Showing posts with label indian cricket players. Show all posts
Showing posts with label indian cricket players. Show all posts

RCB's Collective Effort vs. DC's Trio: Jitesh Sharma Speaks Unfiltered Before Crucial Match

Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Jitesh Sharma thinks his team has a distinct edge over the Delhi Capitals going into their upcoming IPL 2024 match. In anticipation of the game, Jitesh cited RCB’s current streak of victories and more balanced performances as primary factors behind their optimism.

"We hold an advantage since we've competed in away matches and secured victories in tough encounters," Jitesh stated. RCB has begun IPL 2025 with strength, triumphing over the reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders in their first game at Eden Gardens, followed by wins against powerhouse teams Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians on their own turf.

Despite remaining the sole undefeated team in the league after winning all three of their matches, Jitesh offered an honest assessment, pointing out that their heavy reliance on key players might pose a problem.

"Additionally, our batting lineup has seen contributions from everyone involved. However, in DC, they seem to depend heavily on just three players. It should make for an interesting challenge," he stated.

The RCB's revival has been based on "intelligent cricket," as stated by the wicketkeeper-batter. He elaborated that their strategic approach has enabled the squad to transition from uncontrolled aggressiveness to well-paced play.

"We're playing intelligent cricket and aggressively taking on each bowler. We understand everyone’s strengths, and the team management has assigned clear roles. Essentially, Jitesh will focus on specific bowlers, while the rest of us will handle different ones," he stated.

We aren't aiming for blind domination. It's not as though we're consuming some enchanted elixir. We simply aim to implement our strategy.

Jitesh on the roles of Bumrah and Karthik

Jitesh, who faced Jasprit Bumrah Recently, he expressed great admiration for the Mumbai Indians fast bowler. "It seemed like he had just returned from the ICC Champions Trophy. Bumrah is incredibly precise. He was genuinely fit and has undergone thorough assessments. He is at his best right now," he stated.

The player, who is 31 years old, has shown great confidence while batting for RCB and attributes his good form to the guidance of the team's mentor, Dinesh Karthik.

It has been an incredible journey so far because during the off-season, I put in a lot of effort working with him. The shots I'm using now seem like replicas of his own style. He’s attempting to mold a new type of player from me.

"He has faith in my ability to perform from every angle—360 degrees... I'm truly relishing this new position," Jitesh stated.

Find more articles like this here. Diwida |

IPL 2025: Faf's Fifty and Starc's Five-Wicket Thriller Secure DC's Big Win Over SRH

Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) [India], March 30 (ANI): Faf du Plessis's fiery fifty and Mitchell Starc's scorching five-wicket haul assisted Delhi Capitals in silencing Sunrisers Hyderabad with a seven-wicket victory on Sunday in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

In pursuit of 164, Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser McGurk adopted a cautious approach in the first over, negating the threat posed by Mohammed Shami.

McGurk broke the shackles and dispatched the ball with a slog sweep over long-on for a maximum of Abhishek Sharma in the second over.

DC had sniffed blood, and the explosive duo set out on a hunt of the Sunrisers' bowling unit to make the most out of the powerplay.

Faf took the brunt of clobbering Shami for runs and thrived with his textbook perfect stroke play. The seasoned South African clubbed the first ball of the third over for a six. He topped it up with two boundaries on the trot to take 15 runs from the over.

The onslaught continued to come in patches as DC garnered 52 runs from the powerplay. Faf didn't drop the tempo and hammered Hyderabad skipper Pat Cummins for a six and a four right after the powerplay.

Faf (50) sprinted for a single and celebrated his fifty, only to lose his wicket moments later in the next over to Zeeshan Ansari. Despite losing a wicket against the run of play, McGurk hammered a barrage of boundaries to end the over on a high note.

After misreading Ansari's googly, he found his first boundary with an inside edge, a delivery after Faf's dismissal. On the next ball, he carved it through the backward point to find the boundary rope. He followed it up by smoking the ball past the boundary rope over long-off.

However, on the final delivery of the over, Ansari had the last laugh by tricking the Australian to chip the ball back into his hands. McGurk's rusty cameo concluded on 38(32).

