News Analysis India

Tag: IPL

  • Captain Sanju Samson fined Rs 12 lakh for Rajasthan’s slow over rate against Punjab

    By PTI

    DUBAI: Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has been fined Rs 12 lakh for his side’s slow over-rate during their two-run win over Punjab Kings in an Indian Premier League match here.

    The Royals pulled off an incredible two-run victory over Punjab Kings with fast bowler Karthik Tyagi dismissing Nicholas Pooran and Deepak Hooda and giving away only one run in the final over to snatch the win for his team at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday.

    “Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has been fined after his team maintained a slow over-rate during their VIVO Indian Premier League 2021 match against Punjab Kings at the Dubai International Stadium, Dubai on September 21,” the IPL said in a statement.

    “As it was his team’s first offense of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over rate offences, Mr Samson was fined Rs 12 lakh,” the statement added.

    The two sides were playing their first match after the resumption of the IPL on September 19.

  • IPL 2021: Shreyas Iyer return boosts Delhi Capitals ahead of SRH clash

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  Quite often, an unplanned break in the midst of a league can lead to a top team losing momentum once action resumes.

    But both skipper Rishabh Pant and coach Rickey Ponting feel that the gap has actually helped the Delhi Capitals as they gear up to face the Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday. 

    One of the biggest reasons for this is the return of Shreyas Iyer, who could not play any part in the first phase due to a shoulder injury.

    The return of the former skipper opens up a ton of possibilities for the franchise. Iyer’s batting skills aside, the balance of the team and the ability to play an extra overseas bowler are among the options available for the team management to tinker with.

    “I am absolutely delighted to have Shreyas back in our line-up,” Ponting said in a press interaction on the eve of Capitals’ first match of the UAE leg.

    “It was devastating for him and the team when he hurt his shoulder just before the start of the IPL earlier in the year. He is a world-class player, and he has been an exceptional player for Delhi Capitals for a long time now. Him slotting back into our line-up, I think it makes the make-up of our team look a little bit more complete.”

    “The first part of the tournament, as well as we played — we won six of our eight games — our overall balance didn’t quite feel like it was just right. But Shreyas coming back in now, it does give us the opportunity to play the two overseas fast bowlers, which we had [done] successfully in the past.”

    Last season’s runners-up used Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje to great effect and with Steve Smith not exactly shining in Iyer’s position, the Delhi side can go back to using Iyer in his preferred No 3 role and it will free up the space for an an additional foreign bowler.

    The only negative point for Delhi has been the performance of their domestic quick bowlers.

    Avesh Khan emerged as the lone match-winner during the first phase as the rest of the Capitals’ fast men took just nine wickets.

    Avesh’s success meant Capitals could afford to leave out Nortje but expect him to be back in the UAE. 

    DC topped the standings with six wins from eight matches and now are sitting in second spot, with 12 points.

    On the other hand, Sunrisers are placed at the last spot, with just a solitary win from seven games and six losses.

  • Edited recordings of IPL matches in Afghanistan?

    Express News Service

    CHENNAI: Even as reports emerged that the new regime in Afghanistan, the Taliban government, has banned the broadcast of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the country, sources in the know of things said there are a few options, including edited recording feeds, are being weighed upon.

    The move of not airing live IPL where top Afghan cricketers are playing may further isolate the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), which is already under scanner after the government reportedly said that women from the country will not be allowed to play sports.

    A day after reports emerged that IPL would not be aired live because of women-watching matches and there are cheerleaders, ACB chairman Azizullah Fazli said no such directive has been issued from the Taliban government. He, however, affirmed the official broadcaster is short of staff and the issue will be sorted soon.

    “At the moment, they only have two staffers that’s why the issue arose. We hope it will get resolved in a couple of days and IPL will be telecast,” Fazli told this daily on Tuesday. He had also denied that the government banned women to play sport, as per reports, while talking to this daily a few days ago. Another official said a few options of airing the event are being weighed upon.

    “The management at the Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA), the country’s official broadcaster, may even record matches and edit them before showing the recording. This could help them in removing contents deemed objectionable by the government,” said a source. Meanwhile, ACB chairman Fazli confirmed that he will be visiting Dubai next week to meet the BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly.

