Wild card Holger Rune of Denmark pulled a stunning upset Wednesday of top-seeded German Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-2 in the Round of 16 at the BMW Open in Munich, Germany. Zverev is the No. 3 player in the world and had the decided homecourt advantage but had his serve broken four times by the 18-year-old en route to losing in one hour and 40 minutes. Rune, No. 70 in the world, scored the first top 10 victory of his career.

Rune will play Finland`s Emil Ruusuvuori in the quarterfinals. Ruusuvuori defeated Maxime Cressy 6-3, 6-3. 
Seventh-seeded Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia ousted another German, Daniel Altmaier, 6-2, 6-4 in 73 minutes. Kecmanovic will get fourth-seeded Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia in the quarters. Basilashvili needed to rally to get past Ilya Ivashka of Belarus 3-6, 6-2, 6-4.

Millennium Estoril Open 
Three Spaniards and an American each advanced from the Round of 16 with victories in Estoril, Portugal. 
Fourth-seeded Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, sixth-seeded Albert Ramos-Vinolas and lucky loser Fernando Verdasco secured victories. Fifth-seeded Frances Tiafoe defeated wild card Nuno Borges of Portugal 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-0.

Ramos-Vinolas, who defeated Soonwoo Kwon of South Korea 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 gets Verdasco in the quarterfinals. Fokina, who defeated countryman Bernabe Zapata Miralles 6-3, 7-6 (5), gets Tiafoe in the quarters.

Wild card Holger Rune of Denmark pulled a stunning upset Wednesday of top-seeded German Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-2 in the Round of 16 at the BMW Open in Munich, Germany.

Wild card Holger Rune of Denmark pulled a stunning upset Wednesday of top-seeded German Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-2 in the Round of 16 at the BMW Open in Munich, Germany. Zverev is the No. 3 player in the world and had the decided homecourt advantage but had his serve broken four times by the 18-year-old en route to losing in one hour and 40 minutes. Rune, No. 70 in the world, scored the first top 10 victory of his career. Rune will play Finland`s Emil Ruusuvuori in the quarterfinals. Ruusuvuori defeated Maxime Cressy 6-3, 6-3. Seventh-seeded Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia ousted another German, Daniel Altmaier, 6-2, 6-4 in 73 minutes. Kecmanovic will get fourth-seeded Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia in the quarters. Basilashvili needed to rally to get past Ilya Ivashka of Belarus 3-6, 6-2, 6-4. Millennium Estoril Open Three Spaniards and an American each advanced from the Round of 16 with victories in Estoril, Portugal. Fourth-seeded Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, sixth-seeded Albert Ramos-Vinolas and lucky loser Fernando Verdasco secured victories. Fifth-seeded Frances Tiafoe defeated wild card Nuno Borges of Portugal 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-0. Ramos-Vinolas, who defeated Soonwoo Kwon of South Korea 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 gets Verdasco in the quarterfinals. Fokina, who defeated countryman Bernabe Zapata Miralles 6-3, 7-6 (5), gets Tiafoe in the quarters.

ATP roundup: Teen sensation Holger Rune stuns Germany's Alexander Zverev at BMW

IPL 2022 has been a huge hit. Almost every game has gone down to the wire. With each passing day, the race for the playoffs is intensifying as all teams, sans Mumbai Indians (MI), are very much in contention for the last four spots. Amid this, Delhi Capitals (DC) take on a struggling Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in match 41 of the ongoing 15th season on Thursday evening (April 28).&nbsp;

Both teams have not had a great run in IPL 2022. Talking about the Rishabh Pant-led DC unit, they have been plagued with injuries, players' unavailabilities, Covid cases, and were hit by a no-ball controversy in their last encounter, versus Rajasthan Royals (RR). They are languishing at the seventh spot with three wins from seven games.&nbsp;

On the other hand, things haven't been smooth for the KKR franchise ever since they faced DC earlier this season. Prior to the DC clash, they had three wins from four games and have now lost four on the trot. Their bowling is an issue and many key players need to rise up and perform consistently (such as skipper Shreyas Iyer, Pat Cummins, Venkatesh Iyer, Aaron Finch, etc.).

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-sunrisers-hyderabad-fast-bowler-umran-malik-enters-history-books-with-maiden-five-wicket-haul-474579">IPL 2022: Sunrisers Hyderabad fast bowler Umran Malik enters history books with maiden five-wicket haul</a>

Talking about the last time both sides faced each other, DC rode on openers David Warner and Prithvi Shaw's respective half-centuries to post 215-5. In reply, KKR were all-out for 171, losing by 44 runs. Kuldeep Yadav and Khaleel Ahmed did the job for Delhi with the ball in hand.

Match prediction for DC vs KKR clash:&nbsp;Given that both sides are in the bottom half, they will come hard against each other. Playing at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai has been a tricky affair for sides. Earlier, teams batting second were winning easily before chasing became difficult (although Gujarat Titans pulled off a hiest versus Sunrisers Hyderabad yesterday). DC will be hoping for Mitchell Marsh and Anrich Nortje's return. With their bowling being better than KKR at present, they have an edge. Above all, toss will remain crucial at the Wankhede.

IPL 2022 has been a huge hit. Almost every game has gone down to the wire. With each passing day, the race for the playoffs is intensifying as all teams, sans Mumbai Indians (MI), are very much in contention for the last four spots.

IPL 2022 has been a huge hit. Almost every game has gone down to the wire. With each passing day, the race for the playoffs is intensifying as all teams, sans Mumbai Indians (MI), are very much in contention for the last four spots. Amid this, Delhi Capitals (DC) take on a struggling Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in match 41 of the ongoing 15th season on Thursday evening (April 28). Both teams have not had a great run in IPL 2022. Talking about the Rishabh Pant-led DC unit, they have been plagued with injuries, players' unavailabilities, Covid cases, and were hit by a no-ball controversy in their last encounter, versus Rajasthan Royals (RR). They are languishing at the seventh spot with three wins from seven games. On the other hand, things haven't been smooth for the KKR franchise ever since they faced DC earlier this season. Prior to the DC clash, they had three wins from four games and have now lost four on the trot. Their bowling is an issue and many key players need to rise up and perform consistently (such as skipper Shreyas Iyer, Pat Cummins, Venkatesh Iyer, Aaron Finch, etc.). ALSO READ | IPL 2022: Sunrisers Hyderabad fast bowler Umran Malik enters history books with maiden five-wicket haul Talking about the last time both sides faced each other, DC rode on openers David Warner and Prithvi Shaw's respective half-centuries to post 215-5. In reply, KKR were all-out for 171, losing by 44 runs. Kuldeep Yadav and Khaleel Ahmed did the job for Delhi with the ball in hand. Match prediction for DC vs KKR clash: Given that both sides are in the bottom half, they will come hard against each other. Playing at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai has been a tricky affair for sides. Earlier, teams batting second were winning easily before chasing became difficult (although Gujarat Titans pulled off a hiest versus Sunrisers Hyderabad yesterday). DC will be hoping for Mitchell Marsh and Anrich Nortje's return. With their bowling being better than KKR at present, they have an edge. Above all, toss will remain crucial at the Wankhede.

