Virender Sehwag | Sportzwiki

Virender Sehwag

Chakravarthy and the rest of the Indian bowlers could not take a single wicket against Pakistan on Sunday. (Reuters Photo)
Chakravarthy and the rest of the Indian bowlers could not take a single wicket against Pakistan on Sunday. (Reuters Photo)
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T20 World Cup 2021: The Way Varun Chakravarthy Started Is Praiseworthy: Ashish Nehra

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Ashish Nehra picked spinner Varun Chakravarthy when he was asked to identify one bowler who impressed playing for India against Pakistan despite them not getting any wickets.

It wasn’t the greatest day for the Indian bowlers as Pakistan romped to a 10-wicket win in the teams’ 2021 T20 World Cup Super 12 clash. After restricting India to a below-par 151/7, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan hit unbeaten half-centuries en route to a thumping victory over their rivals.

Ashish Nehra (Source: File)
Ashish Nehra (Source: File)

Ashish Nehra On Varun Chakravarthy:

Playing his first World Cup match for the Men In Blue, Varun Chakravarthy showed some spark, but the Indian bowler went wicket-less and leaked 33 runs in the low-scoring contest. Varun Chakravarthy was named in the Indian playing XI at the expense of veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
Varun Chakravarthy first came into the limelight when he picked up 17 wickets, including a devastating spell of 5-20 against the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020. In IPL 2021, appearing even more unplayable, he took 18 wickets in 17 games averaging 24.88, at an economy rate of 6.58.
His magnificent spin partnership with Sunil Narine was a major reason why the Kolkata Knight Riders reached the final. He picked 2 scalps in 4 T20Is, 3 matches of which came in the Sri Lanka tour.

Ashish Nehra said: “Yes, Pakistan won by 10 wickets, but I would pick one bowler, and this is the effect of the IPL, and that is Varun Chakravarthy. Playing his first game against Pakistan, in the World Cup, it’s not easy. But the way he started is praiseworthy. “

“The few deliveries that he got hit for sixes were some great strokes by the batters. But the bowling that we saw from him in the IPL and against Sri Lanka, he is just taking that forward,” said Ashish Nehra.

Varun Chakravarthy
Varun Chakravarthy. (Photo Source: Getty Images)

Varun Chakravarthy started his spell brilliantly, giving away just two runs in his first over, which came in the Powerplay. However, he was taken for runs later in the match and ended up giving away 33 runs in his four overs. Ashish Nehra said that he did well to bowl with discipline and wasn’t affected by the pressure of the occasion.

“Sometimes you are playing against Pakistan, it is a World Cup match, so you can come under pressure and stray with your bowling, but that did not happen at all. The rest of the bowlers are experienced internationals. So I would say Varun Chakravarthy was a big plus for India, and going forward, when there isn’t too much dew, he can be India’s X-factor,” Ashish Nehra said.

Varun Chakravarthy was KKR’s highest wicket-taker with 18 scalps in IPL 2021. Still, against Pakistan, openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were able to pick him quickly, with both players hitting sixes in his final over.

Virender Sehwag Felt That As An X Factor Mystery Spinner Varun Chakravarthy Has To Take Wickets Even If He’s Expensive

However, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag disagreed with Ashish Nehra. Virender Sehwag felt that, as an X-factor bowler, Varun Chakravarthy needs to be taking wickets, even if he goes for more runs.

“The expectations I had from Varun Chakravarthy, he didn’t bowl at that level. Because as an X-factor, he has to take wickets. I don’t mind if he is expensive. Even if he gave 40 runs but took two wickets, that is more important. You become an X-factor bowler if you take wickets. Because even if you keep bowling economical spells, if you don’t take wickets, it will be difficult to beat the opposition,” Sehwag said.

Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag (Image Credit: Twitter)

Shaheen Shah Afridi stunned India with his three-wicket haul that saw him remove both openers in his first two overs. India never quite recovered from that double-blow, with Virat Kohli’s 57-run rescue act helping them set a target of 152 for Pakistan to chase.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam and opening partner Mohammad Rizwan then put on a batting masterclass as they chased down the target with little hassle. Mohammad Rizwan scored 79, and Babar Azam hit 68 as Pakistan won with more than two overs to spare.

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Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya
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Hardik Pandya Has Ability To Make India-Pakistan Clash A One-Sided Affair, Says Virender Sehwag

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Virender Sehwag also reckoned that Team India should pick five bowlers in the game against Pakistan’s Babar Azam and Co. However, former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag said that Hardik Pandya has the ability to make India’s clash against Pakistan a “one-sided affair” if he gets going with the bat.

