News Analysis India

Tag: IPL

  • Confidence level will go high after beating Mumbai Indians: Delhi Capitals batsman Shikhar Dhawan

    By ANI
    CHENNAI: Delhi Capitals opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan has said that the confidence of his side will go high after defeating Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

    Leg-spinner Amit Mishra spun a web over Mumbai Indians before Shikhar Dhawan and Steve Smith played knocks of 45 and 33 respectively as Delhi Capitals registered a win here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday. Mishra had picked four wickets to help Delhi Capitals restrict Mumbai Indians to 137/9.

    “Totally opposite to Wankhede, feeling great to win in Chennai, feels good when you can beat a team like Mumbai Indians, the confidence level will naturally go high. We knew that it would be tough for them when the ball gets wet,” Dhawan told host broadcaster Star Sports.

    “The spinners would find it hard, wanted to keep the partnerships going, strung together a good stand with Lalit Yadav, a bit disappointed at not having finished it off. But glad that we ended up winning the game, the way we played, I think we deserved to win,” he added.

    Dhawan is currently the Orange Cap holder after registering 231 runs in four matches at an average of 57.75 with his best score being 92 against Punjab Kings.

    Delhi Capitals needed 15 runs in the last two overs and Shimron Hetmyer and Lalit Yadav ensured the side didn’t falter at the end. Moreover, Jasprit Bumrah’s two no-balls in the penultimate over made the job a lot easier for the batsmen.

    Earlier, Mumbai Indians were cruising towards a mammoth total having scored 55 runs in the first six overs but Mishra wreaked havoc and dismantled the batting order removing Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, and Ishan Kishan.

    Delhi is now placed at the second spot in the IPL points table with 6 points from four games. The side will next take on SunRisers Hyderabad on Sunday.

  • Will carry forward confidence gained playing Test cricket in IPL: RCB spinner Washington Sundar

    By PTI
    MUMBAI: India and Royal Challengers Bangalore off-spinner Washington Sundar on Wednesday said he will carry forward the confidence and self-belief he gained while playing Test cricket into the ongoing Indian Premier League.

    Washington made his Test debut earlier this year against Australia in Brisbane.

    He scored a fluent 62 and snared three wickets in the first innings.

    In the second essay, he played a game-changing 22 on the final day to help India seal a memorable victory.

    “I think performing well in the Test cricket definitely boosts a lot of confidence for any cricketer,” Washington said at the virtual product launch of the “Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro.”

    “And getting to play Test cricket at the highest level for the Indian cricket team, which has been really doing well, especially in the last few years is a dream come true moment for any youngster and that has happened to me,” he added.

    The 21-year-old was also a part of the Indian Test side that defeated England 3-1 last month.

    “We played against two top quality sides — Australia and England. Performing against them and winning games against them gave me a lot of confidence and self belief.

    “So, yes that confidence I will definitely take it forward and also the momentum I would really love to take forward throughout the IPL and the games to come,” he added.

    Talking about the IPL, which is being held behind closed doors for a second successive edition, Washington said: “It has been two years now.

    The last IPL was also played behind closed doors.

    “I think we are very much used to it, though we would love to have a lot of crowd supporting us and I know the kind of energy crowds bring in for every game is amazing.

    “But given the scenario, we are happy that we could play cricket,” he signed off.

  • I still have plenty in the tank left in me: Punjab Kings batsman Chris Gayle

    By ANI
    CHENNAI: Chris Gayle might be one of the oldest cricketers featuring in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) but the Punjab Kings batsman still has “plenty in the tank” to cause nightmares to opposition bowlers.

    In Chennai’s grueling conditions, Gayle feels if he can adjust to the environment he’ll be at par with the young guns.

    “Absolutely, I still have plenty in the tank left in me, looking forward to plenty more cricket. It’s a hot day today, you feel you’re still a youngster if you can get on with these conditions,” Gayle told host broadcaster Star Sports.

    Punjab Kings will be facing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and spinner Rashid Khan will try to exploit the conditions like Amit Mishra did on Tuesday against Mumbai Indians.