DC vs KKR, IPL 2022 today match prediction: Who will win Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders clash?

Former Australia cricketer and commentator Michael Slater has been taken to a hospital in Sydney due to mental health reasons. The news comes after domestic violence charges against him have been dismissed on mental health grounds. 
 
Slater was to appear before Waverley Local Court on Wednesday after the 52-year-old made an appeal for the charges to be dealt under the Mental Health Act. Last year, Slater was arrested after he allegedly sent several text messages and made phone calls to his ex-partner after stalking and harassing her in October. 
 
In a report by Fox Sports, Police prosecutor Sergeant Lachlan Kirby had been heard saying to the court that Slater had been detained by police and paramedics on Tuesday night and taken to a mental health facility on the northern beaches region in the city. 
 
His barrister Richard Pontello appeared via videolink and consented to Magistrate Ross Hudson handing down his decision in Slater`s absence. 
 
"The former opening batsman sent 66 text messages and made 18 phone calls to his ex-partner over about two-and-a-half hours on the night of December 14, the court heard. The court heard that his ex-partner had blocked his number but he sent her a barrage of messages via WhatsApp while signed in under the name `MJS`," further said the report. 
 
The report further said that Pontello told the court last week that Slater was suffering from several mental illnesses including major depressive disorder and ADHD at the time of the offending, but was in remission.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thought-i-might-get-an-autograph-brett-lee-recalls-his-first-meeting-with-legendary-sachin-tendulkar-473792">'Thought, I might get an autograph': Brett Lee recalls his first meeting with legendary Sachin Tendulkar</a>

"He previously told the court that Mr Slater had spent 108 days in a rehabilitation facility from January to March this year. He argued that there was a public interest in him being dealt with under the Mental Health Act so he could continue his treatment," added the report. 
 
Before the unravelling of his mental health, Slater had been dropped from the Channel 7 commentary panel ahead of the 2021/22 Australian summer due to "budgetary constraints". At that time, reports had surfaced that Slater`s infamous tweets against Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison in May 2021 made a partial contribution to his exit from Channel 7. 
 
In a series of fierce tweets, Slater controversially accused Morrison of having `blood on his hands` for preventing 40 Australian citizens participating in first half of IPL 2021 to return from India, where the second wave of COVID-19 infections put a halt to the tournament. 
 
"If our Government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home. It`s a disgrace! Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this. How about you sort out the quarantine system. I had government permission to work on the IPL but I now have government neglect," Slater had tweeted. 
 
His second tweet read, "Amazing to smoke out the PM on a matter that is a human crisis. The panic, the fear of every Australian in India is real!! How about you take your private jet and come and witness dead bodies on the street!"

Former Australia cricketer and commentator Michael Slater has been taken to a hospital in Sydney due to mental health reasons. The news comes after domestic violence charges against him have been dismissed on mental health grounds.

Former Australia cricketer and commentator Michael Slater has been taken to a hospital in Sydney due to mental health reasons. The news comes after domestic violence charges against him have been dismissed on mental health grounds. Slater was to appear before Waverley Local Court on Wednesday after the 52-year-old made an appeal for the charges to be dealt under the Mental Health Act. Last year, Slater was arrested after he allegedly sent several text messages and made phone calls to his ex-partner after stalking and harassing her in October. In a report by Fox Sports, Police prosecutor Sergeant Lachlan Kirby had been heard saying to the court that Slater had been detained by police and paramedics on Tuesday night and taken to a mental health facility on the northern beaches region in the city. His barrister Richard Pontello appeared via videolink and consented to Magistrate Ross Hudson handing down his decision in Slater`s absence. "The former opening batsman sent 66 text messages and made 18 phone calls to his ex-partner over about two-and-a-half hours on the night of December 14, the court heard. The court heard that his ex-partner had blocked his number but he sent her a barrage of messages via WhatsApp while signed in under the name `MJS`," further said the report. The report further said that Pontello told the court last week that Slater was suffering from several mental illnesses including major depressive disorder and ADHD at the time of the offending, but was in remission. ALSO READ | 'Thought, I might get an autograph': Brett Lee recalls his first meeting with legendary Sachin Tendulkar "He previously told the court that Mr Slater had spent 108 days in a rehabilitation facility from January to March this year. He argued that there was a public interest in him being dealt with under the Mental Health Act so he could continue his treatment," added the report. Before the unravelling of his mental health, Slater had been dropped from the Channel 7 commentary panel ahead of the 2021/22 Australian summer due to "budgetary constraints". At that time, reports had surfaced that Slater`s infamous tweets against Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison in May 2021 made a partial contribution to his exit from Channel 7. In a series of fierce tweets, Slater controversially accused Morrison of having `blood on his hands` for preventing 40 Australian citizens participating in first half of IPL 2021 to return from India, where the second wave of COVID-19 infections put a halt to the tournament. "If our Government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home. It`s a disgrace! Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this. How about you sort out the quarantine system. I had government permission to work on the IPL but I now have government neglect," Slater had tweeted. His second tweet read, "Amazing to smoke out the PM on a matter that is a human crisis. The panic, the fear of every Australian in India is real!! How about you take your private jet and come and witness dead bodies on the street!"

Former Aussie cricketer Michael Slater taken to hospital due to mental health concerns

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) failed to chase down a modest 145 versus Rajasthan Royals (RR) in match 39 of IPL 2022 to lose by 29 runs at the MCA Stadium, Pune on Tuesday (April 26). All eyes were once again on Virat Kohli, the former RCB captain, who has been struggling for runs in the ongoing IPL season.

With only 119 runs in eight innings prior to the RR clash, it was expected that Kohli would come back to his usual best versus Rajasthan, a team against whom RCB were unbeaten in the last five face-offs. Despite Kohli being proactive on the field, talking to the bowlers and helping them plot batters' downfall, the star batter couldn't do much with the bat. He opened the innings for the first time in the 15th season but only managed a scratchy 10-ball 9.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-whats-fretting-virat-kohli-the-player-473401">IPL 2022: What's fretting Virat Kohli, the player?</a>

Reflecting on his woeful run with the bat, former India head coach Ravi Shastri once again suggested Kohli to take a break. In fact, he added that the 33-year-old should pull out of IPL 2022 to regain some form after a break and prolong his international career. "I think a break is ideal for him because he has played non-stop cricket and he has captained the side across all formats. It will be wise of him to take a break. You know, sometimes you have to draw the balance. This year he is already into the tournament (IPL 2022), tomorrow if push comes to shove and you want to prolong your international career and make a mark there for 6-7 years, pull out of the IPL, for all you care," Shastri said on sports presenter Jatin Sapru's YouTube channel.

