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Showing posts from April, 2025

Mumbai Indians Gear Up for Heat Challenge Ahead of LSG Clash

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Mumbai Indians (MI), riding a four-match winning streak in IPL 2025, face a dual challenge against Lucknow Super Giants and scorching Mumbai heat on April 27. With the match scheduled for 3:30 PM at Wankhede Stadium, MI has shifted practice sessions to 3:00 PM to acclimatize to daytime conditions after exclusively playing night games this season.  Abandoning their usual 6:00 PM sessions under lights, MI will train mid-afternoon for two days to simulate match-day heat and humidity.  The move follows incidents like Ishant Sharma (DC) collapsing due to heat exhaustion and Prasidh Krishna (GT) battling cramps in Ahmedabad’s daytime games.  MI’s resurgence, fueled by Rohit Sharma (back-to-back fifties) and Trent Boult (4/26 vs SRH), has propelled them to third place. Their latest win – a 7-wicket thrashing of SRH – showcased dominant batting and disciplined bowling.  The high-stakes clash against LSG tests MI’s ability to balance physical endurance with t...

Pahalgam attack: Black armbands, no cheerleaders or fireworks at SRH vs MI game

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In respect of those killed of Tuesday's terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, the players of the two participating teams, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Mumbai Indians (MI), will wear black armbands and observe a minute of silence prior to the start of their IPL 2025 match in Hyderabad later today. Additionally, as has been usual in the IPL, there won't be any cheerleaders or fireworks at the stadium. During the game, the BCCI will offer its sympathies to the victims' families in a number of ways. To "ensure the in-stadium audience and broadcast viewers are aware and can participate in the tribute," the minute of silence will be observed first, after an announcement is made over the ground's public address system. Both team captains will then honor the victims and reject the terrible act during the toss, and all players, match officials, commentators, and support personnel will wear black armbands. Additionally, broadcast commentators have been directed to "...

Robin Uthappa Calls MS Dhoni’s Direct Hit to Dismiss Abdul Samad a “Fluke”

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Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Robin Uthappa has called MS Dhoni’s sensational direct hit run-out of Lucknow Super Giants’ Abdul Samad a “fluke.” The incident occurred during CSK’s IPL 2025 match against LSG, where Dhoni executed an underarm throw from behind the stumps to hit the non-striker’s end stumps, catching Samad just short of the crease. Speaking on Star Sports, Uthappa, a former wicketkeeper himself, said, “I am someone who has worn gloves, I know this was a ‘tukka’,” implying the throw was more luck than skill. Dhoni’s quick thinking came on the second ball of the final over, when Matheesha Pathirana bowled a wide delivery down the leg side. Samad attempted a quick run but was caught off guard by Dhoni’s precise underarm lob, which hit the stumps directly, sending him back to the pavilion. Watch the video  here . CSK ended their losing streak with a five-wicket win over Rishabh Pant’s LSG, who had posted 166/7, thanks to Pant’s maiden fifty of the sea...

CSK Select Ayush Mhatre as Replacement for Injured Ruturaj Gaikwad

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have reportedly chosen Ayush Mhatre, a 17-year-old Mumbai batter, as the replacement for injured skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad in IPL 2025. Mhatre, who impressed CSK scouts during mid-season trials on April 4, will join the squad ahead of their April 20 clash against Mumbai Indians. The decision was finalized on April 13, following Gaikwad’s ruling out due to a fractured elbow sustained in the March 30 game against Rajasthan Royals. Gaikwad played two more matches despite the injury but was ruled out after an MRI scan revealed the extent of the fracture. His absence has left CSK struggling, as they currently sit ninth in the points table with only one win in five matches. Head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed that MS Dhoni would lead the side for the remainder of the tournament. Mhatre is a promising young talent who bats at the top of the order for Mumbai in domestic cricket. He recently scored a stunning 148 off 93 balls in his last List A game and holds the record...

Glenn Phillips Ruled Out of IPL 2025, Returns Home After Groin Injury

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Gujarat Titans (GT) have suffered a setback in IPL 2025 as Kiwi all-rounder Glenn Phillips has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to a groin injury. The franchise confirmed that Phillips has returned to New Zealand following the injury sustained during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 6. The incident occurred in the sixth over when Ishan Kishan played a shot off Prasidh Krishna. Phillips, who was fielding as a substitute for Siraj, charged in to retrieve the ball but fell to the ground in visible pain after throwing it. The freak injury forced him to limp off the field, ending his IPL campaign prematurely. Phillips had not featured in any matches for GT this season and was only brought in as a substitute fielder during the game against SRH. Despite his absence from the playing XI, his departure is a blow to GT, given his impressive record in T20Is. In 83 matches, Phillips has scored 1929 runs at an average of 31 and an explosive strike rate of 140...

Hasan Ali's Bold Claim Ahead of PSL 10 Sparks Debate

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As the Pakistan Super League (PSL) prepares for its 10th season, Karachi Kings pacer Hasan Ali has made a bold statement, claiming that fans would switch from watching the Indian Premier League (IPL) to PSL if the latter delivers high-quality cricket with entertainment. Ali emphasized, “Fans watch the tournament where there’s good cricket with entertainment. If we play well in PSL, viewers will leave IPL to watch us.” However, this assertion is met with skepticism given the IPL’s global popularity and financial superiority. The IPL attracts more international stars and generates significantly higher revenue compared to PSL. Despite some former Pakistan cricketers supporting PSL as a better league, the reality is that many overseas players prefer IPL due to its lucrative deals and global appeal. PSL 10 begins on April 11 and will overlap with IPL 2025, posing a challenge for viewership. While PSL has its passionate fan base, it faces stiff competition from the IPL, which remains the gol...

Varun Chakravarthy Slips to Third in ICC T20I Rankings as Jacob Duffy Claims Top Spot

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New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy has risen to the top of the ICC Men’s T20I Bowler Rankings for the first time, following his stellar performances in the recent T20I series against Pakistan. Duffy claimed a series-high 13 wickets at an average of 8.38, helping New Zealand secure a commanding 4–1 series victory.  His efforts included a record-equalling feat for most wickets in a five-match T20I series for the Black Caps. This achievement marks Duffy as the first New Zealander to hold the №1 ranking in men’s T20I bowling since IshSodhi in 2018. Duffy’s rise sees him surpass West Indies spinner AkealHosein, India’s Varun Chakravarthy, Adil Rashid, and Wanindu Hasaranga. His consistent performances have solidified his place as a key figure in New Zealand’s bowling attack. Meanwhile, New Zealand batter Tim Seifert also climbed the rankings after an outstanding series against Pakistan. Scoring 249 runs at an average of 62.25, including a match-winning 97* in the final game, Seifert earned t...