Dwaine Pretorius

Rishabh Pant led India against South Africa (BCCI Image)

Rishabh Pant Has To Perform In T20Is Amidst Intense Competition For Keeper’s Slot : Irfan Pathan

Published on June 17, 2022

Rishabh Pant, who remains a crucial element of the Indian team across all three formats, has managed just 40 runs in the last three T20 games averaging a pathetic 13.33.

India may have plugged the gaps in the third T20I at Visakhapatnam but the pressure still remains on stand-in skipper Rishabh Pant, who hasn’t clicked with the willow in his first-ever stint as captain of the national side. The 24-year-old stumper will look for a substantial knock when the home team takes on South Africa in another must-win Twenty20 game in Rajkot on Friday.

Rishabh Pant Has Got Stuck A Lot And He Has To Perform In T20Is Amidst Lot Of Competition Among Keepers: Irfan Pathan

The Proteas bowling attack hasn’t allowed free-flowing Rishabh Pant to find his mojo. The stand-in captain has been caught in the deep multiple times in an attempt to smack the ball. He scored just six in the previous T20I before falling prey to a Dwaine Pretorius slower delivery.

As Rishabh Pant faces a stiff challenge in the remaining two games, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has underlined how the team has got plenty of options at its disposal. Irfan Pathan feels Rishabh Pant can’t keep his bat quiet when there is intense competition for a place in the eleven.

“He has got stuck a lot, you will have to perform. As of now, you are doing the captaincy but it is possible that going forward a time might come where you might have to work hard to play in the XI,” Irfan said during a discussion.

“You already have Dinesh Karthik and Ishan Kishan as wicketkeepers in the playing XI and Sanju Samson is waiting, and KL Rahul (who can keep) is a name who I will always keep in my playing XI. I feel he (Rahul) is the best cricketer. So there is a lot of competition, you cannot keep your bat quiet for too long,” he further added.

With as many as four wicketkeeper-batters in contention in Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Dinesh Karthik, it will be interesting to see how many get the nod for the upcoming 2022 T20I World Cup. KL Rahul who was injured before the ongoing South Africa series is another option for the keeper’s slot and will certainly make the World Cup squad if fit.

Rishabh Pant Is A Superstar Player: Irfan Pathan

Rishabh Pant has struggled with the bat in the ongoing T20I series against South Africa so far, having registered scores of 29, 5, and 6. His shot selection has also come under the scanner. The aggressive batter had a poor IPL 2022 campaign as well. Leading the Delhi Capitals (DC), he scored 340 runs in 14 matches with a best of 44.

“The T20 game is his, that’s what I believe. There is no doubt that Rishabh Pant is a superstar player. He is a 24-year-old boy, if he plays for the next 10 years, he can become the most fantastic cricketer but that result has not come till now.”

“I feel he tries to muscle the ball a lot when he plays on the off side. When you try to put the same power that you put while playing on the leg side while losing your shape, there will be problems. He is trying to hit too hard and hitting the ball in the air. Play along the ground there and hit in the air on the leg side,” added the World Cup-winning all-rounder.

Ishan Kishan has scored 164 runs averaging 54.67 in the 3 T20Is against South Africa and is the leading run-getter, while Dinesh Karthik has scored 37 runs averaging 37. Although Rishabh Pant has managed 40 runs, he averages only 13.33. In his T20I career, Rishabh Pant has scored 723 runs in 46 T20Is at a low average and strike rate of 23.32 and 125.95 respectively with three half-centuries to his name.

Heinrich Klaasen scored 81 runs from 46 balls in the 2nd T20I against India. Photo: AP

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Heinrich Klaasen Targeted Our Spinners Really Well: Shreyas Iyer

Published on June 13, 2022June 13, 2022

Shreyas Iyer, an Indian middle-order batter credited South African batter, Heinrich Klaasen, for his match-winning innings in the second T20I in Cuttack on Sunday (June 12). He praised the batter for the manner in which he targeted the Indian bowlers, especially the spinners. According to the 27-year-old, Team India’s bowlers did not bowl badly but Heinrich Klaasen was just too good on the day.

Coming into the team as the keeper-batter in place of the injured Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen grabbed his opportunity with both hands, smashing 81 off 46 balls. The 30-year-old was the easy choice for ‘Player of the Match’ in the second T20I. South Africa chased down 149 comfortably to go 2-0 up in the five-match series.

Heinrich Klaasen during his knock of 81. Pic: Cricket South Africa

Shreyas Iyer Praised Heinrich Klaasen For Targeting Indian Spinners Really Well

Heinrich Klaasen completely dominated the Indian spinners, Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel, during his career-best aggressive knock.