<section>
"If that is the case, you have played for 14-15 years. Not only Virat, I'll tell that to any other player. If you want to play and do well for India, you have to draw the line where you want to take that break and the ideal break would be off-season where India is not playing and the only time India does not play is the IPL. Sometimes, you need to do that or tell the franchise I'll only play the half. Pay me half, as simple as that. Those tough calls need to come if you want to reach the zenith of your profession as an international player," he further asserted.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-is-overcooked-if-anyone-needs-a-break-its-him-ravi-shastri-on-rcb-stars-woeful-form-472323">Virat Kohli is overcooked, if anyone needs a break it's him: Ravi Shastri on RCB star's woeful form</a>

Shastri added, "Virat is still young and he has best 5-6 years ahead of him. He would have realised what he has gone through in these last few months. He knows he has to go back to the drawing board, how he thinks, how he approaches and he has to literally start from scratch. There have been many players in the past who have gone through this. You mentioned first ball out, to be honest, from the outside I would not be worried. As a player if I have gotten out first ball, I have hardly been in. It is when you get in and throw it away, that is more disappointing. When he gets in, it is up to him to make it count."

For the unversed, Kohli has gone over 100 matches without a century&nbsp;across all formats (17 Tests, 21 ODIs, 25 T20Is and 39* IPL games). His last international ton came in late 2019. While he has got starts for India in all formats and scored some vital half-centuries, he has throw away his wicket after settling in or been dismissed for cheap more often than not since his last triple-figure knock.

Will Kohli pull out of IPL 2022? It will be a bold decision if he does...
</section>

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) failed to chase down a modest 145 versus Rajasthan Royals (RR) in match 39 of IPL 2022 to lose by 29 runs at the MCA Stadium, Pune on Tuesday (April 26).

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) failed to chase down a modest 145 versus Rajasthan Royals (RR) in match 39 of IPL 2022 to lose by 29 runs at the MCA Stadium, Pune on Tuesday (April 26). All eyes were once again on Virat Kohli, the former RCB captain, who has been struggling for runs in the ongoing IPL season. With only 119 runs in eight innings prior to the RR clash, it was expected that Kohli would come back to his usual best versus Rajasthan, a team against whom RCB were unbeaten in the last five face-offs. Despite Kohli being proactive on the field, talking to the bowlers and helping them plot batters' downfall, the star batter couldn't do much with the bat. He opened the innings for the first time in the 15th season but only managed a scratchy 10-ball 9. ALSO READ | IPL 2022: What's fretting Virat Kohli, the player? Reflecting on his woeful run with the bat, former India head coach Ravi Shastri once again suggested Kohli to take a break. In fact, he added that the 33-year-old should pull out of IPL 2022 to regain some form after a break and prolong his international career. "I think a break is ideal for him because he has played non-stop cricket and he has captained the side across all formats. It will be wise of him to take a break. You know, sometimes you have to draw the balance. This year he is already into the tournament (IPL 2022), tomorrow if push comes to shove and you want to prolong your international career and make a mark there for 6-7 years, pull out of the IPL, for all you care," Shastri said on sports presenter Jatin Sapru's YouTube channel. "If that is the case, you have played for 14-15 years. Not only Virat, I'll tell that to any other player. If you want to play and do well for India, you have to draw the line where you want to take that break and the ideal break would be off-season where India is not playing and the only time India does not play is the IPL. Sometimes, you need to do that or tell the franchise I'll only play the half. Pay me half, as simple as that. Those tough calls need to come if you want to reach the zenith of your profession as an international player," he further asserted. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli is overcooked, if anyone needs a break it's him: Ravi Shastri on RCB star's woeful form Shastri added, "Virat is still young and he has best 5-6 years ahead of him. He would have realised what he has gone through in these last few months. He knows he has to go back to the drawing board, how he thinks, how he approaches and he has to literally start from scratch. There have been many players in the past who have gone through this. You mentioned first ball out, to be honest, from the outside I would not be worried. As a player if I have gotten out first ball, I have hardly been in. It is when you get in and throw it away, that is more disappointing. When he gets in, it is up to him to make it count." For the unversed, Kohli has gone over 100 matches without a century across all formats (17 Tests, 21 ODIs, 25 T20Is and 39* IPL games). His last international ton came in late 2019. While he has got starts for India in all formats and scored some vital half-centuries, he has throw away his wicket after settling in or been dismissed for cheap more often than not since his last triple-figure knock. Will Kohli pull out of IPL 2022? It will be a bold decision if he does...

'Pull out of IPL 2022' - Ravi Shastri's bold suggestion for Virat Kohli amid RCB star's batting concerns

When Virat Kohli got dismissed for a golden duck in Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) face-off versus Lucknow Super Giants, in IPL 2022's match 31, a statistic started doing the rounds on social media and elsewhere. It revealed that the once regarded 'run machine' has now gone over 100 matches without a century&nbsp;across all formats (17 Tests, 21 ODIs, 25 T20Is and 38*&nbsp;IPL games).&nbsp;

Kohli had a wry smile as he walked past KL Rahul &amp; Co. after an embarrassing first-ball duck. Four evenings later, King Kohli came to the crease in the second over of RCB's innings after Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opted to bowl first at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai in match 36 of the 15th season, on Saturday evening (April 23). As soon as he arrived, Kane Williamson -- a tactical mastermind -- strived hard to grab Aiden Markram's attention to add him to the slip cordon. Soon, Marco Jansen bowled outside off-stump, on the fifth-stump line, as Kohli wasted no time to edge one and get caught in the slips. This time, no smile followed as RCB's former skipper stood still in disbelief. He&nbsp;looked helplessly toward his non-striker (Anuj Rawat) as&nbsp;if asking&nbsp;to be pinched in order to accept the reality before walking back.

After his second successive golden duck, Kohli's expression said it all. There was sheer disbelief in his eyes. Thus, there was pin-drop silence in the stadium as an often hard-to-please and unforgiving crowd silently sympathised with Kohli after yet another failure.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli's no-shows since NZ tour, 2020

Ducks - 9 
Golden Ducks - 3 (2 in IPL)

**across all formats

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-need-a-six-month-break-pietersen-comes-out-in-support-of-indias-under-fire-duo-473031">Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma need a six-month break: Pietersen comes out in support of India's under-fire duo</a>

What's fretting King Kohli? (Covid break, bio-bubble fatigue, overburdened, empty stands, BCCI row, etc.)

