Indian golf star Aditi Ashok on Monday has called out France airlines for immediate action over her missing kit bag and said she needs it for an upcoming tournament. Raising the issue that her golf kit bag didn`t make it to the flight from the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, the Indian golf sensation took to Twitter and requested the airlines to take action immediately and said she needs the kit bag immediately for a forthcoming tournament.

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"Need your immediate response @airfrance my golf bag didn`t make it on the flight from CDG. I have already shared the bag tag details on DM. I need it immediately as I have a tournament. Respond immediately and make sure my bag arrives by tomorrow. #MissingGolfBag," Aditi Ashok tweeted.

Deaflympics star last played in the Founders Cup tournament at the Upper Montclair Country Club course, which was held from May 12-15.&nbsp;

Indian golf star Aditi Ashok on Monday has called out France airlines for immediate action over her missing kit bag and said she needs it for an upcoming tournament.

Indian golf star Aditi Ashok on Monday has called out France airlines for immediate action over her missing kit bag and said she needs it for an upcoming tournament. Raising the issue that her golf kit bag didn`t make it to the flight from the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, the Indian golf sensation took to Twitter and requested the airlines to take action immediately and said she needs the kit bag immediately for a forthcoming tournament. ALSO READ | Justin Thomas stages major fightback to win PGA Championship in playoff "Need your immediate response @airfrance my golf bag didn`t make it on the flight from CDG. I have already shared the bag tag details on DM. I need it immediately as I have a tournament. Respond immediately and make sure my bag arrives by tomorrow. #MissingGolfBag," Aditi Ashok tweeted. Deaflympics star last played in the Founders Cup tournament at the Upper Montclair Country Club course, which was held from May 12-15.

Indian golf star Aditi Ashok calls out French airlines over her missing kit bag

IPL 2022 has been a huge hit. After as many as 70 games in the league stage, the tournament has come reached its final round. The much-awaited playoffs will now kick off from Tuesday (May 24) as the top-four teams, such as table-toppers Gujarat Titans (GT), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will be eager to bring their A-game and clinch the mega title.

Since the playoffs got introduced in IPL 2011, it has been an instant hit and the same is expected this time around as well, with more twists and turns on the cards. Ever since the playoffs got inducted, there has been only one instance where a team who has finished outside the top-two have went onto win the trophy. Will the same repeat this time around or a second-such instance finally&nbsp;take place?

Here's all you need to know about IPL 2022 playoffs schedule, venues and more:

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Schedule, dates and&nbsp;venues&nbsp;for IPL 2022 playoffs

Qualifier 1 (May 24) - Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Eliminator (May 25) - Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Lucknow Super Giants&nbsp;at Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Qualifier 2 (May 27) - Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;

Final (May 29) - Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2 at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad&nbsp;

Timings&nbsp;

Qualifier 1,&nbsp;Eliminator and Qualifier 2 will kick off at 7:30 PM IST. However, the final will start half hour later, i.e. at 8PM IST. The timing difference for the summit clash is due to the closing ceremony, which will be held by the BCCI for the first time since IPL 2018.&nbsp;

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For the unversed, the Qualifier 1, 2 and Eliminator will be decided on Super Over if no play is possible due to rain. If Super Over is also not possible, the league stage standing will be take into consideration. For the final, there is a reserve day as well.

IPL 2022 has been a huge hit. After as many as 70 games in the league stage, the tournament has come reached its final round. The much-awaited playoffs will now kick off from Tuesday (May 24) as the top-four teams, such as table-toppers Gujarat Titans (GT), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will be eager to bring their A-game and clinch the mega title.

IPL 2022 has been a huge hit. After as many as 70 games in the league stage, the tournament has come reached its final round. The much-awaited playoffs will now kick off from Tuesday (May 24) as the top-four teams, such as table-toppers Gujarat Titans (GT), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will be eager to bring their A-game and clinch the mega title. Since the playoffs got introduced in IPL 2011, it has been an instant hit and the same is expected this time around as well, with more twists and turns on the cards. Ever since the playoffs got inducted, there has been only one instance where a team who has finished outside the top-two have went onto win the trophy. Will the same repeat this time around or a second-such instance finally take place? Here's all you need to know about IPL 2022 playoffs schedule, venues and more: ALSO READ | IPL 2022: Punjab Kings beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by five wickets to finish sixth Schedule, dates and venues for IPL 2022 playoffs Qualifier 1 (May 24) - Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens, Kolkata Eliminator (May 25) - Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens, Kolkata Qualifier 2 (May 27) - Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad Final (May 29) - Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2 at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad Timings Qualifier 1, Eliminator and Qualifier 2 will kick off at 7:30 PM IST. However, the final will start half hour later, i.e. at 8PM IST. The timing difference for the summit clash is due to the closing ceremony, which will be held by the BCCI for the first time since IPL 2018. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma rested as India announce squad for T20I series against South Africa For the unversed, the Qualifier 1, 2 and Eliminator will be decided on Super Over if no play is possible due to rain. If Super Over is also not possible, the league stage standing will be take into consideration. For the final, there is a reserve day as well.

IPL 2022 playoffs: All you need to know about schedule, timings and venues

IPL 2022 becomes the first-ever season where both Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) have not qualified for the playoffs. In IPL 2016, both teams were also not part of the playoffs, however, CSK didn't feature&nbsp;back due to their two-year suspension&nbsp;in the spot-fixing scandal. Thus, it surely is the end of a magnificent era.

The MS Dhoni-starrer defending champions CSK ended at the ninth position in the points table. On the other hand, five-time winners and IPL's most successful team Mumbai couldn't avoid the wooden spoon despite a winning end to their forgettable campaign. Both sides returned with four victories and as many as ten defeats each. In fact, this was also the first time both franchises endured nine, or more, defeats in a season. In a nutshell, it can be said that two toppers fell flat and occupied the last two positions in the overall standings as other teams have surely mastered the art of winning big moments against them. However, the bigger question remains -- is MI-CSK's drubbing really a shocker? Well, it was always on the cards.

