The star India pacer joined CSK in 2018 and played 76 matches for them. With his fiery spells, he has immensely contributed in CSK's title wins in 2018, 2021, and 2023. However, he was released by the five-time champions ahead of the 2025 auctions and was bought by Mumbai Indians for Rs 9.25 crore.

During his stint with CSK, Chahar took 76 wickets and troubled the opposition batters with his ultimate pace. Apart from this, he even proposed his wife Jaya Bharadwaj (then girlfriend) in the stands in Dubai, during a match against Punjab Kings in 2021.

As Chahar has now parted ways with CSK, his wife Jaya took to Instagram and shared a heartfelt message for the five-time champions, along with a series of pictures.

"From cheering in the stands to celebrating love on the field where I said "yes" in front of the whole crowd. My heart will always be tied to this team. Forever grateful for the wonderful memories @chennaiipl," wrote Jaya in the caption.

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A post shared by Jaya Chaahar (@jayab05)

CSK retained Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana, and MS Dhoni.

Players bought by CSK: Devon Conway (Rs. 6.25 crore), Rahul Tripathi (Rs. 3.40 crore), Rachin Ravindra (Rs. 4 crore), R. Ashwin (Rs. 9.75 crore), Khaleel Ahmed (Rs. 4.80 crore), Noor Ahmad (Rs. 10 crore), Vijay Shankar (Rs. 1.20 crore), Sam Curran (Rs. 2.40 crore), Shaik Rasheed (Rs. 30 lakh), Anshul Kamboj (Rs. 3.40 crore), Mukesh Choudhary (Rs. 30 lakh), Deepak Hooda (Rs. 1.70 crore), Gurjapneet Singh (Rs. 2.20 crore), Nathan Ellis (Rs. 2 crore), Jamie Overton (Rs. 1.50 crore), Kamlesh Nagarkoti (Rs. 30 lakh), Ramakrishna Ghosh (Rs. 30 lakh), Shreyas Gopal (Rs. 30 lakh), Vansh Bedi (Rs. 55 lakh), Andre Siddarth (Rs. 30 lakh).

"He went out and shook hands with everyone, he did the whole shaking hands in a conga line," said Healy to SEN Cricket.

"I would be thinking if I'm an Indian cricketer, 'What do I need to shake your hand for, you're the chairman of selectors? I just want to hurry up and get this win celebrated'," Healy further said.

Bailey was also criticised by SEN Cricket commentator Pat Welsh, who termed that his time as chairman of selectors could be shortlived if results continue this way.

"What's the Chairman of Selectors doing sitting there in a tracksuit? He should be in a corporate box somewhere watching and taking notes," Welsh said.

Bailey has been the chairman of selectors for Australian cricket since 2021, a period in which Australia have won the 2023 Cricket World Cup and the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final.

Australia's heavy defeat drops them down from No. 1 spot in the WTC 2023-25 cycle standings, with India reclaiming that position.

However, with four more Test matches remaining in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, there is plenty of time for fortunes to change.

Meanwhile, Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald has expressed support for the current crop of players, suggesting that the same team would be retained for the pink-ball day-night second Test in Adelaide, starting from December 6.

“I don't really like just adding him to the squad unless he's going to play, drop the 12th man." Marsh had pulled up sore after bowling the most overs he has in a Test match in three years during the Perth Test.

As a result, Australia had to rely on spin and medium-pace overs from Marnus Labuschagne, along with five overs of off-spin from Travis Head during their 295-run humbling in the series opener.

Webster, who is also a right-arm pacer like Marsh, is expected to come into the equation if the Western Australian can't bowl the overs required of him.

"You drop Boland out … and add Beau Webster. He's through his injury phases. He's massive, he's 2m tall and he's performed at every level – youth cricket, 2nd XI, Australia A and Shield level," Healy, a veteran of 119 Tests, said.

"He's an all-rounder, he's consistent, bat good under pressure and it might be time.That could be the way that we fill in a batting position, Mitch Marsh moves up if he is injury-free and then an all-rounder comes in.

"If Marsh moves up, he doesn't stay an all-rounder because he's injury prone, that might be the decision in the end," Healy opined.

Webster has been the stand out performer in the Sheffield Shield over the past two years. He has collected 303 Shield runs this year at an average of 50.50 while also picking up nine wickets.

The Adelaide Test begins on December 6.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

He starred in Tasmania's Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales earlier this week, striking a 61 and 49 besides taking five wickets.

"To get a few runs and wickets (for Australia A) was pleasing against a strong Indian side," Webster was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au ahead of the announcement on Thursday.

"Any time you're playing 'A' cricket, it's the one step below Test level, so it does hold you in good stead. To get the call from 'Bails' (men's selection chair George Bailey) at the end of the NSW game was a really proud moment and I can't wait to get stuck in.

"There's a tight turnaround between the Adelaide and Gabba Test so I think (I'm there) just to have some cover there for that middle-order role, whichever way they go," he added.

Apart from his explosive batting, Webster has added seam-bowling to his abilities, a skill he added to his repertoire just four years ago.

He will join the squad in Adelaide next week having been named the Sheffield Shield player of the year last summer and continuing that form this season.

Despite the disappointing show in the series opener coach Andrew McDonald had asserted that there will be no changes in the home team for the pink ball Test in Adelaide, starting on December 6.

Jack Nisbett, meanwhile, has been brought in to replace Jem Ryan, who sustained a foot injury at the weekend, in the Prime Minister's XI to play India in Canberra this weekend.

Australia squad for second Test: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, said: “The Chennai Academy will host these seven batsmen and aim to equip them with skills and experience in navigating spinning conditions.

“Our coaches will be on hand to ensure that the learnings in the period can be consolidated and extended to other players in the region through the academy.” The players will engage in a two-day match and three white-ball fixtures as part of their training at the CSK Academy.

They will work alongside experienced coaches, including CSK Academy Director Sriram Krishnamurthy.

The initiative draws inspiration from similar successful programmes, including the recent training camps undertaken by the New Zealand Test team ahead of their successful tour of India.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Here are the details for Zimbabwe vs Pakistan LIVE Streaming 3rd ODI Live Telecast: Check Where and How To Watch

When will the Zimbabwe vs Pakistan 3rd ODI match take place?

The Zimbabwe vs Pakistan 3rd ODI match will take place on Thursday, November 28 (IST).

Where will the Zimbabwe vs Pakistan 3rd ODI match take place?

The Zimbabwe vs Pakistan 3rd ODI match will take place at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.

What time will the Zimbabwe vs Pakistan 3rd ODI match start?

The Zimbabwe vs Pakistan 3rd ODI match will start at 1:00 PM IST.

Which TV channels will show the live telecast of the Zimbabwe vs Pakistan 3rd ODI match?

The Zimbabwe vs Pakistan 3rd ODI match will be televised live on the Sony Sports network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the Zimbabwe vs Pakistan 3rd ODI match?

The Zimbabwe vs Pakistan 3rd ODI match will be live streamed on the SonyLIV and FanCode app and websites.

(All details are as per information provided by the broadcaster)

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be hosted across three venues in Pakistan over February and March next year. But India, who have not toured Pakistan since 2008, told the ICC their government had not given them permission to travel to Pakistan for the event earlier this month.

"Whatever we do, we will make sure the best outcome for Pakistan is achieved," Naqvi said multiple times. "But I repeat, and I am sure you know what I mean, it's not possible that Pakistan play in India, and they don't come here," said Naqvi.

Naqvi further said that any decision taken at the ICC meeting would then be taken to the Pakistan government by the PCB for final approval.

He also urged Jay Shah, who leaves his post as BCCI secretary to take over as ICC chairman on Sunday, to show concern for the ICC's benefit in his handling of the organisation.

"(Jay Shah) takes charge in December, and I'm sure once he moves from the BCCI to the ICC, he will think about the ICC's benefit, and that's what he should do. Whenever anyone assumes such a role, he should only consider the interests of that organisation."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

"Good time at Perth. Bloody hell, as if we were not suffering enough at point," the Australian Prime Minister said as he met the Indian team. It was Kohli's reply that won everyone's hearts on social media. "Always got to add some spice to it," Kohli said in response.

Anthony Albanese - Good time in Perth
Holy hell, As if we weren't suffering enough at that point that was just …

Virat Kohli - You always gotta add some spice to it

Bro is cooking even Australia's Prime Minister pic.twitter.com/bcSF4rxHl0

—(@DilipVK18) November 28, 2024

The practice match has been scheduled ahead of the Indian team's pink-ball contest against Australia in Adelaide. 

“The squad contains a mix of experience combined with some promising emerging players in Australian cricket. The Prime Minister's XI match presents an opportunity for a highly-talented squad to impress against a strong Indian team in their only pink-ball hit out prior to the second Test,” Cricket Australia's chief selector George Bailey said.

“We are utilising the opportunity to maintain Scott Boland's match fitness in his preparations as part of the Test squad. We thank the Prime Minister for his input into the squad which sees some of the country's most exciting young cricketers mixed with some highly experienced players,” he added.

Prime Minister's XI squad: Jack Edwards (c), Charlie Anderson, Mahli Beardman, Scott Boland, Jack Clayton, Aidan O'Connor, Ollie Davies, Jayden Goodwin, Sam Harper, Hanno Jacobs, Sam Konstas, Lloyd Pope, Matthew Renshaw, Jem Ryan

India didn't have a memorable outing at Adelaide the last time for a pink-ball Test (in 2020), they were famously bowled out for 36 runs in the second innings. Though India wen on to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy that year, the ghosts of that collapse still haunt the team.

"So he (Rahul) was like, "I just want to play cricket. I just want to get the love and support from the franchise. I just want to get the respect and I know Parth from you, I will get that. I just can't be more excited to play for a friend and make Delhi win. I have never won (IPL). Delhi has never won. Let's do it together"," revealed Parth Jindal, in an interview to ESPNcricinfo.

Jindal revealed that he had spent prior time with Rahul thanks to the latter being from Bengaluru and himself being the owner of Bengaluru FC.

"He's very happy, very excited to be part of Delhi. He has known me for a long time. He's a Bangalore (Bengaluru) boy. I own Bengaluru FC (in the Indian Super League), so he's watched a few games with me. I know his wife Athiya (Shetty) really well. She's been a close family friend growing up in Mumbai," said Jindal.

Delhi Capitals experienced their own separation from an Indian star cricketer, as Rishabh Pant quit the franchise after nine years ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Interestingly, Pant ended up at LSG, Rahul's former franchise.

Rahul is expected to become DC captain as well, although the likes of Axar Patel and Faf du Plessis may also be the in the running.

Speaking to Star Sports, Dravid said about Virat, "He has been batting really well, even in South Africa months ago when we were there, I thought he was batting really well on a couple of difficult wickets. It is just nice for him to be able to get that hundred at the start of the series. I think he could have a big series."

During the match, Virat scored an unbeaten 100 in 143 balls, with eight fours and two sixes. His runs came at a strike rate of 69.93. After scoring the century, Virat had a sigh of relief as he raised his bat above his head.

Now, Virat has scored his 81st international century and continues his chase for idol Sachin Tendulkar's record of 100 international centuries. This is also his 30th Test century. Now in 119 matches, Virat has scored 9,145 runs at an average of 48.13, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties. His best score is 254*.

Also, with 54 List-A centuries, nine T20 centuries, and 37 first-class centuries, Virat has completed 100 centuries in professional cricket.

Virat has also become the seventh player to complete 2,000 runs in Border-Gavaskar Trophy history. In 26 BGT matches, he has scored 2,147 centuries at an average of 48.79, with nine centuries and five fifties. His best score is 186.

This is Virat's seventh Test century in Australia, the most by an Indian batter, as he has now overtaken Sachin Tendulkar, who has scored six Test tons in Australia. He has also equalled England's Wally Hammond for second-most centuries in Tests in Australia. The most Test centuries in Australia are by England's Jack Hobbs, with nine tons. In Tests in Australia, Virat has scored 1,457 runs at an average of 56.03, with seven centuries and four fifties. His best score is 169.

This is Virat's 12th international century in Australia, the most by any batter. He has scored 3,531 runs in 43 matches and 55 innings at an average of 56.95 in Australia, with 12 centuries and 19 fifties and a best score of 169.

In 35 Tests since the start of 2020, Virat has scored 1,943 runs at an average of 32.93 with three centuries and nine fifties. His best score is 186 in this phase.

Speaking on Jaiswal, Dravid said that Jaiswal has been going from strength to strength, and it is hard to imagine that he made his debut just a year and a half ago in the West Indies.

"It was not long ago that he actually started. And to go to Australia, to play in Perth, and in your first Test match, get a hundred on Australian soil, I do not think many people have been able to do that. I am sure someone like him, with his hunger, his desire, and his drive, he is only going to keep getting better and better," he concluded.

After a first-innings duck, the 22-year-old opener bounced back with a composed yet aggressive 161-run knock against Australia's formidable bowling attack at Perth's Optus Stadium.

In 15 Tests, Jaiswal has amassed 1,568 runs at an average of 58.07 with four centuries and eight fifties. His best score is 214*, and all his centuries have been converted into scores of 150 or more.

These matches have all come during the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, where Jaiswal is the second-highest run scorer behind England's Joe Root, who has accumulated 1,750 runs in 19 matches, including six centuries and six fifties.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Deja vu for Queensland as Vics quick Xavier Crone replicates ridiculous run out in both innings #SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/YhDQhjP2O0

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 27, 2024

Recapping the match, Sam Elliott and Todd Murphy combined with seven wickets to power Victoria to a 90-run win over Queensland in their pink-ball Sheffield Shield contest on Wednesday.

Elliott bagged four while Murphy picked another three as Queensland were bowled out for 238 while chasing 329 for victory. Ben McDermott (68) was the only batter for Queensland to score 50 or more.

Earlier on Day 3, Campbell Kellaway scored his maiden Sheffield Shield century to put Victoria in the box seat. Queensland slumped to 3-58 at stumps while chasing 329 for victory. 

Kellaway made a seven-ball duck in Victoria's sub-par first-innings total of 186 as Queensland posted 297 to take a 111-run lead. However, Kellaway in a class of his own in Victoria's second innings.

The 22-year-old with Marcus Harris, who was snubbed by Australia for the 1st Test against India, for a 154-run opening stand to catapult the Vics back into the contest.

