News Analysis India

Tag: IPL

  • Mumbai Indians have a really adaptable team, will be a good contest: Marcus Stoinis

    By ANI
    CHENNAI: Delhi Capitals’ opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan reckons that the challenge for his side would be to switch on mentally on the Chennai wicket when they play defending champions Mumbai Indians.

    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. The Rishabh Pant-led Delhi will take on Mumbai Indians later on Tuesday in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

    “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.

    On the other hand, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis reckons that the game against Mumbai would be challenging on a tricky Chennai wicket.

    “They are a very good team, we have played against them a lot of times recently and yeah, it is going to be a challenging game on that surface. They have got a really adaptable team and so do we so it will be a good contest,” said Stoinis.

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

    Delhi Capitals had last defeated Punjab Kings while Mumbai Indians outclassed SunRisers Hyderabad in their previous game in the IPL.

  • Moeen Ali​ is on fire, he’s enjoying batting at the top: CSK all-rounder Sam Curran

    By ANI
    MUMBAI: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Sam Curran has said that teammate Moeen Ali is really enjoying batting at the top for the franchise in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

    Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja took five wickets among themselves as CSK defended 188 runs against Rajasthan to go second at the points table of the Indian Premier League (IPL). CSK defeated Rajasthan Royals by 44 runs here at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday. For CSK, Sam Curran also returned with two wickets.

    “Very good. That first game we did not start well but we have talked lot these last couple of days and we executed really well with both bat and ball. It’s really nice to get two wins now and get some momentum. Moeen Ali is on fire, I think he is really enjoying batting at the top. He does that for his county team too in England. Ravindra Jadeja was excellent as well in the field and with the ball,” Sam Curran told Dwayne Bravo in a video posted on the official website of IPL.

    Earlier, Faf du Plessis and Ambati Rayudu scored at a firing rate before Dwayne Bravo’s 20 runs off 8 balls came handy in the death overs as CSK posted 188/9 in their allotted 20 overs. For CSK, Faf top-scored with an innings of 33 while for Rajasthan Royals, Chetan Sakariya returned with three wickets.

    “After losing the first game, we had a week off, we put a lot of thought and planning into our game. Back-to-back wins, the tournament will get harder as the game progresses,” said Bravo.

    CSK has now won two matches out of three and the side will next take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Wednesday here at the Wankhede Stadium.

  • Moeen Ali adding all-round aspect which we lacked last year: CSK’s Stephen Fleming

    By PTI
    MUMBAI: Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming feels that England player Moeen Ali has strengthened the team as he brings all-round value to it, which was missed in the last IPL season.

    Fleming said Ali’s impressive batting at No.3 has been instrumental in the team getting good scores so far this season.

    “He is adding an all-round aspect to our game which we lacked last year,” Fleming said of Ali, who hit a quickfire 26 and returned with figures of 3/7 in CSK’s 45-run win over Rajasthan Royals on Monday night.

    “His contribution was just what we were looking for. We are absolutely happy with the way he has started,” Fleming said at the post-match press conference.

    The head coach said his team has not played “a good 20 overs with the bat” yet but still getting high scores.

    “I’m really excited about the way we are playing. The long resource we have, we’re using and we are pushing opposition hard. So we are playing a positive brand throughout,” the former New Zealand captain said.

    He said captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni would get better as he spends more time in the middle.

    Dhoni scored 18 off 17 balls after coming at number five.

    “Yes, his form is restoring, every time he gets some balls in the middle he’s going to get better and better,” Fleming said.

    “There will be opportunities where we would probably look to throw MS Dhoni up as with (Ravindra) Jadeja and others.”

    Fleming said because of the “many resources” his team has, it’s facing the challenge of managing the batting order.

    “At the moment we are just trying to be a solid order and look for simple parts of the game and what the conditions provide us in terms of how we can attack. “We know we have got a lot of batting and the way we are playing is really encouraging. We haven’t put together a perfect innings by any means but the skipper will be a big part of it going forward,” Fleming added.

    He said the team will continue to back opener Ruturaj Gaikwad (10) despite his struggles and failing for the third straight game.

