<p>Mikel Arteta says striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is "totally" committed to Arsenal even though he has been in and out of the team and he &nbsp;played down comparisons with the Mesut Ozil situation.</p>

<p>Club captain Aubameyang signed a lucrative new three-year contract last year but has struggled for form this season and was dropped for last month's north London derby after arriving late.</p>

<p>The Gabon international, 31, has scored just nine goals in 25 Premier League appearances this season compared with 22 goals last term.</p>

<p>His situation at the Emirates has been compared with that of Ozil, who under-performed despite being on huge wages before eventually being exiled by Arteta.</p>

<p>The Arsenal boss, though, said he did not see the merits of comparing the two cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'm always positive about the future but once you think about things that happen in the past or compare different situations and personalities, I won't do that," he said.</p>

<p>Asked whether Aubameyang was committed to the Gunners' cause, Arteta, whose side are languishing in mid-table in the English top-flight, added: "Totally."</p>

<p>The forward came on as a late second-half substitute in the 1-1 draw with Slavia Prague in the Europa League quarter-final first-leg clash on Thursday, setting up Nicolas Pepe's goal.</p>

<p>Arteta was pleased with Aubameyang's impact off the bench.</p>

<p>"In the Europa League everyone has contributed in different ways, the whole squad has been involved and yesterday's role for him (was) he was sat on the bench and to make an impact and he made an impact," said the Spaniard.</p>

<p>"He assisted Nico and should have scored a tap-in with his left foot and that's what the players have to do when they come in."</p>


Mikel Arteta says striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is "totally" committed to Arsenal even though he has been in and out of the team and he played down comparisons with the Mesut Ozil situation.

Mikel Arteta says striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is "totally" committed to Arsenal even though he has been in and out of the team and he played down comparisons with the Mesut Ozil situation. Club captain Aubameyang signed a lucrative new three-year contract last year but has struggled for form this season and was dropped for last month's north London derby after arriving late. The Gabon international, 31, has scored just nine goals in 25 Premier League appearances this season compared with 22 goals last term. His situation at the Emirates has been compared with that of Ozil, who under-performed despite being on huge wages before eventually being exiled by Arteta. The Arsenal boss, though, said he did not see the merits of comparing the two cases. "I'm always positive about the future but once you think about things that happen in the past or compare different situations and personalities, I won't do that," he said. Asked whether Aubameyang was committed to the Gunners' cause, Arteta, whose side are languishing in mid-table in the English top-flight, added: "Totally." The forward came on as a late second-half substitute in the 1-1 draw with Slavia Prague in the Europa League quarter-final first-leg clash on Thursday, setting up Nicolas Pepe's goal. Arteta was pleased with Aubameyang's impact off the bench. "In the Europa League everyone has contributed in different ways, the whole squad has been involved and yesterday's role for him (was) he was sat on the bench and to make an impact and he made an impact," said the Spaniard. "He assisted Nico and should have scored a tap-in with his left foot and that's what the players have to do when they come in."

Arteta says Aubameyang is 'totally' committed to Arsenal

<p>Adama Traore grabbed a stoppage-time winner as Wolves beat Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage on Friday to send the Londoners closer to relegation from the Premier League.</p>

<p>In added time, Traore ran down the right before firing home to secure his side's first victory since mid-February.</p>

<p>However, Fulham boss Scott Parker insists his team can still beat the drop.</p>

<p>"We find ourselves in this position where we are, but we've got a fighting chance because of what you see at the end of the game, a team and a group of players that are desperate," he said.</p>

<p>"We will continue, painful, hurt but as always you get your guard up and you come out swinging, and that's what we'll do."</p>

<p>For Traore, it was an evening to remember as it was his first goal in the Premier League since December 2019.</p>

<p>"I am so happy. We needed the points, it has been tough for us," said the Spaniard.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have been working hard through the weeks, trying to run in behind and mix the games up.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If I can help the team the best I can I will. I trust in my quality."</p>

<p>Wolves striker Willian Jose had earlier been denied his first goal for the club when his header in first-half injury time was ruled out for an offside by Daniel Podence following a VAR review.</p>

<p>Fulham have lost their last four league games with their most recent win a stunning victory over champions Liverpool at Anfield on March 7.</p>

<p>They remain third from bottom, three points behind Newcastle who have played two games fewer.</p>

<p>Wolves are 12th and seemingly safe in the Premier League for another season.</p>


Adama Traore grabbed a stoppage-time winner as Wolves beat Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage on Friday to send the Londoners closer to relegation from the Premier League.

Adama Traore grabbed a stoppage-time winner as Wolves beat Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage on Friday to send the Londoners closer to relegation from the Premier League. In added time, Traore ran down the right before firing home to secure his side's first victory since mid-February. However, Fulham boss Scott Parker insists his team can still beat the drop. "We find ourselves in this position where we are, but we've got a fighting chance because of what you see at the end of the game, a team and a group of players that are desperate," he said. "We will continue, painful, hurt but as always you get your guard up and you come out swinging, and that's what we'll do." For Traore, it was an evening to remember as it was his first goal in the Premier League since December 2019. "I am so happy. We needed the points, it has been tough for us," said the Spaniard. "I have been working hard through the weeks, trying to run in behind and mix the games up. "If I can help the team the best I can I will. I trust in my quality." Wolves striker Willian Jose had earlier been denied his first goal for the club when his header in first-half injury time was ruled out for an offside by Daniel Podence following a VAR review. Fulham have lost their last four league games with their most recent win a stunning victory over champions Liverpool at Anfield on March 7. They remain third from bottom, three points behind Newcastle who have played two games fewer. Wolves are 12th and seemingly safe in the Premier League for another season.

Parker insists Fulham still have 'fighting chance' to beat drop

<p>Top-ranked defending champion Dustin Johnson has more time to prepare for next week's US PGA Heritage Classic than he really wanted after missing the cut at the 85th Masters.</p>

<p>Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy also failed to reach the weekend for only the second time in 13 trips to Augusta National, missing his chance to complete a career Grand Slam for another year.</p>

<p>And four-time major champion Brooks Koepka, who battled to play after right knee surgery a month ago, wasn't among the 54 who reached the weekend at the year's first major championship.</p>

<p>"I worked my ass off just to get here and then to play like this is pretty disappointing," Koepka said.</p>

<p>Johnson and Koepka each cited putting woes as their reason for being done, although Koepka will get weekend physical therapy and Johnson must put the green jacket on the shoulders of the new Masters champion in a Sunday ceremony.</p>

<p>"Mostly just the putter. Six three-putts in two rounds, you just can't do that," Johnson said.</p>

<p>"Didn't drive it great but drove it good enough, and I felt like I never was really too bad out of position. Just the three-putts killed me.</p>

<p>"I just didn't putt very well. My speed was awful. I just left it short from 10 feet there on the last hole. I just didn't have a good beat on the speed the last two days."</p>

<p>Koepka and Johnson both shot 75 to finish on five-over 149 while McIlroy, who did not speak after, was on 150 after a closing 74.</p>

<p>McIlroy has been reworking his swing with coach Pete Cowen and said Thursday he was very much still in a transition process.</p>