The veteran-backed dashing finisher, Hardik Pandya, to play the game on Sunday, October 24 in Dubai despite the latter still not sure of bowling.

Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag (Image Credit: Twitter)

Virender Sehwag: Hardik Pandya Has The Ability To Make The India Pakistan Match One-Sided And Finish It

Hardik Pandya didn’t bowl a single over for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League 2021. Hence, there have been questions on whether or not he should be playing only as a pure batsman. But Virender Sehwag said that Hardik Pandya deserves a place in the team because of his power-hitting prowess with the bat.

“He’ll be on my team. The kind of batter he is, if he clicks, he’ll make the match one-sided, and finish it. He has the ability, which he has shown many times. Yes, if he was bowling fit, that would have been the icing on the cake,” Virender Sehwag was quoted as saying.

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

Virender Sehwag also reckoned that Team India should pick five bowlers in the game against Babar Azam and Co. The Nawab of Najafgarh admitted that Hardik Pandya hasn’t quite clicked with the bat in recent times, but he selected him as his “first pick”.

“You should go with five bowlers plus if Hardik Pandya or someone else from the top-order bowls a few overs, it’ll be the perfect team for me… His batting is surely a concern. If he’s not in form or not batting well in the nets, then you can maybe see another batter, otherwise, he’ll be my first pick,” Virender Sehwag stated.

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.

Hardik Pandya Did Well Last Time In India Pakistan 2019 World Cup Clash

The last time when India locked horns with Pakistan in the 2019 World Cup, Hardik Pandya showed his class. The right-hander smashed 26 off 19 and helped the Men in Blue post a mammoth score of 336 for five on the board. Back then, Hardik Pandya also rolled his arms over for eight overs and picked up the crucial wickets of Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik.

Shoaib Malik, Mohammed Hafeez
Shoaib Malik, Mohammed Hafeez Photo: AFP

He also played well in the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy, though his efforts came in a losing cause. Hardik Pandya has refrained from bowling a lot in the last three years due to his tussle with frequent injuries.

Following his impressive debut, Hardik Pandya went on to become an integral part of MI. He has played 92 matches for the franchise and has scored 1476 runs averaging 27.33 at a strike rate of 153.91. On the bowling front, he has claimed 42 scalps averaging 31.26 at a strike rate of 20.69. Having made his international debut in 2016, Hardik Pandya has gone on to play 11 Tests, 63 ODIs, and 49 T20Is for India.

Hardik Pandya has been bothered by multiple injuries lately. The seam-bowling all-rounder did not bowl a single delivery for the Mumbai Indians (MI) during both legs of IPL 2021 and even missed a couple of games due to fitness issues. Moreover, Hardik Pandya failed to hit a big knock in the first leg of IPL 2021.
In 12 IPL 2021 matches, he scored 127 runs averaging a pathetic 14.11. However, after missing out on a lot of action owing to a back injury, Hardik Pandya had made a phenomenal comeback in the IPL 2020 season, playing the finisher role for the team and hammering the ball in the slog overs at a strike rate of 178, unlike this season, where his strike rate was below 115.

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Shardul Thakur. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Shardul Thakur. (Photo Source: Twitter)
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Shardul Thakur’s Fortunes Have Changed Ever Since He Has Joined CSK In 2018: Virender Sehwag

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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
Shardul Thakur[photo: Twitter]

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.

Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag (Image Credit: Twitter)

“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.

Shardul Thakur | Twitter
Shardul Thakur | Twitter

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.

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Arshdeep Singh [photo: Twitter]
Arshdeep Singh [photo: Twitter]
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Arshdeep Singh Praised By Virender Sehwag For His Wonderful Inswinger

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Arshdeep Singh, Punjab Kings’ speedster, left some serious impact with his phenomenal bowling show against inconsistent Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League 2021 match no. 45 in Dubai. The young left-arm pacer registered the figures of 3 for 32 in his four-over spell to help his team restrict KKR to 165 for 7.

Punjab Kings kept their playoff hopes alive, even if it hangs by a thread with their win over Kolkata Knight Riders in Dubai on Friday.