Harris hit 64 before Tom Rogers (69), Matt Short (59) and Peter Handscomb (35) also chipped in with crucial knocks, taking Victoria to 439.

"What one needs to see is when he can let go of the dependency on the BCCI's medical team, which is treating him after every spell he is bowling," said a BCCI source, as reported by The Times of India on November 22.

"The medical team feels he will start losing weight as he keeps playing matches, which will help build his endurance. Since the Ranji Trophy leg is over, the first round of SMAT matches have been kept as a makeshift yardstick," the source also said.

As per the report, BCCI's head of sports science Nitin Patel and National Cricket Academy (NCA) trainer Nishant Bordoloi are in charge of Shami's training and recovery routine during his time with the Bengal team.

Shami's SMAT matches began on November 23, when he would've had 10 days to prove his fitness, as per the report.

The report also adds that Shami may not be rushed back to cricket keeping the ICC Champions Trophy in February in mind.

"Bowling two-over spells in T20 matches in SMAT isn't the ideal parameter. To maintain intensity in a high-profile Test series is a different ball game. There is a chance he could be sent to train with Team India if he clears the SMAT challenge, but to play him will be a good call. The selectors are also wary about the Champions Trophy in February," said the source.

If Shami's recovery goes completely as planned, he could feature from the third Test, starting December 14.

In Shami's absence, Team India coped well in the first Test at Perth. Stand-in-captain and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah took eight wickets, Mohammed Siraj took five, while debutant Harshit Rana grabbed four, as India won by 295 runs.

This will be the first time since Shaw's IPL debut, in 2018, that the right-handed batter will not feature in a season.

Apart from lack of form, Shaw has also received a lot of criticism for his behaviour and fitness from various former India cricketers and experts. Now a former India selector has questioned his improvement.

"Prithvi has been in Delhi Capitals. In DC itself, he had a chance to interact with Rahul Dravid, who was also his U-19 India coach, Ricky Ponting, Sourav Ganguly," a former India selector, who has watched Shaw from close quarters told PTI.

"It's an open secret in Mumbai cricket that Tendulkar has also spoken to him. Are these legends fools? Do you see any change in him? Even if there is, it is not evident," he added.

At the IPL 2025 auction, no one was remotely interested in Shaw, who had blazed into the collective consciousness of Indian fans with his boyish charm and a game to match.

But six years is a long time and after the IPL rejection, Shaw now stands at the crossroads in his career --- it can either go boom or bust depending on what he wants to make out of his talent.

In Indian cricket, there's a saying that perception travels faster than light and in case of Shaw, there's nothing positive coming from any quarter. Even Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) dropped him from Ranji Trophy squad for being unfit before calling him back for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

(With PTI Inputs)

Stokes says that his team believes in taking things "game by game, series by series", which does not align with the long-term nature of the WTC, with each cycle spread across three years.

"In all honesty, the World Test Championship is a bit confusing; it is one of those where, you know, we do not really look at it, I do not look at it. It is one of those where, over a long period of time, if you are playing really good cricket and you are getting results that you want, you will end up finding yourself there in the final and in the mix," said Stokes as quoted by Wisden.

"For me and this team, it is about taking it game by game, series by series, and if you end up finding yourself in the position where you happen to be in that world test championship final, then it is great, but it is a real weird one knowing that you are playing for something over a long period of time."

"I cannot remember if I have ever even given any real time to be specifically thinking about the World Test Championship to be honest because it is utterly confusing, we play a lot more cricket than anyone else does, that is just what we try and focus on, you know, if we play well, we will be there or thereabouts, but if we do not, then we would not be," he concluded.

Under Stokes, England has played 29 Tests, winning 17, losing 11, and drawing just one. The attacking, result-orientated, and positive approach to cricket under Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum has divided fans and critics alike, but Stokes has the second-highest win percentage among all post-war England Test captains who have led in at least five Tests.

His overall figures have been ruined by some poor tours in Asia, a 1-4 series loss to England and a 1-2 loss to Pakistan as well away from home.

England won the toss and elected to field first. Kiwis have crossed the 200-run mark in their first innings.

Teams:

New Zealand (Playing XI): Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (w), Glenn Phillips, Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, and William ORourke

England (Playing XI): Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ollie Pope (w), Ben Stokes (c), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Shoaib Bashir.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Pakistan's claims of successfully organising international cricket in the country suffered a big jolt on Tuesday as the Sri Lanka A team decided not to play the remaining two 50-over matches against Pakistan A due to socio-political unrest in the country's federal capital region.

Pakistan are hoping to host their first ICC event since 1996 but after this incident, the chances look bleak. The Pakistan capital is currently under security lockdown as a large number of supporters of jailed former Prime Minister and cricketer Imran Khan have laid siege to the capital, with many of them entering the city.

After India refused to travel across the border to play the Champion Trophy, this incident made hosting the mega event in the country further unfeasible and the possibility of ICC snatching the hosting rights from them now looks stronger.

International teams refused to travel to Pakistan for more than a decade following the attack on the Sri Lanka men's cricket team in 2013 and it was only recently that England, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka sent their teams for short tours.

The cancellation of the Sri Lanka A tour will make the Champions Trophy wary of travelling to Pakistan because of safety concerns.

Top 5 Bargain Buys In IPL 2025 Mega Auction:

Glenn Maxwell: Though the Australian all-rounder's form is mostly the flip of a coin, the franchise putting its money on him can't really be sure which Maxwell would turn up in a particular season. Maxwell was released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the mega auction after a flop IPL 2024 campaign. With form not helping his case in the mega auction, Punjab Kings snapped Maxwell up for a cut-price deal of Rs 4 crore.

Tim David: Another Australia in the list, only a couple of years ago, David was being seen as one of the finest middle-order batters in the world, when it comes to the shortest format. But a poor run of form saw his stock decline. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, having let go of Maxwell, decided to replace him by signing David from the auction. He only cost INR 3 crore.

Adam Zampa: There's no stopping Australian in the list, with spinner Adam Zampa slotting in at the No. 3 spot. With 341 wickets across 280 T20 games, Zampa is one of the top spinners in white-ball cricket at present. Though he hasn't been able to replicate the same impact in the IPL, Sunrisers Hyderabad would be hopeful of that change as Zampa wears the orange shirt under the captaincy of his compatriot Pat Cummins. He was signed for just Rs 2.40 crore.

Quinton de Kock: One of the most fearsome opening batters in the game, De Kock was snapped up by Kolkata Knight Riders for a stunningly low fee of INR 3.60 crore. Landing a player who has scored 3,157 runs in 107 IPL matches, including two centuries, is a bargain that the KKR management would be immensely proud of.

Washington Sundar: Topping the charts is India all-rounder Washington Sundar. When Sundar was released by the Sunrisers Hyderabad, he was expected to cost somewhere around INR 10 crore in the auction. But, the spin-bowling all-rounder only cost Gujarat Titans Rs. 3.20 crore. With a T20 international record of 47 wickets from 52 matches and an economy rate of 6.87, Sundar is arguably the smartest buy of the auction.

While speaking about the pick, Goenka said that the franchise bought Pant in the budget it kept for the India wicketkeeper-batter. He added that no ego was involved in LSG going so far to win the bidding war.

"No no, not at all. Nothing like that at all. This is not about vanity at all. Ego nahi hai [There's no ego here]. I did not have that in mind at all. We had structured the auction in a certain way and Pant was an integral part of our plans. We had done some budgeting for him," Goenka told Cricbuzz.

"Look we could not get Bhuvneshwar Kumar and we went for Akash Deep. We wanted two Indian fast bowlers and we spent INR 9.75 crore on Avesh (Khan) and INR 8 crore on Akash Deep. This was not about one individual player. It was not about egos. Did we want to have the most expensive player? No. At the end of the day this does not mean very much to the franchise. Eventually it is about performance and how the team balance looks," he added.

LSG purchased 19 players in the auction after retaining five including Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni.

Pant was by far their costliest buy with Avesh Khan (Rs 9.75 crore) and Akash Deep (Rs 8 crore) a distant second and third respectively. The likely opening pairing of Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram is not the strongest in the competition, putting more responsibility on Pant and Pooran.

(With agency inputs)

TN made a daunting 221 for six riding on half-century by Narayan Jagadeesan and a quick 42 (22b) by all-rounder Vijay Shankar. But Hardik singlehandedly dragged Baroda back to the match from 152 for six. However, when Pandya got out in the second ball of the final over, Baroda still needed 9 runs to win.

But Raj Limbani and Atit Sheth, who hit a final ball four, knocked off those runs to carry their side to win.

Hardik Pandya, Mumbai Indians captain, took special liking for Tamil Nadu's left-arm pacer Gurjapneet Singh, who was recently picked by Chennai Super Kings at the IPL 2025 mega auction for Rs 2.20 crore, as he hit him four sixes and a four in one single over. The over yielded 29 runs. 

Hardik Pandya hits 6,6,6,ND,6,4,1 off Gurjapneet Singh
Also hits 4,6,1W,0,6,1 off Vijay Shankar https://t.co/FjGgklmWT9 pic.twitter.com/T82sn9ACUT

— OG HARDIK (@Kunfupandya33) November 27, 2024

Following Gurjapneet Singh's selection in the Chennai Super Kings team for the IPL 2025 during the mega auction, his parents expressed their delight at their son's selection on the big stage and also wished that he plays for India in the future.

CSK took Gurjapneet, who has been a net bowler at the franchise. CSK and LSG were in a tussle for the promising seamer. After LSG backed out, Gujarat Titans came in, which was understandable due to Ashish Nehra's love for left-arm seamers. CSK managed to outbid GT for Rs 2.2 crore.

"We are feeling very happy and proud. The whole of Ambala city is celebrating. He has been very interested in cricket since childhood. He always gave his 100% in cricket. I wish that he plays for the Indian team too," Gurjapneet Singh's father told ANI.

With PTI and ANI inputs 

"Virat knows exactly what's going to be planned. They'll start with that line outside the off-stump and gauge what his mood is. These days he looks to leave balls outside the off-stump and if they have anything that is pitched right up, he will look to drive," Manjrekar said during an interaction with Star Sports.

Manjrekar was of the opinion that the Australian team will try to target him by bowling outside the off-stump, and may even target his body if that plan doesn't work.

"Nowadays, they are also trying to cramp him for room and attack his body because he loves to get forward so much. So that is something New Zealand tried, which is very smart. And then if he is so focused outside off, that typical one of landing a ball on the middle stump which Josh Hazlewood would try," he added.

Kohli's current form is a cause for concern. In 19 international matches this year, the 80-time centurion has managed to score only 488 runs at an average of 20.33, with just two half-centuries in 25 innings and a highest score of 76. His struggles in Test cricket have been particularly troubling, given his past dominance in the format.

From 2016 to 2019, Kohli was at the peak of his career, amassing 4,208 runs at an astonishing average of 66.79, including 16 centuries and 10 fifties. He also set a record with seven double centuries, the most by a captain in Tests. However, since 2020, his form has dipped dramatically, scoring 1,838 runs in 34 Tests at an average of 31.68, with only two centuries and nine fifties.

(With ANI Inputs)

Here are the Live Updates of India vs India A Simulation Match Day 2:

There are 81 players in the top bracket while 27 are in Rs 1.5 crore category. There are 18 in the Rs 1.25 crore category while 23 have priced themselves at Rs 1 crore.

Jos Buttler of England also enjoys the top base price bracket of Rs 2 crore along with countrymen Harry Brook and Jonny Bairstow while the retired James Anderson, at Rs 1.25 crore base price, has made it to the curtailed list despite T20 not being his strongest format.

The biggest names in the top bracket from overseas are Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje from South Africa, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Starc from Australia. Marco Jansen and Rachin Ravindra are priced at Rs 1.25 crore.

There are 48 capped Indians while 193 are capped overseas players.

Former India U-19 World Cup winning skipper Unmukt Chand, who has migrated to the United States, has made the cut as Associate member nation player while seamer Saurabh Nethravalkar, who was a revelation during T20 World Cup, wasn't shortlisted.

Italy's Thomas Draca, who plays for MI Emirates, also didn't make the cut. PTI KHS KHS PDS PDS

Wishing a quick recovery for the injured fan!

Keep watching the 4th #SAvIND T20I LIVE on #JioCinema, #Sports18 & #ColorsCineplex#JioCinemaSports pic.twitter.com/KMtBnOa1Hj

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) November 15, 2024

Talking about the match, India crushed South Africa by 135 runs in the fourth T20I and clinched the four-match series 3-1. 

Samson's 109 not out off 56 balls was complemented by Tilak Varma's 120 not out in only 47 balls as they took India to an unsurmountable 283 for 1 in 20 overs, their highest total on overseas soil.

In South Africa's run chase, Arshdeep Singh (3/20) swung the ball prodigiously under lights during an opening spell that reduced the hosts to 10 for 4 and were eventually shot out for 148 in 18.2 overs.

Among the plethora of records that tumbled, the most special one will be the two Indian batters scoring centuries in same T20I innings. Samson and Varma also posted the highest partnership for India in T20 Internationals --- 210 off just 93 balls for the second wicket.

Samson completed his ton in 51 balls while Varma (41 balls) took 10 balls less. Samson now has three T20I tons in the last five innings which also included two ducks.

(With PTI Inputs)

Among the plethora of records that tumbled, the most special one will be the two Indian batters scoring centuries in same T20I innings. Samson and Varma also posted the highest partnership for India in T20 Internationals --- 210 off just 93 balls for the second wicket.

Samson completed his ton in 51 balls while Varma (41 balls) took 10 balls less.

Samson now has three T20I tons in the last five innings which also included two ducks.

It seems brilliance and disappointment exist together for the Kerala man who will certainly increase a lot of selection headache for Ajit Agarkar when Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant come back in the Indian T20I squad.

For Varma, back-to-back T20I tons on South African soil will not only increase his stocks but it also speaks volumes about the kind of team man skipper Suryakumar Yadav is. Suryakumar decided to relinquish his favourite batting spot, allowing a young talent to blossom showing what leadership is all about. Abhishek Sharma (36 off 18 balls) should also get his share of credit for upping the ante in the Powerplay with four huge sixes.