KL Rahul (15) came in, flaunted his boundary-hitting muscle, and returned to the dressing room after missing his sweep, allowing the ball to kiss the bails off the stumps and handing Ansari his second scalp of the day.

Despite finding the breakthroughs in quick succession, Hyderabad was still at its wits' end as Tristan Stubbs and Abhishek Porel pummelled the Hyderabad bowlers. With a full swing of the bat, Porel muscled the ball away for a maximum to finish things in style and lift the Capitals to a 7-wicket win.

Earlier in the match, after losing the toss, the Sunrisers found themselves in trouble early after being reduced to 37/4 before Aniket Verma (74 off 41 balls) and Heinrich Klaasen (32 off 19 balls) put up a crucial 77-run stand to steady their sinking ship.

However, Kuldeep (3/22) delivered key blows, while Starc (5/35) completed his five-wicket haul to wrap up SRH's innings in just 18.4 overs.

After SRH won the toss and opted to bat first, they suffered an early setback when Abhishek Sharma was run out for just one in the first over by Vipraj Nigam. Starc then struck twice in the third over, dismissing Ishan Kishan (2) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (0), leaving SRH reeling at 25/3 in 2.3 overs.

Mitchell Starc continued his fine run against SRH, removing two of its explosive young guns, Ishan Kishan (2) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (0) in the third over. SRH sunk to 25/3 in 2.3 overs.

Travis Head, looking to counterattack, was bowled by Starc for 22 off 12 balls, marking the seventh time the pacer has dismissed him. With his departure, SRH was down to 37/4 in 4.1 overs.

Klaasen and Aniket took charge, with Klaasen hitting Starc for a six and a four to take SRH past the 50-run mark in 4.5 overs. By the end of the powerplay, SRH had reached 58/4, with Klaasen (11 *) and Aniket (6 *) at the crease.

The duo accelerated, bringing up their 50-run partnership in just 22 balls, with Aniket smashing two sixes off Axar Patel. SRH crossed the 100-run mark in 9.1 overs, maintaining an aggressive run rate. At the halfway mark, they stood at 105/4, with Aniket (40 *) and Klaasen (31 *) unbeaten.

The 77-run stand between the two was over as Mohit Sharma removed Klaasen for a well-made 32 in 19 balls, with Vipraj Nigam taking a fine running catch. SRH was 114/5 in 10.5 overs. Abhinav Manohar also made a fine impact as Kuldeep Yadav removed him for four runs. SRH was 119/6 in 12 overs.

Aniket reached his maiden IPL fifty in 34 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes.

Kuldeep got his second wicket in the match as skipper Pat Cummins (2) was removed for a duck as he took the aerial route. DC was 123/7 in 14 overs.

Aniket brought down some pressure for SRH, making a meal out of Axar's deliveries and hitting him for a four and two sixes in the 15th over.

Kuldeep picked up his third scalp as Aniket's audacious knock was ended due to a catch by Jake Fraser McGurk near the boundary for 74 in 41 balls, with five fours and six sixes. SRH was 148/8 in 15.5 overs.

Starc got his five-wicket haul as he removed Harshal Patel (5) and Wiaan Mulder in quick succession. SRH was 163/10 in 18.4 overs.

Starc (5/35) delivered the best bowling figures of the innings. Kuldeep picked 3/22 in four overs, while Mohit got 1/25 in three overs. (ANI)

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Rajasthan Royals Snatch Thriller Win Over CSK as Ruturaj Gaikwad Exposes Fielding Flaws

Guwahati (Assam), India, March 31 (ANI): Rajasthan Royals ( RR ) initiated their Indian Premier League ( IPL In the 2024 campaign, they secured an exciting 6-run win against Chennai Super Kings. CSK ) in Guwahati. Despite an scorching 81 runs off just 36 deliveries from Nitish Rana , CSK made a comeback with the ball, restricting the Royals to 182/9. However, their batting unit fell short in the chase, leaving captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to reflect on the key moments that cost them the match.

