Shubro Mukherjee, Author at Sportzwiki

Shubro Mukherjee

Cricket and Soccer. wannabe globe-trotter. Savage author.

Paras Sanghvi and Sameer Buddha
Paras Sanghvi and Sameer Buddha
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Thane Police Summons Bollywood Producers for Inquiry in IPL Betting Case

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In recent developments from the IPL Betting Case, Thane Police summoned Bollywood producer, Paras Sanghvi and Sameer Buddha, to register their testimony regarding their links with their case.

It was only recently that Bollywood actor and producer, Arbaaz Khan confessed about placing bets in the cash-rich Indian T20 League.

The Police officials reached Arbaaz Khan after arresting the racket kingpin Sonu Jalan alias Sonu Malad.

Arbaaz Khan’s, brother of Superstar Salman Khan, contact information was extracted from Jalan’s diary.

Thane Police Summons Bollywood Producers for Inquiry in IPL Betting Case 1
Paras Sanghvi along with Director Ram Gopal Varma during post-production event of the movie ‘The Attacks of 26/11’. Credits: IndiaTimes.

Also Read: Afghanistan Vs Bangladesh, 2nd T20I: Hosts Look to Clinch Series, Tigers Seek Revenge.

Allegedly, Jalan provided funds for several movies such as the Attacks of 26/11, the Sarkar series and Partner. Pradeep Sharma, the senior inspector of Thane anti-extortion cell (AEC), confirmed the recent developments in the high profile case.

“We have issued summons to them, and they have been asked to appear before us on Tuesday. Their roles, which have emerged during the course of the investigation, need to be verified. Jalan has claimed to be Sanghvi’s partner and funded his films,” quoted Pradeep Sharma, according to Deccan Chronicle.

Sanghvi and Jalan used the money generated from betting to produce Bollywood movies

Thane Police Summons Bollywood Producers for Inquiry in IPL Betting Case 2
Thane Police summoned Arbaaz Khan before Paras Sanghvi.

Also Read:  ENG vs IND 2018: Going to be Hard Work for Virat Kohli against James Anderson – Glenn McGrath.

It is learned both Sanghvi, and Jalan are partners. And, the money generated from betting was used to produce Bollywood movies.

The source of funds and the details of their use will get probed thoroughly. Jalan and Sanghvi will be confronted face to face by the Thane police on Tuesday, officials said.

The police added Buddha would be questioned, as his car was used by Jalan to travel to places ‘to commit crimes’ and also got apprehended inside the white Honda City.

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Mark Taylor
Photo Credit: Getty Images.
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Mark Taylor Reckons CA Knows the Names of Players Involved in Fixing During Ranchi Test

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The game of cricket got tainted yet again, following the recent covert operation executed by broadcasting giant Al-Jazeera, exposed how fixers contribute in affecting results of games. However, in his latest statement, former Australian captain Mark Taylor had a word or two owing to the probe.

Pertinently, in the must-watch documentary titled as, ‘Cricket match-fixers’, the conversation revealed the matches between India-Australia at Ranchi and India-England game at Chennai, during India’s grand home season of 2016-17, witnessed spot fixers – to affect the gameplay.

Also, the fixers bribed the curator of Galle in Sri Lanka, to doctor pitches during the matches between Islanders and Australia. Also, the match with England, back in 2016, was also brought into the scanner.

Mark Taylor Reckons CA Knows the Names of Players Involved in Fixing During Ranchi Test 3
India vs England – Day 5 (5th Test). Credits: Getty.

Mark Taylor Puts his thoughts forward:

Former Aussie batsman Taylor weighed in with his opinion, saying, the accusations levelled by Al-Jazeera’s documentary had substance in them.

Also, Cricket Australia (CA) is fully aware of the three mentioned players of its own. And, they were involved in fixing during the game at Ranchi, as revealed by the prime fixer in the documentary.

“It talks about two runs off an over. It talks about a series of six overs where there wasn’t a lot of runs scored. That happens in India all the time,” Taylor stated in a recent interview with World Wide Sports.

Mark Taylor Reckons CA Knows the Names of Players Involved in Fixing During Ranchi Test 4
Mark Taylor of the Channel Nine commentary team. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images).