On a good batting track with true bounce on offer, Indian batters hit a record 23 sixes as it was possible to hit through the line by just clearing one's front leg. Samson's nine maximums was one less than Varma's 10.

It only helped India that the opposition's best fast bowler Gerald Coetzee seemed to be carrying a niggle. The two medium pacers Andile Simelane (0/47 in 3 overs) and Lutho Sipamla (1/58 in 4 overs) seemed like lambs for slaughter. The Indians hit 10 sixes from Simelane and Sipamla.

By the time Coetzee was brought by skipper Aiden Markram for his second spell, the damage was done. Such was the nervousness of South African bowlers that they bowled 17 wides in trying to check the momentum.

They didn't vary the pace and pitched it on length as Samson and Varma were severe, either hitting them inside out over extra cover or at times straight down the ground.

Even Keshav Maharaj and Tristan Stubbs were not left unpunished as there was everything on the platter -- cuts, pulls, slog sweeps, reverse sweeps. There wasn't a single corner of the ground that didn't feel the power of strokes from the two Indians.

In fact one of Samson's shots hit a lady spectator's cheek. The TV cameras caught her sobbing in considerable pain.

Samson was more muscle as he would slightly shuffle towards leg-stump and loft the length balls while the silken Varma would make a mockery of spinners with uppish sweep shots, stand and deliver down the ground hits.

They slowed down a touch nearing their milestones but by then they had done enough to crush the Proteas.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Mhatre also revealed his excitement about a call for trials with the senior talent scout of the Indian Premier League (IPL) giants Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and showed his interest in playing alongside legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Reflecting on the call, Mhatre revealed to IANS that he had been approached by CSK for IPL trials— and showed his interest in playing with MS Dhoni. While acknowledging the prestigious chance to potentially don the yellow jersey alongside M.S. Dhoni, Mhatre remains focused on his immediate goals.

"Yes, I got a call from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) talent scout team for the trials a few days back. I think I will go for the trials, but right now, my focus is on red-ball cricket. Since this is the last match of the first half of the Ranji Trophy season, I want to finish it on a high note," Mhatre said.

He added with hopeful excitement, "I can't say if I will be picked in the auction, but yes if I get a chance to play in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings, I will try to be productive for the franchise. Playing alongside Mahendra Singh Dhoni is every youngster's dream and it will be a dream come true for me. I haven't met him yet, but let's see what happens."

Mhatre's rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Earlier this season, he showcased his talent with a marathon innings of 176 against Maharashtra at the BKC Academy. His consistent performances have established him as a key player in Mumbai's batting lineup, and now, with his U-19 selection, he is on the cusp of greater opportunities.

Mumbai's innings began on a shaky note in their response to Services' total of 240. Opener Angkrish Raghuvanshi (1) and Siddhesh Lad (10) fell early to pacer Nitin Yadav, leaving the team reeling at 29 for two. The situation worsened when skipper Ajinkya Rahane (19) was bowled by Varun Choudhary, reducing Mumbai to a precarious 69 for three.

However, Mhatre anchored the innings, combining aggression with composure. He found valuable support from Shreyas Iyer, who contributed 47 off 46 balls. Together, they stitched a crucial 109-run partnership in just 104 balls, helping Mumbai regain their footing.

Meanwhile, Mumbai's pace bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur delivered an impressive performance, taking four wickets to wrap up Services' innings. Thakur, overlooked by the national selectors for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, showcased his grit with figures of 4 for 46 in 19 overs. Services, who resumed their innings at 192 for six, folded for 240, with Mohit Ahlawat top-scoring with 76. Shams Mulani and Mohit Awasthi took two wickets each.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Partnership of 210* between Sanju & Tilak

Highest for any wicket for India

Highest for any wicket vs South Africa

Highest for second wicket or below for any team in all T20Is

Sanju Samson's precision met its match in Tilak Varma's muscular elegance as India toyed with South African bowling attack to post an imposing 283 for 1 in the fourth and final T20 International. This is by far India's highest T20I total overseas and highest by any country on South African soil.

Among the plethora of records that tumbled, the most special one will be two Indian batters scoring centuries in same T20I innings. Samson and Varma also posted the highest partnership for India in T20 Internationals --- 210 off just 93 balls for the second wicket.

Samson (109 not out off 56 balls), who smashed a superb century in the first game, once again pummelled the Proteas in company of Varma (120 not out off 47 balls) who has really come into his own with new found confidence and vigour at number three.

Samson now has three T20I tons in the last five knocks which also included two ducks while Varma has scored back-to-back T20I tons.

Samson completed his ton in 51 balls while Varma's (41 balls) took 10 balls less.

Abhishek Sharma (36 off 18 balls) should also get his share of credit for upping the ante in the Powerplay with four huge sixes.

On a good batting track with true bounce on offer, Indian batters hit a record 23 sixes as it was possible to hit through the line by just clearing one's front leg. Samson's nine maximums was one less than Varma's 10.

(With PTI inputs)

Centuries from Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma guide India towards a mammoth total#SAvIND : https://t.co/nCcnyy7c2U pic.twitter.com/BLjrRC9L6n

— ICC (@ICC) November 15, 2024

Sanju Samson's precision met its match in Tilak Varma's muscular elegance as India toyed with South African bowling attack to post an imposing 283 for 1 in the fourth and final T20 International. This is by far India's highest T20I total overseas and highest by any country on South African soil.

Among the plethora of records that tumbled, the most special one will be two Indian batters scoring centuries in same T20I innings. Samson and Varma also posted the highest partnership for India in T20 Internationals --- 210 off just 93 balls for the second wicket.

Samson (109 not out off 56 balls), who smashed a superb century in the first game, once again pummelled the Proteas in company of Varma (120 not out off 47 balls) who has really come into his own with new found confidence and vigour at number three.

Samson now has three T20I tons in the last five knocks which also included two ducks while Varma has scored back-to-back T20I tons.

Samson completed his ton in 51 balls while Varma's (41 balls) took 10 balls less.

Abhishek Sharma (36 off 18 balls) should also get his share of credit for upping the ante in the Powerplay with four huge sixes.

On a good batting track with true bounce on offer, Indian batters hit a record 23 sixes as it was possible to hit through the line by just clearing one's front leg. Samson's nine maximums was one less than Varma's 10.

It only helped India that the opposition's best fast bowler Gerald Coetzee seemed to be carrying a niggle. The two medium pacers Andile Simelane (0/47 in 3 overs) and Lutho Sipamla (1/58 in 4 overs) seemed like lambs for slaughter. The Indians hit 10 sixes from Simelane and Sipamla.

(With PTI inputs)

Resuming the day on 109 for two, Uttarakhand suffered a big blow right at the start as they lost skipper Ravikumar Samarth for 51, after the batter had added just one run to his overnight score.

Samarth made a brisk 51 off 59 balls before being dismissed by Aniket (4/79 in 26 overs).

Left-arm spinner Kukna Ajay Singh (3/80) bowled the other overnight batter, Swapnil Singh, for 36.

Yuvraj and Aditya Tare (28 off 48 balls) steadied the Uttarakhand innings with a 62-run stand for the fifth wicket before Ajay Singh had the latter stumped to again leave the home team in a spot of bother at 219/5.

Deepak Chahar disturbed Abhimanyu Singh's stumps to make it 236/6 for Uttarakhand and Ajay Singh compounded the home side's woes by removing Abhay Negi (19).

Desperately seeking a partnership, Uttarakhand found one finally as Yuvraj added 60 runs for the eighth wicket with Deepak Dhapola (10), with the former scoring 50 of those runs.

However, Uttarakhand lost two wickets in the same over with the score reading 347, the successful bowler being Aniket.

The twin blows by Aniket at the fag end of the day's play meant Uttarakhand trailed the visitors by a huge margin of 313 runs with just one wicket remaining.

While Yuvraj hit 16 fours and six sixes during his stay in the middle, Aniket and Ajay Singh were the most successful bowlers for Rajasthan, sharing seven wickets between them.

Earlier, on day two, Mahipal Lomror smashed his way to an unbeaten 300 off 360 balls after Kartik Sharma's 113.

Brief scores:

In Dehradun: Rajasthan 1st innings 660/7 declared vs Uttarakhand 1st innings 347/9 in 100 overs (Yuvraj Chaudhary batting 144; Aniket Choudhary 4/79, Kukna Ajay Singh 3/80).

In Nagpur: Gujarat 1st innings 343 all out vs Vidarbha 1st innings 512/8 in 148 overs (Danish Malewar 115, Karun Nair 123, Akshay Wadkar not out 104; Tejas Patel 3/79).

In Dharamsala: 85 and 334 vs Himachal Pradesh 1st innings 436/9. Himachal won by innings and 17 runs.

In Hyderabad: Hyderabad 1st innings 301 all out vs Andhra 1st innings 448/9 in 143 overs (Shaik Rasheed 203, Karan Shinde 109; Anikethreddy 4/137).

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Kohli is now only behind legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar, who has 664 caps playing for India from 1989 to 2013 and also has the record of most being the capped international cricketer in the world. Among active cricketers, Kohli is followed by India captain Rohit Sharma (486 caps) and Ravindra Jadeja (346 caps) in the list.

In terms of Test appearances for India, The 35-year-old is tied for eighth with 116th caps and. He also amassed 8947 runs in the longer format, just 53 runs short of becoming only the fourth Indian to complete 9000 runs in Tests after Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar.

Moreover, Kohli has become the fastest player to reach 27,000 international runs on Day 4 of the second Test against Bangladesh last month, surpassing Tendulkar's record of 623 innings as he achieved the feat in just 594, the only cricketer ever to finish 27000 international runs in under 600 outings.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

"We don't have to think [only] about India. We have to think about other teams as well. I have been in the [senior] Pakistan team and played in the last World Cup as well. It creates so much pressure that mentally, you are thinking about India, India. We have to face other teams as well," he added.

Haris comments were greeted with mixed reactions, and mostly, he was slammed for his remark after making the headlines.

The comments made by Haris did not go down well with the former Pakistan cricketer. Basit claimed that Haris has no sense of what and what not to speak.

"He has no sense, what to speak and what not (Usko akal nahi hai, kya bolna hai kya nahi bolna). If somebody thinks the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given those instructions, then that is wrong," Basit said on his YouTube channel.

India A and Pakistan A will face each other in the upcoming tournament on Saturday at Al Amerat Cricket Ground Oman Cricket (Ministry Turf 1).

India A squad: Tilak Varma (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Ayush Badoni, Nishant Sindhu, Ramandeep Singh, Anuj Rawat, Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Anshul Kamboj, Hrithik Shokeen, Aaqib Khan, Vaibhav Arora, Rasikh Salam, Sai Kishore, Rahul Chahar

Pakistan A squad: Mohammad Haris (captain), Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Haider Ali, Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Omair Bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Shahnawaz Dahani, Sufiyan Moqim, Yasir Khan and Zaman Khan.

However, the former South African pacer will continue with the franchise's other team in the SA20 competition, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, who have won both the editions of the competition so far.

“Cricket announcement. A big thank you to Sunrisers Hyderabad for my few years with them as bowling coach at the IPL, unfortunately, I won't be returning for IPL 2025,” Steyn wrote on X.

“However, I will continue to work with Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20 here in South Africa. Two time winners here in SA20, let's try make it THREE in a row,” he added.

Steyn was not a part of SRH's successful campaign in IPL last year as he made himself unavailable for the campaign in which the 2016 title winners and 2018 runner-up qualified for the final.

The former New Zealand bowler James Franklin had filled in for the former South African pacer.

"DC management is looking at quality home-grown coaches and Hemang and Munaf's names have cropped up. A final decision is yet to be taken but in case of Munaf, it could be bowling coach's job," an IPL source told PTI on conditions of anonymity

Since five retentions would cost Rs 75 crore, it is believed that Jake-Fraser McGurk, who was last year's breakaway star, and South African Tristan Stubbs, two of their major foreign contributors could be picked with the Right To Match (RTM) cards if their price tags are within team's budget.

On Badani's name coming up as the head coach, it could be a case of change of management for the next two years where GMR, one of the co-owners, the other being JSW, would be running the show.

The two co-owners are believed to have an agreement on micro-managing the team two years each at a time.

Badani has earlier worked with Brian Lara in Sunrisers Hyderabad but if he gets the job, then it will be a very big break for him.

The former Tamil Nadu batter played four Tests and 40 ODIs between 2001-2004 with an ODI hundred against Australia during the epic 2001 bilateral series being the highlight of his career.

He would be expected to guide DC to its first ever IPL title which has eluded the side since the inception of the league in 2008.

Delhi has reached only one final, back in 2020, when it lost to Mumbai Indians in the final.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

As per Accuweather.com, 40% precipitation is expected at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium area in Bengaluru. Upto 1.0mm of rain is expected in the morning and afternoon each, while cloud cover is predicted to be 100%.

While forecasts suggest that there is unlikely to be much overnight rain, hopes of a game on Day 2 could be dashed with early morning rain at Chinnaswamy.

On Day 1, not even the toss could take place, with the ground not even being fit enough to have the Hawk-Eye system implemented because of the conditions, as revealed by former India cricketer-turned-pundit Saba Karim on air.

A possible wash-out of Day 2 is not out of question, with rain likely to stay consistent throughout the day. If such happens, India would see two consecutive days of a Test be washed out in back-to-back Tests, with the second Test against Bangladesh also suffering the same fate.

A delay in the start of proceedings leaves the door open for Shubman Gill to potentially make the playing XI, in spite of his injury. Gill complained of neck and shoulder pain as per reports on Monday morning, but a delayed start increases his chances of featuring.

India are firmly on top of the World Test Championship (WTC) table, while 2021-23 WTC champions New Zealand are in sixth spot.

Here are the LIVE Score Updates of India vs New Zealand 1st Test Match Day 2, Straight from Bengaluru

The IPL 2025 retention rules allows franchises to have up to several RTM cards, which allows players to go back to the auction pool and be repurchased for a new fee instead of a designated retention slab. The new RTM rule even allows the final bid-winner to post a last extensive bid for the player, increasing their price. 

The report by Cricbuzz states that this new RTM rule has allowed player agents to open negotiations with both the original franchise, as well as other franchises, for better deals.