Speaking after the game, Gaikwad admitted that CSK could have been more proactive in the field, especially during Rana's explosive innings.

"In the powerplay, during their batting, Nitish [Rana] batted well, but we were not proactive. He was going behind square, so we had to be more ahead. It is always about one hit, and we were one hit away from crossing the line. We gave 8-10 runs in misfields, and that is something we are looking to improve but that is something that is costing us," Gaikwad said, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

Despite the loss, the CSK skipper remained optimistic about their batting approach and praised his bowlers for their effort in the latter half of Rajasthan's innings.

"180 was chaseable. It was still a good wicket. If you timed the ball well, it was a good wicket. I was happy towards the end of the innings, after the score they had in the powerplay, they were looking at 220-230," he added.

Gaikwad also spoke about his batting position and the team's strategy, particularly the decision to have Rahul Tripathi take on an aggressive role while he moved down the order.

"Over the years, we had Ajinkya batting at 3 and Rayudu taking care of the middle order. We thought it is better I come back one step. Rahul is known for playing aggressive roles and he can free himself up. Not much difference anyway, so I am getting to bat in the first or second over itself (smiles). Till now, no discussions have happened about me batting at three. It was decided during the auction time and I was convinced about that. I have no problem. I can take risks, rotate strike when needed - that is what you want when you have Shivam [Dube]," Gaikwad explained.

The CSK captain also acknowledged the positives in their bowling attack, particularly the performances of Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, and Ravindra Jadeja. However, he emphasized the need for better fielding to build pressure on opponents.

"Lots of positives - Noor, as usual, bowling well, Khaleel is bowling well, and Jaddu bhai bowled well. You need that sort of momentum in the bowling department when you get a wicket to build pressure. Not happening since the last game. Once fielding comes together, we will be a really good side," he concluded.

With a long flight ahead and a chance to regroup, CSK will now focus on improving their execution as they aim to bounce back in their next fixture against Delhi Capitals on April 5 in Chennai.

Coming to the match, CSK opted to bowl first after winning the toss. After Jaiswal was dismissed early, an 82-run stand between Sanju Samson (20 in 16 balls, with a four and a six) and Nitish Rana (81 in 33 balls, with six fours and six fours). Later on, skipper Riyan Parag (37 in 28 balls, with two fours and two sixes) held one end steady, but he kept running out of partners. In the end, RR was restricted to 182/9 in their 20 overs.

Noor Ahmed and Matheesha Pathirana (2/28) each were the pick of the bowlers for CSK . Khaleel Ahmed (2/38) also delivered a fine spell for CSK .

During the run-chase, CSK Lost Rachin Ravindra cheaply for a duck. After that, Rahul Tripathi (scoring 23 off 19 deliveries, including two boundaries and a six) formed a 46-run alliance with the captain. Ruturaj Gaikwad . Shivam Dube (18 off 10 deliveries, including one four and two sixes) and Vijay Shankar (nine runs in six balls) were dismissed quickly, leading to CSK to 92/4. Gaikwad did score a fighting 63 in 44 balls, with seven fours and a six, but his wicket changed the game for CSK , leaving them out at 129/5 in 15.5 overs. MS Dhoni (16 in 10 balls, with a four and a six), Ravindra Jadeja (32* in 22 balls, with two fours a six) and Jamie Overton (11* in four balls, with a six) tried their best, but CSK fell six runs short at 176/6 in their 20 overs.

Wanindu Hasaranga (4/35) was the pick of the bowlers for RR While Sandeep Sharma and Jofra Archer took one wicket apiece.

With this win, RR Finally have two points preceding their name and currently sit in the ninth position on the points table. CSK It stands at the seventh position with one victory and two defeats. (ANI)

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).

Nitish Reddy Passes Fitness Test, Set to Join Sunrisers Hyderabad Ahead of IPL

New Delhi [India], March 15 (ANI): Sunrisers Hyderabad ( SRH ) has gotten a considerable uplift before the Indian Premier League ( IPL ) 2025 season, as all-rounder Nitish Reddy Has successfully passed a physical fitness examination following recovery from a muscle strain.