Speaking at the post-match conference, Shreyas Iyer praised the South African batter for his match-winning knock and said: “Klaasen targeted our spinners really well. He played shots off good lengths. The ball wasn’t turning and he was standing and delivering.

“The strokes he hit mostly landed over the ropes. He batted really well and credit to him. I don’t think our bowlers did much wrong. They bowled in the right areas and varied their pace as well. It was just that Klaasen’s execution was very good.”

Heinrich Klaasen pressed the accelerator button in the 64-run partnership with Temba Bavuma, who scored 35 off 30 balls with four boundaries and a six. The duo saw the threat of Bhuvneshwar’s fiery spell and brought South Africa back into the game. Heinrich Klaasen took the toll on the Indian spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel, leaving no stone unturned to maximize the scoring opportunities against the pair.

Shreyas Iyer Praied Bhuvneshwar Kumar For An Outstanding Opening Spell

Before Heinrich Klaasen’s brilliance, Indian pacer spearhead Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s magic with the ball gave India hopes of defending a below-par total of 148. The seasoned pacer dismissed Reeza Hendricks (4), Dwaine Pretorius (4), and Rassie van der Dussen (1) in his first spell to leave the Proteas in trouble at 29/3.

Praising the senior Indian pacer, Shreyas Iyer said: “He gave us a really good start, exactly the start we required. He is known for his swing bowling and the wicket really helped him. He knew the areas to bowl at. He executed his plans really well. He is someone who has got a lot of experience and is a great asset to the team.”

Bhuvneshwar Kumar returned in the 18th over to dismiss Wayne Parnell (1) and finish with exceptional figures of 4/13. However, by then, South Africa only needed a couple of runs to clinch victory.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 3 for 10 with the new ball left South Africa wounded at 29 for three at the end of the powerplay. This was the first time in 10 years that Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked three wickets in the powerplay. His last was against Pakistan in Bengaluru back in 2012.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar returned with figures of 4/13 vs South Africa. (Source: AP)

Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed 4/13 – the best bowling figures in a losing cause in a T20 international. The India and Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer broke his own record – 3/9 against Pakistan on his T20I debut back in 2012.

Having lost their first two games, Team India will need to claim victories in all three remaining T20Is to win the series. Although it’s a tough proposition, Shreyas Iyer asserted that the Men in Blue are up for the task.

Shreyas Iyer concluded: “It’s a great challenge. Lot of pressure on us. We have done it in the past and I can’t see anything which is going to stop us.”

The third T20I of the India-South Africa series will be played in Vizag on Tuesday, June 14. India trails the five-match T20I series at home 0-2 after losing the opening two matches, which were played in Delhi and Cuttack.

The visitors took the Indian bowlers to task as they had failed to defend the total in both matches. After the third T20I in Vizag on June 14th, the remaining two matches of the series will be played in Rajkot (June 17) and Bengaluru (June 19).

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Bhuvneshwar Kumar Surpasses Ravichandran Ashwin To Become 3rd Highest Indian Wicket Taker In T20Is

Published on June 13, 2022

Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked four early wickets of South African players Reeza Hendricks, Dwaine Pretorius, Rassie van der Dussen and Wayne Parnell in the 2nd T20I against South Africa. The right-arm swing bowler thus overtook Ravichandran Ashwin to become the third-highest wicket-taker for India in the shortest format of the game.

After India posted a total of 148-6 in the first innings of the second T20I against South Africa, it seemed like a score just above par. To make it a competitive total, the Men in Blue needed their bowlers to be on top of their game and pick up early wickets.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Becomes 3rd Highest Wicket Taker for India In T20Is After Yuzvendra Chahal, And Jasprit Bumrah By Surpassing Ravichandran Ashwin

It was the veteran pace spearhead Bhuvneshwar Kumar who stepped up to the task as he bowled a superb first spell to chip in with three early wickets, before coming back again in the 18th over to chip in with one more wicket in the last delivery of his fourth over.

Yuzvendra Chahal with Ravichandran Ashwin (ANI/PTI)

In doing so, the right-arm fast bowler became the third-highest wicket-taker for India in T20I history with 63 wickets in 61 games. He thus overtook Ravichandran Ashwin, who has 61 wickets in his T20I career. Yuzvendra Chahal is still the highest wicket-taker for India in T20Is with 69 scalps. Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested for the series against South Africa, stands second in the list with 67 scalps.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Registered Figures Of 4/13- Best Bowling Figures In A Losing Cause In T20Is

Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck right in the very first over of Proteas innings. On the last ball of the opening over, he bamboozled opener Reeza Hendricks with a beautiful in-swinging delivery that landed on a good length and nipped back in. Reeza Hendricks was beaten as the ball took an inside edge onto the pad and then uprooted the off stump.

