<p>Virat Kohli was all charged up during Bangalore's game against Punjab at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Bangalore not only defeated Punjab by 17 runs but also registered their third win on the trot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But how can a game in IPL be complete without some aggression on the field. During the clash, the fans got to witness two send-off from both team's skipper.&nbsp;</p>

<p>First, it was Ashwin, who celebrated Virat Kohli's wicket with a lot of aggression, later Kohli returned the favour with an abusive send-off. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chasing 203 to win, Punjab needed 27 runs off the final over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Captain Ravichandran Ashwin came to the crease and hit Umesh Yadav's first delivery for a six.&nbsp;Ashwin hoped for the same result on the next delivery too but he mistimed his shot and the ball went straight to Kohli.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After safely completing the catch, Kohli made some gestures it seemed he even abused his Indian teammate.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Karma returns!! 😅<a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> started first.. Then <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> paying back! That's it. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AshwinVsKohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AshwinVsKohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashwin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvKXIP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvKXIP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KXIPvRCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KXIPvRCB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengaluru?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bengaluru</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://t.co/cS2Vz8SxhZ">pic.twitter.com/cS2Vz8SxhZ</a></p>
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<p>After the match, when asked about the send-off, Ashwin defended his equal number saying that they both are passionate players.</p>

<p>Sent in to bat, AB de Villiers' unbeaten 82 off 44 balls took Bangalore to a formidable 202/4.</p>

<p>In reply, Punjab finished at 185/7 in their stipulated 20 overs.</p>

<p>Bangalore, who lost their first six matches of IPL 2019, are now on eight points with three games left.</p>


Virat Kohli was all charged up during Bangalore's game against Punjab at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Bangalore not only defeated Punjab by 17 runs but also registered their third win on the trot.

Virat Kohli was all charged up during Bangalore's game against Punjab at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Bangalore not only defeated Punjab by 17 runs but also registered their third win on the trot. But how can a game in IPL be complete without some aggression on the field. During the clash, the fans got to witness two send-off from both team's skipper. First, it was Ashwin, who celebrated Virat Kohli's wicket with a lot of aggression, later Kohli returned the favour with an abusive send-off. Chasing 203 to win, Punjab needed 27 runs off the final over. Captain Ravichandran Ashwin came to the crease and hit Umesh Yadav's first delivery for a six. Ashwin hoped for the same result on the next delivery too but he mistimed his shot and the ball went straight to Kohli. After safely completing the catch, Kohli made some gestures it seemed he even abused his Indian teammate. Karma returns!! 😅@ashwinravi99 started first.. Then @imVkohli paying back! That's it. #AshwinVsKohli #Ashwin #Kohli #RCBvKXIP #KXIPvRCB #IPL2019 #Bengaluru #RCB #PlayBold pic.twitter.com/cS2Vz8SxhZ — Chowkidar Shruthi Thumbri 🇮🇳 (@ShruthiThumbri) April 24, 2019 × After the match, when asked about the send-off, Ashwin defended his equal number saying that they both are passionate players. Sent in to bat, AB de Villiers' unbeaten 82 off 44 balls took Bangalore to a formidable 202/4. In reply, Punjab finished at 185/7 in their stipulated 20 overs. Bangalore, who lost their first six matches of IPL 2019, are now on eight points with three games left.

Watch: Virat Kohli's aggressive send-off to Punjab's Ashwin, Twitter terms it 'Karma'

<p>Chennai's skipper MS Dhoni, who was critical of his side's top-batting order after losing the previous game to Bangalore, looked satisfied after Shane Watson guided <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-shane-watsons-96-gets-chennai-back-on-winning-track-213086">Chennai defeat Hyderabad by six wickets</a> on Tuesday.</p>

<p>On Chidambaram Stadium track, Watson roared back to form with a 96 off 53 balls splendid knock.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the post-match presentation ceremony, Dhoni hailed Watson as a "matchwinner". He said, "Watson has been a matchwinner for us. He has been batting well in the nets."</p>

<p>He added, "Although he (Watson) did struggle a bit. This is the time when you need to back them."&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the win, Chennai have returned on top in the point table with eight wins from 11 games, whereas Hyderabad remained at fourth with five wins from 10 games.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being asked about Chennai mantra of success, Dhoni said that "it's a secret" and he won't reveal it before retirement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With a witty smile on his face, he added, "If I tell everyone what it is, then they won't buy me at the auctions." &nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni further added, "The crowd support and franchise's support are key of course. Huge credit has to also go to the support staff who play a huge role in keeping the team atmosphere good for the team and other individuals."</p>

<p>"Other than this, I can't reveal anything till I retire."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Will <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> tell <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bhogleharsha</a> the secret to <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiIPL</a>'s consistency, season after season 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSKvSRH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSKvSRH</a> <a href="https://t.co/FMasdNUqzP">pic.twitter.com/FMasdNUqzP</a></p>
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<p>Dhoni has battled a dodgy back for a long time and he wants to be careful with it as the ICC World Cup is round the corner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chennai skipper said that there has been some stiffness but it is holding up as of now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The back is holding up, it's not getting worse, with the World Cup coming up, can't afford that, because that's too important," Dhoni said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni said that at the highest level, there aren't any players who are not playing with a niggle or two.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If it becomes worse, I certainly take some time off but at this level you play with some niggle or the other. Because if you wait to get fully fit, then there will be a gap of five years between two matches," the skipper said cheekily.</p>


Chennai's skipper MS Dhoni, who was critical of his side's top-batting order after losing the previous game to Bangalore, looked satisfied after Shane Watson guided Chennai defeat Hyderabad by six wickets on Tuesday.

Chennai's skipper MS Dhoni, who was critical of his side's top-batting order after losing the previous game to Bangalore, looked satisfied after Shane Watson guided Chennai defeat Hyderabad by six wickets on Tuesday. On Chidambaram Stadium track, Watson roared back to form with a 96 off 53 balls splendid knock. During the post-match presentation ceremony, Dhoni hailed Watson as a "matchwinner". He said, "Watson has been a matchwinner for us. He has been batting well in the nets." He added, "Although he (Watson) did struggle a bit. This is the time when you need to back them." With the win, Chennai have returned on top in the point table with eight wins from 11 games, whereas Hyderabad remained at fourth with five wins from 10 games. On being asked about Chennai mantra of success, Dhoni said that "it's a secret" and he won't reveal it before retirement. With a witty smile on his face, he added, "If I tell everyone what it is, then they won't buy me at the auctions." Dhoni further added, "The crowd support and franchise's support are key of course. Huge credit has to also go to the support staff who play a huge role in keeping the team atmosphere good for the team and other individuals." "Other than this, I can't reveal anything till I retire." Will @msdhoni tell @bhogleharsha the secret to @ChennaiIPL's consistency, season after season 👀#CSKvSRH pic.twitter.com/FMasdNUqzP — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 23, 2019 × Dhoni has battled a dodgy back for a long time and he wants to be careful with it as the ICC World Cup is round the corner. The Chennai skipper said that there has been some stiffness but it is holding up as of now. "The back is holding up, it's not getting worse, with the World Cup coming up, can't afford that, because that's too important," Dhoni said. Dhoni said that at the highest level, there aren't any players who are not playing with a niggle or two. "If it becomes worse, I certainly take some time off but at this level you play with some niggle or the other. Because if you wait to get fully fit, then there will be a gap of five years between two matches," the skipper said cheekily.

'They won't buy me at the auctions', says MS Dhoni on revealing Chennai's 'secret' success mantra

<p>Shane Watson brought back memories of last year's IPL final with a blazing knock that has now almost ensured a playoff berth for Chennai as they <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-ipl-2019-match-41-chennai-super-kings-vs-sunrisers-hyderabad-at-chidambaram-stadium-212979">beat Hyderabad by six wickets</a> on Tuesday.</p>

<p>On a vastly improved Chepauk track, Watson roared back to form with an 96 off 53 balls as Chennai stuttered a bit in end before winning in 19.5 overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Watson's innings studded with nine fours and half a dozen of sixes ensured that Chennai have reached the cut-off limit of 16 points needed for the play-off even though they would like to finish in the top two.</p>

<p>Watson's innings would also be a relief for skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who had urged the top order to finish matches.</p>

<p>A 77-run stand between Watson and Suresh Raina (38) created the platform and the former Australia all-rounder singlehandedly decimated the Hyderabad&nbsp;attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What made it more difficult for the Hyderabad was the fact that their strike bowler Rashid Khan was pulverised by Watson, who took him to the cleaners with 44 coming off his spell.</p>

<p>Sandeep Sharma was another bowler, who was handed severe punishment as he went for 54 in 3.5 overs. Sandeep repeatedly bowled short and Watson would gleefully pull him. Skipper Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/18 in 4 overs) had no option but to bowl the 19th over and left Sandeep with nine runs to defend.</p>

<p>However, Kedar Jadhav literally finished the match with a six off the second ball that sealed the deal.</p>

<p>Earlier, the immensely talented Manish Pandey was back in his element as his unbeaten 83 off 49 balls powered Hyderabad to a fighting 175 for 3 after being put into bat.</p>

<p>Pandey and league's current leading run-scorer David Warner (57 off 45 balls) added 115 runs for the second wicket to lay the foundation for a decent score on what was the best batting track on offer at the Chepauk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh struck an early blow, having the in-form Jony Bairstow caught behind in the second over for a duck.</p>

<p>He was the most successful bowler with figures of 2 for 39 in four overs while Deepak Chahar picked up the wicket of Vijay Shankar (26 off 20 balls).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the early dismissal of Bairstow, the visiting team didn't get tied down as the irrepressible Warner and Manish Pandey kept hitting those boundaries and sixes. They brought up the team's 50 in the sixth over.</p>

<p>Pandey who has not been in the best form, hit his straps, scoring freely and was not afraid to go over the top. Dhoni's shuffling of the bowlers didn't make much of an impact as Warner and Pandey kept attacking.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pandey was the first to reach 50 in 25 balls, pulling one from Dwayne Bravo for a boundary.</p>

<p>Warner was a touch slower in comparison to Pandey, but didn't miss out when the opportunity presented itself and hit a couple of big sixes.</p>

<p>The pugnacious Warner fell against the run of play, victim of Dhoni's trademark lightning-quick stumping off a Harbhajan delivery. The Australian, who is leading the run charts this season, fell for 57 (45 balls, 3x4, 2X6) after adding 115 runs for the second wicket with Pandey.</p>


Shane Watson brought back memories of last year's IPL final with a blazing knock that has now almost ensured a playoff berth for Chennai as they beat Hyderabad by six wickets on Tuesday.

Shane Watson brought back memories of last year's IPL final with a blazing knock that has now almost ensured a playoff berth for Chennai as they beat Hyderabad by six wickets on Tuesday. On a vastly improved Chepauk track, Watson roared back to form with an 96 off 53 balls as Chennai stuttered a bit in end before winning in 19.5 overs. Watson's innings studded with nine fours and half a dozen of sixes ensured that Chennai have reached the cut-off limit of 16 points needed for the play-off even though they would like to finish in the top two. Watson's innings would also be a relief for skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who had urged the top order to finish matches. A 77-run stand between Watson and Suresh Raina (38) created the platform and the former Australia all-rounder singlehandedly decimated the Hyderabad attack. What made it more difficult for the Hyderabad was the fact that their strike bowler Rashid Khan was pulverised by Watson, who took him to the cleaners with 44 coming off his spell. Sandeep Sharma was another bowler, who was handed severe punishment as he went for 54 in 3.5 overs. Sandeep repeatedly bowled short and Watson would gleefully pull him. Skipper Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/18 in 4 overs) had no option but to bowl the 19th over and left Sandeep with nine runs to defend. However, Kedar Jadhav literally finished the match with a six off the second ball that sealed the deal. Earlier, the immensely talented Manish Pandey was back in his element as his unbeaten 83 off 49 balls powered Hyderabad to a fighting 175 for 3 after being put into bat. Pandey and league's current leading run-scorer David Warner (57 off 45 balls) added 115 runs for the second wicket to lay the foundation for a decent score on what was the best batting track on offer at the Chepauk. Veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh struck an early blow, having the in-form Jony Bairstow caught behind in the second over for a duck. He was the most successful bowler with figures of 2 for 39 in four overs while Deepak Chahar picked up the wicket of Vijay Shankar (26 off 20 balls). Despite the early dismissal of Bairstow, the visiting team didn't get tied down as the irrepressible Warner and Manish Pandey kept hitting those boundaries and sixes. They brought up the team's 50 in the sixth over. Pandey who has not been in the best form, hit his straps, scoring freely and was not afraid to go over the top. Dhoni's shuffling of the bowlers didn't make much of an impact as Warner and Pandey kept attacking. Pandey was the first to reach 50 in 25 balls, pulling one from Dwayne Bravo for a boundary. Warner was a touch slower in comparison to Pandey, but didn't miss out when the opportunity presented itself and hit a couple of big sixes. The pugnacious Warner fell against the run of play, victim of Dhoni's trademark lightning-quick stumping off a Harbhajan delivery. The Australian, who is leading the run charts this season, fell for 57 (45 balls, 3x4, 2X6) after adding 115 runs for the second wicket with Pandey.