Those who possess even the most basic updates of men's cricket are aware of Kohli's barren run. It has been written, re-written, highlighted on front pages on several occasions, and even discussed on&nbsp;hour-long shows on how Team India and RCB's former captain has been without a century in competitive cricket since late 2019. At first, it seemed as if it was just a matter of time before Kohli would rediscover his form. However, time is now surely passing away at a rapid pace for the 33-year-old superstar cricketer.

Kohli's downfall coincided with Covid-19's advent. It led to a six-month-long break at the international level. Since then, Kohli has not been the old Kohli. At times, his aggression has gone missing, he has been completely undone by the bio-bubble restrictions and looked clueless playing in front of empty stands.&nbsp;A player of Kohli's caliber cherishes the crowd support. Their energy rubs on him, helping him remain at his usual chirpy best. All this is lagging in his game nowadays!

Also, Team India's unbelievably hectic cricketing&nbsp;calendar hasn't helped Kohli's case. Despite some mini-breaks, he has almost been omnipresent for India and the RCB. The nearly-decade-long captaincy responsibilities (he became RCB's full-time skipper in 2013) also led to him being overburdened. Moreover, the BCCI captaincy row added salt to Kohli's wounds. The entire saga panned out in the open. Thus, it led to Kohli taking BCCI heads on, however, mentally he kept losing the battle with each passing day...

The dismissals depict a sad story...

Since April 2020, Kohli has fallen to spinners more often than&nbsp;not (51 out of his total 74 dismissals have been against the tweakers). In addition, he continues to remain lost regarding&nbsp;the fourth-fifth stump lines; chasing deliveries way out of his arc. At times, the gap between bat and pad has also widened alarmingly. Surely, he can't be far away from finding his peak once again. He is too good a player to miss out for too long. But, hasn't it already been a long wait? Has he become a victim of his greatness? Is he overcooked and&nbsp;desperately in need of a lengthy break?

Ravi Shastri on Star Sports:&nbsp;Virat Kohli is overcooked. If anyone needs a break, it's him. Whether it's 2 months or a month-and-a-half, whether it's after England or before England. He needs a break because he has got 6-7 years of cricket left in him and you don't want to lose that with a fried brain. He is not the only one. There might be 1 or 2 in world cricket going through the same. You need to address the problem upfront.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-virat-kohlis-batting-woes-continue-dismissed-for-second-consecutive-golden-duck-watch-473267">IPL 2022: Virat Kohli's batting woes continue, dismissed for second consecutive golden duck - WATCH</a>

The answers lie within Kohli's mind. He knows his body and how his mind functions better&nbsp;than anyone (Taking the liberty to share a&nbsp;message for his&nbsp;plethora of&nbsp;fans: don't make him your main protagonist in every discussion. Don't even discuss him. Focus less on him. Outside noise needs to die down for Kohli to rise again).

Even the great Sachin Tendulkar had flaws. He, however, always found ways to tackle them. For now, Kohli is content with working on his strengths than weaknesses. Maybe he needs to slow down. Maybe, he needs to fight the bubble within&nbsp;before coming out of this crisis.

The engine surely needs an overhaul. At present, the damage has been done. But, King Kohli isn't one to be kept out for very long. Somewhere down the line, his usual form is still waiting for him. He just needs to redo the coding&nbsp;to function as usual.

When Virat Kohli got dismissed for a golden duck in Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) face-off versus Lucknow Super Giants, in IPL 2022's match 31, a statistic started doing the rounds on social media and elsewhere.

When Virat Kohli got dismissed for a golden duck in Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) face-off versus Lucknow Super Giants, in IPL 2022's match 31, a statistic started doing the rounds on social media and elsewhere. It revealed that the once regarded 'run machine' has now gone over 100 matches without a century across all formats (17 Tests, 21 ODIs, 25 T20Is and 38* IPL games). Kohli had a wry smile as he walked past KL Rahul & Co. after an embarrassing first-ball duck. Four evenings later, King Kohli came to the crease in the second over of RCB's innings after Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opted to bowl first at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai in match 36 of the 15th season, on Saturday evening (April 23). As soon as he arrived, Kane Williamson -- a tactical mastermind -- strived hard to grab Aiden Markram's attention to add him to the slip cordon. Soon, Marco Jansen bowled outside off-stump, on the fifth-stump line, as Kohli wasted no time to edge one and get caught in the slips. This time, no smile followed as RCB's former skipper stood still in disbelief. He looked helplessly toward his non-striker (Anuj Rawat) as if asking to be pinched in order to accept the reality before walking back. After his second successive golden duck, Kohli's expression said it all. There was sheer disbelief in his eyes. Thus, there was pin-drop silence in the stadium as an often hard-to-please and unforgiving crowd silently sympathised with Kohli after yet another failure. Virat Kohli's no-shows since NZ tour, 2020 Ducks - 9 Golden Ducks - 3 (2 in IPL) **across all formats ALSO READ | Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma need a six-month break: Pietersen comes out in support of India's under-fire duo What's fretting King Kohli? (Covid break, bio-bubble fatigue, overburdened, empty stands, BCCI row, etc.) Those who possess even the most basic updates of men's cricket are aware of Kohli's barren run. It has been written, re-written, highlighted on front pages on several occasions, and even discussed on hour-long shows on how Team India and RCB's former captain has been without a century in competitive cricket since late 2019. At first, it seemed as if it was just a matter of time before Kohli would rediscover his form. However, time is now surely passing away at a rapid pace for the 33-year-old superstar cricketer. Kohli's downfall coincided with Covid-19's advent. It led to a six-month-long break at the international level. Since then, Kohli has not been the old Kohli. At times, his aggression has gone missing, he has been completely undone by the bio-bubble restrictions and looked clueless playing in front of empty stands. A player of Kohli's caliber cherishes the crowd support. Their energy rubs on him, helping him remain at his usual chirpy best. All this is lagging in his game nowadays! Also, Team India's unbelievably hectic cricketing calendar hasn't helped Kohli's case. Despite some mini-breaks, he has almost been omnipresent for India and the RCB. The nearly-decade-long captaincy responsibilities (he became RCB's full-time skipper in 2013) also led to him being overburdened. Moreover, the BCCI captaincy row added salt to Kohli's wounds. The entire saga panned out in the open. Thus, it led to Kohli taking BCCI heads on, however, mentally he kept losing the battle with each passing day... The dismissals depict a sad story... Since April 2020, Kohli has fallen to spinners more often than not (51 out of his total 74 dismissals have been against the tweakers). In addition, he continues to remain lost regarding the fourth-fifth stump lines; chasing deliveries way out of his arc. At times, the gap between bat and pad has also widened alarmingly. Surely, he can't be far away from finding his peak once again. He is too good a player to miss out for too long. But, hasn't it already been a long wait? Has he become a victim of his greatness? Is he overcooked and desperately in need of a lengthy break? Ravi Shastri on Star Sports: Virat Kohli is overcooked. If anyone needs a break, it's him. Whether it's 2 months or a month-and-a-half, whether it's after England or before England. He needs a break because he has got 6-7 years of cricket left in him and you don't want to lose that with a fried brain. He is not the only one. There might be 1 or 2 in world cricket going through the same. You need to address the problem upfront. ALSO READ | IPL 2022: Virat Kohli's batting woes continue, dismissed for second consecutive golden duck - WATCH The answers lie within Kohli's mind. He knows his body and how his mind functions better than anyone (Taking the liberty to share a message for his plethora of fans: don't make him your main protagonist in every discussion. Don't even discuss him. Focus less on him. Outside noise needs to die down for Kohli to rise again). Even the great Sachin Tendulkar had flaws. He, however, always found ways to tackle them. For now, Kohli is content with working on his strengths than weaknesses. Maybe he needs to slow down. Maybe, he needs to fight the bubble within before coming out of this crisis. The engine surely needs an overhaul. At present, the damage has been done. But, King Kohli isn't one to be kept out for very long. Somewhere down the line, his usual form is still waiting for him. He just needs to redo the coding to function as usual.