<p>"Any time you're working on things with your swing, it's going to feel very different, but it's not as if I haven't done these things before," McIlroy said.</p>

<p>"It's like you get into these bad habits and that feels normal, and then you get it back into position where I've been a million times before and it just feels a little different."</p>

<p>Koepka putting woes were major as well.</p>

<p>"Putter was ice cold. Didn't make any putts," he said. "I don't want to say the speed was off, maybe the reads a little bit. Maybe the start line. A lot of them felt like good putts, and they weren't even hitting the hole.</p>

<p>"They felt good coming off the face, but they didn't even sniff it."</p>

<p>Koepka was pleased he had the stamina to walk 18 holes at hilly Augusta.</p>

<p>"Downhill was tough," Koepka said. "I don't feel as sore as I did yesterday, so I feel better. It's nice to know I can walk 18."</p>

<p>Koepka will play in next month's PGA Championship at Kiawah Island but wasn't sure if he would play a US PGA event before the next major tournament.</p>

<p>"Tough to say," he said. "Just for how it feels, how rehab goes and everything. I wouldn't have been playing for another month if it wasn't (Masters) week. So I'll take a nice long break after this."</p>


Top-ranked defending champion Dustin Johnson has more time to prepare for next week's US PGA Heritage Classic than he really wanted after missing the cut at the 85th Masters.

Top-ranked defending champion Dustin Johnson has more time to prepare for next week's US PGA Heritage Classic than he really wanted after missing the cut at the 85th Masters. Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy also failed to reach the weekend for only the second time in 13 trips to Augusta National, missing his chance to complete a career Grand Slam for another year. And four-time major champion Brooks Koepka, who battled to play after right knee surgery a month ago, wasn't among the 54 who reached the weekend at the year's first major championship. "I worked my ass off just to get here and then to play like this is pretty disappointing," Koepka said. Johnson and Koepka each cited putting woes as their reason for being done, although Koepka will get weekend physical therapy and Johnson must put the green jacket on the shoulders of the new Masters champion in a Sunday ceremony. "Mostly just the putter. Six three-putts in two rounds, you just can't do that," Johnson said. "Didn't drive it great but drove it good enough, and I felt like I never was really too bad out of position. Just the three-putts killed me. "I just didn't putt very well. My speed was awful. I just left it short from 10 feet there on the last hole. I just didn't have a good beat on the speed the last two days." Koepka and Johnson both shot 75 to finish on five-over 149 while McIlroy, who did not speak after, was on 150 after a closing 74. McIlroy has been reworking his swing with coach Pete Cowen and said Thursday he was very much still in a transition process. "Any time you're working on things with your swing, it's going to feel very different, but it's not as if I haven't done these things before," McIlroy said. "It's like you get into these bad habits and that feels normal, and then you get it back into position where I've been a million times before and it just feels a little different." Koepka putting woes were major as well. "Putter was ice cold. Didn't make any putts," he said. "I don't want to say the speed was off, maybe the reads a little bit. Maybe the start line. A lot of them felt like good putts, and they weren't even hitting the hole. "They felt good coming off the face, but they didn't even sniff it." Koepka was pleased he had the stamina to walk 18 holes at hilly Augusta. "Downhill was tough," Koepka said. "I don't feel as sore as I did yesterday, so I feel better. It's nice to know I can walk 18." Koepka will play in next month's PGA Championship at Kiawah Island but wasn't sure if he would play a US PGA event before the next major tournament. "Tough to say," he said. "Just for how it feels, how rehab goes and everything. I wouldn't have been playing for another month if it wasn't (Masters) week. So I'll take a nice long break after this."

No. 1 Johnson, McIlroy and Koepka miss Masters cut

<p>Manchester City suffered just a fourth Premier League defeat of the season as 10-man Leeds United shocked the runaway leaders thanks to Stuart Dallas's double in a 2-1 win at the Etihad on Saturday.</p>

<p>Dallas opened the scoring three minutes before half-time, but hope of a famous win for Marcelo Bielsa's men seemed to have disappeared when captain Liam Cooper was shown a straight red card in first-half stoppage time.</p>

<p>The visitors withstood a City bombardment until Ferran Torres equalised 14 minutes from time.</p>

<p>But Leeds still summoned the energy to pose a threat on the counter-attack and gained their reward when Dallas slotted below Ederson.</p>

<p>Bielsa's first win in five meetings against Pep Guardiola propels Leeds to ninth in their first season back in the English top flight for 16 years.</p>

<p>Guardiola paid for heavily rotating his side with Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final, second leg, against Borussia Dortmund clearly his priority.</p>

<p>City still enjoy a 14-point lead at the top of the Premier League and need just 11 points from their remaining six matches to guarantee a third title in four years.</p>

<p>But Manchester United could close the gap to eight points should the Red Devils win their two games in hand, the first of which is away to Tottenham on Sunday.</p>

<p>A two-minute silence was held before kick-off in honour of Prince Philip, who died aged 99 on Friday.</p>

<p>Once the action got underway, City noticeably missed Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Ruben Dias, who were among the stars left on the bench by Guardiola.</p>

<p>Raheem Sterling's presence in what was largely a second string side is a reflection of how the England international has fallen down the pecking order in the past few weeks.</p>

<p>Sterling did not even get on as a substitute in the first leg against Dortmund and did little to further his case for selection in midweek by slicing a great chance wide from Fernandinho's cut-back.</p>

<p>Leeds had wasted a number of promising attacks with their final ball, but found the finishing touch on 43 minutes.</p>

<p>Patrick Bamford teed up Dallas to strike low in off the inside the post.</p>

<p>The visitors' joy was short-lived. Just four minutes later they were a man down.</p>

<p>Cooper played the ball first before crashing into Gabriel Jesus, but referee Andre Marriner upgraded a yellow card shown to the Leeds' captain to a red after reviewing the incident on the pitch-side screen.</p>

<p>Bamford was immediately sacrificed for more defensive cover in Pascal Struijk as Leeds battened down the hatches.</p>

<p>City were camped inside the Leeds half for almost the entire second-half, but were largely reduced to long-range efforts as Illan Meslier saved from Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fernandinho and Joao Cancelo.</p>

<p>Gundogan and Foden were introduced to bring more spark to City's attack, but De Bruyne was surprisingly left in reserve for the full 90 minutes.</p>

<p>Torres finally made City's dominance pay with a first-time finish after Fernandinho picked out Silva inside the area.</p>

<p>Yet, Leeds still went in search of a winner.</p>

<p>Raphinha outpaced Fernandinho, but was denied by a brilliant tackle by Brazilian compatriot Ederson.</p>

<p>Leeds' approach was rewarded in stoppage time when Dallas galloped clear down the middle of a vacant City defence to slot home.</p>


Manchester City suffered just a fourth Premier League defeat of the season as 10-man Leeds United shocked the runaway leaders thanks to Stuart Dallas's double in a 2-1 win at the Etihad on Saturday.