In his second over, he brought in a smart change in pace, as he bowled a knuckleball to Dwaine Pretorius. He went across the line and miscued the ball high up in the air. Avesh Khan, who was fielding at deep mid-wicket, took a comfortable catch to give Bhuvneshwar Kumar his second wicket of the game.

On the third ball of the sixth over, Bhuvneshwar Kumar got the wicket of Rassie van der Dussen, who scored a match-winning knock for the Proteas in the first T20I. He bowled a back-of-a-length delivery which nipped back in and he played it on thus uprooting the off stump. He came back in the 18th over to end his spell with the wicket of Wayne Parnell, whom he got out clean bowled.

In the first innings, India registered a total of 148. Shreyas Iyer’s 40 and a late charge from Dinesh Karthik (30* off 21) in the final overs helped India recover from a tough situation. However, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s stupendous spell of 4/13 went in vain as the visitors rode on the brilliance of Heinrich Klaasen.Heinrich Klaasen scored 81 from 46 balls, including seven fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 176.09 as South Africa chase the target with 10 balls to spare and took a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 3 for 10 with the new ball left South Africa wounded at 29 for three at the end of the powerplay. This was the first time in 10 years that Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked three wickets in the powerplay. His last was against Pakistan in Bengaluru back in 2012.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed 4/13 – the best bowling figures in a losing cause in a T20 international. The India and Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer broke his own record – 3/9 against Pakistan on his T20I debut back in 2012.

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Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Presence Will Be A Huge Positive For India In The 2022 T20I World Cup: Sunil Gavaskar

Published on June 13, 2022June 13, 2022

Sunil Gavaskar, former Indian legendary batter and ex-captain and former South African captain Graeme Smith was effusive in his praise for the India star pace spearhead Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

There was one and only one standout performer for India in their four-wicket defeat to South Africa on Sunday at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. The 32-year-old’s impressive show gave some hope to the Indian team before a 64-run stand between Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller helped the visitors bounce back in style and wrap up the chase in 18.2 overs. Despite the loss, former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar was effusive in his praise for the India star pacer.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Image Credit: Twitter)

Graeme Smith Enjoyed Outstanding Spell From Bhuvneshwar Kumar Who Had Brilliant Control And Execution

Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivered a sensational performance in Cuttack in the second T20I game of the five-match series. He got Proteas opener Reeza Hendricks out with a perfect inswinger in his very first over to give India a perfect start to defending their total. In his next over, he got the better of Dwaine Pretorius with a knuckleball and the pacer returned for his final over in the powerplay to dismiss Rassie van der Dussen for just one.

Graeme Smith © Getty Images (File Photo)

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 3 for 10 with the new ball left South Africa wounded at 29 for three at the end of the powerplay. This was the first time in 10 years that Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked three wickets in the powerplay. His last was against Pakistan in Bengaluru back in 2012.

“He was just outstanding. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was good thinking…and skill-level as well. When Reeza Hendricks was on strike, he knew he struggles against the inswinger. He got one right and knocked him over.

“Dwaine Pretorius walked in next and he decide to take him on but is knocked out with the knuckleball. Just brilliant control and execution,” said former South Africa captain Graeme Smith on Star Sports after the match.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed 4/13 – the best bowling figures in a losing cause in a T20 international. The India and Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer broke his own record – 3/9 against Pakistan on his T20I debut back in 2012.

Sunil Gavaskar: Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Presence Will Be A Huge Positive For India In The 2022 T20I World Cup Where There Will Be Carry And Bounce

Bhuvneshwar Kumar returned for his final over at the fag end of the chase to dismiss Wayne Parnell for just one. And despite his efforts reading 4 for 13, India lost by 4 wickets. But Sunil Gavaskar hailed the veteran’s performance in the game and explained why he would be a huge plus for India in the impending T20 World Cup in Australia.

“He was just brilliant. The white ball doesn’t swing that much, in the air or off the surface, but he has got that capability. And that is why it was very good captaincy from Rishabh Pant to give him that third over in which he got a wicket as well.

“Because after that the ball wouldn’t have moved that much as well and Bhuvneshwar would have been ineffective. But to have someone like him in Australia, where there will that little bit of more carry and bounce, I think that will be a huge plus,” Sunil Gavaskar said.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar also became the third-highest wicket-taker for India in T20I history with 63 wickets in 61 games after the 2nd T20I concluded. Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed 4/13 – the best bowling figures in a losing cause in a T20 international. The pacer’s career-best figure is 5/24 in T20Is and he averages 24.06 in the shortest format.

Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya - Twitter

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Sunil Gavaskar Believes Hardik Pandya Is Going To Be The Game Changer For India In T20Is

Published on June 11, 2022

Sunil Gavaskar believes Hardik Pandya will be a game-changer for Team India in T20Is going forward. The former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar even wants the all-rounder to bowl with the new ball on a few occasions.

Hardik Pandya was left out of the Indian team due to fitness-related issues after the T20I World Cup 2021. The Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper was recalled to the Indian side for the ongoing 5 matches T20I series against South Africa based on his all-around displays in IPL 2022, including leading the new franchise Gujarat Titans to the title.

Sunil Gavaskar Believes Hardik Pandya Is Going To Be The Game Changer For India

During a discussion, Sunil Gavaskar pointed out that Hardik Pandya is immensely valuable to Team India.

The cricketer-turned-commentator Sunil Gavaskar said: “I think he is going to be the game-changer for India, more often than not, in all the matches that are due to come, not just the World Cup but every single match that India plays, whether he bats at No. 5, whether he comes into bowl at first change or second change.”

“Sometimes I will actually want to see him with the new ball,” said Sunil Gavaskar.

Hardik Pandya bowled with the new ball on a few occasions for the Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2022. However, he is unlikely to open the bowling for Team India, considering the plethora of options with the new ball at their disposal, unless they look to get one over from the sixth bowler out of the way.

Hardik Pandya stayed unbeaten on 31 runs in 12 balls in the 1st T20I. Hardik Pandya’s late charge and Ishan Kishan’s 76 off 48 balls helped India score 211/4, which is their highest ever score in a T20I against South Africa.

But the Proteas systematically went about chasing the target down. Dwaine Pretorius gave them the early impetus after which an unbeaten 131-run stand-off 64 balls between David Miller and Rassie Van der Dussen helped South Africa chase down the target with five balls to spare.

Graeme Smith Feels All-Round Package Of Hardik Pandya Gives India Options In Selection

Graeme Smith was asked if Team India needs Hardik Pandya the finisher more than Hardik Pandya the bowler.

The former South African skipper replied: “No, I disagree. You need the finisher as well but I think the all-round package of Hardik Pandya gives India options in selection.”

Graeme Smith then highlighted the balance Hardik Pandya brings to the Indian side, explaining: “It might give you the option of playing the extra spinner or a bowler less and strengthen your batting and going into the World Cup, I think having him as a full-blown all-rounder is key to the balance of India’s team.”

Graeme Smith Image Source : ICC — Graeme Smith Image Source: ICC

Team India’s balance was certainly compromised when Hardik Pandya was out due to injury. They tried the likes of Venkatesh Iyer as batting all-rounders but they fell short of the Baroda all-rounder’s lofty standards.

Chasing a mammoth total of 212, the Proteas were reeling at 81 for 3 when Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller joined hands. Rassie van der Dussen top-scored for his team, scoring 75 off 46 balls while David Miller slammed 64 off just 31 balls. The Temba Bavuma-led side took a 1-0 lead with a win in the first T20I. The teams will meet at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack for the next match on June 12 (Sunday).

Brief Scores: India 211/4 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 76, Shreyas Iyer 36; Wayne Parnell 1/32, Dwaine Pretorius 1/35) lost to South Africa 212/3 in 19.1 overs (Rassie van der Dussen 75 not out, David Miller 64 not out; Axar Patel 1/40, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 1/43) by seven wickets

Ashish Nehra celebrates a wicket. Photograph: BCCI

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Ashish Nehra Praised David Miller And Rassie van der Dussen’s Effort While Analyzing 1st T20I

Published on June 10, 2022

Ashish Nehra, the former Indian pacer praised the efforts of David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen, which made the six-man Indian bowling unit seem less. The South African duo were involved in an unbeaten 131-run partnership for the fourth wicket in the first T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday.

The Proteas recorded their highest ever run chase in the shortest format at the expense of the Indian bowling unit. Earlier, India registered the highest total at the venue in Delhi. However, they failed to defend as South Africa scaled down a mammoth 212-run target with five balls to spare.

David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen (Credits: Twitter)

Ashish Nehra: David Miller Has Started International Cricket The Same Way He Left IPL 2022

India’s several first-choice players were unavailable. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah have all been rested for the 5-match T20I series. KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav were both injured just one day before the series began. As a result, Rishabh Pant was tasked with leading India.

