Bhuvneshwar Kumar Age, Biography, career, stats, Ranking & News

Brad Hogg Reckons If Pakistan Loses Against India, They Will Not Get Through

Published on October 22, 2021October 22, 2021

Brad Hogg, former Australia spinner, feels Pakistan might be out of the World Cup very soon if they lose their opening game against India.

Speaking to Deep Dasgupta on his YouTube channel, Brad Hogg said that Pakistan won’t be able to turn around their campaign in case of a possible loss as they play their next game in two days’ time against New Zealand.

Brad Hogg was a part of two World Cup-winning Australian teams; 2003 and 2007 © Getty Images

Brad Hogg Backing India, Pakistan, West Indies, And England To Reach Semi-Finals

The former Australian bowler is backing India, Pakistan, West Indies, and England to reach the semi-finals of the upcoming T20I WC. The Super 12s stage of the 2021 T20 World Cup is set to get underway this week.

“If Pakistan gets beaten by India in the first game, they’ve got a short turnaround to play New Zealand. I think that will be a huge factor in whether Pakistan goes through or not. If Pakistan loses against India in the first game, I don’t think they will get through, India will get through. So watch that space,” Brad Hogg said.

Meanwhile, Brad Hogg sounded quite optimistic about their arch-rivals India who he felt will surely be in the semi-finals, adding that Pakistan will also go through provided that they win against India.

“The teams that I think are going to go to the semis are England and the West Indies from Group 1 and from Group 2 I think it’s going to be Pakistan and India,” Brad Hogg added.

India and Pakistan rarely play against each other but have a heated rivalry. (Photo by Tharaka Basnayaka/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

These are certainly interesting picks from Brad Hogg, who is not expecting his home country Australia to reach the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup. England and the West Indies were the finalists of the 2016 T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan are both looking to win the tournament for the second time in their history having won the trophy in 2007 and 2009 respectively.

India has been outstanding so far in a couple of warm-up games they have played so far. They beat England quite handsomely and then went on to beat Australia as well. India has some issues to ponder, but they look for the team to beat with their top three in prime form. In their first warm-up game,

Pakistan brushed defending champions West Indies aside, crushing Kieron Pollard’s side with seven wickets with 27 balls to spare. Russie van der Dussen hit a stunning unbeaten century off 51 deliveries as South Africa pulled off an extraordinary run chase to beat Pakistan.

Brett Lee Expects KL Rahul To Be Top Scorer and Mohammed Shami To Be Leading Wicket Taker

Former Australia speedster Brett Lee feels India’s KL Rahul and Mohammed Shami could emerge as the top run-getter and the leading wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup Super 12s. KL Rahul has been in sublime form in the IPL where he was the third-highest scorer and his Punjab Kings teammate Mohammed Shami bowled some great spells in recent times including one in the World Cup practice game against England.

Against England in their first warm-up game, chasing a target of 189, India reached 192 for three in 19 overs. Openers KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan were in brilliant form. KL Rahul smashed 51 off 24 deliveries, and Ishan Kishan retired after playing a knock of 70 runs off 46 balls.

KL Rahul for Punjab Kings In IPL 2021 (Image Credit: Twitter)

In their second warm-up game, India thumped Australia by nine wickets with Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Suryakumar Yadav (38), all getting some runs under their belts. Australia’s bowlers captured only one wicket, with spinner Ashton Agar removing opener KL Rahul for 39.

Rohit Sharma (60 retired off 41) showed sublime touch alongside opening partner KL Rahul (39 off 31) as India chased down Australia’s 152 for five in 17.5 overs.

Mohammed Shami picked up three wickets to deal body blows to England on the bowling front, while Jasprit Bumrah picked up one scalp with an excellent economy rate. Although Bhuvaneshwar Kumar went for plenty against England, he made a strong comeback against Australia, showing that the ability to bowl late swing hadn’t deserted him completely.

Ravichandran Ashwin – who had a rather barren IPL — picked up two scalps in one over early in the innings to scuttle Australia’s prospects of getting a big score.

Cricket/News

VVS Laxman Picks Playing XI Against Pakistan In 2021 T20I World Cup

Published on October 21, 2021

VVS Laxman, former cricketer decided to give his own predicted line-up for Virat Kohli’s team and gave the usual names with a few surprises. With Team India set to open their T20 World Cup 2021 campaign on Sunday, many fans have been left wondering about Virat Kohli’s preferred playing XI for the tournament.

