<p class="MsoNormal">Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni has been sweating hard ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. While Dhoni started his preparation for the showpiece T20 tournament in the month of March, the former Indian captain has been looking in brilliant touch with the willow ahead of IPL 2021. On Monday, CSK shared a video of Dhoni where the veteran is seen smashing sixes at will. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">CSK on Monday shared a video on Instagram where Dhoni was seen hammering sixes all around the park. CSK captioned the video: “Thala Paraak fully loaded! #WhistlePodu #Yellove” <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">In the video, there was a compilation of Dhoni’s huge sixes with the CSK captain stealing the thunders by appearing in the second half.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-president-sourav-ganguly-provides-update-on-ipl-2021-scheduling-amid-spike-in-covid-19-cases-375485" hreflang="en">BCCI president Sourav Ganguly provides update on IPL 2021 scheduling amid spike in COVID-19 cases</a></strong></p>

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<p>After a disastrous outing in IPL 2020 in the UAE, Dhoni and co would be itching to put the record straight by once again fighting for the playoffs spot. Even Dhoni had a tough IPL 2020 where he managed just 200 runs in 14 matches. CSK failed to make the playoffs in IPL 2020 – the first time in their history – as they finished second last in the standings with 12 points in 14 matches.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-does-crickets-law-book-say-on-fakhar-zaman-quinton-de-kock-run-out-incident-375466" hreflang="en">What does cricket’s law book say on Fakhar Zaman-Quinton de Kock run-out incident?</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Ahead of IPL 2021, CSK made changes to their squad and signed up all-rounders Moeen Ali and Krishnappa Gowtham while also roping in experienced campaigners such as Cheteshwar Pujara and Robin Uthappa.<o:p></o:p>&nbsp;CSK will also witness the return of Suresh Raina – who missed the 13<sup>th</sup> edition of IPL due to personal reasons.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">CSK commence their IPL 2021 campaign against Delhi Capitals on April 10 in Mumbai.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>


Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni has been sweating hard ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. While Dhoni started his preparation for the showpiece T20 tournament in the month of March, the former Indian captain has been looking in brilliant touch with the willow ahead of IPL 2021.

Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni has been sweating hard ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. While Dhoni started his preparation for the showpiece T20 tournament in the month of March, the former Indian captain has been looking in brilliant touch with the willow ahead of IPL 2021. On Monday, CSK shared a video of Dhoni where the veteran is seen smashing sixes at will. CSK on Monday shared a video on Instagram where Dhoni was seen hammering sixes all around the park. CSK captioned the video: “Thala Paraak fully loaded! #WhistlePodu #Yellove” In the video, there was a compilation of Dhoni’s huge sixes with the CSK captain stealing the thunders by appearing in the second half. ALSO READ: BCCI president Sourav Ganguly provides update on IPL 2021 scheduling amid spike in COVID-19 cases View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chennai Super Kings (@chennaiipl) × After a disastrous outing in IPL 2020 in the UAE, Dhoni and co would be itching to put the record straight by once again fighting for the playoffs spot. Even Dhoni had a tough IPL 2020 where he managed just 200 runs in 14 matches. CSK failed to make the playoffs in IPL 2020 – the first time in their history – as they finished second last in the standings with 12 points in 14 matches. ALSO READ: What does cricket’s law book say on Fakhar Zaman-Quinton de Kock run-out incident? Ahead of IPL 2021, CSK made changes to their squad and signed up all-rounders Moeen Ali and Krishnappa Gowtham while also roping in experienced campaigners such as Cheteshwar Pujara and Robin Uthappa. CSK will also witness the return of Suresh Raina – who missed the 13th edition of IPL due to personal reasons. CSK commence their IPL 2021 campaign against Delhi Capitals on April 10 in Mumbai.

Watch: 'Thala' MS Dhoni unleashes monstrous sixes at CSK nets ahead of IPL 2021

<p class="MsoNormal">South Africa spinner Tabraiz Shamsi on Monday jumped to the defence of wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock following the controversial incident involving Fakhar Zaman during the second ODI between Pakistan and South Africa in Johannesburg. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Shamsi took to Twitter to clarify that de Kock was asking a fielder to back-up the non-striker’s end and the Proteas glovesman was not pointing towards Fakhar.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">A direct hit from long-off, by Aiden Markram, ended Zaman’s knock of 193 off 155 deliveries as Pakistan fell 17-run short of South Africa’s 341/6 in 50 overs. While completing the second run, Fakhar reckoned that the throw was directed towards the non-striker’s end and slowed down. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“Just 2 [to] clarify. QDK [Quinton de Kock] was NOT speaking 2 or pointing at the batsman, he was asking a fielder to back up at the non-strikers end,” said Shamsi<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“Not Quinnys fault the batman turned around 2 see instead of completing the run safely which he should have done. Stop the hate n [and] leave QDK alone,” he added.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">&nbsp;</span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="mso-spacerun:yes">ALSO READ:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-president-sourav-ganguly-provides-update-on-ipl-2021-scheduling-amid-spike-in-covid-19-cases-375485" hreflang="en">BCCI president Sourav Ganguly provides update on IPL 2021 scheduling amid spike in COVID-19 cases</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So it's not funny that the batsman stopped running instead of completing the run?<br />
<br />
Lets not take the attention away from a great innings that he played and give him credit for that<br />
<br />
The batman's job in that instance was to complete the run that all...<br />
<br />
As simple as that :)</p>
— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) <a href="https://twitter.com/shamsi90/status/1378999613462548480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Shamsi also stated that Zaman should have completed the run rather than stopping midway through. The chinaman bowler praised Fakhar for his fantastic knock and gave credit to him for playing the blinder.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-does-crickets-law-book-say-on-fakhar-zaman-quinton-de-kock-run-out-incident-375466" hreflang="en">What does cricket’s law book say on Fakhar Zaman-Quinton de Kock run-out incident?</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“So it’s not funny that the batsman stopped running instead of completing the run? Let’s not take the attention away from a great innings that he [Fakhar Zaman] played and give him credit for that. The batman's job in that instance was to complete the run that all...As simple as that :),” he concluded.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">With the three-ODI series poised at 1-1, both South Africa and Pakistan would aim to win the series decider on Wednesday in Centurion.<o:p></o:p></p>


South Africa spinner Tabraiz Shamsi on Monday jumped to the defence of wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock following the controversial incident involving Fakhar Zaman during the second ODI between Pakistan and South Africa in Johannesburg.