PBKS bowler Arshdeep Singh (Photo| ANI)
PBKS bowler Arshdeep Singh (Photo| ANI)

Arshdeep Singh Praised By Virender Sehwag Who Asked BCCI To Make Sure His Talent Doesn’t Get Wasted

Arshdeep Singh provided an early breakthrough for Punjab by knocking over KKR opener Shubman Gill in the third over. He bowled a lethal inswinger that got a little inside edge before ramming into the off and middle stump.

Former India opener Virender Sehwag praised the young Punjab pacer for his classy delivery to clean up Shubman Gill. Speaking with Cricbuzz after PBKS’ five-wicket win, Virender Sehwag said Arshdeep Singh has the capabilities to benefit Team India with his remarkable bowling and urged the BCCI to nurture him.

Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag (Image Credit: Twitter)

“That’s typical bowling from a left-arm fast bowler that comes in after pitching away from the off stump. He [Arshdeep] said he worked with Zaheer Khan for three days. If he can swing the ball within three days, imagine the benefits he can provide to the Indian team if he spends some time with them. If such a player is not in the team, then the BCCI must look after him and make sure his talent doesn’t get wasted,” Sehwag told Cricbuzz.

“Arshdeep is a very fine bowler and if he continues to work hard and perform like this, he would surely make it to Team India someday,” he added.

In pursuit of a 166-run target, skipper KL Rahul smashed a gritty fifty while Shahrukh Khan slammed 22 off 9 balls as PBKS registered a win. They needed 24 runs in the last three overs, and the duo helped the side register a win over KKR despite a wobble in the last over.

Arshdeep Singh Is Among The Top 5 Leading Wicket Takers In IPL 2021

The in-form pace bowler, Arshdeep Singh, was called in early, and he made the inroad his skipper was looking for. After a couple of wayward deliveries, the 23-year-old found the perfect length outside off. There was considerable movement on offer, and Shubman Gill was unable to deal with it.

Arshdeep Singh of Punjab Kings celebrates the wicket of Shubman Gill of Kolkata Knight Riders (Image Courtesy: PTI)
Arshdeep Singh of Punjab Kings celebrates the wicket of Shubman Gill of Kolkata Knight Riders (Image Courtesy: PTI)

He stepped across, looking to defend, but there was a massive gap between bat and ball. It was more than enough for the ball to sneak through and crash into the top of off-stump – the dream for every fast bowler. With the wicket of Shubmsn Gill, Arshdeep Singh entered the top 5 wicket-takers list in this season.

He has taken 16 scalps from 10 IPL 2021 games, averaging a remarkable 16.56. The youngster played three matches for PBKS in the 2019 season and was retained by the franchise ahead of the 2020 IPL auction, where he played eight games, taking nine scalps averaging 24.22.

Uncapped Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, and experienced Jasprit Bumrah are only ahead of Arshdeep Singh among the top 5 leading wicket-takers. Incidentally, all top 5, including 5th placed Mohammed Shami, are Indian pacers. Arshdeep Singh picked 5/32 against Rajasthan Royals at Dubai before his 3/32 against KKR at the same ground.

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KL Rahul
KL Rahul (Image Credit: Twitter)
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KL Rahul Should Have Been Blamed If Punjab Kings Had Lost Match: Virender Sehwag

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Virender Sehwag, former Indian opener has opined that Punjab Kings captain KL Rahul nearly lost the game for his team due to his inability to finish off the match against the Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday.

KL Rahul once again anchored the innings for his side during a run-chase of 166, scoring a 55-ball 67. But with just four runs needed off the last five deliveries, KL Rahul went for the glory shot trying to hit the maximum and holed out at long-off off Venkatesh Iyer. Virender Sehwag expressed his disappointment with the thought process of the Punjab captain.

Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag (Image Credit: Twitter)

Virender Sehwag: KL Rahul Didn’t Fulfill His Responsibility To Finish The Game

The former opener added that had Shah Rukh Khan’s controversial catch been adjudged out by the third umpire, Punjab might have lost the game for which the blame would have fallen squarely on KL Rahul.

Sehwag said: “He didn’t fulfill his responsibility; had he finished off the game after scoring 46 off 42 balls, then I would have said that he did his job. If Shah Rukh Khan’s catch was adjudged out and had Punjab lost the game then the entire blame would have fallen on Rahul.”

KL Rahul
KL Rahul (Image Credit: Twitter)

Eventually, Shah Rukh Khan, who scored an unbeaten nine-ball 22, smashed a six on the third delivery to seal a much-needed win for his team.

