<p>The former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir hailed Sanju Samson, who struck his second <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> ton against Hyderabad on Friday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, for his brilliant innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though his century went in vain, as Hyderabad chased down a mammoth 199-run target and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-david-warners-blistering-fifty-helps-hyderabad-beat-rajasthan-by-5-wickets-206607">defeated Rajasthan by five wickets</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Minutes after the match was concluded, Gambhir tweeted, "I normally don't like to talk about individuals in cricket. But seeing his skills I am glad to note that Sanju Samson is currently the best Wicketkeeper batsman in India."</p>

<p>Gambhir also said that Samson should be in India's England bound plane for the upcoming World Cup and he "should be batting number four" in the World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Samson didn't spare a single Hyderabad's bowler and remained unbeaten on 102 that came off just 55 balls with the help of 10 fours and four sixes. It was Samson's second IPL ton. His first century came in 2017.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 24-year-old Samsom, who hails from Trivandrum, Kerala made his Twenty20 International debut for India against Zimbabwe in 2015.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Gambhir's comments for Samson have upset MS Dhoni's fans as according to the spectators, Dhoni remains the trusted and efficient wicketkeeper for India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is believed that he will keep the stumps in the upcoming cricket World Cup in England and Wales for India. .&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here are some Twitter reactions:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have a lot of respect for Gautam Gambhir and what he did to give India 2 ICC trophies was phenomenal. But to say Samson is the best wk bat in India is completely disrespectful to Dhoni and Karthik. To say that he should be India's no.4 is absurd</p>
— arnab bhattacharya (@Gunnerfourever) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gunnerfourever/status/1111825154978373632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">One good match and samson is the best no 4. Total bullshit. Forget about comparing anyones wicketkeeping skills with MS DHONI. Gambhir is such a big hater of MS. Thank god he is going into politics</p>
— kunalbhuwad (@kunal28081997) <a href="https://twitter.com/kunal28081997/status/1111884764489965568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Gautam gambhir is either too jealous of dhoni or he stopped watching indian cricket the day he was dropped from indian side. India's best wicketkeeper batsman is dhoni and even after him rishabh is there. I don't know how he forgot these two!!</p>
— SAHIL GUPTA (@guptasahil2002) <a href="https://twitter.com/guptasahil2002/status/1111875667686117377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Well there is difference between being best wicketkeeper batsman and Dhoni, we will always have best players, best batsman, best bowlers, best wicket keepers... But we cannot always have Dhoni, Sachin, Sourav, Dravid, Laxman, Kumble and even Goutam Gambhir... Legends are Legends</p>
— Anupam (@anupampathak999) <a href="https://twitter.com/anupampathak999/status/1111895463966445568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Gautam Gambhir favoring Sanju Samson as Wicket Keeper for World Cup over Pant and Dhoni, just because he scored a century against a franchise team, is the biggest hypocrisy ever. From stats pov also, Samson is no where in Ranji too whereas Pant and Dhoni are proven performers.</p>
— Ghalibhe Mirza (@PluviophilePoet) <a href="https://twitter.com/PluviophilePoet/status/1111832477708873728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>As of now, Rishabh Pant, who impressed with his batting during India's tour of Australia, is considered as the next replacement of Dhoni.&nbsp;</p>


The former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir hailed Sanju Samson, who struck his second Indian Premier League ton against Hyderabad on Friday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, for his brilliant innings.

The former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir hailed Sanju Samson, who struck his second Indian Premier League ton against Hyderabad on Friday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, for his brilliant innings. Though his century went in vain, as Hyderabad chased down a mammoth 199-run target and defeated Rajasthan by five wickets. Minutes after the match was concluded, Gambhir tweeted, "I normally don't like to talk about individuals in cricket. But seeing his skills I am glad to note that Sanju Samson is currently the best Wicketkeeper batsman in India." Gambhir also said that Samson should be in India's England bound plane for the upcoming World Cup and he "should be batting number four" in the World Cup. Samson didn't spare a single Hyderabad's bowler and remained unbeaten on 102 that came off just 55 balls with the help of 10 fours and four sixes. It was Samson's second IPL ton. His first century came in 2017. The 24-year-old Samsom, who hails from Trivandrum, Kerala made his Twenty20 International debut for India against Zimbabwe in 2015. While Gambhir's comments for Samson have upset MS Dhoni's fans as according to the spectators, Dhoni remains the trusted and efficient wicketkeeper for India. It is believed that he will keep the stumps in the upcoming cricket World Cup in England and Wales for India. . Here are some Twitter reactions: I have a lot of respect for Gautam Gambhir and what he did to give India 2 ICC trophies was phenomenal. But to say Samson is the best wk bat in India is completely disrespectful to Dhoni and Karthik. To say that he should be India's no.4 is absurd — arnab bhattacharya (@Gunnerfourever) March 30, 2019 × One good match and samson is the best no 4. Total bullshit. Forget about comparing anyones wicketkeeping skills with MS DHONI. Gambhir is such a big hater of MS. Thank god he is going into politics — kunalbhuwad (@kunal28081997) March 30, 2019 × Gautam gambhir is either too jealous of dhoni or he stopped watching indian cricket the day he was dropped from indian side. India's best wicketkeeper batsman is dhoni and even after him rishabh is there. I don't know how he forgot these two!! — SAHIL GUPTA (@guptasahil2002) March 30, 2019 × Well there is difference between being best wicketkeeper batsman and Dhoni, we will always have best players, best batsman, best bowlers, best wicket keepers... But we cannot always have Dhoni, Sachin, Sourav, Dravid, Laxman, Kumble and even Goutam Gambhir... Legends are Legends — Anupam (@anupampathak999) March 30, 2019 × Gautam Gambhir favoring Sanju Samson as Wicket Keeper for World Cup over Pant and Dhoni, just because he scored a century against a franchise team, is the biggest hypocrisy ever. From stats pov also, Samson is no where in Ranji too whereas Pant and Dhoni are proven performers. — Ghalibhe Mirza (@PluviophilePoet) March 30, 2019 × As of now, Rishabh Pant, who impressed with his batting during India's tour of Australia, is considered as the next replacement of Dhoni.

Gautam Gambhir's comments on India's best wicketkeeper upset MS Dhoni fans

<p>South African pacer Chris Morris was spotted training with his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> team Delhi as he was gearing up to join the squad for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-kolkata-vs-delhi-game-of-spinners-at-feroz-shah-kotla-206656">match against Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata</a> at Feroz Shah Kotla on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Delhi will be playing on their home turf but there is a possibility that the conditions may turn out to be favourable for the visiting Kolkata with their spin oriented bowling attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kolkata team is also banking on their batsmen as Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Robin Uthappa and Shubhman Gill are all among runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Especially, Russell, with his incredible power-hitting ability, is the most dangerous batsman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Delhi pacer Chris Morris also hailed him as an "absolute genius" but also warned him ahead of the clash.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pace, swing and bounce 💥<br />
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Our overseas fast bowling contingent is geared up for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCvKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCvKKR</a> 💪<br />
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Inki bowling dekhne neela pehen ke <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QilaKotla?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QilaKotla</a> zaroor aana 🔵<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThisIsNewDelhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThisIsNewDelhi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiCapitals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiCapitals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/XqckKKvQ67">pic.twitter.com/XqckKKvQ67</a></p>
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiCapitals/status/1111925029518741504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Morris said, "It will be a case of 'if he misses, I hit'. I won't give away too many secrets."</p>

<p>"I might look like a duck, but my brain is working overtime and I will look to trust my training," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have got similar roles. He bats a little higher. Our job is to hit sixes and pick up wickets. But maybe he has a little more responsibility as a batsman than me."</p>

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<p>"Doesn't matter where Pant bats, he is good wherever he bats. My role is to play hard at the end," Morris concluded.&nbsp;</p>


South African pacer Chris Morris was spotted training with his Indian Premier League team Delhi as he was gearing up to join the squad for the match against Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata at Feroz Shah Kotla on Saturday.

South African pacer Chris Morris was spotted training with his Indian Premier League team Delhi as he was gearing up to join the squad for the match against Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata at Feroz Shah Kotla on Saturday. Delhi will be playing on their home turf but there is a possibility that the conditions may turn out to be favourable for the visiting Kolkata with their spin oriented bowling attack. Kolkata team is also banking on their batsmen as Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Robin Uthappa and Shubhman Gill are all among runs. Especially, Russell, with his incredible power-hitting ability, is the most dangerous batsman. While Delhi pacer Chris Morris also hailed him as an "absolute genius" but also warned him ahead of the clash. Pace, swing and bounce 💥 Our overseas fast bowling contingent is geared up for #DCvKKR 💪 Inki bowling dekhne neela pehen ke #QilaKotla zaroor aana 🔵#ThisIsNewDelhi #DelhiCapitals #IPL #IPL2019 pic.twitter.com/XqckKKvQ67 — Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 30, 2019 × Morris said, "It will be a case of 'if he misses, I hit'. I won't give away too many secrets." "I might look like a duck, but my brain is working overtime and I will look to trust my training," he added. "We have got similar roles. He bats a little higher. Our job is to hit sixes and pick up wickets. But maybe he has a little more responsibility as a batsman than me." × "Doesn't matter where Pant bats, he is good wherever he bats. My role is to play hard at the end," Morris concluded.

IPL 2019: Pacer Chris Morris warns Andre Russell ahead of Delhi-Kolkata clash

IPL 2019, Punjab vs Mumbai: Key players to watch out for

<p>Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli Thursday slammed the on-field umpires for ignoring the no-ball Mumbai pacer Lasith Malinga had bowled on the last ball of the match.</p>

<p>Malinga, who was bowling the last over, had delivered a no ball, which the umpires missed, and eventually resulted in Bangalore losing their second game. The Mumbai players started celebrating their win and it was the third umpire who noticed the no-ball while seeing the replay.</p>

<p>Kohli said the umpires should have been more careful as it is not a club cricket, it's IPL.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We playing at the IPL level and not playing club cricket. The umpires should have had their eyes open. That is a ridiculous call at the last ball. If it is a game of margins, I don't know what is happening. They should have been more sharp and careful out there. When they were 145 for 7, we should have done better," Kohli said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Last ball of the match. 7 to win, 6 for a super over. Warne: “Malinga has played 4000 games. He won’t bowl a no ball”. It wasn’t called... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ipl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ipl</a> <a href="https://t.co/6Fjqv41ZKq">pic.twitter.com/6Fjqv41ZKq</a></p>
— Ben Thapa (@BenThapa82) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenThapa82/status/1111333940508401664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Bangalore's Shivam Dube was the batsman to play the last ball and if noticed then the game could have gone in Bangalore;'s favour.</p>

<p>The Virat Kohli-led side eventually lost the match by six runs. For the side, AB de Villiers kept the team in the hunt as he slammed 70 in 41 balls. he remained unbeaten at the ned along with Dube who made nine in five balls.&nbsp;</p>


Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli Thursday slammed the on-field umpires for ignoring the no-ball Mumbai pacer Lasith Malinga had bowled on the last ball of the match.

Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli Thursday slammed the on-field umpires for ignoring the no-ball Mumbai pacer Lasith Malinga had bowled on the last ball of the match. Malinga, who was bowling the last over, had delivered a no ball, which the umpires missed, and eventually resulted in Bangalore losing their second game. The Mumbai players started celebrating their win and it was the third umpire who noticed the no-ball while seeing the replay. Kohli said the umpires should have been more careful as it is not a club cricket, it's IPL. "We playing at the IPL level and not playing club cricket. The umpires should have had their eyes open. That is a ridiculous call at the last ball. If it is a game of margins, I don't know what is happening. They should have been more sharp and careful out there. When they were 145 for 7, we should have done better," Kohli said. Last ball of the match. 7 to win, 6 for a super over. Warne: “Malinga has played 4000 games. He won’t bowl a no ball”. It wasn’t called... #ipl pic.twitter.com/6Fjqv41ZKq — Ben Thapa (@BenThapa82) March 28, 2019 × Bangalore's Shivam Dube was the batsman to play the last ball and if noticed then the game could have gone in Bangalore;'s favour. The Virat Kohli-led side eventually lost the match by six runs. For the side, AB de Villiers kept the team in the hunt as he slammed 70 in 41 balls. he remained unbeaten at the ned along with Dube who made nine in five balls.

