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Ruturaj Gaikwad
Cricket, IPL, T20 Cricket

“I feel he plays with that tunnel vision of scoring big” : Wasim Jaffer says Ruturaj Gaikwad needs to take more risks

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“I feel he plays with that tunnel vision of scoring big” : Wasim Jaffer says Ruturaj Gaikwad needs to take more risks Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer believes that CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad needs to be much more proactive during the early overs. The five-time champions got off the mark in IPL 2026 on Saturday, as the defeated Delhi Capitals by 23 runs. Chennai Super Kings posted 212 runs on the board, with Sanju Samson scoring a terrific century. However, the skipper’s struggles continued, as he managed to score only 15 runs off 18 deliveries. Wasim Jaffer believes that Ruturaj Gaikwad needs to take on much more risks in the powerplay, and get his team off to strong starts. Wasim Jaffer believes that Gaikwad has certainly got the game to back his skills, but wants to show much more intent. “He’s somebody who wants to score big. You know, being an opener, I don’t think you need to look at 80 or 100 from the outset. I think you need to look at giving a terrific start, the kind of start the openers want. He’s not somebody who is going at a 200-plus strike rate. If he’s asked to push the scoring rate, I think he needs to take a lot more risk. He’s got the game. He’s got hundreds in the IPL. But he just, I feel, holds himself [back],” Jaffer said, speaking on ESPNcricinfo. Wasim Jaffer believes Ruturaj Gaikwad can learn from Virat Kohli Wasim Jaffer believes Ruturaj Gaikwad can learn from someone like Virat Kohli who has developed his game over the years. The RCB batter plays much more fearlessly at the top of the order, and Jaffer believes Ruturaj Gaikwad can certainly learn from him. “I feel he plays with that tunnel vision of scoring big. We’ve seen [Virat] Kohli do that: change his game. He’s a different Kohli to what we saw at the start of his career. I am sure Ruturaj can do it [but] he needs to put the impact [first], not think about bulk of runs,” the 48-year-old added. Chennai Super Kings will face Kolkata Knight Riders in a crunch clash on Tuesday, before facing Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday. It will be vital for the five-time champions to continue their winning momentum, and climb higher on the points table.

Yashasvi Jaiswal
Cricket, IPL

‘I thought I can take Deepak Chahar on’ : Yashasvi Jaiswal reveals he targeted MI Pacer in the first over

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‘I thought I can take Deepak Chahar on’ : Yashasvi Jaiswal reveals he targeted MI Pacer in the first over Yashasvi Jaiswal was the star of today’s match as Rajasthan Royals defeated Mumbai Indians to claim their third successive win, and climb to the top of the points table. The southpaw smashed MI bowlers all around the park, scoring an unbeaten knock of 77 runs off just 32 balls, which includes 10 boundaries, and four maximums. For Jaiswal, the carnage began in the first over, when he smashed Deepak Chahar for 22 runs, which includes 4 boundaries, and a six. There were question marks raised around the decision to bowl Chahar up top, when you had the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult. Yashasvi Jaiswal stated that for him, it was important to target bowlers, as it was for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who impressed once again, scoring 39 runs off just 14 balls. He hit Jasprit Bumrah’s opening ball for a six, as the two left-handed batters got off to a dream start. Full quotes from Yashasvi Jaiswal: “I think I had something in my mind because only three over of powerplay. So I was thinking, how can I take down the overs or who I can take down. So I was planning the minute I saw Chahar Bhai is coming I thought I can take him on and then Bumrah Bhai came in. So I was thinking, okay, maybe Vaibhav can take on Bumrah. Then I will try to pick someone else. So I just keep thinking who can I go after and what shots I can play. So I was, I was just quite into the game. (Is it easy to switch between the three formats?) It’s not easy, but I’m trying my best every single time when I go into my preparation. I feel like what I can do, how I can improve and make sure that I’m developing different shots. So all the time I try to play different shots and try to understand what shots in what wickets. So it always helped me when I prepare well. (Do you plan that you’re going to play a certain way?) I just try to understand the situation and I think of what I can do for my team and how I can play for my team.” “So I’m trying to change my game all the time and if I know, okay, this is required, if I understand this shot is required at the moment. So I’ll go for it and I’ll try to… I try to put my team first and I will try and play according to how my team needs. (Conversations with Vaibhav?) The way he has been playing, it’s tremendous. He’s working so hard as well. So I also get motivated. Okay, I also need to develop some different shots. And all the time we have these discussions like, how can we go? And if he’s taking on someone, I’ll just keep giving him positive message that you can go after him and whatever, just play freely and khel bindaas, something like that (smiles). (So do you play the Bade Bhaiya?) I don’t think so. He’s amazing and he understands the game very well. He’s quite capable to do it himself. He’s enjoying his game and he’s playing unbelievably well.” Rajasthan Royals scored 150 runs off their 11 overs, whereas, Mumbai Indians could only manage 123 runs, losing by 27 runs. The Royals look like a well-drilled side, defeating Gujarat, Chennai and Mumbai to start their campaign.