Manchester City suffered just a fourth Premier League defeat of the season as 10-man Leeds United shocked the runaway leaders thanks to Stuart Dallas's double in a 2-1 win at the Etihad on Saturday. Dallas opened the scoring three minutes before half-time, but hope of a famous win for Marcelo Bielsa's men seemed to have disappeared when captain Liam Cooper was shown a straight red card in first-half stoppage time. The visitors withstood a City bombardment until Ferran Torres equalised 14 minutes from time. But Leeds still summoned the energy to pose a threat on the counter-attack and gained their reward when Dallas slotted below Ederson. Bielsa's first win in five meetings against Pep Guardiola propels Leeds to ninth in their first season back in the English top flight for 16 years. Guardiola paid for heavily rotating his side with Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final, second leg, against Borussia Dortmund clearly his priority. City still enjoy a 14-point lead at the top of the Premier League and need just 11 points from their remaining six matches to guarantee a third title in four years. But Manchester United could close the gap to eight points should the Red Devils win their two games in hand, the first of which is away to Tottenham on Sunday. A two-minute silence was held before kick-off in honour of Prince Philip, who died aged 99 on Friday. Once the action got underway, City noticeably missed Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Ruben Dias, who were among the stars left on the bench by Guardiola. Raheem Sterling's presence in what was largely a second string side is a reflection of how the England international has fallen down the pecking order in the past few weeks. Sterling did not even get on as a substitute in the first leg against Dortmund and did little to further his case for selection in midweek by slicing a great chance wide from Fernandinho's cut-back. Leeds had wasted a number of promising attacks with their final ball, but found the finishing touch on 43 minutes. Patrick Bamford teed up Dallas to strike low in off the inside the post. The visitors' joy was short-lived. Just four minutes later they were a man down. Cooper played the ball first before crashing into Gabriel Jesus, but referee Andre Marriner upgraded a yellow card shown to the Leeds' captain to a red after reviewing the incident on the pitch-side screen. Bamford was immediately sacrificed for more defensive cover in Pascal Struijk as Leeds battened down the hatches. City were camped inside the Leeds half for almost the entire second-half, but were largely reduced to long-range efforts as Illan Meslier saved from Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fernandinho and Joao Cancelo. Gundogan and Foden were introduced to bring more spark to City's attack, but De Bruyne was surprisingly left in reserve for the full 90 minutes. Torres finally made City's dominance pay with a first-time finish after Fernandinho picked out Silva inside the area. Yet, Leeds still went in search of a winner. Raphinha outpaced Fernandinho, but was denied by a brilliant tackle by Brazilian compatriot Ederson. Leeds' approach was rewarded in stoppage time when Dallas galloped clear down the middle of a vacant City defence to slot home.

Dallas double sees 10-man Leeds shock Man City

<p class="MsoNormal">Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have many times left themselves to be blamed for poor results despite having one of the strongest looking squads on paper. While over-dependency on some players have played a major role in it, the Kolkata outfit looks to start a fresh chapter under the full-time captaincy of World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">KKR would be hoping for a fully fit Andre Russell and a firing Sunil Narine whereas hoping that new additions of Shakib Al Hasan, Ben Cutting, Karun Nair, Harbhajan Singh, among others come good during the course of the season.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">KKR finished fifth after narrowly missing out on playoff qualification due to net run rate.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/here-are-some-major-records-csk-skipper-ms-dhoni-can-shatter-in-ipl-2021-376648" hreflang="en">Here are some major records CSK skipper MS Dhoni can shatter in IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The Kolkata franchise would be banking on Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana and Rahul Tripathi to give them a boost in the top order. The middle-order of Eoin Morgan, Andre Russell and Dinesh Karthik looks strong on paper and the fans would be hoping for some fireworks. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">In terms of bowling, Pat Cummins and Lockie Ferguson will be KKR’s key overseas bowlers and there will be more dependency on Varun Chakravarthy after he exceeded expectations last season. The likes of Prasidh Krishna, Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti along with Sandeep Warrier and Vaibhav Arora make them a good bowling unit.</p>

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<p>If KKR can sort their playing combination and batting order then they can have a fruitful season in IPL 2021. They have plenty of match-winners at their helm and it would be interesting how Morgan uses the big-name players in the T20 tournament.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/timeless-brian-lara-mighty-impressed-with-abds-knock-in-ipl-opener-376661" hreflang="en">'Timeless': Brian Lara mighty impressed with ABD's knock in IPL opener</a></strong></p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Kolkata Knight Riders, IPL 2021 Squad:<o:p></o:p></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal">Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) - Eoin Morgan (c), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Shubman Gill, Shakib Al Hasan, Nitish Rana, Tim Seifert, Rahul Tripathi, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Varun CV, Kuldeep Yadav, Pat Cummins, Lockie Ferguson, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shivam Mavi, Sandeep Warrier, Prasidh Krishna, Sheldon Jackson, Vaibhav Arora, Karun Nair, Harbhajan Singh, Ben Cutting, Venkatesh Iyer, Pawan Negi <o:p></o:p></p>


Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have many times left themselves to be blamed for poor results despite having one of the strongest looking squads on paper. While over-dependency on some players have played a major role in it, the Kolkata outfit looks to start a fresh chapter under the full-time captaincy of World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have many times left themselves to be blamed for poor results despite having one of the strongest looking squads on paper. While over-dependency on some players have played a major role in it, the Kolkata outfit looks to start a fresh chapter under the full-time captaincy of World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan. KKR would be hoping for a fully fit Andre Russell and a firing Sunil Narine whereas hoping that new additions of Shakib Al Hasan, Ben Cutting, Karun Nair, Harbhajan Singh, among others come good during the course of the season. KKR finished fifth after narrowly missing out on playoff qualification due to net run rate. ALSO READ: Here are some major records CSK skipper MS Dhoni can shatter in IPL 2021 The Kolkata franchise would be banking on Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana and Rahul Tripathi to give them a boost in the top order. The middle-order of Eoin Morgan, Andre Russell and Dinesh Karthik looks strong on paper and the fans would be hoping for some fireworks. In terms of bowling, Pat Cummins and Lockie Ferguson will be KKR’s key overseas bowlers and there will be more dependency on Varun Chakravarthy after he exceeded expectations last season. The likes of Prasidh Krishna, Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti along with Sandeep Warrier and Vaibhav Arora make them a good bowling unit. × If KKR can sort their playing combination and batting order then they can have a fruitful season in IPL 2021. They have plenty of match-winners at their helm and it would be interesting how Morgan uses the big-name players in the T20 tournament. ALSO READ: 'Timeless': Brian Lara mighty impressed with ABD's knock in IPL opener Kolkata Knight Riders, IPL 2021 Squad: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) - Eoin Morgan (c), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Shubman Gill, Shakib Al Hasan, Nitish Rana, Tim Seifert, Rahul Tripathi, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Varun CV, Kuldeep Yadav, Pat Cummins, Lockie Ferguson, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shivam Mavi, Sandeep Warrier, Prasidh Krishna, Sheldon Jackson, Vaibhav Arora, Karun Nair, Harbhajan Singh, Ben Cutting, Venkatesh Iyer, Pawan Negi

IPL 2021, KKR - Team Preview: Kolkata look to find old glory under Morgan's leadership