IPL 2019: Shane Watson's 96 gets Chennai back on winning track

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/they-wont-buy-me-at-the-auctions-says-ms-dhoni-on-revealing-chennais-secret-success-mantra-213087">Mahendra Singh Dhoni</a> will not hesitate to take time off before World Cup if his niggling back problem worsens during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), the stumper-batsman has said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-shane-watsons-96-gets-chennai-back-on-winning-track-213086">Chennai </a>skipper Dhoni missed last week's defeat by&nbsp;Hyderabad due to a back spasm and the 37-year-old is unwilling to risk a serious injury that could rule him out of the World Cup starting in England and Wales on May 30.</p>

<p>"It's holding up, it's not showing signs of getting worse. With the World Cup coming up, I have to keep in mind that I can't really get injured," Dhoni said of his injury after Chennai's six-wicket victory over Hyderabad on Tuesday.</p>

<p>"There's a bit of stiffness. There was a bit of spasm at the start of the tournament but there's no spasm as of now. I'm used to playing international cricket with some kind of pain", said Dhoni.</p>

<p>He added, "If you wait to be 100 per cent before you play a game maybe you'd have to wait five years before you play the next game. It's something I can afford to do. If it gets worse, I'll definitely take some time off."</p>

<p>Dhoni has played 341 one-day internationals, scoring 10,500 runs at an average of just under 51, and his glovework makes him the first-choice wicketkeeper in the limited-overs format.</p>

<p>India's 2011 World Cup winning captain has scored over 300 runs in nine ODIs this year, with four half-centuries, including three in a row during the tour of Australia.</p>

<p>The IPL ends on May 12. India begins its World Cup campaign against South Africa in Southampton on June 5.</p>


Mahendra Singh Dhoni will not hesitate to take time off before World Cup if his niggling back problem worsens during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), the stumper-batsman has said.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni will not hesitate to take time off before World Cup if his niggling back problem worsens during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), the stumper-batsman has said. Chennai skipper Dhoni missed last week's defeat by Hyderabad due to a back spasm and the 37-year-old is unwilling to risk a serious injury that could rule him out of the World Cup starting in England and Wales on May 30. "It's holding up, it's not showing signs of getting worse. With the World Cup coming up, I have to keep in mind that I can't really get injured," Dhoni said of his injury after Chennai's six-wicket victory over Hyderabad on Tuesday. "There's a bit of stiffness. There was a bit of spasm at the start of the tournament but there's no spasm as of now. I'm used to playing international cricket with some kind of pain", said Dhoni. He added, "If you wait to be 100 per cent before you play a game maybe you'd have to wait five years before you play the next game. It's something I can afford to do. If it gets worse, I'll definitely take some time off." Dhoni has played 341 one-day internationals, scoring 10,500 runs at an average of just under 51, and his glovework makes him the first-choice wicketkeeper in the limited-overs format. India's 2011 World Cup winning captain has scored over 300 runs in nine ODIs this year, with four half-centuries, including three in a row during the tour of Australia. The IPL ends on May 12. India begins its World Cup campaign against South Africa in Southampton on June 5.

Dhoni to take rest before World Cup if back trouble worsens

<p>Ignored for the World Cup, Rishabh Pant Monday said the "selection thought was running" in his mind.</p>

<p>Pant made a statement with a blistering 78 off 36 balls and powered <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-steals-ajinkya-rahanes-limelight-as-delhi-beat-rajasthan-to-top-ipl-table-212713">Delhi to a six-wicket win over Rajasthan in the Indian Premier League</a> here.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am feeling lovely. To make your team win in an important match is a good feeling. I won't lie, the selection thought was running in my mind," Pant said at the post-match press conference.</p>

<p>The young keeper-batsman added, "I focussed on my process and it worked for me. The wicket was playing good, and I just took advantage of that, I guess. Most important thing for our team is that everyone knows our role, and the support staff tells us, 'this is your role, and this is what is going to happen to you'."</p>

<p>Pant, who was left out of India's squad at the expense of Dinesh Karthik, smashed six fours and four sixes during his stay in the middle.</p>

<p>DC skipper Shreyas Iyer was happy with the way the pitch played, and so was his counterpart Steve Smith.</p>

<p>"When we play away from home, the wickets are so good. We enjoy playing on the rise, and the wickets are perfectly made for them," Iyer said.</p>

<p>"It was important to get a good start in the Powerplay, and Shikhar has been doing that well. The way we've been playing away games and coming back to our home games, we are unaware of how our pitch plays itself."</p>

<p>DC fought back after Rajasthan looked to cross 200 at one stage.</p>

<p>"We knew they were going to go all out, especially the way Ajinkya was batting. This is a big ground, and the pitch was a belter. The way they started, we were expecting 200, but the bowlers did well to restrict them to 190," Iyer said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The win lifted Delhi to the top of the table with 11 victories and four defeats from 11 outings.&nbsp;</p>


Ignored for the World Cup, Rishabh Pant Monday said the "selection thought was running" in his mind. Pant made a statement with a blistering 78 off 36 balls and powered Delhi to a six-wicket win over Rajasthan in the Indian Premier League here.

Ignored for the World Cup, Rishabh Pant Monday said the "selection thought was running" in his mind. Pant made a statement with a blistering 78 off 36 balls and powered Delhi to a six-wicket win over Rajasthan in the Indian Premier League here. "I am feeling lovely. To make your team win in an important match is a good feeling. I won't lie, the selection thought was running in my mind," Pant said at the post-match press conference. The young keeper-batsman added, "I focussed on my process and it worked for me. The wicket was playing good, and I just took advantage of that, I guess. Most important thing for our team is that everyone knows our role, and the support staff tells us, 'this is your role, and this is what is going to happen to you'." Pant, who was left out of India's squad at the expense of Dinesh Karthik, smashed six fours and four sixes during his stay in the middle. DC skipper Shreyas Iyer was happy with the way the pitch played, and so was his counterpart Steve Smith. "When we play away from home, the wickets are so good. We enjoy playing on the rise, and the wickets are perfectly made for them," Iyer said. "It was important to get a good start in the Powerplay, and Shikhar has been doing that well. The way we've been playing away games and coming back to our home games, we are unaware of how our pitch plays itself." DC fought back after Rajasthan looked to cross 200 at one stage. "We knew they were going to go all out, especially the way Ajinkya was batting. This is a big ground, and the pitch was a belter. The way they started, we were expecting 200, but the bowlers did well to restrict them to 190," Iyer said. The win lifted Delhi to the top of the table with 11 victories and four defeats from 11 outings.

IPL 2019: Selection thing was running in my mind, says Rishabh Pant

<p>Delhi defeated Rajasthan by six wickets at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Monday.&nbsp;Rishabh Pant played an exciting and unbeaten knock of 78 runs to help his side chase 192-run target set by the hosts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pant smashed four sixes and six fours in his 36-ball innings as Delhi equalled defending champions Chennai's tally of 14 points to top the Indian Premier League table.</p>

<p>By playing a heroic knock for his franchise, wicketkeeper-batsman Pant will have made a statement after being surprisingly left out of India's Cricket World Cup squad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The left-hander missed a spot in the team after the selectors opted for experience over potential by picking Dinesh Karthik.</p>

<p>Opener Shikhar Dhawan also slammed a half-century to set the foundation of Delhi’s chase while Prithvi Shaw played a slow knock of 43 runs off 39 balls.</p>

<p>Put in to bat first, the hosts put up 191/6 in their 20 overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ajinkya Rahane’s unbeaten century went in vain and so did new captain Steve Smith’s half-century as Rajasthan lost a flurry of wickets towards the end.</p>

<p>Rahane, the Indian Test team vice-captain but who has been out of the limited-overs sides for the past year, hit three sixes and 11 fours as his unbeaten hundred came from just 63 balls.</p>


Delhi defeated Rajasthan by six wickets at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Monday. Rishabh Pant played an exciting and unbeaten knock of 78 runs to help his side chase 192-run target set by the hosts.

Delhi defeated Rajasthan by six wickets at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Monday. Rishabh Pant played an exciting and unbeaten knock of 78 runs to help his side chase 192-run target set by the hosts. Pant smashed four sixes and six fours in his 36-ball innings as Delhi equalled defending champions Chennai's tally of 14 points to top the Indian Premier League table. By playing a heroic knock for his franchise, wicketkeeper-batsman Pant will have made a statement after being surprisingly left out of India's Cricket World Cup squad. The left-hander missed a spot in the team after the selectors opted for experience over potential by picking Dinesh Karthik. Opener Shikhar Dhawan also slammed a half-century to set the foundation of Delhi’s chase while Prithvi Shaw played a slow knock of 43 runs off 39 balls. Put in to bat first, the hosts put up 191/6 in their 20 overs. Ajinkya Rahane’s unbeaten century went in vain and so did new captain Steve Smith’s half-century as Rajasthan lost a flurry of wickets towards the end. Rahane, the Indian Test team vice-captain but who has been out of the limited-overs sides for the past year, hit three sixes and 11 fours as his unbeaten hundred came from just 63 balls.

Rishabh Pant steals Ajinkya Rahane's limelight as Delhi beat Rajasthan to top IPL table

<p>Rishabh Pant said it 'felt special' when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-ganguly-says-wow-ponting-feels-pant-is-on-different-planet-212873">Sourav Ganguly lifted him to celebrate</a> the youngster’s blistering 78 that steered Delhi Capitals to a six-wicket win over Rajasthan and the pole position in the IPL.</p>

<p>Just as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-selection-thing-was-running-in-my-mind-says-rishabh-pant-212715">Pant hit the winning runs, finishing it off with a six </a>here on Monday night, former India skipper entered the ground and lifted him up.</p>

<p>“After I finished off the match and coming out, everyone was showering so much love. It felt special when Sourav sir lifted me, it was a different experience,” said Pant, during a post-match interaction with teammate Prithvi Shaw.</p>

<p>“We talk about finishing these big games for the team, and when we do it, feels really special,” he added.</p>

<p>When asked how he felt about his innings, Pant replied, “It’s a great feeling, especially the fact that I was with you (Shaw) in the middle, I knew we would finish it.”</p>

<p>Opener Shaw (42) and Pant added 84 runs for the third wicket in quick time to help Delhi Capitals cross the line in a steep chase of 192.</p>


Rishabh Pant said it 'felt special' when Sourav Ganguly lifted him to celebrate the youngster’s blistering 78 that steered Delhi Capitals to a six-wicket win over Rajasthan and the pole position in the IPL.

Rishabh Pant said it 'felt special' when Sourav Ganguly lifted him to celebrate the youngster’s blistering 78 that steered Delhi Capitals to a six-wicket win over Rajasthan and the pole position in the IPL. Just as Pant hit the winning runs, finishing it off with a six here on Monday night, former India skipper entered the ground and lifted him up. “After I finished off the match and coming out, everyone was showering so much love. It felt special when Sourav sir lifted me, it was a different experience,” said Pant, during a post-match interaction with teammate Prithvi Shaw. “We talk about finishing these big games for the team, and when we do it, feels really special,” he added. When asked how he felt about his innings, Pant replied, “It’s a great feeling, especially the fact that I was with you (Shaw) in the middle, I knew we would finish it.” Opener Shaw (42) and Pant added 84 runs for the third wicket in quick time to help Delhi Capitals cross the line in a steep chase of 192.

It felt special when Sourav sir lifted me', says ecstatic Rishabh Pant

<p>Chennai skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=ms+dhoni">Mahendra Singh Dhoni</a> became the first Indian batsman to hit 200 sixes in India's domestic cricket league, i.e. Indian Premier League.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The overall tally of most sixes is led by Windies cricketer Chris Gayle, who plays for Punjab franchise, with a total of 323 sixes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gayle is followed by former South African AB de Villiers with 204 sixes. De Villiers plays for Bangalore team in India's cash-rich league.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni is at number three in overall tally with a total of 203 sixes. He achieved this feat during his sensational 84-run knock in Sunday's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-bangalore-just-about-manage-to-beat-ms-dhoni-led-team-in-a-last-ball-thriller-212453">game against Bangalore</a> which Chennai lost by only one run.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the ongoing edition of IPL, Dhoni also became the first captain in history to register 100 wins in the tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chasing a target of 162, Chennai needed a near-impossible 26 off the last over bowled by Umesh Yadav and Dhoni with 84 off 48 balls that had seven sixes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni was at the crease and having consumed dot balls off the previous over, he had to go for the jugular and boy he did it with three sixes and a four.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With two needed off the last ball and Umesh looking increasingly helpless, he managed to bowl a slower delivery and Dhoni missed it only for Parthiv Patel to effect a run-out as non-striker Shardul Thakur inches out of his crease.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the end it was Dhoni who lost to Bangalore, who eked out their third win of the tournament.&nbsp;</p>


Chennai skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni became the first Indian batsman to hit 200 sixes in India's domestic cricket league, i.e. Indian Premier League. The overall tally of most sixes is led by Windies cricketer Chris Gayle, who plays for Punjab franchise, with a total of 323 sixes.