    “I will reach there on September 27 and will stay there for five-six days. We are trying to fix an appointment with Ganguly. One of my acquaintances is in talks with the BCCI president,” said Fazli. It is also learnt that Fazli is expected to visit India next.

    “Dates are not confirmed yet but I will definitely like to visit India as the BCCI has helped us a lot and we hope it continues to extend cooperation.”

  • Karthik Tyagi scripts incredible two-run win for Rajasthan Royals against Punjab Kings

    By PTI

    DUBAI: Fast bowler Karthik Tyagi bowled a sensational last over as Rajasthan Royals pulled off an incredible two-run win over Punjab Kings in an Indian Premier League (IPL) thriller here on Tuesday.

    Punjab required four runs off the last six balls but Tyagi dismissed Nicholas Pooran (32) and Deepak Hooda (0) and gave away only one run to snatch the win for his team from the jaws of defeat.

    Punjab ended their innings at 183 for four, chasing 186 to win.

    Sanju Samson’s side was seemingly down and out when KXIP opening pair Mayank Agarwal (67) and KL Rahul (49) put on 120 runs in 11.5 overs.

    With Aiden Markram (26 not out) and Nicholas Pooran (32) going strong, it looked like it would be only a matter of time when Punjab would wrap up the match.

    But in the end, Punjab made a mess in the last over to suffer their sixth defeat from nine matches.

    With this win, the Royals moved to the fifth spot after four wins from eight matches.

    Earlier, the 22-year-old Arshdeep Singh (5/32) complemented his senior pro Mohammed Shami (3/21) well as the duo shared eight wickets to help Punjab bowl out Rajasthan for 185 in exactly 20 overs after they were going strong at 169 for 5 in 17 overs.

    Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (49) and Mahipal Lomror (43) scored bulk of the runs for Rajasthan.

    Chasing the total, Mayank and KL Rahul looked in good touch.

    KL Rahul, who was dropped thrice, smashed 4 fours and 2 sixes in his 33-ball innings.

    He also crossed 3000 IPL runs during his knock.

    Mayank too produced seven hits to the fence and also clobbered two sixes in his 43-ball knock.

    Once the Punjab skipper was caught off Chetan Sakariya (1/31) in 12th over, Agarwal too was removed by Rahul Tewatia (1/23).

    Markram and Pooran then played some delightful shots to keep their chase on track before they were undone by a brilliant last-over by Tyagi.

    Earlier, opener Jaiswal was part of two vital partnerships, adding 54 with his new opening partner Evin Lewis (36) and then sharing another 48 off 28 balls with Liam Livingstone (25).

    Lomror then smashed his way to a 17-ball 43, studded with four sixes and two fours.

    However, in the last three overs, Shami claimed three wickets and Arshdeep completed his five-for to wrap up the RR innings.

    Put in to bat, Jaiswal and Lewis gave RR a flying start with the former smashing two successive fours off Shami in the first over and the latter smacking Ishan Porel, also playing his first match, for a six.

    The West Indies batsman punished Porel for bowling short and wide, blasting four boundaries in the fourth over.

    Deepak Hooda was then taken to the cleaners as he bled 13 runs.

    Arshdeep then produced the breakthrough, deceiving Lewis with a slower ball as Mayank Agarwal took a fine low catch as RR were 57 for one after the powerplay.

    Jaiswal then reverse swept England spinner Adil Rashid for a six, before depositing him over long off for another maximum.

    RR skipper Sanju Samson failed to make any impact as a terrific one-handed catch by KL Rahul ended his stay and gave Porel his maiden wicket.

    Livingstone then joined Jaiswal, who picked up another maximum off Rashid in the 9th over.

    Jasiwal raised the team hundred with another four off Harpreet Brar in the 11th over.

    Livingstone also tried to match his partner as he scooped one fine over KL Rahul and then smacked one over mid-wicket off Arshdeep.

    A sensational catch at deep midwicket by Fabian Allen sent Livingstone back to the hut with RR slipping to 116 for 3.