Speaking on Star Sports, the Test cricket legend didn’t include dashing keeper Ishan Kishan in his batting order and also skipped pace bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur, whose performance wasn’t good in the warm-up game against Australia (0/30 in 3 overs).

VVS Laxman Picks Playing XI Against Pakistan Omitting Ishan Kishan, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, And Mohammed Shami

VVS Laxman went with KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma as his openers instead. He also included Suryakumar Yadav at number five. The batting looked solid on both the warm-up games against England and Australia as Rohit Sharma (60 retired vs Aus), Ishan Kishan (70 retired vs Eng) and KL Rahul(51 vs Eng and 39 vs Aus) scored heavily.

KL Rahul And Rohit Sharma (Image Credit: Twitter)

“They are spoilt for choices. But I will go with Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul to open. No. 3 will be Virat Kohli, No. 4 will be Suryakumar Yadav, No. 5 Rishabh Pant, No. 6 Hardik Pandya, No. 7 will be Ravindra Jadeja, No. 8 will be Bhuvneshwar Kumar, No. 9 will be Bumrah”, Laxman said.

“No. 10 and No. 11 will be two spinners, Varun Chakaravarthy and Rahul Chahar”, he continued.

For numbers 10 and 11 VVS Laxman has opted to go with Varun Chakravarthy and Rahul Chahar. Strangely, the cricketer-turned-expert did not include Ravichandran Ashwin in his playing XI.

The all-rounder had a good match against Australia as he managed to pick two wickets and was also pretty economical having match figures of 2/8 from 2 overs. Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar too had a good outing against Australia (1/27) after a poor outing against England (0/54) like spinner Rahul Chahar (1/17 off 3) who failed in the previous warm-up game (1/43).

VVS Laxman Explained That He Will Back The Top 7 To Score Bulk Of The Runs

Justifying his line-up, VVS Laxman explained that the top seven in the order would be able to score plenty of runs.

“It’s a long tail but I will back the top seven to get the bulk of the runs”, he stated.

For their first match, India faces Pakistan on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium. They have already played a warm-up game against England, winning by seven wickets. Chasing a target of 189, India reached 192 for three in 19 overs. Openers KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan were in brilliant form. KL Rahul smashed 51 off 24 deliveries and Ishan Kishan retired after playing a knock of 70 runs off 46 balls.

Virat Kohli, who batted at No.3, could only muster 11 off 13 deliveries. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant was unbeaten at No. 4 after registering 29 off 14 balls. Suryakumar Yadav, who batted at No. 5, could only bag eight in nine balls and Hardik Pandya remained unbeaten at No. 6 after hitting 12 off 10 balls.

India fine-tuned its T20 World Cup preparations with a convincing nine-wicket win over Australia in its final warm-up game at ICC cricket Academy Stadium. Rohit Sharma (60 retired off 41) showed sublime touch alongside opening partner KL Rahul (39 off 31) as India chased down Australia’s 152 for five in 17.5 overs.

Suryakumar Yadav (38 not out off 27) came at number three in Virat Kohli’s absence and got valuable time in the middle, which should boost his confidence going ahead. Finally, Hardik Pandya (14 not out off 8) came at four to finish the game, and he did it with a clean hit over the bowler’s head. Steve Smith (57 off 48), Glenn Maxwell (37 off 28), and Marcus Stoinis (41 not out off 25 balls) did well but their contributions went in vain.

Cricket/News

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Has Been Expensive In Warm-Up Match And Shardul Thakur May Play Instead Vs Pakistan: Aakash Chopra

Published on October 21, 2021

Aakash Chopra feels Bhuvneshwar Kumar is not a certain pick for Team India’s T20 World Cup opening fixture against arch-rivals Pakistan. He added that the Virat Kohli-led side might consider playing Shardul Thakur instead.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was taken to the cleaners by the England batsmen in last night’s warm-up encounter between the two sides. The swing bowler failed to take a single wicket and conceded 54 runs in his four-over spell.