'We playing at IPL level, not club cricket,' Virat Kohli to on-field umpires for missing a no-ball

<p>Kane Williamson-led Hyderabad is set to face Ajinkya Rahane-led Rajasthan in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far the tournament is in its full swing and has seen quite enough, from some mesmerising performances to few controversies as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>'Mankaded' in their opening match, Rajasthan would look to resurrect their fortunes against Hyderabad, who would also be aiming to put behind a disappointing first-day show.</p>

<p>Players are also focusing on giving their 100 per cent and impress their national team selectors to get a confirmed ticket to the England-bound plane for the cricket World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For Rajasthan, Jos Buttler looked in great touch in their opener but he would look for more support from the likes of Ajinkya Rahane, Sanju Samson, Steve Smith and Ben Stokes in the batting department.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In particular, Smith, who returned to the IPL after missing the last edition following the ball-tampering scandal, would be eyeing more time at the crease ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup.</p>

<p>Dhawal Kulkarni and spinner Krishnappa Gowtham were brilliant upfront with the ball against Punjab, but Stokes and Jaydev Unadkat leaked runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pacer Jofra Archer, who gave away just 17 runs in his four overs, looked threatening but wickets eluded him.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the preview:</strong></p>

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<p>Just like Rajasthan, Hyderabad too didn't have a dream start to their campaign, losing by six wickets to Kolkata.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While David Warner-led Hyderabad's batting looked solid, the death bowling performance spoiled their chances against Kolkata.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Warner, who is in imperious form after returning to competitive cricket following the one-year ban for ball-tampering, played true to his reputation, smashing 85 off 53 balls against Kolkata the other day.</p>

<p>And Hyderabad know their chances heavily depend on Warner's success even though they also have the likes of skipper Kane Williamson, Jonny Bairstow, Vijay Shankar, Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan and Shakib Al Hasan in their ranks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Williamson wasn't available in the first game due to injury but head coach Tom Moody indicated that he in all likelihood "will be fit for Friday's game and lead the side".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hyderabad bowling unit, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, had a good outing for the most part of the match on Sunday before the Andre Russell storm blew them away in the last three overs.</p>

<p>Needing 53 off the last three overs, Russell hammered Bhuvneshwar and Siddharth Kaul before Shakib was taken to the cleaners by young Shubman Gill in the final over as Sunrisers lost the plot.</p>

<p>And come Friday, Bhuvneshwar and the rest of the attack, which also includes Rashid Khan, will be eyeing a much-improved death bowling show.</p>


Kane Williamson-led Hyderabad is set to face Ajinkya Rahane-led Rajasthan in an Indian Premier League match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday. So far the tournament is in its full swing and has seen quite enough, from some mesmerising performances to few controversies as well.

Kane Williamson-led Hyderabad is set to face Ajinkya Rahane-led Rajasthan in an Indian Premier League match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday. So far the tournament is in its full swing and has seen quite enough, from some mesmerising performances to few controversies as well. 'Mankaded' in their opening match, Rajasthan would look to resurrect their fortunes against Hyderabad, who would also be aiming to put behind a disappointing first-day show. Players are also focusing on giving their 100 per cent and impress their national team selectors to get a confirmed ticket to the England-bound plane for the cricket World Cup. For Rajasthan, Jos Buttler looked in great touch in their opener but he would look for more support from the likes of Ajinkya Rahane, Sanju Samson, Steve Smith and Ben Stokes in the batting department. In particular, Smith, who returned to the IPL after missing the last edition following the ball-tampering scandal, would be eyeing more time at the crease ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup. Dhawal Kulkarni and spinner Krishnappa Gowtham were brilliant upfront with the ball against Punjab, but Stokes and Jaydev Unadkat leaked runs. Pacer Jofra Archer, who gave away just 17 runs in his four overs, looked threatening but wickets eluded him. Watch the preview: × Just like Rajasthan, Hyderabad too didn't have a dream start to their campaign, losing by six wickets to Kolkata. While David Warner-led Hyderabad's batting looked solid, the death bowling performance spoiled their chances against Kolkata. Warner, who is in imperious form after returning to competitive cricket following the one-year ban for ball-tampering, played true to his reputation, smashing 85 off 53 balls against Kolkata the other day. And Hyderabad know their chances heavily depend on Warner's success even though they also have the likes of skipper Kane Williamson, Jonny Bairstow, Vijay Shankar, Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan and Shakib Al Hasan in their ranks. Williamson wasn't available in the first game due to injury but head coach Tom Moody indicated that he in all likelihood "will be fit for Friday's game and lead the side". Hyderabad bowling unit, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, had a good outing for the most part of the match on Sunday before the Andre Russell storm blew them away in the last three overs. Needing 53 off the last three overs, Russell hammered Bhuvneshwar and Siddharth Kaul before Shakib was taken to the cleaners by young Shubman Gill in the final over as Sunrisers lost the plot. And come Friday, Bhuvneshwar and the rest of the attack, which also includes Rashid Khan, will be eyeing a much-improved death bowling show.

IPL 2019: Kane Williamson-led Hyderabad to host Ajinkya Rahane-led Rajasthan

<p>Umpire Sundaram Ravi, whose <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/umpiring-howler-creates-controversy-as-mumbai-beat-bangalore-under-controversial-206385">no ball howler cost Bangalore</a> heavily in an Indian Premier League match and led to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/we-playing-at-ipl-level-not-club-cricket-virat-kohli-to-on-field-umpires-for-ignoring-a-no-ball-206383">an angry outburst by Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli</a>, is unlikely to be sanctioned due to lack of officials with international experience on the BCCI roster.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently there are only 11 Indian Umpires allotted for on-field and TV duty for 56 IPL games, which means Ravi might get negative marking from the match referee but BCCI can hardly take any corrective measures beyond that.</p>

<p>"Currently we have only 17 umpires assigned on-field and for third umpires' duty. Out of the 11 are Indian and six foreigners from the Elite Panel. Apart from them, we have six more Indians as fourth umpires," a member of the now-defunct Umpiring sub-committee, who is privy to the allocation of assignments, told PTI on Friday.</p>

<p>Ravi, the only Indian in the ICC's Elite Panel, failed to spot an obvious no ball from Mumbai Indians' Lasith Malinga as RCB lost by six runs under controversial circumstances.</p>

<p>A livid RCB captain Virat Kohli said that "umpires should have kept their eyes open" while his India team deputy Rohit Sharma was also critical of the other on-field umpire C Nandan.</p>

<p>Ironically, Nandan was adjudged best Indian umpire in the BCCI awards two years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There is speculation in the BCCI that Ravi and Nandan may not be used in the play-off games of IPL but it's a very preliminary thought since overseas umpires like Marais Erasmus, Chris Gaffaney are around.</p>

<p>The BCCI brass, along with the Committee of Administrators (COA), has long been worried about the declining standard of Indian Umpires but has not been able to come up with a feasible solution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Even in those 11, we have only five who are assigned international matches. Apart from Ravi, we have Nandan, Shamshuddin, Anil Chaudhary and Nitin Menon, who are in ICC's international panel. The other six are currently officiating in domestic games," he said.</p>

<p>"Match referee Manu Nayar has no option but to mention the errors by Ravi and Nandan in his report but you can't just off-load Ravi. Let's accept, the replacements will be worse. So penalising him is out of question," he added.</p>

<p>One of the core issues that BCCI has been unable to address is the qualifying structure through which umpires are coming up the ranks.</p>

<p>As per data accessed by PTI, there were about 114 umpires who had officiated in around 2000 BCCI games of all age groups (Men and Women).</p>

<p>This year's Ranji Trophy had been marred by umpiring howlers and fatigue was a reason cited by many for the bloopers.</p>

<p>The most notable was Cheteshwar Pujara being ruled not out during the Ranji Trophy semi-final between Saurashtra and Karanataka. R Vinay Kumar had induced a big nick that the umpire couldn't hear and the India international scored a hundred which proved decisive.</p>

<p>The number is very less and more so because those appearing for BCCI's Level 1, 2 or 3 umpiring Test have been found to be well below par.</p>

<p>"We have the National Academy of Umpires (NAU) in Nagpur. To procure a form and get enrolled there, you need a recommendation from local state association. The system itself is flawed," a retired former first-class umpire, who didn't wish to come on record, said.</p>

<p>It has been learnt that BCCI also intends to clamp down on some umpiring academies, where candidates are allegedly prepared for the BCCI level tests, which gives them direct advantage over other meritorious candidates.</p>


Umpire Sundaram Ravi, whose no ball howler cost Bangalore heavily in an Indian Premier League match and led to an angry outburst by Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli, is unlikely to be sanctioned due to lack of officials with international experience on the BCCI roster.

Umpire Sundaram Ravi, whose no ball howler cost Bangalore heavily in an Indian Premier League match and led to an angry outburst by Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli, is unlikely to be sanctioned due to lack of officials with international experience on the BCCI roster. Currently there are only 11 Indian Umpires allotted for on-field and TV duty for 56 IPL games, which means Ravi might get negative marking from the match referee but BCCI can hardly take any corrective measures beyond that. "Currently we have only 17 umpires assigned on-field and for third umpires' duty. Out of the 11 are Indian and six foreigners from the Elite Panel. Apart from them, we have six more Indians as fourth umpires," a member of the now-defunct Umpiring sub-committee, who is privy to the allocation of assignments, told PTI on Friday. Ravi, the only Indian in the ICC's Elite Panel, failed to spot an obvious no ball from Mumbai Indians' Lasith Malinga as RCB lost by six runs under controversial circumstances. A livid RCB captain Virat Kohli said that "umpires should have kept their eyes open" while his India team deputy Rohit Sharma was also critical of the other on-field umpire C Nandan. Ironically, Nandan was adjudged best Indian umpire in the BCCI awards two years ago. There is speculation in the BCCI that Ravi and Nandan may not be used in the play-off games of IPL but it's a very preliminary thought since overseas umpires like Marais Erasmus, Chris Gaffaney are around. The BCCI brass, along with the Committee of Administrators (COA), has long been worried about the declining standard of Indian Umpires but has not been able to come up with a feasible solution. "Even in those 11, we have only five who are assigned international matches. Apart from Ravi, we have Nandan, Shamshuddin, Anil Chaudhary and Nitin Menon, who are in ICC's international panel. The other six are currently officiating in domestic games," he said. "Match referee Manu Nayar has no option but to mention the errors by Ravi and Nandan in his report but you can't just off-load Ravi. Let's accept, the replacements will be worse. So penalising him is out of question," he added. One of the core issues that BCCI has been unable to address is the qualifying structure through which umpires are coming up the ranks. As per data accessed by PTI, there were about 114 umpires who had officiated in around 2000 BCCI games of all age groups (Men and Women). This year's Ranji Trophy had been marred by umpiring howlers and fatigue was a reason cited by many for the bloopers. The most notable was Cheteshwar Pujara being ruled not out during the Ranji Trophy semi-final between Saurashtra and Karanataka. R Vinay Kumar had induced a big nick that the umpire couldn't hear and the India international scored a hundred which proved decisive. The number is very less and more so because those appearing for BCCI's Level 1, 2 or 3 umpiring Test have been found to be well below par. "We have the National Academy of Umpires (NAU) in Nagpur. To procure a form and get enrolled there, you need a recommendation from local state association. The system itself is flawed," a retired former first-class umpire, who didn't wish to come on record, said. It has been learnt that BCCI also intends to clamp down on some umpiring academies, where candidates are allegedly prepared for the BCCI level tests, which gives them direct advantage over other meritorious candidates.