South Africa pulled off their highest successful chase in T20I cricket, and denied India a record 13th successive T20I victory, despite being a batter light in the series opener. India would have fancied their chances after they made use of some early luck to post their highest total against South Africa – 211 for 4 – and the highest T20I total at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Showering praise on David Miller’s exploits, Ashish Nehra said: “The form Miller is in, he has started International cricket the same way he left the IPL. India had the bowlers today, even Pandya as the sixth option, but even that was not enough. It is not easy to chase 212, but Miller and van der Dussen did not allow the bowlers to settle as well.”

The explosive left-handed batter came into the series on the back of a sensational IPL 2022 season. He recorded 481 runs in the Gujarat Titans’ (GT) winning campaign and continued his fine touch in international cricket.

Believing that confidence and experience are the keys behind David Miller’s success, Nehra said: “Miller did not do that well in the last couple of editions in the IPL, but he has been doing well in the International circuit. He had that confidence and he showed it in the IPL, he also has experience and the ability.”

He added: “This did not happen overnight, it is not like he performed well for a couple of series before the IPL and went for big bucks at the auction like some Caribbean players.”

The 32-year-old power hitter was unsold on the first day of the IPL 2022 mega auction. The new franchise roped him in for a sum of ₹3 crores following a bidding war with his former franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR). It turned out to be the best buy for the Gujarat Titans he made significant contributions in the middle order.

Parthiv Patel Reckons It’s Difficult To Bowl To In Form David Miller Who Has A Wide Range Of Shots

India went with six bowling options in Rishabh Pant’s maiden fixture as captain. Problems began when Indian pace spearhead Bhuvneshwar Kumar failed to extract swing with the new ball. Issues started to mount when Dwaine Pretorius played a counter-attacking knock in the powerplay to provide the impetus.

The Men in Blue bounced back with a couple of wickets and were ahead in the contest at the halfway stage of the run chase. However, a dropped catch by Shreyas Iyer spelled trouble for the side as David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen finished the contest in the final over.

Claiming that it is difficult to bowl to David Miller when he is on a song, the former wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel said: “You cannot specifically pinpoint where India went wrong with their bowling. It’s just that the South Africa batters played really well. The way van der Dussen paced the innings was great. It is difficult to bowl to Miller when he is in that sort of form, because you only have limited options against someone who has such a wide range.”

The Temba Bavuma-led side took a 1-0 lead with a win in the first T20I. The teams will meet at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack for the next match on June 12 (Sunday).

Brief Scores: India 211/4 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 76, Shreyas Iyer 36; Wayne Parnell 1/32, Dwaine Pretorius 1/35) lost to South Africa 212/3 in 19.1 overs (Rassie van der Dussen 75 not out, David Miller 64 not out; Axar Patel 1/40, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 1/43) by seven wickets

Cricket/IPL 2022/News

Aakash Chopra Praises ‘Phenomenal’ Chennai Super Kings For Successful IPL 2022 Auction

Published on February 14, 2022February 14, 2022

Aakash Chopra believes the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were the standout franchise at the IPL 2022 auction.

CSK retained Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Moeen Ali and Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the mega auction. They bought 21 more players at the auction to complete their full-strength squad of 25.

Chennai Super Kings (Image Credit: Twitter)

Aakash Chopra Gives Chennai Super Kings 9/10 After Acing One More Auction

While reviewing the IPL 2022 auction in a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra was particularly delighted with CSK’s picks.

He elaborated: “The Chennai Super Kings is the team I have given the most marks. Chennai Super Kings 9/10. This team has aced one more auction. You see this team’s philosophy clearly, they are phenomenal. They got the complete squad – 25 players, and money was still left.”

The former India cricketer pointed out that MS Dhoni’s side stuck to their philosophy but were willing to spend wholeheartedly on Deepak Chahar. Pacer Deepak Chahar has been part of Chennai Super Kings since they made a return after a two-year suspension. He played a crucial part when CSK won the title twice in 2018 and 2021. In 4 seasons, he played 58 matches for the yellow army and picked 58 wickets with an economy of 7.70.

Aakash Chopra observed: “It is not that they have not spent the big bucks. When they had to spend 14 crores on Deepak Chahar, they did that as well. But despite that, what a squad they have prepared. I am thrilled.”

Apart from Deepak Chahar, Ambati Rayudu (₹6.75 crores) and Dwayne Bravo (₹4.4 crores) were CSK’s most prized picks at the auction. Shivam Dube (₹4 crores) and Chris Jordan (₹3.6 crores) were the only other players that cost them more than two crores.