Also Read: Afghanistan Just Crushed Us In Every Department: Shakib Al Hasan.

“The more of these games (we have) it’s going to allow more and more opportunity for the match fixers. And, also the people that want to do wrong by the game,” added Taylor

As soon as the news reached the corridors of world cricket governing body ICC, instantly an investigation was scheduled to look at the questionable games in India and Sri Lanka.

“There’s no doubt match-fixing is a major issue for cricket and will be for quite a number of years,” concluded Mark Taylor.

ICC already launched its probe on the said Test matches:

St George’s Oval, Boxing Day, LED Lights, Port Elizabeth, South Vs Zimbabwe, Pink-ball Test, ICC
Richardson gives the go-ahead to Boxing Day four-day Test. Photo Credit: ICC.

Also Read: Steven Smith Makes Shocking Revelation Post Ball-Tampering Incident.

Also, in the documentary, former professional cricketers, along with their ally in UAE, were planning to organise a scripted Twenty20 tournament. In order to make a fortune through betting.

“I think those leagues do provide an additional opportunity for the people that want to get involved and try and fix. So what we need to make sure is that anyone staging a T20 domestic tournament. Especially televised, that they have in place minimum standards for dealing with the problem,” reckoned ICC CEO Dave Richardson.

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Azhar Ali Virat Kohli
Azhar Ali is set to replace Virat Kohli at Surrey.
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Azhar Ali Might be Roped in by Surrey County Club to Replace Virat Kohli – Reports

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Pakistan batting mainstay in Tests, Azhar Ali, might be roped in by Surrey County Club, to replace Virat Kohli, who sustained a neck injury recently.

Further, Ali’s teammate Asad Shafiq might also replace Queensland opener, Matt Renshaw at Somerset. Renshaw was scheduled to feature for Somerset after Cameron Bancroft was handed by a nine-month ban by Cricket Australia (CA).

However, the Surrey spokesperson did not reveal any information of such kind. But, it has to be taken into account that replacement for Virat Kohli has not been named until now.

Azhar Ali Might be Roped in by Surrey County Club to Replace Virat Kohli - Reports 5
Pakistan’s Azhar Ali during the Champions Trophy 2017 in England. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

We’re hoping to get Azhar and Asad to play some county cricket: Arthur

The India all-format skipper was scheduled to play for Surrey in June, to acclimatise for the conditions in England, before his neck injury, sustained during IPL, was diagnosed.

According to his contract, Kohli was scheduled to play three List A and three First-Class games during his stint with the Kia Oval-based county.

Virat Kohli India tour of England 2018
India captain Virat Kohli would be hoping to turn the tables around when he leads India to England for Five-Match Test series in 2018. Image Courtesy: Getty Images.

Also Read: When Ravindra Jadeja Got Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane in Trouble.

Moreover, with the herniated disc up his spine, Kohli is scheduled to miss the early parts of the English tour, comprising of ODI games against Ireland and England.

“Our chosen players, we’re hoping to get Azhar and Asad to play some county cricket. There is a little bit of interest at the moment. For a short period of time,” Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur quoted, according to Espncricinfo.

Mickey Arthur
Mickey Arthur says the ball-tampering saga has given the cricketing world a reality check.

Also Read: When Dinesh Karthik was Left Frustrated with Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy.

“Because those guys don’t go to these [T20] leagues and stuff. If they were to play county cricket we’d certainly encourage that,” concluded Arthur.

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Steven Smith
Steven Smith reveals what he had gone through after the ball-tampering scandal in March against South Africa.
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Steven Smith Opens up About his Adversities Post Ball-Tampering Scandal

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Disgraced Australia skipper, Steven Smith, recently opened up for the first time after the ball-tampering scandal which shook the cricketing world early this year.

Smith, along with vice-captain David Warner, and prime perpetrator of the ‘Sandpaper Gate’, opener Cameron Bancroft, were banned for 9-12 months from playing competitive cricket in/for Australia,

Further, the Smith and Warner will not get back to their coveted post in the Australian team for two years, due to the events which transpired at Cape Town.