An effect of the new RTM rule may already be seen, with reports suggesting that IPL 2024 runners-up Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) could be set to shell out Rs 23 crore to retain star wicket-keeper batter Heinrich Klaasen. Rs 23 cr is Rs 5 cr more than the highest retention slab of Rs 18 cr.

The report by Cricbuzz also states that the venue for the IPL auction could very likely be outside India. The frontrunners for this appear to be Saudi Arabian city or Singapore, while Austria's capital Vienna also stands an outside chance to be the auction host city.

A maximum of six players can be retained by a franchise, either through direct retention or the RTM rule.

For India, right from them electing to bat first amidst downpour threats, things backfired spectacularly. With no grass on the pitch, they picked three spinners for the first time in this season, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj being the only pacers.

But with conditions heavily favouring an accurate New Zealand bowling line-up and backed up brilliantly by their fielders, India didn't show the desired batting application to grind it out against swing or seam and fell without doing much. Only Rishabh Pant (20) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (13) reached double figures in a sorry Indian batting show laced with five ducks.

Captain Rohit Sharma was far from his fluent best and even survived an lbw appeal on umpire's call off Matt Henry. But in a bid to step out against a masterly Tim Southee, Rohit was castled through the gate while going for a big drive against the inswinger.

Virat Kohli's surprising promotion to number three, after Shubman Gill was ruled out due to neck stiffness, earned him vociferous chants from the sparse crowd at his adopted home ground.

But it was brought to a quick end when O'Rourke got extra bounce on a nip-backer which Kohli looked to defend, but it took the glove edge to forward leaping Glenn Phillips at leg-gully, as he departed for a nine-ball duck.

More trouble followed India as Sarfaraz Khan tried to counterattack with a forceful lofted drive, but ended up mis-hitting off Henry to Devon Conway at mid-off, who stuck out his right hand and took a stunning catch. Pant was a curious mix of caution and aggressiveness, including trying to reverse-sweep off Henry, before rain brought a halt to the proceedings.

After play resumed at 11:05am, Pant and Jaiswal got a boundary each to try and rebuild India's innings. But O'Rourke struck again as Jaiswal went hard on the cut and was caught brilliantly by backward point diving low to his left.

One brought two for the pacer as he strangled KL Rahul, supposed to bat at three, down leg for a six-ball duck, and was followed by Ravindra Jadeja being bizarrely too early into the flick and gave a high leading edge to backward point off Henry as New Zealand walked off the field as the happier side at lunch.

Post lunch, Henry struck on the very first ball by catching shoulder edge of Ravichandran Ashwin and the ball lobbed to gully. He then enticed Pant into tentative defence and edged to second slip. O'Rourke had Bumrah heaving to long leg, before Henry ended the Indian batting horror show by having Kuldeep Yadav caught at gully to cap off a brilliant time for New Zealand with the red cherry.

As revealed by former India cricketer-turned-pundit Saba Karim on air, the hawk-eye system can only be implemented and formatted into the ground once the covers are removed. Rain prior to the game, as well as during Day 1, meant that the formatting process could not take place. The formatting takes about an hour and a half, as per Saba Karim. At no point during the day did the covers stay removed for such a long duration, making start of play next to impossible.

The inability to put in the hawk-eye system led to play being called off earlier on Day 1. While not much rain is predicted in the late hours of Wednesday, October 16, rain is expected to play spoilsport in Day 2 as well. At least two hours of rain is predicted by Accuweather.com at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday, October 17.

Saba Karim made a comment on Jio just now.

A) Hawk Eye is not ready. Apparently they need to format it a day before the game. Since it rained yesterday, they didn't get time. So today, once the covers come off, they will require 90-120 minutes post that to start.

B) The super… pic.twitter.com/wSCbfeH7gb

— Kartik Kannan (@kartik_kannan) October 16, 2024

40% precipitation is expected, while cloud cover is predicted to be a constant throughout Day 2 as well. In fact, rain is predicted on all five days of the Test match.

India come into the three-match home series as firm favourites, sitting comfortably at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. New Zealand, on the other hand, are sixth, and have never won an away Test in WTC history.

A look at the 10 lowest Test scores by India -

36 - vs Australia - Adelaide 2020

42 - vs England - Lord's 1974

46 - vs New Zealand - Bengaluru 2024

58 - vs Australia - Brisbane 1947

58 - vs England - Manchester 1952

66 - vs South Africa - Durban 1996

67 - vs Australia - Melbourne 1948

75 - vs West Indies - Delhi 1987

76 - vs South Africa - Ahmedabad 2008

78 - vs England - Leeds 2021

India were on Thursday bowled for just 46 runs in their first innings, their lowest total in a home Test on the second day of the rain-hit opening Test against New Zealand.

India's previous lowest score at home was 75, recorded against West Indies in New Delhi in 1987.

The Indian batters struggled to negotiate the conditions, folding in 31.1 overs. As many as five Indian batters returned without bothering the scorer Rishabh Pant top-scored for the hosts with his 20 off 49 balls. Yashasvi Jaiswal (13) was the only other batter to reach double digits.

Matt Henry (5/15), William O'Rourke (4/22), and Tim Southee (1/8) were in fine form, dominating the proceedings as India lost six wickets for just 34 runs during a stunning first session.

In the second session, India could add only 12 runs, losing the remaining four wickets.

(With PTI inputs)

I blame Rohit Sharma for India's Collapse, he chose to bat first in overcast conditions against New Zealand. It was a complete captaincy blunder.#INDvNZ
have some shame and take retirement asap @ImRo45 pic.twitter.com/aBW66GApMi

— sridha (@sweetsridha) October 17, 2024

O'Rourke silenced the crowd at M Chinnaswamy Stadium by extracting extra bounce from the surface with his bounce, taking Kohli by surprise.

Rohit Sharma checking the pitch yesterday and still choosing to bat is blunder.....#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/zpUBF1jTZL

— Helioseid (@helioseidmail) October 17, 2024

The Indian stalwart tried to defend the ball off his toes but ended up gloving it to Glenn Phillips, who came flying from leg gully to take a stunning catch. This was Kohli's first duck in 32 innings, with his last coming against the same opposition in 2021 at Wankhede.

After winning the toss, Rohit told his team, 'We are going to bat first in these juicy bowling conditions. Bumrah and Siraj, you also pad up.'

— Ramki (@ramkid) October 17, 2024

Sarfaraz, who got his much-awaited opportunity, slapped the ball with the bottom edge of the bat. Devon Conway sprang to his right at extra cover to complete a screamer of a catch.

KL Rahul came in and was welcomed by O'Rourke by smashing the ball straight into the Indian's glove. With Rahul rattled, O'Rourke came back in his next over to take the rewards for his efforts.

With India itching to score runs, O'Rourke lured Rahul into making a blunder and tickled the ball down to Blundell's left. With Rahul becoming the third batter to register a duck for India, Ravindra Jadeja became the fourth to enter the list following a miscued shot.

With five ducks in their bucket, India's tail-end tried to put up a fight, which was to no avail. India eventually folded on 46.

Earlier, five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have appointed Paras Mhambrey as their bowling coach, said the franchise on Wednesday.

In a statement, MI said Mhambrey, who was India's bowling coach from November 2021 till their 2024 T20 World Cup triumph in June, will work along with current bowling coach Lasith Malinga, as part of the coaching team under head coach Mahela Jayawardene.

This will be Mhambrey's second stint at MI after previously being part of the support staff when they won IPL 2013, Champions League T20 (2011, 2013), a runner up finish (2010) and two more playoffs appearances in the IPL.

Mhambrey, who was discovered by the BCA Mafatlal Bowling scheme under English fast bowling great Frank Tyson in 1990, played two Tests and three ODIs for India from 1996 to 1998. But he had an illustrious domestic cricket career with Mumbai – where he became a member of winning the Ranji Trophy five times.

He also holds a Level 3 coaching diploma from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and served as coach of Maharashtra, Baroda, Vidarbha (2016-17) and Bengal in domestic cricket before entering the national set-up – first as India A and U19 sides coach, then becoming a trusted member of the Rahul Dravid-led coaching staff.

Mhambrey also coached India U19 team to runners-up finish in the 2020 U19 World Cup in South Africa. He earned widespread acclaim for his time with the senior Indian team, where India emerged as a menacing bowling line-up, via thorough analysis, man-management skills and solid tactical planning.

He also got special acknowledgement for his hardwork and motivation from senior pacer Mohammed Shami during the 2023 ODI World Cup on home soil, by placing the ball on his head while taking a five-fer against Sri Lanka in Mumbai.

(With IANS inputs)

Sarfaraz Khan and Kuldeep Yadav come into India's playing eleven as captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat first against New Zealand.

Rohit selfless Sharma gone .#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/bGRsWu8uYK

— Ayan (@ayan3955) October 17, 2024

With rain washing out day one's play on Wednesday, it means the Test series opener has effectively become a four-day affair.

Rohit Sharma is completely finished. Like this tweet if you want him to retire ASAP. pic.twitter.com/HzUYcSMcm4

— ꜱɪᴅ ♡ (@1CricketOpinion) October 17, 2024

After winning the toss, Rohit said Shubman Gill isn't 100% fit due to neck stiffness, so Sarfaraz is back into the playing eleven after the Dharamshala Test against England in March.

Dear Rohit sharma,
It's been years of u playing Test cricket and u have done nothing noticeable as a batter. Kindly retire and do not eat spots of deserving youngsters. You are More then FINISHEDpic.twitter.com/DPupApoocR

— ????????!??ᴾᵃʳᵒᵈʸ (@bholination_18) October 17, 2024

In Gill's absence, KL Rahul has been slotted in as the number three batter for India. Meanwhile, Kuldeep has been picked as the third spinner alongside Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja ahead of pacer Akash Deep.

Newly-appointed New Zealand skipper Tom Latham said Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips are the spin-bowling allrounders for the visitors alongside left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel. They will be complemented by three pacers in Matt Henry, Tim Southee and William O'Rourke.

Playing XIs-

India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj

New Zealand: Tom Latham (captain), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, and William O'Rourke.

(With IANS inputs)

Earlier, India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat against New Zealand in the rain-truncated opening Test on Thursday.

India made two changes with Sarfaraz Khan replacing an injured Shubman Gill, who was not "100 per cent" according to the skipper, and Kuldeep Yadav replacing seamer Akash Deep as a third spinner.

"Shubman Gill was unavailable for selection of the first Test due to a neck stiffness," the Indian team management informed after the toss.

The first day's play was washed out due to persistent rain.

India and New Zealand will play two more Tests, at Pune from October 24-28 and at Mumbai from November 1-5.

Teams:

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, William O'Rourke.

While the IPL rules reportedly state that the first retention must be Rs 18 crore, the second Rs 14 crore, the third Rs 11 crore, the fourth Rs 18 crore, the fifth Rs 14 crore and the uncapped Rs 4 crore, a franchise is free to distribute the money among players in any way they like. .

For example, a franchise can choose to pay more than Rs 18 cr to their first retention and less than Rs 11 cr to their third retention, as long as their total budget adds up to Rs 43 crore (18 + 14 + 11), the designated amount for three retentions.

Even if a franchise retains their five players for less than the designated Rs 75 crore amount (out of a total purse of Rs 120 crore) for that number of retentions, the designated amount will be cut.

"Retention deduction of overall amount instead of fee per player, in this case of 75 Crs irrespective of what amount is paid to 5 players. If the total amount exceeds 75 Crs then actual amount to be deducted. In case the amount is less than 75 Crs then 75 Crs to be deducted," Cricbuzz quoted the retention rule

The ability to distribute the retention fee among players in any way they like gives a huge boost to franchises in negotiating higher or lower fees for players they are keen on retaining, without disturbing the total designated amount.

For example, Kolkata Knight Riders could choose to retain their capped stars Andre Russell and Sunil Narine for less than the designated slab, and pay more than Rs 4 cr to Harshit Rana, who is eligible as an uncapped player.

Fastest to 2000 runs in Test Cricket

2293 balls - Ben Duckett

2418 balls - Tim Southee

2483 balls - Adam Gilchrist

2759 balls - Virender Sehwag

2797 balls - Rishabh Pant

Pakistan spinner Sajid Khan took three wickets in the space of 10 deliveries including centurion Ben Duckett to leave England on 239-6 in the second Test in Multan on Wednesday.

An absorbing second day's play on a turning pitch ultimately belonged to the hosts, who lead by 127 runs after their first-innings 366.

England had been cruising nicely at 211-2 when Sajid removed Joe Root (34), Duckett (114) and Harry Brook (nine) in the final session.

From the other end, fellow spinner Noman Ali dismissed England skipper Ben Stokes for one as a suddenly rattled England lost four wickets in the space of 14 runs.

At the close, Jamie Smith on 12 and Brydon Carse (two) were at the crease.

With the Multan pitch -- which was also used for the first Test -- offering sharp spin, the home team will be looking for a lead in the first innings for a series-levelling win.

England lead the three-match series 1-0 following their innings and 47 run win in the first Test.

In all, 11 wickets fell on the day with Sajid taking 4-86 and Noman 2-75.

(With AFP inputs)

At the close, Jamie Smith on 12 and Brydon Carse (two) were at the crease. With the Multan pitch -- which was also used for the first Test -- offering sharp spin, the home team will be looking for a lead in the first innings for a series-levelling win.

England lead the three-match series 1-0 following their innings and 47 run win in the first Test. In all, 11 wickets fell on the day with Sajid taking 4-86 and Noman 2-75.

Sajid bowled first Test triple century-maker Brook with a sharp turning delivery while Root -- who smashed 262 in the last match -- was bowled off an inside edge while sweeping.

"I watched the first Test at home on television," said Sajid, one of four Pakistan changes as they went with a spin-heavy attack.

"I noted Brook plays on the back foot so I bowled with a plan and got him out. Root is one of the best batters in the world so both these wickets are precious, but the job is not complete and we need 14 more wickets to win the Test."

Aggressive Duckett

Before England's slide it was opener Duckett who dominated with his fourth Test century. "I've felt in good form for the past year and sat there and spoken about wanting to score hundreds, nice to get over the line," said Duckett.

"That fourth innings is going to be tricky and the pitch is going to continue to get worse."

Duckett scored aggressively before edging a drive off Sajid to the slip, where Salman Agha took a sharp catch. Duckett had swept spinner Agha for a boundary to reach his century off 120 deliveries, having completed his half-century off 47 balls. 