Many connoisseurs of the game might be quick to point out that the 'law of averages' was always going to bite the two famed sides. However, more than that CSK-MI's muddled approach, questionable team selections, playing styles, strategies, etc. were some notable reasons for their massive downfall.

1) Poor approach to the mega auction: Prior to the season, MI-CSK's team management's approach remained below par. After letting go of some big names in their roster, MI only managed to re-buy Ishan Kishan. Their replacements for the Pandya brothers, Quinton de Kock, Trent Boult, etc. were never really impressive (after including Daniel Sams, Riley Meredith, etc.). The Men in Blue also didn't purchase a solid spinner to spearhead the middle-overs. Murugan Ashwin did impress, however, he was also taken to the cleaners during some high-scorers. CSK, on the other hand, re-bought their core players, who seem to be well past their prime. It was an auction to look ahead, however, CSK's conservative approach sealed their fate then and there.

One might argue that CSK did pick young guns such as Mukesh Choudhary, Maheesh Theeshana, Simranjit Singh, etc., nonetheless, they never cared to properly rebuild their bowling unit. Either they had international bowlers woefully out of form, or only good to chip in with few overs, or it turned out to be too much reliance on youngsters in Deepak Chahar's absence.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ive-only-seen-zaheer-nehra-do-that-during-my-time-virender-sehwag-lavishes-praise-on-punjab-pacer-481437">'I've only seen Zaheer, Nehra do that during my time' - Virender Sehwag lavishes praise on Punjab pacer</a>

2) Captaincy and team management woes:&nbsp;CSK isn't a team that makes headlines for captaincy woes and reports of a rift between a player, or players, and team management. This season saw them tick off both the boxes. Firstly, if Dhoni was sure to give up captaincy to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja much before the season started, Jadeja still looked like a fish out of the water. His&nbsp;approach was half-baked whereas, in some crunch games, he seemed out of the picture with Dhoni leading the charge. Lastly, when Jadeja relinquished captaincy and Dhoni returned to the post officially, reports of a rift between CSK team management and Jadeja took precedence. Even if the reports have been quashed completely, something was surely not right in the way things were handled&nbsp;in the Yellow Army camp.

3) Dubious selections and strategies:&nbsp;Both MI and CSK have been successful as they follow a similar template, i.e. backing their group of players and accomodating a change in strategy when needed. However, IPL 2022 saw both teams make some surprising calls in terms of team selection and erring in strategies. While CSK admitted to have not read the pitch properly on a few occasions (read Dhoni's post-match comments after their second loss to Gujarat Titans), they didn't back Devon Conway after his failure on debut. MI, on the other hand, dropped Tim David -- who was roped in for INR 82.5 million -- after a few flop shows. Similarly, MI didn't go all-out in the usage of Jasprit Bumrah with him not opening the bowling in several matches. Meanwhile,&nbsp;CSK's rotation of bowlers and top order's timid approach never saw them coming to their usual best. During Jadeja's captaincy, the rotation of bowlers was also not up to the mark.

These factors led to both CSK and MI failing to emerge on top in several close encounters (versus Lucknow Super Giants, Gujarat, Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, etc.). There was utter chaos, a lack of role clarity and imbalance among batters and bowlers, especially at the initial stages, to confirm both sides' early exit.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-playoffs-all-you-need-to-know-about-schedule-timings-and-venues-481387">IPL 2022 playoffs: All you need to know about schedule, timings and venues</a>

4) Lack of form, injury to key players ruining it all:&nbsp;To add salt to their wounds, Chennai and Mumbai's star players never really stood tall. The likes of Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Kieron Pollard, Ruturaj Gaikwad, etc. never&nbsp;threatened opposition camps with their consistency or form. Bumrah wasn't among wickets at regular intervals, barring a game where he ended with a five-fer, whereas Dhoni, Ambati Rayudu, Dwayne Bravo, and Robin Uthappa did their best but it wasn't enough.

MI and CSK's big buys also underperformed. While Ishan, the most expensive&nbsp;player of this year's mega auction, ended with 400-plus runs, he struck at 121.11. On the other hand, CSK missed the services of Chahar, who remains injured and out of action. Injuries to Jadeja-Suryakumar Yadav in the fag end of the league stage also hurt the wounded CSK and MI line-up.&nbsp;

Hence, both CSK and MI are deservingly out of the playoffs race. As the two are highly successful in IPL, expect them to bounce back sooner than later. However, both MI and CSK need to go back to the drawing board to rethink their approach, and playing style, revamp next year and be more ruthless as the tournament is now much more difficult to crack with the addition of two new teams.

IPL 2022 becomes the first-ever season where both Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) have not qualified for the playoffs. In IPL 2016, both teams were also not part of the playoffs, however, CSK didn't feature back due to their two-year suspension in the spot-fixing scandal.

