moment, my bowling is great. But it’s about the opposition, they don’t take that kind of risk against you which will allow you to take more wickets,” Rashid said.

    “But whenever there are enough opportunities as a bowler, I would be smart enough to get them out. So far I’m happy with my bowling, the pitching has been great,” he added.

    Always a slow-starter

    Against his old team Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, Rashid had decent figures of 1/28 as Gujarat suffered their first defeat after three wins, losing by eight wickets.

    One shy of getting his 100th IPL scalp, Rashid said he’s always been a slow starter in the IPL.

    “If you look at the stats in IPL, I always have similar (slow) starts. I’ve always taken 5-6 wickets, not 12-13 in the first four-five games. It always remained the same. But definitely, I will try my best to keep improving. Definitely, there will be a time when I’ll deliver that magic spell,” he promised.

    Rashid, who has played 80 matches across 2017-2022, said it’s an unbelievable journey for him so far.

    “Coming here from Afghanistan and playing all the games since my debut, it’s been amazing. Five years back, I didn’t even think of playing IPL. Nearing 100 (wickets), becoming vice-captain of Gujarat, it’s massive. I’m so lucky and blessed.”

    On being part of the leadership group by being the deputy to Hardik Pandya, Rashid said the best part is about having clarity about their individual roles.

    “At times, you perform and at times you don’t. The mindset is about giving 100 per cent that’s more important than the result. We as a team are clear about it and everyone knows about their roles.”

    Fell short by 15-20 runs

    Asked about their defeat against SRH, Rashid said they fell short for about 15-20 runs.

    The Titans, who were asked to bat first, set a reasonable 163-run target but the Kane Williamson-led side secured a comprehensive win with five balls to spare.

    “I felt like we fell short by 15-20 runs and could not capitalise on the start. They did well chasing under pressure and kept the run-rate going,” Rashid added.

    Gujarat Titans next face Rajasthan Royals at the DY Patil on Thursday.

  • Batters have stopped taking risks against me: Gujarat Titans spinner Rashid Khan

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: Rashid Khan has been steady without being extraordinary like previous years and the reason for that is the safety first approach by opposition batters during this edition of IPL, feels Gujarat Titans spinner.

    Rashid has taken six wickets from four matches at an economy rate of 6.68 but batters across teams have negotiated the Afghan great pretty well.

    But the 23-year-old, who is among the most sought-after leg-spinners in franchise cricket around the world, is not surprised and says it’s just a matter of time.

    “I’m happy with the way I’m bowling in this competition so far,” Rashid said in a virtual media interaction here.

    “I don’t really focus on results, it’s all about how I’m bowling. At the moment, my bowling is great. But it’s about the opposition, they don’t take that kind of risk against you which will allow you to take more wickets,” Rashid said.

    “But whenever there are enough opportunities as a bowler, I would be smart enough to get them out. So far I’m happy with my bowling, the pitching has been great,” he added.

    Always a slow-starter

    Against his old team Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, Rashid had decent figures of 1/28 as Gujarat suffered their first defeat after three wins, losing by eight wickets.

    One shy of getting his 100th IPL scalp, Rashid said he’s always been a slow starter in the IPL.

    “If you look at the stats in IPL, I always have similar (slow) starts. I’ve always taken 5-6 wickets, not 12-13 in the first four-five games. It always remained the same. But definitely, I will try my best to keep improving. Definitely, there will be a time when I’ll deliver that magic spell,” he promised.

    Rashid, who has played 80 matches across 2017-2022, said it’s an unbelievable journey for him so far.

    “Coming here from Afghanistan and playing all the games since my debut, it’s been amazing. Five years back, I didn’t even think of playing IPL. Nearing 100 (wickets), becoming vice-captain of Gujarat, it’s massive. I’m so lucky and blessed.”

    On being part of the leadership group by being the deputy to Hardik Pandya, Rashid said the best part is about having clarity about their individual roles.

    “At times, you perform and at times you don’t. The mindset is about giving 100 per cent that’s more important than the result. We as a team are clear about it and everyone knows about their roles.”

    Fell short by 15-20 runs

    Asked about their defeat against SRH, Rashid said they fell short for about 15-20 runs.

    The Titans, who were asked to bat first, set a reasonable 163-run target but the Kane Williamson-led side secured a comprehensive win with five balls to spare.