Sourav Ganguly, Steven Smith
Sobbing Steven Smith. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

People who supported me through the whole time made a huge difference: Smith

Smith was nominated as the special guest at Sydney’s Knox Grammar School’s year six and senior school assembly, as part of the students’ Gotcha 4 Life Foundation.

There, the former Australian captain went on to claim he spent four straight days weeping, failing to recover from the mental blow.

The number one ranked Test batsman in the world credited his family and friends for the role they played during his recovery, in a tough time in his career.

Also Read: Dwayne Bravo Picks the Best Between Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara.

Steven Smith Opens up About his Adversities Post Ball-Tampering Scandal 6
Steve Smith during an event in Sydney. Credits: newsapi.com.au.

“To be honest, I probably spent four days in tears. I was really struggling mentally. And I was really lucky that I had some close friends and family members. With whom I could speak to at all hours of the day,” Steve Smith quoted during the event.

“The people that I had supporting me through that whole time made a huge difference to the headspace I am in now,” continued Smith.

Also Read: Praises From Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli And MS Dhoni Lifted My Confidence: Rashid Khan.

Tampering, ICC, Cricket Australia, Sanctions, ICC, Steven Smith, David Warner, Cameron Bancroft
Warner and Smith were banned for one year. Photo Credit: AP.

After a while, Smith’s fan received rare good news, as he would soon be getting back into cricketing action. Along with Warner, in the Global T20 Canada league starting from June 28.

Steven Smith will represent the Toronto Nationals while Warner will don the jersey of Winnipeg Hawks.

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Viv Richards
Photo Credit: Getty Images.
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Kapil Dev Created the Avenue for India – Viv Richards

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Former Windies batsman, Viv Richards, reckons Kapil Dev’s aggressive brand of cricket has rubbed off on the current crop of cricketers in the Indian team.

In a recent interview, Richards claimed during the by-gone era; some fragileness was always associated with the Indian team when it came to sledging.

However, watching the likes of Kohli and co. in action, Richards believes the Indian team has developed some resilience.

Virat Kohli India tour of England 2018
India captain Virat Kohli would be hoping to turn the tables around when he leads India to England for Five-Match Test series in 2018. Image Courtesy: Getty Images.

Kapil Dev created the avenue for India: Richards

Also Read: IPL 2018: This was a Different Feeling Compared to the Last Two Times – Karn Sharma.

“What I know for sure is that he (Kohli) is an exciting player. I remember in the past; the Indian team used to be very fragile in terms of when the sledging factor came into play. There was some fragileness attached to Indian teams,” Viv Richards told News18.

“Kapil Dev created the avenue for India that you must be competitive. The Indian players have become quite resilient. They do not back down quite easily these days,” concluded Richards.

Kapil Dev, Workload, BCCI, Votes, Players’ Break, Tight Schedule, Lauds, Team India, Virat Kohli
Dev was pivotal with the ball as well as with the bat for India. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

The best all-rounder produced by India till date went on to defeat cricketing giants, West Indies, to lift the World Cup of 1983 at Lords.

Due to his expressive style of cricket, Kapil Dev gave birth to following in millions within the country. Which eventually helped India to become superpowers in the field of cricket.

Also Read: Sourav Ganguly Picks Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne in His All-time XI.

Kapil Dev Created the Avenue for India - Viv Richards 7
Legend Viv Richards. Credit: Getty Images.

Similarly, Virat Kohli has been marshalling his troops, with his aggressive brand of cricket.

The next major challenge for the Kohli is the highly anticipated England tour, where he would look to exorcise his demons from the last visit.

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Graeme Swann, Virat Kohli
Graeme Swan. Image Courtesy: Getty Images
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ENG vs IND 2018: Kuldeep, Chahal Could get the Better off English Batsmen – Graeme Swann

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Former England off-spinner, Graeme Swann, backed the abilities of young Indian wrist-spinning duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, during the upcoming series against England.

The young wrist-spinners have been on a wicket-taking spree, since their introduction to International cricket. Chahal and Kuldeep ripped apart the South African batting line-up recently, with their guile and deception.

