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Shivam Dube

Shivam Dube. Image Credits: Twitter
Shivam Dube. Image Credits: Twitter
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Indian All-Rounder Shivam Dube Marries Anjum Khan

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Shivam Dube, a promising India all-rounder on Friday got married to longtime girlfriend Anjum Khan. The Rajasthan Royals player took to Instagram to share a few images from his wedding ceremony.

Shivam Dube made his India debut in a T20I against Bangladesh in November 2019. Till now he has played 13 T20Is in which he has slammed a half-century and has best bowling figures of 3/30. Apart from that, he has also played an ODI against the West Indies in 2019.

Shivam Dube AP Photo
Shivam Dube AP Photo

Shivam Dube Ties The Knot With Anjum Khan

The all-rounder plays for Mumbai in domestic cricket and Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League. He had made his international debut for the Indian cricket team in November 2019 and is an all-rounder as he is a left-handed batsman and a right arm, medium-pace baller. While his professional life is attaining all the success, he made a big move in his personal life too.

Taking to his Instagram handle, late at the night of July 16, 2021, the all-rounder announced his wedding with his girlfriend, Anjum Khan. He shared a series of pictures from their wedding festivities and it beautifully depicted the amalgamation of two religions. Shivam Dube and Anjum Khan tied the knot with Hindu and Muslim traditions.

Shivam Dube & Anjum Khan tied the knot on July 16. (Twitter)
Shivam Dube & Anjum Khan tied the knot on July 16. (Twitter)

“We loved with a love which was more than love,” he wrote in his caption. “And now this is where our forever starts.”

After the announcement, fellow cricketers and fans poured in with congratulatory messages. Shivam Dube’s cricketer friends started congratulating the couple and showered blessings on them. While Priyank Panchal wrote, “Congratulations!!”, Shreyas Iyer wrote, “Congrats bro.” Many other pour their wishes for the couple.

Shivam Dube Was Bought By Rajasthan Royals In The IPL 2021 Auction And Would Be Keen To Perform Well When IPL 2021 Resumes In The UAE

Earlier in his career, Shivam Dube had emerged as an impressive seam bowling all-rounder. But eventually, he wasn’t able to fetch any match-winning performances in the international circuit. Since he made his debut against Bangladesh in the year 2019, the southpaw has played just 13 T20 International games scoring 105 runs and scalping only five wickets. He last played in the Indian blues against New Zealand in February 2020.

Owing to his dip in form he was dropped from the Royal Challengers Bangalore team ahead of the mini-auction in 2021. Shivam Dube was bought by the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL auction in February ahead of the IPL 2021 season. After his selection in the side, Shivam Dube had expressed his excitement of getting in some tips from the Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara.

Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

The remainder of the Indian Premier League 2021 is set to resume in Dubai from September. Shivam Dube of Rajasthan Royals would be keen to perform well in the tournament. In the first half of the IPL, he was able to score a few crucial runs for the team. He played six matches and managed to score 145 runs with his highest score being 45. Going ahead in the tournament it will be pivotal for him to fetch in some good performances for his team to fix his spot in the side.

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KC Cariappa. (Photo Source: Twitter)
KC Cariappa. (Photo Source: Twitter)
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KC Cariappa Shares Experience Of Being At Rajasthan Royals In IPL 2021

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KC Cariappa was with the Rajasthan Royals squad before IPL 2021 was indefinitely suspended due to the Covid-19 crisis. He spoke about his experience of being at Rajasthan Royals and praised his skipper, Sanju Samson.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) provides youngsters, especially local talent, with a great opportunity to mingle, discuss, and learn various aspects of the game from some of the world’s best players and equally good coaching staff. Be it Indian stalwarts or overseas stars, the learning can be immense and the experience, supremely cherishable.

K. C. Cariappa played for Kings XI Punjab in 2016 and 2017. - G. P. SAMPATH KUMAR
K. C. Cariappa played for Kings XI Punjab in 2016 and 2017. – G. P. SAMPATH KUMAR

KC Cariappa Praised Calm Sanju Samson, Warm Person Ben Stokes, Less Talkative Jos Buttler For Creating Positive Vibes In Rajasthan Royals Team Environment

A certain Indian uncapped player namely Konganda Charamanna Cariappa, or as usually know, KC Cariappa can vouch for it. Having been a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders, erstwhile Kings XI Punjab, and most recently the Rajasthan Royals, this spinner has shared the dressing with the likes of Gautam Gambhir, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler among others.

The 27-year-old was with the Rajasthan Royals squad before IPL 2021 was indefinitely suspended due to the Covid-19 crisis in India and an outbreak in various franchise bio-bubbles. While speaking to Sportskeeda, the Karnatak player spoke about his experience.