    “I felt like we fell short by 15-20 runs and could not capitalise on the start. They did well chasing under pressure and kept the run-rate going,” Rashid added.

    Gujarat Titans next face Rajasthan Royals at the DY Patil on Thursday.

    MUMBAI: Rashid Khan has been steady without being extraordinary like previous years and the reason for that is the safety first approach by opposition batters during this edition of IPL, feels Gujarat Titans spinner.

    Rashid has taken six wickets from four matches at an economy rate of 6.68 but batters across teams have negotiated the Afghan great pretty well.

    But the 23-year-old, who is among the most sought-after leg-spinners in franchise cricket around the world, is not surprised and says it’s just a matter of time.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “I’m happy with the way I’m bowling in this competition so far,” Rashid said in a virtual media interaction here.

    “I don’t really focus on results, it’s all about how I’m bowling. At the moment, my bowling is great. But it’s about the opposition, they don’t take that kind of risk against you which will allow you to take more wickets,” Rashid said.

    “But whenever there are enough opportunities as a bowler, I would be smart enough to get them out. So far I’m happy with my bowling, the pitching has been great,” he added.

    Always a slow-starter

    Against his old team Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday, Rashid had decent figures of 1/28 as Gujarat suffered their first defeat after three wins, losing by eight wickets.

    One shy of getting his 100th IPL scalp, Rashid said he’s always been a slow starter in the IPL.

    “If you look at the stats in IPL, I always have similar (slow) starts. I’ve always taken 5-6 wickets, not 12-13 in the first four-five games. It always remained the same. But definitely, I will try my best to keep improving. Definitely, there will be a time when I’ll deliver that magic spell,” he promised.

    Rashid, who has played 80 matches across 2017-2022, said it’s an unbelievable journey for him so far.

    “Coming here from Afghanistan and playing all the games since my debut, it’s been amazing. Five years back, I didn’t even think of playing IPL. Nearing 100 (wickets), becoming vice-captain of Gujarat, it’s massive. I’m so lucky and blessed.”

    On being part of the leadership group by being the deputy to Hardik Pandya, Rashid said the best part is about having clarity about their individual roles.

    “At times, you perform and at times you don’t. The mindset is about giving 100 per cent that’s more important than the result. We as a team are clear about it and everyone knows about their roles.”

    Fell short by 15-20 runs

    Asked about their defeat against SRH, Rashid said they fell short for about 15-20 runs.

    The Titans, who were asked to bat first, set a reasonable 163-run target but the Kane Williamson-led side secured a comprehensive win with five balls to spare.

    “I felt like we fell short by 15-20 runs and could not capitalise on the start. They did well chasing under pressure and kept the run-rate going,” Rashid added.

    Gujarat Titans next face Rajasthan Royals at the DY Patil on Thursday.

  • Transition phase every team goes through: Mumbai Indians vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah

    By PTI

    PUNE: Mumbai Indians vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah understands and accepts the hard truth that Mumbai Indians is indeed going through a “transition phase” and the new kids in the block need to understand how to react to pressure situations in a high intensity tournament like IPL.

    MI have already lost four games on trot and lack of bowling options is hurting the five-time champions badly.

    “It’s a transition phase that every cricketer understands, and every team goes through that. We are in that phase; we have got a new group,” Bumrah said.

    “So understanding the format of the IPL, how you have to handle pressure and achieve success in this league.

    “We are going through that. We are looking forward that we go through this transition, and then we have all the players we had and the quality will come back again,” he said.

    For Bumrah, it is important that MI lives in the present rather than stressing on the past “Right now, we live in the present.

    Yes, things have not gone according to plan so far, but we keep on fighting and we keep on finding a way,” Bumrah was quoted as saying in media release issued by the franchise.

    “That is the way the game of cricket works. Whenever a challenge comes, you try to find solutions to the challenge and we are trying to do that,” he added.

    Bumrah feels that the tracks have been heavily loaded in favour of batters this time and the toss has proved to be crucial so far.

    “This year when the wickets are helping the batters and it’s difficult to take wickets, you have to find your ways. We are no different. We are trying to find new ways. We’ve come up with a few plans,” the right-arm speedster said, without divulging the plans.

    Toss indeed has become a crucial factor.