IPL 2022 becomes the first-ever season where both Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) have not qualified for the playoffs. In IPL 2016, both teams were also not part of the playoffs, however, CSK didn't feature back due to their two-year suspension in the spot-fixing scandal. Thus, it surely is the end of a magnificent era. The MS Dhoni-starrer defending champions CSK ended at the ninth position in the points table. On the other hand, five-time winners and IPL's most successful team Mumbai couldn't avoid the wooden spoon despite a winning end to their forgettable campaign. Both sides returned with four victories and as many as ten defeats each. In fact, this was also the first time both franchises endured nine, or more, defeats in a season. In a nutshell, it can be said that two toppers fell flat and occupied the last two positions in the overall standings as other teams have surely mastered the art of winning big moments against them. However, the bigger question remains -- is MI-CSK's drubbing really a shocker? Well, it was always on the cards. Many connoisseurs of the game might be quick to point out that the 'law of averages' was always going to bite the two famed sides. However, more than that CSK-MI's muddled approach, questionable team selections, playing styles, strategies, etc. were some notable reasons for their massive downfall. 1) Poor approach to the mega auction: Prior to the season, MI-CSK's team management's approach remained below par. After letting go of some big names in their roster, MI only managed to re-buy Ishan Kishan. Their replacements for the Pandya brothers, Quinton de Kock, Trent Boult, etc. were never really impressive (after including Daniel Sams, Riley Meredith, etc.). The Men in Blue also didn't purchase a solid spinner to spearhead the middle-overs. Murugan Ashwin did impress, however, he was also taken to the cleaners during some high-scorers. CSK, on the other hand, re-bought their core players, who seem to be well past their prime. It was an auction to look ahead, however, CSK's conservative approach sealed their fate then and there. One might argue that CSK did pick young guns such as Mukesh Choudhary, Maheesh Theeshana, Simranjit Singh, etc., nonetheless, they never cared to properly rebuild their bowling unit. Either they had international bowlers woefully out of form, or only good to chip in with few overs, or it turned out to be too much reliance on youngsters in Deepak Chahar's absence. ALSO READ | 'I've only seen Zaheer, Nehra do that during my time' - Virender Sehwag lavishes praise on Punjab pacer 2) Captaincy and team management woes: CSK isn't a team that makes headlines for captaincy woes and reports of a rift between a player, or players, and team management. This season saw them tick off both the boxes. Firstly, if Dhoni was sure to give up captaincy to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja much before the season started, Jadeja still looked like a fish out of the water. His approach was half-baked whereas, in some crunch games, he seemed out of the picture with Dhoni leading the charge. Lastly, when Jadeja relinquished captaincy and Dhoni returned to the post officially, reports of a rift between CSK team management and Jadeja took precedence. Even if the reports have been quashed completely, something was surely not right in the way things were handled in the Yellow Army camp. 3) Dubious selections and strategies: Both MI and CSK have been successful as they follow a similar template, i.e. backing their group of players and accomodating a change in strategy when needed. However, IPL 2022 saw both teams make some surprising calls in terms of team selection and erring in strategies. While CSK admitted to have not read the pitch properly on a few occasions (read Dhoni's post-match comments after their second loss to Gujarat Titans), they didn't back Devon Conway after his failure on debut. MI, on the other hand, dropped Tim David -- who was roped in for INR 82.5 million -- after a few flop shows. Similarly, MI didn't go all-out in the usage of Jasprit Bumrah with him not opening the bowling in several matches. Meanwhile, CSK's rotation of bowlers and top order's timid approach never saw them coming to their usual best. During Jadeja's captaincy, the rotation of bowlers was also not up to the mark. These factors led to both CSK and MI failing to emerge on top in several close encounters (versus Lucknow Super Giants, Gujarat, Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, etc.). There was utter chaos, a lack of role clarity and imbalance among batters and bowlers, especially at the initial stages, to confirm both sides' early exit. ALSO READ | IPL 2022 playoffs: All you need to know about schedule, timings and venues 4) Lack of form, injury to key players ruining it all: To add salt to their wounds, Chennai and Mumbai's star players never really stood tall. The likes of Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Kieron Pollard, Ruturaj Gaikwad, etc. never threatened opposition camps with their consistency or form. Bumrah wasn't among wickets at regular intervals, barring a game where he ended with a five-fer, whereas Dhoni, Ambati Rayudu, Dwayne Bravo, and Robin Uthappa did their best but it wasn't enough. MI and CSK's big buys also underperformed. While Ishan, the most expensive player of this year's mega auction, ended with 400-plus runs, he struck at 121.11. On the other hand, CSK missed the services of Chahar, who remains injured and out of action. Injuries to Jadeja-Suryakumar Yadav in the fag end of the league stage also hurt the wounded CSK and MI line-up. Hence, both CSK and MI are deservingly out of the playoffs race. As the two are highly successful in IPL, expect them to bounce back sooner than later. However, both MI and CSK need to go back to the drawing board to rethink their approach, and playing style, revamp next year and be more ruthless as the tournament is now much more difficult to crack with the addition of two new teams.

IPL 2022: How MS Dhoni's CSK and Rohit Sharma-led MI's debacle was always on the cards

The 2022 World Cup hosted by Qatar is expected to be watched by 5 billion people around the world, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Monday. The TV audience for the 2018 World Cup in Russia was a record-breaking 3.5 billion people.

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The forthcoming showpiece event is set to kick off later this year. It will commence on November 21 and conclude on December 18. France are the reigning champions after beating Crotia in the 2018 edition's finale.

The 2022 World Cup hosted by Qatar is expected to be watched by 5 billion people around the world, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Monday. The TV audience for the 2018 World Cup in Russia was a record-breaking 3.

The 2022 World Cup hosted by Qatar is expected to be watched by 5 billion people around the world, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Monday. The TV audience for the 2018 World Cup in Russia was a record-breaking 3.5 billion people. ALSO READ | PSG's Nasser Al-Khelaifi responds to La Liga president's 'insult to football' remark on Kylian Mbappe deal The forthcoming showpiece event is set to kick off later this year. It will commence on November 21 and conclude on December 18. France are the reigning champions after beating Crotia in the 2018 edition's finale.

Qatar's World Cup audience projected to be 5 billion, claims FIFA president Gianni Infantino

Barbora Krejcikova`s French Open title defence ended in the opening round on Monday as local hope Diane Parry was roared to a 1-6 6-2 6-3 victory against the second-seeded Czech. Krejcikova, who defeated Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in 2021 final to win her maiden Grand Slam title, arrived at Roland Garros without any competitive matches under her belt since February due to an elbow injury. 
 
But she breezed through the opening set against the 97th-ranked Parry, who was facing a top-10 opponent for the first time in her career, in 34 minutes before her rustiness showed. The 19-year-old Parry turned the match on its head by winning the second set as errors and double faults began to creep into Krejcikova`s game. 
 
Krejcikova took a lengthy break after losing the second set and was booed by the partisan French crowd at the Court Philippe Chatrier on her return. The 26-year-old Czech got an early break in the deciding set but Parry, urged on by the crowd, levelled things at 2-2 and then got the decisive break in the eighth game.