Cricket, IPL, T20 Cricket

“I felt that everything comes down to money” : Devdutt Padikkal opens up on a disappointing IPL stint with LSG

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“I felt that everything comes down to money” : Devdutt Padikkal opens up on a disappointing IPL stint with LSG Devdutt Padikkal has been in the form of his life in the opening two matches of IPL 2026 for the defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore. The Indian batter has already scored 111 runs in two innings at an astonishing strike rate of over 200. RCB have stuck with the southpaw at number three for this season, after he played some vital knocks for the franchise in their title-winning season last run. He amassed 247 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 150.61. The Indian batter played for RCB in 2020, where he impressed the world with his batting skills. However, he later moved on to Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants, where he had two disappointing stints. Devudtt Padikkal reflects on how he felt when RCB snatched him up at the Mega Auction in 2024 for Rs 2 crores, and how it transformed his career. “I feel that auction was probably the turning point of my career in a lot of ways. I was at that stage of my career where I needed to really commit to the type of cricket I want to play, the kind of cricketer I wanted to be. And coming back to RCB paved my path towards the brand of cricket I wanted to play,” Padikkal said in a video shared by RCB. Devdutt Padikkal reflects on his LSG stint Devdutt Padikkal was bought by LSG ahead of the 2024 IPL for a whopping price of Rs 7.75 crores. The left-handed batter stated that the pressure of being a high-paid player was always there, and he was unable to justify his price tag through his performances. “I feel that auction was probably the turning point of my career in a lot of ways. I was at that stage of my career where I needed to really commit to the type of cricket I want to play, the kind of cricketer I wanted to be. And coming back to RCB paved my path towards the brand of cricket I wanted to play,” Padikkal said in a video shared by RCB. “I moved to LSG for that one year, and obviously, that didn’t go great either. It was really hard. I felt that everything comes down to money. When a franchise is putting their faith in you in terms of that much money they are paying you, you feel like you are letting them down when you don’t perform. At that point, honestly, I didn’t have any answers either,” he concluded.

Sheyas Iyer
Cricket, IPL

“We played like invincibles throughout the season,” Shreyas Iyer delighted as KKR thrash Hyderabad to lift their third IPL title