Rajasthan Royals batsmen Ben Stokes and Sanju Samson
Rajasthan Royals batsmen Ben Stokes and Sanju Samson Photograph: BCCI/IPL

“Samson was really good, he is always calm. When I played U-19, he also played that same season for Kerala. The way he captained the side in IPL 2021, he always ensured the players were brimming with confidence,” he said.

KC Cariappa also lavished praise on two prominent Englishmen and added that the team environment was great.

“RR look at every player the same, there are no assumptions. Ben Stokes is such a warm person, he would come and talk to us while we would eat. Buttler would talk the least, he is always smiling, and when you see him you get really positive vibes. Even in the practice sessions, whether you are international or domestic, it didn’t matter, we were all looked after very well,” he remarked.

Sanju Samson topped the run-scorers chart for the franchise, as he smashed a century and amassed 277 runs in 7 matches. Rajasthan Royals, under Sanju Samson’s captaincy debut, won three of their first seven matches and stood fifth in the points table.

Jos Buttler scored 254 runs while Shivam Dube and David Miller scored more than 100 runs. Among bowlers, all-rounder Chris Morris took 14 scalps, Mustafizur Rahman took 8 wickets and debutant Chetan Sakariya took 7 scalps. Ben Stokes was out injured in the very 1st match.

KC Cariappa Hopes When IPL 2021 Resumes, Rajasthan Royals Start Off Well

He revealed that leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal is a prank master and that he is hopeful of the season resuming soon.

“Shreyas is a prank master. When he was in quarantine, he would call up everyone through the hotel phone. He’s a very jolly guy. I was close with Miller and Tewatia in the RR camp, I have played with them before. This season was turning out to be good, hopefully, when it resumes we should be in a good position to start off well,” signed off Cariappa.

Shreyas Gopal
Shreyas Gopal. Image Credits: Twitter

KC Cariappa has played 11 matches, the last of which came in 2019 and picked 8 scalps. He made his debut with the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2015, and later was a part of the Kings XI Punjab setup. He did not have the best of IPLs picking up just 8 wickets in 10 matches across three seasons(2015-17).

He was roped in as one of the replacements for injured KKR pacers Kamlesh Nagarkoti & Shivam Mavi in 2019 and played a solitary game where he went wicketless. KC Cariappa will ply his trade for RR after being brought on board for INR 20 Lac in the IPL 2021 Player Auction. The leg-spinner has thus far played 29 T20s and has 25 wickets to his name and will be out to make an impact for RR in the IPL 2021.

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Shivam Dube AP Photo
Shivam Dube AP Photo
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Shivam Dube Feels India Need One More All Rounder In Playing 11 Apart From Hardik Pandya

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Shivam Dube, the all-rounder made his India debut under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, to fill the shoes of a seam-bowling all-rounder. However, he was released by RCB ahead of the 14th season and was bought by Rajasthan Royals instead.

When Royal Challengers Bangalore picked Shivam Dube, big things were expected from the hard-hitting all-rounder. Shivam Dube had just hit five sixes in a row twice during a domestic tournament and RCB splashed ₹5 crores to secure his services.

The 27-year-old played two seasons for RCB and managed 15 games. But he did not impress his critics as he managed just 168 runs at an average of 16.90. Even his strike rate was a nominal 122.46 during his stay at Bangalore.

Shivam Dube, India
Shivam Dube. Image Credits: Twitter

Shivam Dube Would Have Liked To Have Batted Higher Up The Order At No. 4 Or No. 5 For RCB

The all-rounder even made his India debut under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, to fill the shoes of a seam-bowling all-rounder. However, Shivam Dube was released by RCB ahead of the 14th season and was bought by Rajasthan Royals. He recalled his experience at RCB while stating that he would have liked to bat higher up the order.

“Definitely I would have liked to have batted higher up the order at No.4 or No.5 for RCB. But it is something that the captain and management decide according to what is better for the team. I didn’t have a bad season (IPL 2020) since it was not easy to consistently hit 2-3 sixes at the death and I was also bowling in the middle-overs.

“Releasing me was the choice of the franchise and I am okay with whatever they decided. I have the satisfaction that whenever I was called upon to bowl or bat, I did well for RCB,” Dube told Sportskeeda.

Shivam Dube, RCB
Shivam Dube In Action Playing For RCB (Image Credit: Twitter)

Shivam Dube has played 12 T20Is and 1 ODI for India. He scored 105 runs in T20Is averaging 17.5 and picked 5 scalps. He was wicketless in the only ODI he played where he scored 9 runs.

Shivam Dube: India Needs To Have One More All Rounder Apart From Hardik Pandya And Points Several Countries Play 2-3 All Rounders

Shivam Dube also talked about the need for one more all-rounder in the Indian team except for Hardik Pandya.