IPL 2022: What's fretting Virat Kohli, the player?

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar turned 49 on April 24 (Sunday). On his special day, social media platforms were flooded with birthday wishes for the legendary cricketer. Sachin remains one of the biggest names in world cricket despite retiring from international cricket in late 2013. He had taken the international circuit by storm, ending with over 34,000 international runs and 100 centuries (most by any).

Thus, Sachin's popularity remains intact to date. Thus, many former and active cricketers as well as his ardent fans and followers, worldwide, poured birthday wishes for the former Indian opener. Among many, Chris Gayle also wished Tendulkar. He took to his official Twitter handle and wrote, " "Blessed Birthday Master @sachin_rt- wish you many more blessings." To this, Tendulkar also reacted and shared a heartfelt message for the Universe Boss. He replied saying, "Many thanks Chris! India is missing you this IPL season."

Here's the two superstar's conversation:

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Many thanks Chris! 😊 
India is missing you this IPL season.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1519261569078919169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-never-requested-business-class-seat-for-anushka-former-cricketer-dwells-on-indian-stars-nature-474323">Virat never requested business class seat for Anushka: Former cricketer dwells on Indian star's nature</a>

For the unversed, Gayle remains a big name in international cricket. He has also tasted immense success in IPL, with a staggering 4965 runs in the league (seventh-most overall). He is widely remembered for his memorable stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore where he amassed runs at regular intervals. The West Indian opener has also slammed six centuries in the premier tournament (most by any) and is the leading six-hitter as well (357).

Gayle hadn't registered for IPL 2022, however, he had recently hinted at staging a comeback in IPL 2023 edition. It remains to be seen if he registers for the next year's edition. It will be interesting to see which team bids for him and where he eventually goes with the IPL now being a ten-team tournament.

MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Suresh Raina and many others have been some big names in IPL. However, Gayle's absence is being felt in this year's season. Hence, many will pray for his return to next year's IPL.

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar turned 49 on April 24 (Sunday). On his special day, social media platforms were flooded with birthday wishes for the legendary cricketer.

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar turned 49 on April 24 (Sunday). On his special day, social media platforms were flooded with birthday wishes for the legendary cricketer. Sachin remains one of the biggest names in world cricket despite retiring from international cricket in late 2013. He had taken the international circuit by storm, ending with over 34,000 international runs and 100 centuries (most by any). Thus, Sachin's popularity remains intact to date. Thus, many former and active cricketers as well as his ardent fans and followers, worldwide, poured birthday wishes for the former Indian opener. Among many, Chris Gayle also wished Tendulkar. He took to his official Twitter handle and wrote, " "Blessed Birthday Master @sachin_rt- wish you many more blessings." To this, Tendulkar also reacted and shared a heartfelt message for the Universe Boss. He replied saying, "Many thanks Chris! India is missing you this IPL season." Here's the two superstar's conversation: Many thanks Chris! 😊 India is missing you this IPL season. — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 27, 2022 × ALSO READ | Virat never requested business class seat for Anushka: Former cricketer dwells on Indian star's nature For the unversed, Gayle remains a big name in international cricket. He has also tasted immense success in IPL, with a staggering 4965 runs in the league (seventh-most overall). He is widely remembered for his memorable stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore where he amassed runs at regular intervals. The West Indian opener has also slammed six centuries in the premier tournament (most by any) and is the leading six-hitter as well (357). Gayle hadn't registered for IPL 2022, however, he had recently hinted at staging a comeback in IPL 2023 edition. It remains to be seen if he registers for the next year's edition. It will be interesting to see which team bids for him and where he eventually goes with the IPL now being a ten-team tournament. MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Suresh Raina and many others have been some big names in IPL. However, Gayle's absence is being felt in this year's season. Hence, many will pray for his return to next year's IPL.

India is missing you: Sachin Tendulkar shares heartwarming message for IPL's iconic star

Top Indian shuttler&nbsp;PV Sindhu&nbsp;won her first round women's singles match&nbsp;and moved to the second round at the 2022 Badminton Asia Championships but Lakshya Sen and B Sai Praneeth crashed out of the tournament after losing their respective matches, here on Wednesday. 
 
Double Olympic medallist Sindhu was made to work hard by 39th ranked Pai Yu Po of Chinese Taipei in the opening round match that lasted one hour and 17 minutes. The Indian ace dropped the opening game and saved a match point in the second before taking the decider and winning the contest by 18-21, 27-25, 21-9 at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex. 
 
World No 7 and former world champion Sindhu will now take on Singapore`s Yue Yann Jaslyn Hooi in the next round on Thursday.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/badminton-asia-championships-saina-nehwal-wins-opening-match-lakshya-sen-makes-first-round-exit-474351">Badminton Asia Championships: Saina Nehwal wins opening match, Lakshya Sen makes first-round exit</a>

Meanwhile, Tokyo 2020 Olympian B Sai Praneeth also faced a first-round exit, following a 17-21, 13-21 loss to this year`s Swiss Open winner Jonatan Christie of Indonesia. 
 
Another Indian shuttler Aakarshi Kashyap was knocked out from the women`s singles by reigning world champion Akane Yamaguchi. Aakarshi lost 15-21, 9-21.The women`s doubles pairs of Ashwini Bhat-Shikha Gautam and Simran Sanghi and Ritika Thaker were also ousted in their opening contests. 
 