  • No plans to change: RR captain Sanju Samson says he will continue to bat the way he loves

    By PTI
    MUMBAI: Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson is not bothered about failures and said he would continue to play his shots and keep on batting the way he loves to in the ongoing Indian Premier League.

    Samson scored a blistering ton in the first match which Royals lost narrowly to Punjab Kings but failed to come good against Delhi Capitals and against Chennai Super Kings on Monday night.

    “Yeah, actually it keeps on happening in this format of the game. I think IPL definitely demands a lot of risk-taking shots. And I said before when I succeeded, I took a lot of risks. That’s why I scored a hundred. So, it depends actually on the day, the mindset you are coming with,” Samson said at the post-match press conference after RR lost to CSK by 45 runs here on Monday night.

    “Actually, I don’t want to restrict my shots, I want to keep on playing my shots and keep on batting the way I love to bat actually. So, I’m also accepting a lot of failures on the way. So, I am not at all worried about getting out, but at the same time, I will definitely look to keep on contributing to my team’s victory in the coming matches.”

    He said the IPL is a long tournament and it was normal to fail in a few matches.

    “Pressure to perform is always there. When you play IPL, pressure is always there. Sometimes you succeed and sometimes you fail. I think IPL is a long format and you play 14 continuous matches, it is very normal to fail in a few matches.

    “(But) it is always crucial to remember how good a team we are… So, we’ll keep on coming back and keep on trying to win the coming matches,” Samson said.

    Samson said the chase on Monday night would have been easy if dew had come in.

    “Looking at the previous matches, we played here or which we watched on the TV, I think bowling first has more advantage than bowling second.

    So that’s why we opted to bowl first and actually restricting CSK around 180 was really good work by our bowlers.

    “I thought if the dew comes on and the wicket eases out a bit, it would have been an easy chase for us actually,” he added.

    Asked about the batting order, the RR captain backed Shivam Dube, who could not get going on Monday, for the crucial No 4 position.

    “I think our batting order is very nicely set up. I think Shivam Dube is someone who is good at playing spin and pace. I think No 4 really suits him. It depends upon the condition actually.

    “I think he has definitely done really well in the domestic season and I feel he is really looking good and we expect a lot of runs from him in the coming matches. David Miller is a really great finisher and one of the greatest finishers in world cricket.”

  • Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Ben Stokes trolls Sunil Gavaskar for commentary during IPL match

    By IANS
    MUMBAI: All-rounder Ben Stokes took a shot at the commentary for the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Wankhede Stadium.

    “Commentator: “Such a poor bouncer, if you want to bowl a bouncer it must be over Off Stump” REPLAY: bouncer line directly over Off Stump Me: (facepalm emoji)” Stokes tweeted on Sunday.

    The incident that Stokes was referring to happened in the 11th over of the PBKS innings in which DC fast bowler Kagiso Rabada conceded 20 runs. Mayank Agarwal hit two sixes in the over while PBKS captain KL Rahul hit one off the third ball. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar said at the time in the commentary box that Rabada needed to bowl his bouncers over the off stump.

    “This is a poor delivery because if you are going to bowl the bouncer, you have got to bowl it around the off stump,” said Gavaskar. Replays showed that the ball was indeed soaring above the off stump and Rahul got into position early to hook it over backward square.

    PBKS scored 195/4 but eventually lost the match by six wickets with 10 balls to spare due to Shikhar Dhawan’s 92 off 49 balls.

  • Hardik Pandya thanks Mumbai Indians for six ‘extraordinary’ years

    By ANI
    CHENNAI: All-rounder Hardik Pandya on Monday took a trip down memory lane as he completed six “extraordinary” years with Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

    Hardik made his debut for Mumbai Indians on this day in 2015 and since then the all-rounder has established himself as one of the key members of the side.

    Hardik thanked the management, staff, teammates, and fans for the love and support and posted a video cherishing some good moments of his with Mumbai Indians.