    Jaiswal couldn’t complete his fifty as his leading edge was held on to by Mayank at short cover.

    New man Lomror then went on a six-hitting spree, blasting two maximums off Rashid before sending Hooda for a couple more in the 16th over as RR crossed the 150-mark.

    Lomror also smashed two fours as Hooda conceded 24 runs off his second over.

    However, RR lost the plot after that as Shami and Arshdeep restricted their opponent to a competitive score in the end.

  • Arshdeep Singh​ takes five wickets as Punjab Kings restrict Rajasthan Royals to 185 in IPL

    By PTI

    DUBAI: Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (49) and Mahipal Lomror (43) starred with the bat but Punjab Kings pulled things back in the rear end to bowl out Rajasthan Royals for 185 in their IPL match here on Tuesday.

    Arshdeep Singh returned with a five-wicket haul after Mohammed Shami claimed three as the duo restricted Rajasthan inside the 200-mark after they were going hammer and tongs at one stage.

    Put into bat, Jaiswal was part of in two vital partnerships, adding 54 with his new opening partner Evin Lewis (36) and then sharing another 48 off 28 balls with Liam Livingstone (25).

    Lomror then smashed his way to a 17-ball 43, studded with four sixes and two fours.

    However, Punjab pulled things back in the end with Shami claiming two wickets to restrict RR inside 200.

    Earlier, Jaiswal smashed two successive fours in the first over off Shami, while debutant Lewis sent Ishan Porel, also playing his first match, sailing over for a six as RR had a flying start.

    The West Indies batsman punished Porel for bowling short and wide, blasting four boundaries in the fourth over.

    Deepak Hooda was then taken to the cleaners as he bled 13 runs.

    Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh then produced the breakthrough, deceiving Lewis with a slower ball as Mayank Agarwal took a fine low catch.

    After the powerplay, RR were at 57 for one.

    Jaiswal then reverse swept England spinner Adil Rashid for a six, before depositing him over long off for another maximum.

    RR skipper Sanju Samson failed to make any impact as a terrific one-handed catch by KL Rahul ended his stay and gave Porel his maiden wicket.

    Livingstone then joined Jaiswal, who picked up another maximum off Rashid in the 9th over.

    Jasiwal raised the team hundred with another four off Harpreet Brar in the 11th over.

    Livingstone also tried to match his partner as he scooped one fine over KL Rahul and then smacked one over mid-wicket off Arshdeep.

    A sensational catch at deep midwicket by Fabian Allen sent Livingstone back to the hut with RR slipping to 116 for 3.

    Jaiswal couldn’t complete his fifty as his leading edge was held on to by Mayank at short cover.

    New man Lomror then went on a six-hitting spree, blasting two maximums off Rashid before sending Hooda for a couple more in the 16th over as RR crossed the 150-mark.

    Lomror also smashed two fours as Hooda conceded 24 runs off his second over.

    However, Shami and Arshdeep restricted their opponent to a competitive score in the end.

  • Rishabh Pant’s level of maturity has gone through roof: Ricky Ponting

    By PTI

    DUBAI: Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting feels his young skipper Rishabh Pant’s level of maturity “has gone through the roof” in the last couple of seasons as he has evolved from a swashbuckling keeper-batsman to a leader of the pack.

    The 23-year-old Pant was given the responsibility to lead Delhi Capitals in the first phase of IPL 2021 after regular captain Shreyas Iyer was ruled out due to a shoulder injury.

    “Rishabh’s level of maturity in the last two seasons has gone through the roof,” Ponting, one of the game’s all-time greats, described the cricketer on Tuesday.

    “When I first came in, he just burst on to the scene. I had said we are going to see the unearthing of someone who is going to play for India for a long time. I could see that coming. I could see how much he wanted to be in every Indian team. It will take a very good player to knock him off that Indian team.”

    Under Pant’s captaincy, DC won six of their eight matches in the first phase of IPL 2021.

    “He has done a terrific job so far (leading DC in IPL). We are all striving for something special. This year we want to go one step further and Rishabh is going to play an intergral part in that.”