“You have Hardik Pandya, but you need to have one more all-rounder in the Indian team because getting a seaming all-rounder is always a difficult job. My job is to keep on performing and knocking on the door of the selectors.

“You see other countries playing 2-3 all-rounders because they always change the course of the game. I definitely feel I will be a part of the future Indian team. Playing more all-rounders will increase India’s chances of winning.”

Hardik Pandya Image Source : GETTY
Hardik Pandya Image Source: GETTY

Shivam Dube played 6 matches for RR in IPL 2021 and scored 145 runs at an average of 24.16 and with a strike rate of 117.88.

Among pace all-rounders, Vijay Shankar has a decent international experience so far with the Men in Blue. He has been part of 12 ODI matches and 9 T20I games. Much to everyone’s surprise, he was named in India’s squad for the 2019 WC, and ICC named him under five surprising picks of the tournament.

In 12 ODI matches, the batting all-rounder has stitched 223 runs at a strike rate of around 90 coming in the middle-order. He also has 9 scalps across both formats.

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Jaydev Unadkat Pic: IPLT20.COM
Jaydev Unadkat Pic: IPLT20.COM
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Andrew Tye Opted Out Of IPL 2021 After Feeling Something Amiss, Says Jaydev Unadkat

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Jaydev Unadkat said that the Australian fast bowler Andrew Tye must have opted out of the tournament and flown back home after feeling something. He added that RR takes the decisions of players in a positive way.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat has said that foreign players leaving the team bio-bubble and flying back home amid the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) have not spread any kind of negativity in the camp.

Jaydev Unadkat | IANS
Jaydev Unadkat | IANS

Jaydev Unadkat: Andre Tye Must Have Felt Something In His Mind

Reacting to Andrew Tye’s decision to leave the tournament midway, Jaydev Unadkat in an exclusive interview with Sports Today said that the Australian must have felt something before taking the call and that RR as a franchise is very supportive in such situations.

Notably, England batsman Liam Livingstone also left citing bio-bubble fatigue as the reason. Also, Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer, two of the most important pillars of the RR setup have been ruled out for the entire tournament due to their respective injuries.

“If an Andrew Tye decides to go home he must have felt something in his mind and it’s right on his part, people are supposed to feel a lot of things, people are supposed to be anxious sometimes, and mind you it’s not easy to be in a bubble especially when you are alone and your family is out there back home.

“If an individual is capable enough and the mindset is right, the franchise is doing everything it can, to be honest. I must tell that management has given us to talk about any matter.”

RR's Aussie pacer Andrew Tye decided to leave midway from the IPL as he feared getting 'locked out' of his own country in the wake of a Covid-19 surge in India (Photo: Cricketcomau Twitter)
RR’s Aussie pacer Andrew Tye decided to leave midway from the IPL as he feared getting ‘locked out’ of his own country in the wake of a Covid-19 surge in India (Photo: Cricketcomau Twitter)

“The atmosphere is positive, I don’t see a lot of negativity being spread around. We are expected to perform there on the ground so negativity doesn’t help that. We are getting to play the game which is in itself a blessing at the moment for all the first-class cricketers and players who are actually waiting to play cricket,” Jaydev Unadkat told Sports Today.

Andrew Tye is the 4th overseas player in the RR camp who has been ruled out. Andrew Tye, who had first joined RR in 2020, wasn’t a regular for RR but was one of the overseas options that RR could have considered.

The Purple Cap winner of IPL 2018, Andrew Tye only played 6 matches for Punjab Kings(then KXIP) in 2019. He moved to RR at his base price of Rs 1 crore. He only played one match in IPL 2020 in UAE. He went for 50 runs and scalped one wicket in the fixture and despite that fact, he was retained by the franchise.

Jaydev Unadkat: Rajasthan Royals Players Talking With Each Other In Practice Sessions More

The players in bio-bubble can not talk and mingle with anyone on the outside. Players going out together for a dinner is a thing of the past now. Rajasthan players for the same reason talk to each other a lot more, even during the practice sessions.

“To be honest we are actually coming together really well, we are bonding really well because being in a bubble we are not supposed to talk to anyone or meet anyone from outside the team. So team room visits are lot more frequent, we guys talk a lot more in the practice session as well and talking about our camp the atmosphere is still very positive, everyone takes each other’s decision positively,” Jaydev Unadkat added.

Sanju Samson Deepak Malik/SPORTZPICS
Sanju Samson Deepak Malik/SPORTZPICS

Rajasthan Royals after 2 wins in 5 matches are placed seventh on the 8-team points table. Sanju Samson’s team will play Mumbai Indians (MI) on Thursday. Rajasthan Royals have scored 171/4  with Jos Buttler scoring 41 and Sanju Samson scoring 42 apart from notable contributions from Yashasvi Jaiswal-32 and Shivam Dube-35.