Chennai skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni became the first Indian batsman to hit 200 sixes in India's domestic cricket league, i.e. Indian Premier League. The overall tally of most sixes is led by Windies cricketer Chris Gayle, who plays for Punjab franchise, with a total of 323 sixes. Gayle is followed by former South African AB de Villiers with 204 sixes. De Villiers plays for Bangalore team in India's cash-rich league. Dhoni is at number three in overall tally with a total of 203 sixes. He achieved this feat during his sensational 84-run knock in Sunday's game against Bangalore which Chennai lost by only one run. In the ongoing edition of IPL, Dhoni also became the first captain in history to register 100 wins in the tournament. Chasing a target of 162, Chennai needed a near-impossible 26 off the last over bowled by Umesh Yadav and Dhoni with 84 off 48 balls that had seven sixes. Dhoni was at the crease and having consumed dot balls off the previous over, he had to go for the jugular and boy he did it with three sixes and a four. With two needed off the last ball and Umesh looking increasingly helpless, he managed to bowl a slower delivery and Dhoni missed it only for Parthiv Patel to effect a run-out as non-striker Shardul Thakur inches out of his crease. In the end it was Dhoni who lost to Bangalore, who eked out their third win of the tournament.

IPL 2019: MS Dhoni becomes first Indian to hit 200 sixes in IPL

<p>MS Dhoni had almost done it but fell just one run short as Chennai lost to Bangalore by a margin of one run, when the skipper had already hit 24 in the first five balls of the last over.</p>

<p>Dhoni smashed several boundaries in the last over of Bangalore's Umesh Yadav to almost win the game but failed to touch the last ball and lost.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni scored 84 off 48 balls as he took the contest to the very last ball as Chennai needed 26 runs in the final over.</p>

<p>With two runs needed off the final ball, Dhoni was beaten by Umesh Yadav and Parthiv Patel struck the stumps before Shardul Thakur could complete the single to win it for Bangalore.</p>

<p>Twitter was also full of praise for MS Dhoni's super effort and criticised Umesh Yadav's bowling.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There was never and will never again be a cricketing phenomenon like <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DHONI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DHONI</a>. The result doesn't matter, the points don't matter, that was a major win for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSD</a>. His calm is a super power. I salute you superman. You have changed cricket forever. ❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvCSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvCSK</a></p>
— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) <a href="https://twitter.com/Actor_Siddharth/status/1120030791302385664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Uff! Some game! Cricket needs Dhoni to write its scripts.</p>
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/1120030195136598016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It's ok. MSD. Take a bow. When everyone wrote it's too far, we saw Mahi magic. It's never over till MS Dhoni is at the crease. Sure you will be gutted than anyone else not to have connected it. Well played.</p>
— Prabhu (@Cricprabhu) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cricprabhu/status/1120030443787567104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Twitter users also criticised Umesh Yadav for his poor bowling and how Kohli would have reacted after he delivered a dot ball.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Umesh Yadav right now <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvCSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvCSK</a> <a href="https://t.co/aU1n6TWaaW">pic.twitter.com/aU1n6TWaaW</a></p>
— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRai) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoshanKrRai/status/1120030935699689473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Totally in socked after seeing Umesh Yadav's performance in today's match. This is black day for my academy. This is insult. I officially fire him today - A.Dinda (Head of Dinda Academy)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvCSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvCSK</a> <a href="https://t.co/tVEOfM1DwQ">pic.twitter.com/tVEOfM1DwQ</a></p>
— Pranjal Jani (@pranjal_97) <a href="https://twitter.com/pranjal_97/status/1120010813702434817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">1: Umesh Yadav first 3 overs<br />
2: Unesh Yadav final over<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvCSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvCSK</a> <a href="https://t.co/t09TPoq4CO">pic.twitter.com/t09TPoq4CO</a></p>
— Ixhtiyaque (@Ixhtiyaque) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ixhtiyaque/status/1120030182205562880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There are two players in India who can completely change the course of the match within six balls and both of them are out there. Dhoni and Umesh Yadav..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvCSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvCSK</a></p>
— The-Lying-Lama 2.0 (@KyaUkhaadLega) <a href="https://twitter.com/KyaUkhaadLega/status/1120028896013873152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Despite losing this game, Chennai are the table toppers while Kohli-led team still sit at the bottom of the points table.&nbsp;</p>


MS Dhoni had almost done it but fell just one run short as Chennai lost to Bangalore by a margin of one run, when the skipper had already hit 24 in the first five balls of the last over.

MS Dhoni had almost done it but fell just one run short as Chennai lost to Bangalore by a margin of one run, when the skipper had already hit 24 in the first five balls of the last over. Dhoni smashed several boundaries in the last over of Bangalore's Umesh Yadav to almost win the game but failed to touch the last ball and lost. Dhoni scored 84 off 48 balls as he took the contest to the very last ball as Chennai needed 26 runs in the final over. With two runs needed off the final ball, Dhoni was beaten by Umesh Yadav and Parthiv Patel struck the stumps before Shardul Thakur could complete the single to win it for Bangalore. Twitter was also full of praise for MS Dhoni's super effort and criticised Umesh Yadav's bowling. There was never and will never again be a cricketing phenomenon like #DHONI. The result doesn't matter, the points don't matter, that was a major win for #MSD. His calm is a super power. I salute you superman. You have changed cricket forever. ❤️ #RCBvCSK — Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) April 21, 2019 × Uff! Some game! Cricket needs Dhoni to write its scripts. — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 21, 2019 × It's ok. MSD. Take a bow. When everyone wrote it's too far, we saw Mahi magic. It's never over till MS Dhoni is at the crease. Sure you will be gutted than anyone else not to have connected it. Well played. — Prabhu (@Cricprabhu) April 21, 2019 × The Twitter users also criticised Umesh Yadav for his poor bowling and how Kohli would have reacted after he delivered a dot ball. Umesh Yadav right now #RCBvCSK pic.twitter.com/aU1n6TWaaW — Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRai) April 21, 2019 × Totally in socked after seeing Umesh Yadav's performance in today's match. This is black day for my academy. This is insult. I officially fire him today - A.Dinda (Head of Dinda Academy)#RCBvCSK pic.twitter.com/tVEOfM1DwQ — Pranjal Jani (@pranjal_97) April 21, 2019 × 1: Umesh Yadav first 3 overs 2: Unesh Yadav final over#RCBvCSK pic.twitter.com/t09TPoq4CO — Ixhtiyaque (@Ixhtiyaque) April 21, 2019 × There are two players in India who can completely change the course of the match within six balls and both of them are out there. Dhoni and Umesh Yadav..#RCBvCSK — The-Lying-Lama 2.0 (@KyaUkhaadLega) April 21, 2019 × Despite losing this game, Chennai are the table toppers while Kohli-led team still sit at the bottom of the points table.

IPL 2019: Twitter full praise for MS Dhoni as he nearly does the impossible; criticise Umesh Yadav with funny memes

<p>Parthiv Patel, the man whose direct hit gave Bangalore an improbable one-run win over Chennai, said he was left quite surprised when Mahendra Singh Dhoni missed hitting the last ball of the cliffhanger.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Patel wasn't expecting a marauding Dhoni to miss Umesh Yadav's slower delivery before his direct throw <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-bangalore-just-about-manage-to-beat-ms-dhoni-led-team-in-a-last-ball-thriller-212453">sealed it for the home team</a> on Sunday night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni scored 24 off the first five balls of the final over before missing the last ball. A scramble for one run ended in Parthiv's direct throw leaving Shardul Thakur short of his crease.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We honestly wanted him (Dhoni) to hit through the off-side on the shorter side of the ground. If he had hit it on the leg-side, there were two runs because I don't think the way he runs, there was any chance of stopping those two," an elated Patel said at the post-match press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So we wanted (Umesh) to bowl slower and outside the off-stump and surprisingly he missed it. I wasn't expecting him to miss it but surprisingly he missed it," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Patel said if Dhoni is around then 70 to 80 runs in the last five overs is always gettable at the Chinnaswamy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Playing in Bangalore or Mumbai, you know that 70 runs in the last five overs is gettable. You need at least have 80-90 runs to get in last five overs to defend. So, we wanted to squeeze him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We wanted to bowl as many dot balls to him as possible, and put pressure on other batsmen because everybody knows how MS is. He wanted the game to go down to last three-four overs and he almost won the game," said Patel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The wicketkeeper-batsman scored his second half-century of the season and said that coach Gary Kirsten's advice of choosing the correct bowlers was key to his success.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Before the game started, I was talking to Gary and he said 'you don't have worry of anything you need to choose your bowlers' and that is exactly what I did," said Patel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He is happy to open the batting as he can use the Powerplay overs to his advantage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Honestly, it is great to be playing in the opening slot with Virat and AB coming in at number three. Actually, I don't have to do much. I try to make sure that I hit couple of boundaries and try and rotate the strike.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You know, I have been working hard on my game. I have been there in Australia for a couple of months...I have been working hard and I am quite happy with the way I am batting," he said.</p>


Parthiv Patel, the man whose direct hit gave Bangalore an improbable one-run win over Chennai, said he was left quite surprised when Mahendra Singh Dhoni missed hitting the last ball of the cliffhanger.

Parthiv Patel, the man whose direct hit gave Bangalore an improbable one-run win over Chennai, said he was left quite surprised when Mahendra Singh Dhoni missed hitting the last ball of the cliffhanger. Patel wasn't expecting a marauding Dhoni to miss Umesh Yadav's slower delivery before his direct throw sealed it for the home team on Sunday night. Dhoni scored 24 off the first five balls of the final over before missing the last ball. A scramble for one run ended in Parthiv's direct throw leaving Shardul Thakur short of his crease. "We honestly wanted him (Dhoni) to hit through the off-side on the shorter side of the ground. If he had hit it on the leg-side, there were two runs because I don't think the way he runs, there was any chance of stopping those two," an elated Patel said at the post-match press conference. "So we wanted (Umesh) to bowl slower and outside the off-stump and surprisingly he missed it. I wasn't expecting him to miss it but surprisingly he missed it," he said. Patel said if Dhoni is around then 70 to 80 runs in the last five overs is always gettable at the Chinnaswamy. "Playing in Bangalore or Mumbai, you know that 70 runs in the last five overs is gettable. You need at least have 80-90 runs to get in last five overs to defend. So, we wanted to squeeze him. "We wanted to bowl as many dot balls to him as possible, and put pressure on other batsmen because everybody knows how MS is. He wanted the game to go down to last three-four overs and he almost won the game," said Patel. The wicketkeeper-batsman scored his second half-century of the season and said that coach Gary Kirsten's advice of choosing the correct bowlers was key to his success. "Before the game started, I was talking to Gary and he said 'you don't have worry of anything you need to choose your bowlers' and that is exactly what I did," said Patel. He is happy to open the batting as he can use the Powerplay overs to his advantage. "Honestly, it is great to be playing in the opening slot with Virat and AB coming in at number three. Actually, I don't have to do much. I try to make sure that I hit couple of boundaries and try and rotate the strike. "You know, I have been working hard on my game. I have been there in Australia for a couple of months...I have been working hard and I am quite happy with the way I am batting," he said.

Never expected MS Dhoni to miss that last ball: Parthiv Patel

<p>Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the umpteenth time was in line to pull off another incredible chase but finally ran out of luck as Bangalore managed to beat Chennai by one run in another last-ball IPL thriller on Sunday.</p>

<p>Chasing a target of 162, Chennai needed a near-impossible 26 off the last over bowled by Umesh Yadav and Dhoni with 84 off 48 balls that had seven sixes showed that nothing is indeed impossible until the Cricketing Gods intervened.</p>

<p>Only that Dhoni was at the crease and having consumed dot balls off the previous over, he had to go for the jugular and boy he did it with three sixes and a four.</p>

<p>With two needed off the last ball and Umesh looking increasingly helpless, he maneged to bowl a slower delivery and Dhomi missed it only for Parthiv Patel to effect a run-out as non-striker Shardul Thakur inches out of his crease.</p>

<p>In the end, it was Dhoni who lost to Bangalore, who eked out their third win of the tournament.</p>

<p>It could have been an easy win in the manner Dale Steyn (2/29) has brought the necessary zing that was lacking in Bangalore's bowling effort as he bowled perfect outswinger to get rid of Shane Watson caught by Marcus Stoinis at the slips.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He followed it up with a perfect yorker against an out-of-form Suresh Raina (0), who has always been found wanting against quality fast bowling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Umesh Yadav despite the odd loose delivery produced extra pace and bounce to get rid of Faf du Plessis (5) and Kedar Jadhav (9) as Chennai were left tottering at 28 for 4.</p>

<p>The trusted pair of Ambati Rayudu (29 off 29 balls) and Dhoni started resurrecting the innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni hit Stoinis for a six and Rayudu having struggled for long finally found some touch as he pulled Umesh over deep mid-wicket for a six and then hit a one-bounce for over extra cover.</p>

<p>They had a 55-run stand before Rayudu got one from Yuzvendra Chahal (1/24 in 4 overs) angled into his pads. He missed the line and the ball hit the pads and then onto the stumps leaving Dhoni with an onerous task.</p>

<p>Once Jadeja was run-out for 11, Chennai were in deep trouble at 108 for 6 but Dhoni carried the fight till the end.</p>

<p>Earlier, Parthiv Patel's attacking half-century and Moeen Ali's final flourish wasn't enough as Bangalore put up a sub-par 161 for 7 after being put into bat.</p>

<p>Parthiv smashed 53 off 37 balls but didn't get a lot of support from the other end until Moeen Ali used the long handle to hit 26 off 16 balls even as AB de Villiers (25 off 19 balls) and Akshdeep Nath (24 off 20 balls) delivered little after promising a lot.</p>