    The Universe Boss feels the game will be tough for both teams and Punjab Kings needs to stay positive in order to get over the line.

    “Rashid is a world-class bowler, the conditions absolutely suit him as well, but you need to be positive against him, you’ll get scoring opportunities. You can’t be on the back-foot when you play against these guys, said Gayle.

    “This is going to be a tough game for both sides, but from our point of view, we still need to play positive cricket, having been here before (and having played three games here), they (SRH) know the conditions better than us. But we’ll have to believe and stick to our plans, try and execute the basics well,” he added.

    Earlier this month, Gayle became the first batsman to smash 350 sixes in the IPL. The West Indies batsman (352) achieved the feat during his 40-run knock against Rajasthan Royals when he whacked a maximum over deep square leg off all-rounder Ben Stokes’ delivery at the Wankhede.

    The Punjab Kings batsman was already leading the charts and his two sixes against Rajasthan Royals only consolidated his position. Former South Africa swashbuckling batsman AB de Villiers is at the second spot having hit 240 sixes in the cash-rich league.

    Meanwhile, Punjab Kings on Wednesday won the toss and opted to bat against SRH here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

  • If allowed, first statue that will go up for Delhi Capitals is of Amit Mishra, says Parth Jindal

    By ANI
    NEW DELHI: Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal has said that leg-spinner Amit Mishra would be the first player from the franchise to have his statue outside the Arun Jaitley Stadium if the Indian Premier League (IPL) teams are allowed to put up statues outside their home stadiums.

    Leg-spinner Amit Mishra spun a web over Mumbai Indians before Shikhar Dhawan and Steve Smith played knocks of 45 and 33 respectively as Delhi Capitals registered a win at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Mishra had picked four wickets to help Delhi Capitals restrict Mumbai Indians to 137/9.

    “If IPL teams are ever allowed to put up statues outside their home stadiums by the @BCCI and state cricket bodies — there is no doubt in my mind that the first statue that will go up for us @DelhiCapitals will be that of @MishiAmit — what a wonderful servant he has been to DC,” tweeted Jindal.

    Mishra is the second-highest wicket-taker in the history of the IPL as he has 164 wickets to his name from 152 matches.

    He is also the only bowler in the league to take three hat-tricks. The veteran has been a long servant for Delhi Capitals and he still holds the key to their spin department.

    Coming back to Tuesday’s game, Delhi Capitals needed 15 runs in the last two overs and Shimron Hetmyer and Lalit Yadav ensured the side didn’t falter at the end. Moreover, Jasprit Bumrah’s two no-balls in the penultimate over made the job a lot easier for the DC batsmen.

    Earlier, Mumbai Indians were cruising towards a mammoth total having scored 55 runs in the first six overs, but Mishra wreaked havoc and dismantled the batting order removing Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, and Ishan Kishan.

  • Old is gold: Virender Sehwag lauds Amit Mishra for match-winning show against Mumbai Indians

    By ANI
    NEW DELHI: Former India batsman Virender Sehwag lauded spinner Amit Mishra for giving a match-winning performance against Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Tuesday.

    Leg-spinner Amit Mishra spun a web over Mumbai Indians before Shikhar Dhawan and Steve Smith played knocks of 45 and 33 respectively as Delhi Capitals registered a win at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Mishra had picked four wickets to help Delhi Capitals restrict Mumbai Indians to 137/9.

    “Old is gold. Amit Mishra proving why he is the second-highest wicket-taker in the history of IPL with an incredible spell and @DelhiCapitals showing it is possible to chase in Chennai by being sensible,” tweeted Sehwag.

    Delhi Capitals needed 15 runs in the last two overs and Shimron Hetmyer and Lalit Yadav ensured the side didn’t falter at the end. Moreover, Jasprit Bumrah’s two no-balls in the penultimate over made the job a lot easier for the DC batsmen.

    Earlier, Mumbai Indians were cruising towards a mammoth total having scored 55 runs in the first six overs but Mishra wreaked havoc and dismantled the batting order removing Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, and Ishan Kishan.