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Krejcikova found the net on match point for her 45th unforced error as Parry completed a remarkable victory with the crowd chanting `Parry, Parry` throughout the contest. 
 
"It`s a dream for me. It was always a dream to play on this court with the French crowd to support me," Parry said during an interview on court. "They clearly pushed me to victory today. I`m the happiest person right now. It`s never easy to start on this kind of court against the defending champion, you can get a bit tight, which happened in the first set but then I managed to relax." 
 
She will play Colombian Camila Osorio for a place in the third round.

Barbora Krejcikova`s French Open title defence ended in the opening round on Monday as local hope Diane Parry was roared to a 1-6 6-2 6-3 victory against the second-seeded Czech.

Barbora Krejcikova`s French Open title defence ended in the opening round on Monday as local hope Diane Parry was roared to a 1-6 6-2 6-3 victory against the second-seeded Czech. Krejcikova, who defeated Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in 2021 final to win her maiden Grand Slam title, arrived at Roland Garros without any competitive matches under her belt since February due to an elbow injury. But she breezed through the opening set against the 97th-ranked Parry, who was facing a top-10 opponent for the first time in her career, in 34 minutes before her rustiness showed. The 19-year-old Parry turned the match on its head by winning the second set as errors and double faults began to creep into Krejcikova`s game. Krejcikova took a lengthy break after losing the second set and was booed by the partisan French crowd at the Court Philippe Chatrier on her return. The 26-year-old Czech got an early break in the deciding set but Parry, urged on by the crowd, levelled things at 2-2 and then got the decisive break in the eighth game. ALSO READ | French Open 2022: Carlos Alcaraz goes past Juan Ignacio Londero to enter second round Krejcikova found the net on match point for her 45th unforced error as Parry completed a remarkable victory with the crowd chanting `Parry, Parry` throughout the contest. "It`s a dream for me. It was always a dream to play on this court with the French crowd to support me," Parry said during an interview on court. "They clearly pushed me to victory today. I`m the happiest person right now. It`s never easy to start on this kind of court against the defending champion, you can get a bit tight, which happened in the first set but then I managed to relax." She will play Colombian Camila Osorio for a place in the third round.

French Open: Diane Parry knocks out reigning champion Barbora Krejcikova in first round

Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) have joined the IPL 2022 playoffs for the first time since&nbsp;2018 edition. While many players have stood tall for the one-time winners, R Ashwin's inclusion and the out-of-the-box usage of the star player from the team management has helped the RR franchise extensively in the 15th season.&nbsp;

Ashwin has not only bowled some tidy spells, picked up crucial wickets from time to time but the 35-year-old has become a vital cog of Samson &amp; Co. by virtue of his cameos and overall contributions with the bat. In 14 games, 183 runs with a fifty -- his maiden IPL half-century -- and a match-finishing 40 not out in a moderate run-chase versus defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) recently.&nbsp;

Thus, Ashwin is having a ball in IPL 2022 and looks set to continue in a similar stead for the inaugural champions in the playoffs. Ahead of the knockouts, Little Master Sunil Gavaskar has backed the all-rounder Ashwin to feature in India's T20 World Cup squad later this year. For the unversed, he was also a part of India's scheme of things in last year's T20 WC. Back then, he had staged a combeack in limited-overs after a four-year hiatus based on his impressive run in IPL 2021.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-sa-t20is-former-indian-opener-snubs-dinesh-karthik-in-his-probable-xi-for-kl-rahul-co-481461">India vs SA T20Is: Former Indian opener snubs Dinesh Karthik in his probable XI for KL Rahul &amp; Co.</a>

<section>“I think he wanted to show he can bat anywhere. He started his career as an opening batsman, not at the first-class level may be, but at the club level. Now he has become one of the greatest spinners in the game," Gavaskar told&nbsp;Star Sports.</section>

"And he also knows that he is a batsman who has got five Test hundreds. So he can bat, he knows that. He has now shown that he can do it in the ultra-short format and be in the Indian team for the World Cup in Australia. That is his aim and that is why he is so excited about his own batting performance. He's showing with the ball and with the bat that ‘Hello! Pick me’," Gavaskar added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-playoffs-all-you-need-to-know-about-schedule-timings-and-venues-481387">IPL 2022 playoffs: All you need to know about schedule, timings and venues</a>

<section>Ashwin-starrer RR have a serious chance of lifting their first IPL title after 14 years in the ongoing season. They are gearing up for Qualifier 1 where they will lock horns with the Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT), who ended the league stage at the top of the points table.</section>

Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) have joined the IPL 2022 playoffs for the first time since 2018 edition. While many players have stood tall for the one-time winners, R Ashwin's inclusion and the out-of-the-box usage of the star player from the team management has helped the RR franchise extensively in the 15th season.

Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) have joined the IPL 2022 playoffs for the first time since 2018 edition. While many players have stood tall for the one-time winners, R Ashwin's inclusion and the out-of-the-box usage of the star player from the team management has helped the RR franchise extensively in the 15th season. Ashwin has not only bowled some tidy spells, picked up crucial wickets from time to time but the 35-year-old has become a vital cog of Samson & Co. by virtue of his cameos and overall contributions with the bat. In 14 games, 183 runs with a fifty -- his maiden IPL half-century -- and a match-finishing 40 not out in a moderate run-chase versus defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) recently. Thus, Ashwin is having a ball in IPL 2022 and looks set to continue in a similar stead for the inaugural champions in the playoffs. Ahead of the knockouts, Little Master Sunil Gavaskar has backed the all-rounder Ashwin to feature in India's T20 World Cup squad later this year. For the unversed, he was also a part of India's scheme of things in last year's T20 WC. Back then, he had staged a combeack in limited-overs after a four-year hiatus based on his impressive run in IPL 2021. ALSO READ | India vs SA T20Is: Former Indian opener snubs Dinesh Karthik in his probable XI for KL Rahul & Co. “I think he wanted to show he can bat anywhere. He started his career as an opening batsman, not at the first-class level may be, but at the club level. Now he has become one of the greatest spinners in the game," Gavaskar told Star Sports. "And he also knows that he is a batsman who has got five Test hundreds. So he can bat, he knows that. He has now shown that he can do it in the ultra-short format and be in the Indian team for the World Cup in Australia. That is his aim and that is why he is so excited about his own batting performance. He's showing with the ball and with the bat that ‘Hello! Pick me’," Gavaskar added. ALSO READ | IPL 2022 playoffs: All you need to know about schedule, timings and venues Ashwin-starrer RR have a serious chance of lifting their first IPL title after 14 years in the ongoing season. They are gearing up for Qualifier 1 where they will lock horns with the Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT), who ended the league stage at the top of the points table.