    Before the first phase of the league had started in India earlier this year, Ponting had backed Pant as the team’s skipper in the absence of Iyer, stating that the youngster would enjoy the extra responsibility.

    And he did as DC topped the standings with six wins from eight matches before COVID-19 cases in the IPL’s bio-bubble led to a suspension of the event.

    Eager to win their first silverware, Pant said the team needs to give just 10-15 percent more than last season.

    “We are better than last time this year. We have been focussing on the process for two-three years. We don’t have to do too many things differently from last year. We can do the same things and give 10-15 percent extra,” Pant said on the eve of their opening game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

    With the presence of people like Marcus Stoinis and Shimron Hetmyer in the team, besides Pant, the Australian legend has a lot of confidence in his middle-order.

    “Stoinis has had actually a really big impact on us. He has the talent to be a great all-rounder in world cricket, especially in white ball formats. We have got a lot of finishing power there with Hetmyer, Stoinis and Pant. It makes our batting lineup really strong and really deep.”

    Ponting is delighted to have Shreyas back in the squad, lending additional firepower to the batting lineup.

    “I am delighted to have him back in the team. He has been an exceptional player for Delhi, a world-class player. It does make our team look a little more complete.”

    He said the inclusion of Shreyas in the playing XI will not disturb their bowling combination that has two highly effective South African pacers in Kagiso Rabada and Andre Nortje.

    Ponting said the vibe and atmosphere around his group is good going into their first game in the second phase of the league.

    DC have plenty of senior players in their ranks including Steve Smith, Ajinkya Rahane and Ravichandran Ashwin, and some of them often miss out on game time, but the head coach said managing them has never been an issue as he treats everyone equally.

    “I manage everyone the same way, everyone is on the same page in our team. We treat each other equally, that’s certainly the way we try to go about. We have a good mix of youth and experience. We also do rely on our senior players as, at the end of the day, Rishabh is not always going to be right. So we bring everybody along the journey.”

    Pant said the team’s performance in the first half is good from the psychological point of view but they don’t talk about what happened a few months ago.

    “That performance in the first half counts obviously but we just want to focus one match at a time. We don’t discuss that as a team and focus on our process. As a player, I don’t think too much. I try to make most of the opportunities I get, move on, and keep learning every day.”

    Asked about his biggest learning from his predecessor in the Indian team, the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Pant said, “Focus on the process and results will follow.”

    When asked about his leadership, he said, “I just try to keep the environment light. Anyone can discuss anything with me or Ricky. The combination of youth and experience helps us to go forward. I have learned from Ricky that everyone should be treated equally in the team – players and also the support staff. Only then special things happen and as a skipper, that’s the only thing you want.”

    About Wednesday’s opponents, Ponting observed that SRH are not a high-scoring side but “they back their defensive side of the game” and are always up for a scrap. We feel like we are well prepared. I am very confident that our boys will get the job done.”

  • Punjab Kings skipper KL Rahul​ wins toss, elects to bowl against Rajasthan Royals

    By PTI

    DUBAI: Punjab Kings skipper KL Rahul won the toss and elected to field against Rajasthan Royals in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match here on Tuesday.

    Punjab have left out big-hitting Chris Gayle, and included Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Adil Rashid, Fabian Allen as the four foreign players in the playing XI.

    The Royals chose Evin Lewis, Liam Livingstone, Chris Morris and Mustafizur Rahman as their four overseas players.

    Teams:

    Punhab Kings: KL Rahul (C), Mayank Agarwal, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Fabian Allen, Adil Rashid, Ishan Porel, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Shami.

    Rajasthan Royals: Sanju Samson (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Evin Lewis, Liam Livingstone, Mahipal Lomror, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Chris Morris, Mustafizur Rahman, Chetan Sakariya and Kartik Tyagi

  • We’ve given ourselves a good chance to qualify for playoffs: Rabada

    Delhi Capitals registered six wins from eight matches in the first half of the tournament and led the points table before the league was suspended midway in May owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Shreyas Iyer hitting the ball well, itching to go: DC teammate Kagiso Rabada,

    By ANI

    DUBAI: Delhi Capitals’ fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who has taken 8 wickets in 7 matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season so far, expressed that the team has given itself a good chance of qualifying for the playoffs following a brilliant performance in the first half of the season.