Aakash Chopra: Bhuvneshwar Kumar Has Been Too Expensive In Warm-up And Shardul Thakur May Play Instead Against Pakistan

Aakash Chopra highlighted Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s below-par performance, while reviewing India’s bowling performance in a video shared on his YouTube channel,

“Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been expensive. He is not looking a patch of his usual self. He has a lot of experience but I am not 100% convinced that you can play him in the XI against Pakistan. I will be thinking about Shardul Thakur.”

Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Image Credit: Twitter)

The cricketer-turned-commentator added that Rahul Chahar’s expensive spell has sealed Varun Chakravarthy’s spot as Team India’s second spinner.

Aakash Chopra had the following to say about the two Indian spinners on display: “Rahul Chahar was very expensive. That means I see Varun Chakravarthy playing the next match and against Pakistan. Ravichandran Ashwin bowled well, bowled off-spin as well in the first couple of overs but will you see him playing as the third spinner if three play.”

Rahul Chahar castled Dawid Malan for his only wicket but was taken for 43 runs in his four-over spell. Although Ravichandran Ashwin went wicketless, he conceded just 23 runs in his four overs.

Aakash Chopra: Mohammed Shami Did His Job To Pick Wickets And Jasprit Bumrah Was Economical

Aakash Chopra named Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami as Team India’s preferred seam-bowling options.

“Mohammed Shami did his job and picked wickets and Bumrah was economical. Mohammed Shami’s yorkers are falling in place but he can also be expensive but then Bumrah is your No.1 fast bowler and Mohammed Shami is your second fast bowler. That was a big takeaway.”

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami (Photo | PTI)

While pointing out that India might not have the luxury of a sixth bowling option, the 44-year-old concluded by stating that Varun Chakravarthy and Shardul Thakur should be fielded in the next warm-up match against Australia.

Aakash Chopra observed: “It is almost confirmed that India are not going to get a sixth bowler because Hardik has not bowled even now. You should definitely play Varun Chakravarthy and Shardul Thakur against Australia.”

With Bhuvneshwar Kumar still looking out of sorts, Shardul Thakur might be preferred over him as Team India’s third pacer. Ravichandran Ashwin might have also stolen a march on Rahul Chahar as the third spinner if India opts to go with a spin-heavy attack. It will be interesting to see what playing XI, India will select in their second warm-up match against Australia, scheduled to be played on Sunday.

Cricket/News

Parthiv Patel Doesn’t Think Hardik Pandya Is Going To Bowl In Initial Matches Of 2021 T20I World Cup

Published on October 21, 2021

Parthiv Patel listed out two worries for India after their seven-wicket win over England in the warm-up game. Parthiv Patel said Hardik Pandya not bowling and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s lackluster show with the ball is a major concern for Team India.

Openers KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan hammered scintillating fifties after Mohammed Shami’s three-wicket burst as India registered a seven-wicket win over England in their first warm-up match of the ICC T20 World Cup in Dubai on Monday.

File photo of Parthiv Patel with Mumbai Indians | Sandeep Shetty – Sportzpics – IPL

Parthiv Patel Doesn’t Think Hardik Pandya Is Going To Bowl In Initial Matches And Is Worried About Bhuvneshwar Kumar

However, despite their convincing win, former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel pointed out two worries for India. All-rounder Hardik Pandya didn’t bowl, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar went for 54/0 in his quota of four overs.

“I don’t think Hardik is going to bowl in the first few games looking at the way Virat Kohli has used only five bowlers,” said Parthiv Patel during the mid-innings interval.

“Yes, I’m worried about Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He looks in the kind of form which he had in the IPL, where he took just six wickets, but yeah, he looked out of rhythm, almost as if didn’t practice. We might just see Shardul Thakur in the next game. It might be a combination that we might see,” Parthiv added.

Indian cricketer Bhuvneshwar Kumar (L) and Hardik Pandya (Photo credit should read LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI/AFP/Getty Images)

Bhuvneshwar Kumar who conceded 54 runs in four overs in India’s first warm-up clash against England before the T20I World Cup, may not be picked for the mega clash against Pakistan as Shardul Thakur’s chances to play against Pakistan have increased. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has a massive haul of 142 wickets in 132 IPL games averaging 25.26, which is much better than his IPL 2021 bowling average- an extremely poor 55.83 picking only 6 scalps in 11 games.