Out of 14 seasons, the franchise CSK has played 12 as they were banned in 2016 and 2017. The team has won the trophy four times in IPL 2010, IPL 2011, IPL 2018, and IPL 2021. The franchise has also reached the playoffs 11 times out of 12 seasons.

Aakash Chopra: CSK Have Plenty Of Options In Both Batting And Bowling Departments After Another Successful IPL 2022 Auctions

Aakash Chopra highlighted that CSK have plenty of options in the batting department with the inclusion of the likes of New Zealand opener Devon Conway.

He explained: “If you see the team, either Robin Uthappa or Devon Conway can open with Ruturaj Gaikwad. Moeen Ali will come after that, you will have Shivam Dube, Ambati Rayudu. If you want you can play Robin Uthappa down the order, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja.”

MS Dhoni, Deepak Chahar Photo Credit: IPL/BCCI

The reputed commentator concluded by saying that the defending champions are not short in the bowling department either with the inclusion of Chris Jordan, Mitchell Santner and Adam Milne as backup options.

Aakash Chopra elaborated: “In bowling, you have Deepak Chahar, Dwayne Bravo – they have given themselves the option of Chris Jordan, Mitchell Santner as an option for Jaddu, they have Adam Milne with Chris Jordan as an option. They have Prashant Solanki and more spinners along with him.”

Apart from the aforementioned bowlers, CSK also have Maheesh Theekshana as a mystery spinner. Dwaine Pretorius is an additional all-rounder option in their squad.

Chennai Super Kings bought 21 players during IPL 2022 auction. Dwayne Bravo, Ambati Rayudu, Robin Uthappa, Deepak Chahar, Mitchell Santner, and Shivam Dube were some of the popular players bought by CSK during the auction. CSK’s highest deal was Deepak Chahar for Rs. 14 crores.

Chennai Super Kings had an available salary purse of Rs. 48 crores during IPL 2021 auction. Ahead of the auction, the IPL 2021 champions spent Rs. 42 crores out of their 90 crores to retain 4 players in their squad. The four-time IPL champions retained Ravindra Jadeja for Rs. 16 crores, MS Dhoni for Rs. 12 crores, Moeen Ali for Rs. 8 crores, and Ruturaj Gaikwad for Rs. 6 crores.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Full Squad After IPL Auction 2022

Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Moeen Ali, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dwayne Bravo, Ambati Rayudu, Robin Uthappa, Deepak Chahar, KM Asif, Tushar Deshpande, Shivam Dube, Maheesh Theekshana, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Samarjeet Singh, Devon Conway, Dwaine Pretorius, Mitchell Santner, Subhranshu Senapati, Adam Milne, Mukesh Choudhary, Prashant Solanki, C Hari Nishaanth, N Jagadeesan, Chris Jordan, K Bhagath Varma.

Cricket/India tour of South Africa, 2021-22/News

Sunil Gavaskar Reckons There Wasn’t Any Need For Deepak Chahar To Play The Slog Shot Which Cost India The 3rd ODI

Published on January 25, 2022January 25, 2022

Sunil Gavaskar said that Deepak Chahar could have opted to knock off the remaining runs in singles and that there was no need to play the big shot while reacting to the outcome of the match and Deepak Chahar’s untimely slog.

Former India captain and legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar added that having batted so splendidly to bring India to the brink of a victory, Deepak Chahar perhaps got carried away as he skied Proteas pacer Lungi Ngidi to Dwaine Pretorius which eventually cost India the inconsequential 3rd ODI match.

Sunil Gavaskar reacts to Deepak Chahar's slog that led to his dismissal. (Gett/AP) — Sunil Gavaskar reacts to Deepak Chahar’s slog that led to his dismissal. (Gett/AP)

Sunil Gavaskar Reckons There Wasn’t Any Need For Deepak Chahar To Play The Shot Which Cost India The 3rd ODI

The third ODI between India and South Africa proved to be a heartbreak for the Men in Blue as KL Rahul and Co came close to a win, only to lose the match narrowly by a mere four runs. At one stage, victory seemed to be in India’s grasp with Deepak Chahar batting on a well-set 50 and the team requiring 10 runs off the final three overs.

But just when it seemed that India would end the tour on a winning note, Deepak Chahar, trying to clear the in-field, perished to a hoick and South Africa broke through the door to make it 3-0.

“The way the last 10 overs were turning out, it seemed as if South Africa would find it tough to win. But the way they kept their composure. The pressure was on them after Lungi Ngidi conceded a few runs. But after that, some of the shots we saw, maybe you could say… ‘what was the hurry? Deepak Chahar played such a wonderful innings, had almost pulled the match.