'Hello! Pick me': Sunil Gavaskar backs RR star to be part of Team India squad for T20 World Cup

Pakistan's former captain Salman Butt has landed himself in a new role after being roped in by the&nbsp;Singapore Cricket Association as&nbsp;a consulting head coach for the national side for the 2022 season.&nbsp;

Singapore, an affiliated country at ICC since 1974, will take part in the three major tournaments in a bid to finalise a berth among the ICC marquee tournaments in the next&nbsp;five months. Thus, the Singapore Cricket Association has appointed the ex-international cricketer Butt in the new role to hone the players' skills and help them in delivering at the big stage in what is going to be a very crucial few five months for them.

In this regard, the Singapore Cricket Association chief executive officer Saad Janjua also confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that the 37-year-old Butt&nbsp;will be staying in Singapore and will travel with the team as head coach under a consultant contract.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricketers-must-ensure-harmony-between-india-pakistan-akhtar-on-sehwags-chucking-allegations-480737">'Cricketers must ensure harmony between India-Pakistan' - Akhtar on Sehwag's 'chucking' allegation</a>

For the unversed, it is an action-packed season for the Singapore team as&nbsp;it comprises&nbsp;three qualifiers during Butt's&nbsp;tenure - ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe in July, followed by the&nbsp;Asia Cup qualifier in August in Sri Lanka and the ICC Men's Challenge League A in Canada - i.e. a tournament&nbsp;to claim the ICC's ODI World Cup qualification.

Butt is a former Pakistan skipper, who represented the Men in Green in 33 Tests, 78 ODIs and 24 T20Is, ending with 11 tons. His career was cut short following his involvement in the spot-fixing scandal in 2010, which led to him being suspended for five years. Despite him being&nbsp;reintegrated into the system in Pakistan in January 2016, he never managed to play at the highest level any further, leading to him concluding his playing career in 2020.

Pakistan's former captain Salman Butt has landed himself in a new role after being roped in by the Singapore Cricket Association as a consulting head coach for the national side for the 2022 season.

Pakistan's former captain Salman Butt has landed himself in a new role after being roped in by the Singapore Cricket Association as a consulting head coach for the national side for the 2022 season. Singapore, an affiliated country at ICC since 1974, will take part in the three major tournaments in a bid to finalise a berth among the ICC marquee tournaments in the next five months. Thus, the Singapore Cricket Association has appointed the ex-international cricketer Butt in the new role to hone the players' skills and help them in delivering at the big stage in what is going to be a very crucial few five months for them. In this regard, the Singapore Cricket Association chief executive officer Saad Janjua also confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that the 37-year-old Butt will be staying in Singapore and will travel with the team as head coach under a consultant contract. ALSO READ | 'Cricketers must ensure harmony between India-Pakistan' - Akhtar on Sehwag's 'chucking' allegation For the unversed, it is an action-packed season for the Singapore team as it comprises three qualifiers during Butt's tenure - ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe in July, followed by the Asia Cup qualifier in August in Sri Lanka and the ICC Men's Challenge League A in Canada - i.e. a tournament to claim the ICC's ODI World Cup qualification. Butt is a former Pakistan skipper, who represented the Men in Green in 33 Tests, 78 ODIs and 24 T20Is, ending with 11 tons. His career was cut short following his involvement in the spot-fixing scandal in 2010, which led to him being suspended for five years. Despite him being reintegrated into the system in Pakistan in January 2016, he never managed to play at the highest level any further, leading to him concluding his playing career in 2020.

Disgraced ex-Pakistan skipper Salman Butt lands new job, appointed Singapore consulting head coach

Japan`s Naomi Osaka crashed out of the French Open in a 7-5 6-4 first-round loss to American Amanda Anisimova on Monday, a year after her dramatic withdrawal from the claycourt Grand Slam tournament amid mental health issues.

Up against 27th seed Anisimova, four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka never looked comfortable on her least favourite surface as she struggled to control her powerful game. The first three games all went against serve in a tense start but Anisimova held to go 3-1 ahead.

A backhand error by Anisimova allowed Osaka to level for 3-3, but a double fault in the 11th game allowed Anisimova to move 6-5 up and she held serve to love to take the set. Anisimova broke decisively for 4-3 in the second set as Osaka again double faulted game.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-2022-carlos-alcaraz-goes-past-juan-ignacio-londero-to-enter-second-round-481395">French Open 2022: Carlos Alcaraz goes past Juan Ignacio Londero to enter second round</a>

After a couple of match points went begging, Anisimova finished it off with a stunning backhand winner down the line. Osaka withdrew from the tournament in 2021 after boycotting post-match media duties for mental health reasons.

In the build-up to last year`s French Open, Osaka said she would not attend the obligatory news conferences for players after matches as they impacted her mental wellbeing. The Japanese, who at that time revealed she had been suffering from depression for almost three years, returned to competitive tennis at the Tokyo Olympics after the saga cast a spotlight on players` post-match media duties. 
Roland Garros organisers conceded they could "do better" on mental health this year.

Japan`s Naomi Osaka crashed out of the French Open in a 7-5 6-4 first-round loss to American Amanda Anisimova on Monday, a year after her dramatic withdrawal from the claycourt Grand Slam tournament amid mental health issues.