South Africa spinner Tabraiz Shamsi on Monday jumped to the defence of wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock following the controversial incident involving Fakhar Zaman during the second ODI between Pakistan and South Africa in Johannesburg. Shamsi took to Twitter to clarify that de Kock was asking a fielder to back-up the non-striker’s end and the Proteas glovesman was not pointing towards Fakhar. A direct hit from long-off, by Aiden Markram, ended Zaman’s knock of 193 off 155 deliveries as Pakistan fell 17-run short of South Africa’s 341/6 in 50 overs. While completing the second run, Fakhar reckoned that the throw was directed towards the non-striker’s end and slowed down. “Just 2 [to] clarify. QDK [Quinton de Kock] was NOT speaking 2 or pointing at the batsman, he was asking a fielder to back up at the non-strikers end,” said Shamsi “Not Quinnys fault the batman turned around 2 see instead of completing the run safely which he should have done. Stop the hate n [and] leave QDK alone,” he added. ALSO READ: BCCI president Sourav Ganguly provides update on IPL 2021 scheduling amid spike in COVID-19 cases So it's not funny that the batsman stopped running instead of completing the run? Lets not take the attention away from a great innings that he played and give him credit for that The batman's job in that instance was to complete the run that all... As simple as that :) — Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) April 5, 2021 × Shamsi also stated that Zaman should have completed the run rather than stopping midway through. The chinaman bowler praised Fakhar for his fantastic knock and gave credit to him for playing the blinder. ALSO READ: What does cricket’s law book say on Fakhar Zaman-Quinton de Kock run-out incident? “So it’s not funny that the batsman stopped running instead of completing the run? Let’s not take the attention away from a great innings that he [Fakhar Zaman] played and give him credit for that. The batman's job in that instance was to complete the run that all...As simple as that :),” he concluded. With the three-ODI series poised at 1-1, both South Africa and Pakistan would aim to win the series decider on Wednesday in Centurion.

'Leave QDK alone': Tabraiz Shamsi jumps in de Kock's defence after controversial Fakhar Zaman run-out

<p class="MsoNormal">Controversy erupted during the second ODI between South Africa and Pakistan as fans and pundits accused Proteas wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock of breaking the 'spirit of the game' following Fakhar Zaman’s run-out at the score of 193 on Sunday.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Fakhar was playing the knock of his life and almost took Pakistan over the winning line with his sensational knock of 193 runs against South Africa. While wickets kept tumbling at one end, Fakhar kept visitors’ hopes alive as he continued to hammer the Proteas bowlers. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">However, the southpaw was sent back to the pavilion after Aiden Markram’s direct hit from long-off. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes">&nbsp;</span>Fakhar slowed down and looked back at the striker’s end only to see the stumps at his end disturbed by a direct hit as he was left disappointed for not taking his team home in the thrilling match.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">de kock with the perfect dummy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvPAK</a> <a href="https://t.co/wkN8floMMd">pic.twitter.com/wkN8floMMd</a></p>
— kεz (@realkez) <a href="https://twitter.com/realkez/status/1378742812104142848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Some of the fans and pundits lashed out at de Kock for breaking the spirit of the game following the run-out. Here's how they reacted:&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fakhars-193-in-vain-as-south-africa-beat-pakistan-by-17-runs-375457" hreflang="en">Fakhar's 193 in vain as South Africa beat Pakistan by 17 runs</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The more I see this the more I dislike the obvious deception. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvPAK</a> <a href="https://t.co/Slx7LwsJv6">https://t.co/Slx7LwsJv6</a></p>
— Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) <a href="https://twitter.com/alanwilkins22/status/1378765770998509568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Question ❓❓❓<br />
is De kock allowed to do cheating As per the the rules of <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICC</a><br />
Seriously i don't know but I shocked Please don't do that with gentleman game cricket🙏🏾👎🏾<a href="https://twitter.com/QuinnyDeKock69?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@QuinnyDeKock69</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FakharZamanLive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FakharZamanLive</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakvRSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakvRSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/gPQ2IxGE3a">pic.twitter.com/gPQ2IxGE3a</a></p>
— Sherfane Rutherford (@SRutherford50) <a href="https://twitter.com/SRutherford50/status/1378757675933122562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Fully convinced that this is against 41.5.1. Wonder what <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICC</a>’s reaction would have been had this happened in a match involving big three teams.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://t.co/L8EpxfODQh">pic.twitter.com/L8EpxfODQh</a></p>
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) <a href="https://twitter.com/faizanlakhani/status/1378758709308968964?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>With wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock seemingly gesturing for Aiden Markram to throw to the bowler's end, Fakhar slowed down and was surprised when the ball hit the stumps at the batsman's end when he was a metre or more short, ending his bold counter-attack.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Fakhar admitted he was taken by surprise by his dismissal. "I was looking at Haris Rauf because I thought the run-out would be at his end. It was my own fault," he said at the post-match press conference.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The on-air commentators after the incident questioned how fair was de Kock’s action during the course of the run-out as they asked whether cricket’s law book allowed the incident.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-rajeev-shukla-confident-that-tournament-will-go-ahead-without-any-problem-375327" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Rajeev Shukla confident that tournament will go ahead 'without any problem'</a></strong></p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">What does cricket’s law book say on Fakhar Zaman-Quinton de Kock run-out incident?<o:p></o:p></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Law 41.5.1 states that "it is unfair for any fielder wilfully to attempt, by word or action, to distract, deceive or obstruct either batsman after the striker has received the ball", </strong>meaning Pakistan would have been awarded five penalty runs had the umpires deemed de Kock's actions to be deliberate deception.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, with the win, South Africa levelled the three-match series and would be looking to clinch the rubber when they take on Pakistan in the decider on Wednesday in Centurion.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>


Controversy erupted during the second ODI between South Africa and Pakistan as fans and pundits accused Proteas wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock of breaking the 'spirit of the game' following Fakhar Zaman’s run-out at the score of 193 on Sunday.

Controversy erupted during the second ODI between South Africa and Pakistan as fans and pundits accused Proteas wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock of breaking the 'spirit of the game' following Fakhar Zaman’s run-out at the score of 193 on Sunday. Fakhar was playing the knock of his life and almost took Pakistan over the winning line with his sensational knock of 193 runs against South Africa. While wickets kept tumbling at one end, Fakhar kept visitors’ hopes alive as he continued to hammer the Proteas bowlers. However, the southpaw was sent back to the pavilion after Aiden Markram’s direct hit from long-off. Fakhar slowed down and looked back at the striker’s end only to see the stumps at his end disturbed by a direct hit as he was left disappointed for not taking his team home in the thrilling match. de kock with the perfect dummy #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/wkN8floMMd — kεz (@realkez) April 4, 2021 × Some of the fans and pundits lashed out at de Kock for breaking the spirit of the game following the run-out. Here's how they reacted: ALSO READ: Fakhar's 193 in vain as South Africa beat Pakistan by 17 runs The more I see this the more I dislike the obvious deception. #SAvPAK https://t.co/Slx7LwsJv6 — Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) April 4, 2021 × Question ❓❓❓ is De kock allowed to do cheating As per the the rules of @ICC Seriously i don't know but I shocked Please don't do that with gentleman game cricket🙏🏾👎🏾@QuinnyDeKock69 @FakharZamanLive#PakvRSA pic.twitter.com/gPQ2IxGE3a — Sherfane Rutherford (@SRutherford50) April 4, 2021 × Fully convinced that this is against 41.5.1. Wonder what @ICC’s reaction would have been had this happened in a match involving big three teams. pic.twitter.com/L8EpxfODQh — Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) April 4, 2021 × With wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock seemingly gesturing for Aiden Markram to throw to the bowler's end, Fakhar slowed down and was surprised when the ball hit the stumps at the batsman's end when he was a metre or more short, ending his bold counter-attack. Fakhar admitted he was taken by surprise by his dismissal. "I was looking at Haris Rauf because I thought the run-out would be at his end. It was my own fault," he said at the post-match press conference. The on-air commentators after the incident questioned how fair was de Kock’s action during the course of the run-out as they asked whether cricket’s law book allowed the incident. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: Rajeev Shukla confident that tournament will go ahead 'without any problem' What does cricket’s law book say on Fakhar Zaman-Quinton de Kock run-out incident? Law 41.5.1 states that "it is unfair for any fielder wilfully to attempt, by word or action, to distract, deceive or obstruct either batsman after the striker has received the ball", meaning Pakistan would have been awarded five penalty runs had the umpires deemed de Kock's actions to be deliberate deception. Meanwhile, with the win, South Africa levelled the three-match series and would be looking to clinch the rubber when they take on Pakistan in the decider on Wednesday in Centurion.