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Royal Challengers Bangalore. Image Credits: Twitter
Royal Challengers Bangalore. Image Credits: Twitter
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RCB Stands For Real Challengers Of Bangalore After Registering 4th Win: Sunil Gavaskar

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Sunil Gavaskar, former Indian skipper turned commentator said that RCB this year stands for ‘Real Challengers of Bangalore’ after Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) thrashed Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 10 wickets on Thursday to register their 4th consecutive victory in as many matches. The 71-year-old also praised RCB skipper Virat Kohli and his opening partner centurion Devdutt Padikkal for their ‘sublime’ performances.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar looked mighty impressed after Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) thrashed Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 10 wickets in match 16 of IPL 2021 in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

Devdutt Padikkal embracing the applause from teammates after his maiden IPL hundred. (PC: IPL)
Devdutt Padikkal embracing the applause from teammates after his maiden IPL hundred. (PC: IPL)

Devdutt Padikkal’s 101* And Virat Kohli’s 72* Ensure 10 Wicket Victory For RCB Against RR

The Virat Kohli-led side dismantled Rajasthan top-order after putting them to bat first with impressive performances from Mohammed Siraj and Harshal Patel. However, a 23-ball 40 from Rahul Tewatia and Shivam Dube’s 46 helped them post 177/9 in their allotted 20 overs quota. Rajasthan must have planned to put up a fight after gaining momentum towards the end of the first half but what unfurled next left their captain Sanju Samson perplexed in the middle.

Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal stitched the highest ever (181) opening partnership for RCB and displayed a wide range of shots during their 16.3 overs stay. Runs in abundance were scored on both sides of the wickets en route to the 178-run chase. 32-year-old and arguably the world’s best batsman Virat Kohli had to take the backseat in front of a 20-year-old free-slowing Devdutt Padikkal. He showed immense power while showcasing the general elegance of a left-hand batsman.

Devdutt Padikkal , RCB Twitter handle
Devdutt Padikkal , RCB Twitter handle

Devdutt Padikkal, who had tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the tournament, completed his fifty in 27 balls and reached the three-figure mark in 51 balls. All kinds of shots were on display from RCB in their first game of the season in the Maharashtra capital. Virat Kohli constructed his innings smartly and matched Devdutt Padikkal’s pace towards the climax of the run-chase. The swashbuckling right-hander completed his 40th IPL fifty with a single before scoring a boundary towards deep fine leg to become the first player to score 6,000 runs in IPL.

Sunil Gavaskar: RCB Stands For Real Challengers Of Bangalore

A delighted Sunil Gavaskar has stated that RCB in IPL 14 stands for ‘Real Challengers of Bangalore’, pointing out towards the team’s chances of winning their first-ever IPL trophy this season. Further the 71-year-old praised the opening duo for smashing fours and sixes even on good deliveries from the Rajasthan bowlers.

Sunil Gavaskar, the first player in the history of Test cricket to score 10,000 runs, expressed his awe for power, elegance, and placement of the two RCB batsmen.

“I mean look at that, then right-hand left-hand combination. They just made lives difficult for Rajasthan Royals bowlers. To start with Padikkal was the one to take the initiative and allowed Virat Kohli just to settle down and after they were really looking to match each other’s stroke. It was delightful to watch as there was power, there was elegance, there was precise placement.”

Sunil Gavaskar. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Sunil Gavaskar. (Photo Source: Twitter)

“Some deliveries were not bad but these guys were smashing them for boundaries and sixes. It was an unreal sublime performance. And you know what, this time around when you look at that RCB, it stands for ‘Real Challengers of Bangalore’. All these years they have been okay but this time around they are real challengers of Bangalore,” Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports.

Unbeaten RCB reclaimed the top spot in the 8-team points table after winning their 4th match on the trot. Notably, RCB, before this edition, had never managed to win their first three matches of a season. The arrival of Glenn Maxwell has given more solidity to the RCB batting line-up, while the bowling unit has managed to deliver in crunch situations. The team will next face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday.

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File image of former Sri Lanka cricketer Kumar Sangakkara | Reuters / Dinuka Liyanawatte
File image of former Sri Lanka cricketer Kumar Sangakkara | Reuters / Dinuka Liyanawatte
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IPL 2021: Kumar Sangakkara Praises Devdutt Padikkal For His Exceptional Innings Of 101*

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Kumar Sangakkara, Rajasthan Royals (RR)’s director of cricket has praised Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) opener Devdutt Padikkal for his stupendous unbeaten century on Thursday.

Devdutt Padikkal smashed an unbeaten 101 off only 52 balls as RCB demolished RR by ten wickets in an IPL 2021 game in Mumbai.