Virender Sehwag: KL Rahul May Get MOM But His Thought Process Was Wrong

Virender Sehwag further added on the same note that even if KL Rahul had stayed unbeaten till the end with an underwhelming strike rate, it would have been hailed as a job well done.

“If you need only 5 runs off six balls, take five singles and finish off the game, what is the need to go for a six? Even if had stayed unbeaten in the end, I would have said he played a captain’s knock,” Sehwag said.

Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings (Image Credit: Twitter)

KL Rahul has been eventually adjudged the Player of the Match for his knock, but Virender Sehwag wasn’t happy with the opener’s thought process. The former cricketer reckoned that even if KL Rahul has made up his mind to play the anchor’s role, he must learn the art of finishing games.

”He may get the “Player of the Match” award, but his thought process was wrong. Imagine if Shah Rukh hadn’t scored that 9-ball 22, KL Rahul would have lost the game given his strike rate. I am not happy with his approach; he needs to learn the art of finishing games,” Sehwag added.

KKR made two changes to their team, bringing in Tim Seifert and Shivam Mavi in place of Lockie Ferguson and Shivam Mavi while PBKS, who elected to bowl, brought in Mayank Agarwal, Fabian Allen, and Shahrukh Khan, replacing Mandeep Singh, Chris Gayle, and Harpreet Brar.

Mayank Agarwal made a quickfire 40 after an early reprieve, while opener KL Rahul anchored the 166 chase with a 55-ball 67. Shahrukh Khan applied the finishing touches with an unbeaten 22 off nine balls.  Punjab’s five-wicket win against KKR has kept their hopes of making the IPL 2021 playoffs alive. The KL Rahul-led unit will lock horns with the Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday.

KL Rahul is the highest run-scorer in IPL 2021 amassing 489 runs in 11 matches averaging 54.33 with 5 fifties. He was the highest run-scorer in IPL 2020 too with 670 runs in 14 appearances averaging 55.83 with 1 ton and 5 fifties.

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Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik
Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik | Photo - IPL |
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Virender Sehwag Blames Dinesh Karthik For Being Public With The Heated Spat

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Virender Sehwag has laid blame on Dinesh Karthik for the ‘spirit of cricket’ controversy when heated arguments took place between Eoin Morgan and Ravichandran Ashwin during the ongoing leg of the IPL 2021.

Such is the nature of the event that the Indian Premier League (IPL) can hardly stay away from controversy. The 2021 season has been no exception with a heated spat on the pitch between Eoin Morgan and Ravichandran Ashwin giving birth to the seasons’ biggest flare-up so far.

Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant try to be the peacemakers in Eoin Morgan and R Ashwin's argument(Twitter)
Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant try to be the peacemakers in Eoin Morgan and Ravichandran Ashwin’s argument(Twitter)

Virender Sehwag Blames Dinesh Karthik For Divulging Details Of The Incident To Media

Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to go for another run after a throw deflected for an overthrow after hitting Delhi Capitals skipper Rishabh Pant had angered KKR skipper Eoin Morgan. In the aftermath, a big ‘spirit of cricket’ debate has occupied the cricketing fraternity with a deep divide amongst fans on who is in the right and wrong things. While the war of words from all sides continues, former cricketer Virender Sehwag has blamed Dinesh Karthik for divulging the details of the incident to the media.

Talking to Cricbuzz, Virender Sehwag said “I consider Dinesh Karthik the biggest culprit in all this. If he had not talked about what Morgan said, there would have been no such uproar. If he had said, “It was nothing much, just an argument, it happens in the game, move on,” then it would have come out in that sense only. What was the need for an explanation that someone thinks this or that?”

Former KKR skipper Dinesh Karthik (Photo | PTI)
Former KKR skipper Dinesh Karthik (Photo | PTI)

In the virtual post-match press conference following the culmination of the Kolkata Knight and Delhi Capitals match, Karthik had claimed he played peacemaker saying, “Rahul Tripathi threw the ball, it hit Rishabh Pant, and then it ricocheted off that. Then Ashwin called for it and they started to run. I don’t think Morgan appreciates that.”

“He is somebody who, when the ball hits the batsman or the pad, expects them not to run in the spirit of cricket. It’s a very grey area and a very interesting topic. I have my own opinion on it but at the moment I’d just say I am happy I played peacemaker and things have come to a good standstill right now.”