    “If it was up to me, I would say win the toss. That really helps. But yes, whenever you come into this scenario, there is a little bit of help with the new ball, so maintaining a good line, trying to swing the ball upfront, I think will help you,” he quipped.

    “As soon as you come to the later stages, be it the first innings or the second innings, the wicket settles down (due to dew). So then maybe you have to start your death bowling a little early.

    “All of these pointers might help the other bowlers as well, so we’re looking to address that as soon as possible and then use it to our advantage,” he added.

    PUNE: Mumbai Indians vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah understands and accepts the hard truth that Mumbai Indians is indeed going through a “transition phase” and the new kids in the block need to understand how to react to pressure situations in a high intensity tournament like IPL.

    MI have already lost four games on trot and lack of bowling options is hurting the five-time champions badly.

    “It’s a transition phase that every cricketer understands, and every team goes through that. We are in that phase; we have got a new group,” Bumrah said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “So understanding the format of the IPL, how you have to handle pressure and achieve success in this league.

    “We are going through that. We are looking forward that we go through this transition, and then we have all the players we had and the quality will come back again,” he said.

    For Bumrah, it is important that MI lives in the present rather than stressing on the past “Right now, we live in the present.

    Yes, things have not gone according to plan so far, but we keep on fighting and we keep on finding a way,” Bumrah was quoted as saying in media release issued by the franchise.

    “That is the way the game of cricket works. Whenever a challenge comes, you try to find solutions to the challenge and we are trying to do that,” he added.

    Bumrah feels that the tracks have been heavily loaded in favour of batters this time and the toss has proved to be crucial so far.

    “This year when the wickets are helping the batters and it’s difficult to take wickets, you have to find your ways. We are no different. We are trying to find new ways. We’ve come up with a few plans,” the right-arm speedster said, without divulging the plans.

    Toss indeed has become a crucial factor.

    “If it was up to me, I would say win the toss. That really helps. But yes, whenever you come into this scenario, there is a little bit of help with the new ball, so maintaining a good line, trying to swing the ball upfront, I think will help you,” he quipped.

    “As soon as you come to the later stages, be it the first innings or the second innings, the wicket settles down (due to dew). So then maybe you have to start your death bowling a little early.

    “All of these pointers might help the other bowlers as well, so we’re looking to address that as soon as possible and then use it to our advantage,” he added.

  • Transition phase every team goes through: Mumbai Indians vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah

    By PTI

    PUNE: Mumbai Indians vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah understands and accepts the hard truth that Mumbai Indians is indeed going through a “transition phase” and the new kids in the block need to understand how to react to pressure situations in a high intensity tournament like IPL.

    MI have already lost four games on trot and lack of bowling options is hurting the five-time champions badly.

    “It’s a transition phase that every cricketer understands, and every team goes through that. We are in that phase; we have got a new group,” Bumrah said.

    “So understanding the format of the IPL, how you have to handle pressure and achieve success in this league.

    “We are going through that. We are looking forward that we go through this transition, and then we have all the players we had and the quality will come back again,” he said.

    For Bumrah, it is important that MI lives in the present rather than stressing on the past “Right now, we live in the present.

    Yes, things have not gone according to plan so far, but we keep on fighting and we keep on finding a way,” Bumrah was quoted as saying in media release issued by the franchise.

    “That is the way the game of cricket works. Whenever a challenge comes, you try to find solutions to the challenge and we are trying to do that,” he added.

    Bumrah feels that the tracks have been heavily loaded in favour of batters this time and the toss has proved to be crucial so far.

    “This year when the wickets are helping the batters and it’s difficult to take wickets, you have to find your ways. We are no different. We are trying to find new ways. We’ve come up with a few plans,” the right-arm speedster said, without divulging the plans.

    Toss indeed has become a crucial factor.

    “If it was up to me, I would say win the toss. That really helps. But yes, whenever you come into this scenario, there is a little bit of help with the new ball, so maintaining a good line, trying to swing the ball upfront, I think will help you,” he quipped.

    “As soon as you come to the later stages, be it the first innings or the second innings, the wicket settles down (due to dew). So then maybe you have to start your death bowling a little early.

    “All of these pointers might help the other bowlers as well, so we’re looking to address that as soon as possible and then use it to our advantage,” he added.