What does cricket’s law book say on Fakhar Zaman-Quinton de Kock run-out incident?

<p>Chennai Super Kings suffered a big blow ahead of IPL 2021 as Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has opted out of the upcoming cash-rich T20 league and rest to face a cramped schedule of international cricket ahead.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/weve-got-a-big-winter-ahead-csk-pacer-josh-hazlewood-opts-out-of-ipl-2021-374632" hreflang="en">'We've got a big winter ahead': CSK pacer Josh Hazlewood opts out of IPL 2021</a></p>

<p>Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Vishwanathan told WION that the franchise has not decided on Josh Hazlewood's replacement and they are yet to discuss it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said: "We haven't decided anything on Josh Hazlewood's replacement. We are yet to discuss it."</p>

<p>The 30-year-old was set to feature for a second season with Chennai Super Kings led by MS Dhoni in the IPL.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's been a long 10 months in bubbles and quarantine at different times, so I decided to have a rest from cricket and spend some time at home and in Australia in the next two months," Hazlewood told cricket.com.au.</p>

<p>"We've got a big winter ahead too. The West Indies is going to be a long tour, with Bangladesh (T20 tour) potentially thrown at the end of that.</p>

<p>"Then potentially the T20 World Cup leading into the Ashes, so it's a big 12 months ... and I want to give myself the best chance to be mentally and physically ready for that.</p>

<p>"That's the decision I've made, and it sits pretty well with me."</p>

<p>Josh Hazlewood joins his Aussie teammates Josh Philippe and Mitchell Marsh who opted out of the tournament citing personal reasons.&nbsp;</p>


Chennai Super Kings suffered a big blow ahead of IPL 2021 as Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has opted out of the upcoming cash-rich T20 league and rest to face a cramped schedule of international cricket ahead.

Chennai Super Kings suffered a big blow ahead of IPL 2021 as Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has opted out of the upcoming cash-rich T20 league and rest to face a cramped schedule of international cricket ahead. ALSO READ: 'We've got a big winter ahead': CSK pacer Josh Hazlewood opts out of IPL 2021 Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Vishwanathan told WION that the franchise has not decided on Josh Hazlewood's replacement and they are yet to discuss it. He said: "We haven't decided anything on Josh Hazlewood's replacement. We are yet to discuss it." The 30-year-old was set to feature for a second season with Chennai Super Kings led by MS Dhoni in the IPL. "It's been a long 10 months in bubbles and quarantine at different times, so I decided to have a rest from cricket and spend some time at home and in Australia in the next two months," Hazlewood told cricket.com.au. "We've got a big winter ahead too. The West Indies is going to be a long tour, with Bangladesh (T20 tour) potentially thrown at the end of that. "Then potentially the T20 World Cup leading into the Ashes, so it's a big 12 months ... and I want to give myself the best chance to be mentally and physically ready for that. "That's the decision I've made, and it sits pretty well with me." Josh Hazlewood joins his Aussie teammates Josh Philippe and Mitchell Marsh who opted out of the tournament citing personal reasons.

CSK CEO opens up about Josh Hazlewood's replacement for IPL 2021

<p>Sergio Aguero is "irreplaceable in the souls, in the hearts, in the minds of our fans," Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said of the club's record goalscorer who is to leave at the end of the season.</p>

<p>Aguero joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2011, three years after the club was taken over by Abu Dhabi owners, and will leave after 10 trophy-laden years, with 257 goals in 384 games so far.</p>

<p>Guardiola said 32-year-old Aguero's goals tally could be surpassed one day, but what he means to the club was unique.</p>

<p>"Sergio is irreplaceable," said Guardiola.</p>

<p>"I could say in terms of numbers he can be replaceable, it's not easy when you see more than 360 games played and more than 250 goals, the amount of titles (he has won).</p>

<p>"So it's the legend, the best striker this club has ever had for this century through the years, but is irreplaceable in the souls, in the hearts, in the minds of our fans, of our people, of the players that played alongside him and all the managers who worked with him."</p>

<p>Guardiola said he felt blessed when he took over as manager in 2016 to have such stalwarts as Aguero at the club.</p>

<p>"We were so lucky, the guys who came after him -- me as a manager for example," he said.</p>

<p>"We took over the club and he was one of the guys like Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany, David Silva, many players helped this club make a step forward and of course he was one of them."</p>

<p>Guardiola said the Argentinian had been pivotal in helping City become a domestic football superpower after decades of living in city rivals Manchester United's shadow.</p>

<p>Aguero's most memorable moment for City fans will remain a goal scored in the final game of the 2011/12 season.</p>

<p>Manchester United were seconds away from celebrating yet another Premier League title, prolonging the agony of their neighbours, who had not been crowned English champions since 1968.</p>

<p>But Aguero had other ideas, receiving the ball from Mario Balotelli and thundering home a finish to secure a 3-2 victory against QPR and send the Etihad into raptures.</p>

<p>"When he came here the club was in one level, and he helped to put the club in a higher level," Guardiola said.</p>

<p>"Of course the fans always will be grateful."</p>

<p>This season, though, has been a struggle for Aguero.</p>

<p>He had knee surgery in the close season. A hamstring problem complicated his comeback and then he had to sit out a month after a coronavirus infection.</p>

<p>However, with City bidding for a historic quadruple trophy sweep -- Aguero looks all but certain to share in a fifth league title -- Guardiola says the Argentine has time to sign off in style.</p>

<p>"I think he still has interesting goals to score this season," said Guardiola.</p>


Sergio Aguero is "irreplaceable in the souls, in the hearts, in the minds of our fans," Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said of the club's record goalscorer who is to leave at the end of the season.