Hardik Pandya has played 49 T20Is and has averaged below 20 with the bat despite a strike rate of 145, amassing 484 runs in 49 matches. He has also taken 42 scalps averaging 26.45. As a finisher in the 2021 T20I World Cup, he would certainly look forward to amending his batting average and bowling a few overs, trying to pick crucial wickets.

Ishan Kishan And KL Rahul’s Opening Partnership Saw India To Cruise To A 7 Wicket Game In Warm-Up Fixture Against England

Ishan Kishan smashed an unbeaten 46-ball 70, while KL Rahul (51 off 24) and Rishabh Pant (29 off 14) also chipped in as India chased down 188 runs with six balls to spare.

Earlier, Jonny Bairstow smashed a 36-ball 49 and Moeen Ali hit a whirlwind 20-ball 43 to help England post 188 for 5 after being sent in to bat. For India, besides Mohammed Shami (3/40), fellow pacer Jasprit Bumrah (1/26) and spinner Rahul Chahar (1/43) were also among the wickets.

While Ishan Kishan smashed 70 off 46 balls, KL Rahul made a blazing 51 off 24. The duo featured in an opening stand of 82 in 8.2 overs as India chased down a target of 189 with ease, winning the clash by seven wickets.

Cricket/News

Moeen Ali Downplays Any Concern Over Liam Livingstone’s Injury

Published on October 19, 2021October 19, 2021

Moeen Ali, England’s all-rounder, believes another all-rounder Liam Livingstone’s injury is not as serious as initially feared and has vouched for his teammate to return soon. He also shed praise for the impact Liam Livingstone had after being selected in the playing XI.

This is Liam Livingstone’s first major ICC event, and he has a pivotal role to play, especially with the bat, given Ben Stokes‘ absence. The spin-bowling all-rounder cemented his place in the T20 squad over the summer but recently endured a bleak IPL campaign for the Rajasthan Royals.

Liam Livingstone injured his finger on the field during England's wam-up match against India (PC: Twitter) — Liam Livingstone injured his finger on the field during England’s warm-up match against India (PC: Twitter)

Moeen Ali Thinks And Hopes Liam Livingstone Is Fine After Injuring His Finger In Warm-Up Game Against India

The all-rounder suffered an injury to his finger while attempting to take a catch at deep mid-wicket. England was given a wake-up call in their first warm-up match before the T20 World Cup after Virat Kohli’s India beat them by seven wickets. More worryingly, perhaps, the all-rounder Liam Livingstone was forced off the field with a finger injury after dropping a catch.

Moeen Ali said: ” I think he’s alright. I think it’s just bruising on the back of the hand but I think he’ll be fine. Obviously, it was a bit of a scare at the time but he said it was fine, so hopefully he’s all good. “

Ali added: “He’s a brilliant player – he’s been playing really well over the last couple of years. Hopefully he can carry that form into the World Cup and I feel like it’s going be a big stage for him.”

Moeen Ali continued right where he left off in the 2021 IPL Final. The all-rounder scored 43 off just 20 balls for England in the warm-up fixture. Moeen Ali was lethal in the death overs and unleashed carnage against Bhuvneshwar Kumar in particular.

Liam Livingstone Won’t Feature In Next Warm-Up Game Against New Zealand

Liam Livingstone will reportedly not feature in England’s next warm-up game against New Zealand. He had to leave the field after getting hit on the finger, with Sam Billings replacing him. The 2016 finalists began their campaign with a loss to India in the first warm-up fixture.

The all-rounder appeared to have lost the trajectory of the ball for a brief moment amidst the light at the ICC Academy in Dubai. Liam Livingstone was seen in pain straightaway, with noticeable swelling observed a little while after the incident.

A spokesperson from the England camp confirmed that his injury would be assessed in the next 24 hours. Liam Livingstone put in a handy shift during the warm-up encounter against India.

He registered a bright 30-run cameo with the bat and bowled a two-over spell with the ball, which yielded only ten runs and skipper Virat Kohli’s wicket. The 28-year-old batter scored 30 off 20 deliveries and returned figures of 1-10 in his two overs with the ball, including the wicket of India captain Virat Kohli. Liam Livingstone was named as a replacement for star all-rounder Ben Stokes, who had taken a break from cricket to focus on his mental health.