Sanction unlikely for umpires Sundaram Ravi and Nandan for after howler in IPL match

<p>Ravichandran <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-jos-buttler-mankaded-by-r-ashwin-twitter-slams-punjab-captain-205606">Ashwin's recent 'Mankad' dismissal of Jos Buttler</a> in the Indian Premier League was not "within the spirit of the game", the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has said after reviewing footage of the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The MCC, the custodian of cricket's laws, had earlier said the decision could have gone either way depending on how 'the instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball' is interpreted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Having extensively reviewed the incident again and after further reflection, we don't think it was within the spirit of the game," Fraser Stewart, the MCC's manager of the laws of cricket, told the Daily Telegraph.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Punjab captain Ashwin sparked a chorus of disapproval from fellow players and pundits after running out Buttler when the Rajasthan Royals batsman was backing up at the non-striker's end instead of completing his delivery.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also </strong><strong>Read:</strong><strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/ashwins-mankading-controversy-if-it-is-legally-correct-then-it-should-be-in-the-spirit-of-the-game-206051">Ashwin's 'Mankading' controversy: If it is legally correct then it should be in the spirit of the game</a></strong></p>

<p>The dismissal, named after India bowler Vinoo Mankad who ran out Australia's Bill Brown in similar fashion in 1947, is permitted under cricket's laws but viewed by some as going against the spirit of the game.</p>

<p>The MCC changed its stance because Ashwin paused after his delivery stride and waited for Buttler to leave the crease before whipping the bails off.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We believe the pause was too long between the time Ashwin reached the crease and the moment it was reasonable to expect the ball would be delivered," Stewart added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When Buttler could have reasonably expected the ball to be delivered, he was in his ground. We now think at the key moment Buttler was in his ground.</p>

<p>"Buttler, it's fair to say, did not make a concerted effort to get back into his crease after Ashwin had delayed his delivery, and didn't help himself in that respect."</p>

<p>Stewart said non-strikers should stop trying to gain an advantage by backing up before the ball was bowled.</p>

<p>"It's also unfair and against the spirit of cricket for non-strikers to leave their ground too early," he added. "All these debates wouldn't be necessary if non-strikers remained in their ground until the ball is on its way down the pitch."</p>


Ravichandran Ashwin's recent 'Mankad' dismissal of Jos Buttler in the Indian Premier League was not "within the spirit of the game", the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has said after reviewing footage of the incident.

Ravichandran Ashwin's recent 'Mankad' dismissal of Jos Buttler in the Indian Premier League was not "within the spirit of the game", the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has said after reviewing footage of the incident. The MCC, the custodian of cricket's laws, had earlier said the decision could have gone either way depending on how 'the instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball' is interpreted. "Having extensively reviewed the incident again and after further reflection, we don't think it was within the spirit of the game," Fraser Stewart, the MCC's manager of the laws of cricket, told the Daily Telegraph. Punjab captain Ashwin sparked a chorus of disapproval from fellow players and pundits after running out Buttler when the Rajasthan Royals batsman was backing up at the non-striker's end instead of completing his delivery. Also Read: Ashwin's 'Mankading' controversy: If it is legally correct then it should be in the spirit of the game The dismissal, named after India bowler Vinoo Mankad who ran out Australia's Bill Brown in similar fashion in 1947, is permitted under cricket's laws but viewed by some as going against the spirit of the game. The MCC changed its stance because Ashwin paused after his delivery stride and waited for Buttler to leave the crease before whipping the bails off. "We believe the pause was too long between the time Ashwin reached the crease and the moment it was reasonable to expect the ball would be delivered," Stewart added. "When Buttler could have reasonably expected the ball to be delivered, he was in his ground. We now think at the key moment Buttler was in his ground. "Buttler, it's fair to say, did not make a concerted effort to get back into his crease after Ashwin had delayed his delivery, and didn't help himself in that respect." Stewart said non-strikers should stop trying to gain an advantage by backing up before the ball was bowled. "It's also unfair and against the spirit of cricket for non-strikers to leave their ground too early," he added. "All these debates wouldn't be necessary if non-strikers remained in their ground until the ball is on its way down the pitch."

'Not in spirit of game': MCC's take on Ravichandran Ashwin's 'Mankad' on Jos Buttler

<p>Team India's captain Virat Kohli will be up against ODI team vice captain Rohit Sharma and World's No 1 bowler in ODI Jasprit Bumrah as Bangalore (RCB) host Mumbai in the seventh game of the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).</p>

<p>Bumrah's shoulder injury scare was a cause of concern for the Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai but the pacer have recovered in time to be back in the fold.</p>

<p>Both teams will be eager to register their first win of the IPL and the onus will be on Kohli and Rohit, as both of them failed with the bat in their respective opening matches.</p>

<p>Mumbai Indians will also be boosted by the availability of Sri Lankan Lasith Malinga.</p>

<p>Yuvraj Singh will also be in focus after the 37-year-old started the season on a classy note hitting a sublime half-century against Delhi.</p>

<p>Mitchell McClenaghan will be eager to face the challenge of bowling to Kohli, AB De Villers and Shimron Hetmyer.</p>

<p>Bangalore will expect its batsmen to put up a formidable total after they were bundled out for a paltry 70 in 17.1 overs against the Chennai in the opening match of the season.</p>

<p>With power-hitters like Kohli, AB de Villiers in the team, that should not be an uphill task as the game will be played at Bangalore's home ground.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal will again be the key man in the Bangalore bowling attack. &nbsp;</p>


Team India's captain Virat Kohli will be up against ODI team vice captain Rohit Sharma and World's No 1 bowler in ODI Jasprit Bumrah as Bangalore (RCB) host Mumbai in the seventh game of the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Team India's captain Virat Kohli will be up against ODI team vice captain Rohit Sharma and World's No 1 bowler in ODI Jasprit Bumrah as Bangalore (RCB) host Mumbai in the seventh game of the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Bumrah's shoulder injury scare was a cause of concern for the Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai but the pacer have recovered in time to be back in the fold. Both teams will be eager to register their first win of the IPL and the onus will be on Kohli and Rohit, as both of them failed with the bat in their respective opening matches. Mumbai Indians will also be boosted by the availability of Sri Lankan Lasith Malinga. Yuvraj Singh will also be in focus after the 37-year-old started the season on a classy note hitting a sublime half-century against Delhi. Mitchell McClenaghan will be eager to face the challenge of bowling to Kohli, AB De Villers and Shimron Hetmyer. Bangalore will expect its batsmen to put up a formidable total after they were bundled out for a paltry 70 in 17.1 overs against the Chennai in the opening match of the season. With power-hitters like Kohli, AB de Villiers in the team, that should not be an uphill task as the game will be played at Bangalore's home ground. Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal will again be the key man in the Bangalore bowling attack.

IPL 2019: Virat Kohli will be up against Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma as Bangalore face Mumbai

IPL 2019: Rajasthan look to return to winning ways against Hyderabad

IPL: Dogs get special seats for Mumbai vs Bangalore match at Chinnaswamy Stadium

<p>Andre Russell's second consecutive blistering knock made all the difference as Kolkata&nbsp;beat Punjab by 28 runs in their IPL match here on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Russell, who hit a sensational 19-ball 49 against Hyderabad in Kolkata's previous match, bludgeoned his way to a 17-ball 48 to propel the home side to a massive 218 for 4 after being sent into bat. He later took two wickets for 21 runs to help Kolkata restrict Punjab to 190 for 4 and emerge as the undisputed star of the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When on three, Russell was yorked by Mohammed Shami off the last delivery of the 17th over but to the horror of Punjab, the umpire signalled a no-ball as the visiting team was found to have one fielder short of the mandatory four inside the 30-yard circle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 30-year-old Russell made full use of the reprieve as he hammered five sixes and three fours from the next 11 balls he faced to send the Eden Gardens crowd berserk. He was dismissed in the final over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kolkata made 56 runs in 19 balls after the no-ball incident to score their highest IPL total at Eden Gardens. The Kolkata innings was lashed with 17 sixes.</p>

<p>Russell though was not the top-scorer for Kolkata. Robin Uthappa took that honour, remaining not out on 67 off 50 balls while Nitish Rana was the one who set the Eden Gardens on fire before Russell came out with a 34-ball 63.</p>

<p>The much-anticipated contest between two big-hitting Jamaicans from the rival teams, however, ended in a damp squib with Russell winning hands down against his much senior compatriot Chris Gayle.</p>

<p>The 'Universe Boss' Gayle was out in the fifth over of the Punjab run chase with a small contribution of 20 off 13 deliveries. The Punjab side were in deep trouble early on as</p>

<p>Lokesh Rahul (1) was also out cheaply before Gayle in the second over.</p>

<p>It was left to Mayank Agarwal and David Miller to bring back Punjab into the game. The duo did well, raising 50 runs in 4.9 overs and stealing 19 runs from the 12th over bowled by Sunil Narine.</p>

<p>But soon they found the target to be too stiff and by the end of the 15th over, the asking had risen to 17.2 runs an over.</p>

<p>Agarwal was out in the 16th over for 53 off 34 deliveries while Miller stayed unbeaten for a 40-ball 59 not out with the help of five fours and three sixes as KXIP fell short by 28 runs in the end.</p>

<p>There was also some drama in store in the sixth over when the game was halted for a while with Kolkata skipper Dinesh Karthik and Robin Uthappa engaging in an animated discussion with the umpires after Punjab were awarded five runs from an overthrow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, playing his first match after the 'Mankading' controversy, Kings skipper Ravichandran Ashwin found the going tough after he opted to bowl with Sunil Narine unleashing the fury early on with a nine-ball 24.</p>

<p>Rana, who struck his consecutive half-century, took Ashwin to task, hitting the India off-spinner for two sixes and continued his assault on Mandeep Singh in the next over with successive sixes.</p>

<p>Such was Rana's fury that his next 41 runs came off just 13 balls as he along with Uthappa made a spectacular 110-run third wicket partnership off just 66 balls.</p>

<p>Varun Chakravarthy (1/35), who fetched the joint-highest bid price of Rs 8.4 in the IPL auctions, found it tough in his debut match as Narine smashed him for three sixes and a boundary in his first over.</p>


Andre Russell's second consecutive blistering knock made all the difference as Kolkata beat Punjab by 28 runs in their IPL match here on Wednesday. Russell, who hit a sensational 19-ball 49 against Hyderabad in Kolkata's previous match, bludgeoned his way to a 17-ball 48 to propel the home side to a massive 218 for 4 after being sent into bat.