Later in the day, world championship silver medallist Kidambi Srikanth and youngster Malvika Bansod will take the court for their respective singles matches.

Top Indian shuttler PV Sindhu won her first round women's singles match and moved to the second round at the 2022 Badminton Asia Championships but Lakshya Sen and B Sai Praneeth crashed out of the tournament after losing their respective matches, here on Wednesday.

Top Indian shuttler PV Sindhu won her first round women's singles match and moved to the second round at the 2022 Badminton Asia Championships but Lakshya Sen and B Sai Praneeth crashed out of the tournament after losing their respective matches, here on Wednesday. Double Olympic medallist Sindhu was made to work hard by 39th ranked Pai Yu Po of Chinese Taipei in the opening round match that lasted one hour and 17 minutes. The Indian ace dropped the opening game and saved a match point in the second before taking the decider and winning the contest by 18-21, 27-25, 21-9 at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex. World No 7 and former world champion Sindhu will now take on Singapore`s Yue Yann Jaslyn Hooi in the next round on Thursday. ALSO READ | Badminton Asia Championships: Saina Nehwal wins opening match, Lakshya Sen makes first-round exit Meanwhile, Tokyo 2020 Olympian B Sai Praneeth also faced a first-round exit, following a 17-21, 13-21 loss to this year`s Swiss Open winner Jonatan Christie of Indonesia. Another Indian shuttler Aakarshi Kashyap was knocked out from the women`s singles by reigning world champion Akane Yamaguchi. Aakarshi lost 15-21, 9-21.The women`s doubles pairs of Ashwini Bhat-Shikha Gautam and Simran Sanghi and Ritika Thaker were also ousted in their opening contests. Later in the day, world championship silver medallist Kidambi Srikanth and youngster Malvika Bansod will take the court for their respective singles matches.

Badminton Asia Championships: PV Sindhu sweats hard to beat Pai Yu Po, enters 2nd round

Rajasthan Royals (RR) faced Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in match 39 of the IPL 2022 edition, on Tuesday evening (April 26) at the MCA Stadium, Pune. Being asked to bat first, Sanju Samson &amp; Co. managed only 144-8, riding on Riyan Parag's 56 not out, but dismissed RCB for 115 to win by 29 runs (courtesy of R Ashwin's 3-fer and Kuldeep Sen's 4-wicket haul) and top the points table.

While RR continues to move from strength to strength in the ongoing season, with six wins from eight games, Samson has been criticised for his batting approach. Coming out to bat at No. 4, Samson had a tough task in hand as Royals were reduced to 33-3, with in-form opener Jos Buttler out for 8. Though the RR skipper played some big shots and settled in, he was dismissed for a 21-ball 27. Many former cricketers and experts lashed out at Samson for being overaggressive amid a crisis situation. He had attempted an unsuccessful reverse hit off Wanindu Hasaranga, who has dominated Samson, the batter went for the same shot on the very next ball, in the 10th over, to get clean bowled.

Thus, former West Indies speedster Ian Bishop commented on Samson's dismissal and said on ESPNcrincfo's 'T20 Time Out', "That Sanju is wasting good form and good opportunity to score runs to press for an international recall, to lead his team when Jos Buttler doesn't score."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-if-he-flops-for-one-or-two-matches-former-india-pacer-opines-on-virat-kohlis-poor-form-474340">IPL 2022: 'If he flops for one or two matches....' - Former India pacer opines on Virat Kohli's poor form</a>

"It's not that Sanju's out of form. But that's a match-up with Wanindu Hasaranga and him, and he should have known better. He got out of the blocks quite nicely," Bishop added.

Samson has looked good in most of his innings in this year's IPL. However, he hasn't played a big knock as yet. With India set to play the T20 World Cup later this year, in Australia, the Royals skipper needs to buckle up and produce some big scores to press hard for an international recall.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Royals (RR) faced Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in match 39 of the IPL 2022 edition, on Tuesday evening (April 26) at the MCA Stadium, Pune. Being asked to bat first, Sanju Samson & Co.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) faced Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in match 39 of the IPL 2022 edition, on Tuesday evening (April 26) at the MCA Stadium, Pune. Being asked to bat first, Sanju Samson & Co. managed only 144-8, riding on Riyan Parag's 56 not out, but dismissed RCB for 115 to win by 29 runs (courtesy of R Ashwin's 3-fer and Kuldeep Sen's 4-wicket haul) and top the points table. While RR continues to move from strength to strength in the ongoing season, with six wins from eight games, Samson has been criticised for his batting approach. Coming out to bat at No. 4, Samson had a tough task in hand as Royals were reduced to 33-3, with in-form opener Jos Buttler out for 8. Though the RR skipper played some big shots and settled in, he was dismissed for a 21-ball 27. Many former cricketers and experts lashed out at Samson for being overaggressive amid a crisis situation. He had attempted an unsuccessful reverse hit off Wanindu Hasaranga, who has dominated Samson, the batter went for the same shot on the very next ball, in the 10th over, to get clean bowled. Thus, former West Indies speedster Ian Bishop commented on Samson's dismissal and said on ESPNcrincfo's 'T20 Time Out', "That Sanju is wasting good form and good opportunity to score runs to press for an international recall, to lead his team when Jos Buttler doesn't score." ALSO READ | IPL 2022: 'If he flops for one or two matches....' - Former India pacer opines on Virat Kohli's poor form "It's not that Sanju's out of form. But that's a match-up with Wanindu Hasaranga and him, and he should have known better. He got out of the blocks quite nicely," Bishop added. Samson has looked good in most of his innings in this year's IPL. However, he hasn't played a big knock as yet. With India set to play the T20 World Cup later this year, in Australia, the Royals skipper needs to buckle up and produce some big scores to press hard for an international recall.

Sanju Samson wasting good form and opportunity to press for international recall, says ex-WI pacer

Virat Kohli's form has been a huge concern for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2022. In nine outings, the 33-year-old former RCB captain has amassed only 128 runs at a dismal average of 16. On Tuesday evening (April 26), when RCB locked horns with the Rajasthan Royals (RR), many felt Kohli would turn it around with a big knock.