<p>Deepak Chahar (2/25 in 4 overs) was impressive as usual while Ravindra Jadeja's (2/29 in 4 overs) twin breakthrough during partnership was also important in the context of the innings.</p>

<p>Dwayne Bravo (2/34 in 4 overs) also chipped in with a couple of wickets in the end.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Virat Kohli (9) hit a couple of boundaries before a thickish edge off a Chahar outswinger brought about his downfall. Mahendra Singh Dhoni took a nice catch behind the stumps.</p>

<p>However, Parthiv and AB de Villiers (25 off 19 balls) added 47 runs in only 4.2 overs with the former South African skipper looking in fine touch.&nbsp;</p>

<p>De Villiers smashed Chahar over square leg while Parthiv also flicked Shardul Thakur (0/40 in 4 overs) for a couple of sixes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Having picked 16 runs off the final Powerplay over, RCB looked in control before Jadeja induced De Villiers to go for a big shot only to be holed by Faf du Plessis at Long-off.</p>

<p>Parthiv was joined by the burly Akshdeep Nath (24, 20 balls), who hit a six off Jadeja, added 41 runs with his senior partner before being caught by Du Plessis at long-off Jadeja's bowling at the stroke of team's 100-run mark.</p>

<p>The baby-faced Parthiv, whose form has been inconsistent during the tournament so far, was ready to punish the loose balls on the day as he sent a Jadeja half-tracker soaring into the stands for his third six and hit Imran Tahir for a fourth one.</p>

<p>He reached his half-century by pulling Bravo in-front of square but was out off the very next ball. Parthiv's innings had two fours and four sixes.<br />
Just when 150 was looking a bit dicey, Moeen hit five boundaries to take Bangalore past 160-run mark.</p>


Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the umpteenth time was in line to pull off another incredible chase but finally ran out of luck as Bangalore managed to beat Chennai by one run in another last-ball IPL thriller on Sunday.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the umpteenth time was in line to pull off another incredible chase but finally ran out of luck as Bangalore managed to beat Chennai by one run in another last-ball IPL thriller on Sunday. Chasing a target of 162, Chennai needed a near-impossible 26 off the last over bowled by Umesh Yadav and Dhoni with 84 off 48 balls that had seven sixes showed that nothing is indeed impossible until the Cricketing Gods intervened. Only that Dhoni was at the crease and having consumed dot balls off the previous over, he had to go for the jugular and boy he did it with three sixes and a four. With two needed off the last ball and Umesh looking increasingly helpless, he maneged to bowl a slower delivery and Dhomi missed it only for Parthiv Patel to effect a run-out as non-striker Shardul Thakur inches out of his crease. In the end, it was Dhoni who lost to Bangalore, who eked out their third win of the tournament. It could have been an easy win in the manner Dale Steyn (2/29) has brought the necessary zing that was lacking in Bangalore's bowling effort as he bowled perfect outswinger to get rid of Shane Watson caught by Marcus Stoinis at the slips. He followed it up with a perfect yorker against an out-of-form Suresh Raina (0), who has always been found wanting against quality fast bowling. Umesh Yadav despite the odd loose delivery produced extra pace and bounce to get rid of Faf du Plessis (5) and Kedar Jadhav (9) as Chennai were left tottering at 28 for 4. The trusted pair of Ambati Rayudu (29 off 29 balls) and Dhoni started resurrecting the innings. Dhoni hit Stoinis for a six and Rayudu having struggled for long finally found some touch as he pulled Umesh over deep mid-wicket for a six and then hit a one-bounce for over extra cover. They had a 55-run stand before Rayudu got one from Yuzvendra Chahal (1/24 in 4 overs) angled into his pads. He missed the line and the ball hit the pads and then onto the stumps leaving Dhoni with an onerous task. Once Jadeja was run-out for 11, Chennai were in deep trouble at 108 for 6 but Dhoni carried the fight till the end. Earlier, Parthiv Patel's attacking half-century and Moeen Ali's final flourish wasn't enough as Bangalore put up a sub-par 161 for 7 after being put into bat. Parthiv smashed 53 off 37 balls but didn't get a lot of support from the other end until Moeen Ali used the long handle to hit 26 off 16 balls even as AB de Villiers (25 off 19 balls) and Akshdeep Nath (24 off 20 balls) delivered little after promising a lot. Deepak Chahar (2/25 in 4 overs) was impressive as usual while Ravindra Jadeja's (2/29 in 4 overs) twin breakthrough during partnership was also important in the context of the innings. Dwayne Bravo (2/34 in 4 overs) also chipped in with a couple of wickets in the end. Virat Kohli (9) hit a couple of boundaries before a thickish edge off a Chahar outswinger brought about his downfall. Mahendra Singh Dhoni took a nice catch behind the stumps. However, Parthiv and AB de Villiers (25 off 19 balls) added 47 runs in only 4.2 overs with the former South African skipper looking in fine touch. De Villiers smashed Chahar over square leg while Parthiv also flicked Shardul Thakur (0/40 in 4 overs) for a couple of sixes. Having picked 16 runs off the final Powerplay over, RCB looked in control before Jadeja induced De Villiers to go for a big shot only to be holed by Faf du Plessis at Long-off. Parthiv was joined by the burly Akshdeep Nath (24, 20 balls), who hit a six off Jadeja, added 41 runs with his senior partner before being caught by Du Plessis at long-off Jadeja's bowling at the stroke of team's 100-run mark. The baby-faced Parthiv, whose form has been inconsistent during the tournament so far, was ready to punish the loose balls on the day as he sent a Jadeja half-tracker soaring into the stands for his third six and hit Imran Tahir for a fourth one. He reached his half-century by pulling Bravo in-front of square but was out off the very next ball. Parthiv's innings had two fours and four sixes. Just when 150 was looking a bit dicey, Moeen hit five boundaries to take Bangalore past 160-run mark.

IPL 2019: Bangalore just about manage to beat MS Dhoni-led team in a last-ball thriller

<p>The Indian Premier League final scheduled on May 12 was Monday shifted from Chennai to Hyderabad after the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) failed to get requisite permission from the government to open the three closed stands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the Chennai&nbsp;still have a chance to play Qualifier 1 at home if they finish among the top two teams in the league but the Eliminator (May 8) and Qualifier 2 (May 10) has been shifted to Visakhapatnam.</p>

<p>"We had to shift the matches from Chennai to Hyderabad after TNCA intimated us that they have not procured the requisite permission to open the three stands I, J and K," Committee of Administrators (CoA) chief Vinod Rai told PTI on Monday.</p>

<p>"Since the gate sales of the knock-out matches is BCCI's prerogative, we had to take a call. We would be having two knock-out matches in Vizag," he added.</p>

<p>The three stands make up for more than 12,000 tickets and BCCI would have lost out on a few crores of the gate money.</p>

<p>The stands have remained closed since 2012 except one international match between India and Pakistan when an exception was made.</p>

<p>Asked if all the knock-out matches' ticket sales are BCCI's prerogative, why was Qualifier 1 allotted to Chennai, Rai reasoned: "CSK, by virtue of being defending champions, were allotted the Qualifier 1 and final. Now if they finish in top two, you cannot take away all the games. They deserve to get at least one of the knock-out games."</p>

<p>Hyderabad only got the final and not the Eliminator or Qualifier because of the general elections in the Cybercity on May 6, 8 and 10.</p>

<p>The first three-team mini women's IPL will be held from May 6-10 in Jaipur with a new team Velocity being added to the existing Trailblazers and Supernovas.</p>


The Indian Premier League final scheduled on May 12 was Monday shifted from Chennai to Hyderabad after the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) failed to get requisite permission from the government to open the three closed stands.

The Indian Premier League final scheduled on May 12 was Monday shifted from Chennai to Hyderabad after the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) failed to get requisite permission from the government to open the three closed stands. While the Chennai still have a chance to play Qualifier 1 at home if they finish among the top two teams in the league but the Eliminator (May 8) and Qualifier 2 (May 10) has been shifted to Visakhapatnam. "We had to shift the matches from Chennai to Hyderabad after TNCA intimated us that they have not procured the requisite permission to open the three stands I, J and K," Committee of Administrators (CoA) chief Vinod Rai told PTI on Monday. "Since the gate sales of the knock-out matches is BCCI's prerogative, we had to take a call. We would be having two knock-out matches in Vizag," he added. The three stands make up for more than 12,000 tickets and BCCI would have lost out on a few crores of the gate money. The stands have remained closed since 2012 except one international match between India and Pakistan when an exception was made. Asked if all the knock-out matches' ticket sales are BCCI's prerogative, why was Qualifier 1 allotted to Chennai, Rai reasoned: "CSK, by virtue of being defending champions, were allotted the Qualifier 1 and final. Now if they finish in top two, you cannot take away all the games. They deserve to get at least one of the knock-out games." Hyderabad only got the final and not the Eliminator or Qualifier because of the general elections in the Cybercity on May 6, 8 and 10. The first three-team mini women's IPL will be held from May 6-10 in Jaipur with a new team Velocity being added to the existing Trailblazers and Supernovas.

BCCI shifts IPL 2019 final to Hyderabad after TNCA fails to get permission on locked stands

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by one run in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday. RCB clinched a thrilling one-run win over CSK in the nail-biting game.

Dhoni calculated game based on his power, will never question him: Stephen Fleming

<p>Mahendra Singh Dhoni's refusal to take three singles in the penultimate over with big-hitting Dwayne Bravo at the other end raised a few eyebrows but Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming says he will "never question" his skipper's game-plan at the death.</p>

<p>With 36 runs needed in the last two overs, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-ms-dhoni-becomes-first-indian-to-hit-200-sixes-in-ipl-212519">Dhoni refused three singles i</a>n the 19th over bowled by Navdeep Saini getting just 10 off it including a six off a no-ball.</p>

<p>In the last over, 26 runs were needed and Dhoni nearly pulled it off with a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/never-expected-ms-dhoni-to-miss-that-last-ball-parthiv-patel-212511"> 24 off the first five balls before Parthiv Patel ran Shardul Thakur</a> out to win the match for RCB by one run.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He is so calculative that I would never question the last part of an innings with MS Dhoni. Yes, Bravo's got power but if MS has a feeling that he's going to win it this way, I'm going to back him every time," Fleming said at the media conference.</p>

<p>"He's done this so many times and look, tonight he got us so close to the game so I'll never question that," he added.</p>

<p>When asked why Dhoni refused those singles, Fleming said the veteran always believes in calculating the difference between runs and balls to check how many sixes he needs to hit.</p>

<p>"I think the reason was Dhoni felt he was best equipped to hit those sixes. The way he calculates the last few overs based on his power.</p>

<p>"He would have looked at it saying 'I need four-five sixes' to win the game. And as it panned out, it was pretty close," said Fleming.</p>


Mahendra Singh Dhoni's refusal to take three singles in the penultimate over with big-hitting Dwayne Bravo at the other end raised a few eyebrows but Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming says he will "never question" his skipper's game-plan at the death.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni's refusal to take three singles in the penultimate over with big-hitting Dwayne Bravo at the other end raised a few eyebrows but Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming says he will "never question" his skipper's game-plan at the death. With 36 runs needed in the last two overs, Dhoni refused three singles in the 19th over bowled by Navdeep Saini getting just 10 off it including a six off a no-ball. In the last over, 26 runs were needed and Dhoni nearly pulled it off with a 24 off the first five balls before Parthiv Patel ran Shardul Thakur out to win the match for RCB by one run. "He is so calculative that I would never question the last part of an innings with MS Dhoni. Yes, Bravo's got power but if MS has a feeling that he's going to win it this way, I'm going to back him every time," Fleming said at the media conference. "He's done this so many times and look, tonight he got us so close to the game so I'll never question that," he added. When asked why Dhoni refused those singles, Fleming said the veteran always believes in calculating the difference between runs and balls to check how many sixes he needs to hit. "I think the reason was Dhoni felt he was best equipped to hit those sixes. The way he calculates the last few overs based on his power. "He would have looked at it saying 'I need four-five sixes' to win the game. And as it panned out, it was pretty close," said Fleming.

I will never question MS Dhoni's final-over calculations: Chennai coach Stephen Fleming

<p>Chennai skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-scared-us-says-bangalore-skipper-virat-kohli-212531">MS Dhoni</a> has created yet another record during his unbeaten 48-ball 84 knock against Bangalore team on Sunday at Chinnaswamy Stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>First, he became the first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-ms-dhoni-becomes-first-indian-to-hit-200-sixes-in-ipl-212519">Indian batsman to hit 200 sixes</a> in Indian Premier League, besides he&nbsp;also hit the biggest six in the history of IPL.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his 84-run knock, Dhoni hit five fours and seven sixes, including the record-breaking giant 111-metre long sixer over wide long-on. He broke Hardik Pandya's record of 104-metre long six.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the last over, when Chennai needed 26 runs to win, Dhoni launched his assault by hitting a four to deep square leg. He hit three sixes and a four to bring his side closer to victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of those last-over sixers&nbsp;landed on the stadium roof (maybe crossed the stadium) and created the record.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Out of the Park SIX 💪💪💪<br />
<br />
Biggest Six(111m) of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dhoni</a> the Powerhouse 💥💥💥 <a href="https://t.co/trRqoUc6kM">pic.twitter.com/trRqoUc6kM</a></p>
— Serendipity ❤ (@PoornaPradeep4) <a href="https://twitter.com/PoornaPradeep4/status/1120043493512994816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">111m six by dhoni..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvsCSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvsCSK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chinnaswamy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chinnaswamy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/xixg8zkzJL">pic.twitter.com/xixg8zkzJL</a></p>
— Ravikumar (@Ravikumarceg) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ravikumarceg/status/1120045185348423680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Although Dhoni's swashbuckling knock went in vain as Bangalore edged past Chennai in a last-ball thriller to keep their playoff hopes alive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni almost pulled off Chennai's chase of 161 but his side lose by one run in Bangalore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite losing the match, Dhoni earned praises for his marvellous performance, even Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli said that "MS did what he does best".</p>


Chennai skipper MS Dhoni has created yet another record during his unbeaten 48-ball 84 knock against Bangalore team on Sunday at Chinnaswamy Stadium. First, he became the first Indian batsman to hit 200 sixes in Indian Premier League, besides he also hit the biggest six in the history of IPL.