The hosts used Sajid in the second over as they chased an early England wicket but Zak Crawley held out twice. At 49-0 he survived a run-out when Sajid removed the stumps before grabbing the ball with the England opener out of his crease having being sent back by Duckett.

On 24 Crawley overturned a leg-before decision by New Zealand umpire Chris Gaffaney off Sajid before his luck ran out three runs later. Crawley was caught behind for 27 off left-arm spinner Noman as the home team successfully reviewed a not-out decision by Sri Lankan umpire Kumar Dharmasena.

Earlier, Pakistan's tail had frustrated England by adding 107 runs after resuming at 259-5, with Jamal and Noman adding an invaluable 49 runs for the ninth wicket. But from 358-8 at lunch Jamal was dismissed off the very first ball after the interval, bowled by seamer Carse, who finished with 3-50.

Spinner Jack Leach ended Noman's 32-run knock by having him caught in the deep by Carse to finish with 4-114.

"People have always spoken about your ability, and rightly so. You are the most talented cricketer I have played with, the absolute number one.

"But what truly stood out to me was your belief in that ability. You had a crazy amount of belief that you could execute whatever you wanted to on a cricket field, and you normally did. That is why you ended up being so special.

"There is no better example in my mind than when we were batting together for RCB in Kolkata in 2016.

"We were chasing 184 against an attack including Sunil Narine, Morne Morkel, Andre Russell and Shakib Al Hasan. You came in to join me with around 70 on the board and Narine was bowling.

"You played and missed a couple and told me during a timeout that you weren't picking him too well. I felt I was, so I remember telling you to give me the strike and I would try and hit boundaries off him.

"In the first over Narine bowled after the timeout, I was ready at the non-striker's end thinking you were definitely giving me a single. So, imagine my surprise when you back away to the leg side, Sunil follows you and you slog sweep him over square leg for a 94-metre six!

"I don't know what happened in the timeout to give you the belief you could do that. I just remember saying to you, "you're a freak!"

"If I have a lack of belief against someone, I'd just try and get off strike - but you hit him for a 94-metre six without picking the ball. That sums you up. You could just do things our minds were not ready to process, and then everyone thinks 'how the hell did that happen?'.

"That is just one of so many fond memories I have batting alongside you, times which provided some of the most fun I have had on a cricket field. When we ran between the wickets, for example, we never called for runs. It's a very difficult thing to explain practically but there is a feeling to it.

"There was a complete understanding of where the ball was going and nothing needed to be said. Fielders were always under pressure when we were batting. I don't ever remember missing a two with you or being in a position to be run out. It was amazing, as if we understood so perfectly that we were always on the same page.

"Through my time playing with and against you, you always had a very clear understanding of how the game should be played and you never really veered from that, regardless of whether you were doing well or not.

"It was never about someone else. It was never about competing with another player. It was always about what impact you could create for the team. In difficult situations, you were the man bailing out your team more often than not.

"Your drive to want to be the guy to win the game for your team was tremendous and something I learned a lot from. I remember taking from you that it doesn't matter what you have done in the last four games, it is about how you approach the game today. It is about always being positive, always taking the game on and finding a way to get the job done.

"You were always completely in tune with the needs of the team, which made you one of the hardest players to make plans for when we were on opposing sides in international cricket.

"Everyone remembers your attacking shots but you would adapt to the situation. Take 2015, in Delhi, when you faced 297 balls and made 43 trying to save the Test match.

"There must have been a temptation at some stage to think 'I've faced 200 balls, I need to hit a boundary'. But once you locked yourself into what the situation required, you just kept going on and on.

"It all comes back to that belief in your ability. It wasn't just about the crazy, extravagant shots. You had the ability to defend the ball and had belief in that defence. To play that way because South Africa needed you to do so is a classic example of the team player you were.

"A lot of players can have impressive numbers but very few have an impact on the psyche of those watching. For me, that is the highest value you can have as a cricketer and that is what makes you so special.

"You are in the Hall of Fame for the impact you have left on the game and I don't think there is anything more special for a cricketer than to have that honour.

"Congratulations, biscotti. You are one of the greatest players to ever play the game.

Virat"

Ab de Villiers, the former South African cricketer has played 114 Tests, scoring 8,756 runs at an average of 50.66, and two wickets. He has played 228 ODIs with 9,577 runs at an average of 53.50, and 7 wickets.

He has an average of 26.12 in the T20Is with 1,672 runs in 78 games.

Able to score around the ground with a full array of shots against all types of bowlers, De Villiers is regarded as both one of the most innovative and destructive batters in the modern game and a deserved member of the ICC Hall of Fame.

De Villiers made a lasting impact during a 14-year international career, scoring more than 20,000 international runs across all three formats, while also being revered as one of the greatest fielders to grace the game.

Boasting the fastest-ever men's ODI century, multiple ICC Men's ODI Player of the Year Awards and selected in the ICC Test Team of the Year on numerous occasions, de Villiers was also a leading player in the game's shortest format during its formative years as an international format.

Exiting from international cricket in 2018, de Villiers finished with a batting average of more than 50 in both Test and ODI cricket, with Jacques Kallis the only other South African player to boast more than de Villiers' 20,014 international runs.

But that deep caring for his craft and a focused mind will come handy when Jaiswal crosses over to Australia next month for the biggest challenge yet in his fledgling career, feels his childhood coach Jwala Singh.

"At this level, it is more about how you handle pressure. You can always work on technique, but if you don't have the right attitude and mindset then you will end up as a failure. But fortunately, Yashasvi has a mature head on his shoulder," Jwala told PTI when he was informed about skipper Rohit Sharma's high evaluation of his younger colleague.

"It is even more true when you go and play in Australia because they play some hard cricket there and put a lot of pressure on opposition," he added.

As someone who saw Jaiswal from a very young age, Jwala feels that the 21-year-old has grown as a batsman since making his debut in 2023 against the West Indies.

"I think being around players like Rohit and Virat has helped him a lot. After all, there is nothing like learning from such masters," he said.

Since his baptism in international cricket, Jaiswal has made 1217 runs from 11 Tests at an average of 64.05 and has three daddy knocks – 171, 209 and 214.

So, what are the changes that he has observed in the left-hander in the last one year or so? "He always has been aggressive as a batsman. Earlier, he had a tendency to attack almost every ball, especially fast bowlers, but now he uses aggression more judiciously.

"Yashasvi now has more awareness of his game. He has better awareness about which ball to attack and which one to let go. Of course, he has also become a very good fielder now, especially in slip region," Jwala noted.

The trait was visible in Jaiswal's batting while going through a breakout series against England earlier this year.

The way he handled English legend James Anderson was impeccable. At Rajkot, Jaiswal respectfully patted a fuller length delivery from Anderson back to the bowler in the 85th over.

But once the pacer erred in length, Jaiswal creamed the Lancastrian's next three balls for sixes -- a sweep over square leg, a loft over mid-wicket and straight mousse over the bowler's head.

Jaiswal was highly effective against Anderson throughout the series -- extracting 98 runs from 150 balls that he faced off the quick and getting out twice.

It was not entirely surprising then that he became only the second Indian batter after the legendary Sunil Gavaskar to score over 700 in a series.

But then it is always easy to play down that wonderful run citing home advantage, as Australia offers a vastly different challenge.

What are the challenges a sub-continent batter will face Down Under? "First thing first, what India did in Australia during their last two visits here has been fantastic. Not many teams have managed that (winning back-to-back series). So, the Aussies will go hard at Indians to overturn it.

"I am sure they are going to pepper them with some short stuff and I guess the pitches too could offer some more spice.

"In that sense, I think the batters coming here should be well-prepared to play a few more cuts and pulls," former England pacer Alan Mullaly, who is now settled in Perth, told PTI.

India skipper Rohit Sharma had little doubt about the skill level and adaptability of Jaiswal.

"He has got the game to play in all sorts of conditions. You can bet on him and expect him to do wonders for the team. We've found a great player.

"Now, it is just about how he manages himself in the next couple of years," said Rohit.
 

During the post-match analysis on Cricbuzz, former England skipper Michael Vaughan and former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull engaged in a hilarious conversation over the incident.

"MS Dhoni dropped quite a simple catch with the one hand and the cameras went straight on to most of the CSK team. Because it was MS Dhoni, most of them were like - "That's fine".

Doull: "Nobody said a word. I would love to see the bowler give a reaction (makes animated gestures)."

Vaughan: "You could see that he wanted to. He went for it and then he thought - Oh, it is MS Dhoni."

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad's 58-ball 67 against Kolkata Knight Riders in an IPL game here will not only make him a confident batter but also an assured captain, feels World Cup winning former England skipper Eoin Morgan.

Gaikwad, who has taken over leadership duties from the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni, had scores of 15, 1, 46 and 26 in the first four games before striking big against KKR on Monday, whi was his first half-century of the current season.

"This innings (67 vs KKR) will build a huge amount of belief and confidence for him (Gaikwad) in his game. Playing an innings like this, early in the tournament will give him a lot of reassurance on his decision-making and pass on a message to the team," Morgan, a JioCinema TATA IPL expert, was quoted as saying in a press release.

(With PTI inputs)

Meanwhile, the victory helped GT rise a spot to the sixth position with Punjab Kings slipping to 7th.

Rest of the table remained unchanged with Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants holding the second and third positions, respectively.

See the updated IPL 2024 points table here:

In the run chase of 197, Gujarat Titans openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudarshan started in a cautious way, not scoring many fours and sixes.

At the end of six overs of the powerplay, GT was at 44/0, with Sai (21*) and Gill (23*) unbeaten at the crease. The final over of the powerplay bowled by Avesh Khan saw GT score 14 runs, including a four and a six by Gill.

GT reached the 50-run mark in 6.5 overs.

The 64-run partnership between Gill and Sai ended with pacer Kuldip Sen trapping him for 35 in 29 balls, with three fours and a six. GT was 64/1 in 8.2 overs.

Halfway through the innings, GT was 76/1, with Gill (36*) joined by Matthew Wade (4*). The match was interrupted by rain.

After the rain, Rajasthan made a comeback in the game as Kuldip continued his brilliant spell. He castled both Matthew Wade (4) and Abhinav Manohar (1) in the 11th over, reducing GT to 79/3 in 10.4 overs.

Vijay Shankar, the out-of-form all-rounder joined Gill in the middle, taking the team to 100-run mark in 12.4 overs.

Gill reached his fifty in 35 balls, with two fours and two sixes.

Just when it seemed that the duo had built a partnership and would start attacking, Yuzvendra Chahal cleaned up Shankar for 16 in 10 balls. GT was 111/4 in 14 overs.

After Vijay's dismissal, Gill targetted RR's spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Chahal, hitting them for two fours each. However, he was stumped by Sanju Samson and Chahal got the last laugh. Gill made 72 in 44 balls, with six fours and two sixes.

GT was 133/5 in 15.2 overs, needing 64 in 28 balls.

Shahrukh Khan and Rahul Tewatia, two hard-hitting batters were the fresh pair on the crease. They gathered 17 runs in the 17th over, with a four by Tewatia and a four and six by Shahrukh. The equation was down to 42 runs needed in 18 balls.

However, their brief partnership ended with Shahrukh being trapped leg-before-wicket by Avesh Khan for 14. GT was 157/6 in 17.3 overs. The 2022 champions ended the 18th over with 35 runs needed in two overs.

Kuldeep's penultimate over was a costly one as Rahul and Rashid hit him for three fours and he gave away some extra runs due to wides/no balls. It brought down the equation to 15 in six balls.

Avesh's final over started with a boundary by Rashid, then a double and then another four, bringing down the deficit to five runs in three balls. On the penultimate ball, while attempting a third run, Tewatia was run out for 22 in 11 balls, with three fours. Two runs were needed on the final ball. GT was 195/7 in 19.5 overs.

Rashid hit a boundary on the final ball, winning the game for his side by three wickets. He finished at 24* in 11 balls, with four boundaries.

Kuldip (3/41) and Chahal (2/43) were the pick of the bowlers for GT.

Earlier, Riyan Parag and Sanju Samson's blistering partnership of 130-run powered Rajasthan Royals (RR) to 196/3 against Gujarat Titans in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match at Sawai Mansingh Stadium here on Wednesday.

Parag scored the highest for RR with his terrific 76 off 48 while captain Samson played a crucial unbeaten knock of 68 in 38 deliveries.

Put to bat first, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler kicked off the proceedings for RR. Jaiswal finally found his rhythm back as he took on the GT bowlers, hitting boundaries in every over to provide RR with a sensational start.

Umesh Yadav drew first blood as he got the dangerous opener Jaiswal for 24 runs in the 5th over of the match. Captain Sanju Samson then came out to bat and opened his tally with back-to-back boundaries.

Shubman Gill introduced Rashid Khan in the powerplay and the Afghan player weaved his magic to remove Jos Buttler at 8 runs. Samson and Riyan Parag steadied RR's ship with their stand after Rajasthan suffered an early jolt with the wickets of Jaiswal and Buttler.

Parag and Samson came to RR's rescue again after the top-order failure as the duo completed a 50-plus run stand in 39 deliveries.

With a cracking maximum, Parag brought up his half-century in 34 balls. Spencer Johnson was at the receiving end as he was hammered by Samson for 16 runs with the help of two boundaries and one maximum.

Parag and Samson stitched up a 100-run partnership as they continued to go strong for RR. Samson slammed his third fifty of the season.

Vijay Shankar took a brilliant catch at the boundary to dismiss Parag for 76 runs off Mohit's delivery. In the last over, Shimron Hetmyer slammed two maximums taking his team's total to 196/3 in 20 overs.

In the run chase of 197, Gujarat Titans openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudarshan started in a cautious way, not scoring many fours and sixes.

At the end of six overs of the powerplay, GT was at 44/0, with Sai (21*) and Gill (23*) unbeaten at the crease. The final over of the powerplay bowled by Avesh Khan saw GT score 14 runs, including a four and a six by Gill.

GT reached the 50-run mark in 6.5 overs.

The 64-run partnership between Gill and Sai ended with pacer Kuldip Sen trapping him for 35 in 29 balls, with three fours and a six. GT was 64/1 in 8.2 overs.