While Kohli was involved in decision-making and was constantly talking with the bowlers during RR's innings, after they were asked to bat first in match 39 at the MCA Stadium, Pune, the veteran cricketer failed to live upto expectations with the bat. He came out to open the RCB innings along with skipper Faf du Plessis. However, he couldn't move past his barren run, returning with an unimpressive 10-ball 9.&nbsp;

Speaking to Cricbuzz, former India and RCB pacer RP Singh opined on Kohli's struggles. He feels that RCB will look at resting Kohli if he flops for one or two matches. "Team management and Kohli are both trying, it is not like they are not. But he is far away from hitting good form. If he flops for one or two matches, RCB will look at resting him, give him a break," he said.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pull-out-of-ipl-2022-ravi-shastris-bold-suggestion-for-virat-kohli-amid-rcb-stars-batting-concerns-474207">&nbsp;'Pull out of IPL 2022' - Ravi Shastri's bold suggestion for Virat Kohli amid RCB star's batting concerns</a>

On the other hand, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has openly advised Kohli to pull out of IPL 2022 in order to have some rest and return to scoring ways for Team India. His poor form is a cause of concern for Indian cricket team as well, with the T20 World Cup set to be held later this year in Australia. His last international ton came in late 2019, hence, time is running out for King Kohli.

Talking about RCB-RR clash, Faf du Plessis &amp; Co. lost the game by 29 runs after failing to chase a moderate 145-run target set by Rajasthan. While RR are now the table toppers after this win, RCB is at the fifth position in the points table.

Virat Kohli's form has been a huge concern for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2022. In nine outings, the 33-year-old former RCB captain has amassed only 128 runs at a dismal average of 16.

Virat Kohli's form has been a huge concern for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2022. In nine outings, the 33-year-old former RCB captain has amassed only 128 runs at a dismal average of 16. On Tuesday evening (April 26), when RCB locked horns with the Rajasthan Royals (RR), many felt Kohli would turn it around with a big knock. While Kohli was involved in decision-making and was constantly talking with the bowlers during RR's innings, after they were asked to bat first in match 39 at the MCA Stadium, Pune, the veteran cricketer failed to live upto expectations with the bat. He came out to open the RCB innings along with skipper Faf du Plessis. However, he couldn't move past his barren run, returning with an unimpressive 10-ball 9. Speaking to Cricbuzz, former India and RCB pacer RP Singh opined on Kohli's struggles. He feels that RCB will look at resting Kohli if he flops for one or two matches. "Team management and Kohli are both trying, it is not like they are not. But he is far away from hitting good form. If he flops for one or two matches, RCB will look at resting him, give him a break," he said. ALSO READ | 'Pull out of IPL 2022' - Ravi Shastri's bold suggestion for Virat Kohli amid RCB star's batting concerns On the other hand, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has openly advised Kohli to pull out of IPL 2022 in order to have some rest and return to scoring ways for Team India. His poor form is a cause of concern for Indian cricket team as well, with the T20 World Cup set to be held later this year in Australia. His last international ton came in late 2019, hence, time is running out for King Kohli. Talking about RCB-RR clash, Faf du Plessis & Co. lost the game by 29 runs after failing to chase a moderate 145-run target set by Rajasthan. While RR are now the table toppers after this win, RCB is at the fifth position in the points table.

IPL 2022: 'If he flops for one or two matches....' - Former India pacer opines on Virat Kohli's poor form

Virat Kohli remains the poster boy of Indian cricket. While many youngsters have joined Team India post Kohli, the 33-year-old remains the face of the national side and also the most-talked-about cricketer. While he is known as a fierce competitor on the 22-yard cricket strip, the right-hander is a very simple and humble person off the field.&nbsp;

Narrating an incident, during India's tour of West Indies immediately after the 2019 ODI World Cup, former Indian cricketer Vivek Razdan has revealed how Kohli never used to travel business class and rather preferred being with teammates in economy class during his captaincy era. As per Razdan, two business class seats&nbsp;are reserved in business class for the captain&nbsp;and head coach of Team India.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pull-out-of-ipl-2022-ravi-shastris-bold-suggestion-for-virat-kohli-amid-rcb-stars-batting-concerns-474207">'Pull out of IPL 2022' - Ravi Shastri's bold suggestion for Virat Kohli amid RCB star's batting concerns</a>

"In a flight, two seats are reserved in business class - one for the captain and one for the coach. But I have never seen Virat Kohli travel in business class during a flight. He always prefers to be with his teammates in the economy class," Razdan told Sportskeeda.

"Apart from the coach, there was always a bowler occupying one of the business class seats. It was either Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami or, sometimes, Ravichandran Ashwin,” he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-whats-fretting-virat-kohli-the-player-473401">IPL 2022: What's fretting Virat Kohli, the player?</a>

Razdan further mentioned&nbsp;how Kohli didn't even request business seats even when his wife Anushka Sharma was a part of&nbsp;the national side during their 2019 West Indies tour. "Even when Anushka Sharma joined the West Indies tour of 2019 later, she and Virat traveled together in economy class. Virat never requested for his business class seat to be given to Anushka,"&nbsp;he added.

Virat Kohli remains the poster boy of Indian cricket. While many youngsters have joined Team India post Kohli, the 33-year-old remains the face of the national side and also the most-talked-about cricketer.

Virat Kohli remains the poster boy of Indian cricket. While many youngsters have joined Team India post Kohli, the 33-year-old remains the face of the national side and also the most-talked-about cricketer. While he is known as a fierce competitor on the 22-yard cricket strip, the right-hander is a very simple and humble person off the field. Narrating an incident, during India's tour of West Indies immediately after the 2019 ODI World Cup, former Indian cricketer Vivek Razdan has revealed how Kohli never used to travel business class and rather preferred being with teammates in economy class during his captaincy era. As per Razdan, two business class seats are reserved in business class for the captain and head coach of Team India. ALSO READ | 'Pull out of IPL 2022' - Ravi Shastri's bold suggestion for Virat Kohli amid RCB star's batting concerns "In a flight, two seats are reserved in business class - one for the captain and one for the coach. But I have never seen Virat Kohli travel in business class during a flight. He always prefers to be with his teammates in the economy class," Razdan told Sportskeeda. "Apart from the coach, there was always a bowler occupying one of the business class seats. It was either Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami or, sometimes, Ravichandran Ashwin,” he added. ALSO READ | IPL 2022: What's fretting Virat Kohli, the player? Razdan further mentioned how Kohli didn't even request business seats even when his wife Anushka Sharma was a part of the national side during their 2019 West Indies tour. "Even when Anushka Sharma joined the West Indies tour of 2019 later, she and Virat traveled together in economy class. Virat never requested for his business class seat to be given to Anushka," he added.

Virat never requested business class seat for Anushka: Former cricketer dwells on Indian star's nature

Gary Kirsten is currently serving as the batting coach of the Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2022. However, he is set to take over as England's Test team's coach as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is looking for a total revamp. ECB's new managing director Rob Key and Kirsten's talk have reached the advanced stage and an announcement is likely to follow suit in the next couple of weeks as the interview rounds for red-ball and white-ball coaching roles&nbsp;will kick off on May 9.