Chennai skipper MS Dhoni has created yet another record during his unbeaten 48-ball 84 knock against Bangalore team on Sunday at Chinnaswamy Stadium. First, he became the first Indian batsman to hit 200 sixes in Indian Premier League, besides he also hit the biggest six in the history of IPL. In his 84-run knock, Dhoni hit five fours and seven sixes, including the record-breaking giant 111-metre long sixer over wide long-on. He broke Hardik Pandya's record of 104-metre long six. In the last over, when Chennai needed 26 runs to win, Dhoni launched his assault by hitting a four to deep square leg. He hit three sixes and a four to bring his side closer to victory. One of those last-over sixers landed on the stadium roof (maybe crossed the stadium) and created the record. Watch the video: Out of the Park SIX 💪💪💪 Biggest Six(111m) of #IPL2019 #Dhoni the Powerhouse 💥💥💥 pic.twitter.com/trRqoUc6kM — Serendipity ❤ (@PoornaPradeep4) April 21, 2019 × 111m six by dhoni..#RCBvsCSK #Chinnaswamy #Dhoni pic.twitter.com/xixg8zkzJL — Ravikumar (@Ravikumarceg) April 21, 2019 × Although Dhoni's swashbuckling knock went in vain as Bangalore edged past Chennai in a last-ball thriller to keep their playoff hopes alive. Dhoni almost pulled off Chennai's chase of 161 but his side lose by one run in Bangalore. Despite losing the match, Dhoni earned praises for his marvellous performance, even Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli said that "MS did what he does best".

Watch: MS Dhoni's record 111-metre long sixer that crossed the stadium

<p>Virat Kohli said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-ms-dhoni-becomes-first-indian-to-hit-200-sixes-in-ipl-212519">MS Dhoni</a> had "scared" him during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-bangalore-just-about-manage-to-beat-ms-dhoni-led-team-in-a-last-ball-thriller-212453">Sunday's game between Bangalore and Chennai</a> as Dhoni's nearly won the match for Chennai with an unbeaten 84 off 48 balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chasing a target of 162, Chennai needed a near-impossible 26 off the last over bowled by Umesh Yadav.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Dhoni three sixes and a four to bring his side closer to victory, however, in the end, it was Dhoni who lost to Bangalore, who eked out their third win of the tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the post-match presentation, Virat said, "MS did what he does best and he gave us all a massive scare."</p>

<p>"A whole lot of emotions. Feels good to win a game by a small margin," said Kohli when asked about what he was going through after yet another last-ball thriller. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"We were outstanding with the ball until the 19th over mark. On the last ball, that (run-out) was the last thing I would have expected to happen."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A lot of boundaries were needed, right now you can calculate, one run there, and two runs there and we just lost by one run. But you can also say we missed some boundaries," Dhoni said.&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli said that MS Dhoni had "scared" him during the Sunday's game between Bangalore and Chennai as Dhoni's nearly won the match for Chennai with an unbeaten 84 off 48 balls.

Virat Kohli said that MS Dhoni had "scared" him during the Sunday's game between Bangalore and Chennai as Dhoni's nearly won the match for Chennai with an unbeaten 84 off 48 balls. Chasing a target of 162, Chennai needed a near-impossible 26 off the last over bowled by Umesh Yadav. But Dhoni three sixes and a four to bring his side closer to victory, however, in the end, it was Dhoni who lost to Bangalore, who eked out their third win of the tournament. During the post-match presentation, Virat said, "MS did what he does best and he gave us all a massive scare." "A whole lot of emotions. Feels good to win a game by a small margin," said Kohli when asked about what he was going through after yet another last-ball thriller. "We were outstanding with the ball until the 19th over mark. On the last ball, that (run-out) was the last thing I would have expected to happen." "A lot of boundaries were needed, right now you can calculate, one run there, and two runs there and we just lost by one run. But you can also say we missed some boundaries," Dhoni said.

MS Dhoni 'scared' us, says Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli

<p>Suresh Raina said that Chennai's regular captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=ms+dhoni">Mahendra Singh Dhoni</a> might play the next game against Virat Kohli-led Bangalore on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the absence of Dhoni, Raina led&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-clinical-hyderabad-defeat-chennai-by-six-wickets-211280">Chennai's six-wicket defeat</a> by Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League clash on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the post-match presentation, Raina said, "He (Dhoni) is feeling better. His back was stiff and might play the next game."</p>

<p>Chennai have won seven of its eight matches this season and Raina believes that it was wake up call for the entire team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think it is a very good wake up call."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think we didn't put a decent score on the board and kept losing wickets. We lost too many wickets in between and that's why it cost us the game. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"We should have looked for partnerships and should have rotated our strike better. Hence, we were 30 runs short," Raina said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni was rested after he suffered a back spasm during Chennai's previous game against Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was for the first time in nine years, Chennai played a match with their skipper MS Dhoni. He has played 121 matches in a row before missing the match against Hyderabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the match, Hyderabad displayed a clinical performance to defeat Chennai by six wickets at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With this win, Hyderabad has now moved on to the fifth position in the league standings whereas Chennai are still placed at the pole position.</p>

<p>Chasing a modest total of 133, Hyderabad got off to a flying start as their opener David Warner hammered the visitors for regular boundaries.&nbsp;</p>


Suresh Raina said that Chennai's regular captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni might play the next game against Virat Kohli-led Bangalore on Sunday. In the absence of Dhoni, Raina led Chennai's six-wicket defeat by Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League clash on Wednesday.

Suresh Raina said that Chennai's regular captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni might play the next game against Virat Kohli-led Bangalore on Sunday. In the absence of Dhoni, Raina led Chennai's six-wicket defeat by Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League clash on Wednesday. During the post-match presentation, Raina said, "He (Dhoni) is feeling better. His back was stiff and might play the next game." Chennai have won seven of its eight matches this season and Raina believes that it was wake up call for the entire team. "I think it is a very good wake up call." "I think we didn't put a decent score on the board and kept losing wickets. We lost too many wickets in between and that's why it cost us the game. "We should have looked for partnerships and should have rotated our strike better. Hence, we were 30 runs short," Raina said. Dhoni was rested after he suffered a back spasm during Chennai's previous game against Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata team. It was for the first time in nine years, Chennai played a match with their skipper MS Dhoni. He has played 121 matches in a row before missing the match against Hyderabad. In the match, Hyderabad displayed a clinical performance to defeat Chennai by six wickets at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. With this win, Hyderabad has now moved on to the fifth position in the league standings whereas Chennai are still placed at the pole position. Chasing a modest total of 133, Hyderabad got off to a flying start as their opener David Warner hammered the visitors for regular boundaries.

Losing to Hyderabad 'a good wake up call': Suresh Raina

<p>Chennai's spinner Imran Tahir said that he took advice from Mahendra Singh Dhoni&nbsp;and followed his plan after he achieved career-best 4 for 27 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-imran-tahir-suresh-raina-ensure-easy-win-for-chennai-against-kolkata-210382">against Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata team</a> during an Indian Premier League match at the Eden Gardens on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 40-year-old Tahir gave credit to Dhoni for his splendid bowling and also said that MSD is "helping him&nbsp;a lot".</p>

<p>During the post-match presentation, Tahir said, "I just bowled according to the captain's instructions. It's always beneficial taking advice from Dhoni. He's helping me a lot. It's an absolute pleasure and the credit goes to him."</p>

<p>He further added, "There are few things which he tells me like where I need to bowl, which area and where the guy is going to hit. It's working and I'm just loving it. We are playing good cricket. We respect each other and enjoy each other's success,"&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Those were small things. He tells me like this guy is trying to hit in this area so I bowl accordingly. I am an attacking spinner and want to take wickets and he allows me to bowl that way," Tahir said of Dhoni.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tahir's career-best spell restricted Kolkata to 161 for 8, Chennai coasted to the target in 19.4 overs as Raina anchored the chase with an unbeaten 58 off 42 balls with seven fours and a six.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently, Tahir is the joint leading wicket-taker with Kagiso Rabada with 13 to his tally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For his brilliant effort, he was awarded Man of the Match award.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When you receive your award once again and get to learn how to wear the cap yellovingly! <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/hashtag/KKRvCSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvCSK</a> 🦁💛 <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranTahirSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranTahirSA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DJBravo47?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DJBravo47</a> <a href="https://t.co/nquXsFTiR8">pic.twitter.com/nquXsFTiR8</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1117444763429396482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Truly on a purple path is the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ParasakthiExpress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ParasakthiExpress</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://t.co/fC2n1MJvk6">pic.twitter.com/fC2n1MJvk6</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1117443759074086925?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Playing for CSK, one of the best franchises in the world, I've to show people how much I love and respect this team," Tahir concluded.&nbsp;</p>


Chennai's spinner Imran Tahir said that he took advice from Mahendra Singh Dhoni and followed his plan after he achieved career-best 4 for 27 against Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata team during an Indian Premier League match at the Eden Gardens on Sunday.

Chennai's spinner Imran Tahir said that he took advice from Mahendra Singh Dhoni and followed his plan after he achieved career-best 4 for 27 against Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata team during an Indian Premier League match at the Eden Gardens on Sunday. The 40-year-old Tahir gave credit to Dhoni for his splendid bowling and also said that MSD is "helping him a lot". During the post-match presentation, Tahir said, "I just bowled according to the captain's instructions. It's always beneficial taking advice from Dhoni. He's helping me a lot. It's an absolute pleasure and the credit goes to him." He further added, "There are few things which he tells me like where I need to bowl, which area and where the guy is going to hit. It's working and I'm just loving it. We are playing good cricket. We respect each other and enjoy each other's success," "Those were small things. He tells me like this guy is trying to hit in this area so I bowl accordingly. I am an attacking spinner and want to take wickets and he allows me to bowl that way," Tahir said of Dhoni. Tahir's career-best spell restricted Kolkata to 161 for 8, Chennai coasted to the target in 19.4 overs as Raina anchored the chase with an unbeaten 58 off 42 balls with seven fours and a six. Currently, Tahir is the joint leading wicket-taker with Kagiso Rabada with 13 to his tally. For his brilliant effort, he was awarded Man of the Match award. When you receive your award once again and get to learn how to wear the cap yellovingly! #WhistlePodu #Yellove #KKRvCSK 🦁💛 @ImranTahirSA @DJBravo47 pic.twitter.com/nquXsFTiR8 — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 14, 2019 × Truly on a purple path is the #ParasakthiExpress! #WhistlePodu #Yellove 💛 pic.twitter.com/fC2n1MJvk6 — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 14, 2019 × "Playing for CSK, one of the best franchises in the world, I've to show people how much I love and respect this team," Tahir concluded.