Delhi Capitals’ Ravichandran Ashwin took to Twitter to observe that he didn’t realize the ball had deflected off Rishabh Pant’s body when the duo pinched the extra run via an overthrow, which in turn upset Kolkata Knight Riders’ fielders in the 41st game of the IPL 2021. Ravichandran Ashwin also said he had the right to take the extra run even if he knew it had ricocheted off a batter’s body.

Virender Sehwag Prefers Remaining Quiet If A Flare Up Occurs: What Happens Inside Should Remain Inside

Virender Sehwag recounted an incident from his playing days with Punjab Kings to elaborate on why he believes Dinesh Karthik should have stayed quiet.

“Even when I was playing for Punjab, Ashwin dismissed Maxwell, picked up some dust and blew it off [in celebration]. I didn’t like that scene either but I didn’t come out publicly to say that he should not have done that or it was against the spirit of the game, although MS Dhoni was very angry about it and scolded him a lot too,” said Virender Sehwag.

Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag (Image Credit: Twitter)

He added “Even when I was playing for Punjab, Ashwin dismissed Maxwell, picked up some dust, and blew it off [in celebration]. I didn’t like that scene either but I didn’t come out publicly to say that he should not have done that or it was against the spirit of the game, although MS Dhoni was very angry about it and scolded him a lot too.” 

The former Indian opener stressed the importance of players leaving what happens on the ground inside the ground.

“What happens inside should remain inside. If more things from the inside start coming out, I can guarantee every match will have something like this that will cause an uproar. The spirit of the game also says that players should leave what happens inside the ground as is and move on,” said Virender Sehwag. 

Ravichandran Ashwin called his Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper Rishabh Pant for an extra run after a throw ricocheted, having hit the latter during an IPL 2021 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Sharjah.

After Ravichandran Ashwin’s dismissal, KKR bowler Tim Southee and skipper Eoin Morgan got involved in a heated argument with the Indian spinner over the extra run taken. While Ravichandran Ashwin ended up with the last laugh by scalping Eoin Morgan for a duck, KKR won the contest by three wickets with ten balls to spare and delayed DC’s qualification for the playoffs.

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Delhi Capitals player Ravichandran Ashwin. (Photo | IPL)
Delhi Capitals player Ravichandran Ashwin. (Photo | IPL)
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Brad Hogg Insists To Play According To The Laws Referring Ravichandran Ashwin’s Controversial Run

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The former Australian spinner, Brad Hogg, the “spirit of cricket” debate over an extra run taken by Ravichandran Ashwin during an IPL game needless. According to Brad Hogg, there are rules in place, and that’s all that matters.

Opinions have been split among the cricket fraternity over Ravichandran Ashwin calling his Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper Rishabh Pant for a run after a throw ricocheted having hit the latter. During an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Sharjah, the incident occurred.

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

Brad Hogg: Unwritten Rules Should Be Scraped

After Ravichandran Ashwin’s dismissal, KKR bowler Tim Southee and skipper Eoin Morgan got involved in a heated argument with the Indian spinner over the extra run taken. Sharing his views on the controversy, Brad Hogg wondered what Eoin Morgan would have done had Rishabh Pant refused the run, and Ravichandran Ashwin would have got run out.

The former chinaman bowler Brad Hogg wrote on Twitter: “If Pant (knowing the throw hit him) turned his back on Ashwin who looking for the second had to retreat causing a run out would Morgan have called him back? “

Brad Hogg said:”Unwritten rules should be scraped, play to the laws. #IPL2021.”

Ravichandran Ashwin of Delhi Capitals reacts during the Indian Premier League match.(PTI)
Ravichandran Ashwin of Delhi Capitals reacts during the Indian Premier League match. (PTI)

Virender Sehwag Considers Dinesh Karthik Biggest Culprit

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag described KKR keeper former skipper Dinesh Karthik as the “biggest culprit” in the spirit of cricket controversy. According to Virender Sehwag, Dinesh Karthik shouldn’t have divulged all the details about what happened between Ravichandran Ashwin and Eoin Morgan.

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Sehwag said: “I consider Dinesh Karthik the biggest culprit in all this. If he had not talked about what Morgan said, there would have been no such uproar. If he had said, “It was nothing much, just an argument, it happens in the game, move on,” then it would have come out in that sense only. What was the need for an explanation that someone thinks this or that?”

At the post-match conference following the game’s conclusion, keeper Dinesh Karthik admitted that the altercation between Ravichandran Ashwin and Eoin Morgan took place due to the extra run. He also went on to narrate details of the incident.

Sehwag concluded: “The spirit of the game also says that players should leave what happens inside the ground as is and move on.”

Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag (Image Credit: Twitter)

Delhi Capitals’ Ravichandran Ashwin took to Twitter to observe that he didn’t realize the ball had deflected off Rishabh Pant’s body when the duo pinched the extra run via an overthrow, which in turn upset Kolkata Knight Riders’ fielders in the 41st game of the IPL 2021.

Ravichandran Ashwin also said he had the right to take the extra run even if he knew it had ricocheted off a batter’s body. Ravichandran Ashwin, the off-spinner, will next be seen in action when DC faces Mumbai Indians (MI) on Saturday, October 2 in Sharjah.

In the IPL 2019, Ravichandran Ashwin had come under criticism after running out Rajasthan Royals’ Jos Buttler before delivering the ball, although the dismissal is perfectly legal as per the laws.

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Chennai Super Kings (Image Credit: Twitter)
Chennai Super Kings (Image Credit: Twitter)
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Opponents Needs To Play Their Best Game For 40 Overs To Beat In Form CSK: Virender Sehwag

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Virender Sehwag said opponents would need to play their best game for the whole of 40 overs to beat MS Dhoni’s team, as he heaped massive praise on the CSK’s clever heist over KKR.

Chennai Super Kings on Sunday pulled off an emphatic 2-wicket win against Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match no. 38 in Abu Dhabi. MS Dhoni and his boys came out with flying colours as they successfully completed a stiff chase of 172 runs.

Virender Sehwag Reuters Photo
Virender Sehwag Reuters Photo

Ravindra Jadeja Scored A Brisk 22 Runs Off Only 8 Balls Helping CSK Chase 172

Despite a solid start by the opening duo of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis, CSK found it was hard to stop the regular fall of wickets. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja played catalytic innings of 22 runs in 8 balls towards the end, before falling prey to Sunil Narine, on the fifth ball of the final over. With 1 required off 1 ball, Deepak Chahar gave the finishing touch.

Ruturaj Gaikwad was the top scorer for the Chennai Super Kings with 43 off 30 balls while his opening partner Faf du Plessis scored 40 off 28 balls.

Ravindra Jadeja With MS Dhoni CSK Twitter Handle
Ravindra Jadeja With MS Dhoni CSK Twitter Handle

Ravindra Jadeja single-handedly took the game away from a confident Kolkata Knight Riders in their Indian Premier League encounter at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Sunday as he scored 22 runs off the penultimate 19th over as Prasidh Krishna looked on haplessly.

With 24 required from ten balls, Ravindra Jadeja smashed Prasidh Krishna for 20 runs in four balls. Needing 34 runs to win from 21 balls with seven wickets in hand, Chennai Super Kings looked like they may have thrown away a simple chase as Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, and MS Dhoni all fell within the space of six balls.

But Ravindra Jadeja crushed Kolkata Knight Riders’ victory hopes in the space of a devastating four-ball sequence in the 19th over as Chennai Super Kings eventually got over the line on the final ball in a dramatic two-wicket win on Sunday afternoon in Abu Dhabi.

Virender Sehwag: CSK Is Unbeatable When They Play Well

This win once again brought CSK skipper MS Dhoni under the limelight for his exemplary leadership. Heaping massive praise on the CSK’s clever heist over KKR, former India opener Virender Sehwag said opponents would need to play their best game for the whole of 40 overs to beat in-form MS Dhoni’s team.

“They made a statement right after arriving in the UAE as they won third game on the trot. It’s a known fact that if CSK is unbeatable when they play well. However, bowling has been their weak link. Like we saw today. They could have restricted KKR to 150-160 odd runs but, they conceded 171,”said Virender Sehwag.

Nitish Rana , AFP
Nitish Rana, AFP

“If they bat first and score 160-170 runs then may find it difficult to defend the total because they don’t have any variety in their bowling, neither the have any mystery spinner. So, that’s what I feel, the problem is. Otherwise, they have so much depth in their batting. Shardul comes in at no. 9 or 10. If you promote him up in the order, he will definitely score like a proper batter, like he did in England,” Virender Sehwag told Cricbuzz.

“The biggest challenge remains when they would bat first. It has to be seen how they play then. Everyone knows CSK is much better and you can’t have an easy win against them. You have to toil hard for the entire game. Like we say, when you face Australia, you need to play good cricket for the entire 40 overs. The same thing goes while playing against CSK,” Virender Sehwag added.