According to the Daily Mail, Kirsten is willing to part ways with the GT franchise post the ongoing IPL season in India. However, with England set to host New Zealand in a Test series --&nbsp;starting from June 02 -- and Gujarat being a strong contender to enter the IPL playoffs, the former South African opener won't get much time for a smooth transition into his new role. If Gujarat reach the final, to be held on May 29, it will give very less time for Kirsten to interact with the England Test squad.

While Kirsten looks set to take over as England's red-ball coach, Simon Katich, and Ottis Gibson are also two known names who are in contention for either red or white-ball coaching roles. Thus, nothing is absolutely final as yet. Talking about Kirsten, he certainly has an edge as he has led India to the 2011 ODI World Cup title as their head coach and also guided South Africa to the No. 1 Test rankings in his coaching career.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gt-vs-srh-ipl-2022-prediction-today-who-will-win-gujarat-titans-vs-sunrisers-hyderabad-match-474275">GT vs SRH, IPL 2022 prediction today: Who will win Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad match?</a>

On the other hand, ECB is set to appoint all-rounder Ben Stokes as the next England Test captain. Stokes has served as former captain Joe Root's deputy for long. His record in whites is also phenomenal, with 5,061 runs and 174 scalps in the purest format. Thus, he is a strong contender to succeed Root, who resigned as the Test captain recently after England's disastrous run in Ashes 2021/22 and the West Indies tour early this year.&nbsp;

Root ended his Test captaincy tenure with most wins (27) and most losses (26) as an England captain.

Gary Kirsten is currently serving as the batting coach of the Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2022. However, he is set to take over as England's Test team's coach as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is looking for a total revamp.

Gary Kirsten is currently serving as the batting coach of the Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2022. However, he is set to take over as England's Test team's coach as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is looking for a total revamp. ECB's new managing director Rob Key and Kirsten's talk have reached the advanced stage and an announcement is likely to follow suit in the next couple of weeks as the interview rounds for red-ball and white-ball coaching roles will kick off on May 9. According to the Daily Mail, Kirsten is willing to part ways with the GT franchise post the ongoing IPL season in India. However, with England set to host New Zealand in a Test series -- starting from June 02 -- and Gujarat being a strong contender to enter the IPL playoffs, the former South African opener won't get much time for a smooth transition into his new role. If Gujarat reach the final, to be held on May 29, it will give very less time for Kirsten to interact with the England Test squad. While Kirsten looks set to take over as England's red-ball coach, Simon Katich, and Ottis Gibson are also two known names who are in contention for either red or white-ball coaching roles. Thus, nothing is absolutely final as yet. Talking about Kirsten, he certainly has an edge as he has led India to the 2011 ODI World Cup title as their head coach and also guided South Africa to the No. 1 Test rankings in his coaching career. ALSO READ | GT vs SRH, IPL 2022 prediction today: Who will win Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad match? On the other hand, ECB is set to appoint all-rounder Ben Stokes as the next England Test captain. Stokes has served as former captain Joe Root's deputy for long. His record in whites is also phenomenal, with 5,061 runs and 174 scalps in the purest format. Thus, he is a strong contender to succeed Root, who resigned as the Test captain recently after England's disastrous run in Ashes 2021/22 and the West Indies tour early this year. Root ended his Test captaincy tenure with most wins (27) and most losses (26) as an England captain.

Gary Kirsten set to be England's Test coach, Ben Stokes to succeed Joe Root: Report

IPL 2022's match 40 will see the one-time winners Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) take on the high-flying Gujarat Titans (GT) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Wednesday evening (April 27). With the league stage in a very crunch phase, with all teams fighting it out to enter the playoffs (sans Mumbai Indians), both the in-form teams will be desperate to not lose momentum.

With this being another reverse fixture in the ongoing season, Hyderabad will have some momentum having beaten Gujarat with ease in their previous face-off (by eight wickets). In their only meeting so far, Kane Williamson-led SRH opted to bowl first at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai on April 11. Despite a fifty from Hardik Pandya and Anubhav Manohar's chancy 21-ball 35, SRH managed to restrict GT for 162-7. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and T Natarajan's two wickets each led the show for the 2016 champions.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/r-ashwin-achieves-elite-feat-in-rr-rcb-tie-becomes-second-off-spinner-to-attain-150-ipl-scalps-474245">R Ashwin achieves elite feat in RR-RCB tie, becomes second off-spinner to attain 150 IPL scalps</a>

In reply, SRH rode on Abhishek Sharma's 32-ball 42 and Kane Williamson's 57 not out to take Hyderabad to an easy eight-wicket win with 5 balls to spare. At present, both camps are coming into this encounter on the back of an impressive win in their last match. While Gujarat won a hard-fought match versus Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Hyderabad demolished Bengaluru by 9 wickets after dismissing them for a mere 68.

Match prediction for SRH vs GT clash:&nbsp;While Titans have played only one game at the Wankhede, in their tournament-opener versus Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Hyderabad will play their first game of the season at this venue. Dew might again be a factor but teams batting first have been able to defend totals in the last five encounters at the Wankhede. Tough to decide on a winner.&nbsp;SRH to complete a double over GT?

IPL 2022's match 40 will see the one-time winners Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) take on the high-flying Gujarat Titans (GT) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Wednesday evening (April 27).

IPL 2022's match 40 will see the one-time winners Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) take on the high-flying Gujarat Titans (GT) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Wednesday evening (April 27). With the league stage in a very crunch phase, with all teams fighting it out to enter the playoffs (sans Mumbai Indians), both the in-form teams will be desperate to not lose momentum. With this being another reverse fixture in the ongoing season, Hyderabad will have some momentum having beaten Gujarat with ease in their previous face-off (by eight wickets). In their only meeting so far, Kane Williamson-led SRH opted to bowl first at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai on April 11. Despite a fifty from Hardik Pandya and Anubhav Manohar's chancy 21-ball 35, SRH managed to restrict GT for 162-7. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and T Natarajan's two wickets each led the show for the 2016 champions. ALSO READ | R Ashwin achieves elite feat in RR-RCB tie, becomes second off-spinner to attain 150 IPL scalps In reply, SRH rode on Abhishek Sharma's 32-ball 42 and Kane Williamson's 57 not out to take Hyderabad to an easy eight-wicket win with 5 balls to spare. At present, both camps are coming into this encounter on the back of an impressive win in their last match. While Gujarat won a hard-fought match versus Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Hyderabad demolished Bengaluru by 9 wickets after dismissing them for a mere 68. Match prediction for SRH vs GT clash: While Titans have played only one game at the Wankhede, in their tournament-opener versus Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Hyderabad will play their first game of the season at this venue. Dew might again be a factor but teams batting first have been able to defend totals in the last five encounters at the Wankhede. Tough to decide on a winner. SRH to complete a double over GT?

GT vs SRH, IPL 2022 prediction today: Who will win Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad match?

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