    The Delhi franchise registered 6 wins from 8 matches in the first half of the tournament.

    “I think the guys are in a good space as we have been playing some cricket since the first half of the tournament. That’s a positive for the team. It’s also nice to start the second half of the season being on top of the table. However, we still have a lot of work to do. We’ve given ourselves a good chance to qualify for the playoffs and earn a spot in the final,” Rabada stated in an official release.

    Rabada added that he feels at home whenever he joins the Delhi Capitals family. “It’s no longer foreign to come into the DC environment for me. We know each other very well and we have also connected on a deeper level. We know about each other’s lives outside of cricket as well. We connect with each other when we are not playing the IPL. I’ve stayed in touch with Shreyas and connected with players on their birthdays.”

    Speaking about the return of Shreyas Iyer, Rabada said that the batsman is a phenomenal player and great for the balance of the side.

    “It’s awesome to have Shreyas back. He’s a phenomenal batter and an integral part of our team. He’s good for the balance of the team. I’m sure he’s itching to play. He seems to be in good spirits and he seems to be hitting the ball well,” said Rabada.

    The fast bowler further expressed that the Delhi Capitals will give it their best shot to win the IPL trophy this season.

    “We’ve had unfinished business since the day the Delhi Capitals didn’t win a final. We are coming back after a break and it’s just one final stretch for us. Hopefully, we can do it for our fans and our families this season. We are just going to give it our best shot. The guys believe that they can do it so that’s a great sign,” he added.

    The Delhi Capitals are set to take on the Sunrisers Hyderabad on September 22. 

  • Rajasthan Royals planning to go one match at a time: Mustafizur Rahman

    By ANI

    DUBAI: Ahead of Rajasthan Royals’ match on Tuesday against Punjab Kings, the franchise’s Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman has once again spoken on the need to focus on the process and says his team is “really excited to start off well.”

    “When you are playing in these conditions, it is important to start off well. I think if we can manage to maintain our process and are able to follow the things we’ve planned and execute them on the field, then we will definitely come out on top,” expressed the 26-year-old.

    Having helped his country to a first-ever T20I series win against New Zealand earlier this month, Mustafizur also commented on RR’s approach. “We don’t want to be looking too ahead of ourselves and want to just go match-by-match. We know what we want to do, and it is to win matches, and have a great IPL season, and I believe today will be the first of those matches. Everyone in the group is really excited to start off well.”

    The left-arm pacer currently has 8 wickets in 7 matches of IPL 2021, and refers to his time with the Royals so far as satisfying. “I think most teams in the IPL are very good, but I have absolutely enjoyed my time with the Royals. We are the first-ever champions of the IPL, and I feel really proud and satisfied to be able to perform for the franchise. I also feel really valued here and just hope to keep performing in the remainder of this season.”

    Disclosing what the four key factors to his good bowling form are, Mustafizur said, “For me, bowling doesn’t mean that you need to have several variations. I like to keep things simple, and I think I’ve got four key things that I do really well, which is to bowl — in the right areas, a good slower bowl, a quick yorker and a great bouncer.”

    “I believe it is not necessary to have too many things in your armoury but to focus on the things you do well,” he added.

    Having played in the UAE before, ‘The Fizz’ also added that the conditions will be familiar. “I’ve been there in 2014 to play at the U-19 Asia Cup, and I think the conditions there are very similar to what we find across Asia and even back home in Bangladesh. I also know it’ll be hot, but I’m not worried about it and am quite used to it,” he gushed.

    “I’m very confident with the boys coming in, they’ve all performed well at the international level and the franchise has chosen them because they have performed well. So, I feel we will have a strong unit.”

    Signing off, the pacer did agree that the IPL season will serve as good preparation for the T20 World Cup. “Obviously, it will be really good preparation for me because I can then go back when the World Cup starts and share information with my teammates on how the wickets were. Not all of my teammates are playing in the IPL, so I can pass on the knowledge, and I hope it will be very important for the team,” he expressed.