Cricket/Indian Premier League 2021 (IPL 2021)/News

Shardul Thakur’s Fortunes Have Changed Ever Since He Has Joined CSK In 2018: Virender Sehwag

Published on October 19, 2021

Shardul Thakur, the fast bowling all-rounder, picked up 21 wickets from 15 matches to emerge as the highest wicket-taker of the season for IPL 2021 winners CSK, ensuring that his career graph maintained its upward curve.

Impressed with Shardul Thakur’s progress, former India dashing batsman Virender Sehwag lauded the 30-year-old and credited his association with CSK and its captain MS Dhoni for the terrific turnaround in his career. Virender Sehwag feels Shardul Thakur has turned over a new leaf since joining CSK, which has seen him grab 55 wickets for the four-time IPL champions.

Shardul Thakur’s Fortunes Have Changed After He Joined CSK: Virender Sehwag

Chennai Super Kings proved yet again why they are the most consistent IPL team of all time. Over the IPL, only once did CSK fail to reach the Playoffs, which was last year (IPL 2020). Still, as the team is renowned always to stage a fabulous comeback, CSK did exactly that in IPL 2021, winning the title by beating Kolkata Knight Riders by 27 runs in the final in Dubai.

While most of CSK’s triumph focused on Ruturaj Gaikwad, Faf du Plessis, Ravindra Jadeja, and Deepak Chahar, one person who went under the radar is Shardul Thakur.

“He is CSK’s highest wicket-taker this season. He came to bowl the 11th over where he took two wickets and the game changed from there. His fortunes have changed ever since he has joined Chennai Super Kings. He’s played most of his cricket for India after playing for CSK,” Virender Sehwag said.

CSK acquired Shardul Thakur in 2018, and although he had represented the national team in ODIs and T0Is earlier, the same year, he went on to make his Test debut later in November. Shardul Thakur, who has been consistently among wickets for the Mumbai Ranji team, was inducted into the Indian squad for the Test tour of the West Indies(2018). Although, his big moment came in Sri Lanka when he made his ODI debut for India (2017).

Shardul Thakur Has Performed Well For CSK, Which Has Reflected In Int’l Cricket Success: Virender Sehwag

Although it took Shardul Thakur to cement his place in the team, he has produced a good case for himself with both bat and ball, scoring three half-centuries and picking 14 wickets from four Tests.

“Before joining CSK, he used to be in and out of the team, but having played for Chennai, he entered the Indian Test team, the one-day side, and the T20 unit as well. As I said, his fortunes have changed, not only because he has played for CSK but also because he has picked up wickets and performed well,” added Virender Sehwag.

In his brief international career, pace all-rounder Shardul Thakur has played 4 Tests picking 14 scalps averaging 22.71 besides amassing 190 runs with 3 fifties averaging 38. He has also played 15 ODIs and 22 T20Is, picking up 22 and 31 wickets, respectively.

Fast bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur who was named in the reserves, replaced Axar Patel in India’s main squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup to be held in the UAE and Oman from October 17. The selectors wanted a cover for pace bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who plays for Mumbai Indians, not bowling during the IPL because of fitness issues.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who conceded 54 runs in four overs in India’s first warm-up clash against England before the T20I World Cup, may not be picked for the mega clash against Pakistan as Shardul Thakur’s chances to play against Pakistan have increased.

Cricket/News

Rohit Sharma And KL Rahul Will Open, Ishan Kishan Can Bat Anywhere In 2021 T20I World Cup: Salman Butt

Published on October 19, 2021October 19, 2021

Salman Butt, the former Pakistan skipper, reckons Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul will open the batting for India despite Ishan Kishan’s brilliant knock as an opener against England in a T20 World Cup 2021 warm-up game in Dubai on Monday. Ishan Kishan opened the batting with KL Rahul in India’s first warm-up clash ahead of the T20 World Cup.

While Ishan Kishan smashed 70 off 46 balls, KL Rahul made a blazing 51 off 24. The duo featured in an opening stand of 82 in 8.2 overs as India chased down a target of 189 with ease, winning the clash by seven wickets.

Salman Butt: Rohit Sharma And KL Rahul Will Open

On Monday, despite Ishan Kishan’s brilliant innings against England, Salman Butt opined that India will stick to the Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul opening pair.