Japan`s Naomi Osaka crashed out of the French Open in a 7-5 6-4 first-round loss to American Amanda Anisimova on Monday, a year after her dramatic withdrawal from the claycourt Grand Slam tournament amid mental health issues. Up against 27th seed Anisimova, four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka never looked comfortable on her least favourite surface as she struggled to control her powerful game. The first three games all went against serve in a tense start but Anisimova held to go 3-1 ahead. A backhand error by Anisimova allowed Osaka to level for 3-3, but a double fault in the 11th game allowed Anisimova to move 6-5 up and she held serve to love to take the set. Anisimova broke decisively for 4-3 in the second set as Osaka again double faulted game. ALSO READ | French Open 2022: Carlos Alcaraz goes past Juan Ignacio Londero to enter second round After a couple of match points went begging, Anisimova finished it off with a stunning backhand winner down the line. Osaka withdrew from the tournament in 2021 after boycotting post-match media duties for mental health reasons. In the build-up to last year`s French Open, Osaka said she would not attend the obligatory news conferences for players after matches as they impacted her mental wellbeing. The Japanese, who at that time revealed she had been suffering from depression for almost three years, returned to competitive tennis at the Tokyo Olympics after the saga cast a spotlight on players` post-match media duties. Roland Garros organisers conceded they could "do better" on mental health this year.

French Open: Japan's Naomi Osaka knocked out in opening round by Amanda Anisimova

Team India's squad for the five T20Is versus South Africa was announced on Sunday (May 22). While the regular captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah have been rested and Ravindra Jadeja-Suryakumar Yadav are injured, BCCI's selection committee announced a strong 18-member squad which will be led by all-format vice-captain KL Rahul.

In the Rahul-led India squad, many young guns and uncapped players have been included for the series versus Temba Bavuma-led Proteas. Among them, Dinesh Karthik's comeback has been highly-talked about. At 36, not many would've given him a chance to return to the national team, who last played in 2019. However, Karthik's magnificent run in IPL 2022 has changed the script in his favour.

In 14 games, Karthik has so far amassed 287 runs&nbsp;at an average of 57.40 and a strike rate of 191 playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Thus, he is expected to come good even in the playoffs for RCB and then feature in India's playing XI for the SA series. Nonetheless, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra snubbed DK and Kuldeep Yadav from his probable line-up for the upcoming home series.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-lot-of-people-had-given-up-on-me-dinesh-karthik-reacts-after-his-memorable-team-india-comeback-481413">'A lot of people had given up on me' - Dinesh Karthik reacts after his memorable Team India comeback</a>

On his Youtube channel, Chopra said, "What is the composition of the XI you are going to see? I feel you might see Ishan Kishan opening alongside KL Rahul. But there are a lot of keepers, so he might not open, you can open with Ruturaj Gaikwad and not Ishan Kishan, that's a choice." Chopra then named vice-captain Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya as automatic starters in the middle-order and called for Shreyas Iyer as well as Deepak Hooda's inclusion.

He added, "After that, you will keep Axar Patel in the team because you want a little depth in the batting. So Axar as a left-arm spinner and a batter. If you play Axar, you will only be able to play Yuzi Chahal." His pace department comprises Bhuvneshwar Kumar, one among Arshdeep Singh and Harshal Patel and either of Umran Malik or Avesh Khan.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-rested-as-india-announce-squad-for-t20i-series-against-south-africa-481249">Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma rested as India announce squad for T20I series against South Africa</a>

Aakash Chopra probable Team India XI for SA T20Is:

KL Rahul (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad/Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh/Harshal Patel, Umran Malik/Avesh Khan.

Team India's squad for the five T20Is versus South Africa was announced on Sunday (May 22). While the regular captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah have been rested and Ravindra Jadeja-Suryakumar Yadav are injured, BCCI's selection committee announced a strong 18-member squad which will be led by all-format vice-captain KL Rahul.

Team India's squad for the five T20Is versus South Africa was announced on Sunday (May 22). While the regular captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah have been rested and Ravindra Jadeja-Suryakumar Yadav are injured, BCCI's selection committee announced a strong 18-member squad which will be led by all-format vice-captain KL Rahul. In the Rahul-led India squad, many young guns and uncapped players have been included for the series versus Temba Bavuma-led Proteas. Among them, Dinesh Karthik's comeback has been highly-talked about. At 36, not many would've given him a chance to return to the national team, who last played in 2019. However, Karthik's magnificent run in IPL 2022 has changed the script in his favour. In 14 games, Karthik has so far amassed 287 runs at an average of 57.40 and a strike rate of 191 playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Thus, he is expected to come good even in the playoffs for RCB and then feature in India's playing XI for the SA series. Nonetheless, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra snubbed DK and Kuldeep Yadav from his probable line-up for the upcoming home series. ALSO READ | 'A lot of people had given up on me' - Dinesh Karthik reacts after his memorable Team India comeback On his Youtube channel, Chopra said, "What is the composition of the XI you are going to see? I feel you might see Ishan Kishan opening alongside KL Rahul. But there are a lot of keepers, so he might not open, you can open with Ruturaj Gaikwad and not Ishan Kishan, that's a choice." Chopra then named vice-captain Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya as automatic starters in the middle-order and called for Shreyas Iyer as well as Deepak Hooda's inclusion. He added, "After that, you will keep Axar Patel in the team because you want a little depth in the batting. So Axar as a left-arm spinner and a batter. If you play Axar, you will only be able to play Yuzi Chahal." His pace department comprises Bhuvneshwar Kumar, one among Arshdeep Singh and Harshal Patel and either of Umran Malik or Avesh Khan. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma rested as India announce squad for T20I series against South Africa Aakash Chopra probable Team India XI for SA T20Is: KL Rahul (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad/Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh/Harshal Patel, Umran Malik/Avesh Khan.

India vs SA T20Is: Former Indian opener snubs Dinesh Karthik in his probable XI for KL Rahul & Co.