Imran Tahir: I followed Dhoni's plan and bowled according to his instructions

<p>Imran Tahir spun a web before Suresh Raina found his mojo back with a half-century as Chennai inched closer towards another Playoff qualification with a five-wicket victory over Kolkata in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> match on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Tahir's career-best 4 for 27 restricted Kolkata to 161 for 8, Chennai coasted to the target in 19.4 overs as Raina anchored the chase with an unbeaten 58 off 42 balls with seven fours and a six.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ravindra Jadeja also played an important cameo hitting 31 off 17 balls to pave the way for the team's seventh win in eight games.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Needing 24 runs off the last two overs, Jadeja smashed Harry Gurney for three successive fours to make it just a formality in the last over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was the defending champions fourth win on the trot as they consolidated their position atop the table with 14 points and one more win will virtually seal their spot in playoffs whose cut-off over the ears has been 16 points.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was also their first win at the Eden Gardens since 2013 as they did a double on Kolkata who suffered a hat-trick of defeats for the first time since 2014 and set to slip out of their second place in the table. Incidentally, 161 is their lowest score at the Eden this season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kolkata next face Bangalore here on April 19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sunil Narine was the pick of Kolkata bowling with figures 2/19 that included a wicket-maiden when he cleaned up Faf du Plessis (24) to end the powerplay.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Raina held on at the other end with significant partnerships including a 40-run stand with skipper MS Dhoni.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It all seemed a walk in the park for Chennai when Narine gave the biggest breakthrough dismissing Dhoni for 16 with team's score of 121/5, needing 41 runs from 26 balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Raina held his nerves while Jadeja gave the finishing touches. On an Eden Gardens track where spinners had struggled so far, Tahir spun the match in favour of Chennai with his twin double blows in the 11th and 15th overs en route his career-best IPL figures that took him past Kagiso Rabada in the leading wicket-takers' tally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tahir removed an ominous-looking Chris Lynn (82 off 51 balls; 7x4, 6x6) and in a space of four balls removed the dangerous Andre Russell (10) for the first time under a score of 40 this season to put brakes on their scoring.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tahir's bowling had such devastating effect that Kolkata managed just 28 runs from last five overs and went on to lose three more wickets to end up with a below-par total.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But it was a different script for Kolkata early on with a fit-again Lynn giving them a flying start en route to his second fifty this season that came off just 36 balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Having missed his team's last match because of flu, Lynn went ballistic against Deepak Chahar who bled 22 runs from his first two overs with the Aussie smashing the seamer for 4-6-4 in the third over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such was Lynn's dominance that the otherwise explosive Sunil Narine looked like a spectator at the other end with the Aussie having a share of 31 off 33 runs in the first four overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A 200-plus total looked imminent with Lynn looking dangerous and Russell starting to explode with a boundary and a six off Tahir.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Tahir, aided by some brilliant catching from Faf du Plessis and the substitute Dhruv Shorey, made inroads removing Nitish Rana (21) and Robin Uthappa (0) in space of two balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chennai's catching was exceptional with Du Plessis charging in from long-off to dismiss Uthappa off first ball, then Shradul Thakur at deep square leg clung onto a flat hit from Lynn.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The big one was that of Shorey when he charged in for a swerving low catch to get rid off Russell, who looked in his usual explosive zone with 10 runs from 4 balls (1x4, 1x6).</p>


Imran Tahir spun a web before Suresh Raina found his mojo back with a half-century as Chennai inched closer towards another Playoff qualification with a five-wicket victory over Kolkata in an Indian Premier League match on Sunday.

Imran Tahir spun a web before Suresh Raina found his mojo back with a half-century as Chennai inched closer towards another Playoff qualification with a five-wicket victory over Kolkata in an Indian Premier League match on Sunday. After Tahir's career-best 4 for 27 restricted Kolkata to 161 for 8, Chennai coasted to the target in 19.4 overs as Raina anchored the chase with an unbeaten 58 off 42 balls with seven fours and a six. Ravindra Jadeja also played an important cameo hitting 31 off 17 balls to pave the way for the team's seventh win in eight games. Needing 24 runs off the last two overs, Jadeja smashed Harry Gurney for three successive fours to make it just a formality in the last over. This was the defending champions fourth win on the trot as they consolidated their position atop the table with 14 points and one more win will virtually seal their spot in playoffs whose cut-off over the ears has been 16 points. This was also their first win at the Eden Gardens since 2013 as they did a double on Kolkata who suffered a hat-trick of defeats for the first time since 2014 and set to slip out of their second place in the table. Incidentally, 161 is their lowest score at the Eden this season. Kolkata next face Bangalore here on April 19. Sunil Narine was the pick of Kolkata bowling with figures 2/19 that included a wicket-maiden when he cleaned up Faf du Plessis (24) to end the powerplay. But Raina held on at the other end with significant partnerships including a 40-run stand with skipper MS Dhoni. It all seemed a walk in the park for Chennai when Narine gave the biggest breakthrough dismissing Dhoni for 16 with team's score of 121/5, needing 41 runs from 26 balls. But Raina held his nerves while Jadeja gave the finishing touches. On an Eden Gardens track where spinners had struggled so far, Tahir spun the match in favour of Chennai with his twin double blows in the 11th and 15th overs en route his career-best IPL figures that took him past Kagiso Rabada in the leading wicket-takers' tally. Tahir removed an ominous-looking Chris Lynn (82 off 51 balls; 7x4, 6x6) and in a space of four balls removed the dangerous Andre Russell (10) for the first time under a score of 40 this season to put brakes on their scoring. Tahir's bowling had such devastating effect that Kolkata managed just 28 runs from last five overs and went on to lose three more wickets to end up with a below-par total. But it was a different script for Kolkata early on with a fit-again Lynn giving them a flying start en route to his second fifty this season that came off just 36 balls. Having missed his team's last match because of flu, Lynn went ballistic against Deepak Chahar who bled 22 runs from his first two overs with the Aussie smashing the seamer for 4-6-4 in the third over. Such was Lynn's dominance that the otherwise explosive Sunil Narine looked like a spectator at the other end with the Aussie having a share of 31 off 33 runs in the first four overs. A 200-plus total looked imminent with Lynn looking dangerous and Russell starting to explode with a boundary and a six off Tahir. But Tahir, aided by some brilliant catching from Faf du Plessis and the substitute Dhruv Shorey, made inroads removing Nitish Rana (21) and Robin Uthappa (0) in space of two balls. Chennai's catching was exceptional with Du Plessis charging in from long-off to dismiss Uthappa off first ball, then Shradul Thakur at deep square leg clung onto a flat hit from Lynn. The big one was that of Shorey when he charged in for a swerving low catch to get rid off Russell, who looked in his usual explosive zone with 10 runs from 4 balls (1x4, 1x6).

IPL 2019: Imran Tahir, Suresh Raina ensure easy win for Chennai against Kolkata

<p>Chennai pulled off a last-ball thriller to defeat Rajasthan by four wickets here at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the win, MS Dhoni has added another feather to his illustrious career, becoming the first captain to register 100 wins in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> (IPL).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chasing a target of 152, Dhawal Kulkarni struck Shane Warner for a duck in the very first over to keep the mood upbeat. In the next over, a direct-hit at non-striker's end by Jofra Archer sent run-machine Suresh Raina (4) back into the hut.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ambati Rayudu saw the falling of Faf du Plessis (7) and Kedar Jadhav (1) in quick succession before finding support in his captain MS Dhoni, with whom he built a 95-run stand to inch closer towards the victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Rajasthan tilted the tables as Ben Stokes dismissed Rayudu (57), who tried to swat it but a running Shreyas Gopal held on to the ball at square leg.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With eight required off the four balls, Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja in the middle almost took Chennai home but Stokes nailed the perfect Yorker at the right time and shattered the stumps of Dhoni for 58.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Just when Rajasthan thought they would seal the match, Stokes produced a no-ball to Mitchell Santner, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-angry-ms-dhoni-storms-onto-field-from-dugout-to-question-umpires-decision-209689">bringing in an angry Dhoni to argue with the umpires</a>, who revoked it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With three required off the last ball, Santner finished off the game in style, pulling off a six off Stokes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, put in to bat, late flourish helped Rajasthan recover from middle-over damage to post a competitive target of 151 for the loss of seven.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Openers Ajinkya Rahane and Jos Buttler could have settled in powerplay had Chennai skipper Dhoni not appealed Rahane lbw off Deepak Chahar mere nanoseconds before the DRS countdown ended. Dhoni's cheeky decision worked in favour of the visitors, forcing Rahane to return for 14. In the very next over, Shardul Thakur struck Buttler (23), leaving Rajasthan struggle at 47/2.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chennai bowlers spun a web around Rajasthan, taking wickets at regular intervals, including the big fish Steve Smith (15), who became Jadeja's 100th victim in the league.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rajasthan at 78/5 clawed back midway through the innings as Ben Stokes and the 17-year-old debutant Riyan Parag added crucial 25 runs to cross the 100-run mark before Thakur got Parag caught behind for 16, while Chahar cleaned up Stokes for 28.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Towards the end, the host fought back, snatching 18 runs off Shardul Thakur, shared between Shreyas Gopal (19*) and Archer (13*) to give some respect to the scoreboard.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rajasthan will clash with Mumbai Indians on April 13, whereas Chennai will play against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 14.&nbsp;</p>


Chennai pulled off a last-ball thriller to defeat Rajasthan by four wickets here at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Thursday. With the win, MS Dhoni has added another feather to his illustrious career, becoming the first captain to register 100 wins in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Chennai pulled off a last-ball thriller to defeat Rajasthan by four wickets here at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Thursday. With the win, MS Dhoni has added another feather to his illustrious career, becoming the first captain to register 100 wins in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Chasing a target of 152, Dhawal Kulkarni struck Shane Warner for a duck in the very first over to keep the mood upbeat. In the next over, a direct-hit at non-striker's end by Jofra Archer sent run-machine Suresh Raina (4) back into the hut. Ambati Rayudu saw the falling of Faf du Plessis (7) and Kedar Jadhav (1) in quick succession before finding support in his captain MS Dhoni, with whom he built a 95-run stand to inch closer towards the victory. However, Rajasthan tilted the tables as Ben Stokes dismissed Rayudu (57), who tried to swat it but a running Shreyas Gopal held on to the ball at square leg. With eight required off the four balls, Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja in the middle almost took Chennai home but Stokes nailed the perfect Yorker at the right time and shattered the stumps of Dhoni for 58. Just when Rajasthan thought they would seal the match, Stokes produced a no-ball to Mitchell Santner, bringing in an angry Dhoni to argue with the umpires, who revoked it. With three required off the last ball, Santner finished off the game in style, pulling off a six off Stokes. Earlier, put in to bat, late flourish helped Rajasthan recover from middle-over damage to post a competitive target of 151 for the loss of seven. Openers Ajinkya Rahane and Jos Buttler could have settled in powerplay had Chennai skipper Dhoni not appealed Rahane lbw off Deepak Chahar mere nanoseconds before the DRS countdown ended. Dhoni's cheeky decision worked in favour of the visitors, forcing Rahane to return for 14. In the very next over, Shardul Thakur struck Buttler (23), leaving Rajasthan struggle at 47/2. Chennai bowlers spun a web around Rajasthan, taking wickets at regular intervals, including the big fish Steve Smith (15), who became Jadeja's 100th victim in the league. Rajasthan at 78/5 clawed back midway through the innings as Ben Stokes and the 17-year-old debutant Riyan Parag added crucial 25 runs to cross the 100-run mark before Thakur got Parag caught behind for 16, while Chahar cleaned up Stokes for 28. Towards the end, the host fought back, snatching 18 runs off Shardul Thakur, shared between Shreyas Gopal (19*) and Archer (13*) to give some respect to the scoreboard. Rajasthan will clash with Mumbai Indians on April 13, whereas Chennai will play against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 14.

IPL 2019: MS Dhoni shines as Chennai pull off last-ball thriller to defeat Rajasthan

<p>Chennai's skipper MS Dhoni was seen extremely angry at the umpires in the last over while chasing 152-run target against Ajinkya Rahane-led Rajasthan team during an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> match on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The confusion emerged when the umpire, for a moment, indicated a no-ball but the leg-umpire said he never signalled for it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner started questioning the on-field umpires and amid that, Dhoni walked onto the ground to talk to the umpires.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Umpires, however, denied it and eventually signalled it as a legitimate delivery.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the TV replays, the ball was found to be a slower full toss, which appeared to be above the waist of Santner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni was seen shouting 'No ball' from the dug-out as Ravindra Jadeja was seen arguing with the umpire. To everyone's horror, an angry Dhoni entered the field of play, which certainly isn't allowed as per rule and took the umpire head-on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was seen angrily gesturing at the umpire before leg umpire Chris Gaffaney asked Dhoni to leave the field of play.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A lot had&nbsp;happened in Ben Stokes' last over that changed the course of&nbsp;the game. The first ball went for a sixer, and second, went for a no ball.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The third was an inch-perfect yorker that took Dhoni's wicket and the fourth ball brought all the confusion in which Dhoni lost his cool and came storming onto the field.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fifth ball was wise but it gave two runs and the last ball was wide and on the final ball, Santner hit the winning runs with a beautiful six.</p>

<p>In the match, Chennai defeated Rajasthan to regain top spot on the points table.&nbsp;</p>


Chennai's skipper MS Dhoni was seen extremely angry at the umpires in the last over while chasing 152-run target against Ajinkya Rahane-led Rajasthan team during an Indian Premier League match on Thursday.

Chennai's skipper MS Dhoni was seen extremely angry at the umpires in the last over while chasing 152-run target against Ajinkya Rahane-led Rajasthan team during an Indian Premier League match on Thursday. The confusion emerged when the umpire, for a moment, indicated a no-ball but the leg-umpire said he never signalled for it. Ravindra Jadeja and Mitchell Santner started questioning the on-field umpires and amid that, Dhoni walked onto the ground to talk to the umpires. Umpires, however, denied it and eventually signalled it as a legitimate delivery. In the TV replays, the ball was found to be a slower full toss, which appeared to be above the waist of Santner. Dhoni was seen shouting 'No ball' from the dug-out as Ravindra Jadeja was seen arguing with the umpire. To everyone's horror, an angry Dhoni entered the field of play, which certainly isn't allowed as per rule and took the umpire head-on. He was seen angrily gesturing at the umpire before leg umpire Chris Gaffaney asked Dhoni to leave the field of play. A lot had happened in Ben Stokes' last over that changed the course of the game. The first ball went for a sixer, and second, went for a no ball. The third was an inch-perfect yorker that took Dhoni's wicket and the fourth ball brought all the confusion in which Dhoni lost his cool and came storming onto the field. The fifth ball was wise but it gave two runs and the last ball was wide and on the final ball, Santner hit the winning runs with a beautiful six. In the match, Chennai defeated Rajasthan to regain top spot on the points table.