Sergio Aguero is "irreplaceable in the souls, in the hearts, in the minds of our fans," Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said of the club's record goalscorer who is to leave at the end of the season. Aguero joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2011, three years after the club was taken over by Abu Dhabi owners, and will leave after 10 trophy-laden years, with 257 goals in 384 games so far. Guardiola said 32-year-old Aguero's goals tally could be surpassed one day, but what he means to the club was unique. "Sergio is irreplaceable," said Guardiola. "I could say in terms of numbers he can be replaceable, it's not easy when you see more than 360 games played and more than 250 goals, the amount of titles (he has won). "So it's the legend, the best striker this club has ever had for this century through the years, but is irreplaceable in the souls, in the hearts, in the minds of our fans, of our people, of the players that played alongside him and all the managers who worked with him." Guardiola said he felt blessed when he took over as manager in 2016 to have such stalwarts as Aguero at the club. "We were so lucky, the guys who came after him -- me as a manager for example," he said. "We took over the club and he was one of the guys like Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany, David Silva, many players helped this club make a step forward and of course he was one of them." Guardiola said the Argentinian had been pivotal in helping City become a domestic football superpower after decades of living in city rivals Manchester United's shadow. Aguero's most memorable moment for City fans will remain a goal scored in the final game of the 2011/12 season. Manchester United were seconds away from celebrating yet another Premier League title, prolonging the agony of their neighbours, who had not been crowned English champions since 1968. But Aguero had other ideas, receiving the ball from Mario Balotelli and thundering home a finish to secure a 3-2 victory against QPR and send the Etihad into raptures. "When he came here the club was in one level, and he helped to put the club in a higher level," Guardiola said. "Of course the fans always will be grateful." This season, though, has been a struggle for Aguero. He had knee surgery in the close season. A hamstring problem complicated his comeback and then he had to sit out a month after a coronavirus infection. However, with City bidding for a historic quadruple trophy sweep -- Aguero looks all but certain to share in a fifth league title -- Guardiola says the Argentine has time to sign off in style. "I think he still has interesting goals to score this season," said Guardiola.

'Irreplaceable' Aguero won hearts and minds of City fans: Guardiola

<p>UEFA announced on Wednesday it had ended its 30-percent spectator limit in stadiums, potentially allowing host nations to choose their own restrictions at this summer's continent-wide European Championship.</p>

<p>The measure had been in place since last year in reaction to the coronavirus pandemic but travelling supporters are still barred from attending.</p>

<p>"Such a cap is no longer needed and... the decision on the number of permitted spectators should fall under the exclusive responsibility of the relevant competent local/national authorities," European football's governing body said.</p>

<p>"In view of the ongoing travel restrictions and in order to enact reasonable and responsible policies to minimize Covid-19 related risks, the Executive Committee decided to confirm the decision of 1 October 2020 insofar that visiting fans are not allowed to attend UEFA competition matches.</p>

<p>"This is valid until prior to the club competition finals taking place in May 2021," it added.</p>

<p>Earlier this month UEFA told AFP it wanted supporters at all games, played across 12 different countries from June 11-July 11.</p>

<p>The tournament has been postponed from last year due to the Covid-19 oubtreak.</p>

<p>"If a city proposes a 'no fans' scenario" the matches due to be held there "could" be switched "to cities able to welcome supporters", the body said on March 17.</p>

<p>Host cities have until April 7 to let UEFA know what their scenarios are in terms of attendance ahead of an executive committee meeting on April 19, on the eve of the federation's annual congress in Montreux, Switzerland.</p>

<p>The multi-venue format, whilst complex, gives organisers flexibility to deal with issues arising from the pandemic.</p>

<p>"If we can no longer do anything in one country there are still 11 others where preparations are already in progress," UEFA's health advisor Daniel Koch told AFP at the start of the month.</p>


UEFA announced on Wednesday it had ended its 30-percent spectator limit in stadiums, potentially allowing host nations to choose their own restrictions at this summer's continent-wide European Championship.

UEFA announced on Wednesday it had ended its 30-percent spectator limit in stadiums, potentially allowing host nations to choose their own restrictions at this summer's continent-wide European Championship. The measure had been in place since last year in reaction to the coronavirus pandemic but travelling supporters are still barred from attending. "Such a cap is no longer needed and... the decision on the number of permitted spectators should fall under the exclusive responsibility of the relevant competent local/national authorities," European football's governing body said. "In view of the ongoing travel restrictions and in order to enact reasonable and responsible policies to minimize Covid-19 related risks, the Executive Committee decided to confirm the decision of 1 October 2020 insofar that visiting fans are not allowed to attend UEFA competition matches. "This is valid until prior to the club competition finals taking place in May 2021," it added. Earlier this month UEFA told AFP it wanted supporters at all games, played across 12 different countries from June 11-July 11. The tournament has been postponed from last year due to the Covid-19 oubtreak. "If a city proposes a 'no fans' scenario" the matches due to be held there "could" be switched "to cities able to welcome supporters", the body said on March 17. Host cities have until April 7 to let UEFA know what their scenarios are in terms of attendance ahead of an executive committee meeting on April 19, on the eve of the federation's annual congress in Montreux, Switzerland. The multi-venue format, whilst complex, gives organisers flexibility to deal with issues arising from the pandemic. "If we can no longer do anything in one country there are still 11 others where preparations are already in progress," UEFA's health advisor Daniel Koch told AFP at the start of the month.

UEFA hands Euro 2020 spectator limit responsibility to host cities

<p>Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Toni Kroos has sharply criticised 2022 World Cup host nation Qatar in the wake of several European teams protesting about conditions in the Emirate state.</p>

<p>"I think the awarding of the World Cup to Qatar was not a good thing for several reasons," said Kroos in his podcast 'Einfach mal Luppen' (Just lob it), which he co-hosts with his brother Felix.</p>

<p>"The first reason is the conditions of the workers... then the fact that homosexuality is penalised and punished in Qatar... and also that it is not a football country," added the 31-year-old midfielder.</p>

<p>"Many Qatari workers, but also foreigners, work without a break, in temperatures that can reach 50 degrees (Celsius).</p>

<p>"They sometimes suffer from a lack of food or drinking water, which is madness in those temperatures.</p>

<p>"They have no medical coverage and there is a certain amount of violence against these workers.</p>

<p>"These are points which are completely unacceptable."</p>

<p>Kroos comments came after the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Norway all protested by wearing T-shirts with messages such as "Human Rights" or "Football supports change" before World Cup qualifiers over the last week.</p>

<p>Several players confirmed the protests were aimed at Qatar.</p>

<p>Qatar has faced criticisms for its treatment of migrant workers, many of whom are involved in preparations for the 2022 World Cup, with campaigners accusing employers of exploitation and forcing labourers to work in dangerous conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Qatari authorities insist they have done more than any country in the region to improve worker welfare.</p>

<p>Kroos, who helped Germany win the 2014 World Cup, explained why he is against a boycott of the 2022 finals and said footballers should use their platform to call for change in Qatar.</p>

<p>"The visibility of the World Cup may draw even more attention to these problems" and "a boycott would probably not change much about the situation for the workers there", Kroos added.</p>

<p>The Madrid playmaker has been sidelined for Germany's three qualifiers over the last week with a groin injury.</p>


Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Toni Kroos has sharply criticised 2022 World Cup host nation Qatar in the wake of several European teams protesting about conditions in the Emirate state.

Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Toni Kroos has sharply criticised 2022 World Cup host nation Qatar in the wake of several European teams protesting about conditions in the Emirate state. "I think the awarding of the World Cup to Qatar was not a good thing for several reasons," said Kroos in his podcast 'Einfach mal Luppen' (Just lob it), which he co-hosts with his brother Felix. "The first reason is the conditions of the workers... then the fact that homosexuality is penalised and punished in Qatar... and also that it is not a football country," added the 31-year-old midfielder. "Many Qatari workers, but also foreigners, work without a break, in temperatures that can reach 50 degrees (Celsius). "They sometimes suffer from a lack of food or drinking water, which is madness in those temperatures. "They have no medical coverage and there is a certain amount of violence against these workers. "These are points which are completely unacceptable." Kroos comments came after the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Norway all protested by wearing T-shirts with messages such as "Human Rights" or "Football supports change" before World Cup qualifiers over the last week. Several players confirmed the protests were aimed at Qatar. Qatar has faced criticisms for its treatment of migrant workers, many of whom are involved in preparations for the 2022 World Cup, with campaigners accusing employers of exploitation and forcing labourers to work in dangerous conditions. Qatari authorities insist they have done more than any country in the region to improve worker welfare. Kroos, who helped Germany win the 2014 World Cup, explained why he is against a boycott of the 2022 finals and said footballers should use their platform to call for change in Qatar. "The visibility of the World Cup may draw even more attention to these problems" and "a boycott would probably not change much about the situation for the workers there", Kroos added. The Madrid playmaker has been sidelined for Germany's three qualifiers over the last week with a groin injury.

Germany's Kroos slams World Cup hosts Qatar amid protests

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d55da3f5-fafe-4dac-a187-33c76b282359}{73}" paraid="959004822" >Harbhajan Singh is set to be back on the cricket field with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, scheduled to start on April 9. Harbhajan, who didn't play IPL 2020 due to personal reasons, was signed by KKR during the auction and all eyes will be on the World Cup-winning off-spinner in the lucrative T20 tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b7508866-11b5-48a5-8e8f-ec8cf71051de}{176}" paraid="1476390132" >Harbhajan, who hasn't played professional cricket since the final of IPL 2019, received backing from KKR captain Eoin Morgan as he said that he adds plenty of experience and value to the team.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ab1a6ca3-c1b6-486e-9388-21fd2e58f589}{193}" paraid="1421071635" >Now, Harbhajan has said that many have asked why he is still playing at the age of 40 but added he is not here to prove anything to anyone but for his own satisfaction.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0e9775c4-9b75-48f5-bf13-f39805bf6af2}{91}" paraid="1936228400" >"A lot of people think 'Bhai yeh&nbsp;kyun&nbsp;khel&nbsp;raha&nbsp;hain?' Arrey bhai ye&nbsp;unki&nbsp;soch&nbsp;hai, meri&nbsp;naahi. Meri&nbsp;soch&nbsp;hai&nbsp;ki&nbsp;main&nbsp;abhi&nbsp;khel&nbsp;sakta&nbsp;hoon,&nbsp;toh&nbsp;main&nbsp;khelunga&nbsp;(People think 'why is he playing' but that's your opinion. From where I see myself, I want to play and I will play)," Harbhajan told&nbsp;PTI in an interview.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0e9775c4-9b75-48f5-bf13-f39805bf6af2}{91}" paraid="1936228400" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-punjab-kings-more-balanced-squad-than-last-season-wasim-jaffer-to-wion-374488" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Punjab Kings more balanced squad than last season - Wasim Jaffer to WION</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bf5b5d7b-daa0-4555-9cdc-7909a28a56f4}{162}" paraid="1674166038" >"I have got nothing to prove to anyone. My intention is to play well, enjoy my stint out there in the middle and playing cricket still gives me that satisfaction.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bf5b5d7b-daa0-4555-9cdc-7909a28a56f4}{194}" paraid="1216927639" >"I have set a standard for myself and if I don't meet that, I don't need anyone else but I will blame myself. I need to ask myself, did I put in the optimum effort that was required," he said just before moving into the team bubble."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bf5b5d7b-daa0-4555-9cdc-7909a28a56f4}{226}" paraid="344411054" >Harbhajan will join the likes of Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav among others in the spin-heavy KKR outfit. The 40-year-old sounded confident ahead of IPL 2021 as he said with experience under his belt, he knows what to do in what conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bf5b5d7b-daa0-4555-9cdc-7909a28a56f4}{226}" paraid="344411054" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-am-lucky-that-i-will-be-playing-under-mahi-bhai-cheteshwar-pujara-ahead-of-ipl-2021-374456" hreflang="en">'I am lucky that I will be playing under Mahi bhai': Cheteshwar Pujara ahead of IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bf5b5d7b-daa0-4555-9cdc-7909a28a56f4}{250}" paraid="2104921155" >"These questions are asked because I haven't played a lot of cricket of late so teams are a bit defensive at auction and they don't want to bid for me," Harbhajan said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{afa37fbe-d739-471c-9083-9044283f9ef3}{11}" paraid="711514901" >"But let me remind you all that when I did well for CSK in the 2019 IPL, I hadn't played any domestic cricket. I came to the camp, prepared and went into the match. At my level and experience, I know what needs to be done.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{afa37fbe-d739-471c-9083-9044283f9ef3}{27}" paraid="1660640476" >"I don't need to play domestic cricket for Punjab and stop a young talent from flourishing. That boy needs that chance more than me," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{afa37fbe-d739-471c-9083-9044283f9ef3}{43}" paraid="1996430960" >Kolkata knight Riders will&nbsp;start&nbsp;their&nbsp;IPL 2021&nbsp;campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on April 11&nbsp;</p>


Harbhajan Singh is set to be back on the cricket field with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, scheduled to start on April 9.

Harbhajan Singh is set to be back on the cricket field with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, scheduled to start on April 9. Harbhajan, who didn't play IPL 2020 due to personal reasons, was signed by KKR during the auction and all eyes will be on the World Cup-winning off-spinner in the lucrative T20 tournament. Harbhajan, who hasn't played professional cricket since the final of IPL 2019, received backing from KKR captain Eoin Morgan as he said that he adds plenty of experience and value to the team. Now, Harbhajan has said that many have asked why he is still playing at the age of 40 but added he is not here to prove anything to anyone but for his own satisfaction. "A lot of people think 'Bhai yeh kyun khel raha hain?' Arrey bhai ye unki soch hai, meri naahi. Meri soch hai ki main abhi khel sakta hoon, toh main khelunga (People think 'why is he playing' but that's your opinion. From where I see myself, I want to play and I will play)," Harbhajan told PTI in an interview. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: Punjab Kings more balanced squad than last season - Wasim Jaffer to WION "I have got nothing to prove to anyone. My intention is to play well, enjoy my stint out there in the middle and playing cricket still gives me that satisfaction. "I have set a standard for myself and if I don't meet that, I don't need anyone else but I will blame myself. I need to ask myself, did I put in the optimum effort that was required," he said just before moving into the team bubble." Harbhajan will join the likes of Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav among others in the spin-heavy KKR outfit. The 40-year-old sounded confident ahead of IPL 2021 as he said with experience under his belt, he knows what to do in what conditions. ALSO READ: 'I am lucky that I will be playing under Mahi bhai': Cheteshwar Pujara ahead of IPL 2021 "These questions are asked because I haven't played a lot of cricket of late so teams are a bit defensive at auction and they don't want to bid for me," Harbhajan said. "But let me remind you all that when I did well for CSK in the 2019 IPL, I hadn't played any domestic cricket. I came to the camp, prepared and went into the match. At my level and experience, I know what needs to be done. "I don't need to play domestic cricket for Punjab and stop a young talent from flourishing. That boy needs that chance more than me," he added. Kolkata knight Riders will start their IPL 2021 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on April 11