Mayank Agarwal-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) ended their run in IPL 2022 with a five-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who finished in the eighth position. As&nbsp;Punjab have managed to reach the playoffs only on two occasions since the inaugural season, they will be hugely disappointed as Mayank &amp; Co. looked a strong unit on paper but never gained consistency throughout the season.

Despite their failure to enter the playoffs, Punjab still have quite a few positives in the form of performances from Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, etc. Due to his economical returns despite bowling the tough overs, Arshdeep reaped rewards and was named in India's 18-man squad for the upcoming T20Is versus South Africa, to kick off on June 09.

Following Arshdeep's inclusion, former Punjab and Team India opener Virender Sehwag lauded the pacer and compared him to former Indian speedsters Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra. "Arshdeep has impressed me because he bowls two of the last three overs for Punjab Kings. He may not have that many wickets, but his economy rate is brilliant. He is the bowler who bowls one over with the new ball and two in the slog overs. I have only seen Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra do that during my time. Now, its Arshdeep and Bumrah, and Bhuvneshwar as well. It is a very difficult job to bowl in the slog overs,” Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.

<section>
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-playoffs-all-you-need-to-know-about-schedule-timings-and-venues-481387">IPL 2022 playoffs: All you need to know about schedule, timings and venues</a>

Talking about Arshdeep's numbers in IPL 15, he ended with 10 scalps from 14 games at a splendid economy rate of 7.70. Despite his consistency, Punjab failed to live upto expectations and have bowed out of the 15th season. Arshdeep, meanwhile, will now shift his focus to delivering for Team India in the SA T20Is at home.
</section>

Mayank Agarwal-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) ended their run in IPL 2022 with a five-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who finished in the eighth position. As Punjab have managed to reach the playoffs only on two occasions since the inaugural season, they will be hugely disappointed as Mayank & Co.

Mayank Agarwal-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) ended their run in IPL 2022 with a five-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who finished in the eighth position. As Punjab have managed to reach the playoffs only on two occasions since the inaugural season, they will be hugely disappointed as Mayank & Co. looked a strong unit on paper but never gained consistency throughout the season. Despite their failure to enter the playoffs, Punjab still have quite a few positives in the form of performances from Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, etc. Due to his economical returns despite bowling the tough overs, Arshdeep reaped rewards and was named in India's 18-man squad for the upcoming T20Is versus South Africa, to kick off on June 09. Following Arshdeep's inclusion, former Punjab and Team India opener Virender Sehwag lauded the pacer and compared him to former Indian speedsters Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra. "Arshdeep has impressed me because he bowls two of the last three overs for Punjab Kings. He may not have that many wickets, but his economy rate is brilliant. He is the bowler who bowls one over with the new ball and two in the slog overs. I have only seen Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra do that during my time. Now, its Arshdeep and Bumrah, and Bhuvneshwar as well. It is a very difficult job to bowl in the slog overs,” Sehwag said on Cricbuzz. ALSO READ | IPL 2022 playoffs: All you need to know about schedule, timings and venues Talking about Arshdeep's numbers in IPL 15, he ended with 10 scalps from 14 games at a splendid economy rate of 7.70. Despite his consistency, Punjab failed to live upto expectations and have bowed out of the 15th season. Arshdeep, meanwhile, will now shift his focus to delivering for Team India in the SA T20Is at home.

'I've only seen Zaheer, Nehra do that during my time' - Virender Sehwag lavishes praise on Punjab pacer

IPL 2022 has been a huge hit. While it is a day off in the 15th season before the action moves to the playoffs, the cricketing action continues as all eyes now shift to the Women's T20 Challenge 2022. The first game of the four-match tournament will see the defending champions Smriti Mandhana-led Trailblazers take on the Harmanpreet Kaur's Supernovas.&nbsp;

As the BCCI is eyeing to start a full-fledged Women's T20 Challenge&nbsp;next year, all the players involved will be eager to make a mark in this edition and take the tournament to the next level. Thus, the opening game will be keenly followed by the cricket lovers.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-playoffs-all-you-need-to-know-about-schedule-timings-and-venues-481387">IPL 2022 playoffs: All you need to know about schedule, timings and venues</a>

Match prediction for Trailblazers vs Supernovas clash:&nbsp;The match is set to be held at the&nbsp;Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. Recently, the venue has hosted several matches in the league stage of IPL 2022. Run-making is favourable on this ground and chasing hasn't been a big issue. At the start of the tournament, both skippers will surely look to chase. Expect a 145-155 run affair with a tight finish on cards.

Squads:

Trailblazers: Smriti Mandhana(c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Sabbhineni Meghana, Sharmin Akhter, Richa Ghosh(w), Hayley Matthews, Sophia Dunkley, Poonam Yadav, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Salma Khatun, Renuka Singh, Arundhati Reddy, Priyanka Priyadarshini, Saika Ishaque, Shradda Bhau Pokharkar, Sujata Mallik

Supernovas: Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Muskan Malik, Priya Punia, Taniya Bhatia(w), Deandra Dottin, Harleen Deol, Pooja Vastrakar, Sune Luus, Sophie Ecclestone, Alana King, Ayushi soni, Mansi Joshi, Meghna Singh, Monica Patel, V Chandu, Rashi Kanojiya

IPL 2022 has been a huge hit. While it is a day off in the 15th season before the action moves to the playoffs, the cricketing action continues as all eyes now shift to the Women's T20 Challenge 2022.