Halfway through the innings, GT was 76/1, with Gill (36*) joined by Matthew Wade (4*). The match was interrupted by rain.

After the rain, Rajasthan made a comeback in the game as Kuldip continued his brilliant spell. He castled both Matthew Wade (4) and Abhinav Manohar (1) in the 11th over, reducing GT to 79/3 in 10.4 overs.

Vijay Shankar, the out-of-form all-rounder joined Gill in the middle, taking the team to 100-run mark in 12.4 overs.

Gill reached his fifty in 35 balls, with two fours and two sixes.

Just when it seemed that the duo had built a partnership and would start attacking, Yuzvendra Chahal cleaned up Shankar for 16 in 10 balls. GT was 111/4 in 14 overs.

After Vijay's dismissal, Gill targetted RR's spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Chahal, hitting them for two fours each. However, he was stumped by Sanju Samson and Chahal got the last laugh. Gill made 72 in 44 balls, with six fours and two sixes.

GT was 133/5 in 15.2 overs, needing 64 in 28 balls.

Shahrukh Khan and Rahul Tewatia, two hard-hitting batters were the fresh pair on the crease. They gathered 17 runs in the 17th over, with a four by Tewatia and a four and six by Shahrukh. The equation was down to 42 runs needed in 18 balls.

However, their brief partnership ended with Shahrukh being trapped leg-before-wicket by Avesh Khan for 14. GT was 157/6 in 17.3 overs. The 2022 champions ended the 18th over with 35 runs needed in two overs.

Kuldeep's penultimate over was a costly one as Rahul and Rashid hit him for three fours and he gave away some extra runs due to wides/no balls. It brought down the equation to 15 in six balls.

Avesh's final over started with a boundary by Rashid, then a double and then another four, bringing down the deficit to five runs in three balls. On the penultimate ball, while attempting a third run, Tewatia was run out for 22 in 11 balls, with three fours. Two runs were needed on the final ball. GT was 195/7 in 19.5 overs.

Rashid hit a boundary on the final ball, winning the game for his side by three wickets. He finished at 24* in 11 balls, with four boundaries.

Kuldip (3/41) and Chahal (2/43) were the pick of the bowlers for GT.

Earlier, Riyan Parag and Sanju Samson's blistering partnership of 130-run powered Rajasthan Royals (RR) to 196/3 against Gujarat Titans in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match at Sawai Mansingh Stadium here on Wednesday.

Parag scored the highest for RR with his terrific 76 off 48 while captain Samson played a crucial unbeaten knock of 68 in 38 deliveries.

Put to bat first, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler kicked off the proceedings for RR. Jaiswal finally found his rhythm back as he took on the GT bowlers, hitting boundaries in every over to provide RR with a sensational start.

Umesh Yadav drew first blood as he got the dangerous opener Jaiswal for 24 runs in the 5th over of the match. Captain Sanju Samson then came out to bat and opened his tally with back-to-back boundaries.

Shubman Gill introduced Rashid Khan in the powerplay and the Afghan player weaved his magic to remove Jos Buttler at 8 runs. Samson and Riyan Parag steadied RR's ship with their stand after Rajasthan suffered an early jolt with the wickets of Jaiswal and Buttler.

Parag and Samson came to RR's rescue again after the top-order failure as the duo completed a 50-plus run stand in 39 deliveries.

With a cracking maximum, Parag brought up his half-century in 34 balls. Spencer Johnson was at the receiving end as he was hammered by Samson for 16 runs with the help of two boundaries and one maximum.

Parag and Samson stitched up a 100-run partnership as they continued to go strong for RR. Samson slammed his third fifty of the season.

Vijay Shankar took a brilliant catch at the boundary to dismiss Parag for 76 runs off Mohit's delivery. In the last over, Shimron Hetmyer slammed two maximums taking his team's total to 196/3 in 20 overs.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

The final delivery of the over was given wide as Gill went upstairs for DRS. In that delivery, batter Sanju Samson moved a little outside off while trying to play. The third umpire gave it a fair delivery at first and then called it a wide. That decision completely frustrated Gill and he had a long animated chat with umpire Vinod Seshan. But the wide call stayed on. 

Shubman Gill has grown well as leader Loving this version pic.twitter.com/kaDnJTGX8N

— Cricspace (@cricspace69) April 10, 2024

 Riyan Parag and Sanju Samson continued their red hot form in the IPL as their aggressive fifties pushed Rajasthan Royals to 196 for three against Gujarat Titans here on Wednesday.

At 43 for two in the powerplay, Titans had it all under control before skipper Samson (68 not out off 38) and Parag (76 off 48) combined to snatch the momentum from the visitors. Royals smashed as many as 123 runs in the last 10 overs.

Parag, who has taken his game to the next level and is thriving in his new batting position of number 4, was at his disdainful best on way to his third half-century in five innings.

He shared a 130-run stand off 78 balls with Samson, who has also been in sublime touch since the start of the tournament.

Matthew Wade dropping Parag on 0 and 6 off star spinner Rashid Khan also cost Titans dearly as the in-form batter found the big hits at will afterwards.

The 22-year-old hammered five sixes with three of them coming against left-arm spinner Noor Ahmed via the sweep shot.

Parag brought up his fifty with a flat six over long-on off pacer Mohit Sharma.

Samson, on the other hand, started with back-to-back fours off Umesh Yadav before taking a backseat to watch Parag go about his business.

Besides catching, GT's ground fielding was equally poor.

With PTI inputs

Highlights Of Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans Game:

"Gradually it has progressed (to the younger generation). The one difference you have seen over the last 15-20 years or so is the fitness levels of players," said Agarkar on SportifywithPRG.

Kohli has been in sublime form in the ongoing edition of the IPL, smashing a record-extending eighth century in the tournament over the years, while also leading the run charts with 316 from five games so far.

Dhoni's instincts have seen him win five coveted IPL titles, and though he has relinquished the position of skipper at Chennai Super Kings, his presence on the field is enough to infuse loads of confidence in his side.

The former India cricketer felt that artificial intelligence cannot be a substitute to someone like Dhoni whose captaincy instincts are incredible.

"The amount of data that's available, is incredible. You can plan a whole innings and I think everybody does it now, but it doesn't mean it will work all the time. You need a captain on the ground because not everything that you've planned is going to go your way.

"On a particular day it might, but most days it won't. And that's where you need human instinct. That's why you call MS Dhoni a great captain because he had a feel for the game. He knew what was happening and how the game was changing," opined the 46-year-old former India pace bowler.

Agarkar said that the IPL had become a huge platform to spot talent but what mattered most was a strong temperament, which would set them apart from the rest.

"You can see it, (IPL) keeps throwing up players out of the blue. Having been a selector for a few months, there are certain players who suddenly come and show even on the big stage. IPL is a fairly big stage because of the pressures involved, big crowds.

"You might be bowling to the top batters in the world, or you might be facing one of the top bowlers in the world, and that's when you stand up and that's where you judge the temperament of a player, whether he can do it consistently," said Agarkar.

"It's sometimes a difficult task because of the sheer numbers (of players coming through the domestic structure) that we have. But, eventually, the more you watch players and temperament sometimes separates it."

Agarkar believes a tight-knit side will, more often than not, be a winning side.

"A tight-knit group generally helps. You don't need to be the best friends but you want to enjoy each others' success. If that doesn't happen sometimes it is a bit difficult."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

In a video on their YouTube channel, LSG could be seen flirting with the idea of going for Rohit Sharma in the IPL 2025 mega auction.

In the video, the interviewer could be heard asking LSG coach Justin Langer which player would he sign if he could sign absolutely anyone.

"One guy I want? Hmmm... if I could have anyone.... who do you think?" Langer asked the for his views instead. The interviewer then weighed in saying: "We have most of our bases covered. But do you think you can get Rohit Sharma?"

Reaction of Justin Langer when asked about him Rohit Sharma for LSG in next year IPL

Save this tweet every team will be gone mad for Captain Rohit Sharma in next IPL auctionpic.twitter.com/u3AngJig2o

— (@rushiii_12) April 9, 2024

Langer, with an astonishing look on his face, said: "Rohit Sharma? Hahaha. We're going to get him from Mumbai... Well, you better be the negotiator."

Mumbai Indians signed Rohit Sharma for the first time in IPL 2011. Over 13 seasons with the franchise, Rohit has been a part of 5 IPL titles with MI, leading them as captain in all of them. It isn't yet known what the Hitman has thought of the future. But, with the next season featuring a mega auction, it's fair to say that Rohit's stay at Mumbai Indians might not last beyond this season. 

"Hey Yuzi, congratulations for your 150th IPL game. I have said this before also and I will say this today also. Congratulations, we are super proud of you and the way you have contributed to your previous team and now to Rajasthan Royals. We are super proud of how you play your game and every time you come back with a bang. We all love you for that. Whenever match is under pressure. you are just that one bowler who comes and takes that wicket," Dhanashree Verma said in a video posted by Rajasthan Royals. 

"I am your biggest cheerleader and I will always support you 100 per cent. Enjoy your 150th IPL match. Halla bol."

To Yuzi on his 150th IPL game, with love from his biggest supporter. pic.twitter.com/rVyfsD7eYN

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 10, 2024

Talking about the game, Gujarat Titans (GT) captain Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to field against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match here at Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Wednesday.

With four wins from four matches, the Royals are currently at the top of the IPL points table with eight points and a net run rate of +1.120.

Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, have played five matches this season, winning two and losing three. GT are seventh in the IPL standings with four points and an NRR of -0.797.

RR have won five of their last five matches in the IPL coming into Wednesday's meeting whereas GT have won two in their last five outings.

Matthew Wade and Abhinav Manohar replaced Kane Williamson and BR Sharath for the Titans in Playing XI.

Speaking at the toss, GT captain Gill said, "Will bowl first. In case rain is in play, you want to chase things down. Not easy to set up a playing XI when your main players are injured. A couple of changes - Matthew Wade comes in for Kane. Manohar comes in for Sharath. In the past couple of games, we were in a brilliant position. It's just about finishing the crunch situations. The batting part is easy. When I'm batting I don't think about captaincy. While captain, you want to give players confidence."

RR skipper Sanju Samson said, "We also wanted to bowl first. The journey has been special. But as everyone knows, leading a team can't be done alone. Grateful for the support from Sanga and the team. Even if we've won all four games, there have been different challenges. Bit confused (about the playing XI). You can see it on the sheet."

Gujarat Titans (Playing XI): Shubman Gill(c), Sai Sudharsan, Vijay Shankar, Abhinav Manohar, Matthew Wade(w), Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Umesh Yadav, Spencer Johnson, Noor Ahmad and Mohit Sharma.

Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson(w/c), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal.

With ANI inputs

"I had two-three niggles together, sports hernia, ankle and then right knee. I had to take one step at a time, follow the small things and here I am, really happy to be on the ground," Yadav said in a video released by IPL.

The 33-year-old said it was "boring" for him to follow the same routine during rehab work at the start but he decided to make the most of the opportunity.

"It's actually a little difficult to describe the last three (or) three-and-a-half months. It was difficult, the first two-three weeks, because I felt (it was) very boring doing the same things again and again (in) the rehab," he said.

"But (by) the fourth-fifth week, I realised that it is important going forward." A conversation with his wife was helpful in giving him perspective.

"When I spoke to my wife and all the people at NCA, they said it has to be a second version of yourself, you have to be a little different when you come back on the field. I started doing all those small things like sleeping on time, following a good diet - that was most important," he added.

Yadav said time away from the game helped him focus on aspects he had neglected and that helped him recover faster.

"I (had) never read a book in my life and I started doing that as well. Getting up in the morning, spending a good quality time at the rehab centre and focusing on everything, connecting myself, my brain and my body with the rehab and it helped me really well to recover a little faster," he said.

"I wanted to be a better version of myself, when I got injured, I realised what were the things I wanted to work on. I got 2-3 months to work on myself in terms of fitness and on my body as well," he said.

'SKY' lauded the coaches and staff at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for understanding and supporting him in his recovery phase, even when he did not like the grind.

"I am really grateful to the support staff at NCA, everyone, right from trainers to physios who took care of me right from the morning. They took everything, whatever I said.

"A few days I was feeling angry to do the rehab but then they took that in their stride and understood really well how I wanted to work," he said.

Yadav, who had faced trouble clearing his fitness tests at NCA at the initial stage of this IPL, said he never felt he was not around the Mumbai Indians' team.

"My whole cricketing journey started from here and when I entered the hotel and the ground, it never felt (like) that I (had) left this place," he said.

"The first day when I did my practice session with the boys and everyone around, it felt that I was here since the IPL started." However, Yadav admitted he could not watch IPL matches since he followed a strict routine.

"It is always difficult when your team is playing and you are sitting in the room and watching. I cannot say that I did not watch the games, I watched half of the games as I was sleeping on time when I was in Bangalore, at about 10:30pm-10:45pm," he said.

"It was difficult but at the same time, it gave me a lot of motivation and inspiration that yes, they are playing there and I have to work really hard on myself and my recovery and get there as soon as possible," he added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

"It is Rohit's call at the end of the day. Wherever he would want to go, he will go. All the team will love to have him and have him as a captain. It's Rohit's call. I am sure he will go to franchise which treats him better than what has happened here," Ambati Rayudu said on Star Sports. 

Ambati Rayudu

"Every other franchise will want Rohit Sharma as captain and will treat him better than what Mumbai Indians did."

Bro owned entire Mumbai Indians management with one statement. pic.twitter.com/XqHFOJSzg1

— Selfless (@SelflessCricket) April 10, 2024

The change in captaincy at the franchise, from Rohit Sharma to Hardik Pandya, left a bitter taste in the mouths of certain fans. As a result, Hardik has had to face boos and jeers from the crowd no matter which stadium he has played in this Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign. There are suggestions that Rohit could be looking to move on from MI before the IPL 2025 season. While such suggestions are still premature, Lucknow Super Giants seem to be interested in signing the Team India captain.

In a video on their YouTube channel, LSG could be seen flirting with the idea of going for Rohit Sharma in the IPL 2025 mega auction.

In the video, the interviewer could be heard asking LSG coach Justin Langer which player would he sign if he could sign absolutely anyone.