Angry MS Dhoni storms onto field from dugout to question umpire's decision

<p>Chennai defeated Rajasthan in the most dramatic game of the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The encounter which was filled with high-end drama, especially in the last over bowled by Ben Stokes, saw a hilarious six from Ravindra Jadeja, a perfect dismissal of finisher MS Dhoni, an umpiring howler which turned into a controversy with Chennai skipper stepping onto the field. &nbsp;</p>

<p>A no and a wide ball at the nail-biting moments and finally an unexpected last-ball six that had cost Rajasthan the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, there was one more incident that went unnoticed. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It happened when Jadeja fell on the ground despite managing to pull the shot off for a six.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stunned and happy to see the all-rounder hit such a shot, Dhoni walked up to him and hit Jadeja on the head with his bat, obviously in a playful manner.</p>

<p>Jadeja, who was lying on the ground, tried to protect himself and later got up to share a fist bump with Dhoni.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="et">M25: RR vs CSK – Ravindra Jadeja Six <a href="https://t.co/fld9wJjl8P">https://t.co/fld9wJjl8P</a></p>
— Dhiraj (@dhiraj349) <a href="https://twitter.com/dhiraj349/status/1116413361103757313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Not only Dhoni, but Chennai and Rajasthan fans were also in a state of shock seeing Jadeja hit such a six.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the game, Dhoni starred with the bat and got man of the match award for his crucial 43-ball-58. He played at a strike rate of over 134 and had hit two boundaries and three sixes.</p>

<p>By virtue of this win, Chennai recorded their sixth win in seven games, sitting at the top of the points table with 12 points.&nbsp;</p>


Chennai defeated Rajasthan in the most dramatic game of the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The encounter which was filled with high-end drama, especially in the last over bowled by Ben Stokes, saw a hilarious six from Ravindra Jadeja, a perfect dismissal of finisher MS Dhoni, an umpiring howler which turned into a controversy with Chennai skipper stepping onto the field.

Chennai defeated Rajasthan in the most dramatic game of the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The encounter which was filled with high-end drama, especially in the last over bowled by Ben Stokes, saw a hilarious six from Ravindra Jadeja, a perfect dismissal of finisher MS Dhoni, an umpiring howler which turned into a controversy with Chennai skipper stepping onto the field. A no and a wide ball at the nail-biting moments and finally an unexpected last-ball six that had cost Rajasthan the game. However, there was one more incident that went unnoticed. It happened when Jadeja fell on the ground despite managing to pull the shot off for a six. Stunned and happy to see the all-rounder hit such a shot, Dhoni walked up to him and hit Jadeja on the head with his bat, obviously in a playful manner. Jadeja, who was lying on the ground, tried to protect himself and later got up to share a fist bump with Dhoni. M25: RR vs CSK – Ravindra Jadeja Six https://t.co/fld9wJjl8P — Dhiraj (@dhiraj349) April 11, 2019 × Not only Dhoni, but Chennai and Rajasthan fans were also in a state of shock seeing Jadeja hit such a six. In the game, Dhoni starred with the bat and got man of the match award for his crucial 43-ball-58. He played at a strike rate of over 134 and had hit two boundaries and three sixes. By virtue of this win, Chennai recorded their sixth win in seven games, sitting at the top of the points table with 12 points.

Watch: MS Dhoni's unique style of appreciating Ravindra Jadeja for hitting a laughable six

<p>Chennai skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Bollywood's Baadshah Shah Rukh Khan were present at the Chepauk stadium as Chennai hosted Kolkata in an Indian Premier League match.</p>

<p>Despite Chennai defeating Kolkata by seven wickets, the fans went crazy after a picture of Dhoni and SRK in one frame went viral within minutes on the social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chennai's official Twitter handle posted a picture where the Bollywood actor can be seen talking to Dhoni, who was down on the ground.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"#Thala, Chennai Express Super!#WhistlePodu #Yellove #CSKvKKR," the caption read.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">*<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thala</a>, Chennai Express Super!*<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/hashtag/CSKvKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSKvKKR</a> 🦁💛 <a href="https://t.co/bWIx9FyCq5">pic.twitter.com/bWIx9FyCq5</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1115685956948901888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Here are some of the reactions of Twitter users.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">*<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thala</a>, Chennai Express Super!*<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/hashtag/CSKvKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSKvKKR</a> 🦁💛 <a href="https://t.co/bWIx9FyCq5">pic.twitter.com/bWIx9FyCq5</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1115685956948901888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">*<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thala</a>, Chennai Express Super!*<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/hashtag/CSKvKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSKvKKR</a> 🦁💛 <a href="https://t.co/bWIx9FyCq5">pic.twitter.com/bWIx9FyCq5</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1115685956948901888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Picture of the day 💛🦁<br />
Thala Dhoni &amp; Shah rukh khan 🤩<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSKvKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSKvKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSDhoni</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SRK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SRK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YelloveAgain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YelloveAgain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/iamsrk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iamsrk</a><br />
<br />
📸 Courtesy : <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiIPL</a> <a href="https://t.co/WbRtUWXGgi">pic.twitter.com/WbRtUWXGgi</a></p>
— Dhoni Raina Team (@dhoniraina_team) <a href="https://twitter.com/dhoniraina_team/status/1115702478366855168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>With the win on Tuesday, CSK claimed the top spot in the IPL 2019 points table.&nbsp;</p>

<p>MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to bowl as the hosts restricted KKR to 108/9 despite an unbeaten half-century by Andre Russell.&nbsp;</p>


Chennai skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Bollywood's Baadshah Shah Rukh Khan were present at the Chepauk stadium as Chennai hosted Kolkata in an Indian Premier League match.

Chennai skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Bollywood's Baadshah Shah Rukh Khan were present at the Chepauk stadium as Chennai hosted Kolkata in an Indian Premier League match. Despite Chennai defeating Kolkata by seven wickets, the fans went crazy after a picture of Dhoni and SRK in one frame went viral within minutes on the social media. Chennai's official Twitter handle posted a picture where the Bollywood actor can be seen talking to Dhoni, who was down on the ground. "#Thala, Chennai Express Super!#WhistlePodu #Yellove #CSKvKKR," the caption read. *#Thala, Chennai Express Super!*#WhistlePodu #Yellove #CSKvKKR 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/bWIx9FyCq5 — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 9, 2019 × Here are some of the reactions of Twitter users. *#Thala, Chennai Express Super!*#WhistlePodu #Yellove #CSKvKKR 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/bWIx9FyCq5 — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 9, 2019 × *#Thala, Chennai Express Super!*#WhistlePodu #Yellove #CSKvKKR 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/bWIx9FyCq5 — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 9, 2019 × Picture of the day 💛🦁 Thala Dhoni & Shah rukh khan 🤩#CSKvKKR #MSDhoni #SRK #WhistlePodu #YelloveAgain @msdhoni @iamsrk 📸 Courtesy : @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/WbRtUWXGgi — Dhoni Raina Team (@dhoniraina_team) April 9, 2019 × With the win on Tuesday, CSK claimed the top spot in the IPL 2019 points table. MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to bowl as the hosts restricted KKR to 108/9 despite an unbeaten half-century by Andre Russell.

Watch: MS Dhoni, Shah Rukh Khan captured in one frame, fans go gaga

<p>Chennai's pacer Deepak Chahar has created the record for bowling the most dot balls in the history of Indian Premier League <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-chennai-maintain-unbeaten-run-at-home-with-emphatic-win-over-kolkata-209152">against Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata</a> on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The impressive bowling unit of Chennai team helped the MS Dhoni-led side register a comfortable seven-wicket win over Kolkata at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With this win, Chennai goes to the top of the league standings. Out of the six matches played, the team has been able to record wins in five matches.</p>

<p>The under-rated Deepak Chahar, who returned with impressive figures of three for 20 from four overs, rattled the Kolkata top-order with early strikes, including that of the big-hitting Chris Lynn as the visitors struggled to 29 for four in the powerplay. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Overall, Chahar bowled 20 dot balls and was able to bowl five dot balls in the 19th over of the Kolkata's innings and he was able to bog down the big-hitter Andre Russell.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">With Chahar's brilliant dismissal of KKR's top order batsmen and the spinner duo Harbhajan and Tahir sending back important players, it was all about the Kings' bowling unit intelligence! Read the full report of CSK vs KKR here! <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://t.co/LNtzEVkXDH">https://t.co/LNtzEVkXDH</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1115861035343388673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Chennai next take on Rajasthan on April 11 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.&nbsp;</p>


Chennai's pacer Deepak Chahar has created the record for bowling the most dot balls in the history of Indian Premier League against Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata on Tuesday.

Chennai's pacer Deepak Chahar has created the record for bowling the most dot balls in the history of Indian Premier League against Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata on Tuesday. The impressive bowling unit of Chennai team helped the MS Dhoni-led side register a comfortable seven-wicket win over Kolkata at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. With this win, Chennai goes to the top of the league standings. Out of the six matches played, the team has been able to record wins in five matches. The under-rated Deepak Chahar, who returned with impressive figures of three for 20 from four overs, rattled the Kolkata top-order with early strikes, including that of the big-hitting Chris Lynn as the visitors struggled to 29 for four in the powerplay. Overall, Chahar bowled 20 dot balls and was able to bowl five dot balls in the 19th over of the Kolkata's innings and he was able to bog down the big-hitter Andre Russell. With Chahar's brilliant dismissal of KKR's top order batsmen and the spinner duo Harbhajan and Tahir sending back important players, it was all about the Kings' bowling unit intelligence! Read the full report of CSK vs KKR here! #WhistlePodu #Yellove🦁💛https://t.co/LNtzEVkXDH — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 10, 2019 × Chennai next take on Rajasthan on April 11 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

Deepak Chahar creates record for most dot balls in IPL

<p>Amid Indian Premier League's tight schedule, Chennai's skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his wife Sakhi Dhoni were found sleeping on the floor&nbsp;of an airport.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian wicket-keeper batsman shared the picture with a witty caption on his official Instagram account and the image immediately went viral on social platforms.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni wrote, "After getting used to IPL timing this is what happens if u have a morning flight."&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Chennai maintained their unbeaten run at home with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-chennai-maintain-unbeaten-run-at-home-with-emphatic-win-over-kolkata-209152">seven-wicket thrashing of Kolkata</a> at the Chidambaram Stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the win, Chennai are back at the top of the table with five victories from six games.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwD9VVXFdJt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">After getting used to IPL timing this is what happens if u have a morning flight</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mahi7781/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> M S Dhoni</a> (@mahi7781) on <time datetime="2019-04-10T04:36:49+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Apr 9, 2019 at 9:36pm PDT</time></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Some sleepy eyes behind the shades! Early morning flights be like!! <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://t.co/mLHxuiUxh1">pic.twitter.com/mLHxuiUxh1</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1115822390678888449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Off to the Pink City! Spread <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yellove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yellove</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a>🦁💛 <a href="https://t.co/33UcL2Fw9c">pic.twitter.com/33UcL2Fw9c</a></p>
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<p>The matches being played in this year's edition of IPL are getting prolonged and the tournament is under heavy criticism for the duration of the matches. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Several cricketers have voiced their concern regarding the issue.</p>

<p>Slow over-rates has also hampered the tournament, as Ajinkya Rahane (skipper of Rajasthan) and Rohit Sharma (skipper of Mumbai) were fined for slow-over rates earlier in the league.&nbsp;</p>


Amid Indian Premier League's tight schedule, Chennai's skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his wife Sakhi Dhoni were found sleeping on the floor of an airport. The Indian wicket-keeper batsman shared the picture with a witty caption on his official Instagram account and the image immediately went viral on social platforms.

Amid Indian Premier League's tight schedule, Chennai's skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his wife Sakhi Dhoni were found sleeping on the floor of an airport. The Indian wicket-keeper batsman shared the picture with a witty caption on his official Instagram account and the image immediately went viral on social platforms. Dhoni wrote, "After getting used to IPL timing this is what happens if u have a morning flight." On Tuesday, Chennai maintained their unbeaten run at home with a seven-wicket thrashing of Kolkata at the Chidambaram Stadium. After the win, Chennai are back at the top of the table with five victories from six games. View this post on Instagram After getting used to IPL timing this is what happens if u have a morning flight A post shared by M S Dhoni (@mahi7781) on Apr 9, 2019 at 9:36pm PDT × Some sleepy eyes behind the shades! Early morning flights be like!! #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/mLHxuiUxh1 — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 10, 2019 × Off to the Pink City! Spread #Yellove! #WhistlePodu🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/33UcL2Fw9c — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 10, 2019 × The matches being played in this year's edition of IPL are getting prolonged and the tournament is under heavy criticism for the duration of the matches. Several cricketers have voiced their concern regarding the issue. Slow over-rates has also hampered the tournament, as Ajinkya Rahane (skipper of Rajasthan) and Rohit Sharma (skipper of Mumbai) were fined for slow-over rates earlier in the league.

