Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming acknowledged the team's poor performance in this year's IPL. He stated that the team deserved its bottom position in the points table. Fleming highlighted the failure of the lower order and the lack of strong starts. He mentioned plans to address these issues in the next season.
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Delhi Capitals faced a significant blow as captain Axar Patel was sidelined due to illness for their crucial match against Mumbai Indians. Faf du Plessis stepped in to lead the team, who won the toss and chose to field at Wankhede Stadium.
With Virat Kohli's Test retirement, Team India faces the daunting task of filling the crucial number 4 batting position. Michael Atherton expresses concern about finding a suitable replacement after decades of dominance by Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar. While names like KL Rahul and Shubman Gill are being thrown in the air, who will be India's pick for the England tour?
During Friday's IPL match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad, Krunal Pandya suffered an unfortunate dismissal. He became the 17th batter in IPL history, and second this season after Abhinav Manohar, to be out hit wicket.
Mumbai Indians secured the final IPL playoff spot, defeating Delhi Capitals in a crucial match. They join Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings in the knockouts, marking their 11th playoff appearance. With this victory, MI reached 16 points, eliminating DC from contention, while the battle for the top-two positions intensifies among GT, RCB, and PBKS.
James Hopes credits Ricky Ponting's relaxed environment and Shreyas Iyer's tactical captaincy for Punjab Kings' playoff success after 11 years. Hopes praises Arshdeep Singh's coachability and believes both Iyer and Singh deserve spots in the Indian squad for the England tour. He also highlights the team's focus on making impactful moments rather than dwelling on high scores.
Following Sunrisers Hyderabad's dominant victory over Lucknow Super Giants, captain Pat Cummins shared a heartwarming moment by playfully carrying a cardboard cut-out of Mitchell Marsh onto the team bus. Despite their on-field rivalry, the gesture highlighted the strong bond between the Australian cricketers. SRH's win, fueled by explosive batting, kept their playoff hopes alive while ending LSG's chances.
KL Rahul's brief innings of 11 runs against Mumbai Indians contrasted sharply with his century in the previous outing against Gujarat Titans. Despite the early dismissal, caught by Ryan Rickelton off Trent Boult, Rahul has amassed 504 runs this IPL season, averaging 56.00 with a strike rate of 148.67.
Amidst speculation over India's next Test captain, Wasim Jaffer suggests Shubman Gill should lead during the England tour whenever Jasprit Bumrah rests. Jaffer advocates for Bumrah as the primary choice, with Gill as vice-captain to gain experience. Bumrah's fitness concerns and past injuries make him an uncertain choice for all five Tests.
Ishan Kishan's brilliant 94 propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad to a formidable 231 against Royal Challengers Bangalore, securing a consolatory win in their penultimate match. Kishan's heroics however, does not impact SRH's position in the IPL table, as they remain in 8th spot, failing to surpass Kolkata Knight Riders, who remain a point above Hyderabad.
Mumbai Indians (MI) have bolstered their squad with the addition of Jonny Bairstow, Richard Gleeson, and Charith Asalanka. Bairstow replaces Will Jacks for Rs 5.25 crore, while Gleeson comes in for Ryan Rickelton at Rs 1 crore. Asalanka fills Corbin Bosch's spot for Rs 75 lakhs.