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“We played like invincibles throughout the season,” Shreyas Iyer delighted as KKR thrash Hyderabad to lift their third IPL title Kolkata Knight Riders completely outplayed Sunrisers Hyderabad in the finals to lift their third IPL title. The Shreyas Iyer led side claimed an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Hyderabad, as they brought a fitting end to their campaign. KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer heaped praise on his side, stating that they played like invincibles throughout the course of the tournament. He stated that each individual has stood up for the team when it mattered. Kolkata Knight Riders restricted the Sunrisers Hyderabad to a total of just 113 runs in the first innings, as they chased down the total in just 10.3 overs, with eight wickets to spare. Venkatesh Iyer impressed with the bat once again, scoring a quickfire 50 which helped his side release the early pressure. “Absolutely comprehensive. This is what we demanded from the team and every individual. They stood up to the right occasion and the feeling is hard to express. It (wait) was so long, longer than the match. We played like invincibles throughout the season,” said Shreyas Iyer in his post match speech. “There’s so much to cherish right now. It is pleasing, the performance has been flawless throughout. I am running out of words right now. We have been tremendous from game one, we stepped up today. All we demanded from ourselves was to back each other whatever the situation is,” he added. “He stepped up to the right occasion” : Shreyas Iyer on Mitchell Starc Mitchell Starc got off to an absolute horrific start this season, as he was taken to the cleaners. However, he stepped up for his team in the second half of the season, making vital contributions in both the playoff matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad. After being awarded the Player of the Match in Qualifier 1, the Australian pacer picked up two wickets in the final, conceding just 14 runs in his three over spell. He removed the in-form Rahul Tripathi and Abhishek Sharma, as he ended the season on a terrific note. “That’s when all the big players stand up, right! It was a high-pressure game and he’s been so good off the field. He’s never shown any complacency in his work ethics. He stepped up to the right occasion,” Iyer said on Starc. Andre Russell also had a terrific tournament with the ball, picking up as many as 19 wickets. The West Indian all-rounder delivered with the ball once again in the finals, picking up three wickets in the final stages of the innings. In fact, five KKR bowlers took at least 17 wickets or more, which speaks volumes about their domination this season. Also Read: Former English cricketer makes Virat Kohli retirement claim: “I think that may take Virat away from cricket”

Dinesh Karthik
Cricket, IPL

“Dinesh Karthik was clearly out. Completely unfair to RR” : Ravi Shastri and cricket experts slam poor umpiring

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“Dinesh Karthik was clearly out. Completely unfair to RR here” : Ravi Shastri and cricket experts slam poor umpiring There was no shortage of controversy in the IPL Eliminator between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals. Dinesh Karthik was given out LBW by the on-field umpire, as RCB seemed to have lost their sixth wicket in the first inning. However, Dinesh Karthik had no option but to review the decision, since his team could have been reduced to a score of 120 odd runs for the loss of six wickets. The third umpire overturned the on-field call, when the ball clearly seemed to be hitting the pad first. The third umpire seemed to have quickly made his decision, as there was a spike seen when the ball was near to the bat. The call was made in less than 30 seconds, as cricket experts fumed at the umpire’s decision. As different angles confirm, the spike was heard because of the bat touching the pad. “Dinesh Karthik was clearly out. Completely unfair to RR here. Umpires should have checked the decision 4-5 times before giving the decision,” said Ravi Shastri on air. Cricket experts lash out at hasty umpiring in IPL Eliminator Dinesh Karthik was given a lifeline, as he had plenty of overs to do the damage he usually does in the business end of the innings. However, the RCB veteran failed to do much damage, being dismissed for 11 runs out of 13 balls. Dinest Karthik struggled out in the middle, as did most of the RCB batters through the middle phase of the innings. “The bat has hit the pad, the bat has not hit the ball,” said Sunil Gavaskar. “There was no bat. If there was, Dinesh would have taken DRS straight away,” wrote Irfan Pathan on X. Royal Challengers Bengaluru managed to put up 172 runs on the board, courtesy of a brilliant late cameo from Mahipal Lomror. Swpanil Singh did some damage in the final over as well to help RCB finish with a respectable total. Also Read: “People in India just always try to find a reason not to pick Virat Kohli” : Ricky Ponting says star Indian batter is irreplaceable

Virat Kohli
Cricket, IPL

“People in India just always try to find a reason not to pick Virat Kohli” : Ricky Ponting says star Indian batter is irreplaceable