<p>Shubman Gill has said that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will look to avoid the net run-rate trap in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 after missing out on playoff qualification in the previous edition of the tournament, played in the UAE.</p>

<p>KKR finished IPL 2020 with 14 points under their belt but were level with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). KKR had a net run rate of -0.214 in what was one of the tightest finishes to an IPL league stage. However, RCB qualified for the playoffs on a net run rate of 0.172.</p>

<p>Shubman expressed the pain of missing out by such a tight margin but said that the team would look to improve and avoid a similar situation in the ongoing edition of the T20 tournament.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/guru-vs-chela-ravi-shastri-expresses-his-excitement-for-dhoni-vs-pant-clash-in-ipl-2021-376637" hreflang="en">'Guru vs Chela': Ravi Shastri expresses his excitement for Dhoni vs Pant clash in IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p>"Missing qualification on net run rate, by the barest of margins, always hurts. But there is always room for improvement. And that's what we will try to do this year and not leave it to the net run rate," Gill told The National.</p>

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<p>KKR would look to flourish under the full-time captaincy of Eoin Morgan and all eyes would be on Gill as to how he goes about his business in the new season.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watching-cricket-from-home-twitter-brings-an-extravagant-experience-with-new-features-376633" hreflang="en">Watching cricket from home? Twitter brings an extravagant experience with new features</a></strong></p>

<p>"You get to practice before any tournament starts, that's where you kind of adjust. You get enough time in practice sessions and match simulation, practice matches. So that is enough time to adjust," Gill said.</p>

<p>"The way I see it, it has been a good six seven months. The last time I played IPL, and after that I have played plenty of cricket which has given me a lot of confidence."</p>

<p>KKR start their IPL 2021 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Saturday.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>


Shubman Gill has said that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will look to avoid the net run-rate trap in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 after missing out on playoff qualification in the previous edition of the tournament, played in the UAE.

Shubman Gill has said that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will look to avoid the net run-rate trap in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 after missing out on playoff qualification in the previous edition of the tournament, played in the UAE. KKR finished IPL 2020 with 14 points under their belt but were level with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). KKR had a net run rate of -0.214 in what was one of the tightest finishes to an IPL league stage. However, RCB qualified for the playoffs on a net run rate of 0.172. Shubman expressed the pain of missing out by such a tight margin but said that the team would look to improve and avoid a similar situation in the ongoing edition of the T20 tournament. ALSO READ: 'Guru vs Chela': Ravi Shastri expresses his excitement for Dhoni vs Pant clash in IPL 2021 "Missing qualification on net run rate, by the barest of margins, always hurts. But there is always room for improvement. And that's what we will try to do this year and not leave it to the net run rate," Gill told The National. × KKR would look to flourish under the full-time captaincy of Eoin Morgan and all eyes would be on Gill as to how he goes about his business in the new season. ALSO READ: Watching cricket from home? Twitter brings an extravagant experience with new features "You get to practice before any tournament starts, that's where you kind of adjust. You get enough time in practice sessions and match simulation, practice matches. So that is enough time to adjust," Gill said. "The way I see it, it has been a good six seven months. The last time I played IPL, and after that I have played plenty of cricket which has given me a lot of confidence." KKR start their IPL 2021 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on Saturday.

'Always hurts...': KKR's Shubman Gill hopes to avoid net run rate trap in playoff race

<p>Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) officials have been asked to submit a negative COVID-19 report in a bid to attend the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 matches at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Taking strict measures, MCA has asked all MCA apex council members and staff members, even those who have been vaccinated, to produce a negative report to get inside the Wankhede Stadium.</p>

<p>According to a report in ANI, MCA secretary Sanjay Naik has written to all MCA apex council member to submit a negative COVID-19 report to get an entry inside the iconic Wankhede Stadium for IPL 2021 matches.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"As per BCCI's protocol, all the officials who would be attending the IPL 2021 matches at Wankhede Stadium are required to produce a negative report of RT-PCR test conducted within 48 hours of the match day," Naik wrote in his letter.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watching-cricket-from-home-twitter-brings-an-extravagant-experience-with-new-features-376633" hreflang="en">Watching cricket from home? Twitter brings an extravagant experience with new features</a></strong></p>

<p>"The tests are mandatory even for those who have been vaccinated. The report will have to be produced at the time of entry to the stadium on each match day. Hence you are requested to get yourself tested at your end and carry the negative report to the stadium on match day," he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/guru-vs-chela-ravi-shastri-expresses-his-excitement-for-dhoni-vs-pant-clash-in-ipl-2021-376637" hreflang="en">'Guru vs Chela': Ravi Shastri expresses his excitement for Dhoni vs Pant clash in IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p>Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is set to host 10 IPL 2021 matches from April 10-25. The first match at the stadium is set to be played between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings.</p>

<p>On Friday, the state of Maharashtra recorded 58,993 new COVID-19 cases, 45,391 recoveries, and 301 deaths. Meanwhile, India's COVID-19 tally hit a record daily high since the outbreak of the pandemic with over 1.45 lakh new infections being reported in a span of 24 hours, taking the cumulative count to 1,32,05,926, according to the Union Health Ministry.</p>

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<p>Last week, several members of the Wankhede groundstaff returned with positive Covid-19 reports. On Sunday, the Maharashtra government announced a weekend lockdown from Friday 8 pm to Monday 7 am to curb the spread of Covid-19.</p>

<p>(With ANI inputs)</p>

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Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) officials have been asked to submit a negative COVID-19 report in a bid to attend the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 matches at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) officials have been asked to submit a negative COVID-19 report in a bid to attend the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 matches at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Taking strict measures, MCA has asked all MCA apex council members and staff members, even those who have been vaccinated, to produce a negative report to get inside the Wankhede Stadium. According to a report in ANI, MCA secretary Sanjay Naik has written to all MCA apex council member to submit a negative COVID-19 report to get an entry inside the iconic Wankhede Stadium for IPL 2021 matches. "As per BCCI's protocol, all the officials who would be attending the IPL 2021 matches at Wankhede Stadium are required to produce a negative report of RT-PCR test conducted within 48 hours of the match day," Naik wrote in his letter. ALSO READ: Watching cricket from home? Twitter brings an extravagant experience with new features "The tests are mandatory even for those who have been vaccinated. The report will have to be produced at the time of entry to the stadium on each match day. Hence you are requested to get yourself tested at your end and carry the negative report to the stadium on match day," he added. ALSO READ: 'Guru vs Chela': Ravi Shastri expresses his excitement for Dhoni vs Pant clash in IPL 2021 Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is set to host 10 IPL 2021 matches from April 10-25. The first match at the stadium is set to be played between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings. On Friday, the state of Maharashtra recorded 58,993 new COVID-19 cases, 45,391 recoveries, and 301 deaths. Meanwhile, India's COVID-19 tally hit a record daily high since the outbreak of the pandemic with over 1.45 lakh new infections being reported in a span of 24 hours, taking the cumulative count to 1,32,05,926, according to the Union Health Ministry. × Last week, several members of the Wankhede groundstaff returned with positive Covid-19 reports. On Sunday, the Maharashtra government announced a weekend lockdown from Friday 8 pm to Monday 7 am to curb the spread of Covid-19. (With ANI inputs)

