Virat Kohli discussed his balance between calmness and aggression in his on-field persona, stating that he faces criticism regardless of his approach. He emphasised that his competitiveness remains strong despite a more subdued demeanour. Kohli remains a key player for RCB in the upcoming IPL 2025 season, targeting both a maiden title and new batting records.
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The SA20 third edition has seen impressive performances from established players like Aiden Markram and rising stars like 18-year-old Lhuan-dre Pretorius. Delano Potgieter's all-round prowess and Trent Boult's lethal bowling have also been the highlights. Despite a tough start for Sunrisers Eastern Cape, historical resilience inspires confidence. MI Cape Town lead the standings, reversing past underperformances.
South African cricket legend Allan Donald highlights standout players Corbin Bosch, Codi Yusuf, and Kwena Maphaka as SA20 Season 3 approaches. Bosch, from MI Cape Town, has impressed with the Titans, Yusuf, a quick bowler, will play for Paarl Royals, and 18-year-old Maphaka, also from Paarl Royals, promises to be a groundbreaking talent.
Punjab Kings start their IPL 2025 campaign against Gujarat Titans with Shreyas Iyer as the new captain. Iyer's leadership aims to turn around Punjab’s fortunes as they strive for their first title. Both teams, featuring key players like Iyer, Shubman Gill and Rashid Khan, look to set a strong tone for their seasons.
Fielding coach T Dilip praised India's exceptional fielding during the ODI series against England, highlighting efforts by players like Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Harshit Rana. India's sharp fielding, including crucial run-outs and catches, contributed significantly to their victories. Iyer's performance earned him the 'Impact Fielder' of the series, crucially aiding in India's clean sweep of the series.
Former India captain MS Dhoni had a warm exchange with Rajasthan Royals coach Rahul Dravid after Rajasthan's six-run win over Chennai in the IPL. Nitish Rana's 81 and Wanindu Hasaranga's four-wickets were pivotal in Rajasthan's win, despite Chennai's valiant chase led by Ruturaj Gaikwad.
New Zealand's off-spinner Michael Bracewell on Friday dismissed concerns about India's perceived advantage of playing all their Champions Trophy matches in Dubai. Rohit Sharma-led India has been and will continue to play their matches in Dubai, including the final if they progress that far in the ongoing Champiopns Trophy. New Zealand are scheduled to play their first match in Dubai against India on Sunday, following their previous two games in Pakistan.
Jacob Bethell, 21, will not participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy due to a hamstring injury. England's captain, Jos Buttler, expressed disappointment over Bethell's absence. In response, Somerset batsman Tom Banton has been called up as a replacement and will join the team for the final ODI against India.
The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 qualifiers are scheduled from April 9 to 19 in Lahore, featuring 15 games between Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, and Thailand. This round-robin tournament will determine the final two teams to join Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and host India in the main event.
18-year-old Lhuan-dre Pretorius scored an impressive 97 off 51 balls, leading the Paarl Royals to a nine-wicket win over Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Pretorius and Joe Root formed a strong partnership, while Kwena Maphaka and Mujeeb-ur-Rahman excelled in bowling. Aiden Markram's 82 off 49 balls helped Sunrisers to 175/5, but it wasn't enough.
Ravichandran Ashwin recalls MS Dhoni's brilliant tactics during the 2013 Champions Trophy final, where Dhoni predicted and executed strategic moves to dismiss Jonathan Trott and others. Dhoni's leadership helped India secure a victory, with Ishant Sharma taking crucial wickets and Ashwin bowling the final over. Dhoni's choices demonstrated his unmatched game awareness and confidence in his team's abilities.