    “Obviously, I am feeling good with my performance as it came against the Mumbai Indians. Mumbai has the experience of playing here in Chennai but we managed to defeat them here. I am happy with my performance. I always try to bowl the ball outside Rohit’s zone and I do not give him pace. I always try to defeat him in flight so that he tries a shot that is not his strength,” Mishra had told Prithvi Shaw in a video posted on the official website of IPL.

  • Punjab Kings win toss, opt to bat against SunRisers Hyderabad

    By ANI
    CHENNAI: KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings on Wednesday won the toss and opted to bat against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

    At the time of the toss, KL Rahul said: “I think it’s pretty obvious, everyone’s batting first. Riley, Jhye, and Jalaj miss out. Fabian, Moises, and M Ashwin are in. We know who our core group is, there will be one or two changes according to conditions. The players have been given their roles. The more games we play, we’ll get better. There are youngsters and we need to give them some time to get used to the pressure of the IPL.”

    On the other hand, SRH skipper Warner said: “It’s not about me keeping the positivity up. Everyone in this franchise is always positive. There are little things — my run out for example. Kane is coming in for Mujeeb. Samad has a hamstring injury and Kedar replaces him. Manish misses out as well.”

    SRH made three changes to their lineup as they brought in Kedar Jadhav, Kane Williamson, and Siddharth Kaul in place of Abdul Samad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Manish Pandey. Punjab Kings also made three changes as they brought in Fabien Allen, Moises Henriques, and Murugan Ashwin in place of Jhye Richardson, Jalaj Saxena, and Riley Meredith.

    SRH has lost all its three games in the ongoing season so far while Punjab Kings has won only one out of three matches that they have played so far.

    Teams:

    SRH: David Warner (c), Jonny Bairstow, Kane Williamson, Virat Singh, Vijay Shankar, Abhishek Sharma, Kedar Jadhav, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddharth Kaul, Khaleel Ahmed

    Punjab Kings: KL Rahul (c), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Moises Henriques, Fabien Allen, Shahrukh Khan, M Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh

  • Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen shares routine for next few weeks in India

    By ANI
    MUMBAI: Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen is gearing up for his commentary stint in the ongoing 14th edition of the Indian Premier League.

    Legendary batsman Brian Lara and former Australia pacer Brett Lee are among the five panelists who are gracing the Select Dugout with detailed analytical commentary to create deeper fan engagement. Shane Watson, Dale Steyn, Ross Taylor, Graeme Smith, and Pietersen are among a host of other experts who will join the feed.

    Pietersen on Tuesday shared his IPL routine, which the former England cricketer will be following over the next few weeks while he is in India.

    “My @IPL routine over the next few weeks in India. Train hard, Work hard, Eat well, Sleep well, No sugar, bread, alcohol,” Pietersen tweeted.

    Earlier this month, Pietersen had appreciated Rohit Sharma’s move to support the ‘Saving Rhinos’ campaign in the IPL opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as the Mumbai Indians skipper wore shoes highlighting the endangered rhino species.

    Pieterson, who is himself involved in the conservation of the Rhinos through his ‘SORAI’ initiative, took to Twitter and wrote, “The great mams boots last night in the @IPL opener. @ImRo45 continually playing for a cause — SAVING RHINOS!”

    Mumbai Indians has played three games in the ongoing edition so far, managing to win two games just like Delhi Capitals. Delhi and Mumbai are currently placed at third and fourth places in the points table and the two sides will lock horns on Tuesday.

    Delhi and Mumbai had played the final of last year’s IPL and it was Rohit Sharma’s team who came out on top. In all the four matches played last season, Mumbai managed to outclass Delhi.

  • CSK should build their team around Ravindra Jadeja: Former England captain Michael Vaughan

    By IANS
    MUMBAI: Former England captain Michael Vaughan said that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) should build their team around Ravindra Jadeja considering his all-round abilities.

    “You may say that Dhoni will play for 2-3 more years but let’s be honest, he’s not gonna play a great deal after that. So you’ve got to start looking at who you can build a team around and to me, Ravindra Jadeja is the kind of cricketer that I would build my team around. I just think he’s that good with the ball, in the field, with the bat in hand, his mindset, his mentality is very good,” said Vaughan on Cricbuzz.