Kumar Sangakkara Image: Rajasthan Royals
Kumar Sangakkara Image: Rajasthan Royals

Kumar Sangakkara : Devdutt Padikkal Batted Really Well

Since his comeback from Covid-19, Devdutt Padikkal has scored 137 runs at an average of 68.50, including the 52-ball ton against the Rajasthan Royals on Thursday. This knock helped RCB to a flawless 10-wicket win.

Asked about his take on Devdutt Padikkal’s innings, Kumar Sangakkara said at a virtual press conference: “It was an exceptional innings (from Devdutt Padikkal). He batted really well. Played the shots that he knew he could play.

“He anticipated some of the deliveries that were going to be bowled, with the field set. I thought he showed a lot of maturity to bat through. Of course, he was batting with Virat (Kohli). So there was a lot of conversation out there. Lot of talk about what to do and how to do it. It was very impressive.”

Speaking about his own team, Kumar Sangakkara said he was impressed with the way Shivam Dube batted. The all-rounder top-scored for RR in the match, with 46 off 32.

Shivam Dube (BCCI/ IPL Photo)
Shivam Dube (BCCI/ IPL Photo)

Praising Dube, Kumar Sangakkara said:”I thought Shivam (Dube) batted really well. He showed a lot of intensity and awareness. One of the things that he matches up well against is spin, and that is his real strength.

“Today, he showed that he has the ability to try and dominate the slow bowlers. He batted smartly. He got out a bit ahead of time, but the lower order fought really well (after a top-order collapse). But we have got to learn and improve. Games can slip by quickly.”

Kumar Sangakkara had played 134 Tests and 404 ODIs during an illustrious career. In the match, RR’s Shivam Dube’s 46 off 32 sowed the seeds of resistance, and Rahul Tewatia took over from there. His unorthodox strokeplay – scoops over fine leg, lashes over third man – obvious power and sheer determination produced 40 runs in 23 balls and took the Royals to a respectable 177 for 9.

Devdutt Padikkal Was Keen To Contribute To RCB’s Win

Before the start of IPL 2021, Devdutt Padikkal had tested COVID-19 positive. However, he soon tested negative and was allowed to join the team. The youngster, though, had to miss RCB’s first match against Mumbai Indians (MI).

Reflecting on the gamut of emotions that he has been through in recent days, Devdutt Padikkal said: “It’s been special. I could only await my turn. When I was down with COVID, all I was thinking of was to come here and play the first match. I couldn’t do that but was keen to contribute to the team’s win.”

Devdutt Padikkal , RCB Twitter handle
Devdutt Padikkal , RCB Twitter handle

On the wicket in Mumbai, Devdutt Padikkal added: “The ball was coming on really well, and we got a good start. When you get into a partnership like that (with Virat Kohli), it helps, as runs come from both ends.”

Devdutt Padikkal’s unbeaten 181-run stand with skipper Virat Kohli is the highest opening partnership for the Bangalore franchise. Moreover, their chase of RR’s total of 178 is the third-highest total chased in the tournament without losing a wicket.

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Devdutt Padikkal (Screengrab: Iplt20)
Devdutt Padikkal (Screengrab: Iplt20)
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Devdutt Padikkal Shall Play For India Sooner Rather Than Later: Sunil Gavaskar

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Devdutt Padikkal scored 101 runs and helped RCB chase down RR’s target in just 16.3 overs with ten wickets in hand in an IPL 2021 match. It was an impressive display from the left-hander as he smashed 6 sixes and 11 fours during his entertaining 52-ball unbeaten knock.

Royal Challengers Bangalore mauled Rajasthan Royals on Thursday to win their fourth straight game of Indian Premier League 2021. RCB restricted RR to a total of 177 runs after an impressive performance from Indian seamers Mohammed Siraj and Harshal Patel. But the real star of the show was Devdutt Padikkal, who slammed his maiden IPL ton and 2nd IPL 2021 ton after RR’s Sanju Samson against RR at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Devdutt Padikkal , RCB Twitter handle
Devdutt Padikkal , RCB Twitter handle

Devdutt Padikkal Won’t Surprise Sunil Gavaskar If He Is Selected For India

Former India skipper and legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar was also impressed with Devdutt Padikkal’s display on Thursday as he said that the 20-year-old could play for Team India sooner rather than later.

“Won’t be surprised if he plays for India in any of the formats because he has got the class and the ability to do that. He is a heavy scorer in first-class cricket and Ranji Trophy as well gets big hundreds. In 50-overs cricket, he gets lots of runs and hundreds.

“Here, in the T20 domestic tournaments, he got lots of runs. So, I won’t be surprised if he is there sooner rather than later,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.

