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Shaw and Dhawan show CSK who are the kings
A certain Delhi Capitals youngster turned up on Saturday night in the form of his life, as if he was asking his critics to reconsider their thoughts on his technique
That youngster was Prithvi Shaw.
Shaw smashed a quickfire 72 off 38 deliveries to set the momentum in Delhi’s favor as Rishabh Pant’s men chased the 189-run target with eight balls to spare and seven wickets in hand.
Shikhar Dhawan was declared Man Of The Match for his gritty 85, but it was Shaw’s blistering knock that never let Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led CSK stay in the game. The game was in Delhi’s pocket right from the powerplay where the Shaw-Dhawan duo had 65 runs on board.
As for Chennai Super Kings, only Suresh Raina soldiered through the inning with a 56-run knock, with cameos of Moeen Ali and Sam Curran.
With wickets continuously tumbling on one end, Delhi cornered Dhoni’s men and stopped them before they reached a mammoth total.
This also meant Rishabh Pant clinched his maiden IPL win as a captain. The apprentice registered a comprehensive victory over his master in the season opener to achieve the top spot in the IPL points table, even if it is for a while.
Thakur leaking runs
Shardul Thakur entered the contest on the back of a strong bowling performance in the England-India series, yet got spanked for 53 runs.
With the CSK pace spearhead continuing to leak runs, most of the Chennai bowlers also failed to step up to the occasion.
Dwayne Bravo was the pick of the bowlers for CSK for his 1-28 as he showed once again the value of experience in the T20 format.
Should Delhi reconsider their bowling options?
Wins often conceal your flaws and that is what Delhi need to be wary of.
While most of the Delhi Capitals’ bowlers delivered the goods, veteran international bowler Ravichandran Ashwin could not find the right patch.
The spinner got hit for 47 runs and picked just one wicket in his quota of four overs.
These figures could also dent Ashwin’s efforts to get back to the international arena for white-ball cricket.
The Sam Curran show continues
England’s cricket prodigy Sam Curran was once again impressive with the bat.
His 34-run blitz in the death overs propelled CSK to 188 runs despite coming into bat at number 6.
The Englishman backed up his 95 unbeaten in the third ODI between England and India where he almost took the game away from the hosts single-handedly.
Perhaps, the Chennai think tank will elevate him in the batting order to make the most of his clean strikes.
Delhi Capital 190 for 3 (Dhawan 85, Shaw 72) beat Chennai Super Kings 188 for 7 (Raina 54, Ali 36, Avesh 2-23) by seven wickets.
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Virat Kohli’s Selection for England Tour
Virat Kohli’s selection for the England tour has become a hot topic in Indian cricket. The star batter, known for his unmatched legacy, now faces questions about his form and consistency. Selectors must make a tough call before finalizing the squad.
Kohli remains determined to represent India and has ruled out retirement. Despite this, his recent performances in crucial matches have left much to be desired. Many experts believe the England tour will demand players in peak form, making the decision regarding Kohli’s inclusion more complicated.
The selectors’ challenge lies in balancing experience with performance. Kohli’s presence provides leadership and confidence to the younger players. However, the team also needs reliable contributions from all members, especially in challenging overseas conditions like England.
Transition words make discussions about Kohli’s selection even more nuanced. His iconic performances in the past earned him the tag of a match-winner, yet cricket is a game of the present. Younger players vying for opportunities might bring the energy and hunger required in such critical tours.
Fans and cricket experts remain divided. Some urge the selectors to back Kohli, believing he can regain his form. Others feel it’s time for India to focus on the next generation of cricketers. Regardless, the decision will significantly impact India’s preparation for the England series and beyond.
Virat Kohli’s selection remains central to Indian cricket discussions, as the world watches how selectors balance sentiment and strategy.
BGT
Australia Reclaims Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ends India’s WTC Final Hopes
Australia wins BGT! Australia defeated India in the fourth Test at Sydney, winning the series 3-1 and reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade. The victory also ended India’s hopes of reaching the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.
India entered the match under immense pressure, needing a win to keep their WTC final hopes alive. However, Australia’s disciplined bowling and steady batting dashed India’s aspirations.
After choosing to bat first, Australia posted a challenging total of 394, with contributions from Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne. India struggled to counter Australia’s bowling attack, collapsing for 198 in their first innings. Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins led Australia’s bowling effort with sharp spells.
With a 196-run lead, Australia opted to bat again and declared at 201/6. Steve Smith’s half-century provided a solid foundation. Chasing 398, India faltered again, bowling for 215 on the fourth day. Despite Rishabh Pant’s counterattacking fifty, the hosts failed to build partnerships.
Nathan Lyon emerged as the star performer, finishing with match figures 10/78. His exceptional spin bowling proved too much for India’s batters to handle. Australia’s dominance throughout the series highlighted their all-around superiority.
This series win marks a significant achievement for Australia, reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a ten-year wait. It also secured their spot in the WTC final, setting up a potential clash with South Africa or Sri Lanka. Australia wins BGT!
India’s campaign revealed several weaknesses, particularly in their middle-order batting and bowling consistency. Questions about team selection and strategy also surfaced, with calls for introspection ahead of future tours.
The result concludes a hard-fought series, where Australia showcased resilience and strategic brilliance. While India will reflect on their missed opportunities, Australia celebrates a long-awaited triumph.
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Rohit Sharma Silences Retirement Rumors Amid Criticism, Receives Support from Farhan Akhtar
Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has addressed the rising speculation about his retirement, silencing the rumors with a firm statement. The talk gained momentum after Rohit voluntarily sat out the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. His decision came amid a lean phase, as his form drew criticism from fans and analysts alike. Across five innings in the series, Rohit managed just 31 runs, averaging a mere 6.20.
Farhan Akhtar Extends Support
Amidst the backlash, actor and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar stepped forward to defend Rohit’s contributions to Indian cricket. In a heartfelt post, Farhan lauded Rohit’s selflessness and leadership qualities.
“This guy has done so much for Indian cricket and captained the team incredibly well over the years. Yes, every cricketer faces lean phases, even the greatest. But here’s a captain putting his team’s chances ahead of his own glory, and instead of applause, he’s being torn down,” Farhan wrote.
He concluded by calling Rohit a superstar and commended his strength, saying, “You put the team before yourself, and only the strongest of heart can do that.”
Rohit Sharma Responds to Retirement Speculations
During the lunch break on Day 2, Rohit clarified his stance in an interview with Star Sports.
“I wasn’t dropped or opted out. I stepped aside voluntarily. We need in-form players for such a crucial game. It’s simple—out-of-form players can’t carry the team right now,” he explained.
When asked about his future, Rohit ended with humor, saying, “I’m not going anywhere.”
His decision highlights his commitment to the team, showcasing why he remains a respected leader despite challenges.
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