Discussing India’s batting order for the T20 World Cup 2021, the former cricketer stated: “Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul will open, I don’t think that will change. Ishan Kishan can bat one down or in the middle-order or after Virat Kohli. He is in amazing form and can bat anywhere in the batting order.”

Speaking about youngster Ishan Kishan, Salman Butt added that he looked equally good against pace and spin. His 70 off 46 balls was studded with 7 fours and 3 sixes, and his strike rate was 152.17.

The 37-year-old elaborated: “I haven’t seen him in any kind of trouble either against the new ball or against the spinners. These are very good signs because he played Moeen Ali very well. Adil Rashid is a very good leg-spinner and he attacked him in rather impressive fashion. As an opener, he was confident against the fast bowlers as well.”

Ishan Kishan retired on 70, after which Rishabh Pant (29 not out) and Hardik Pandya (12 not out) took India past the finish line in 19 overs.

Salman Butt: It Looked Like KL Rahul Was Batting Against A Bowling Machine

While Ishan Kishan top-scored for India in the warm-up encounter against England on Monday, KL Rahul was equally impressive, smashing six fours and three sixes. His strike rate was a monumental 212.5-the best of the Indian innings as it came off only 24 balls.

Analyzing KL Rahul’s batting, Salman Butt said: “The highlight of India’s batting, according to me, was KL Rahul’s knock. If anyone wants to watch beautiful batting, they must watch KL Rahul bat. The way he took on England’s bowlers, it seemed like he was batting against a bowling machine. “

Controversial Pakistan batsman Salman Butt (File Photo | AFP)

“He was able to hit the ball anywhere at his will. The standout aspect of his innings was that most of the shots he played were correct strokes. The kind of shots he played demonstrated the dangerous form that he is currently in.”

KL Rahul has an amazing T20 record. He has smashed 1557 runs in 49 T20Is at a strike rate of 142.19. In IPL 2021, he amassed 626 runs in 13 games and was the third-leading run-getter in the edition.

Earlier, England managed to score 188/5 after Jonny Bairstow’s 49 off 36 balls and Moeen Ali’s cameo of unbeaten 43 off 20 balls as Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar(4 overs, 54 runs, 0 wickets) was taken to the cleaners. Mohammed Shami conceded 40 runs, too, despite picking 3 scalps. For England, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Chris Jordan, Moeen Ali, and Adil Rashid were too expensive as all of them conceded 10 runs per over or more.

Cricket/News

Rishabh Pant Can Change The Course Of A Match With His Power Hitting: VVS Laxman

Published on October 19, 2021October 19, 2021

VVS Laxman believes Rishabh Pant’s batting position should be defined by the number of overs remaining considering the dashing wicketkeeper-batter’s match-winning abilities.

Rishabh Pant walked into bat at the No. 4 position during India’s run chase in their first T20 World Cup warm-up encounter against England. The southpaw smashed an unbeaten 29 off only 14 deliveries, including 1 four and 3 sixes to see his team across the finish line, chasing a stiff 189.

Rishabh Pant (Photo Source: Disney+Hotstar VIP)

VVS Laxman: Rishabh Pant Can Change Course Of A Match With His Power Hitting

While reviewing the India-England warm-up encounter on Star Sports, VVS Laxman was asked if Rishabh Pant should continue to bat at No. 4 ahead of Suryakumar Yadav.

He responded: “I feel No. 4 is the right position for Suryakumar Yadav. Rishabh Pant can start at No. 5 but if two or three wickets have fallen around the 13th or 14th over, then Rishabh Pant can go and bat. I will pay more attention to the overs because Rishabh Pant is a batter who can change the course of a match with his power hitting.”

The former India cricketer added that game-changers like Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya need to be promoted based on the match situation.

VVS Laxman explained: “So I will send Rishabh Pant in as soon as 14 overs are done. Batters like Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya who can play the big shots and play the role of a finisher, showing that flexibility is extremely necessary.”

VVS Laxman was also happy that Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya had provided the finishing touches to India’s run chase. After KL Rahul’s 51 and Ishan Kishan’s 70, Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya(12*) remained unbeaten as India managed to cross the 189 run target in the penultimate over.