IPL 2019: Chennai's skipper MS Dhoni sleeps on airport's floor, shares picture

<p>A clinical Chennai&nbsp;maintained their unbeaten run at home with a seven-wicket thrashing of Kolkata&nbsp;in the Indian Premier League here on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The hosts put up a top-class bowling effort yet again after winning the toss, limiting Kolkata to 108 for nine despite an unbeaten 50 off 44 balls from the dangerous Andre Russell.</p>

<p>With the dew making batting easier in the second half of the match, Chennai chased down a rather comfortable target in 17.2 overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With an emphatic win, Chennai&nbsp;are back at the top of the table with five victories from six games while Kolkata suffered their second loss in six matches and will be hoping that Tuesday's performance was just a blip in otherwise a promising campaign so far.</p>

<p>Shane Watson (17 off 9) smashed two fours and a six early on in the run chase before falling to a soft dismissal off-spinner Sunil Narine.</p>

<p>Suresh Raina (14) too did not cash in on the opportunity to make a big score and perished in an attempt to hit Narine out of the park, leaving Chennai at 35 for two in five overs.</p>

<p>Since the asking rate was not an issue, Faf du Plessis (43 not out off 45) and Ambati Rayudu (21) went about their job with little difficulty. The South African, who scored 54 in his first game of the season here on Saturday, played another solid inning to take the team home.</p>

<p>Earlier, a lot depended on the in-form Russell after a poor show from the Kolkata batting unit. He played the only way he knows, going for big shots, and succeeded to a certain extent to finish with five fours and three sixes.</p>

<p>The under-rated Deepak Chahar, who returned with impressive figures of three for 20 from four overs, rattled the Kolkata top-order with early strikes, including that of the big-hitting Chris Lynn as the visitors struggled to 29 for four in the powerplay.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Harbhajan Singh (2/15), Imran Tahir (2/21) and Ravindra Jadeja (1/17) put the brakes on the Kolkata batting with a disciplined effort.</p>

<p>Kolkata were under pressure from the word go as Lynn and Sunil Narine fell within the space of five balls. First, Chahar trapped Lynn leg-before-wicket for a duck in the first over, as the Aussie missed a pull off a delivery that kept low.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the next over, Harbhajan tossed one up to Narine, who attempted a big shot, only to skew it to the point region where Chahar took a good catch running backwards.</p>

<p>Nitish Rana (0) became Chahar's second victim, taken smartly by Rayudu. Robin Uthappa (11, 9 balls, 2X4) played a couple of good shots, before perishing to a pull which landed in the safe hands of Kedar Jadhav at deep-square leg.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A lot was expected of skipper Dinesh Karthik but he flattered to deceive, hammering a shot off Tahir straight into the hands of Harbhajan at mid-wicket, to be dismissed for 19 to leave Kolkata in trouble at 44 for five.</p>

<p>That Kolkata's 50 came up only in the 12th over, indicating how much their batsmen struggled to come to grips with the surface at Chepauk.&nbsp;</p>


A clinical Chennai maintained their unbeaten run at home with a seven-wicket thrashing of Kolkata in the Indian Premier League here on Tuesday. The hosts put up a top-class bowling effort yet again after winning the toss, limiting Kolkata to 108 for nine despite an unbeaten 50 off 44 balls from the dangerous Andre Russell.

A clinical Chennai maintained their unbeaten run at home with a seven-wicket thrashing of Kolkata in the Indian Premier League here on Tuesday. The hosts put up a top-class bowling effort yet again after winning the toss, limiting Kolkata to 108 for nine despite an unbeaten 50 off 44 balls from the dangerous Andre Russell. With the dew making batting easier in the second half of the match, Chennai chased down a rather comfortable target in 17.2 overs. With an emphatic win, Chennai are back at the top of the table with five victories from six games while Kolkata suffered their second loss in six matches and will be hoping that Tuesday's performance was just a blip in otherwise a promising campaign so far. Shane Watson (17 off 9) smashed two fours and a six early on in the run chase before falling to a soft dismissal off-spinner Sunil Narine. Suresh Raina (14) too did not cash in on the opportunity to make a big score and perished in an attempt to hit Narine out of the park, leaving Chennai at 35 for two in five overs. Since the asking rate was not an issue, Faf du Plessis (43 not out off 45) and Ambati Rayudu (21) went about their job with little difficulty. The South African, who scored 54 in his first game of the season here on Saturday, played another solid inning to take the team home. Earlier, a lot depended on the in-form Russell after a poor show from the Kolkata batting unit. He played the only way he knows, going for big shots, and succeeded to a certain extent to finish with five fours and three sixes. The under-rated Deepak Chahar, who returned with impressive figures of three for 20 from four overs, rattled the Kolkata top-order with early strikes, including that of the big-hitting Chris Lynn as the visitors struggled to 29 for four in the powerplay. Harbhajan Singh (2/15), Imran Tahir (2/21) and Ravindra Jadeja (1/17) put the brakes on the Kolkata batting with a disciplined effort. Kolkata were under pressure from the word go as Lynn and Sunil Narine fell within the space of five balls. First, Chahar trapped Lynn leg-before-wicket for a duck in the first over, as the Aussie missed a pull off a delivery that kept low. In the next over, Harbhajan tossed one up to Narine, who attempted a big shot, only to skew it to the point region where Chahar took a good catch running backwards. Nitish Rana (0) became Chahar's second victim, taken smartly by Rayudu. Robin Uthappa (11, 9 balls, 2X4) played a couple of good shots, before perishing to a pull which landed in the safe hands of Kedar Jadhav at deep-square leg. A lot was expected of skipper Dinesh Karthik but he flattered to deceive, hammering a shot off Tahir straight into the hands of Harbhajan at mid-wicket, to be dismissed for 19 to leave Kolkata in trouble at 44 for five. That Kolkata's 50 came up only in the 12th over, indicating how much their batsmen struggled to come to grips with the surface at Chepauk.

IPL 2019: Chennai maintain unbeaten run at home with emphatic win over Kolkata

IPL 2019: It's Chennai's MS Dhoni vs Kolkata's Andre Russell

<p>The 23rd game of the league will be played between MS Dhoni-led Chennai and Dinesh Karthik's Kolkata. Both the teams have four wins each and have been in pretty impressive form. The winner of the game will go at the top of the points table.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Chennai suffered their first defeat at the hands of Mumbai, Kolkata lost to Delhi after the games got tied and went in Super Over.</p>

<p>In a clash between two teams having quality spinners, a batsman of Andre Russell's calibre may just prove to be the difference between the two sides.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While for Chennai, Kedar Jadhav and skipper Dhoni himself will be the game changers as the game will be played at their home ground MA Chidambaram Stadium.</p>

<p>Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the two teams then Chennai easily defeated Punjab in their last game, thanks to a brilliant half-century by Faf du Plessis. He scored 54 runs in just 38 balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His inning was well backed by Dhoni who remained unbeaten for 37 runs in just 23 balls. Even Ambati Rayudu, who came in at no five played a decent game as and smashed 21 in 25 balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In bowling, Harbhajan Singh and New Zealand pacer Scott took two wickets each. Their contribution against Kolkata will be important as they can restrict the Russell power.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Now if we talk about Kolkata, the team's batting solely relies on Russell's last-minute performance. Russell has delivered some power-packed performances in the last few games to give them win at the last moment. He took away three man of the match awards for his performance.</p>

<p>Apart from Russell, Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine established a 91-run partnership to defeat Rajasthan in their last game. While Lynn returned to form with his 32-ball 50 runs, Narine slammed 47 in 25 balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about the winning probability then Chennai need to find a solution to tackle Russell as he can be very dangerous. It would be better if Chennai goes for bowling first and chase the target.</p>

<p>Shane Watson should step up for the team as even 200 would be a less target considering the players the two teams possess.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, for Kolkata, Robin Uthappa and Kuldeep Yadav will be the players to watch out for.</p>


The 23rd game of the league will be played between MS Dhoni-led Chennai and Dinesh Karthik's Kolkata. Both the teams have four wins each and have been in pretty impressive form.

The 23rd game of the league will be played between MS Dhoni-led Chennai and Dinesh Karthik's Kolkata. Both the teams have four wins each and have been in pretty impressive form. The winner of the game will go at the top of the points table. While Chennai suffered their first defeat at the hands of Mumbai, Kolkata lost to Delhi after the games got tied and went in Super Over. In a clash between two teams having quality spinners, a batsman of Andre Russell's calibre may just prove to be the difference between the two sides. While for Chennai, Kedar Jadhav and skipper Dhoni himself will be the game changers as the game will be played at their home ground MA Chidambaram Stadium. Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the two teams then Chennai easily defeated Punjab in their last game, thanks to a brilliant half-century by Faf du Plessis. He scored 54 runs in just 38 balls. His inning was well backed by Dhoni who remained unbeaten for 37 runs in just 23 balls. Even Ambati Rayudu, who came in at no five played a decent game as and smashed 21 in 25 balls. In bowling, Harbhajan Singh and New Zealand pacer Scott took two wickets each. Their contribution against Kolkata will be important as they can restrict the Russell power. Now if we talk about Kolkata, the team's batting solely relies on Russell's last-minute performance. Russell has delivered some power-packed performances in the last few games to give them win at the last moment. He took away three man of the match awards for his performance. Apart from Russell, Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine established a 91-run partnership to defeat Rajasthan in their last game. While Lynn returned to form with his 32-ball 50 runs, Narine slammed 47 in 25 balls. Talking about the winning probability then Chennai need to find a solution to tackle Russell as he can be very dangerous. It would be better if Chennai goes for bowling first and chase the target. Shane Watson should step up for the team as even 200 would be a less target considering the players the two teams possess. Meanwhile, for Kolkata, Robin Uthappa and Kuldeep Yadav will be the players to watch out for.

IPL 2019: Chennai to contain Andre Russell as they lock horns with Kolkata

<p>Chennai spinner Harbhajan Singh's performance in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League has been the talk of the town.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In almost every game, Harbhajan has given match-winning performances for the defending champions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He picked up three crucial wickets in the opening match against Bangalore and repeated the heroics against Punjab.</p>

<p>The off-spinner, who was an integral part of the Mumbai team, switched to Chennai last season and won the title with the ‘Yellow Brigade’.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked what major difference he feels in the two teams, Singh in an interview to a newspaper said, "I have great respect for MI and they are wonderful this year as well, but the pressure of winning is more there."</p>

<p>"Here in CSK it’s more chilled out, you are expected to win, but it’s not a matter of life and death here,” the seasoned campaigner said," he added.</p>

<p>It will be crucial to see if Harbhajan can stop Jamaican Andre Russell from going berserk when Chennai lock horns with Kolkata on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>


Chennai spinner Harbhajan Singh's performance in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League has been the talk of the town. In almost every game, Harbhajan has given match-winning performances for the defending champions.

Chennai spinner Harbhajan Singh's performance in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League has been the talk of the town. In almost every game, Harbhajan has given match-winning performances for the defending champions. He picked up three crucial wickets in the opening match against Bangalore and repeated the heroics against Punjab. The off-spinner, who was an integral part of the Mumbai team, switched to Chennai last season and won the title with the ‘Yellow Brigade’. When asked what major difference he feels in the two teams, Singh in an interview to a newspaper said, "I have great respect for MI and they are wonderful this year as well, but the pressure of winning is more there." "Here in CSK it’s more chilled out, you are expected to win, but it’s not a matter of life and death here,” the seasoned campaigner said," he added. It will be crucial to see if Harbhajan can stop Jamaican Andre Russell from going berserk when Chennai lock horns with Kolkata on Tuesday.

IPL 2019:  Winning 'matter of life and death' at Mumbai than at Chennai, says Harbhajan Singh

<p>Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi Stadium will remain as the stand by venue for the Indian Premier League's play-offs and the final on May 12 if the impasse with regards to three closed stands at the Chepauk is not over.</p>

<p>The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) has not been able to procure fit certificate for three stands I, J and K from the local municipal corporation since 2012.</p>

<p>"We will have discussions with TNCA as we don't want to deprive Chennai their right of playing at home. But three empty stands is an issue. Hyderabad and Bangalore are the two stand by venues for two play-offs, Eliminator and final," a senior BCCI official told PTI on Monday.</p>

<p>It was also learnt that CoA has asked the steering committee of Players' Association to expedite the process.</p>

<p>"The Players' Association is expected to take shape in the&nbsp;next two weeks. The four-member committee has been told to expedite the process," the official said.</p>

<p>The BCCI has also decided to invite fresh tender for title sponsorship of domestic tournaments and international games in India.</p>

<p>"It will be a fresh process but PayTm can also bid but just like new bidders."&nbsp;</p>


Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi Stadium will remain as the stand by venue for the Indian Premier League's play-offs and the final on May 12 if the impasse with regards to three closed stands at the Chepauk is not over.

Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi Stadium will remain as the stand by venue for the Indian Premier League's play-offs and the final on May 12 if the impasse with regards to three closed stands at the Chepauk is not over. The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) has not been able to procure fit certificate for three stands I, J and K from the local municipal corporation since 2012. "We will have discussions with TNCA as we don't want to deprive Chennai their right of playing at home. But three empty stands is an issue. Hyderabad and Bangalore are the two stand by venues for two play-offs, Eliminator and final," a senior BCCI official told PTI on Monday. It was also learnt that CoA has asked the steering committee of Players' Association to expedite the process. "The Players' Association is expected to take shape in the next two weeks. The four-member committee has been told to expedite the process," the official said. The BCCI has also decided to invite fresh tender for title sponsorship of domestic tournaments and international games in India. "It will be a fresh process but PayTm can also bid but just like new bidders."

Hyderabad on stand by for IPL 2019 final, Players' Association in 2 weeks

12 years, 12 controversies: IPL has seen it all