I have set a standard for myself: Harbhajan Singh answers critics ahead of KKR stint in IPL 2021

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{43f5c0eb-05dc-4e16-a53e-4adb58b6e23d}{91}" paraid="215233463" >Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has said that Rishabh Pant might become a front-runner for the Team India captaincy role in the future after the youngster was named the Delhi Capitals captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{94dc8e94-ffb2-4e35-ab86-befd63f025e4}{179}" paraid="123551352" >Pant will step in as the captain of DC in IPL 2021&nbsp;in the absence of injured Shreyas Iyer, who was ruled out of the tournament due to a left shoulder injury.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{56e8792f-1f4a-4a05-ac1e-650e58f4168b}{43}" paraid="1409286068" >"Rishabh Pant has had such fabulous few months, establishing himself in all formats. It won't come as a surprise if the selectors see him as a front-runner for Indian captaincy in near future. His attacking cricket will stand India in good stead in times to come," Azharuddin, who played 334 ODIs and 99 Tests, for India&nbsp;tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rishabh Pant has had such fabulous few months,establishing himself in all formats. It won’t come as a surprise if the selectors see him as a front-runner fr Indian captaincy in near future.His attacking cricket will stand India in good stead in times to come.<a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a></p>
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) <a href="https://twitter.com/azharflicks/status/1377140377119956993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Delhi Capitals coach and former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting also said that captaincy will make Pant a better player.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kkr-captain-eoin-morgan-provides-update-on-his-split-webbing-injury-ahead-of-ipl-2021-374545" hreflang="en">KKR captain Eoin Morgan provides update on his split webbing injury ahead of IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{43f5c0eb-05dc-4e16-a53e-4adb58b6e23d}{50}" paraid="555900618" >"Unfortunate that Shreyas will miss the tournament, but looking forward to seeing&nbsp;@RishabhPant17&nbsp;grab his opportunity. It's well deserved for his recent performances and he's coming in with a lot of confidence. I'm convinced captaincy will make him an even better player," Ponting tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Unfortunate that Shreyas will miss the tournament, but looking forward to seeing <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a> grab his opportunity. It's well deserved for his recent performances and he's coming in with a lot of confidence. I'm convinced captaincy will make him an even better player. <a href="https://t.co/tVqMnLt1Er">https://t.co/tVqMnLt1Er</a></p>
— Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) <a href="https://twitter.com/RickyPonting/status/1377110642922954758?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sunrisers-hyderabad-sign-jason-roy-as-mitchell-marsh-pulls-out-of-ipl-2021-374521" hreflang="en">Sunrisers Hyderabad sign Jason Roy as Mitchell Marsh pulls out of IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p>On his new role, Pant in a statement said, "Delhi is where I grew up, and where my IPL journey began six years ago. To lead this team one day is a dream I've always&nbsp;harboured. And today, as that dream comes true, I feel humbled. I am truly grateful, especially to our team owners, who considered me capable enough for this role. With an amazing coaching staff, and a plethora of accomplished seniors around me, I can't wait to give my absolute best for Delhi Capitals."&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{43f5c0eb-05dc-4e16-a53e-4adb58b6e23d}{77}" paraid="865005195" >Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2021 campaign against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 10&nbsp;</p>


Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has said that Rishabh Pant might become a front-runner for the Team India captaincy role in the future after the youngster was named the Delhi Capitals captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has said that Rishabh Pant might become a front-runner for the Team India captaincy role in the future after the youngster was named the Delhi Capitals captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Pant will step in as the captain of DC in IPL 2021 in the absence of injured Shreyas Iyer, who was ruled out of the tournament due to a left shoulder injury. "Rishabh Pant has had such fabulous few months, establishing himself in all formats. It won't come as a surprise if the selectors see him as a front-runner for Indian captaincy in near future. His attacking cricket will stand India in good stead in times to come," Azharuddin, who played 334 ODIs and 99 Tests, for India tweeted. Rishabh Pant has had such fabulous few months,establishing himself in all formats. It won’t come as a surprise if the selectors see him as a front-runner fr Indian captaincy in near future.His attacking cricket will stand India in good stead in times to come.@RishabhPant17 @BCCI — Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) March 31, 2021 × Delhi Capitals coach and former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting also said that captaincy will make Pant a better player. ALSO READ: KKR captain Eoin Morgan provides update on his split webbing injury ahead of IPL 2021 "Unfortunate that Shreyas will miss the tournament, but looking forward to seeing @RishabhPant17 grab his opportunity. It's well deserved for his recent performances and he's coming in with a lot of confidence. I'm convinced captaincy will make him an even better player," Ponting tweeted. Unfortunate that Shreyas will miss the tournament, but looking forward to seeing @RishabhPant17 grab his opportunity. It's well deserved for his recent performances and he's coming in with a lot of confidence. I'm convinced captaincy will make him an even better player. https://t.co/tVqMnLt1Er — Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) March 31, 2021 × ALSO READ: Sunrisers Hyderabad sign Jason Roy as Mitchell Marsh pulls out of IPL 2021 On his new role, Pant in a statement said, "Delhi is where I grew up, and where my IPL journey began six years ago. To lead this team one day is a dream I've always harboured. And today, as that dream comes true, I feel humbled. I am truly grateful, especially to our team owners, who considered me capable enough for this role. With an amazing coaching staff, and a plethora of accomplished seniors around me, I can't wait to give my absolute best for Delhi Capitals." Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2021 campaign against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 10

Won't be surprised if selectors see Rishabh Pant as front-runner for India captaincy: Azharuddin