IPL 2021: Vaccinated officials, staff asked to carry COVID-19 negative reports for matches in Wankhede Stadium

<p>Twitter is what’s happening in the world, and this cricket season, it will enable fans to have a larger-than-life experience from the comforts of their couch through a range of features that will allow them to follow and participate in conversations a lot more intimately.</p>

<p>In 2020, the absence of on-ground cricket action prompted more fans to turn to Twitter, converting the service into a virtual stadium. Fans came to the service to discuss match moments, cheer their favourite teams and interact with their cricket idols. As a result, the conversations during the cricket season in 2020 increased by 23% in comparison to the 2019 season. This year, as cricket fans gear up for another exciting year, Twitter has curated a host of innovative, interactive experiences for fans to celebrate and participate in conversations as they happen in real-time on the service.&nbsp;</p>

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<h2>Here’s how fans can follow the upcoming tournament on social media platform&nbsp;Twitter:</h2>

<p>1. Spaces: Spaces, Twitter’s newest offering, allows people to come together to have live audio conversations. Spaces is a great feature for people to have conversations about things that they’re passionate about, or just gather in an intimate environment to chat using their voice. With cricket being such a huge passion point on Twitter, teams have already started making the most of Spaces to connect with and engage fans on the service. Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) recently hosted a Twitter Space with Zaheer Khan (@ImZaheer) - #TwitterSpaceWithZak - becoming the first sports club in the country to do so. The Space had Zaheer interacting with fans and sharing plans for the upcoming season.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How to join <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TwitterSpaceWithZak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TwitterSpaceWithZak</a> 👇<br />
<br />
🔹 Open the Twitter app on your smartphone 🤳<br />
🔹 Check the fleets section at 12 PM ⏰<br />
🔹 Click the purple button that has the MI Logo 🟣<br />
🔹 Za-hear, enjoy, interact 😁<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneFamily?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneFamily</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiIndians?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiIndians</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ImZaheer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImZaheer</a> <a href="https://t.co/vxlhp7pLcM">pic.twitter.com/vxlhp7pLcM</a></p>
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/1376376064138752000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indiranagarkagunda-rahul-dravids-angry-avatar-takes-twitter-by-storm-check-best-reactions-376624" hreflang="en">#IndiraNagarKaGunda: Rahul Dravid's 'angry' avatar takes Twitter by storm - Check best reactions</a></strong></p>

<p>2. Emojis: Twitter has launched eight new jersey emojis for all the teams in English and six Indic languages. Fans can simply Tweet with the team hashtags to unlock these emojis and participate in live conversations. Here are some of the hashtags that will unlock the team emojis: #IPL2021, #MumbaiIndians, #OneFamily, #WhistlePodu, #WeAreChallengers, #HallaBol, #RoyalsFamily, #PunjabKings, #SaddaPunjab, #KKRHaiTaiyaar, #KorboLorboJeetbo, #YehHaiNayiDilli, #OrangeArmy, and more.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It's almost that time of year - so what are you waiting for? Get your jersey on! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/T86X8rYzkR">pic.twitter.com/T86X8rYzkR</a></p>
— Twitter India (@TwitterIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TwitterIndia/status/1378378919858950146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>3. Topics: Twitter Topics allow people to follow conversations on specific subjects. Using machine learning, Topics pull out related Tweets on a subject, letting people follow numerous interest categories. When you follow a Topic, you will see Tweets from a number of accounts - whether you follow them or not - on the shared interest. Last year, Twitter introduced several Topics for the cricket - one for the series and several others for all of the teams &nbsp;- so people can stay up-to-date with all conversations around cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>4. Twitter Lists: Twitter Lists - a compilation of Twitter accounts - let people put together their favourite accounts to follow for Tweets on a specific subject and populate a separate timeline for the List. When you view this List timeline, you will see Tweets from all of the accounts in that List. To let people keep a close eye on what their favourites from the cricket season are saying and doing, Twitter has created Lists of accounts to follow for each team - including the squads as well as their coaches.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/first-game-could-be-my-last-chris-lynn-on-running-out-captain-rohit-sharma-in-ipl-2021-opener-376596" hreflang="en">First game could be my last: Chris Lynn on running out captain Rohit Sharma in IPL 2021 opener</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ahead of the opening game of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> between <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mipaltan</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCBTweets</a> in Chennai on Friday, keep up with the action right here with the help of these lists:</p>
— Twitter Moments India (@MomentsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MomentsIndia/status/1380180659797422084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>5. Live shows: Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals will be hosting live shows to bring fans closer together. The shows will involve commentary and watching the game virtually along with a select group of fans every match day.</p>

<p>6. Events Page and Scorecard: Fans can simply go to an events page to follow all the live updates and real-time conversations on Twitter. Additionally, fans can also check out the live scores on the Scorecard which will be featured on the top of the Events page and follow the match on the go. For all the real time conversations around the opening match #MIvRCB, just follow the below events page:</p>

<p>Through these innovations, audiences on the social media platform will get more opportunities than before to get closer to their favourite teams and players and show their instant support.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Check WION's full coverage on IPL 2021 here!</a></p>


Twitter is what’s happening in the world, and this cricket season, it will enable fans to have a larger-than-life experience from the comforts of their couch through a range of features that will allow them to follow and participate in conversations a lot more intimately.

