The World Opinion

Tag: Kolkata Knight Riders

  • IPL 2025: Franchise Owners Oppose Uncapped Category For Retired Players. cricket news

    IPL 2025: Despite growing speculation that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) want former India captain MS Dhoni to be considered an uncapped player in the IPL 2025 auction due to his retirement being nearly seven years ago, several IPL franchises are opposed to this idea. According to reports this issue was discussed during a recent BCCI meeting with IPL team owners

    The BCCI raised the topic while discussing broader criteria for uncapped players. A rule introduced before the inaugural IPL season in 2008 considered players retired from international cricket for over five years as uncapped. However, this rule was never utilized and was abolished three years ago. During the recent meeting, the suggestion to reintroduce this rule was met with resistance from multiple teams.

    Sunrisers Hyderabad owner Kavya Maran was among those who opposed the proposal. She argued that allowing a retired cricketer to be classified as an uncapped player would be ‘disrespectful’ and could set a ‘wrong precedent’ if such a player received a higher salary than a genuine uncapped cricketer. Maran suggested that Dhoni, if he wishes to continue, should enter the auction like any other player, allowing team owners to determine his value.

    The report also addressed rumors that Chennai’s push for this rule was motivated by a desire to retain Dhoni. These rumors were dismissed, noting that before the last mega auction in 2022, CSK retained Dhoni for Rs 12 crore, while Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was uncapped at that time, was retained for half that amount.

    As for whether Dhoni will play in IPL 2025, the answer remains uncertain. After undergoing knee surgery last year, Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Gaikwad and is expected to take on a finisher’s role in IPL 2024. Dhoni has stated that he and CSK will await clarity on retention rules before deciding his participation in IPL 2025.

  • Shah Rukh Khan’s bold move, blank cheque offered to Gautam Gambhir amid BCCI’s pursuit for Team India’s coaching role: Report | Cricket News

    The iconic Eden Gardens erupted in jubilation as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched their third IPL title, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a nail-biting final on Sunday. Amidst deafening roars from the packed stands, the Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise etched their name in IPL folklore once again, adding another glorious chapter to their storied legacy.

    Also Read: Virat Kohli Extends Break After IPL 2024, Could Miss Team India’s T20 World Cup Warm-up Game

    Gambhir’s Midas Touch

    Much of KKR’s success can be attributed to the tactical genius of mentor Gautam Gambhir. The former Indian opener, who led KKR to their previous two IPL triumphs, has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the team’s ethos. His calm demeanor and astute decision-making proved invaluable throughout the tournament, culminating in a well-deserved victory.

    Rinku Singh: The Unlikely Hero

    While star performers like Venkatesh Iyer and Nitish Rana played their part, it was the unheralded Rinku Singh who truly stole the show. With KKR teetering at 89/5 in their pursuit of 174, the left-hander displayed nerves of steel, smashing an unbeaten 42 off just 28 deliveries to guide his team home.

    Cummins’ Valiant Effort in Vain

    For SRH, Pat Cummins led from the front, both with the ball and the bat. The Australian spearhead claimed three crucial wickets before contributing a blistering 33 off just 18 balls. However, his efforts ultimately fell short as KKR held their nerve in the closing stages.

    Shah Rukh’s Unbridled Passion

    As the winning runs were scored, the celebrations reached a crescendo, with Shah Rukh Khan leading the charge. The Bollywood superstar, known for his unwavering passion for the sport, was seen embracing Gambhir and the players, his joy evident for all to see. The victory not only cemented KKR’s status as one of the most successful IPL franchises but also underscored Shah Rukh’s deep commitment to the team.

    Tactical Masterclass from Gambhir

    Gautam Gambhir’s influence on KKR’s fortunes cannot be overstated. From his shrewd team selections to his calculated bowling changes, the former India opener displayed a tactical acumen that kept his side ahead of the game. His ability to inspire and motivate his players was equally vital, as evidenced by the team’s resilience in the face of adversity.

  • Blame Game In Mumbai Indians Camp After Defeat vs KKR, Captain Hardik Pandya Says THIS | cricket news

    It was a night of reckoning for the Mumbai Indians (MI) as they suffered a demoralizing 24-run defeat at the hands of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 encounter at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Despite a clinical bowling performance that restricted KKR to 169, MI’s batsmen faltered, succumbing to the relentless pressure exerted by the opposition bowlers. In the post-match presentation, a visibly dejected Hardik Pandya, the MI captain, pinpointed the lack of partnerships as the primary reason for his team’s downfall. “In the batting inning, we couldn’t form partnerships and kept losing wickets. In T20s, if you don’t form partnerships, it will cost you,” lamented Pandya, acknowledging the harsh reality of their performance.