"One guy I want? Hmmm... if I could have anyone.... who do you think?" Langer asked the for his views instead. The interviewer then weighed in saying: "We have most of our bases covered. But do you think you can get Rohit Sharma?"

Langer, with an astonishing look on his face, said: "Rohit Sharma? Hahaha. We're going to get him from Mumbai... Well, you better be the negotiator."

See it all here:

Ravi Bhai kya ho gya aaj

— Sports With Bros (@brosswb) April 10, 2024

Back to Form

— Abel Premnath V (@SouthINDGoogly) April 10, 2024

Lagta hai sir ka happy hour chal raha hai.

— Aanshul Sadaria (@AanshulSadaria) April 10, 2024

Dont tell me it is his real account

— vincenzo. cassano. (@VCasaano) April 10, 2024

Is your account hacked? Or are you fully drunk?

— Vikram (@vikram_lingam) April 10, 2024

Meanwhile, Shastri shared other photos too in bathrobe.

Does this photo qualify as a thirst trap? pic.twitter.com/QXdpwFJdyC

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 10, 2024

Shastri, however, later revealed the reason behind such posts. It was for a promotional ad, the video of which he shared through his social media handle.

Not sure who is the hottest here.. me, Viru, or the steam @virendersehwag pic.twitter.com/Third7Q8Tw

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 10, 2024

Ravi Shastri, also a former India head coach, recently shared his opinion regarding the Mumbai Indians captaincy change saga and the harsh treatment of Hardik Pandya by the fans. Shastri felt that backlash towards Hardik Pandya could have been avoided had MI shown "clarity in communication" while announcing him as captain.

Shastri also advised Pandya to stay calm and weather the storm with solid performances.

"This is not the Indian cricket team that's playing. This is franchise cricket. They have paid top dollar. They are the bosses. It's their entitlement as to who they want as captain. Okay, where I think this could have been handled better was with more clarity in communication," Shastri said told Star Sports' 'Cricket Live Show'.

"If you wanted Hardik Pandya as captain, then say that we are looking at the future. We are looking to build. Rohit has done a fabulous job, as everyone knows, and we want him to help out Hardik in these next three years as the team progresses.

"At the end of the day, nothing beats results. You win matches, and things will change. There's a lot of bull crap out there as well. You know, and some of the stories are just planted. A lot of it is just planted on other people's names, including my name," he added.

(With PTI Inputs)

"This was 14.4 ball from natarajan to jitesh. It was clearly a six but was given as a 4. Umpires didn't even check it thoroughly. What's the use of smart replays @IPL when these mistakes are happening. Raise your voice @realpreityzinta @imohitburman @PunjabKingsIPL," the user named @AbhishikthBds wrote. The person also presented two photos, taken from angle where it seems the ball hit the boundary line cushion. The host that JItesh Sharma hit was given a four but in case of a ball hitting the line directly, a six is given. 

This was 14.4 ball from natarajan to jitesh. It was clearly a six but was given as a 4. Umpires didn't even check it thoroughly. What's the use of smart replays @IPL when these mistakes are happening. Raise your voice @realpreityzinta @imohitburman @PunjabKingsIPL pic.twitter.com/ervotDPTt6

— AbhishikthBds (@AbhishikthBds) April 10, 2024

However, the claim is not correct. The angle from which the phot was taken made the visual deceptive. In fact the onfield umpires checked with the third umpires (as is the norm in case of contentious calls) before giving it a four. 

It was not a SIX.

1. It was the correct call made since the ball bounced before the rope (Pic 1)

2. The umpire quickly referred it upstairs (Pic 2) and the 3rd umpire (with the benefit of multiple camera angles + zoomer) gave it a FOUR pic.twitter.com/y3JX3RZD8b

— Jeet Vachharajani (@Jeetv27) April 10, 2024

The decision was taken quickly & I assume it didn't allow time for it to be shown on the tele.

Hope, this rock-and-roll clears it up. pic.twitter.com/bUAzd117z3

— Jeet Vachharajani (@Jeetv27) April 10, 2024

Meanwhile, former India opener Aakash Chopra lauded Punjab Kings (PBKS) batters Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma following their marvellous performance against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

All hope seemed to have gone when Punjab required 51 runs in the last three overs, but Shashank-Ashutosh duo smashed 66 runs off just 27 balls to take their team so close to the target.

The heroes for Punjab in the previous game, put up a brave fight again this time against SRH as Shashank hit three boundaries in an over off Bhuvneshwar Kumar and his partner Ashutosh struck back-to-back fours off SRH captain Cummins, giving PBKS hope of victory at their home

"Prabhsimran Singh also got out. Sam Curran played decently for quite a while but when he got out, it seemed like it was done and dusted. Sikandar Raza and Jitesh Sharma played short knocks. However, it still seemed like they were far behind and that it's not going to happen," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

The former cricketer lauded both the batters. He said that they batted incredibly well and both of them have impressed everyone once again.

"I am surprised that they reached so close because it didn't seem like the match could reach till there. Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma batted incredibly well once again and both impressed a lot. Ashutosh Sharma's power is of a different level. It seemed like Shashank Singh played one or two balls less as he hit a six off the last ball as well," the commentator added.

With ANI inputs

But during his first assignment as captain, Shaheen suffered a 1-4 loss to the Kiwis away from home. A disastrous bottom-place finish in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with Lahore Qalandars following two title wins in 2022, and 2023 raised questions over Shaheen's leadership and he was removed in favour of Babar.

Amidst all the chaos around the leadership, there were media reports of Shaheen being unhappy about the unceremonious manner of his removal from captaincy. The reports gained even more fire because of some cryptic social media posts by Shaheen.

However, after the announcement of the squad for the T20I series against New Zealand starting from April 18 at home, Riaz clarified that all the rumours around Shaheen and Babar are not true.

"There is so much speculation (in Pakistan)... we really are the ones ruining our environment. Until things were not clear, media and social media were so active that it felt if we had not gone to Kakul (fitness camp), they might have just hit each other," said Riaz as quoted by Wisden.

"When we actually went, we saw an atmosphere as friendly as we could have seen. The boys were united. After their training and iftar, they would head to the snooker room or watch TV together. It was a really good atmosphere," he added.

Wahan urged the media not to spread rumours and asserted that the team was more united than it ever was.

"We need to confirm the truth behind such news before breaking it," he said.

"These are Pakistan players who want to represent their country, and that is their collective goal, and they are united because of that, and will be. The players you talk about will win Pakistan games in the future," he added.

Pakistan squad for the five-match T20I series: Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan and Zaman Khan.

Non-travelling reserves: Haseebullah Khan, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sahibzada Farhan and Salman Ali Agha.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

However, what happened after that  has got the internet talking. As the security was whisking the man, Virat Kohli could be seen telling them: "Aaram se". 

The way Virat Kohli said, "Aram Se" to the security guards for his fan boy. pic.twitter.com/bTtx6Hz0eG

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) April 10, 2024

The gesture has got the internet talking. 

King for a reason..... pic.twitter.com/7ZZMUBHjWr

— HIGH FEVER (@HIGH_____FEVER) April 10, 2024

Not much time is left before the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) finalises the India squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. There remains a debate over a number of players in the team, including the talismanic Rohit Shrama. The wicket-keeper's spot is also wide open, with a number of players competing for the spot. Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad, however, has a concrete idea about the batting unit he wishes to see in the Indian team.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Prasad advocated the inclusion of lesser-experienced stars like Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, and Suryakumar Yadav while also asserting the importance of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the team. It's only the wicket-keeper's spot that Prasad isn't clear about.

“Shivam Dube for his striking ability against spinners, Surya for being the best T20 international batter and Rinku Singh for his exceptional finishing ability. It will be great if India finds a way to have these 3 in the 11 in the T20 WC. With Virat and Rohit, this will leave a spot for just a keeper batsman. Interesting to see how it pans out,” he posted on social media.

It's interesting to see that Prasad didn't mention the names of Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul in the batting unit.

The three veterans of the game haven't quite managed to impress with the bat in the ongoing IPL 2024. Their poor form with the bat might be the reason behind Prasad's lack of trust in them.

Klaasen's lightening-quick stumping didn't even give Dhawan the time to think about making a comeback to the crease, with the bails being dislodged well before the southpaw realised what happened. Here's the video:

It's already been more than 12 hours, but Heinrich Klaasen's masterclass against a 140kmph delivery of Bhuvi still bedazzles.

- A stumping of a fast bowler is simply crazy! pic.twitter.com/hNPcS7zW8d

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 10, 2024

Fans on social media started to draw MS Dhoni comparison after witnessing the South African star's stunning act.

What made the stumping brilliant was the fact that Bhuvneshwar Kumar had delivered the ball at a speed of 140kmph. At that speed, it was incredibly tough for Klaasen to collect the ball while standing up at the stumps and dislodge the bails.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, SRH skiper Cummins held special praise for Nitish who emerged as the match-winner for the franchise. He said: "He was awesome, fantastic debut last week. Straight to the top for the order, fantastic in the field, bowled three overs too. To get us to 180 off his bat, it was amazing."

Cummins said it was a great game of cricket and despite PBKS bowling well in the start, SRH did well to reach 182 and defend it. He also pointed out that the 'Impact Player' rule deepens the batting.

"If you get 150-160, you are going to lose nine out of ten games anyway. We knew the new ball was going to be a key time. We were pretty happy (with our score). We saw what happened with the new ball for them, so thought if me and Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) could start off with a wicket of wickets, it would be good. We have plenty of left-armers and right-armers, so just trying to give the bowlers the best chance of success," he said, giving a further insight into the team's performance and bowling tactics.

Earlier in the evening, PBKS opted to bowl first after winning the toss. Stifling the visitors with a disciplined bowling effort, they reduced the Sunrisers to 100/5 in 13.1 overs at one point. A 50-run partnership between Nitish Reddy (64 in 37 balls, with four boundaries and five sixes) and Abdul Samad (25 in 12 balls, with five fours) helped SRH push the score to 182/9 in 20 overs.

Arshdeep Singh (4/29) was the pick of the bowlers. Harshal Patel (2/30) and Sam Curran (2/41) were also great with the ball. Kagiso Rabada took a wicket for PBKS.

In the run-chase of 183, PBKS lost wickets frequently and were reduced to 114/6 in 15.3 overs. A remarkable fightback from Shashank Singh (46* in 25 balls, with six fours and a six) and Ashutosh Sharma (33* in 15 balls, with three fours and two sixes) almost sealed a win for Punjab, but they fell short by two runs.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/32) was the pick of the bowlers for SRH. Skipper Pat Cummins, Jaydev Unadkat, T Natrajan, Nitish Reddy took a wicket each for SRH. Nitish took home the 'Player of the Match' award.

SRH has climbed up to fifth place with three wins and two losses, giving them six points. PBKS is in sixth place, having won two and lost three matches, giving them four points.

With ANI inputs

"Brother, get a life. Many thanks for the support, we appreciate it. But wow, come on...." Rhodes responded.

The fan then replied saying, "He could have just replied normally, I tweeted as a fan and I didn't abuse or spread hatred anywhere, If I can't tweet for my fav team to reply me, and the team's coach feels cheering for them is being jobless then I lost all the respect for him. Won't cheer for LSG anymore!!"

Please tell me where I said you are jobless? Don't tag me in your countdown, if you don't want an honest response. I have spent time with acid attack survivors at Sheroes Hangout, here in Lucknow. These incredible young women have to wait between 5-7yrs before the perpetrators of… https://t.co/0ZiBbG00ui pic.twitter.com/HB1pTrG139

— Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) April 10, 2024

The retired South African cricketer was in no mood to let the social media chatter escalate and gave a sharp reply to the fan asking where did he call him jobless.

"Please tell me where I said you are jobless? Don't tag me in your countdown, if you don't want an honest response. I have spent time with acid attack survivors at Sheroes Hangout, here in Lucknow. These incredible young women have to wait between 5-7yrs before the perpetrators of these terrible atrocities even get to court to face justice. These ladies, I have lots of time for, as they ask for nothing, other than for us to see them as people, who can still contribute to society. They are on day 1500, and still counting, so think about their countdown, before making an issue about yours. However, I am sorry if I offended you."

Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) CEO Colonel Vinod Bisht gave an update on pacer Mayank Yadav's injury. During LSG's win over Gujarat Titans, Mayank's bowling was much-anticipated by fans, who were impressed with the bowler's pace, line and length.

He was hitting 150 kmph consistently. But in the GT clash, Mayank looked a little off, barely able to touch 140 kmph and was hit for three boundaries. After delivering his only over, Mayank walked off the field.

"Mayank felt soreness in the lower abdominal area and as a precaution, we are managing his workload over the next week. We hope to see him soon in the field," Vinod Bisht said in an official statement.

Within just two to three matches, Mayank has gathered headlines for his sheer pace, touching bowling speeds of 150 kmph-plus consistently.

During the match against RCB, Yadav bagged three wickets in his four-over spell, giving only 14 runs. Following his remarkable spell, the pacer was named the 'Player of the Match'.

The LSG seamer scripted history at the age of 21 as he became the first bowler in the history of IPL to win the 'Player of the Match' award in their first two matches.

He clocked 156.7 kph during the game against RCB and bowled the fastest delivery in the ongoing edition and overall the fourth fastest in the history of the entire tournament, breaking his own record made during the Punjab Kings match which was his debut, where he clocked 155.8 kmph. During his debut game, he took 3/27 in four overs.

It is not just Mayank's pace that has many terming him as the next big Indian pace prospect, it is also the control over his line and length and intimidation that he has produced in a matter of a couple of matches that stands out.

His consecutive three-wicket hauls in his first two games also helped him enter the elite list of players. Yadav became the sixth bowler to scalp three-plus wicket hauls in each of their first two IPL matches.

The 21-year-old pacer now has joined the likes of Lasith Malinga, Amit Singh, Mayank Markande, and Jofra Archer for the record.

(With ANI inputs)

In his post, Shastri wrote: "I am hottie, I am naughty, I am sixtyyyy". It isn't yet known what the context of the post is. It could have something to do with an advertising campaign that Shastri has signed up for. 

I am hottie, I am naughty, I am sixtyyyy pic.twitter.com/oHBQw3WoIf

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 10, 2024

While being a notorious character, Shastri has also been vocal about his opinions on the ongoing IPL 2024. Shasrti has openly spoken about the controversy surrounding Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya. Recently, the former India coach gave his words of wisdom to Hardik, suggesting him ways to battle with both personal form and captaincy pressure at the franchise.