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“People in India just always try to find a reason not to pick Virat Kohli” : Ricky Ponting says star Indian batter is irreplaceable Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has been left surprised by Indian fans’ attitude towards Virat Kohli. The Indian batter is all set to represent his national side in his sixth T20I World Cup campaign in June. However, there some question marks around his selection, with his strike rate being brought into question. However, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma laughed off such claims, stating that this was not even among the points discussed at the selection meeting. Ricky Ponting has stated that Virat Kohli would be the first name on his team sheet, and his experience and class makes him irreplaceable. Virat Kohli has been the top run getter in three of the last four ICC T20I World Cup campaigns. “He (Kohli) is the first pick for me for India. So, class and experience like that, you can’t replace. It’s funny with Virat. I think people in India just always try to find a reason not to pick him or a reason why he’s maybe not as good as some of these other guys in the T20 game,” Ponting said in a conversation with ICC. Ricky Ponting opines on India’s batting order at the T20I World Cup Ricky Ponting has opined on Team India’s batting order at the World Cup. He believes that the management has a couple of decisions to make, which involves deciding Virat Kohli’s batting position. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been opening the batting with skipper Rohit Sharma in leadup to the marquee event, however, Ponting believes that Virat Kohli will be promoted to the top of the order. “So they’ve got a decision to make with Jaiswal (batting position), but I’m pretty sure that they’ll go with Kohli and Rohit Sharma (as openers). He can play his role at the top. And if you’ve got the right guys around him scoring (like) Suryakumar (Yadav)… Rohit Sharma’s going to have a high strike rate. These other guys can go in there and play their way,” he added. Ricky Ponting also backed Virat Kohli’s ability to deliver in big games, just as he has been doing over the years. He delivered a stunning unbeaten knock of 82 runs against Pakistan at the 2022 T20I World Cup in Australia. The Indian batter is in middle of a terrific IPL campaign, as he is the current owner of the Orange Cap. He has amassed over 700 runs, and looks in solid touch ahead of the T20I World Cup. India have been drawn in Group A, alongside arch rivals Pakistan. They will open their campaign against Ireland, before facing Pakistan in New York on 9th June.

Glenn Maxwell RCB
Cricket, IPL

“It’s a good time to give someone else an opportunity” : Glenn Maxwell selflessly asks himself to be dropped after poor start to IPL

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“It’s a good time to give someone else an opportunity” : Glenn Maxwell selflessly asks himself to be dropped after poor start to IPL Glenn Maxwell has had a horrid start to the 2024 IPL season. The Australian batter has managed to score just 32 runs in his six innings so far, with a top score of 28. He has been dismissed for a duck on three occasions, as his batting woes has been a real blow for his franchise. Glenn Maxwell asked the team management to drop him for the fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday. The Australian all-rounder is well-aware of his current form, and wants some one else to get an opportunity to prove himself. He also stated that it would be a good physical and mental break for him amidst his poor form. Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s campaign hangs on a knife edge after they succumbed to their sixth defeat this season on Monday. The hosts lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad, who posted a record total of 287 runs in their first innings, breaking their own record against the Mumbai Indians. “For me, personally, it was a pretty easy decision. I went to Faf [du Plessis] and the coaches after the last game and said I felt it was probably time we tried someone else. I have been in this situation in the past where you can keep playing and get yourself deeper into a hole,” Maxwell said in the post-match press conference. “I felt like I wasn’t contributing in a positive way with the bat” : Glenn Maxwell Glenn Maxwell stated that he had been in such situations in the past, where trying to get over the lean patch only gets you in a bit of more trouble. As a result, he decided to step aside and allow an opportunity to other players. However, Glenn Maxwell made it clear that he would be available for the rest of the tournament if his franchise requires his services. His fellow Australian teammate Cameron Green was also benched for the fixture against Hyderabad, as Will Jacks got the nod ahead of the duo. “I think now is actually a good time for me to give myself a bit of a mental and physical break, get my body right. If I’m required to get in during the tournament, I can hopefully get back into a really solid mental and physical space where I can still have an impact,” Maxwell said. “We have had a pretty big deficiency straight after the powerplay, which has been my area of strength over the last couple of seasons. I felt like I wasn’t contributing in a positive way with the bat, and with the results and the position we find ourselves on the table, I think it’s a good time to give someone else an opportunity to show their wares, and hopefully, someone can make that spot their own,” Maxwell added. Also Read: “The worst kind of bowling that I’ve seen for a long time” : Sunil Gavaskar slams Hardik Pandya for ordinary death over bowling