    Hardik Pandya! pic.twitter.com/pmZ8wmN5tW — RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) May 3, 2024

    Trailing the Target, Mumbai Batters Crumble

    Chasing a challenging total of 170, Mumbai’s top order once again faltered, leaving the middle order exposed. Suryakumar Yadav’s valiant 56 provided a glimmer of hope, but his dismissal triggered a spectacular collapse, with the remaining batters failing to build any significant partnerships.

    Pandya, known for his candid assessments, admitted that there were many questions that needed to be answered, but he refrained from delving into specifics, perhaps reserving his thoughts for the dressing room debrief. “There are a lot of questions that will take some time to answer, but for now, not much to say,” he stated, reflecting the team’s disappointment.

    Hardik Stays Positive, Looks Ahead

    Despite the setback, Pandya maintained a positive outlook, acknowledging the efforts of his bowling unit in keeping KKR’s total within reach. “The bowlers did a fantastic job, the wicket got a little better after the first innings, the dew came on,” he said, recognizing the challenging conditions his batters faced.

    Embodying the spirit of a true leader, Pandya vowed to keep fighting, reminding himself and his teammates that the highs and lows are an integral part of the game. “You keep fighting, that is what I tell myself, never leave the battlefield, tough days come but good also come here, it’s challenging but challenges make you better,” he asserted, setting the tone for the upcoming matches.

    Mumbai’s Road Ahead: Lucknow Super Giants Await

    The Mumbai Indians now face the daunting task of regrouping and preparing for their next encounter against the formidable Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday. With their campaign hanging in the balance, Pandya and his men will need to address their batting woes and rediscover their winning formula if they hope to salvage their IPL 2024 aspirations. As the IPL caravan moves on, one thing is certain: the blame game within the Mumbai Indians camp will continue until they find a way to overcome their shortcomings and reclaim their status as one of the most feared teams in the tournament.

  • Irfan Pathan Takes Indirect DIG At Mitchell Starc, Says ‘Most Expensive Player In Your Team Can’t…’ cricket news

    Irfan Pathan indirectly criticized Mitchell Starc, IPL’s most expensive player, as Starc struggled in KKR’s recent match against Rajasthan Royals. Starc, known for his lethal yorkers, was bought by KKR for a whopping Rs 24.75 crore but failed to impress, conceding 50 runs with an economy of 12.50 in his four-over spell. However, Starc bounced back in KKR’s subsequent match against Lucknow Super Giants. He showcased glimpses of his best form, taking three crucial wickets and conceding 28 runs in his four overs. Despite an expensive first over, Starc’s disciplined bowling helped set the stage for KKR’s eventual victory.

    Irfan took to X to voice his concern over Starc’s form and stated, “Most expensive player in your team can’t be your weak link.”

    Although Starc struggled in the powerplay, failing to take wickets and leaking runs, he was brought back later in the innings. Unfortunately, his costly 18th over tilted the game in RR’s favour, leading to their thrilling victory on the last ball of the match. Despite Starc’s efforts, KKR couldn’t defend the target.

    Jos Buttler played a stellar innings for RR, guiding them to a historic chase. Currently, KKR sits second on the points table and will face Mumbai Indians in their next match at the Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium, Jaipur.

    The cricket world showered praise on Jos Buttler for his phenomenal century against the Kolkata Knight Riders. Former England captain Michael Vaughan went as far as to label Buttler’s performance as “surely one of the greatest ever T20 innings… absolutely incredible @josbuttler.”

    England’s current Test captain, Ben Stokes, also lauded Buttler, highlighting his exceptional ability to read the game. Stokes expressed that he would have been more surprised if Buttler hadn’t finished the game off, emphasizing Buttler’s talent in assessing game situations and maintaining composure.

    Irfan Pathan joined in the chorus of admiration for Buttler, describing his innings as “RR ka Jos high hai boss,” indicating Buttler’s significant impact on the Rajasthan Royals’ performance with his outstanding batting display.

  • KKR’s Andre Russell BREAKS Massive Sachin Tendulkar IPL Batting Record | cricket news

    In a spectacular display of power-hitting, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Andre Russell surpassed the legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar in the all-time run-scoring charts of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This milestone was achieved during the IPL match against Delhi Capitals (DC) in Visakhapatnam. Russell, aged 35, showcased his vintage prowess during the game by scoring 41 runs off just 19 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes, at a striking rate exceeding 215. With this innings, he elevated himself in the IPL run-scoring hierarchy.