    “A walk down memory lane and looking back at 6 extraordinary years with a team so close to my heart @mipaltan To the management, staff, teammates and fans who’ve been with me on this journey, thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Hardik tweeted.

    In his debut match, Hardik had scored 16 runs off six balls as Mumbai Indians defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by 18 runs.

    Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene revealed Hardik picked up a niggle during the ODI series between India and England and that has kept the all-rounder away from bowling in the ongoing IPL.

    Hardik has in recent times stuck to playing as a finisher both in the national team and Mumbai Indians. Jayawardene wants Hardik to recover fully from the niggle before taking on the batsmen with ball in hand.

    “We were looking forward to him bowling this season as he didn’t bowl in last year’s IPL after coming from an injury and he wasn’t ready. In his last ODI match against England, I believe Hardik picked up a niggle so we don’t want to risk an injury,” Jayawardene explained.

    “We want to be sure that he is comfortable in bowling so hopefully in the next few weeks with a bit of work and all that you might see him bowling, we would love to see him bowling but as soon as the niggle goes off and he is comfortable in bowling we could utilise that asset as well,” he added.

  • Hardik Pandya isn’t bowling as he picked a niggle during last ODI against England: Mumbai Indians coach Mahela Jayawardene

    By ANI
    CHENNAI: Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene on Monday revealed Hardik Pandya picked up a niggle during the ODI series between India and England which has kept the all-rounder away from bowling in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Hardik has in recent times stuck to playing as a finisher both in the national team and Mumbai Indians.

    Jayawardene wants Hardik to recover fully from the niggle before taking on the batsmen with ball in hand. “We were looking forward to him bowling this season as he didn’t bowl in last year’s IPL after coming from an injury and he wasn’t ready. In his last ODI match against England, I believe Hardik picked up a niggle so we don’t want to risk an injury,” Jayawardene explained.

    “We want to be sure that he is comfortable in bowling so hopefully in the next few weeks with a bit of work and all that you might see him bowling, we would love to see him bowling but as soon as the niggle goes off and he is comfortable in bowling we could utilise that asset as well,” he added.

    In the games, where Mumbai Indians pulled off victories from losing positions, spinner Rahul Chahar played a key role. He might have gone for 43 runs in his first match but the spinner returned with seven wickets in the next two.

    “Rahul Chahar has been performing well for us for the last 3 years. He is still a young player and is constantly learning. We are very happy with his progress,” said Jayawardene.

    Mumbai Indians will next lock horns with Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, in Chennai on Tuesday.

  • Mumbai Indians has adapted pretty well to competitive Chennai wicket: Mahela Jayawardene

    By ANI
    CHENNAI: Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene feels neutral venues in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 makes the tournament more exciting and interesting.

    Each team is playing at four venues in the league stage. Out of the 56 league matches, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru are slated to host 10 matches each while Ahmedabad and Delhi will host 8 matches each.

    One of the highlights of this edition of the IPL is the fact that all games are being played at neutral venues and no team will get to play at their home venue.

    Moreover, Chennai has witnessed some low-scoring thrillers. But Jayawardene reckons the wickets are not unplayable and one of the reasons that Mumbai Indians has faired well is because the team has adapted pretty well to the conditions.

    “Well I think it’s unfair to say that you need batting wickets in IPL, why is the tournament interesting is because every venue is different which makes it evenly contesting. Yes the wickets are slightly on the slower side but we have still seen scores of 150 or 160 in the last few matches,” said Jayawardene while replying to a query from ANI.

    “They are not unplayable wickets they are good competitive wickets. I think we have been consistent in our approach it is challenging but we have adapted pretty well. Sometimes we will make mistakes and that is part of the game.”

    “Every game is a challenge in Chennai because we are playing different teams and not just playing against CSK in Chennai, we are playing against different opposition, so we also have to adjust to different playing styles according to the teams,” Jayawardene opined.

    The likes of Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard who don’t shy away from hammering the bowlers in any given situation are what makes Mumbai Indians a batting powerhouse and former Sri Lanka skipper feels his side can chase any target in the cash-rich league.