Virender Sehwag praised Chennai’s victory after a difficult last year in UAE when the franchise couldn’t reach the playoffs for the first time in IPL history. Earlier, for KKR, Rahul Tripathi and Nitish Rana scored 45 and 37 respectively as KKR posted 171/6 in the allotted twenty overs. Eoin Morgan’s side was struggling at one stage but Dinesh Karthik’s cameo of 26 runs of 11 balls helped KKR go past the 170-run mark.

Chennai Super Kings is now back on top of the IPL table with 16 points, ahead of Delhi Capitals on net run rate. The franchise next square off against out-of-the-race Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday in Sharjah.

Chennai Super Kings 172 for 8 (du Plessis 43, Gaikwad 40, Narine 3-41) beat Kolkata Knight Riders 171 for 6 (Tripathi 45, Rana 37, Thakur 2-20, Hazlewood 2-40) by two wickets

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RCB leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal in action during IPL 2020 | Saikat Das / Sportzpics for BCCI
RCB leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal in action during IPL 2020 | Saikat Das / Sportzpics for BCCI
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Virender Sehwag Can’t Fathom Why Yuzvendra Chahal Was Omitted From India’s T20 World Cup 2021 Squad

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Virender Sehwag, the former Indian swashbuckling opener has questioned national selectors for overlooking leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal from India’s T20 World Cup squad.

Virender Sehwag opined that leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is a street-smart T20 bowler for which the selectors must provide an explanation for omitting him from the World Cup squad. Virender Sehwag added that the Haryana leg-spinner is an asset for any T20 team.

Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag (Image Credit: Twitter)

Virender Sehwag Can’t Fathom Why Yuzvendra Chahal Was Omitted From The T20 World Cup 2021 Squad

The likes of spinners Ravindra Jadeja, Rahul Chahar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy were preferred over Yuzvendra Chahal who wasn’t selected even among the standby players.

“Chahal was bowling well in the past also. I can’t fathom why he was omitted from the T20 World Cup squad. The selectors should provide the explanation. It’s not like Rahul Chahar bowled extraordinarily in Sri Lanka. The way Chahal is bowling, he will be an asset for any side in T20 cricket, ” said Virender Sehwag.

Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal. Image Credits: Twitter

The former cricketer Virender Sehwag pinpointed spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Glenn Maxwell’s spell during the middle overs as the turning point of the game between the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Mumbai Indians which was won by the former.

“He knows how to bowl in his format, how to take wickets. The game was set up today by (Glenn) Maxwell and (Yuzvendra) Chahal. They took wickets in the middle orders which led to a turnaround,” said Virender Sehwag.

Yuzvendra Chahal was at his absolute best on Sunday evening. The right-arm wrist-spinner gave away just 11 runs in his four overs while claiming three wickets, including the prized scalps of Quinton de Kock and Ishan Kishan.

From having made his debut for RCB in 2014 to earning a national call-up in 2016 and taking 100 wickets in the IPL, Yuzvendra Chahal has had an impressive career so far. In his international career thus far, the 30-year old has bagged 97 and 63 wickets in 56 ODIs and 49 T20Is respectively apart from 130 scalps in 109 IPL games.

Ashish Nehra: Rahul Chahar Hasn’t Done Something Extraordinary Or Yuzvendra Chahal Has Done Extremely Poorly

Meanwhile, former left-arm seamer Ashish Nehra said that he would always prefer the experience of a marquee event like the T20I World Cup. Questioning Yuzvendra Chahal’s omission from the T20I World Cup squad, Ashish Nehra said that the RCB spinner hasn’t done so badly that the selectors did not find him worthy of being one of the five spinners Indian selectors have picked.

Ashish Nehra added that while Rahul Chahar has done well, he hasn’t done anything extraordinary to pip Yuzvendra Chahal for a spot in the World Cup team.

“I’ll always go back to experience for a tournament like the World Cup. It’s not like Rahul Chahar has done something extraordinary or Chahal has done extremely poorly.”

Leg-spinners Rahul Chahar (L) and Yuzvendra Chahal
Leg-spinners Rahul Chahar (L) and Yuzvendra Chahal (R)

“It’s not that Chahar hasn’t done well, but Chahal has been playing for a long time. In international cricket, a youngster gets a chance either when the incumbent is performing poorly or when the former turns out to be a rare talent. Neither is true in the current context,” continued Nehra.

The former seamer urged Yuzvendra Chahal to continue doing the hard work and await his next opportunity.