    Also Read | WATCH: Ishant Sharma’s Toe-Crushing Yorker Sweeps Andre Russell Off His Feet, KKR Batter Applauds After Getting Out

    Having played 115 matches in his IPL career, Russell has accumulated 2,367 runs at an average of 29.96, with 11 half-centuries and a remarkable strike rate of 176.11. His highest stand scores at 88*. He currently holds the 44th position in the all-time run-getters list of the IPL.

    In the ongoing season, Russell has exhibited his batting prowess, amassing 105 runs in three matches at an impressive average of 105.00 and a strike rate exceeding 238, with his best score being 64*. Notably, his standout performance came in the 2019 season, where he amassed 510 runs in 14 innings at an average of 56.66 and a strike rate exceeding 204, including four half-centuries.

    Comparatively, Sachin Tendulkar, who played 78 IPL matches for Mumbai Indians from 2008 to 2013, scored 2,334 runs at an average of 34.83, with a strike rate exceeding 119. Tendulkar’s IPL journey included a century and 13 fifties, with his highest score being 100. *. He clinched the Orange Cap in 2010 for scoring the most runs in a season, amassing 618 runs in 15 matches at an average of 47.53 and a strike rate of over 132, with five fifties.

    In the match against DC, KKR won the toss and elected to bat first. Openers Phil Salt and Sunil Narine provided a strong start with a rapid 60-run partnership. Subsequently, Narine, along with 18-year-old Angkrish Raghuvanshi, forged a formidable 104-run partnership, propelling KKR to 164 runs in just 12.3 overs. Contributions from Russell and Rinku Singh propelled KKR to a commanding total of 272/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

    Despite a spirited effort from DC’s skipper Rishabh and Tristan Stubbs, who formed a 93-run partnership, DC succumbed to 166 all out in 17.2 overs. KKR’s bowlers, led by Vaibhav Arora and Varun Chakravarthy, showcased their prowess, with Mitchell Starc also making notable contributions.

  • ‘Gautam Gambhir Is The Master Mind,’ Fans Left In Awe From Mentor’s Masterstroke Of Sunil Narine As KKR Opener

    Sunil Narine has been sensational for KKR as an opener in the IPL 2024 season so far.

  • KKR Captain Shreyas Iyer Likely To Miss IPL 2024's First Phase Due To Same Back Injury Which Ruled Him Out Of 2023 Season | cricket news

    In what could be a huge blow to the hopes of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of Indian Premier League's next season (IPL 2024), captain Shreyas Iyer could miss the few initial games due to back injury. It is the same back injury because of which Iyer had missed the complee IPL 2023. Iyer recently played a knock of 95 runs in the Ranji Trophy final and a report in Times of India says that it is this knock which has led to the injury resurfacing. .

    Also Read | IPL 2024: MS Dhoni To Retire At End Of This Season? AB de Villiers Makes A Big Statement On CSK Captain's Future

    Iyer had undergone a back surgery last year before making a comeback just before the World Cup. He played four months of international cricket before complaining of the back pain again. Confusion remained over why Iyer was not picked in the last 3 Tests squad. India coach Rahul Dravid had said that Iyer had missed out on the selection while the batsman has reportedly told BCCI he had back issues and that was the reason why he did not even play a Ranji Trophy match for Mumbai.

    Medical team of National Cricket Academy, reportedly, informed BCCI that there was no issue with Iyer. BCCI dropped him from the central contracts post which Iyer was seen playing the final of the Ranji Trophy.

    Let's get started! _ pic.twitter.com/i2l0M9dP8x — KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) February 22, 2024

    A BCCI source has been quoted as saying to Times of India that Iyer's injury is not looking good and is in danger of missing the first few games of IPL.

    “It is not looking good. It is the same back injury which has got aggravated. It is unlikely that he will take the field on Day 5 of the Ranji Trophy final. He is in danger of missing the initial matches of the IPL,” said the BCCI source.

    Not to forget, during his 95-run knock for Mumbai, Iyer took medical assistance twice as he was clearly uncomfortable. He did not take the field for Mumbai on Day 4 and likely to be missing on Day 5 as well due to the same injury.

    KKR play their first match of IPL 2024 on March 23 and if Iyer does not reach full fitness in the next 8 days, he is likely to miss the team's opening game. If that happens, it will be interesting to see KKR's stance on this as if Iyer was not completely fit, then how did NCA clear him to play the Ranji final. That is the big question.