Twitter is what’s happening in the world, and this cricket season, it will enable fans to have a larger-than-life experience from the comforts of their couch through a range of features that will allow them to follow and participate in conversations a lot more intimately. In 2020, the absence of on-ground cricket action prompted more fans to turn to Twitter, converting the service into a virtual stadium. Fans came to the service to discuss match moments, cheer their favourite teams and interact with their cricket idols. As a result, the conversations during the cricket season in 2020 increased by 23% in comparison to the 2019 season. This year, as cricket fans gear up for another exciting year, Twitter has curated a host of innovative, interactive experiences for fans to celebrate and participate in conversations as they happen in real-time on the service. × Here’s how fans can follow the upcoming tournament on social media platform Twitter: 1. Spaces: Spaces, Twitter’s newest offering, allows people to come together to have live audio conversations. Spaces is a great feature for people to have conversations about things that they’re passionate about, or just gather in an intimate environment to chat using their voice. With cricket being such a huge passion point on Twitter, teams have already started making the most of Spaces to connect with and engage fans on the service. Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) recently hosted a Twitter Space with Zaheer Khan (@ImZaheer) - #TwitterSpaceWithZak - becoming the first sports club in the country to do so. The Space had Zaheer interacting with fans and sharing plans for the upcoming season. How to join #TwitterSpaceWithZak 👇 🔹 Open the Twitter app on your smartphone 🤳 🔹 Check the fleets section at 12 PM ⏰ 🔹 Click the purple button that has the MI Logo 🟣 🔹 Za-hear, enjoy, interact 😁#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians #IPL2021 @ImZaheer pic.twitter.com/vxlhp7pLcM — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 29, 2021 × ALSO READ: #IndiraNagarKaGunda: Rahul Dravid's 'angry' avatar takes Twitter by storm - Check best reactions 2. Emojis: Twitter has launched eight new jersey emojis for all the teams in English and six Indic languages. Fans can simply Tweet with the team hashtags to unlock these emojis and participate in live conversations. Here are some of the hashtags that will unlock the team emojis: #IPL2021, #MumbaiIndians, #OneFamily, #WhistlePodu, #WeAreChallengers, #HallaBol, #RoyalsFamily, #PunjabKings, #SaddaPunjab, #KKRHaiTaiyaar, #KorboLorboJeetbo, #YehHaiNayiDilli, #OrangeArmy, and more. It's almost that time of year - so what are you waiting for? Get your jersey on! #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/T86X8rYzkR — Twitter India (@TwitterIndia) April 3, 2021 × 3. Topics: Twitter Topics allow people to follow conversations on specific subjects. Using machine learning, Topics pull out related Tweets on a subject, letting people follow numerous interest categories. When you follow a Topic, you will see Tweets from a number of accounts - whether you follow them or not - on the shared interest. Last year, Twitter introduced several Topics for the cricket - one for the series and several others for all of the teams - so people can stay up-to-date with all conversations around cricket. 4. Twitter Lists: Twitter Lists - a compilation of Twitter accounts - let people put together their favourite accounts to follow for Tweets on a specific subject and populate a separate timeline for the List. When you view this List timeline, you will see Tweets from all of the accounts in that List. To let people keep a close eye on what their favourites from the cricket season are saying and doing, Twitter has created Lists of accounts to follow for each team - including the squads as well as their coaches. ALSO READ: First game could be my last: Chris Lynn on running out captain Rohit Sharma in IPL 2021 opener Ahead of the opening game of #IPL2021 between @mipaltan and @RCBTweets in Chennai on Friday, keep up with the action right here with the help of these lists: — Twitter Moments India (@MomentsIndia) April 8, 2021 × 5. Live shows: Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals will be hosting live shows to bring fans closer together. The shows will involve commentary and watching the game virtually along with a select group of fans every match day. 6. Events Page and Scorecard: Fans can simply go to an events page to follow all the live updates and real-time conversations on Twitter. Additionally, fans can also check out the live scores on the Scorecard which will be featured on the top of the Events page and follow the match on the go. For all the real time conversations around the opening match #MIvRCB, just follow the below events page: Through these innovations, audiences on the social media platform will get more opportunities than before to get closer to their favourite teams and players and show their instant support. Check WION's full coverage on IPL 2021 here!

Watching cricket from home? Twitter brings an extravagant experience with new features

<p>A never-seen-before ‘angry’ avatar of legendary Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid has taken social media by storm. Appearing in an advertisement, Dravid was seen showing his angry side while stuck in traffic in Bengaluru.</p>

<p>In an advertisement that hit the screens on Friday afternoon, just before the start of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, Dravid has managed to leave everyone shocked with his new avatar while becoming the talk of the town. The ad has gone viral like a wildfire with the 48-year-old former cricketer becoming the top-ranked trending topic on social media platform Twitter.</p>

<p>Hashtags like #IndiraNagarKaGunda, #RahulDravid, #IndiraNagar have been trending since the ad released on Friday with Dravid winning hearts with his acting and for his new avatar.</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/list-of-five-major-records-rcb-captain-virat-kohli-can-break-in-ipl-2021-375916" hreflang="en">List of five major records RCB captain Virat Kohli can break in IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p>Featuring in an ad for a Bengaluru-based credit card bill payment platform where actor Jim Sarbh is seen saying "it is like saying Rahul Dravid has anger issues" while referring to the benefits offered by the platform. Dravid then appears shouting at everyone and even breaking the side-mirror of a car standing next to him.</p>

<p>The ad has resulted in memes flooding the internet as love and admiration for Dravid was seen all over social media platforms. The fact that Dravid doesn't do many ads caught everyone by surprise and his new avatar was the icing on the cake for everyone.</p>

<p><strong>TRENDING:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-rahul-dravids-angry-side-leaves-virat-kohli-in-surprise-376306" hreflang="en">Watch: Rahul Dravid's 'angry' side leaves Virat Kohli in surprise</a></strong></p>

<h2>Here’s how Rahul Dravid’s new avatar took Twitter by storm:</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Never seen this side of Rahul bhai 🤯🤣 <a href="https://t.co/4W93p0Gk7m">pic.twitter.com/4W93p0Gk7m</a></p>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1380451732690411521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rahul bhai’s strike rate is through the roof 👏👏☺️ <a href="https://t.co/9JgRG4Z7gF">pic.twitter.com/9JgRG4Z7gF</a></p>
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1380483134014242822?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It's official then. Dravid's moving to Gurgaon! <a href="https://t.co/VTe9w4Wbaj">pic.twitter.com/VTe9w4Wbaj</a></p>
— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) <a href="https://twitter.com/joybhattacharj/status/1380540154306195456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Am I the only one who's watching this ad on loop?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RahulDravid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RahulDravid</a> took anger to another level. Damn cute!!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiraNagarkaGunda?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiraNagarkaGunda</a> <a href="https://t.co/HDezuayYuy">pic.twitter.com/HDezuayYuy</a></p>
— Annesha (@Annesha31oct) <a href="https://twitter.com/Annesha31oct/status/1380554470711382016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RahulDravid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RahulDravid</a><br />
Engineering students:<br />
In first semester. In final semester <a href="https://t.co/FDnfRKDcjB">pic.twitter.com/FDnfRKDcjB</a></p>
— Dipanshu (@maine_nhi_bola) <a href="https://twitter.com/maine_nhi_bola/status/1380574875132174339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RahulDravid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RahulDravid</a><br />
Engineering students:<br />
In first semester. In final semester <a href="https://t.co/FDnfRKDcjB">pic.twitter.com/FDnfRKDcjB</a></p>
— Dipanshu (@maine_nhi_bola) <a href="https://twitter.com/maine_nhi_bola/status/1380574875132174339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Acting of Rahul dravid in this add is greater than the whole career of Arjun Kapoor....Agree or die <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RahulDravid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RahulDravid</a> <a href="https://t.co/ynvVzSfp7W">pic.twitter.com/ynvVzSfp7W</a></p>
— Perpendicular (@Perpend92286456) <a href="https://twitter.com/Perpend92286456/status/1380551651468091395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After watching Rahul Dravid in the Cred ad<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RahulDravid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RahulDravid</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cred?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cred</a> <a href="https://t.co/SaoQE8HjF0">pic.twitter.com/SaoQE8HjF0</a></p>
— Manish Phore (@4amanish) <a href="https://twitter.com/4amanish/status/1380507634596343810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A never-seen-before ‘angry’ avatar of legendary Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid has taken social media by storm. Appearing in an advertisement, Dravid was seen showing his angry side while stuck in traffic in Bengaluru.