“The key for Chahal now is for him to continue performing in the remainder of the season and wait for future opportunities.”

Yuzvendra Chahal was omitted from India’s T20 squad after a prolonged period of underwhelming performances in T20Is. Since the start of 2020, he has managed 11 wickets in 13 T20Is at an average of 41.36 and an economy rate of 8.92. The spinner struggled in the first leg of the current IPL season but seems to have regained his mojo in the UAE.

Yuzvendra Chahal has picked 9 scalps so far in IPL 2021 in 10 games averaging 27.77 for RCB while Mumbai Indians’ Rahul Chahar has picked 12 scalps in 10 games averaging 24.25. Rahul Chahar-12 scalps, Varun Chakravarthy-11 scalps, Axar Patel-9 scalps have also been among the wickets while Ravichandran Ashwin bagged a couple.

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Chris Gayle Image Source : IPLT20.COM
Chris Gayle Image Source : IPLT20.COM
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Chris Gayle Wouldn’t Have Let Punjab Kings Lose If He Had Scored 50-60 Runs: Virender Sehwag

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Virender Sehwag believes the responsibility of the Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) humiliating defeat to Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Tuesday should be pinned on their openers, Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul, and no.3 batsman Aiden Markram. Virender Sehwag said either one of Mayank Agarwal or KL Rahul should have finished the game after facing 30-plus balls in the match.

He remarked that had Chris Gayle – who made way for Aiden Makram in the match – played and scored a half-century, he would not have let the team lose in the final over.

Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag (Image Credit: Twitter)

Virender Sehwag: Mayank Agarwal Should Have Finished The Game

In a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match last night, Rajasthan Royals (RR) made an epic comeback, beating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by just two runs. Punjab needed just four runs in the final over to win the game but was stopped from their march towards victory by RR bowler Kartik Tyagi. Kartik Tyagi, the MOM, managed to take two crucial wickets and give away just one run in his final over spell.

Virender Sehwag said: “Singling out the player for defeat would be a bit difficult for this match. I would say that luck didn’t favor them but still if we have to pick someone, it should be Mayank Agarwal. If you are in form and scoring runs then you should finish the game and not leave it on anyone else… I always talk about Ruturaj (Gaikwad), he scored 89 not out, played 20 overs, even played the last ball and hit a six which probably won the game for CSK.”

Punjab Kings KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal during the IPL.(ANI)
Punjab Kings KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal during the IPL.(ANI)

The former India opener added: “Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul should do the same because that is the responsibility of the top-3. The new batsman doesn’t know much about the pitch or how to play on it but you are there for 40-50 balls. The team shouldn’t lose like this. If it was for Chris Gayle, I guarantee that if he had scored 50-60, he wouldn’t have let PBKS lose. He would have won the game for them.”

Punjab Kings cruised for the better part of their chase of 186 runs, with opener Mayank Agarwal scoring 67 off 43 deliveries and skipper KL Rahul, 49 off 33 balls. All that changed when the next two batsmen, Nicholas Pooran (32 off 22) and Aiden Markram (26* off 20), failed to rotate the strike in the last two overs and let the team fall short by just two runs.

Virender Sehwag: Aiden Markram Should Have Reached Out To The Non-Striker And Asked Him To Run No Matter Where The Ball Goes

Virender Sehwag explained: “He’s not out on 26 and didn’t play a single ball in the last over. He’s an international player, a senior player, it was his right to reach out to the non-striker batsman and say that he has to run [to rotate strike] no matter where the ball goes. You should have taken the strike back because you have already played 20 deliveries. I believe that’s another mistake.”

Kartik Tyagi defended four runs off the final over to hand RR a 2-run win | Photo: BCCI / IPL
Kartik Tyagi defended four runs off the final over to hand RR a 2-run win | Photo: BCCI / IPL

He concluded by saying: “Such mistakes don’t happen when MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma are at the crease. Even from the outside a message should be sent that the non-striker should somehow take the strike back. If he had reached there, Punjab would have won. Tyagi was brilliant in the last over but Markram was at fault too.”

Nicholas Pooran (32) and Deepak Hooda were both caught behind and managed to frustrate Fabian Allen (0 not out) off the last ball as Punjab finished at 183/4. PBKS will now lock horns with SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday in Sharjah. Earlier, Rajasthan Royals slumped to 185 all out in 20 overs after being put in to bat. Punjab claimed seven wickets in the last six overs with fast bowler Arshdeep Singh ending up with 5/32.

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