“We needed just 10 runs and some 18 balls were left. You could have taken singles and won the game. At that time, what was the need to play the big shot?” Gavaskar said.

While he did not criticize seam all-rounder Deepak Chahar, Sunil Gavaskar did point out a ‘thinking’ that has started to plague Indian cricket. The need to finish a match with a glory shot, says Sunil Gavaskar, has crept in the minds of players due to the game’s popularity being on a constant high with the advent of T20 cricket.

Sunil Gavaskar Didn’t Find Fault With Deepak Chahar’s Innings But Criticizes Thinking Mindset To Finish Game With A Boundary Or A Maximum

The glamour, the exposure and the temptation to be a hero is what Sunil Gavaskar feels is impacting the cricketers, which he explained was responsible behind Deepak Chahar’s outrageous shot.

“I am not faulting him. I am just saying that today the thinking is such that if you have to achieve win, you do it only through fours and sixes. Not through singles. And because of this, the match which was in India’s hands, slipped out of it,” added Gavaskar.

Deepak Chahar gets emotional after whirlwind fifty goes in vain against South Africa in 3rd ODI, see pic — India’s Deepak Chahar is distraught after being dismissed in the third ODI against South Africa. (Source: Twitter)

“I am not criticising. I am just questioning this thinking that has crept into the minds of people. If you win by taking singles, people won’t say a thing. But if you hit fours, they’ll say ‘look, he hit a boundary to win the match. Look, he hit a six to win the match.’ The urge to hear these cheers is why no one wants to take singles and win the match.”

Deepak Chahar played a brilliant knock of 54 in 34 balls to give India hope. However, in the end, he failed to take India over the line. Half-centuries by Virat Kohli (65), Shikhar Dhawan (61), and Deepak Chahar (54) went in vain as India suffered a heartbreaking four-run loss against South Africa in the third and final ODI at Newlands, Cape Town.

Earlier, Quinton de Kock hit a brilliant century for South Africa to help them post a challenging total on the scoreboard. Quinton de Kock made 124 off 130 balls to lift his team from 70 for three. He teamed up with Rassie van der Dussen (52) in a fourth-wicket stand of 144.

South Africa 287 (de Kock 124, van der Dussen 52, Prasidh 3-59) beat India 283 (Kohli 65, Dhawan 61, Chahar 54, Phehlukwayo 3-40, Ngidi 3-58) by four runs

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Cricket/India tour of South Africa, 2021-22/News

Deepak Chahar’s Splendid Effort Goes In Vain As India Suffer 4-Run Defeat Against Proteas In Cape Town

Published on January 24, 2022January 24, 2022

Deepak Chahar, Shikhar Dhawan, and Virat Kohli’s fifties went in vain. Shikhar Dhawan, the veteran Indian opener, on Sunday notched up his second fifty of the ongoing ODI series to put India in command during the 287-chase against South Africa at Cape Town. The left-handed opener reached his 35th half-century in the format and hit five fours and a six en route to the landmark before being dismissed.

In what was another quickfire knock from pace all-rounder, Deepak Chahar who scored a fine 50, but couldn’t see India home for a consolation win in Cape Town. Chasing 287 to salvage a disastrous South Africa tour with a win, India was jolted with an early blow in the form of KL Rahul, who perished for nine after his willow took a thick outside edge and it went straight to Janneman Malan at first slip. The Indian run-chase was steadied by Virat Kohli, who initially played second fiddle but accelerated his innings with time.

Shikhar Dhawan Image Source : AP — Shikhar Dhawan Image Source: AP

Shikhar Dhawan And Virat Kohli Combination Now Has 28 Fifty Plus Stands

A fifty partnership between Shikhar Dhawan & Virat Kohli helped India in going past the 100 mark. The Delhi batting pair, meanwhile, went past MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina on the list of most 50-plus partnerships for India by a left-right-handed pair. The Shikhar Dhawan-Virus Kohli combination now has 28 50-plus stands under its belt, one more than MS Dhoni & Suresh Raina’s tally of 27.

Deepak Chahar. Sourav Ganguly and Virat Kohli. — Sourav Ganguly and Virat Kohli. (PTI)

The duo of Sourav Ganguly & Sachin Tendulkar heads the list with 55 fifty-plus partnerships to its name, followed by Rohit Sharma & Shikhar Dhawan (32) and Sourav Ganguly & Rahul Dravid (29). Half-centuries by Virat Kohli (65), Shikhar Dhawan (61), and Deepak Chahar (54) went in vain as India suffered a heartbreaking four-run loss against South Africa in the third and final ODI at Newlands, Cape Town.

