CRICKET
IPL 2023 Predictions: PBKS vs KKR
The second match of TATA IPL 2023 will witness Punjab Kings clashing with Kolkata Knight Riders at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on April 1st, Saturday.
The home side Punjab Kings will be led by the Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan.
Kolkata Knight Riders will be led by Nitish Rana in the absence of their regular captain Shreyas Iyer who is still recovering from an injury.
Punjab Kings finished in 6th position last season.
Kolkata Knight Riders, on the other hand, finished in 7th spot.
Punjab side is yet to win an IPL title, meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders have won twice.
KKR dominates this rivalry 20-10 with a run of 8 straight wins from 2014-2017.
However, their contests have been more even in recent years with both teams winning two out of the previous four matches against each other.
The Punjab Kings had a strong squad for IPL 2022 but missed out on the playoffs after winning just seven of their 14 matches.
They released nine players, including former skipper Mayank Agarwal, Odean Smith, and Sandeep Sharma, before the mini-auction last year and acquired six new players.
Their big picket purchase was Sam Curran for a record-breaking INR 18.5 crores.
Punjab Kings have Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Matthew Short as their overseas players.
However, Livingstone will miss the first match due to NOC clearance, while Rabada is away for national duties.
However, Jonny Bairstow has been ruled out of IPL 2023 and that is certainly a big loss.
Amongst Indian players, apart from Shikhar Dhawan, they have Arshdeep Singh who has now developed into India’s regular T20 international.
Jitesh Sharma was very good with the bat and as a keeper but Shahrukh Khan or Harpreet Singh Bhatia will have to raise their game to the next level.
On the other hand, KKR retained 14 players and released 15 ahead of the mini-auction.
They made some smart trades, including Shardul Thakur from Delhi Capitals, Lockie Ferguson, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz from the Gujarat Titans.
Shreyas Iyer’s untimely shoulder injury has put KKR in a fix.
Rana’s surprise elevation to captaincy indicates that the team is banking on the southpaw to come good. The Delhi batter has had a few promising seasons of IPL but lacked consistency.
Another worry for KKR is the lack of quality death over bowlers. Barring Lockie Ferguson, no one can be trusted to bowl at the death.
The pitch at Mohali is likely to favour batters and we can expect a high-scoring game on Saturday.
However, pacers will also have something to work with. Recent results suggest that chasing will be the way to go, with four out of the last five IPL matches being won by teams batting second.
Venue stats
Average Runs Per Wicket | 28.46 |
Average Runs Per Over | 8.38 |
Average 1st Innings score | 165 runs |
Average 2nd Innings score | 180 runs |
Winning percentage of batting first | 57% |
Winning percentage of batting second | 43% |
Punjab Kings Playing XI
Shikhar Dhawan (C), Matthew Short, Prabsimran Singh, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Shahrukh Khan, Sam Curran, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Nathan Ellis, Rahul Chahar.
Kolkata Knight Riders Playing XI
N Jagadeesan (WK), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Nitish Rana (C), Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Shardul Thakur, Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy.
Who will win
Punjab look the stronger unit compared to KKR.
The inclusion of Sam Curran in the Punjab team can be a deciding factor and hence we expect the Kings to come out trumps.
BIG NEWS
Robin Uthappa Arrest Warrant Issued Over Legal Dispute
An arrest warrant has been issued against former cricketer Robin Uthappa in connection with a legal matter. The warrant was issued after Uthappa failed to appear in court for a financial dispute.
The legal issue involves a business deal where Uthappa is accused of financial misconduct. Despite multiple court summons, the cricketer failed to appear, leading to the warrant.
Robin Uthappa, known for his explosive batting in international cricket, has previously been a respected figure in the sport. He represented India in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, contributing significantly to their victory.
Sources claim that the legal dispute revolves around a business transaction gone wrong, with Uthappa allegedly involved in financial wrongdoing. The case has raised concerns, as the cricketer’s failure to attend court led to a strong response.
Legal experts believe the Robin Uthappa arrest warrant may have serious consequences if ignored. Further actions may be taken if Uthappa does not respond to the summons promptly.
Fans and cricket fans alike are shocked by the news, as Uthappa has always been admired for his cricketing achievements. His legal team has yet to comment on the arrest warrant.
The case has attracted significant media attention, with many waiting for updates. Uthappa’s involvement in this matter has left his supporters eager for clarification.
The situation surrounding the Robin Uthappa arrest warrant remains fluid, and legal experts predict more developments in the coming days.
BIG NEWS
Pakistan’s Asia Cup Loss Against India Shook Team Morale
Pakistan Asia Cup Loss to India Left Players Devastated! Pakistan’s crushing defeat to India in the Asia Cup 2023 profoundly impacted the team, exposing vulnerabilities and sparking internal turmoil. Imam-ul-Haq, a key player, disclosed that the loss shattered team morale, with some players crying and isolating themselves in hotel rooms.
Pakistan Asia Cup loss to India intensified scrutiny, fueling rumors of discord within the squad. Imam acknowledged the psychological toll, explaining how players struggled to recover and maintain confidence in subsequent matches. This setback not only derailed their Asia Cup campaign but also affected their World Cup preparations.
Imam highlighted the immense pressure of high-stakes tournaments, where a single loss can overshadow months of effort and preparation. He described the emotional strain on the players, exacerbated by media speculation about rifts within the team. Such moments underline the mental challenges athletes face while representing their country on a global stage.
The Asia Cup defeat also revealed the importance of strong leadership and mental resilience during challenging times. Imam expressed hope that the team could learn from this experience and rebuild their confidence. He emphasized the need for unity and support within the squad to bounce back stronger.
Pakistan’s journey serves as a stark reminder of cricket’s unpredictability and the fine line between victory and defeat. The players’ emotional response reflected their dedication to the game and the weight of expectations from millions of fans.
BGT
PM Modi Pays Tribute to Ravichandran Ashwin After His Retirement
Ravichandran Ashwin retirement! Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Ravichandran Ashwin following his surprising retirement, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to Indian cricket. Ashwin, known for his skill and innovation, redefined spin bowling and established himself as one of the game’s greats.
During his illustrious 14-year career, Ashwin achieved 537 Test wickets and delivered match-winning performances across all formats. Modi highlighted his consistency, especially his ability to perform under pressure and against world-class opposition. The prime minister praised Ashwin’s commitment, which inspired countless young players to dream big and achieve greatness.
Modi reflected on the unwavering support Ashwin received from his family, acknowledging their sacrifices and vital role in his career. He also appreciated Ashwin’s iconic carrom ball, which revolutionized spin bowling and contributed to numerous memorable victories. Ashwin’s jersey number 99, synonymous with his presence on the field, will be dearly missed by fans and teammates alike.
Encouraging Ashwin to stay connected with cricket, Modi expressed hope that his post-retirement journey would continue to impact the sport positively. Ashwin’s retirement signifies the conclusion of an era but leaves behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration for future generations.
The prime minister’s heartfelt tribute emphasized the lasting impression Ashwin made both on and off the field, ensuring his name remains synonymous with greatness.
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