Previously, Reddy had sustained a side strain injury but has fully recovered. Despite being left out of India’s Champions Trophy team because of this injury, he successfully cleared the required Yo-Yo test with a score of 18, as reported by ESPN CricInfo.

Reddy's comeback to good health is great news for all. SRH , which lost in the finals to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last year. Following Reddy’s addition, SRH acquires deeper batting capabilities and additional bowling choices, rendering them a tougher competitor for IPL 2025 title.

The IPL The 2025 season is set to begin on March 22, and Sunrisers Hyderabad will look forward to settling the unresolved issues. Last year, they lost to KKR in the finals, which turned into a one-sided game.

Reddy, who was employed by SRH In the major auction of 2025, he is anticipated to participate in the team's preparatory camp beginning this Sunday. His performance in 2024 was notably outstanding. IPL The season saw him score 303 runs across 13 games at a striking rate of 142.2, along with claiming three wickets, contributing to his release.

On Friday, Nitish participated in a practice game, delivering bowls effortlessly. Although the BCCI medical staff provided appropriate care for Nitish, his recovery period extended beyond the initially predicted three-week timeline.

He also claimed three wickets in the previous year. Adding him to the team SRH The squad provides additional batting strength and more variety in bowling choices.

The young cricket player, aged 25, made his debut for India in a T20 international match against Bangladesh and caught the eye of talent scouts through his impressive play. In 2024, he achieved a remarkable feat as the first Indian batsman to hit a hundred while playing at number eight in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy held in Australia.

Reddy debuted in IPL In the 2023 season, he participated in two matches without scoring any runs or taking any wickets. Nevertheless, the previous version of IPL This marked a turning point for Reddy, as he was one of the primary contributors. SRH reaching the IPL finals.

The IPL The 2025 season is set to begin on March 22, and SRH will aim to begin strongly with Reddy returning to the team. (ANI)

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

MS DhoniLaughs as Young CSK Star Playfully Challenges Virat Kohli for a Million-Dollar Photo

Chennai Super Kings youngster Vansh Bedi had a heartwarming exchange with two of India’s greatest cricketers, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli , after CSK’s clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Friday. The match may have ended in disappointment for the home team, but the lighthearted moment brought smiles to the faces of both sets of fans.

Following RCB’s emphatic 50-run victory, Vansh, eager to seize the opportunity of a lifetime, approached Kohli and Dhoni for a picture together. As the three prepared to pose, Kohli had momentarily stepped down a level, making him appear shorter than both Dhoni and Vansh. Noticing this, the youngster playfully asked Kohli to step back up so they could be on the same level for the perfect shot.

The seemingly playful remark left Dhoni in splits, as the CSK legend burst into laughter at the unintended hilarity of the situation. Kohli, too, found the moment amusing, sharing a hearty laugh with the duo before striking a pose for what would become a viral snapshot.

Watch:

While this wholesome exchange brought smiles to the fans, the game itself was a historic one for RCB. Skipper Rajat Patidar led from the front with a fortuitous yet crucial 51, ably supported by a disciplined bowling effort that saw the visitors snap their 17-year winless streak at Chepauk.

Having posted a competitive 196/7, RCB put CSK under pressure right from the start, reducing them to 8/2 within the first two overs. Josh Hazlewood (3/21) struck early blows, dismissing Rahul Tripathi and the in-form Ruturaj Gaikwad for a duck, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal tightened the noose.

CSK’s batting lineup never truly recovered, despite Rachin Ravindra’s 41-ball 31. The five-time champions struggled to build any momentum, with wickets falling at regular intervals. The absence of a counterattack left them staring at their heaviest-ever home defeat while chasing. Notably, CSK even sent in Ravichandran Ashwin ahead of MS Dhoni, a move that seemed to signal their surrender.

Dhoni, however, provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 30 off 16 balls, surpassing Suresh Raina as CSK’s highest IPL run-scorer. But his effort was nothing more than a consolation, as CSK finished at 146/8, well short of the target.

Find similar stories here. News-DIWIDA