Sunil Gavaskar. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Sunil Gavaskar. (Photo Source: Twitter)

“Karnataka has always produced a terrific line of batsmen. Gundappa Vishwanath, Rahul Dravid… then KL Rahul. And if KL Rahul, you know, some of the stars need to believe in themselves a little bit more. Sometimes you get the feeling that he doesn’t believe in himself.

“He is such a talented player And there is Mayank Agarwal, there is Karun Nair who got a triple hundred, he also needs to get his act together. It’s a terrific batting line-up Karnataka have,” Sunil Gavaskar added.

Prior to the start of this edition of the IPL, Devdutt Padikkal tested positive for Covid-19 and he missed RCB’s opening game against Mumbai Indians. The 20-year-old who plays for Karnataka in domestic cricket signed off IPL 2020 as RCB’s highest run-getter and 8th highest run-getter with 473 runs in 15 IPL matches at an average of 31.53 in his debut season.

Devdutt Padikkal Is Another Karnataka Batsman Who Have Delighted Indian Cricket Fans: Sunil Gavaskar

He scored 218 runs at an average of 43.60 in six matches for Karnataka in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and continued with his sublime touch in the Vijay Hazare Trophy amassing 737 runs in 7 matches at an astonishing average of 147.40. His onslaught in the Vijay Hazare Trophy included four back-to-back centuries.

Rajasthan Royals was never in the game during the chase. Royal Challengers Bangalore openers Devdutt Padikkal (101 runs from 52 balls) and Virat Kohli (72 runs off 47) helped the team register a dominant 10-wicket victory tonight with 21 balls remaining.

RCB openers Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal put on a 150-run partnership against RR in Mumbai on Thursday. - BCCI/IPL
RCB openers Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal put on a 150+ run partnership against RR in Mumbai on Thursday. – BCCI/IPL

“And Devdutt Padikkal is another one in that long line of batsmen who have delighted the Indian cricket lovers.”

Taking nothing away from the duo, RR bowlers did struggle hard with their line and lengths. Chetan Sakariya was the only one who had an economy rate of less than nine. RCB goes back to the top of the IPL 2021 standing and is the only undefeated team remaining in the tournament.

RR, who were put in to bat, made one change – Shreyas Gopal replaced Jaydev Unadkat in the playing XI. RCB pacer Mohammed Siraj found an early breakthrough after he disturbed the timber to dismiss Jos Buttler.

RR then lost the wickets of Manan Vohra and David Miller in the next two overs and was in early trouble. RR was back on the track with 81/4 after 11 overs. The Shivam Dube-Riyan Parag pair completed a fifty-run partnership. Rahul Tewatia came to the crease with an aggressive mindset but his 40 and Shivam Dube’s 46 went in vain.

Brief Scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore 181/0 (Devdutt Padikkal 101*, Virat Kohli 72*) beat Rajasthan Royals 177/9 (Shivam Dube 46, Rahul Tewatia 40; Mohammed Siraj 3/27) by 10 wickets.

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Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals
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Aakash Chopra Picks Rajasthan Royals’ Ideal Playing XI For IPL 2021

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Aakash Chopra has picked the Rajasthan Royals’ ideal playing XI for IPL 2021. He made his selections in a video shared on his YouTube channel.

The Rajasthan Royals had released last year’s skipper Steve Smith and appointed Sanju Samson as their new captain. They will hope to turn things around in IPL 2021 after finishing the bottom of the points table last season.

Aakash Chopra. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Aakash Chopra. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Akash Chopra Wants To Keep Chris Morris At No. 7 After Picking An All Indian Middle Order

With Rajasthan Royals likely to open with the England duo of Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes, Aakash Chopra went with an all-Indian middle order.

“They have said they will open with Buttler and Stokes. So what can we do? Sanju Samson at three, Riyan Parag at four, Tewatia at five, Dube at six,” said Aakash Chopra.

Rahul Tewatia
Rahul Tewatia [Photo-Twitter]
While highlighting the Rajasthan Royals do not seem to have a formidable middle order, the former India cricketer picked Chris Morris to play the finisher’s role apart from being one of their primary bowlers.

“You might feel it’s not the best four, five and six, I also feel the same. At No.7 you keep Chris Morris,” added Aakash Chopra.

The Rajasthan Royals are replete with all-rounders but do not have much experience in their Indian batting department. They might have to include the in-form big-hitting Protea batsman David Miller at some stage if their middle-order fails to deliver.

Not a single Rajasthan batsman performed consistently through the IPL 2020 season. Sanju Samson started strong but he failed to sustain his form. Ben Stokes missed nearly half the season but showed what he’s capable of with a superb century against Mumbai Indians as an opener. However, consistency eluded him.

A lot was expected of Jos Buttler but he too had an underwhelming season, both at the top of the order and in the middle. Rahul Tewatia was undoubtedly impressive lower down the order and punched well above his weight, as he finished IPL 2020 as the only Indian player with 10+ wickets and 250+ runs.