Both Chahal and Kuldeep were top wicket-takers in the six-match ODI, tumbling records for the most wicket taken by bowlers on South African spin.

Can spinning duo of Kuldeep, Chahal be 'X-factor' for India at 2019 World Cup?
Credit: BCCI

Swann cited out that during Pakistan’s visit last time, the likes of Yasir Shah remained successful. Which means according to Swann, English batters are still not adept to wrist spin?

“Wrist spinners can do well in England. Yasir Shah did well for Pakistan last year. So, the English players don’t tend to bowl wrist spin or pick it very well. If they’re fit and they’re picked and bowled, they could do very well,” Graeme Swann maintained according to PTI.

“Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal have emerged in the international scene with some scintillating displays in the past year. Their ability to take wickets at regular intervals has meant them becoming the lead spinners for India in the limited overs format,” carried on Swann.

On Kohli’s Stint at Surrey

Virat Kohli India tour of England 2018
India captain Virat Kohli would be hoping to turn the tables around when he leads India to England for Five-Match Test series in 2018. Image Courtesy: Getty Images.

Also Read: Steve Smith & David Warner Selected In Global T20 Canada League Draft.

Although doubtful now, Virat Kohli was scheduled to feature for Surrey during June, to acclimatise to the conditions of England, which troubled him in the past, barring multilateral events.

“It’s good Virat’s been given a chance to go play for Surrey. He’ll enjoy Surrey trust me. The wickets at the Oval are unbelievable to bat on. He will have a good tour,” suggested the most successful offie produced by England.

ENG vs IND 2018: Kuldeep, Chahal Could get the Better off English Batsmen - Graeme Swann 8
Former England spinner Graeme Swann. Image Courtesy: Getty Images.

Also Read: ENG vs PAK 2018: 2nd Test, Leeds, Match Review: England share series with Pakistan at 1-1.

That said, Swann hinted at the fact that his county stint won’t help him much due to the absence of quality bowlers such, as Broad and Anderson.

“Unless he plays against Jimmy (James Anderson) or Broady (Stuart Broad) in county games, I don’t think it’ll help because they’re so much better than the county bowlers. But I think it’s good. I think it’s good that English cricket allowed foreign players to come over and train before,” concluded Graeme Swann.

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Fawad Alam
Fawad Alam has recently landed in hot water for bringing down the glass pane in a dressing room.
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Fawad Alam in Hot-Water after Breaking Glass Pane of Dressing Room Door

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One of the greatest travesties within Pakistan cricket is the melancholic tale of the talented cricketer, Fawad Alam, who went out of favour from the national side, even after stellar performances in the domestic circuit.

The discarded Pakistani international was amongst the headlines again, but this time, for causing damage to the dressing room window of Colne Cricket Club.

It was during a Lancashire League match between Clitheroe Cricket Club 1st XI and Colne Cricket Club that the incident occurred.

Fawad Alam in Hot-Water after Breaking Glass Pane of Dressing Room Door 9
Fawad Alam last represented Pakistan back in 2015 against Bangladesh.

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Selectors have ignored Fawad Alam:

The left-handed all-rounder was adjudged time-out, after two successive dismissals, which did not give him enough time to gear up.

Clitheroe Cricket Club lost its opener, Thomas Lord, for 19 runs and immediately lost another player. After for a limited amount of time, Alam was adjudged timed-out. Frustrated with the decision, Alam hit the glass pane of the dressing room.

Also Read: RBI recruits KL Rahul, Umesh Yadav to Promote Financial Literacy.

It seems like things are getting bad to worse for the out of favour Pakistan all-rounder. Even after recommendations from people at PCB, and some of the greatest cricketers produced in the country, Alam didn’t get a chance to play for Pakistan against England.

Wasim Akram recently voiced his opinion on the continuous snub of Alam.

Sarfraz Ahmed, Hopeful, Fawad Alam, International Return, Pakistan, Book Launch, Karachi, PCB,
Fawad Alam already has a couple of hundreds and six half-centuries in Test and ODIs combined. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

“Players play domestic circuit in view of getting an opportunity to play international cricket,” Wasim Akram claimed earlier, according to cricket.com.au.