Andre Russell's second consecutive blistering knock made all the difference as Kolkata beat Punjab by 28 runs in their IPL match here on Wednesday. Russell, who hit a sensational 19-ball 49 against Hyderabad in Kolkata's previous match, bludgeoned his way to a 17-ball 48 to propel the home side to a massive 218 for 4 after being sent into bat. He later took two wickets for 21 runs to help Kolkata restrict Punjab to 190 for 4 and emerge as the undisputed star of the match. When on three, Russell was yorked by Mohammed Shami off the last delivery of the 17th over but to the horror of Punjab, the umpire signalled a no-ball as the visiting team was found to have one fielder short of the mandatory four inside the 30-yard circle. The 30-year-old Russell made full use of the reprieve as he hammered five sixes and three fours from the next 11 balls he faced to send the Eden Gardens crowd berserk. He was dismissed in the final over. Kolkata made 56 runs in 19 balls after the no-ball incident to score their highest IPL total at Eden Gardens. The Kolkata innings was lashed with 17 sixes. Russell though was not the top-scorer for Kolkata. Robin Uthappa took that honour, remaining not out on 67 off 50 balls while Nitish Rana was the one who set the Eden Gardens on fire before Russell came out with a 34-ball 63. The much-anticipated contest between two big-hitting Jamaicans from the rival teams, however, ended in a damp squib with Russell winning hands down against his much senior compatriot Chris Gayle. The 'Universe Boss' Gayle was out in the fifth over of the Punjab run chase with a small contribution of 20 off 13 deliveries. The Punjab side were in deep trouble early on as Lokesh Rahul (1) was also out cheaply before Gayle in the second over. It was left to Mayank Agarwal and David Miller to bring back Punjab into the game. The duo did well, raising 50 runs in 4.9 overs and stealing 19 runs from the 12th over bowled by Sunil Narine. But soon they found the target to be too stiff and by the end of the 15th over, the asking had risen to 17.2 runs an over. Agarwal was out in the 16th over for 53 off 34 deliveries while Miller stayed unbeaten for a 40-ball 59 not out with the help of five fours and three sixes as KXIP fell short by 28 runs in the end. There was also some drama in store in the sixth over when the game was halted for a while with Kolkata skipper Dinesh Karthik and Robin Uthappa engaging in an animated discussion with the umpires after Punjab were awarded five runs from an overthrow. Earlier, playing his first match after the 'Mankading' controversy, Kings skipper Ravichandran Ashwin found the going tough after he opted to bowl with Sunil Narine unleashing the fury early on with a nine-ball 24. Rana, who struck his consecutive half-century, took Ashwin to task, hitting the India off-spinner for two sixes and continued his assault on Mandeep Singh in the next over with successive sixes. Such was Rana's fury that his next 41 runs came off just 13 balls as he along with Uthappa made a spectacular 110-run third wicket partnership off just 66 balls. Varun Chakravarthy (1/35), who fetched the joint-highest bid price of Rs 8.4 in the IPL auctions, found it tough in his debut match as Narine smashed him for three sixes and a boundary in his first over.

Andre Russell stars yet again as Kolkata beat Punjab by 28 runs

<p>Mumbai inducted young West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph in place of injured New Zealander Adam Milne for the remaining season of the 12th edition of Indian Premier League.</p>

<p>22-year-old Joseph made his Test debut in 2016 and took 10 wickets in West Indies recent home 2-1 series triumph against England.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Milne suffered from a heel injury and was ruled out of Mumbai's opening encounter against Delhi.</p>

<p>Delhi went on set a score of 213/6 after 20 overs while Mumbai were all-out for 176.</p>

<p>The Shreays Iyer-side won the game by 37 runs. However, they lost their second game to Chennai at Feroz Shah Kotla.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Three-time champions Mumbai will Bangalore later in the evening for their second game. &nbsp;</p>


Mumbai inducted young West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph in place of injured New Zealander Adam Milne for the remaining season of the 12th edition of Indian Premier League.

Mumbai inducted young West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph in place of injured New Zealander Adam Milne for the remaining season of the 12th edition of Indian Premier League. 22-year-old Joseph made his Test debut in 2016 and took 10 wickets in West Indies recent home 2-1 series triumph against England. Meanwhile, Milne suffered from a heel injury and was ruled out of Mumbai's opening encounter against Delhi. Delhi went on set a score of 213/6 after 20 overs while Mumbai were all-out for 176. The Shreays Iyer-side won the game by 37 runs. However, they lost their second game to Chennai at Feroz Shah Kotla. Three-time champions Mumbai will Bangalore later in the evening for their second game.

IPL 2019: Mumbai induct West Indies' Alzarri Joseph in place of injured Adam Milne

<p>Hours before <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-virat-kohli-up-against-jasprit-bumrah-rohit-sharma-as-bangalore-face-mumbai-206118">Bangalore host Mumbai at M Chinnaswamy stadium</a> for the seventh game of the 12th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL), a bowler from the 'red brigade' was spotted having a similar action as of World no 1 ODI bowler Jasprit Bumrah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the uninitiated, Bumrah is the leading bowler of Mumbai and will take on Virat Kohli-led IPL team, later in the evening.</p>

<p>From his unique action to his accurate bowling, Bumrah has created a name for himself with many young bowlers trying to adapt his style of bowling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a video posted by the 'Paltan' where they have the video of Bumrah and the Bangalore bowler side by side, the similarity between their actions is evident.</p>

<p>The run-up of the two bowlers is exactly the same and while Bumrah's hands are closer to his body while running down to bowl, the Bangalore bowler's hands are a bit stretched.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&lt;<a href="https://twitter.com/Jaspritbumrah93?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jaspritbumrah93</a> bowling action&gt;... CTRL + C... CTRL + V 🤔 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneFamily?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneFamily</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketMeriJaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketMeriJaan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiIndians?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiIndians</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvMI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvMI</a> <a href="https://t.co/4EZZwMGsqX">pic.twitter.com/4EZZwMGsqX</a></p>
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<p>While it is still unclear who the bowler in the Bangalore nets is, it will be interesting to see if the Virat Kohli inducts him in the team in the future and unleash the mystery.</p>

<p>Bumrah, who was Mumbai find, debuted for them back in 2013 and six years down the line, he is leading the bowling attack for India.</p>

<p>Both Bangalore and Mumbai would be eager to register their first win as the two were thrashed by Chennai and Delhi respectively in their campaign openers. &nbsp;</p>


Hours before Bangalore host Mumbai at M Chinnaswamy stadium for the seventh game of the 12th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL), a bowler from the 'red brigade' was spotted having a similar action as of World no 1 ODI bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

Hours before Bangalore host Mumbai at M Chinnaswamy stadium for the seventh game of the 12th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL), a bowler from the 'red brigade' was spotted having a similar action as of World no 1 ODI bowler Jasprit Bumrah. For the uninitiated, Bumrah is the leading bowler of Mumbai and will take on Virat Kohli-led IPL team, later in the evening. From his unique action to his accurate bowling, Bumrah has created a name for himself with many young bowlers trying to adapt his style of bowling. In a video posted by the 'Paltan' where they have the video of Bumrah and the Bangalore bowler side by side, the similarity between their actions is evident. The run-up of the two bowlers is exactly the same and while Bumrah's hands are closer to his body while running down to bowl, the Bangalore bowler's hands are a bit stretched. <@Jaspritbumrah93 bowling action>... CTRL + C... CTRL + V 🤔 #OneFamily #CricketMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians #RCBvMI pic.twitter.com/4EZZwMGsqX — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 27, 2019 × While it is still unclear who the bowler in the Bangalore nets is, it will be interesting to see if the Virat Kohli inducts him in the team in the future and unleash the mystery. Bumrah, who was Mumbai find, debuted for them back in 2013 and six years down the line, he is leading the bowling attack for India. Both Bangalore and Mumbai would be eager to register their first win as the two were thrashed by Chennai and Delhi respectively in their campaign openers.

Watch: Has Virat Kohli-led Bangalore found their own Jasprit Bumrah?

Mumbai vs Bangalore: From Malinga's arrival to Chahal's form, key players to watch out for

<p>Shane Watson and Suresh Raina made batting look easy on a lifeless track as Chennai coasted to a six-wicket victory over Delhi in an Indian Premier League encounter on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Shikhar Dhawan's painstaking half-century was the only silver lining in Delhi's sub-par total of 147 for six which the defending champions overtook with two balls to spare.</p>

<p>The scoreline might suggest that it was a close game but Chennai were always in control of the chase despite a lot of balls being wasted by Mahendra Singh Dhoni at the back end of the innings.</p>

<p>When Delhi batted first, run-scoring looked an arduous job with a middle-order collapse dashing hopes of a big total.</p>

<p>When Chennai started their chase, it was expected that the slowness will be a factor but it seemed Watson (44 off 26 balls) and Suresh Raina (30 off 16 balls) were batting on a different track. They showed positive intent which was singularly lacking in Dhawan and Co.</p>

<p>They hit eight fours and four sixes between them to add 52 runs in only four overs and there was no recovery from that onslaught.</p>

<p>Ishant Sharma (0/28 in 3 overs) bowled too many length balls which were driven with disdain and short ones were cut ferociously. Five boundaries off Ishant's in three overs was just the start that Chennai needed.</p>

<p>Veteran leg-spinner Amit Mishra got a couple of wickets but mostly bowled hittable length with three maximums coming in his spell, including the decisive six from Dhoni (32 no off 35 balls).</p>

<p>Kagiso Rabada, who was impressive in the first match, was erratic on the day and an altercation with Watson only disturbed his concentration.<br />
By the time Watson was out, it was a formality for the CSK to record their second victory but Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav (27) made an easy chase look difficult.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Dhawan played the role of sheet anchor in his 51 off 47 balls that had seven boundaries but unfortunately failed to accelerate during the final overs. This left the home team at least 30 runs short of a fighting score which proved to be decisive in the end.</p>

<p>From a comfortable 120 for 2 with the dangerous Rishabh Pant at the crease, CSK seized the momentum, effecting a middle-order collapse. Capitals lost four wickets for seven runs in just 1.5 overs. From 118 for 2 after 15 overs, the last five overs yielded only 29 runs.</p>

<p>With the ball stopping and coming, Capitals batsmen found Dwayne Bravo's (3/33 in 4 overs) variations difficult to handle. Ravindra Jadeja (1/23 in 4 overs) also made life difficult in the middle overs and Harbhajan Singh (0/30 in 4 overs) also bowled as many as 10 dot balls.</p>

<p>Dhawan, however, continued to hold one end up and hit the occasional boundary in between, even as stroke making became increasingly difficult.<br />
Pant (25 off 12 balls), during his 41-run stand with Dhawan, tried to negate the pitch factor but did not last till the death overs.</p>

<p>He did reach out to a short ball from Harbhajan, dispatching it over long off for a six. In the next over, his short arm pull off Dwayne Bravo was taken by Shardul Thakur at deep square leg boundary.</p>

<p>With Colin Ingram (2) and Keemo Paul (0) also being dismissed cheaply, followed by Dhawan, the expectations of a 175-plus total withered away.&nbsp;</p>


Shane Watson and Suresh Raina made batting look easy on a lifeless track as Chennai coasted to a six-wicket victory over Delhi in an Indian Premier League encounter on Tuesday.