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b5cfb01c-c666-41c6-877d-5751ed40defb}{42}" paraid="1836859663" >Ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain&nbsp;Eoin Morgan gave an update on his fitness as he said the gap between the ODI series between India-England and IPL gave him the best time to recover. Morgan, England's limited-overs skipper, missed the final two ODIs against India&nbsp;after sustaining a split webbing between his thumb and index finger in the series opener.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4fe3f32c-9374-46cc-9044-65b63584c24d}{113}" paraid="186999012" >Morgan's injury required four stitches and KKR fans were in worry whether the talismanic&nbsp;leader will miss a few games early in IPL 2021 due to the injury.&nbsp;However, Morgan has said that he is feeling a lot better now and is looking forward to his progress in the coming days. The southpaw added that doctors would be removing the stitches on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3d1d3ba2-d6f8-4da9-a57a-31c23717fc18}{242}" paraid="1330172938" >"Yeah, I feel a lot better than I did a week ago. The plan moving forward is to remove the stitches tomorrow and progress with my batting in the coming days and fielding on the back of that. Given the time frame I have available, it's looking very good," said Morgan during a virtual press conference on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3d1d3ba2-d6f8-4da9-a57a-31c23717fc18}{242}" paraid="1330172938" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sunrisers-hyderabad-sign-jason-roy-as-mitchell-marsh-pulls-out-of-ipl-2021-374521" hreflang="en">Sunrisers Hyderabad sign Jason Roy as Mitchell Marsh pulls out of IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{956d1aa5-eabf-4554-bdfe-9be2dbf0038f}{191}" paraid="426105039" >There plenty of debates surrounding KKR's batting order and team composition during IPL 2020 where the Kolkata outfit narrowly missed out on the playoffs. Morgan is of the view that KKR have plenty of versatility that&nbsp;gives them the opportunity to shuffle things around. However, he admitted that they need to make the right call during matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{956d1aa5-eabf-4554-bdfe-9be2dbf0038f}{209}" paraid="355715064" >"We are all due to get together quite soon towards the end of the week in which we will discuss our plans and thoughts and actually talk about our strengths as a squad and team. Last year, we saw the versatility within our middle order and the flexibility to promote myself, DK, or Sunil. If we play well, there will be a lot of teams that will not enjoy playing against us. We need to make the right call in when to play the best hand and that is one thing we learnt from the last year."&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{956d1aa5-eabf-4554-bdfe-9be2dbf0038f}{209}" paraid="355715064" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-punjab-kings-more-balanced-squad-than-last-season-wasim-jaffer-to-wion-374488" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Punjab Kings more balanced squad than last season - Wasim Jaffer to WION</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ab5856bd-8f21-4d62-88d8-73a79e4bcb78}{212}" paraid="1340296565" >"The IPL is the biggest tournament in the world which has the biggest of players. A competitive campaign or successful campaign is the battle with the injuries or illness along the way. Whether you like it or not, it does happen throughout a season. Planning needs to be put across to strengthen your team across all areas. We did that in this auction and we are hoping to best position ourselves to have a versatile team when it comes to selection," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ab5856bd-8f21-4d62-88d8-73a79e4bcb78}{226}" paraid="426546500" >IPL will begin on April 9 with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indians locking horns&nbsp;in the tournament opener. KKR will play their first game on April 11 against SunRisers Hyderabad.&nbsp;</p>


Ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Eoin Morgan gave an update on his fitness as he said the gap between the ODI series between India-England and IPL gave him the best time to recover.

Ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Eoin Morgan gave an update on his fitness as he said the gap between the ODI series between India-England and IPL gave him the best time to recover. Morgan, England's limited-overs skipper, missed the final two ODIs against India after sustaining a split webbing between his thumb and index finger in the series opener. Morgan's injury required four stitches and KKR fans were in worry whether the talismanic leader will miss a few games early in IPL 2021 due to the injury. However, Morgan has said that he is feeling a lot better now and is looking forward to his progress in the coming days. The southpaw added that doctors would be removing the stitches on Thursday. "Yeah, I feel a lot better than I did a week ago. The plan moving forward is to remove the stitches tomorrow and progress with my batting in the coming days and fielding on the back of that. Given the time frame I have available, it's looking very good," said Morgan during a virtual press conference on Wednesday. ALSO READ: Sunrisers Hyderabad sign Jason Roy as Mitchell Marsh pulls out of IPL 2021 There plenty of debates surrounding KKR's batting order and team composition during IPL 2020 where the Kolkata outfit narrowly missed out on the playoffs. Morgan is of the view that KKR have plenty of versatility that gives them the opportunity to shuffle things around. However, he admitted that they need to make the right call during matches. "We are all due to get together quite soon towards the end of the week in which we will discuss our plans and thoughts and actually talk about our strengths as a squad and team. Last year, we saw the versatility within our middle order and the flexibility to promote myself, DK, or Sunil. If we play well, there will be a lot of teams that will not enjoy playing against us. We need to make the right call in when to play the best hand and that is one thing we learnt from the last year." ALSO READ: IPL 2021: Punjab Kings more balanced squad than last season - Wasim Jaffer to WION "The IPL is the biggest tournament in the world which has the biggest of players. A competitive campaign or successful campaign is the battle with the injuries or illness along the way. Whether you like it or not, it does happen throughout a season. Planning needs to be put across to strengthen your team across all areas. We did that in this auction and we are hoping to best position ourselves to have a versatile team when it comes to selection," he added. IPL will begin on April 9 with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indians locking horns in the tournament opener. KKR will play their first game on April 11 against SunRisers Hyderabad.

KKR captain Eoin Morgan provides update on his split webbing injury ahead of IPL 2021

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fd748f73-fb4c-4db4-95b9-2b124c7bec58}{37}" paraid="1237070690" >Sunrisers Hyderabad all-rounder&nbsp;Mitchell Marsh has pulled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. WION has learned from sources close to the development that Marsh&nbsp;didn't want to spend time inside a strict bio-secure bubble.&nbsp;The Aussie informed the Sunrisers Hyderabad about his decision a few days ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fd748f73-fb4c-4db4-95b9-2b124c7bec58}{37}" paraid="1237070690" >"Yes, Mitchell Marsh has pulled out," confirmed a source close to SRH camp to WION.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d780edbb-81b3-4959-8ea8-959d89ce36f9}{226}" paraid="1634968222" >Later on the day, Sunrisers Hyderabad announced England opener Jason Roy as Marsh's replacement.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d780edbb-81b3-4959-8ea8-959d89ce36f9}{226}" paraid="1634968222" >Marsh would have had to undergo a seven-day isolation period while being inside the&nbsp;stringent&nbsp;bio-secure environment for the almost two-month-long tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2781eb43-13d5-46bd-b4a5-93e4d8f247ff}{242}" paraid="872617703" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-punjab-kings-more-balanced-squad-than-last-season-wasim-jaffer-to-wion-374488" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Punjab Kings more balanced squad than last season - Wasim Jaffer to WION</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{18c2af39-2107-4638-8d2a-3e1d6a125b5a}{185}" paraid="1855963453" >The Australian all-rounder missed the IPL 2020 after twisting his angle in SRH's first match of the tournament last season. While Marsh was ruled out of IPL 2020, West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder had replaced him in the SRH squad. Marsh was&nbsp;signed up by SRH for INR 2 crore.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6efdb0f0-a380-4d20-939f-122de92040c0}{151}" paraid="1997181449" >Marsh was part of the Australian squad in the recently concluded T20I series&nbsp;but couldn’t get a game under his belt. Since then, he has been playing for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Marsh, who made his Indian Premier League debut in 2010 has played a total of 21 IPL games. His replacement, Jason Roy made his IPL debut in 2017 playing for Gujarat Lions and&nbsp;later featured for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the 2018 IPL edition. He has played a total of 8 matches and scored 179 runs with one half-century to his name. &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{aaa57610-81e1-49cc-b62d-fbe4f44cd184}{93}" paraid="684150460" >The Australian contingent of IPL 2021 players is set to depart for India on April 1 with the likes of Pat Cummins, David Warner&nbsp;among others joining their respective squads on April 2.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{aaa57610-81e1-49cc-b62d-fbe4f44cd184}{93}" paraid="684150460" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-am-lucky-that-i-will-be-playing-under-mahi-bhai-cheteshwar-pujara-ahead-of-ipl-2021-374456" hreflang="en">'I am lucky that I will be playing under Mahi bhai': Cheteshwar Pujara ahead of IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{aaa57610-81e1-49cc-b62d-fbe4f44cd184}{93}" paraid="684150460" >IPL 2021 is set to begin on April 9 with defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{956d1aa5-eabf-4554-bdfe-9be2dbf0038f}{56}" paraid="289142516" >&nbsp;</p>