“I can’t understand why Fawad is not getting an opportunity; he is still out (of) the squad despite scoring runs in domestic on an average of 50 in the last three-four years. It’s beyond me,” quoted Akram.

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Harbhajan Singh, IPL 2018
Photo Credit: IPL.
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IPL 2018: Harbhajan Singh Reflects on his Fourth Time-IPL Winning Campaign

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Fourth-time IPL winning Indian cricketer, Harbhajan Singh, reflected at the successful stint with Chennai Super Kings.

For a decade-long, Harbhajan was part of CSK’s rivals, Mumbai Indians in their three IPL winning campaigns.

Bhajji swapped sides this season and was dramatically donning the yellows of Chennai. Besides, Mumbai Indians were not to keen to retain the ageing spinner during the auctions.

As it turned out. ‘Olden is Golden’ turned out to be the theme this season in the CSK squad, where the top performers were aged above 30.

Harbhajan Singh Chennai Super Kings IPL 2018
Harbhajan Singh of CSK. Image Courtesy: BCCI.

CSK’s selection strategies were mocked out during the auctions, as Fleming and co. sheltered as many as nine above 30 players.

By the end of it all, it will go down as one of the masterstrokes from Stephen Fleming, and his strategies. MS Dhoni, himself, had the fire under his belly to win a silverware after a wait of four years, under his captaincy.

Also, MS turned back time to display the vintage knocks of his prime, at jaw-dropping rates. A feature which went missing from his brand of cricket for India, in recent seasons.

IPL 2018: Harbhajan Singh Reflects on his Fourth Time-IPL Winning Campaign 10

“He has been wonderful, and it was good to see him batting up the order. He reminded me of the older version of Dhoni,” Harbhajan Singh told SportstarLive.

“[Our performance] shows that age is just a number. If you are fit and you can run after a ball or score runs, then that should matter in the end and not how old you are on paper,” stated Bhajji.

During the presentation ceremony, Stephen Fleming mentioned they were looking for experienced professionals, and age wasn’t their sole criterion, much like the other teams.

Also Read: Shikhar Dhawan Opens Up on the Story Behind his Kabaddi-style Celebration.

IPL 2018: Harbhajan Singh Reflects on his Fourth Time-IPL Winning Campaign 11
CSK coach Stephen Fleming expresses disappointment over venue shift. Credit: AFP.

Experience matters the most: Bhajji

“We make mistakes by saying that players are 30 or 35. My question is, so what? When people are 20-21, they make mistakes in the middle by not thinking wisely,” continued the out of favour legend of off-spin.

“Nonetheless, the people in 30s are experienced as they have gone through these stages in their career, so they know when to react and how to react in pressure situations. That’s where experience comes to play,” Harbhajan says.

Also Read: Steven Smith Among Marquee Players in Inaugural Canada T20 Draft.

IPL
MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings won their 3rd IPL title. Image Courtesy: BCCI

The prove for the matter is that the likes of Watson, Rayudu, MS Dhoni, and Harbhajan Singh were brilliant throughout the tournament.

“With age, you know which shots to play and how to trap a batsman with the ball. Experience matters the most, and you have seen that with Chennai Super Kings,” concluded Harbhajan.

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Sharafuddin Ashraf
Sharafuddin Ashraf.
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‘We Have Eleven MS Dhoni-Like Stories in Our Team,’ says Sharafuddin Ashraf

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The Afghanistan team is currently making rapid strides in International Cricket, especially after being awarded the Test status and winning the ICC World Cup Qualifiers to progress into the main event in England next year.

Afghanistan’s will play its inaugural Test match against India, after receiving the honorary accolade.

The match is scheduled at Bengaluru, but before that, they lock horns against Bangladesh in a three-match T20I series at Dehradun.

'We Have Eleven MS Dhoni-Like Stories in Our Team,' says Sharafuddin Ashraf 12
Afghanistan – the winners of ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2018. Credits: Getty.

Sharafuddin Ashraf, who hit the winning runs for the ICC World Cup Qualifiers, who was present during the practice session, gave an interview revealing the hardships they had to suffer to get where they are.