  • IPL 2023: Lucknow Tremendous Giants live on Rinku Singh scare to qualify for playoffs

    Batting beneath stress and with wickets falling on the different finish, Rinku Singh with a gallant unbeaten 67 off simply 33 balls nearly pulled off a heist that may have put Kolkata Knight Riders within the reckoning for a playoff spot. With 21 wanted off the final over after which 18 off 3, Rinku controlled a six and adopted it up with a 4 and a six however KKR fell quick by means of one run to offer Lucknow Tremendous Giants an confident position within the playoffs.

    Lucknow rapid bowler Yash Thakur bowled a nervy final over, wherein he conceded two wides but additionally bowled two dot balls to place Rinku beneath immense stress. The second one-last ball, which used to be a bit large outdoor off, used to be smashed for a 4 by means of Rinku which supposed KKR wanted 8 off the final ball.

    When Andrew Russell, no longer at his very best however nonetheless a deadly finisher fell for simply seven it used to be as much as Rinku to get a hold of some other blitz with the bat.

    Rinku Singh remained unbeaten and stored #KKR‘s hopes alive as soon as once more until the tip with a gutsy end ????#TATAIPL | #KKRvLSG

    Sit down again and relive his knock right here ??https://t.co/qMzehvqMKn

    — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) Might 20, 2023

    This season Rinku has proved that he has a peaceful head on his shoulders and possesses the facility to seek out the massive strokes when beneath stress in a aggravating chase. Saturday night time used to be some other instance of why Rinku is gaining in stature as a finisher even though he nonetheless has some tough edges.

    He discovered six fours and 4 sixes, and essentially the most breathtaking used to be a 110-metre six—off rapid bowler Naveen-ul-Haq. He additionally put stress at the fielders by means of stealing fast singles. Rinku’s emerging stature has been one of the crucial positives for KKR, a group which didn’t truly click on as a unit this season.

    Lucknow did have the good thing about figuring out that CSK had notched up a large win within the first recreation of Saturday and knew what they had to do

    Win the sport and move to the playoffs without reference to what occurs in different places. For KKR, the miracle by no means took place and LSG were given the win they wanted, albeit by means of simply 1 run.

    After being invited to bat first, Lucknow using on Nicholas Pooran’s counter-attacking fifty posted a preventing general of 176. In answer, KKR have been nearly out of the sport till the Rinku particular.

    With this win, LSG completed 3rd at the issues desk whilst KKR ended their marketing campaign with so much to contemplate about.

    A panoramic end to a sensational come upon! ?@LucknowIPL clinch a victory by means of simply 1 run after Rinku Singh’s exceptional knock ?

    Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/7X1uv1mCyL #TATAIPL | #KKRvLSG %.twitter.com/umJAhcMzSQ

    — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) Might 20, 2023

    KKR crank it up

    KKR’s younger rapid bowling duo of Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora bowled with tempo (touching just about 144 kph) and accuracy and look like just right investments for the franchisee. Whilst Rana started with a one-run over towards Quinton de Kock and were given the wicket of Karn Sharma in his subsequent over, Arora got rid of Prerak Mankad and Marcus Stoinis within the 7th over, leaving Lucknow reeling at 55/3 in 7 overs. This used to be after the early motion on be offering had disappeared, and the ball used to be coming properly onto the bat.

    Arora’s double-wicket over, the place he disregarded the harmful Stoinis with an absolute snorter that climbed onto the batsman, compelled the well-settled De Kock to sluggish his innings ahead of the run-rate stress were given to the South African, leading to a dismissal off Sunil Narine.

    ICYMI!

    An absolute peach of a supply toes. Vaibhav Arora that were given Marcus Stoinis OUT ????

    WATCH ?? #TATAIPL | #KKRvLSGhttps://t.co/XBu1ATNnt1

    — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) Might 20, 2023

    After the sport, Lukcnow captain Krunal Pandya spoke about why he selected Yash over Mohsin Khan to bowl the final over. “At one level they have been 61 for 1, and we felt simply two or 3 tight overs can alternate the state of the sport. There used to be grip for the spinners. Rinku has been particular each recreation. You’ll be able to’t take him simple. But it surely’s a high-pressure scenario when bowling the ones loss of life overs. I went with my intestine and gave Yash as an alternative of Mohsin the final over. It simply paid off.”