Shane Watson and Suresh Raina made batting look easy on a lifeless track as Chennai coasted to a six-wicket victory over Delhi in an Indian Premier League encounter on Tuesday. Shikhar Dhawan's painstaking half-century was the only silver lining in Delhi's sub-par total of 147 for six which the defending champions overtook with two balls to spare. The scoreline might suggest that it was a close game but Chennai were always in control of the chase despite a lot of balls being wasted by Mahendra Singh Dhoni at the back end of the innings. When Delhi batted first, run-scoring looked an arduous job with a middle-order collapse dashing hopes of a big total. When Chennai started their chase, it was expected that the slowness will be a factor but it seemed Watson (44 off 26 balls) and Suresh Raina (30 off 16 balls) were batting on a different track. They showed positive intent which was singularly lacking in Dhawan and Co. They hit eight fours and four sixes between them to add 52 runs in only four overs and there was no recovery from that onslaught. Ishant Sharma (0/28 in 3 overs) bowled too many length balls which were driven with disdain and short ones were cut ferociously. Five boundaries off Ishant's in three overs was just the start that Chennai needed. Veteran leg-spinner Amit Mishra got a couple of wickets but mostly bowled hittable length with three maximums coming in his spell, including the decisive six from Dhoni (32 no off 35 balls). Kagiso Rabada, who was impressive in the first match, was erratic on the day and an altercation with Watson only disturbed his concentration. By the time Watson was out, it was a formality for the CSK to record their second victory but Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav (27) made an easy chase look difficult. Earlier, Dhawan played the role of sheet anchor in his 51 off 47 balls that had seven boundaries but unfortunately failed to accelerate during the final overs. This left the home team at least 30 runs short of a fighting score which proved to be decisive in the end. From a comfortable 120 for 2 with the dangerous Rishabh Pant at the crease, CSK seized the momentum, effecting a middle-order collapse. Capitals lost four wickets for seven runs in just 1.5 overs. From 118 for 2 after 15 overs, the last five overs yielded only 29 runs. With the ball stopping and coming, Capitals batsmen found Dwayne Bravo's (3/33 in 4 overs) variations difficult to handle. Ravindra Jadeja (1/23 in 4 overs) also made life difficult in the middle overs and Harbhajan Singh (0/30 in 4 overs) also bowled as many as 10 dot balls. Dhawan, however, continued to hold one end up and hit the occasional boundary in between, even as stroke making became increasingly difficult. Pant (25 off 12 balls), during his 41-run stand with Dhawan, tried to negate the pitch factor but did not last till the death overs. He did reach out to a short ball from Harbhajan, dispatching it over long off for a six. In the next over, his short arm pull off Dwayne Bravo was taken by Shardul Thakur at deep square leg boundary. With Colin Ingram (2) and Keemo Paul (0) also being dismissed cheaply, followed by Dhawan, the expectations of a 175-plus total withered away.

IPL 2019: Experienced Chennai beat young Delhi by six wickets

<p>Punjab skipper R Ashwin was left fuming after Andre Russell had a lucky escape at the Eden Gardens.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Punjab were under the pump after hard-hitting fifties from Nitish Rana and Robin Uthappa but it was Russell's 17-ball cameo that took the game away from the Kings.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
However, Mohammed Shami had dismissed Russell with a sharp yorker but when Shami went to take his cap from the umpire, things took a new turn as the umpire had ruled it a no-ball as there were only three fielders inside the circle - there needed to be at least four.</p>

<p>Punjab's players were surprised with skipper R Ashwin talking to the umpire about it.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Andre Russell comes to bat<br />
Kkr fans :<br />
🔥🔥🔥 <a href="https://t.co/SP3COYjipY">pic.twitter.com/SP3COYjipY</a></p>
— atharv kharkar (@AtharvKharkar) <a href="https://twitter.com/AtharvKharkar/status/1110938711250788352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Lock Ashwin in a room with ANDRE RUSSELL after this match🔥</p>
— VISHAL (@V1SH4L) <a href="https://twitter.com/V1SH4L/status/1110950457600606208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Karma is a bitch. <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> used the LAW to his advantage in the last game, and today the LAW made a bitch of him and gave <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndreRussell?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndreRussell</a> a reprieve - how costly was that ? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvKXIP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvKXIP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IPL</a></p>
— Ashwin Sathian (@AshwinSathian) <a href="https://twitter.com/AshwinSathian/status/1110942421645295618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Current state of KXIP bowlers :<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvKXIP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvKXIP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndreRussell?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndreRussell</a> <a href="https://t.co/oGuHZlWdeY">pic.twitter.com/oGuHZlWdeY</a></p>
— Omkar Mahajan (@omkard24) <a href="https://twitter.com/omkard24/status/1110944321895845894?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndreRussell?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndreRussell</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thunder?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thunder</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvKXIP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvKXIP</a> #218<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/whowinstoday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#whowinstoday</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gayle?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gayle</a><br />
Hope so <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KXIP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KXIP</a> win this Match👍 <a href="https://t.co/tgMx6U3FSZ">pic.twitter.com/tgMx6U3FSZ</a></p>
— jeet vansi (@JeetVansi) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeetVansi/status/1110939546571755522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>It is not yet clear whether it was the captain's mistake or whether the fourth fielder had stepped outside the circle before the ball was bowled.</p>

<p>But for Kolkata, it was the best decision as Russell slammed three boundaries and five sixes to help Riders set 219 runs target.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He eventually fell to Andrew Tye on the fourth ball of the 19th ball.</p>


Punjab skipper R Ashwin was left fuming after Andre Russell had a lucky escape at the Eden Gardens. Punjab were under the pump after hard-hitting fifties from Nitish Rana and Robin Uthappa but it was Russell's 17-ball cameo that took the game away from the Kings.

Punjab skipper R Ashwin was left fuming after Andre Russell had a lucky escape at the Eden Gardens. Punjab were under the pump after hard-hitting fifties from Nitish Rana and Robin Uthappa but it was Russell's 17-ball cameo that took the game away from the Kings. However, Mohammed Shami had dismissed Russell with a sharp yorker but when Shami went to take his cap from the umpire, things took a new turn as the umpire had ruled it a no-ball as there were only three fielders inside the circle - there needed to be at least four. Punjab's players were surprised with skipper R Ashwin talking to the umpire about it. Andre Russell comes to bat Kkr fans : 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/SP3COYjipY — atharv kharkar (@AtharvKharkar) March 27, 2019 × Lock Ashwin in a room with ANDRE RUSSELL after this match🔥 — VISHAL (@V1SH4L) March 27, 2019 × Karma is a bitch. @ashwinravi99 used the LAW to his advantage in the last game, and today the LAW made a bitch of him and gave #AndreRussell a reprieve - how costly was that ? #KKRvKXIP @IPL — Ashwin Sathian (@AshwinSathian) March 27, 2019 × Current state of KXIP bowlers :#KKRvKXIP #AndreRussell pic.twitter.com/oGuHZlWdeY — Omkar Mahajan (@omkard24) March 27, 2019 × #AndreRussell #Thunder #KKRvKXIP #218#whowinstoday#Gayle Hope so #KXIP win this Match👍 pic.twitter.com/tgMx6U3FSZ — jeet vansi (@JeetVansi) March 27, 2019 × It is not yet clear whether it was the captain's mistake or whether the fourth fielder had stepped outside the circle before the ball was bowled. But for Kolkata, it was the best decision as Russell slammed three boundaries and five sixes to help Riders set 219 runs target. He eventually fell to Andrew Tye on the fourth ball of the 19th ball.

IPL 2019: Andre Russell hits 17-ball 48 after Punjab make costly mistake; Twitter reacts

<p>Ravichandran Ashwin-led Punjab will take Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both teams had a winning start in their campaign opener as after Andre Russell's marvellous performance Kolkata defeated Hyderabad and in the other match, Punjab defeated Rajasthan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the Punjab-Rajasthan match saw a major controversy when Ashwin ran out Rajasthan's Jos Buttler, who was at the non-strikers' end, without giving him any warning while bowling the 13th over of the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Buttler's dismissal changed the course of game and Punjab eventually registered the victory, though Ashwin faced a severe backlash and the incident triggered a "spirit of the game" debate.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Punjab's biggest star Chris Gayle scored a 47-ball 79 and his Jamaican rivalry with fellow mate Andre Russell, who also looked in blistering touch for Kolkata, will be one of the sub plots of the clash here.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A typical slow starter, Gayle was 14 off 18 balls but the opener hit top gear in the 12th over hammering Jaydev Unadkat for four successive boundaries. &nbsp;</p>

<p>A former Kolkata player, Gayle knows Eden Gardens like the back of his hand as he would look to continue his assault on the spin-oriented Kolkata attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russell will be Kolkata's answer to Gayle as the KKR star also fashioned a sensational win, smashing an unbeaten 49 from 19 balls in their opening fixture against Hyderabad here two days ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The win saw their star spinner and explosive opener, Sunil Narine, hurt his finger and Kolkata would hope he is fit in time.&nbsp;</p>


Ravichandran Ashwin-led Punjab will take Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday in the Indian Premier League. Both teams had a winning start in their campaign opener as after Andre Russell's marvellous performance Kolkata defeated Hyderabad and in the other match, Punjab defeated Rajasthan.

Ravichandran Ashwin-led Punjab will take Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday in the Indian Premier League. Both teams had a winning start in their campaign opener as after Andre Russell's marvellous performance Kolkata defeated Hyderabad and in the other match, Punjab defeated Rajasthan. While the Punjab-Rajasthan match saw a major controversy when Ashwin ran out Rajasthan's Jos Buttler, who was at the non-strikers' end, without giving him any warning while bowling the 13th over of the match. Buttler's dismissal changed the course of game and Punjab eventually registered the victory, though Ashwin faced a severe backlash and the incident triggered a "spirit of the game" debate. × Punjab's biggest star Chris Gayle scored a 47-ball 79 and his Jamaican rivalry with fellow mate Andre Russell, who also looked in blistering touch for Kolkata, will be one of the sub plots of the clash here. A typical slow starter, Gayle was 14 off 18 balls but the opener hit top gear in the 12th over hammering Jaydev Unadkat for four successive boundaries. A former Kolkata player, Gayle knows Eden Gardens like the back of his hand as he would look to continue his assault on the spin-oriented Kolkata attack. Russell will be Kolkata's answer to Gayle as the KKR star also fashioned a sensational win, smashing an unbeaten 49 from 19 balls in their opening fixture against Hyderabad here two days ago. The win saw their star spinner and explosive opener, Sunil Narine, hurt his finger and Kolkata would hope he is fit in time.

IPL 2019: Ravichandran Ashwin-led Punjab to face Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata at Eden Gardens

IPL 2019: Major takeaways from Chennai vs Delhi match

IPL 2019: Amid Ashwin's 'Mankad' controversy, Punjab set to face Kolkata at Eden Gardens

<p>The Indian Premier League match&nbsp;between Punjab and Rajasthan match saw a major controversy when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-jos-buttler-mankaded-by-r-ashwin-twitter-slams-punjab-captain-205606">Ashwin ran out Rajasthan's Jos Buttler</a>, who was at the non-strikers' end, without giving him any warning while bowling the 13th over of the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Buttler's dismissal changed the course of game and Punjab eventually registered the victory, though Ashwin faced a severe backlash and the incident triggered a "spirit of the game" debate.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ashwin received support from former Australian players Mitchell Johnson and Dean Jones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Johnson wrote on Twitter, "My thoughts on the Mankad. Its not cheating, it's not against the spirit as it's in the rules you can do it. Personally I would warn someone if I was to do it but the batsman should also play fair by staying behind the crease. It's a bit like the underarm serve in tennis right??"</p>

<p>While Jones said, "Don't blame Ashwin here. As it's allowed in the Laws of the game.. How is it disrespectful or against the spirit of the game if it's allowed within the Laws of game? Blame the administrators for making the Law."</p>

<p>The opinion interpreted the laws differently and flooded into Twitter, with many players, ex-pros and commentators offering their views on the controversial run out. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Spin legend Shane Warne and England ODI captain Eoin Morgan lashed out at the Ashwin. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So disappointed in <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> as a Captain &amp; as a person. All captains sign the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL</a> wall &amp; agree to play in the spirit of the game. RA had no intention of delivering the ball - so it should have been called a dead ball. Over to u BCCI - this a not a good look for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL</a></p>
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne/status/1110256662760300547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Morgan, however, believes Ashwin has set a "terrible" example for the young generation of cricketers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I can't believe what I'm seeing!! @IPL Terrible example to set for young kids coming through. In time I think Ashwin will regret that," said Morgan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former England skipper Michael Vaughan said Buttler should have been at least warned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If @josbuttler had been warned well that's fine ... If he hasn't and it's the first time I think @ashwinravi99 is completely out of order ... Watch how often this happens from now on !!!!!!! #IPL," he wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>England batman Jason Roy too expressed shock at Ashwin's action. "Ashwin, that's shocking behaviour! Very disappointed to see that," he wrote in his twitter handle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>South African pacer Dale Steyn was also critical of Ashwin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He ain't winning any spirit of cricket awards is old Ashwin," he wrote.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He ain’t winning any spirit of cricket awards is old ashwin</p>
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaleSteyn62/status/1110230586306777089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former New Zealand cricketer Scott Styris felt the TV umpire didn't take a right call after the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"My opinion on the Buttler/Ashwin controversy is that its NOT Buttlers fault and its NOT Ashwins fault either Ashwin is entitled to appeal. I thought the TV umpire made the incorrect decision Should've been dead ball..... Play on," he tweeted.&nbsp;</p>


The Indian Premier League match between Punjab and Rajasthan match saw a major controversy when Ashwin ran out Rajasthan's Jos Buttler, who was at the non-strikers' end, without giving him any warning while bowling the 13th over of the match.