A never-seen-before ‘angry’ avatar of legendary Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid has taken social media by storm. Appearing in an advertisement, Dravid was seen showing his angry side while stuck in traffic in Bengaluru. In an advertisement that hit the screens on Friday afternoon, just before the start of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, Dravid has managed to leave everyone shocked with his new avatar while becoming the talk of the town. The ad has gone viral like a wildfire with the 48-year-old former cricketer becoming the top-ranked trending topic on social media platform Twitter. Hashtags like #IndiraNagarKaGunda, #RahulDravid, #IndiraNagar have been trending since the ad released on Friday with Dravid winning hearts with his acting and for his new avatar. IN PICS | List of five major records RCB captain Virat Kohli can break in IPL 2021 Featuring in an ad for a Bengaluru-based credit card bill payment platform where actor Jim Sarbh is seen saying "it is like saying Rahul Dravid has anger issues" while referring to the benefits offered by the platform. Dravid then appears shouting at everyone and even breaking the side-mirror of a car standing next to him. The ad has resulted in memes flooding the internet as love and admiration for Dravid was seen all over social media platforms. The fact that Dravid doesn't do many ads caught everyone by surprise and his new avatar was the icing on the cake for everyone. TRENDING: Watch: Rahul Dravid's 'angry' side leaves Virat Kohli in surprise Here’s how Rahul Dravid’s new avatar took Twitter by storm: Never seen this side of Rahul bhai 🤯🤣 pic.twitter.com/4W93p0Gk7m — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) April 9, 2021 × Rahul bhai’s strike rate is through the roof 👏👏☺️ pic.twitter.com/9JgRG4Z7gF — Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) April 9, 2021 × It's official then. Dravid's moving to Gurgaon! pic.twitter.com/VTe9w4Wbaj — Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) April 9, 2021 × Am I the only one who's watching this ad on loop?#RahulDravid took anger to another level. Damn cute!! #IndiraNagarkaGunda pic.twitter.com/HDezuayYuy — Annesha (@Annesha31oct) April 9, 2021 × #RahulDravid Engineering students: In first semester. In final semester pic.twitter.com/FDnfRKDcjB — Dipanshu (@maine_nhi_bola) April 9, 2021 × #RahulDravid Engineering students: In first semester. In final semester pic.twitter.com/FDnfRKDcjB — Dipanshu (@maine_nhi_bola) April 9, 2021 × Acting of Rahul dravid in this add is greater than the whole career of Arjun Kapoor....Agree or die #RahulDravid pic.twitter.com/ynvVzSfp7W — Perpendicular (@Perpend92286456) April 9, 2021 × After watching Rahul Dravid in the Cred ad#RahulDravid #Cred pic.twitter.com/SaoQE8HjF0 — Manish Phore (@4amanish) April 9, 2021 ×

#IndiraNagarKaGunda: Rahul Dravid's 'angry' avatar takes Twitter by storm - Check best reactions

<p>MS Dhoni will be back in action as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) gear up to lock horns with Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.</p>

<p>In the build-up to the much-awaited match, Dhoni was seen launching mammoth sixes at the Wankhede Stadium. Chennai Super Kings took to social media platform Twitter to post a video of Dhoni hammering the bowlers in the nets as fans hoped they would witness the best of the former Indian captain.</p>

<h2>Here is the clip of Dhoni smashing sixes at Wankhede Stadium:</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="it">Ulla vandha power adiii! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thala</a> 💪 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yellove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yellove</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/MUXqtMKkBL">pic.twitter.com/MUXqtMKkBL</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1380742978726096903?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, Dhoni and Co. would be looking to make amends in the 14th edition of IPL after failing to qualify to the playoffs for the first time in IPL history last season. CSK roped in a few big names at the auctions with the likes of Moeen Ali, Krishnappa Gowtham joining the franchise while Jason Behrendorff replaced Josh Hazlewood, who pulled out of the tournament citing COVID-19 concern.</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-ms-dhoni-to-imran-tahir-five-oldest-players-in-ipl-2021-375933" hreflang="en">From MS Dhoni to Imran Tahir: Five oldest players in IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p>CSK would also welcome Suresh Raina, who missed IPL 2020 due to personal reasons. Raina is the second-highest run-scorer in IPL history behind Virat Kohli. The Chennai-based franchise would also look to have solid returns from veteran Ambati Rayudu in the batting order.</p>

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<p>While CSK have added the much-needed firepower in the batting order, it would be interesting to see whether the out-of-action players like Dhoni, Raina, Rayudu would find their form in IPL 2021.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/csk-vs-dc-ipl-2021-wankhede-stadium-pitch-report-venue-stats-and-mumbai-weather-forecast-all-you-need-to-know-376616" hreflang="en">CSK vs DC, IPL 2021: Wankhede Stadium pitch report, venue stats and Mumbai weather forecast - All you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant would be seen leading Delhi Capitals against his mentor Dhoni, who will lead CSK. With the match being hosted by Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, it is expected to be a high-scoring game.</p>


MS Dhoni will be back in action as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) gear up to lock horns with Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.

MS Dhoni will be back in action as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) gear up to lock horns with Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday. In the build-up to the much-awaited match, Dhoni was seen launching mammoth sixes at the Wankhede Stadium. Chennai Super Kings took to social media platform Twitter to post a video of Dhoni hammering the bowlers in the nets as fans hoped they would witness the best of the former Indian captain. Here is the clip of Dhoni smashing sixes at Wankhede Stadium: Ulla vandha power adiii! #Thala 💪 #WhistlePodu #Yellove @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/MUXqtMKkBL — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 10, 2021 × Meanwhile, Dhoni and Co. would be looking to make amends in the 14th edition of IPL after failing to qualify to the playoffs for the first time in IPL history last season. CSK roped in a few big names at the auctions with the likes of Moeen Ali, Krishnappa Gowtham joining the franchise while Jason Behrendorff replaced Josh Hazlewood, who pulled out of the tournament citing COVID-19 concern. IN PICS | From MS Dhoni to Imran Tahir: Five oldest players in IPL 2021 CSK would also welcome Suresh Raina, who missed IPL 2020 due to personal reasons. Raina is the second-highest run-scorer in IPL history behind Virat Kohli. The Chennai-based franchise would also look to have solid returns from veteran Ambati Rayudu in the batting order. × While CSK have added the much-needed firepower in the batting order, it would be interesting to see whether the out-of-action players like Dhoni, Raina, Rayudu would find their form in IPL 2021. ALSO READ: CSK vs DC, IPL 2021: Wankhede Stadium pitch report, venue stats and Mumbai weather forecast - All you need to know Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant would be seen leading Delhi Capitals against his mentor Dhoni, who will lead CSK. With the match being hosted by Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, it is expected to be a high-scoring game.