Ashraf claimed each one in the Afghan team has an inspiring tale to talk about.

“In terms of our personal struggle, every player in the squad will have a story to tell. Just like India have MS Dhoni, whose story is known worldwide, we have eleven Dhoni-like stories in our team. Who have gone through a lot in life already? A film can be made on each one of them,” Sharafuddin Ashraf told a Sportskeeda correspondent.

'We Have Eleven MS Dhoni-Like Stories in Our Team,' says Sharafuddin Ashraf 13
Sharafuddin Ashraf of Afghanistan. Credits: Getty.

Also Read: Venkatesh Prasad Heaps Praises on the Current Crop of Indian Fast Bowlers.

It will be a good battle between Afghan spinners and Indian batting line-up: Ashraf

“There would be no international cricketer from Afghanistan who hasn’t faced immense struggles in his career. Our seniors were up against steeper challenges than we are. As we still have this platform and such facilities for us today,” continued Ashraf.

Also, their preparation for the first-ever Test match is going at ‘full swing’.

“India is a world class team. Our preparations for the Test are going on in full swing. It is extremely difficult to beat India in India,” added Ashraf, well aware of the challenge in hand.

'We Have Eleven MS Dhoni-Like Stories in Our Team,' says Sharafuddin Ashraf 14
Image Source: Facebook

Also Read: Shakib Al Hasan Backs Afghanistan to do Well in Test Cricket.

That said, the likes of Nabi, Rashid, Mujeeb, and many others are capable of upsetting any opposition in front of them,

“However, we have certain exceptional spinners in our ranks. It will be a good battle between them and the Indian batting line-up,” continued Ashraf.

“Anything can happen in cricket; things can turn around in a couple of sessions. I’m sure if our spinners work well. We get a couple of partnerships on the board; we can make a match out of it. I’m sure India won’t take us lightly as well,” concluded Sharafuddin Ashraf

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Harsh Goenka
Harsh Goenka (Photo Source: Forbes)
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Harsh Goenka Names his Flop XI of the IPL 2018 Season

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One of the primary reasons why Chennai Super Kings captain, MS Dhoni, had an unforeseen fire in his belly was due to the disrespect which was given by his former franchise Rising Pune Supergiant, for one long season, and Harsh Goenka had a role to play.

(MUST READ –  IPL Winning Prize 2017 )

CSK and Rajasthan Royals got relegated from the Indian Premier League (IPL) for two years. In the interim, the players from the two sides were distributed amongst new franchises Gujarat Lions and RPS.

In the 2016 season, the star-studded RPS side ended up at the bottom of the barrel. As a result, MS Dhoni unceremoniously was sacked as the captain of the team.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE –  IPL Time Table 2017 Download

Harsh Goenka Names his Flop XI of the IPL 2018 Season 15
MS Dhoni of Rising Pune Supergiant and Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma after The Qualifier 1 match (match 57) of the Vivo 2017. Photo by Sandeep Shetty – Sportzpics – IPL.

Also Read: All Afghanistan Players Have a Dhoni Story in their Lives, says Spinner Sharafuddin Ashraf.

Instead, the coveted post was handed to the now disgraced Australia skipper, Steven Smith. After a few wins in the season, the co-owner of RPS franchise, Harsh Goenka, brother of Sanjiv Goenka, took to Twitter to announce who the ‘real king of the jungle’ is.

Instantly, Harsh Goenka faced a momentous amount of flak from MS Dhoni’s fans and Indian cricket enthusiasts in general as well.

Harsh Goenka Names his Flop XI of the IPL 2018 Season 16
Harsh Goenka of RPG Group. Picture Credits: www.forbes.com

Also Read: Our Performance in the IPL showed that Age is Just a Number – Harbhajan Singh.

Goenka, since then, has an affinity for controversy and now comes back one year later to announce the Flop XI of the recently underwent season.

MUST READ | Most Man of the Match in IPL

In his flop XI list, he included three high-profile purchases from Rajasthan Royals who failed to impress this season, i.e., D’Arcy Short, Ben Stokes and Jaydev Unadkat. The other mention from the Royals in his flop XI was Stuart Binny.

Here’s the post

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