“I feel 40 runs were required off the last four overs and you can see a similar situation in the main round of the World Cup, so it was a proper warm-up match as you saw the challenges you will see in the main round.”

Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya are expected to play the finishers’ role for Team India. However, the latter has not been at his best lately, and the Indian team will hope that he regains his touch before the actual tournament begins.

VVS Laxman: No. 3 Is The Right Position For Virat Kohli

VVS Laxman was also asked about Virat Kohli’s decision to bat at No. 3.

He replied: “I feel it is the right position for him because you have experienced opening batsmen in KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma. And the way Ishan Kishan is batting, I am feeling that he is going to force the team management to play him in the playing XI but No. 3 is the right position for Virat Kohli.”

Virat Kohli, who batted at No. 3 in yesterday’s warm-up encounter, scored 11 runs off 13 deliveries. However, he wasn’t at his fluent best and will hope for a longer hit in the middle during the second warm-up match against Australia.

Earlier, England managed to score 188/5 after Jonny Bairstow’s 49 off 36 balls and Moeen Ali’s cameo of unbeaten 43 off 20 balls as Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar(4 overs, 54 runs, 0 wickets) was taken to the cleaners. Mohammed Shami conceded 40 runs despite picking 3 scalps. For England, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Chris Jordan, Moeen Ali, and Adil Rashid were too expensive as all of them conceded 10 runs per over or more.

Umran Malik is already part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad set up as a net bowler. | Courtesy: Twitter (@SunRisers)

Cricket/Indian Premier League 2021 (IPL 2021)/News

Umran Malik Clocks 153 Kph Against RCB, The Fastest Delivery Of IPL 2021

Published on October 7, 2021

Umran Malik, SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) pace sensation has said that bowling fast comes naturally to him, and ever since the onset, he has bowled quickly to disrupt the batters’ concentration.

SRH pacer Umran Malik clocked 153kph to bowl the fastest delivery of IPL 2021 against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Wednesday. Umran Malik achieved this feat in the 4th delivery of the 9th over against Devdutt Padikkal. The RCB batsman got the outside edge and scored a run on the fastest delivery of IPL 2021.

Umran Malik Said Former Pacer Irfan Pathan Told Him He Can Improve

Roped in as a replacement for injured and Covid-19 affected T Natarajan, Umran Malik has been one of the very few positives for the Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise in an otherwise forgettable campaign.

After making noise against Kolkata Knight Riders with his searing pace, Umran Malik went a step ahead against RCB as he clocked at 153kmph in the ninth over while delivering to RCB opener Devdutt Padikkal. Umran Malik was warmed up nicely, having delivered the previous three deliveries at 147, 150 and 152kmph, respectively. With a 153kmph thunderbolt, he bettered Lockie Ferguson’s 152.75 km record for the current season.

“From the very starting, I used to bowl fast. When I played cricket with Cosco ball, I used to bowl fast then also. We used to play one over matches and I used to run in and bowl fast yorkers. In 2018, U-19 trials came and I was bowling, the selectors saw me. I was bowling with jogger shoes, then my friend gave me spike shoes and I then came into the U-19 team. Then I played Under-23 cricket,” Umran Malik told teammate Bhuvneshwar Kumar in a video posted on iplt20.com.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's Umran Malik in action (Image Courtesy: BCCI) — Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Umran Malik in action (Image Courtesy: BCCI)

“In 2018, I was practicing regularly. After Under-23, I played Vijay Hazare and Ranji Trophy. I thank the SRH franchise for giving me an opportunity. Irfan Pathan came and he told me where I can improve. I was scared at first when I had to bowl to Warner and Williamson in the nets. I prayed to God that I just bowl good balls. I kept on learning and this has helped me,” he added.

Against KKR, debutant Umran Malik, 21, clocked 151.03 km ph (93.84 mph), the fastest delivery by an Indian pacer this season of IPL 2021. Also, 11 out of his 24 legitimate deliveries against KKR were above 145 km ph (90mph).

Umran Malik Was Determined To Pick Up His Maiden Wicket Against RCB

A spirited bowling performance saw Kane Williamson-led SRH defeat RCB by four runs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Wednesday. Bhuvneshwar Kumar defended 13 off the final over to help his side register a thrilling victory.