IPL 2022 has been a huge hit. While it is a day off in the 15th season before the action moves to the playoffs, the cricketing action continues as all eyes now shift to the Women's T20 Challenge 2022. The first game of the four-match tournament will see the defending champions Smriti Mandhana-led Trailblazers take on the Harmanpreet Kaur's Supernovas. As the BCCI is eyeing to start a full-fledged Women's T20 Challenge next year, all the players involved will be eager to make a mark in this edition and take the tournament to the next level. Thus, the opening game will be keenly followed by the cricket lovers. ALSO READ | IPL 2022 playoffs: All you need to know about schedule, timings and venues Match prediction for Trailblazers vs Supernovas clash: The match is set to be held at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune. Recently, the venue has hosted several matches in the league stage of IPL 2022. Run-making is favourable on this ground and chasing hasn't been a big issue. At the start of the tournament, both skippers will surely look to chase. Expect a 145-155 run affair with a tight finish on cards. Squads: Trailblazers: Smriti Mandhana(c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Sabbhineni Meghana, Sharmin Akhter, Richa Ghosh(w), Hayley Matthews, Sophia Dunkley, Poonam Yadav, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Salma Khatun, Renuka Singh, Arundhati Reddy, Priyanka Priyadarshini, Saika Ishaque, Shradda Bhau Pokharkar, Sujata Mallik Supernovas: Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Muskan Malik, Priya Punia, Taniya Bhatia(w), Deandra Dottin, Harleen Deol, Pooja Vastrakar, Sune Luus, Sophie Ecclestone, Alana King, Ayushi soni, Mansi Joshi, Meghna Singh, Monica Patel, V Chandu, Rashi Kanojiya

TRA vs SUP, Women's T20 Challenge 2022 prediction today: Who will win Trailblazers vs Supernovas match?

On Sunday (May 22), the BCCI selection committee announced an 18-member Team India squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series versus South Africa, starting from June 09. While the big guns such as regular captain Rohit Sharma, former skipper Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah have been rested, KL Rahul will lead the line-up, which also sees the comeback of Dinesh Karthik.

Karthik, who had donned the commentator's hat last year, has seen his career getting revived in IPL 2022, where he is representing the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Karthik got a new lease of life at the RCB, where he has made heads turn being a fantastic finisher for the three-time runners-up and rescuing them from several precarious situations. In 14 games, Karthik has amassed 287 runs&nbsp;at an average of 57.40 and a strike rate of 191.

Thus, Karthik's IPL 15 knocks have helped him make a comeback in Team India setup. In a video shared by RCB, the veteran keeper-batter thanked Bengaluru's top brass&nbsp;Sanjay Bangar, Mike Hesson and Indian captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid for instilling faith on him.

"Very happy. Very very very satisfying. I must say this has been my most memorable comeback because a lot of people had given up on me and for me to do what I did, practice with the way I did with my coach Nayar. So many special things in the lead to the auction and how I practiced post that. I lot of credit also to Sanjay Bangar and Mike Hesson. The clarity that they gave me to execute the role that I wanted to, in many ways I am indebted to RCB for picking me and believing in me," said Karthik who was roped in by the francse&nbsp;for 5.50 crore at IPL mega auction.

"A lot of credit must go to the selectors, Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid because these days with so many young boys putting their names for selection, to see the skillset that is there and then to believe that this is the guy we need for the World Cup, it is a very very humbling feeling. I know the journey is still there to the World Cup but to be a part of the scheme of things and giving me an opportunity to showcase my skills and I am very proud of it," Karthik added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-rested-as-india-announce-squad-for-t20i-series-against-south-africa-481249">Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma rested as India announce squad for T20I series against South Africa</a>

"I started believing but people around me gave me a feeling saying I should not dream too much. I took up the role of a commentator and that made it look like I am no more interested in trying to come back to the Indian team but I have always said that for me, playing for the Indian team is the priority, because I had time I did it. I am very excited overall," he signed off.

India's T20I squad for South Africa series -&nbsp;KL Rahul (Capt), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Deepak Hooda, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant(VC) (wk), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Hardik Pandya, Venkatesh Iyer, Y Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, R Bishnoi, Bhuvneshwar, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik

On Sunday (May 22), the BCCI selection committee announced an 18-member Team India squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series versus South Africa, starting from June 09.

On Sunday (May 22), the BCCI selection committee announced an 18-member Team India squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series versus South Africa, starting from June 09. While the big guns such as regular captain Rohit Sharma, former skipper Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah have been rested, KL Rahul will lead the line-up, which also sees the comeback of Dinesh Karthik. Karthik, who had donned the commentator's hat last year, has seen his career getting revived in IPL 2022, where he is representing the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Karthik got a new lease of life at the RCB, where he has made heads turn being a fantastic finisher for the three-time runners-up and rescuing them from several precarious situations. In 14 games, Karthik has amassed 287 runs at an average of 57.40 and a strike rate of 191. Thus, Karthik's IPL 15 knocks have helped him make a comeback in Team India setup. In a video shared by RCB, the veteran keeper-batter thanked Bengaluru's top brass Sanjay Bangar, Mike Hesson and Indian captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid for instilling faith on him. "Very happy. Very very very satisfying. I must say this has been my most memorable comeback because a lot of people had given up on me and for me to do what I did, practice with the way I did with my coach Nayar. So many special things in the lead to the auction and how I practiced post that. I lot of credit also to Sanjay Bangar and Mike Hesson. The clarity that they gave me to execute the role that I wanted to, in many ways I am indebted to RCB for picking me and believing in me," said Karthik who was roped in by the francse for 5.50 crore at IPL mega auction. "A lot of credit must go to the selectors, Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid because these days with so many young boys putting their names for selection, to see the skillset that is there and then to believe that this is the guy we need for the World Cup, it is a very very humbling feeling. I know the journey is still there to the World Cup but to be a part of the scheme of things and giving me an opportunity to showcase my skills and I am very proud of it," Karthik added. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma rested as India announce squad for T20I series against South Africa "I started believing but people around me gave me a feeling saying I should not dream too much. I took up the role of a commentator and that made it look like I am no more interested in trying to come back to the Indian team but I have always said that for me, playing for the Indian team is the priority, because I had time I did it. I am very excited overall," he signed off. India's T20I squad for South Africa series - KL Rahul (Capt), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Deepak Hooda, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant(VC) (wk), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Hardik Pandya, Venkatesh Iyer, Y Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, R Bishnoi, Bhuvneshwar, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik

'A lot of people had given up on me' - Dinesh Karthik reacts after his memorable Team India comeback

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