Hardik Pandya IPL
Cricket, IPL

“The worst kind of bowling that I’ve seen for a long time” : Sunil Gavaskar slams Hardik Pandya for ordinary death over bowling

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“The worst kind of bowling that I’ve seen for a long time” : Sunil Gavaskar slams Hardik Pandya for ordinary death over bowling Sunil Gavaskar has slammed Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya for his ordinary death over bowling, which potentially costed the match to his side. The all-rounder conceded 26 runs in the final over, which helped Chennai Super Kings cross the 200-run mark. MS Dhoni smashed three consecutive sixes, scoring 20 runs off just 4 deliveries, which proved to be the difference maker in the end. Sunil Gavaskar stated that the MI skipper made things easier for MS Dhoni by bowling right in the slot. Hardik Pandya bowled a tidy 16th over, where he got the crucial wicket of Ruturaj Gaikwad, conceding just 2 runs. He returned with the ball in the final over, where he was taken to the cleaners by MS Dhoni. “Probably the worst kind of bowling that I’ve seen for a long, long time. It almost looks like I’ve had this embrace with my hero. I’ve got a bowling kind of deliveries that he’s gonna hit for sixes. One 6 is fine. The next one again a length ball when you know that this batter is looking for a length ball to hit. The third ball again, a full toss on the leg side and he’s looking for it and hits it for a 6. Absolutely ordinary bowling, ordinary captaincy,” Gavaskar said. Mumbai Indians face their fourth defeat of the season Mumbai Indians faced their fourth defeat of the season, as they fell short of 20 runs while chasing a target of 207 runs. The likes of Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma got off to a flying start, scoring 70 runs in just 7 overs. However, Matheesha Pathirana struck twice in his first over, dismissing Suryakumar Yadav for a duck. Rohit Sharma ended his innings with an unbeaten knock of 105 runs off just 63 deliveries. The Indian batter smashed 11 boundaries, and five maximums during his stay on the crease. However, he did not receive much support from his partners on the other end, which meant the Mumbai faced their fourth defeat of the season. As for Mumbai Indians, they will now face Punjab Kings on Thursday, as they are slated to play four consecutive away games. The five-time champions gathered a bit of momentum last week, winning against the Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, their winning streak was halted by Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, who have now beaten their arch rivals in five of their last six meetings. Also Read: “I think he Rohit will replace MS Dhoni at Chennai” : Michael Vaughan makes bold IPL prediction

Hardik Pandya IPL
Cricket, IPL

“I think he Rohit will replace MS Dhoni at Chennai” : Michael Vaughan makes bold IPL prediction