"My thing to Hardik would be 'calm, patient, ignore, and then just focus on your game'. You get a couple of performances going..they are a terrific side, and if they win 3-4 matches, everything will subside. You will, things will change," he added.

On Rohit Sharma's sacking as MI skipper Shastri said that it's all about what the franchise wants. 

"See, at the end of the day, this is not an Indian cricket team that is playing. This is franchise cricket. They have paid top dollar, they are the bosses. It's their entitlement as to who they want as captain," Shastri said.

But, Shastri did admit that the matter could've been better handled by the management at Mumbai Indians.

"Where I think this could have been handled better is more clarity in communication. If you wanted as captain, say you're looking at the future, looking to build, we are doing a fabulous job as everyone knows and we want him to help out Hardik in the next 3 years when the team is in progress. That communication should have come out a little more for all this to die down. It's not a case of you saying 'we don't want Rohit Sharma', or he was treated badly," he added.

On hate comments targeting Hardik, Shastri said, "You know social media. All sorts of things will come out, there are a lot of bullcrap out there. Some of the stories out there are planted. It's just planted on other people's names. Ignorance is bliss."

The T20 World Cup 2024 begins just a few days after the Indian Premier League 2024 concludes, and it provides another opportunity for India to end their ICC trophy drought. Plenty of players will be hoping to make the cut for India's 15-member squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA. With the ongoing IPL season seen as auditions for the marquee ICC event, India's think tank will be carefully analysing player performances with some spots in the squad still up for grabs.

India's batting though will still revolve around Virat Kohli, who is wearing the Orange Cap after smashing 316 runs in five innings at an average of 105.33 and a strike rate of 146.30 this season.

The right-hander has hit three 50-plus scores in IPL 2024, including the highest score of an unbeaten 113 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Rajasthan Royals.

Opening the batting for RCB this season, Kohli's strike rate has been significantly higher than his overall IPL strike rate of 130.63. However, it it will be interesting to see how Kohli will be utilised by the Men in Blue in the T20 World Cup.

While he has donned the role of aggressor as an opener for RCB this season, Kohli has also shown that he's still capable of anchoring an innings if the situation demands him to. His unbeaten 113 against Rajasthan and 83 not out against Kolkata Knight Riders are a testament to that.

With that in mind, let's take a look at what type of role Kohli can be tasked to undertake in the T20 World Cup in June.

Kohli in T20 World Cups

The former India skipper has been a true match-winner for India since his international debut. In T20 World Cups, he has scored 1,141 runs in 25 innings at an outstanding average of 81.50 with a strike rate over 130.

Apart from his astonishing numbers, he was named the Player of the Tournament consecutively in the 2014 and 2016 editions of the T20 World Cups.

His match-winning knocks in crucial outings - 72* vs South Africa (2014), 82* vs Australia (2016), and the iconic 82* vs Pakistan (2022) - are unmatched and remains special for Indian fans. Interestingly, all these knocks came with Kohli holding up one end, while wickets fell at the other.

What do the pitches in the West Indies offer?
The change in soil composition and moisture levels has affected the pace and bounce of the pitches in the West Indies. These days, the venues in the Caribbean tend to be slow tracks which are quite similar to the ones in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and a few other venues in the subcontinent.

Kohli has been ruthless in slow pitches where the ball doesn't get pace from the pitch which makes him a dangerman to any side.

Kohli's T20I record in West Indies

Innings played: 3

Runs scored 112
Average: 37.33
Strike rate: 141.77

His T20I numbers in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are also exceptional, where he averages 55.83 and 94.40, respectively.

Does "Anchor" Kohli fit into India's T20 schemes?

Overall, Kohli has scored 4,037 runs in 117 matches at an average of 51.75 and he is India's highest run-scorer in the format. He has smashed 37 fifties along with a jaw-dropping 122* against Afghanistan in Asia Cup 2022. His strike rate of 138.15 may have room for improvement, but he's already shown that he can go hard at bowlers from the start should he deem it necessary.

In 2023, India played 20 T20Is apart from the three Asian Games matches in China. Kohli didn't feature in any of them and batters like Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Shreyas Iyer were given the nod over him.

After a long spell on the sidelines following the T20 WC 2022, Kohli played his first T20 international match in February 2024 against Afghanistan. He scored only 29 runs in the two-match series but at a strike rate of 170.58.

That said, one must also note that Kohli's recent 67-ball century against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024 was the slowest ton in the league's history.

Considering that the T20 dynamics have changed drastically over the years, batters have become more aggressive from the outset these days. IPL 2024, in fact, has witnessed two record-breaking team scores this year - SRH's 277 vs MI and KKR's 272 vs DC.

Having said that, since the pitches in West Indies might not make it possible for many high-scoring games to take place, Kohli's presence in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup is a no-brainer choice. His presence in the middle order as an anchor will provide balance alongside the swashbuckling and aggressive styles of Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh, Rohit Sharma, and Shivam Dube.

India has given the world many great cricketers but Virat Kohli finds himself in a league of his own in the modern era. With opening batting candidates like Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill all in the fray for a T20 World Cup spot, making Kohli the anchor of the team makes perfect sense given his ability to play according to match situations as well as his extensive experience in the high stakes pressure situations which are synonymous with ICC events.

As the Royals gear up for the match against Gujarat Titans on Wednesday, former Australia spinner Brad Hogg couldn't stop lauding Riyan Parag for the maturity he has shown this season.

In a podcast on YouTube, Hogg highlighted how Parag has learned to channelise his energy and is more focused on the team's targets this year than his own.

"According to me, Rajasthan Royals are the best-balanced team in the tournament. I like the way how they have set their entire lineup. If Sandeep Sharma can get fully-fit as well, then he can add up as the sixth bowling option for them.

"And I am really liking when I am seeing young (Riyan) Parag. He is the youngest player to hit a fifty in the history of IPL. I love his energy and I love the way he fields. I think he has really matured this year. Last year, I guess he had a bit of a strut on him. I don't say this disrespectfully but I think he had a bit of ego last year. The ego is still there but it is in control. He believes in himself and he is now more worried about what he can do for the team rather than trying to seal his place in the team," Hogg told NDTV during the podcast.

Parag made his debut for Rajasthan Royals in 2019 but finally seems to be repaying the franchise's faith in him this year. In 4 matches this campaign, Parag has scored 185 runs at an average of 92.50 with a strike-rate of 158.12.

Following the match, Krunal said as quoted by ESPNCricinfo, "I do not know what is happening but I did have a brief couple of seconds' chat - he seemed okay, which was quite a relief for us."

Krunal also praised the pacer, calling him a "bright prospect" with a "good head on his shoulders".

"A bright prospect, I had been watching him from the last two years. He used to bowl gun in the nets. Last year, unfortunately, missed it [due to injury]. But again, whatever conversation I have had, what I see is that he has a good head on his shoulders as well," he said.

Within just two-three matches, Mayank has gathered headlines for his sheer pace, touching the bowling speeds of 150 mph-plus consistently. During the match against RCB, Yadav bagged three wickets in his four-over spell, giving only 14 runs. Following his remarkable spell, the pacer was named the 'Player of the Match'.

The LSG seamer scripted history at the age of 21 as he became the first bowler in the history of IPL to win the 'Player of the Match' award in their first two matches.

He clocked 156.7 kph during the game against RCB and bowled the fastest delivery in the ongoing edition and overall the fourth fastest in the history of the entire tournament, breaking his own record made during the Punjab Kings match which was his debut, where he clocked 155.8 kmph. During his debut game, he took 3/27 in four overs.

It is not just Mayank's pace that has many terming him as the next big Indian pace prospect, it is also the control over his line and length and intimidation that he has produced in a matter of a couple of matches which stands out.

His consecutive three-wicket hauls in his first two games also helped him enter the elite list of players. Yadav became the sixth bowler to scalp three-plus wicket hauls in each of their first two IPL matches. The 21-year-old pacer now has embarked his name along with Lasith Malinga, Amit Singh, Mayank Markande, and Jofra Archer.

Coming to the LSG-GT clash, LSG won the toss and opted to bat first. The hosts were reduced to 18/2 at one point. A 73-run partnership between skipper KL Rahul (33 in 31 balls, with three fours) and Marcus Stoinis (58 in 43 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) put LSG in a decent position again.

Later, knocks from Nicholas Pooran (32* in 22 balls, with three sixes) and Ayush Badoni (20 in 11 balls, with three fours) helped LSG put a moderate 163/5 in their 20 overs.

Umesh Yadav (2/22) and Rashid Khan (1/28) were among the wickets for GT.

Chasing 164 runs, GT did have a fine start as skipper Shubman Gill (19 in 21 balls, with two fours) and Sai Sudharsan (31 in 23 balls, with four boundaries) formed a 54-run opening stand, but pacer Yash Thakur's five-wicket haul (5/30) and Krunal Pandya's economical 3/11 blew GT away. Despite Rahul Tewatia (30 in 25 balls, with two fours and two sixes) putting up a fight, GT skittled out for 130 in 18.5 overs, losing by 33 runs.

Thakur's fifer earned him the 'Player of the Match' honours. LSG is in third place at the points table with three wins and a loss, giving them six points. GT is in seventh place, having won two and lost three. They have a total of four points.

Nayar talked about the impact Gambhi has had on the team on the eve of their clash against five-time champions CSK.

"A lot that goes without saying. See there is no substitute for experience. There is no substitute for a captain who has won two IPL championships for this franchise. So whether you are a mentor or you are on that field I think having GG (Gambhir) in the dugout is a big difference and a big boost for everyone in the dugout because you know to go back and speak about him, his own experiences and what he did as a captain," Nayar said in the pre-match press conference.

Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, two key players who struggled last season have been riding high on some remarkable performances.

Narine opened against Delhi Capitals and stuck a quick-fire knock of 85 in a mere 39 deliveries. Russell played a cameo and raced to 41 in just 19 balls.

While talking about the recent performances of the star duo, Nayar pointed out the role of Gambhir in their recent success.

"I feel for the players who played with him Sunny (Narine) and Russell you can see the difference. Sunny coming in and opening now and getting runs also I think it always matters having someone with that personality and aura in that dressing room always makes a difference," Nayar added.

KKR will look to maintain their flawless record against CSK on Monday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

"Bish says on air kohli completed his fifty in just 39 balls. You disappointed me @irbishi," a fan wrote in a post, tagging Bishop in the same.

However, the cricketer-turned-commentator apologised to the fans for his choice of words.

"I take an "L" on that one. I am very aware of what T20 batting entails, and my insertion of that word was inaccurate. My choice of words and language in keeping with the format of the game needs to be more accurate and it will be going forward. Apologies," Bishop responded.

I take an "L" on that one. I am very aware of what T20 batting entails, and my insertion of that word was inaccurate. My choice of words and language in keeping with the format of the game needs to be more accurate and it will be going forward. Apologies.

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) April 6, 2024

Kohli fought a lone battle for RCB, scoring an unbeaten 113 off 72 balls. Barring Faf du Plessis, no other batter breach the 10-run mark.

Kohli's effort, however, was not enough as inaugural champions RR remained unbeaten in the season with four wins as they took top spot in the 10-team table, ahead of second-placed Kolkata Knight Riders who have three wins in as many matches.

Jos Buttler hit an unbeaten 100 to trump Kohli's sloppy century as RR chased the target with five balls to spare.

Kohli, however, consolidated his position at the top of this year's batting chart with 316 runs in five matches.

The 35-year-old is still awaiting his first IPL title with Bengaluru.

"I don't want to be over-aggressive, want to keep the bowler guessing. They want me to go hard and get me out," Kohli said.

"It's just experience and maturity. I play the conditions and have the game ready."

(With AFP Inputs)

Delhi finished on 205-8, despite Tristan Stubbs' unbeaten 25-ball 71. They slumped to the bottom of the 10-team table.

Five-time IPL winners Mumbai bounced back from losing their first three games to reduce the pressure on skipper Hardik Pandya, who has been booed by fans after replacing Rohit Sharma as captain ahead of this edition.

"I would like to have this feeling more often than not," said Pandya after the victory. "Lot of hard work, hard to clear our minds, and everything clicked."

"There was a lot of love and care going around, everyone knows we lost three games but the belief and backing was there, everyone believes we needed just one win and today was the start," Pandya said.

David smashed a six and four at the end of the 19th over before Shepherd walloped Anrich Nortje for four sixes and two fours in the last over as Mumbai took 42 runs from the final eight balls.

MI AFP
Photo Credit: AFP

Rohit (49) and Ishan Kishan (42) laid the foundations for the total in an 80-run opening stand before Axar Patel sent the two back in the pavilion with his left-arm spin.

Returning batsman Suryakumar Yadav, who missed the first three losses injured, survived a toe-crushing yorker by Nortje on his first ball but then miscued the next delivery to mid-on for a two-ball duck.

Mumbai lost another wicket before Pandya and David put on 60 to steady the innings  ahead of Shepherd's explosive knock.

- Thakur effect -
In reply, Prithvi Shaw hit 66 after losing opening partner David Warner for 10 off Shepherd's seam bowling.

Shaw and the left-handed Abhishek Porel, who hit 41, put on 88 for the second wicket before Jasprit Bumrah removed both.

South Africa's Stubbs raised a fifty in 19 balls but the asking rate kept climbing and Gerald Coetzee took three wickets in the final over to return figures of 4-34.

In the day's second match in Lucknow, Marcus Stoinis hit 58 to guide Lucknow to a total, which looked below par but the bowlers made sure it was enough.

Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi took a stunning return catch off his own leg-spin to send Gujarat's impact substitute Kane Williamson out for one.

Left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya, elder brother of Mumbai's Hardik, struck three times, including twice in one over when he took the wicket of Sai Sudarshan for 31 to derail the opposition chase.

Thakur, who bowled skipper Shubman Gill for 19 as his first wicket, then sent down a double-wicket maiden to flatten the batting.

He took two more wicket in the 19th over for his first-ever five wicket haul -- 5-30 -- in T20 cricket.

New pace sensation Mayank Yadav picked up an injury after he bowled just one over for 13 runs.