“I was determined to take a wicket against RCB and I just wanted to take a wicket,” said Umran Malik.

Umran Malik began by hitting 141kph and conceded just a single off his first four deliveries. The fifth one produced a wicket, KS Bharat caught behind a searing short ball.

Earlier, Jason Roy played a knock of 44 runs as SRH posted a total of 141/7 in the allotted twenty overs. For RCB, Harshal Patel returned with the figures of 3-33. SunRisers Hyderabad will next take on Mumbai Indians on Friday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

With 13 needed off the last over, bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, AB de Villiers drilled the fourth ball for six but fell short in the end. The defeat means Royal Challengers’ chances of finishing inside the top two in the points table are effectively over, as the eliminated Sunrisers Hyderabad pinched their third win of the season following contributions from almost all their bowlers, and batsmen Jason Roy and Kane Williamson.

Sunrisers Hyderabad 141 for 7 (Roy 44, Harshal 3-33, Christian 2-14) beat Royal Challengers Bangalore 137 for 6 (Padikkal 41, Maxwell 40, Malik 1-21) by four runs

Cricket/Indian Premier League 2021 (IPL 2021)/News

IPL 2021: Strike Rates Are Very Overrated Referring To Virat Kohli’s Failure Against SRH – Gautam Gambhir

Published on October 7, 2021October 7, 2021

Gautam Gambhir has defended RCB skipper Virat Kohli, saying that strike rates are overrated, and it is impossible for Virat Kohli to score runs every time.

Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli is batting well in the UAE leg of the IPL 2021. Still, on Wednesday, Virat Kohli failed to do wonders with the bat and returned to the pavilion after scoring just four runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Virat Kohli has scored 362 runs in 13 IPL 2021 matches averaging 30.16 with 3 fifties.

Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli in action against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2021. (IPL)

Gautam Gambhir: Strike Rates Are Overrated

Notably, Virat Kohli has got off to good starts during the UAE leg of IPL 2021, but he has failed to sustain the momentum after the powerplay, and this has allowed the critics to raise fingers over his slow batting. However, former India opener Gautam Gambhir has defended Virat Kohli, saying that strike rates are overrated.

Virat Kohli is often seen dominatingly opening the innings before slowing down a bit post the powerplay (6 overs). He has been placed under scrutiny for his slow batting in the middle overs. However, the former India cricketer and commentator Gautam Gambhir has come forward to defend Virat Kohli on the same.

Gautam Gambhir noted that it is impossible for Virat Kohli to score runs at Glenn Maxwell’s pace and still get a huge total against his name and vice-versa.

“Strike rates are very overrated. You can expect Kohli to have a 600-run season but you can’t expect that from Maxwell, and you can never have Maxwell batting at a [strike rate of] 120-125 and expect Kohli to be batting on 160. So both of them are different and it’s a combination of everyone that makes a successful side,” Gambhir said while speaking to ESPNcricinfo.

The former cricketer reckoned that Virat Kohli has taken the mantle of providing a steady start to the team in the power play and then expects the middle-order to take the momentum further for the side. He termed the RCB skipper as a world-class player and said that he will perform his best when he plays his natural game.

Gautam Gambhir: Virat Kohli Opens To Play A Anchor Role To Allow Big Hitters Glenn Maxwell And AB de Villiers Accelerate Later

Referring to Virat Kohli’s decision to open the innings, Gautam Gambhir said that Virat Kohli decided to open the RCB innings because he wanted to anchor the innings and then allow big-hitters like Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers to up the ante.

“(It) depends on the wicket and I believe the reason is Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers. He feels that those two guys can accelerate and he can play an anchor role in the second half, which he has done really well. That’s probably why he prefers to open the batting, get momentum in the first six overs and then continue batting while someone else from the other end can accelerate,” he added.

It is to be noted that RCB has already secured a playoffs berth and is currently placed third in the points table. However, RCB conceded a 4-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in a low-scoring thriller on Wednesday. In a low-scoring thriller, SRH successfully defended the 142-run target as seasoned campaigner Bhuvneshwar Kumar defended 13 runs in the final over.

RCB was in a strong position in the chase during Glenn Maxwell’s time at the crease, but the side couldn’t recover after his dismissal. The Australian scored 40 off 25 deliveries and was run-out.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

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