Sunrisers Hyderabad all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has pulled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. WION has learned from sources close to the development that Marsh didn't want to spend time inside a strict bio-secure bubble.

Sunrisers Hyderabad all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has pulled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. WION has learned from sources close to the development that Marsh didn't want to spend time inside a strict bio-secure bubble. The Aussie informed the Sunrisers Hyderabad about his decision a few days ago. "Yes, Mitchell Marsh has pulled out," confirmed a source close to SRH camp to WION. Later on the day, Sunrisers Hyderabad announced England opener Jason Roy as Marsh's replacement. Marsh would have had to undergo a seven-day isolation period while being inside the stringent bio-secure environment for the almost two-month-long tournament. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: Punjab Kings more balanced squad than last season - Wasim Jaffer to WION The Australian all-rounder missed the IPL 2020 after twisting his angle in SRH's first match of the tournament last season. While Marsh was ruled out of IPL 2020, West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder had replaced him in the SRH squad. Marsh was signed up by SRH for INR 2 crore. Marsh was part of the Australian squad in the recently concluded T20I series but couldn’t get a game under his belt. Since then, he has been playing for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield. Marsh, who made his Indian Premier League debut in 2010 has played a total of 21 IPL games. His replacement, Jason Roy made his IPL debut in 2017 playing for Gujarat Lions and later featured for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the 2018 IPL edition. He has played a total of 8 matches and scored 179 runs with one half-century to his name. The Australian contingent of IPL 2021 players is set to depart for India on April 1 with the likes of Pat Cummins, David Warner among others joining their respective squads on April 2. ALSO READ: 'I am lucky that I will be playing under Mahi bhai': Cheteshwar Pujara ahead of IPL 2021 IPL 2021 is set to begin on April 9 with defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai.

Sunrisers Hyderabad sign Jason Roy as Mitchell Marsh pulls out of IPL 2021

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3bb9fb28-256c-4594-a9de-77afe19c848e}{254}" paraid="531224356" >England pacer Jofra Archer on Monday underwent successful surgery on his right hand. A fragment of glass was removed from his middle finger on his right hand during the surgery.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{61b5d7fd-cc48-41c3-b7b4-809c35072801}{10}" paraid="855466757" >Archer will not start two weeks of rehabilitation and the consultant will review the England pacer before he gets back to training.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e85c476d-0964-4623-96f9-1e459572b388}{2}" paraid="1068146512" >A further update on his elbow injury – unrelated to his finger injury – will be provided once he has returned to bowling&nbsp;to access the effectiveness of his recent injection.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e85c476d-0964-4623-96f9-1e459572b388}{2}" paraid="1068146512" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-punjab-kings-more-balanced-squad-than-last-season-wasim-jaffer-to-wion-374488" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Punjab Kings more balanced squad than last season - Wasim Jaffer to WION</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{cef540ca-3fb6-48ac-99fd-ee2dacbea4fb}{203}" paraid="460296932" >Archer suffered a cut to his hand while cleaning a fish tank at his home in January shortly before flying to India for the Test series. The pacer's injury was managed by ECB's medical team during the tour.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{790784be-9c3c-4480-b169-e28ccfc8d7d0}{198}" paraid="704239662" >However, it is yet unclear whether Archer will be able to take any part in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. While it is confirmed that Archer will miss a couple of weeks of action due to the surgery, he could be back for the later phase of IPL 2021 given how his recovery&nbsp;goes. A call on his availability will be taken later by the ECB.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{790784be-9c3c-4480-b169-e28ccfc8d7d0}{198}" paraid="704239662" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-waited-for-this-opportunity-shahrukh-khan-aims-to-make-it-big-for-punjab-kings-in-ipl-2021-374299" hreflang="en">Exclusive: 'Waited for this opportunity' - Shahrukh Khan aims to make it big for Punjab Kings in IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e51af496-e9d8-4ab6-a609-c5b53cd4b4e5}{248}" paraid="418666551" >Archer is a crucial member of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) squad and his absence comes as a huge blow to the franchise, who would be looking to lift the coveted trophy for the first time since 2008.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{41172a1a-4dad-42d9-9a3c-b731864e76fb}{103}" paraid="1546401243" >With a busy summer approaching England, the team would want to have Archer fully fit for the T20 World Cup and the Ashes.&nbsp;</p>


England pacer Jofra Archer on Monday underwent successful surgery on his right hand. A fragment of glass was removed from his middle finger on his right hand during the surgery.

England pacer Jofra Archer on Monday underwent successful surgery on his right hand. A fragment of glass was removed from his middle finger on his right hand during the surgery. Archer will not start two weeks of rehabilitation and the consultant will review the England pacer before he gets back to training. A further update on his elbow injury – unrelated to his finger injury – will be provided once he has returned to bowling to access the effectiveness of his recent injection. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: Punjab Kings more balanced squad than last season - Wasim Jaffer to WION Archer suffered a cut to his hand while cleaning a fish tank at his home in January shortly before flying to India for the Test series. The pacer's injury was managed by ECB's medical team during the tour. However, it is yet unclear whether Archer will be able to take any part in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. While it is confirmed that Archer will miss a couple of weeks of action due to the surgery, he could be back for the later phase of IPL 2021 given how his recovery goes. A call on his availability will be taken later by the ECB. ALSO READ: Exclusive: 'Waited for this opportunity' - Shahrukh Khan aims to make it big for Punjab Kings in IPL 2021 Archer is a crucial member of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) squad and his absence comes as a huge blow to the franchise, who would be looking to lift the coveted trophy for the first time since 2008. With a busy summer approaching England, the team would want to have Archer fully fit for the T20 World Cup and the Ashes.

England provide injury update on Jofra Archer ahead of IPL 2021

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