The Indian Premier League match between Punjab and Rajasthan match saw a major controversy when Ashwin ran out Rajasthan's Jos Buttler, who was at the non-strikers' end, without giving him any warning while bowling the 13th over of the match. Buttler's dismissal changed the course of game and Punjab eventually registered the victory, though Ashwin faced a severe backlash and the incident triggered a "spirit of the game" debate. Ashwin received support from former Australian players Mitchell Johnson and Dean Jones. Johnson wrote on Twitter, "My thoughts on the Mankad. Its not cheating, it's not against the spirit as it's in the rules you can do it. Personally I would warn someone if I was to do it but the batsman should also play fair by staying behind the crease. It's a bit like the underarm serve in tennis right??" While Jones said, "Don't blame Ashwin here. As it's allowed in the Laws of the game.. How is it disrespectful or against the spirit of the game if it's allowed within the Laws of game? Blame the administrators for making the Law." The opinion interpreted the laws differently and flooded into Twitter, with many players, ex-pros and commentators offering their views on the controversial run out. Spin legend Shane Warne and England ODI captain Eoin Morgan lashed out at the Ashwin. So disappointed in @ashwinravi99 as a Captain & as a person. All captains sign the #IPL wall & agree to play in the spirit of the game. RA had no intention of delivering the ball - so it should have been called a dead ball. Over to u BCCI - this a not a good look for the #IPL — Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 25, 2019 × Morgan, however, believes Ashwin has set a "terrible" example for the young generation of cricketers. "I can't believe what I'm seeing!! @IPL Terrible example to set for young kids coming through. In time I think Ashwin will regret that," said Morgan. Former England skipper Michael Vaughan said Buttler should have been at least warned. "If @josbuttler had been warned well that's fine ... If he hasn't and it's the first time I think @ashwinravi99 is completely out of order ... Watch how often this happens from now on !!!!!!! #IPL," he wrote. England batman Jason Roy too expressed shock at Ashwin's action. "Ashwin, that's shocking behaviour! Very disappointed to see that," he wrote in his twitter handle. South African pacer Dale Steyn was also critical of Ashwin. "He ain't winning any spirit of cricket awards is old Ashwin," he wrote. He ain’t winning any spirit of cricket awards is old ashwin — Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) March 25, 2019 × Former New Zealand cricketer Scott Styris felt the TV umpire didn't take a right call after the incident. "My opinion on the Buttler/Ashwin controversy is that its NOT Buttlers fault and its NOT Ashwins fault either Ashwin is entitled to appeal. I thought the TV umpire made the incorrect decision Should've been dead ball..... Play on," he tweeted.

Who's saying what on Ravichandran Ashwin's 'Mankading' controversy

<p>Ever since Ravichandran Ashwin 'mankaded' Jos Buttler during the Rajasthan vs Punjab encounter on Monday, the skipper has been at the receiving end.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A massive controversy has been made of the run-out Ashiwn did that left the cricketing world divided. Even the ICC had cleared via a tweet what <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-here-is-iccs-reaction-on-ravichandran-ashwin-mankading-jos-buttler-205707">Ashwin did on the field&nbsp;saying "It's within the rules"</a></p>

<p>Ashwin, who was slammed for disrespecting the game, also received support from various quarters, with one being from commentator Harsha Bhogle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Harsha's supported to Ashwin did not go well with the Shane Warne as they went to the extent of accusing Harsha Bhogle of being biased and urged him to stick up "for your own".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nothing in the laws though about warning. Just as there is nothing in the laws about a wicket keeper warning a batsman for being out of the crease and not stumping him <a href="https://t.co/OqYypMiRIQ">https://t.co/OqYypMiRIQ</a></p>
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/1110255627266228224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Shane Warne slammed Ravichandran Ashwin with a series of tweets that seems it was also meant for Harsha Bhogle.</p>

<p>Buttler had given Rajasthan a flying start in their run-chase and looked unstoppable after scoring his seventh half-century in the Indian Premier League (IPL).</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Harsha you are missing the point completely &amp; I’m disappointed in you as you always push the spirit of the game - now you condone this behaviour ? Ashwin’s actions were simply disgraceful, and I hope the BCCI doesn’t condone this sort of behaviour in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL</a> ! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/spiritofthegame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#spiritofthegame</a> <a href="https://t.co/BsIKDBN51X">https://t.co/BsIKDBN51X</a></p>
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne/status/1110257742328025100?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Harsha, if that had of been an international player you would have nailed him ! Please do not be bias &amp; stick up for your own. Any player in the game that does that to anyone is an embarrassment to the game &amp; as captain it’s even more disgraceful ! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/spiritofthegame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#spiritofthegame</a> ! <a href="https://t.co/4PqLL1MzBT">https://t.co/4PqLL1MzBT</a></p>
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne/status/1110262035605012481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sorry - one more thing to add. If Ben Stokes did what Ashwin did to <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> it would be ok ? I’m just very disappointed in Ashwin as I thought he had integrity &amp; class. Kings lost a lot of supporters tonight. Especially young boys and girls ! I do hope the BCCI does something</p>
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne/status/1110284190501736452?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>However, spinner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-jos-buttler-mankaded-by-r-ashwin-twitter-slams-punjab-captain-205606">Ashwin put an end to Buttler's stay at the crease with one of the most controversial dismissals.&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>The incident took place in the 13th over with Rajasthan needing 77 off 43 balls with nine wickets in hand.&nbsp;Ashwin paused while delivering the ball and took the bails off at the non-striker's end as Buttler stepped out of the crease.</p>

<p>The on-field umpire immediately signalled for the decision to be taken by the third umpire, who decided to give Buttler out.</p>

<p>The wicket was the changing point in the game, as Punjab went on to restrict Rajasthan to 170 for nine in the chase to register a 14-run win.</p>


Ever since Ravichandran Ashwin 'mankaded' Jos Buttler during the Rajasthan vs Punjab encounter on Monday, the skipper has been at the receiving end. A massive controversy has been made of the run-out Ashiwn did that left the cricketing world divided.

Ever since Ravichandran Ashwin 'mankaded' Jos Buttler during the Rajasthan vs Punjab encounter on Monday, the skipper has been at the receiving end. A massive controversy has been made of the run-out Ashiwn did that left the cricketing world divided. Even the ICC had cleared via a tweet what Ashwin did on the field saying "It's within the rules" Ashwin, who was slammed for disrespecting the game, also received support from various quarters, with one being from commentator Harsha Bhogle. However, Harsha's supported to Ashwin did not go well with the Shane Warne as they went to the extent of accusing Harsha Bhogle of being biased and urged him to stick up "for your own". Nothing in the laws though about warning. Just as there is nothing in the laws about a wicket keeper warning a batsman for being out of the crease and not stumping him https://t.co/OqYypMiRIQ — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 25, 2019 × Shane Warne slammed Ravichandran Ashwin with a series of tweets that seems it was also meant for Harsha Bhogle. Buttler had given Rajasthan a flying start in their run-chase and looked unstoppable after scoring his seventh half-century in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Harsha you are missing the point completely & I’m disappointed in you as you always push the spirit of the game - now you condone this behaviour ? Ashwin’s actions were simply disgraceful, and I hope the BCCI doesn’t condone this sort of behaviour in the #IPL ! #spiritofthegame https://t.co/BsIKDBN51X — Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 25, 2019 × Harsha, if that had of been an international player you would have nailed him ! Please do not be bias & stick up for your own. Any player in the game that does that to anyone is an embarrassment to the game & as captain it’s even more disgraceful ! #spiritofthegame ! https://t.co/4PqLL1MzBT — Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 25, 2019 × Sorry - one more thing to add. If Ben Stokes did what Ashwin did to @imVkohli it would be ok ? I’m just very disappointed in Ashwin as I thought he had integrity & class. Kings lost a lot of supporters tonight. Especially young boys and girls ! I do hope the BCCI does something — Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 25, 2019 × However, spinner Ashwin put an end to Buttler's stay at the crease with one of the most controversial dismissals. The incident took place in the 13th over with Rajasthan needing 77 off 43 balls with nine wickets in hand. Ashwin paused while delivering the ball and took the bails off at the non-striker's end as Buttler stepped out of the crease. The on-field umpire immediately signalled for the decision to be taken by the third umpire, who decided to give Buttler out. The wicket was the changing point in the game, as Punjab went on to restrict Rajasthan to 170 for nine in the chase to register a 14-run win.

Ashwin's mankad row: Shane Warne slams Harsha Bhogle for supporting Punjab captain, calls him 'biased'

IPL 2019: Top 5 players to watch out for in Chennai vs Delhi clash

<p>Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin saw nothing wrong with his decision to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-jos-buttler-mankaded-by-r-ashwin-twitter-slams-punjab-captain-205606">run Jos Buttler out at the non-striker's end</a> for backing up too far in their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ashwin said, "Look, it was very instinctive. It was not planned or anything like that. It's there within the rules of the game. I don't understand where the spirit of the game comes. Naturally, if it's there in the rules it's there.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I don't understand the point of sporting or sportive in that point because it's rules."</p>

<p>The incident happened Monday night when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chris-gayles-fifty-hands-punjab-14-run-win-over-rajasthan-as-ashwin-sparks-205623">Punjab skipper Ashwin</a> ran out Rajasthan's Buttler, who was at the non-strikers' end, without giving him any warning while bowling the 13th over of the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Informally named after the legendary Vinoo Mankad, who first did it in 1947 against Australia&nbsp;'Mankading' is when a bowler dismisses a non-striker by removing the bails in the process of delivering the ball with the batsman outside the crease.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Buttler was going strong at 69 off 43 balls and Rajasthan steady at 108-1 while chasing 185 but the dismissal proved to be a game-changer and Punjab eventually defeated Rajasthan by 14 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident triggered a heated exchange between the two players and even Paddy Upton, the coach, was none too pleased either.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The law, however, is on the side of the bowler, but Buttler's controversial dismissal has sparked the 'Spirit of Cricket' debate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While reporting the story, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on its website mentioned the law that is responsible for the incident which clearly indicates that the decision was legally correct.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>The law 41.16, that was tweaked in April 2017, states, "If the non-striker is out of his/her ground from the moment the ball comes into play to the instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball, the bowler is permitted to attempt to run him/her out."&nbsp;</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"It's within the rules" – <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a><br />
"Up to the fans to decide if that's the kind of things they want to see" – <a href="https://twitter.com/PaddyUpton1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PaddyUpton1</a><br />
<br />
Reactions after a controversial <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RRvKXIP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RRvKXIP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL</a> game 👇<a href="https://t.co/nFkMTJxBgC">https://t.co/nFkMTJxBgC</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1110413038979608578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>'Mankading' is legally permissible dismissal, it is widely considered against the spirit of the game.&nbsp;</p>


Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin saw nothing wrong with his decision to run Jos Buttler out at the non-striker's end for backing up too far in their Indian Premier League match.

Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin saw nothing wrong with his decision to run Jos Buttler out at the non-striker's end for backing up too far in their Indian Premier League match. Ashwin said, "Look, it was very instinctive. It was not planned or anything like that. It's there within the rules of the game. I don't understand where the spirit of the game comes. Naturally, if it's there in the rules it's there. "I don't understand the point of sporting or sportive in that point because it's rules." The incident happened Monday night when Punjab skipper Ashwin ran out Rajasthan's Buttler, who was at the non-strikers' end, without giving him any warning while bowling the 13th over of the match. Informally named after the legendary Vinoo Mankad, who first did it in 1947 against Australia 'Mankading' is when a bowler dismisses a non-striker by removing the bails in the process of delivering the ball with the batsman outside the crease. Buttler was going strong at 69 off 43 balls and Rajasthan steady at 108-1 while chasing 185 but the dismissal proved to be a game-changer and Punjab eventually defeated Rajasthan by 14 runs. The incident triggered a heated exchange between the two players and even Paddy Upton, the coach, was none too pleased either. The law, however, is on the side of the bowler, but Buttler's controversial dismissal has sparked the 'Spirit of Cricket' debate. While reporting the story, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on its website mentioned the law that is responsible for the incident which clearly indicates that the decision was legally correct. The law 41.16, that was tweaked in April 2017, states, "If the non-striker is out of his/her ground from the moment the ball comes into play to the instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball, the bowler is permitted to attempt to run him/her out." "It's within the rules" – @ashwinravi99 "Up to the fans to decide if that's the kind of things they want to see" – @PaddyUpton1 Reactions after a controversial #RRvKXIP #IPL game 👇https://t.co/nFkMTJxBgC — ICC (@ICC) March 26, 2019 × 'Mankading' is legally permissible dismissal, it is widely considered against the spirit of the game.

IPL 2019: Here is ICC's reaction on Ravichandran Ashwin 'Mankading' Jos Buttler

<p>Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enable every cricketer playing in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> to be allowed to cast their votes from whichever place they find themselves at.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ashwin took to Twitter to appeal on his official account, saying, "I would also like to request you @narendramodi sir to enable every cricketer playing in the IPL to be allowed to cast their votes from which ever place they find themselves at."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 2019 Indian general election is scheduled to be held this year in seven phases from April 11 to May 19&nbsp;to constitute the 17th Lok Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The counting of votes will be conducted on May 23, and on the same day, the results will be declared.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I would also like to request you <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> sir to enable every cricketer playing in the IPL to be allowed to cast their votes from which ever place they find themselves at. 🙏</p>
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1110086097147592704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>While making the schedule, the IPL operations team has ensured that no team plays their home matches at the alternate venues as the general elections will be held in seven phases from April 12 to May 19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two-time champions Kolkata will play all their IPL home matches at the Eden Gardens despite West Bengal going into polls during the elections. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Even Ashwin-led Punjab, who had played a few of their home matches in Indore during earlier editions, will play all their matches in Mohali.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the tournament, Ashwin would be desperate to prove that he can still make a difference in this format.&nbsp;</p>


Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enable every cricketer playing in the Indian Premier League to be allowed to cast their votes from whichever place they find themselves at.

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enable every cricketer playing in the Indian Premier League to be allowed to cast their votes from whichever place they find themselves at. Ashwin took to Twitter to appeal on his official account, saying, "I would also like to request you @narendramodi sir to enable every cricketer playing in the IPL to be allowed to cast their votes from which ever place they find themselves at." The 2019 Indian general election is scheduled to be held this year in seven phases from April 11 to May 19 to constitute the 17th Lok Sabha. The counting of votes will be conducted on May 23, and on the same day, the results will be declared. I would also like to request you @narendramodi sir to enable every cricketer playing in the IPL to be allowed to cast their votes from which ever place they find themselves at. 🙏 — Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) March 25, 2019 × While making the schedule, the IPL operations team has ensured that no team plays their home matches at the alternate venues as the general elections will be held in seven phases from April 12 to May 19. Two-time champions Kolkata will play all their IPL home matches at the Eden Gardens despite West Bengal going into polls during the elections. Even Ashwin-led Punjab, who had played a few of their home matches in Indore during earlier editions, will play all their matches in Mohali. In the tournament, Ashwin would be desperate to prove that he can still make a difference in this format.

Here is Ravichandran Ashwin's request to PM Narendra Modi ahead of general elections

<p><a href="IPL 2019: Focus on Steve Smith as Rajasthan start campaign against Punjab">Rajasthan will host Punjab at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium</a>&nbsp;in Jaipur as both the teams open their 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign. &nbsp;</p>

<p>If seen the previous year's record, the Royals have had an upper hand against the Kings, having won 10 of the 17 matches played between the two teams.</p>

<p>This year too Ajinkya Rahane’s team will look to continue their dominance against the Ravichandran Ashwin-led side.&nbsp;Punjab along with Delhi and Bangalore are the three teams who have never won&nbsp;IPL title.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So, before the clash begins, let's take a look at the six players to watch out for.</p>

<p><strong>1) Steve Smith</strong> - Returning to the IPL fold after a gap of one year, all eyes will be on Steve Smith. He last played for Rajasthan in 2015 amassing 293 runs in 14 games. He represented Rising Pune Supergiants for a couple of seasons when the Royals were banned. It might be a for redemption journey for Smith as he eyes a spot in Australia's World Cup squad.</p>

<p><strong>2) KL Rahul</strong> - KL Rahul was the top-scorer for Punjab last season with 659 runs from 14 matches at an impressive average of 54.91. However, his form and consistency to score fell down when playing for India. the tournament will be an opportunity for Rahul to book his place in the World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>3) Chris Gayle</strong> - The 'Universe boss' is one of the most dangerous batsmen in the shortest format of the game. Gayle heads into the tournament on the back of impressive performances for West Indies in the recently-concluded limited-overs series against England. He scored 368 runs in 11 games for Punjab last season including a century and three half-centuries, making him a must batsman to watch today. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>4) Jos Buttler</strong> - Buttler was the main reason why Rajasthan managed to reach the playoffs last season as he played some breath-taking knocks.&nbsp;<br />
He amassed 548 runs in 13 games at a brilliant average of 54.80 and a strike rate of 155.24 including five fifties.&nbsp;</p>

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<p><strong>5) Jofra Archer </strong>- With 15 wickets in 10 matches, Archer was one of the best pacers in the league last season and will be aiming to replicate his heroics for Rajasthan this season. One of the most exciting all-rounders in the competition, Archer can also be handy with the bat and turn the game around for Rajasthan at crucial junctures.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>6) Ben Stokes</strong>: Stokes is well known for his long shots and some remarkable innings in the 20-over format. However, the English cricketer failed to create any magic last season and was a big flop. Despite his poor show with bat, the franchise decided to retain him. What is now required is Stokes need to come up with a good plan to shed his poor form.&nbsp;</p>


Rajasthan will host Punjab at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur as both the teams open their 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign. If seen the previous year's record, the Royals have had an upper hand against the Kings, having won 10 of the 17 matches played between the two teams.

Rajasthan will host Punjab at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur as both the teams open their 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign. If seen the previous year's record, the Royals have had an upper hand against the Kings, having won 10 of the 17 matches played between the two teams. This year too Ajinkya Rahane’s team will look to continue their dominance against the Ravichandran Ashwin-led side. Punjab along with Delhi and Bangalore are the three teams who have never won IPL title. So, before the clash begins, let's take a look at the six players to watch out for. 1) Steve Smith - Returning to the IPL fold after a gap of one year, all eyes will be on Steve Smith. He last played for Rajasthan in 2015 amassing 293 runs in 14 games. He represented Rising Pune Supergiants for a couple of seasons when the Royals were banned. It might be a for redemption journey for Smith as he eyes a spot in Australia's World Cup squad. 2) KL Rahul - KL Rahul was the top-scorer for Punjab last season with 659 runs from 14 matches at an impressive average of 54.91. However, his form and consistency to score fell down when playing for India. the tournament will be an opportunity for Rahul to book his place in the World Cup. 3) Chris Gayle - The 'Universe boss' is one of the most dangerous batsmen in the shortest format of the game. Gayle heads into the tournament on the back of impressive performances for West Indies in the recently-concluded limited-overs series against England. He scored 368 runs in 11 games for Punjab last season including a century and three half-centuries, making him a must batsman to watch today. 4) Jos Buttler - Buttler was the main reason why Rajasthan managed to reach the playoffs last season as he played some breath-taking knocks. He amassed 548 runs in 13 games at a brilliant average of 54.80 and a strike rate of 155.24 including five fifties. × 5) Jofra Archer - With 15 wickets in 10 matches, Archer was one of the best pacers in the league last season and will be aiming to replicate his heroics for Rajasthan this season. One of the most exciting all-rounders in the competition, Archer can also be handy with the bat and turn the game around for Rajasthan at crucial junctures. 6) Ben Stokes: Stokes is well known for his long shots and some remarkable innings in the 20-over format. However, the English cricketer failed to create any magic last season and was a big flop. Despite his poor show with bat, the franchise decided to retain him. What is now required is Stokes need to come up with a good plan to shed his poor form.

IPL 2019, Rajasthan vs Punjab: 6 players to watch out for

<p>The twelfth edition of Indian Premier League has started with the off-field fun and madness. It's a time when cricketers not only play pranks on their teammates but also include their families in the madness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Just like in the latest video, which was uploaded on Dhoni’s official Instagram account where he was having a fun chat with his daughter Ziva.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chennai's skipper MS Dhoni was asking Ziva "how are you” in six different languages: Tamil, Bengali, Gujarati, Bhojpuri, Punjabi, and Urdu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Watch the video to see how effortlessly Ziva responded to the questions in all the languages.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Watch the video here:&nbsp;</p>

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<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 href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvZHMeSlO29/?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; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by M S Dhoni (@mahi7781)</a> on <time datetime="2019-03-24T13:19:25+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 24, 2019 at 6:19am PDT</time></p>
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<p>Chennai started their IPL 2019 campaign on a winning note after defeating Virat Kohli-led Bangalore at the Chidambaram Stadium on March 23.</p>

<p>Now Dhoni-led team will play its next match against Delhi on March 26 at Firoz Shah Kotla stadium.</p>


The twelfth edition of Indian Premier League has started with the off-field fun and madness. It's a time when cricketers not only play pranks on their teammates but also include their families in the madness.

The twelfth edition of Indian Premier League has started with the off-field fun and madness. It's a time when cricketers not only play pranks on their teammates but also include their families in the madness. Just like in the latest video, which was uploaded on Dhoni’s official Instagram account where he was having a fun chat with his daughter Ziva. Chennai's skipper MS Dhoni was asking Ziva "how are you” in six different languages: Tamil, Bengali, Gujarati, Bhojpuri, Punjabi, and Urdu. Watch the video to see how effortlessly Ziva responded to the questions in all the languages. Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by M S Dhoni (@mahi7781) on Mar 24, 2019 at 6:19am PDT × Chennai started their IPL 2019 campaign on a winning note after defeating Virat Kohli-led Bangalore at the Chidambaram Stadium on March 23. Now Dhoni-led team will play its next match against Delhi on March 26 at Firoz Shah Kotla stadium.