Aakash Chopra Reckons To Play Both Mustafzur Rahman And Jofra Archer When He Is Available

Aakash Chopra reckons the Rajasthan Royals will have to field Bangladesh pacer, Mustafizur Rahman, in their playing XI until Jofra Archer becomes available. The Rajasthan Royals will miss the services of England pacer Jofra Archer at least in the initial stages of the tournament.

“Then you can play four bowlers in which you will have Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Kartik Tyagi and with Jofra not being there, you can play Mustafizur and Jofra when he comes back,” said Chopra.

After Jofra Archer, Rajasthan Royals (RR) will miss the services of Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman for the first two matches in the IPL 2021 as when he reaches India on April 5, he will have to spend a mandatory seven-day quarantine, ruling him out of the first match against Punjab Kings on April 12.

Jofra Archer and Steve Smith
Jofra Archer and Steve Smith (Image Credit: Twitter)

The former KKR player concluded by stating the Rajasthan Royals would have to necessarily play two overseas pacers, considering the lack of depth in their Indian bowling department.

“In my opinion, they should definitely play two overseas fast bowlers if this team has to go ahead in this IPL,” signed off Aakash Chopra.

The Rajasthan Royals also have the option of playing Andrew Tye as an overseas pacer if Mustafizur Rahman fails to deliver the goods. But much like their batting, the lack of experience is evident even in their Indian bowling contingent. Sanju Samson is expected to do the bulk of the scoring for the Rajasthan Royals this season.

Chris Morris, the most expensive player in IPL history, is another vital player for RR. With England pacer Jofra Archer’s availability for IPL 2021 still uncertain, Chris Morris could have to bowl at the death. Chris Morris was bought by the Rajasthan Royals for a whopping ₹16.25 crore at the IPL 2021 Auction, with the South African expected to be the side’s frontline pacer this season.

Probable Rajasthan Royals XI: Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wk), Sanju Samson (c), Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Shivam Dube, Chris Morris, Shreyas Gopal, Mustafizur Rahman/Jofra Archer/ Andrew Tye, Kartik Tyagi, Jaydev Unadkat

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David Miller
David Miller
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David Miller Has All The Weapons To Become Important Batsman: Kumar Sangakkara

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David Miller played only a game in last year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) but Rajasthan Royals (RR) Director of Cricket, Kumar Sangakkara knows how dangerous the South Africa swashbuckling batsman can be in the shortest format. He has 1850 runs in 80 IPL games averaging a decent 33.63 including 1 ton and 9 fifties.

David Miller last week delivered a magnificent exhibition of hitting by plundering an unbeaten 85 off 45 balls (5 fours, 7 sixes) to help South Africa recover from 65 for seven against Pakistan in the third T20I.

It is David Miller's first IPL season with the Rajasthan Royals. Image Credits: RR Twitter
It is David Miller’s first IPL season with the Rajasthan Royals. Image Credits: RR Twitter

David Miller Is A Left-Handed Finisher And Fantastic Player Having Ability To Punish Bowling Attack: Kumar Sangakkara

The South Africa batsman David Miller is famous for his power-hitting but still wasn’t able to find his name in the star-studded Rajasthan Royals’ playing XI in IPL 2020 except a game where he failed to score.

Kumar Sangakkara said David Miller has all the “weapons” to become one of the Rajasthan Royals’ important batsmen hinting that David Miller will get his fair share of chances in this year’s IPL.

“Well, I think David Miller is a fantastic player. The left-hander finisher. He has the ability to punish the attack. He had very good innings in the last T20 against Pakistan where he brought South Africa out of the very difficult situation,” said Sangakkara in a virtual press conference on Friday.

Kumar Sangakkara celebrates his ton against Scotland.
Kumar Sangakkara celebrates his ton against Scotland.© Getty Images

“So he has all the weapons to become very important batsmen for us in the middle to death period. And at the same time, he is a great guy with great character and it’s wonderful to have around in a team. So he brings a lot to us in terms of advantage,” he further said.

“So when he does get a chance he will be able to really good for RR. You can’t really guarantee performances but if you follow the process the result will follow,” Sangakkara added.

After playing for Kings XI Punjab over a number of years, South African David Miller was bought by Rajasthan Royals for INR 75 lakh during the IPL Players Auction ahead of IPL 2020. His 38-ball hundred against RCB in his in 2013 is still remembered by the IPL fans.

Kumar Sangakkara: Rajasthan Glad To Get Chris Morris Who Can Contribute With Bat And Ball

Rajasthan Royals bought South African all-rounder Chris Morris for Rs 16.25 crore, making the all-rounder the most expensive player at an IPL auction on Thursday. Kumar Sangakkara though agreed that the price of Chris Morris was on the higher side, he was happy to have the South Africa all-rounder for his ability to finish the games with the bat.