    KKR’s perfect get started

    Selling Venkatesh Iyer to open as an alternative of Rahmanullah Gurbaz bore wealthy dividends for Kolkata. Iyer used to be specifically competitive towards Mohsin Khan, whilst Jason Roy took on Naveen-ul-Haq. Even Krunal Pandya, who offered himself within the PowerPlay, went for runs as KKR scored 61 within the first six overs.

    5️⃣0️⃣ partnership up for the @KKRiders openers ??

    A super begin to the chase for the house aspect ????

    Apply the fit ▶️ https://t.co/7X1uv1mCyL #TATAIPL | #KKRvLSG %.twitter.com/y4Ij5VCc0H

    — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) Might 20, 2023

    Bishnoi turns it round

    Simply when it gave the look of KKR may coast to a win, leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi bowled a game-changing spell of two/23 from 4 overs, choosing up a very powerful wickets of Nitish Rana and Andre Russell wickets. What used to be spectacular from the leg spinner used to be how he stored issues tight and didn’t permit Russell to unfastened his fingers, which compelled the West Indian to head for a wild swing best to finally end up giving his wicket away

    SIX & O.U.T! ?

    Courageous bowling from @bishnoi0056 who will get the harmful Andre Russell!#TATAIPL | #KKRvLSG %.twitter.com/ZTsxse6UMs

    — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) Might 20, 2023

    Pooran energy saves LSG

    When Nicholas Pooran will get going he’s definitely a pride to observe. In conventional Pooran style, he performed his first 10 balls quietly after which confirmed off his six-hitting prowess slamming 5 sixes in an important 74-run partnership with Ayush Badoni, who performed 2d mess around.

    Relive his knock right here ?? https://t.co/5CYZ5a3DnG

    — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) Might 20, 2023

    It used to be his innings of 58 from 30 balls that helped LSG leap again from a precarious place of 73/5. The counterattack helped them end at 176/8 in 20 overs

  • IPL 2023: KKR head trainer Chandrakant Pandit clarifies Nitish Rana’s touch upon house benefit

    By means of Anirban Sinha Roy: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are in pursuit of 2 the most important issues of their ultimate league fit of IPL 2023 at their house floor on Saturday, Might 20. At the eve of the large contest, head trainer Chandakant Pandit clarified Nitish Rana’s debatable remark about KKR no longer getting sufficient house benefit on the Eden Gardens in ILP 2023.

    Addressing Rana’s remark, Chandrakant Pandit clarified that the captain’s remark were misinterpreted, including that it is tough to get promises from pitches this present day with the evolution of T20 cricket.

    IPL 2023: Complete Protection | Issues Desk

    Kolkata Knight Riders have controlled simply 2 wins out of 6 suits at Eden Gardens, which were their castle up to now.

    “After I speak about house benefit, I imply successful video games. Sadly, we’ve not been in a position to capitalize at the suits we now have performed at house thus far. The pitches throughout India have passed through important adjustments through the years. Should you have a look at Wankhede or every other floor, the pitches have developed. At the present time, there are not any promises in the case of pitches,” Chandrakant stated.

    KKR, who’ve 12 issues from 13 suits, have a narrow likelihood of qualifying for the playoffs. The Knight Riders want an enormous win in opposition to Lucknow Tremendous Giants on Saturday and hope RCB and Mumbai Indians lose their ultimate league video games on Sunday to sneak thru to the playoffs.

    “Each group goals for the playoffs, and we are not any exception. We should not lose this fit. We’re striving for a win to steer clear of slipping additional down the desk. Our focal point is at the making plans and technique of the sport, and we can deal with that accordingly,” Chandrakant stated.

    HAPPY WITH KKR’S SEASON?

    Because the season attracts to a detailed, when puzzled about KKR’s efficiency so far, the top trainer, who has overseen the group in his first stint i the IPL, prompt a broader standpoint, pointing out,

    “Believe all of the match. There may be nonetheless one sport last, and no group has secured a playoff spot but. The contest has been fierce. Whilst we may have carried out higher, we now have made just right use of our possible. There were sure sides. Nonetheless, we stay hopeful of achieving the playoffs.”

    KKR lovers have not begun to witness Shardul Thakur’s prowess as a bowler this season. On the other hand, when requested about Thakur’s observe document, Pandit responded,

    “You might imagine so, however on every occasion he has been given the danger, he has carried out admirably, whether or not it is along with his bowling or batting abilities. During the last two years within the IPL, he has confirmed himself. The jobs inside the group are being decided, and everyone seems to be acutely aware of their obligations.”