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“I think he Rohit will replace MS Dhoni at Chennai” : Michael Vaughan makes bold IPL prediction Former England captain Michael Vaughan has made a bold prediction on the Indian Premier League next season. He believes that Rohit Sharma will replace MS Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings in 2025, and take over the captaincy from Ruturaj Gaikwad. MS Dhoni is almost certain to announce his retirement at the end of the current IPL season, given that he passed the baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad even before the season began. There have been several rumors of Rohit Sharma being unhappy at Mumbai Indians after Hardik Pandya replaced him as the skipper. Hardik Pandya has been facing the heat from fans across India due to his new role as the skipper of Mumbai Indians, which comes at the expense of Rohit Sharma. Michael Vaughan also stated that it would be interesting to see if Rohit Sharma would be booed in a similar fashion if he makes his switch to Chennai Super Kings. “I think he (Rohit) will go to Chennai, replace MS Dhoni. Gaikwad is doing it this year. Do you think it’s just a holding job? May be Rohit next year?,” Vaughan was quoted saying to YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia in a podcast show. “I see him in Chennai. I see him there. If he were to captain Chennai and came to Mumbai, will he get booed?” he asked. “It’s not his fault” : Michael Vaughan on Hardik Pandya taking over the captaincy Michael Vaughan believes that Hardik Pandya should not be blamed for hurting the sentiments of fans across India. He believes that any player in the all-rounder’s shoes would be tempted to captain Mumbai Indians if given an opportunity. “Hardik is going through a difficult time and it’s not his fault. He has been asked to come back to the Mumbai Indians. He has been asked to be the captain. Who is going to say no that? He has just been given a job that pretty much every single cricketer in India would like to do, captain the MI,” Vaughan added. However, Michael Vaughan stated that it would have been prudent for Mumbai Indians to stick with Rohit Sharma as the skipper for at least this season. The Indian batter is all set to lead Team India in the upcoming T20I World Cup in West Indies and USA. And as such, it makes no sense for the MI management to name Hardik Pandya as the captain ahead of him. “I personally would have kept Rohit. Hardik coming back to Mumbai is big enough pressure in itself. Rohit, once he had a good World Cup, he is obviously going to captain India in the T20 World Cup. The sensible move would have been Rohit captaining MI and Hardik, in mind, for the next year or year after,” he added.

Rohit Sharma
Cricket, IPL

“I really want to win the World Cup and the WTC final in 2025” : Rohit Sharma shuns away retirement talks ahead of T20I World Cup

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“I really want to win the World Cup and the WTC final in 2025” : Rohit Sharma shuns away retirement talks ahead of T20I World Cup Rohit Sharma has dismissed rumors about his retirement in a recent interview. The Indian batter believes that he is still capable of playing at the top level, and is not thinking about retirement in the near future. In fact, the Indian skipper hopes to play the 50-over World Cup in South Africa in 2027, and the WTC Final at Lord’s in 2025. Rohit Sharma led India to a remarkable ICC World Cup campaign on home soil last year. However, after securing 10 consecutive victories, Team India succumbed at the final hurdle, losing to Australia in the finals. In an interview on ‘Breakfast with Champions,’ Rohit Sharma clarified his stance on retirement, and has set his sights on the upcoming World Cup events. “I haven’t really thought about retirement. But, I don’t know where life takes you. I am still playing well at this point in time – so I am thinking I am going to continue for a few more years and then, I don’t know. I really want to win the World Cup and there is a WTC final in 2025, hopefully India makes it,” said Rohit on the show. “Australia were slightly better than us” : Rohit Sharma on World Cup final loss Rohit Sharma admitted that Australia were slightly the better side in the finals, as they held their nerve to chase down a tricky target of 240 runs. The Indian captain believes that his side ticked all boxes on their way to the finals. He narrowed down the defeat to one bad day, which happens to the best of the teams in sports. “50-over World Cup for me is the actual World Cup. We’ve grown up watching that World Cup. More importantly, it was happening in India in front of our home crowd. We played so well up until that final. When we won the semi-finals, I thought, now we’re just a step away. We’re doing all the things right,” said Rohit. “What’s the one thing that can make us lose the World Cup? Not a single thing came to my mind. Because I thought we ticked all the boxes, we were playing good cricket. Confidence was there.” We were all supposed to have one bad day and that I guess that was our bad day. Don’t think we played bad cricket in that final, certain things didn’t go our way. But Australia were slightly better than us,” he added. Rohit Sharma is all set to lead Team India once again at the T20I World Cup in June. The right-handed batter is currently representing Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. The Hitman has delivered a couple of useful cameos for his side, as the five-time champions have recouped from a poor start to the season. Unlike the previous 11 seasons, Rohit Sharma is no longer the captain of the Mumbai Indians, as he has been replaced by all-rounder Hardik Pandya at the helm. Also Read: “Blessed to have Bumrah in my side” : Hardik Pandya heaps praise on MI pacer after five-wicket haul against RCB

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