Shikhar Dhawan Equaled Virender Sehwag’s Record For Most 50 Plus Scores For India In ODIs

Shikhar Dhawan, who departed after scoring 61 from 73 deliveries, also ticked off a personal milestone. He equaled former India opener Virender Sehwag for most fifty-plus scores for India in the ODI format. Both the openers have 52 fifty-plus innings to their name.

Earlier, Quinton de Kock hit a brilliant century for South Africa to help them post a challenging total on the scoreboard. Quinton de Kock made 124 off 130 balls to lift his team from 70 for three. He teamed up with Rassie van der Dussen (52) in a fourth-wicket stand of 144.

Quinton de Kock Photographer: Isuru Sameera Peiris/Getty Images

On the bowling front, Prasidh Krishna, one of four changes in the Indian team, took three for 59 while Jasprit Bumrah and Deepak Chahar took two wickets each. Suryakumar Yadav, Jayant Yadav, Deepak Chahar, and Prasidh Krishna came into the Indian team in place of Venkatesh Iyer, Shardul Thakur, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Seeking a clean sweep in the three-match series, South Africa decided to go with just one change, giving chance to all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius in place left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi.

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Keegan Petersen holds the Player-of-the-Match and Series awards while Dean Elgar poses with the series trophy • Jan 14, 2022 © Getty Images

Cricket/India tour of South Africa, 2021-22/News

Keegan Petersen Said Indian Bowling Attack The Most Challenging He Faced In His Short 5 Test Match Career

Published on January 18, 2022January 18, 2022

Keegan Petersen, the South African batsman has said that the Indian bowling attack was the most challenging he has ever come across in his cricket career so far.

The right-hander was the top run-scorer in the three-match Test series, scoring 276 runs at an average of 46.00. He was the only player to score more than three half-centuries, recording scores of 72, 82, and 62.

Keegan Petersen scored at a brisk pace Getty Images

Keegan Petersen: Indian Bowling Attack Most Challenging

South Africa came from behind to win the Test series 2-1 and this victory may very well revive cricket in the country. Dean Elgar, the South African skipper played a gritty knock of 96 runs in the 2nd Test to guide South Africa to a 7-wicket win over India to level the series 1-1 before Keegan Petersen scored valuable fifties in both innings of the 3rd and final Test to see unfancied South Africa winning Test series without most of the star players.

“It hasn’t completely sunk in yet,” he said.

“I still can’t explain how it feels completely despite it being two days already. Myself, my family and everyone close to us are still trying to get over it somehow. It was a challenging series against one of the best bowling attacks in the world,” the official website of Cricket South Africa (CSA) quoted Keegan Petersen as saying.

South Africa's Dean Elgar celebrates with teammates and the trophy after winning the match and the series, Third Test - South Africa v India - Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, South Africa - January 14, 2022 | Photo Credit: Reuters — South Africa’s Dean Elgar celebrates with teammates. January 14, 2022, | Photo Credit: Reuters

The 28-year-old was named Player of the Series after his outstanding exploits with the bat against India.

Keegan Petersen Grateful To Have The Opportunity To Represent South Africa

Keegan Petersen, who has played only 5 Tests was deservingly the Man of the Match for the 3rd Test with scores of 72 and 82. He was Man of the Series too for being the top scorer with 276 runs.

“Whether I bat in the first couple of overs or whether I bat after 50 overs, I’m just grateful to have the opportunity to be there, playing amongst a group of guys who are also trying to start something new in South African cricket. We are also trying to tell a new story as a team together as well,” said Keegan Petersen.

“Deano as our captain, he’s going to, he has and he is going to achieve great things as well as a captain. He’s a brilliant leader and we wouldn’t want anyone else to lead us. The achievement for us as a squad, we know the chips were down and the odds were against us especially after the first game where we were beaten. It wasn’t a good scenario, but we had a couple of strong chats after the game looking at ways to bounce back,” he added.

Further talking about the series win, Petersen said: “It’s just our personalities and character as South Africans, even though we’re the underdogs, we always come back fighting. That’s just how we are and we showed that during this series. Hopefully, it carries on for years to come,” he added.

Keegan Petersen has so far amassed 320 runs averaging 35.56 after averaging 46 in the Test series against India. South Africa and India will now lock horns in three-match ODI series, beginning Wednesday in Paarl.

The left-arm seamer, Marco Jansen received his maiden call-up to the ODI squad, while seamer Anrich Nortje has been deemed unfit after not recovering from his hip injury. Wayne Parnell and Zubayr Hamza have retained their spots from its Netherlands ODI tour. Dwaine Pretorius, who recently had a good outing in the T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE, returned to the squad alongside all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo.

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