“We’re also glad to get Chris Morris with us simply for what he brings to the side, both with the bat and ball. With the ball especially, his numbers across the IPLs are really good and his ability to finish games with the bat down the order is useful,” said Sangakkara in a statement.

“Yes the price was on the higher side, but we’re looking for a very specific role with Chris and really happy to have someone like him in our squad,” he added.

Chris Morris of RCB. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)
Chris Morris of RCB. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

India all-rounder Shivam Dube was also picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 4.4 crore during the auction held at Chennai. Kumar Sangakkara, the former Sri Lanka skipper said that the side was specifically looking for someone like Shivam Dube for the middle-order spot.

“It was an exciting auction. From our point of view, we were targeting certain players and we’re happy to get our targets. We were looking at Shivam Dube for that middle-order spot in our batting line-up and finally got him,” said Sangakkara.

“We’re excited to have picked up some talented Indian youngsters, all of whom add different dimensions to our squad. As a team, we’re delighted with the targets we were able to get and looking forward to working with the squad during the IPL now,” he added.

Rajasthan Royals went into the auction with a total of nine vacancies in their squad and a purse of Rs 37.85 crore. They finished the auction with eight signings. The franchise created history as they signed Chris Morris for a whopping price of Rs 16.25  which made him the most expensive player in the history of IPL auction. The Royals signed another all-rounder in Shivam Dube for Rs 4.40 crore which would help them in stabilizing the middle order.

The Rajasthan-based outfit further bought Bangladesh pacer, Mustafizur Rahman, for Rs 1 crore. The experienced left-arm pacer would provide some much-needed solidity to the Rajasthan Royals’ fast-bowling line-up including the likes of Jofra Archer, Kartik Tyagi, Andrew Tye, and Jaydev Unadkat.

Their third and last overseas signing was their former player and England batsman Liam Livingstone. The other signings were – Chetan Sakariya (INR 1.20 Cr), KC Cariappa (INR 20 L), Kuldip Yadav (INR 20 L), Akash Singh (INR 20 L)

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Sunl Gavaskar with Virat Kohli.
Sunl Gavaskar with Virat Kohli.
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IPL 2020: Virat Kohli Didn’t Live Up To His Standards – Sunil Gavaskar

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Sunil Gavaskar, the former Indian skipper, reckons that RCB skipper Virat Kohli didn’t quite live up to the standards he has set over the years as he scored only six runs opening as RCB failed to defend 131 in Eliminator against SRH.

On Friday, Virat Kohli led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) were eliminated from the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL) after SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) defeated them by six wickets in the Eliminator at Abu Dhabi with Kane Williamson contributing with an unbeaten 50 for SRH.

Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar. Image Credits: Twitter

Sunil Gavaskar: Virat Kohli Didn’t Match His High Standards

Sunil Gavaskar said that RCB weren’t able to get the required big scores as Virat Kohli, who has been a prolific run-scorer for them and the leading run-scorer in IPL, didn’t fire as expected.

“Looking at the high standards that he sets for himself, maybe he would say he didn’t quite match that and that’s one of the reasons why RCB weren’t able to go through. Because when he scores those big runs along with AB de Villiers, they invariably have big scores,” Sunil Gavaskar told Star Sports.

Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers
Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. Photo Credit: IPL/BCCI.

From the personal front, Virat Kohli was the second-highest run-scorer for his team in the tournament with 466 runs at an average of 42.36 after Devdutt Padikkal who scored 473 runs. In the last game, he also opened the batting but was caught down the leg-side, cheaply, off the bowling of SRH’s Jason Holder.

Sunil Gavaskar: Bowling Of RCB Always Weak Point

Sunil Gavaskar said that RCB have always been a strong batting unit with their bowlers mostly faltering at the big stage to perform. The veteran also asked the team to assign a proper role to all-rounder Shivam Dube, who he reckons, is ‘confused’ about his position in the side. He has picked 4 wickets and scored 129 runs in 11 matches.

“If anything, their bowling has always been their weak point. Even now, in this particular team, they have got an Aaron Finch, who is a fine T20 player, young Devdutt Padikkal, who began well and then Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, then you have really got it made,” he stated.

Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube. Image Credit: IPL.

“I think where they need to do a little bit of thinking is to give Shivam Dube a proper role. Dube has gone down and Sundar has gone up and down. If he can be given a role and told to go out there and thrash the ball, it might help him. He is confused now,” Gavaskar added.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore started their campaign, beating SRH in Dubai. From there on, they struggled a bit, but finished fourth in the table and somehow made the playoffs with 7 wins and as many losses. To their dismay, they have to wait for 2021 to try and lay their hands at the coveted IPL trophy.

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