    “I am pretty confident that we can chase a target if we are asked to bowl first. We believe in that ability, it’s not just Chennai but in any conditions, it’s the same for us in Wankhede where it is easier to chase the totals down,” said Jayawardene.

    “We try and believe in ourselves that nothing is impossible but we can’t control the atmosphere or conditions. We can control our mindset and I know if we have to chase something down this the batting line up which can achieve the target,” he added.

    Mumbai Indians will next lock horns with Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, in Chennai on Tuesday.

  • SRH bowling coach Muttiah Muralitharan to be discharged today, to resume normal activities: Hospital

    By ANI
    CHENNAI: Sri Lanka legend and SunRisers Hyderabad bowling coach Muttiah Muralitharan will be discharged from hospital on Monday after undergoing angioplasty on Sunday.

    “Former Sri Lankan cricket player was admitted for cardiac evaluation at Apollo Hospital, Greams Road, Chennai on 18.04.2021. He underwent successful coronary angioplasty with scents yesterday under the care of Dr. G Sengottuvelu,” said Apollo Hospital in its latest medical bulletin on Monday.

    “He will be discharged today and would resume his normal activities,” it added.

    Muralitharan had undergone angioplasty here in Chennai on Sunday. The bowling legend had a stent fitted to unblock his artery.

    Muralitharan, who has 800 wickets in the longest format of the game, will rejoin the SRH camp after being discharged from the hospital.

    SRH lost the Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Mumbai Indians on Saturday. The franchise has lost all its three games in this season and the side is desperately looking to change its fortunes around.

    SRH’s middle order is badly missing Kane Williamson and Warner said if the New Zealand skipper recovers he might get an opportunity. “Got to move forward, put some smiles on our faces. Have been speaking to the phsyio and Williamson is coming along nicely and I’m sure if he’s ready to go he might get an opportunity,” Warner said.

    The David Warner-led team will next lock horns with Punjab Kings on Wednesday.

  • Did well to keep Punjab Kings under 200: Delhi Capitals all-rounder Marcus Stoinis

    By ANI
    MUMBAI: Delhi Capitals’ all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has said that his side did really well to keep Punjab Kings under the 200-run mark in an Indian Premier League (IPL) game here at the Wankhede Stadium.

    Mayank Agarwal’s masterclass had put Punjab Kings on course to victory but Dhawan’s ferocious knock took the game away from the KL Rahul-led side and Delhi Capitals registered an easy win on Sunday.

    “It’s nice to get into the tournament, pretty important for us to win. It’s only early in the season but every game here feels so important. At the 10-over mark, we were trying to keep them under 250, we did well to keep them under 200. The focus is always to start well and then the simple cliches of cricket – good partnerships and then leave it up to the finishers in the end. Shikhar is brilliant, he has carried on his form last year, he’s really hungry for runs. Two games ago, he started the season so well and he’s backed it up today,” Stoinis told host broadcaster Star Sports after the conclusion of the game.

    “The team is definitely better when he’s doing well. It’s important to get into the tournament early as an individual, it is handy to hit a few off the middle. The start of the tournament is probably the time when you can try a few things. Every game feels like a final, we know that from last year, we think (after) 5-6 games, you need to have your team sorted. Not required to bowl, haven’t been coming out the best, it’s pretty wet out there. It is a work in progress here and we’ll all be required at some stage,” he added.

    Mayank’s (69) sensational knock and a final over cameo by Shahrukh Khan (15) had propelled Punjab Kings to put an impressive 195 for four. In response, Dhawan’s (92) innings and Marcus Stoinis’ (27) onslaught helped Delhi Capitals get over the line with six wickets in hand and 10 balls to spare.

    Earlier, Mayank and Rahul played knocks of 69 and 61 respectively as Punjab Kings posted a total of 195/4 in the allotted twenty overs. For Punjab Kings, Deepak Hooda and Shahrukh Khan remained unbeaten on 22 and 15. For Delhi Capitals, Chris Woakes, Lukman Meriwala, Kagiso Rabada, and Avesh Khan took one wicket each.

    Delhi Capitals will next take on Mumbai Indians on Tuesday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.