    Jadeja played a crucial role in CSK’s win over Rajasthan Royals on Monday. He took two wickets, including the all-important scalp of opener Jos Buttler and took four catches.

    “Jadeja for me is the kind of player to whom you can say ‘You’re going to bat at No.4 or 5, get in there early. We might even open the bowling with you, depending on who is batting We’ll put you in key fielding positions.’ He is ready for that. I think he is that good a cricketer,” Vaughan said.

    While there have been talks of CSK considering using England all-rounder Sam Curran as the focal point to build their future teams, Vaughan feels that Curran is too young for that kind of responsibility.

    “We were talking the others that are they (CSK) trying to build a team around Sam Curran but I think Sam’s too young and he’s not quite ready for that kind of mantle yet. 4-5 years down the line maybe but I think Sam Curran’s a better cricketer when he is under the radar. Just let him be. Don’t need to put too much pressure on him, he’ll deliver,” Vaughan said.

  • Delhi Capitals very talented side, but our team matches strongly against theirs: Mumbai Indians’ Shane Bond

    By ANI
    CHENNAI: Mumbai Indians bowling coach Shane Bond reckons Delhi Capitals is a really talented team and as a result, he believes the Rohit Sharma-led side needs to be at their best to come out on top when the two side clash on Tuesday.

    Mumbai Indians has played three games in the ongoing edition so far, managing to win two games just like DC. Delhi and Mumbai are currently placed at third and fourth places in the points table.

    “They are a team that is highly talented, last year they played outstanding cricket and have started the season well again, particularly with the bat. I think they all were particularly close games last year, we probably played some of our best cricket against Delhi. They certainly deserved their place in the final and have started off the season strongly once again. We take a lot of confidence, we know we are a team that matches strongly against them. We know the wicket is tricky but we we have got experience on it, hopefully that will hold us in good stead,” said Bond in a video posted on the official Twitter handle of Mumbai Indians.

    Delhi and Mumbai had played the final of last year’s IPL and it was Rohit Sharma’s team who came out on top. In all the four matches played last season, Mumbai managed to outclass Delhi.

    “We are always well planned and we have attacked their players in different ways and we will do the same. In the last couple of games, the teams have got good start against us, our spinners have done a brilliant job in the middle. Teams are scoring 20-25 runs of the last five overs which is a real credit to our bowlers. They are really clear about what they want to do,” said Bond.

    Delhi Capitals had last defeated Punjab Kings while Mumbai Indians outclassed SunRisers Hyderabad in their previous game in this year’s IPL.

    Delhi Capitals has played all its three games at Wankhede Stadium and the side would now play its next two games here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

  • Delhi Capitals pacer Ishant Sharma fit to play

    By ANI
    NEW DELHI: In what comes as a huge boost for Delhi Capitals ahead of the game against Mumbai Indians, pacer Ishant Sharma has been cleared to play in the remainder of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League.

    Speaking to ANI, sources in the DC camp said that while Ishant was struggling with a heel niggle, he is now fit and ready to take the field.

    “He was struggling with a heel niggle, but he is good to go now. Had to take it slow and easy as we have a long road ahead of us and he is an integral part of the bowling attack,” the source explained.

    While Delhi has been impressive with two wins from three games, the fast bowlers haven’t been in top form with both Kagiso Rabada and Lukman Meriwala proving to be expensive in the last game against Punjab Kings.

    In fact, Avesh Khan has been the only pacer who has impressed with his variations in all the games so far. And going into the game against defending champions Mumbai Indians, the DC unit will be happy to have Ishant available to play.

    Coming to the MI encounter, DC opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan reckons that the challenge for his side would be to switch on mentally on the Chennai wicket.

    Delhi Capitals has played all its three games at Wankhede Stadium and the side would now play its next two games at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

    “MI has played 2-3 three over there before so they know the conditions, for us the challenge will be to switch on mentally according to the wicket and prepare our plan and just go and implement it and play with a positive mindset, aggression and look to win the game,” said Dhawan in a video posted on the official Twitter handle of Delhi Capitals.