MS Dhoni gears up for CSK vs DC match by launching massive sixes at nets - Watch

<p>MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant will lead their respective sides Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals in match number two of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. After the season opener in Chennai, the action shifts to the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai as DC and CSK start their IPL 2021 journey on Saturday.</p>

<p>While Chennai Super Kings failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in IPL history in the 2020 edition, Delhi Capitals emerged as runners-up after losing the IPL 2020 final to Mumbai Indians.</p>

<p>Both CSK and DC would be looking to get their IPL 2021 campaign off to a flying start.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/first-game-could-be-my-last-chris-lynn-on-running-out-captain-rohit-sharma-in-ipl-2021-opener-376596" hreflang="en">First game could be my last: Chris Lynn on running out captain Rohit Sharma in IPL 2021 opener</a></strong></p>

<h2>Some key stats from Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai:&nbsp;</h2>

<p><strong>T20 matches played:</strong> 73</p>

<p><strong>Matches won by teams batting first: </strong>36</p>

<p><strong>Matches won by teams batting second</strong>: 37</p>

<p><strong>Highest 1st innings score</strong>: 235/1 - Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Mumbai Indians, 2015</p>

<p><strong>Lowest 1st innings score</strong>: 67 - Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Mumbai Indians, 2008</p>

<p><strong>Highest successful run chase:</strong> 198/7 - Mumbai Indians vs. Punjab Kings, 2019</p>

<p><strong>Average 1st innings score:</strong> 166</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-ms-dhoni-to-imran-tahir-five-oldest-players-in-ipl-2021-375933" hreflang="en">From MS Dhoni to Imran Tahir: Five oldest players in IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<h2>Wankhede Stadium, pitch report:</h2>

<p>On normal days, CSK and DC have spin-friendly conditions at their respective home grounds in Chennai and Delhi. But with no team playing at home venue this season, both the teams are opening their campaign at Wankhede – which is known to be a batsmen’s paradise. A high-scoring match is expected.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Mumbai, weather report:</h2>

<p>According to Accuweather, there are no possibilities of rain in Mumbai on Saturday with the temperature hovering around 33 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, CSK and DC have never squared off at the Wankhede Stadium.</p>

<p>In IPL 2019, DC scored a whopping 213/6 with Rishabh Pant stealing the show with his 27-ball 78 not-out as they defeated MI by 37 runs. On the contrary, CSK failed to make a good show and folded for just 133 after MI posted 170 runs on board in IPL 2021.</p>

<p>With both teams having some exciting talents and world-class performers, the match between DC and CSK promises to be a thrilling contest and a high-scoring match is expected regardless of the previous stats.</p>


MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant will lead their respective sides Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals in match number two of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant will lead their respective sides Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals in match number two of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. After the season opener in Chennai, the action shifts to the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai as DC and CSK start their IPL 2021 journey on Saturday. While Chennai Super Kings failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in IPL history in the 2020 edition, Delhi Capitals emerged as runners-up after losing the IPL 2020 final to Mumbai Indians. Both CSK and DC would be looking to get their IPL 2021 campaign off to a flying start. ALSO READ: First game could be my last: Chris Lynn on running out captain Rohit Sharma in IPL 2021 opener Some key stats from Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai: T20 matches played: 73 Matches won by teams batting first: 36 Matches won by teams batting second: 37 Highest 1st innings score: 235/1 - Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Mumbai Indians, 2015 Lowest 1st innings score: 67 - Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Mumbai Indians, 2008 Highest successful run chase: 198/7 - Mumbai Indians vs. Punjab Kings, 2019 Average 1st innings score: 166 IN PICS | From MS Dhoni to Imran Tahir: Five oldest players in IPL 2021 Wankhede Stadium, pitch report: On normal days, CSK and DC have spin-friendly conditions at their respective home grounds in Chennai and Delhi. But with no team playing at home venue this season, both the teams are opening their campaign at Wankhede – which is known to be a batsmen’s paradise. A high-scoring match is expected. Mumbai, weather report: According to Accuweather, there are no possibilities of rain in Mumbai on Saturday with the temperature hovering around 33 degrees Celsius. Notably, CSK and DC have never squared off at the Wankhede Stadium. In IPL 2019, DC scored a whopping 213/6 with Rishabh Pant stealing the show with his 27-ball 78 not-out as they defeated MI by 37 runs. On the contrary, CSK failed to make a good show and folded for just 133 after MI posted 170 runs on board in IPL 2021. With both teams having some exciting talents and world-class performers, the match between DC and CSK promises to be a thrilling contest and a high-scoring match is expected regardless of the previous stats.

CSK vs DC, IPL 2021: Wankhede Stadium pitch report, venue stats and Mumbai weather forecast - All you need to know

<p>Chennai Super Kings on Friday named Australian pacer Jason Behrendorff as a replacement for Josh Hazlewood, who had earlier pulled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021&nbsp;citing COVID-19 concern.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The left-arm pacer will now join the MS Dhoni-led outfit for the 14th edition of IPL. Beherendorff has played 11 ODIs and seven T20Is for Australia so far and this will be his second IPL team, after representing Mumbai Indians in 2019, where he ended up with five wickets in as many matches.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-rabada-to-archer-key-players-set-to-miss-first-ipl-2021-match-of-their-teams-376238" hreflang="en">From Rabada to Archer - Key players set to miss first IPL 2021 match of their teams</a></strong></p>

<p>"Australian fast bowler Jason Behrendorff has signed up with the Chennai Super Kings as a replacement for compatriot Josh Hazlewood for the VIVO Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The left-arm quick has featured in 11 ODIs and seven T20Is so far," IPL said in a statement on Friday.</p>

<p>However, Beherendorff will miss CSK's IPL 2021 opener against Delhi Capitals on April 10 due to the mandatory seven-day quarantine period.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/powerful-and-experienced-squad-r-ashwin-feels-mumbai-indians-are-hot-favourites-in-ipl-2021-376232" hreflang="en">Powerful and experienced squad: R Ashwin feels Mumbai Indians are hot favourites in IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p>Another CSK overseas pacer Lungi Ndigi will also miss the game but the duo is expected to be back for their second match of the season.</p>

<p>IPL 2021 commences from Friday with Mumbai Indians facing Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>


Chennai Super Kings on Friday named Australian pacer Jason Behrendorff as a replacement for Josh Hazlewood, who had earlier pulled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 citing COVID-19 concern.

Chennai Super Kings on Friday named Australian pacer Jason Behrendorff as a replacement for Josh Hazlewood, who had earlier pulled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 citing COVID-19 concern. The left-arm pacer will now join the MS Dhoni-led outfit for the 14th edition of IPL. Beherendorff has played 11 ODIs and seven T20Is for Australia so far and this will be his second IPL team, after representing Mumbai Indians in 2019, where he ended up with five wickets in as many matches. ALSO READ: From Rabada to Archer - Key players set to miss first IPL 2021 match of their teams "Australian fast bowler Jason Behrendorff has signed up with the Chennai Super Kings as a replacement for compatriot Josh Hazlewood for the VIVO Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. The left-arm quick has featured in 11 ODIs and seven T20Is so far," IPL said in a statement on Friday. However, Beherendorff will miss CSK's IPL 2021 opener against Delhi Capitals on April 10 due to the mandatory seven-day quarantine period. ALSO READ: Powerful and experienced squad: R Ashwin feels Mumbai Indians are hot favourites in IPL 2021 Another CSK overseas pacer Lungi Ndigi will also miss the game but the duo is expected to be back for their second match of the season. IPL 2021 commences from Friday with Mumbai Indians facing Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai.

IPL 2021: Chennai Super Kings rope in Australian star as replacement for Josh Hazlewood

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