Watch: MS Dhoni talking with daughter Ziva in six different languages is the cutest thing on the internet

<p>India's wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant has given enough proof of why he should be on the World Cup-bound plane to England as he smashed 78 runs off 27 balls to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-rishabh-pants-78-helps-delhi-beat-mumbai-by-37-runs-205398">power Delhi to a 37-run win over Mumbai</a> in their opener match of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League&nbsp;2019</a> on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pant struck seven towering sixes and as many fours at a Wankhede Stadium that was made to look like a tiny ground left the Mumbai bowlers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After winning the Man of the Match award for his brilliant performance, Pant said, "It's been a great journey, trying to learn every day in my cricketing career."</p>

<p>He added, "Always a great feeling when you score runs and the team wins. I always bat according to the situation all the time."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 21-year-old also said that he is "glad" to bat at any position his team wants him to which can be taken into consideration when team India look to fixate its number four position in the World Cup squad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Well, I am glad to bat anywhere the team wants me to," said Pant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asked about his rapid rise to the top, he said, "It's been a great journey, I'm trying to learn every day of my cricketing career. It feels good when your team wins. I always play according to the situation most of the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This time I needed to increase the run rate for the team, and I took my chances, and it came off today. Especially in T20, you have to do something different. When the bowler cramps you for room, you need to make your own room."&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the post-match presentation, Delhi skipper Shreyas Iyer spoke highly of Pant's performance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Iyer said, "(Pant) is a really destructive batsman. Over the years I've seen him maturing a lot. He faced a few dot balls early on and then suddenly his strike rate was 250. Amazing batsman, great to have him on our team."&nbsp;</p>


India's wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant has given enough proof of why he should be on the World Cup-bound plane to England as he smashed 78 runs off 27 balls to power Delhi to a 37-run win over Mumbai in their opener match of Indian Premier League 2019 on Sunday.

India's wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant has given enough proof of why he should be on the World Cup-bound plane to England as he smashed 78 runs off 27 balls to power Delhi to a 37-run win over Mumbai in their opener match of Indian Premier League 2019 on Sunday. Pant struck seven towering sixes and as many fours at a Wankhede Stadium that was made to look like a tiny ground left the Mumbai bowlers. After winning the Man of the Match award for his brilliant performance, Pant said, "It's been a great journey, trying to learn every day in my cricketing career." He added, "Always a great feeling when you score runs and the team wins. I always bat according to the situation all the time." The 21-year-old also said that he is "glad" to bat at any position his team wants him to which can be taken into consideration when team India look to fixate its number four position in the World Cup squad. "Well, I am glad to bat anywhere the team wants me to," said Pant. Asked about his rapid rise to the top, he said, "It's been a great journey, I'm trying to learn every day of my cricketing career. It feels good when your team wins. I always play according to the situation most of the time. "This time I needed to increase the run rate for the team, and I took my chances, and it came off today. Especially in T20, you have to do something different. When the bowler cramps you for room, you need to make your own room." During the post-match presentation, Delhi skipper Shreyas Iyer spoke highly of Pant's performance. Iyer said, "(Pant) is a really destructive batsman. Over the years I've seen him maturing a lot. He faced a few dot balls early on and then suddenly his strike rate was 250. Amazing batsman, great to have him on our team."

Feels great when you score runs and team wins: Rishabh Pant

<p>Australian cricketer David Warner made a stupendous Indian Premier League comeback with a scintillating 85, helping Hyderabad reach a challenging 181/3 in their campaign opener.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But unfortunately, the Orage Army failed to defend and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-andre-russell-steals-thrilling-win-for-kolkata-against-hyderabad-205352">lost the match to Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putting behind the embarrassing ball-tampering scandal, that kept him out last year, the Aussie smashed three sixes and nine boundaries in his 53-ball knock.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His produced an entertaining performance at the Eden Gardens and earned praises for his stunning comeback. But it was one of his big sixes that really caught spectators' eye.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While playing the 32-year-old launched one over the ropes only for it to crash into a cameraman&nbsp;but luckily he was unhurt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This has been absolutely bludgeoned. And hit our cameraman as well – what’s he doing?" one of the commentators said.</p>

<p>Another said, "He’s got to duck. He wasn’t even looking. Get a helmet on son."</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">🧐<a href="https://t.co/eX25CKDPvF">https://t.co/eX25CKDPvF</a></p>
— CricBoll (@mycricboll) <a href="https://twitter.com/mycricboll/status/1109787424815833089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Watch out! Warner’s SIX lands onto cameraman <a href="https://t.co/nu2PBUq3tQ">https://t.co/nu2PBUq3tQ</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ipl</a></p>
— Shekhar Singh (@Shekhar_jour) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shekhar_jour/status/1109830916572999680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">David Warner was just unstoppable : <a href="https://t.co/6eUpctkyqu">https://t.co/6eUpctkyqu</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DavidWarner?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DavidWarner</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OrangeArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OrangeArmy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvSRH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvSRH</a> <a href="https://t.co/IFzBEsImNQ">https://t.co/IFzBEsImNQ</a></p>
— The Cricket Times (@CricketTimesHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketTimesHQ/status/1109796634802700289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>This was third-highest total against Hyderabad which was successfully chased down in IPL history.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first was done by Punjab in 2014 when they chased 2016 and the second was Delhi's 186-run chase in 2017.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hyderabad is a team known for its depth and variation in bowling.&nbsp;</p>


Australian cricketer David Warner made a stupendous Indian Premier League comeback with a scintillating 85, helping Hyderabad reach a challenging 181/3 in their campaign opener.

Australian cricketer David Warner made a stupendous Indian Premier League comeback with a scintillating 85, helping Hyderabad reach a challenging 181/3 in their campaign opener. But unfortunately, the Orage Army failed to defend and lost the match to Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata. Putting behind the embarrassing ball-tampering scandal, that kept him out last year, the Aussie smashed three sixes and nine boundaries in his 53-ball knock. His produced an entertaining performance at the Eden Gardens and earned praises for his stunning comeback. But it was one of his big sixes that really caught spectators' eye. While playing the 32-year-old launched one over the ropes only for it to crash into a cameraman but luckily he was unhurt. "This has been absolutely bludgeoned. And hit our cameraman as well – what’s he doing?" one of the commentators said. Another said, "He’s got to duck. He wasn’t even looking. Get a helmet on son." Watch the video: 🧐https://t.co/eX25CKDPvF — CricBoll (@mycricboll) March 24, 2019 × Watch out! Warner’s SIX lands onto cameraman https://t.co/nu2PBUq3tQ via @ipl — Shekhar Singh (@Shekhar_jour) March 24, 2019 × David Warner was just unstoppable : https://t.co/6eUpctkyqu#IPL2019 #DavidWarner #OrangeArmy #T20 #KKRvSRH https://t.co/IFzBEsImNQ — The Cricket Times (@CricketTimesHQ) March 24, 2019 × This was third-highest total against Hyderabad which was successfully chased down in IPL history. The first was done by Punjab in 2014 when they chased 2016 and the second was Delhi's 186-run chase in 2017. Hyderabad is a team known for its depth and variation in bowling.

Watch: David Warner hits cameraman during IPL match against Kolkata

<p>The 17-year-old Rasikh Salam, who was picked at his base price of Rs 20 lakh by Mumbai, played his first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">India Premier League</a> match against Delhi at the Wankhede Stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He received his maiden cap from former Indian cricketer Zaheer Khan, who is Mumbai's Director of Cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Salam is the only third cricketer from Kashmir to have been picked by an IPL franchise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He came to sight after his performances in district-level tournaments from where he was spotted by former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Salam,&nbsp;who hails from Kulgaam district, made his first-class debut for Jammu &amp; Kashmir in the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy on 30 December 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And on February 22, 2019, he made his Twenty20 debut for Jammu &amp; Kashmir in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the practice session of Mumbai, Salam stunned the spectators with his pace and bounce.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the moment, he has emerged as a great option for the two-time title winners Mumbai when veteran Sri Lankan speedster Lasith Malinga is set to miss the first six games for the franchise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Parvez Rasool, an off-break bowler, was the first one from the northern state, to play in the cash-rich tournament. Rasool represented two IPL teams Pune&nbsp;and Hyderabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another player from Jammu and Kashmir, Manzoor Dar was picked up by IPL franchise Punjab last year but did not feature in any game.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Meet Rasikh Salam - the youngest player from Jammu and Kashmir to make his debut in the <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IPL</a> 💙<br />
<br />
Go boy, make us proud!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketMeriJaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketMeriJaan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiIndians?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiIndians</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneFamily?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneFamily</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIvDC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIvDC</a> <a href="https://t.co/1GrKyBFg4w">pic.twitter.com/1GrKyBFg4w</a></p>
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/1109828724759953413?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>A report on franchise's website stated, "The entire team also saw the first glimpse of the 17-year-old pacer from Jammu and Kashmir, Rasikh Salam Dar. The youngster, who returned after an injury lay-off, bent his back and was not shy to bowl the short ball."</p>

<p>"Rasikh was bowling probing lines under the guidance of bowling coach Shane Bond. Rasikh bowled in tandem with our seasoned campaigner Mitchell McClenaghan," the statement included.&nbsp;</p>


The 17-year-old Rasikh Salam, who was picked at his base price of Rs 20 lakh by Mumbai, played his first India Premier League match against Delhi at the Wankhede Stadium.

The 17-year-old Rasikh Salam, who was picked at his base price of Rs 20 lakh by Mumbai, played his first India Premier League match against Delhi at the Wankhede Stadium. He received his maiden cap from former Indian cricketer Zaheer Khan, who is Mumbai's Director of Cricket. Salam is the only third cricketer from Kashmir to have been picked by an IPL franchise. He came to sight after his performances in district-level tournaments from where he was spotted by former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan. Salam, who hails from Kulgaam district, made his first-class debut for Jammu & Kashmir in the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy on 30 December 2018. And on February 22, 2019, he made his Twenty20 debut for Jammu & Kashmir in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. During the practice session of Mumbai, Salam stunned the spectators with his pace and bounce. At the moment, he has emerged as a great option for the two-time title winners Mumbai when veteran Sri Lankan speedster Lasith Malinga is set to miss the first six games for the franchise. Parvez Rasool, an off-break bowler, was the first one from the northern state, to play in the cash-rich tournament. Rasool represented two IPL teams Pune and Hyderabad. Another player from Jammu and Kashmir, Manzoor Dar was picked up by IPL franchise Punjab last year but did not feature in any game. Meet Rasikh Salam - the youngest player from Jammu and Kashmir to make his debut in the @IPL 💙 Go boy, make us proud!#CricketMeriJaan #MumbaiIndians #OneFamily #MIvDC pic.twitter.com/1GrKyBFg4w — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 24, 2019 × A report on franchise's website stated, "The entire team also saw the first glimpse of the 17-year-old pacer from Jammu and Kashmir, Rasikh Salam Dar. The youngster, who returned after an injury lay-off, bent his back and was not shy to bowl the short ball." "Rasikh was bowling probing lines under the guidance of bowling coach Shane Bond. Rasikh bowled in tandem with our seasoned campaigner Mitchell McClenaghan," the statement included.

IPL 2019: Meet Kashmir's young cricketer Rasikh Salam, who debuts for Mumbai

<p>India's legendary cricketer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Yuvraj+Singh">Yuvraj Singh</a> said that he has not yet decided and he would be the first one to bid adieu when he feels that his time is up.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yuvraj Singh was India's 2007 World T20 and 2011 World Cup hero but remained out of national team's scheme of things for good.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also had a poor track record in Indian Premier League but started the twelfth edition on a bright note with a half-century for his latest franchise Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 37-year-old admitted that at times he felt indecisive about carrying on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When the time comes, I will be the first one to hang my boots," Yuvraj told the media persons after Mumbai's 37-run defeat against Delhi on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The last two years, have been up and down (for me). And I could not decide on what to do," said the 37-year-old.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"I'll play till the time I enjoy playing cricket." - <a href="https://twitter.com/YUVSTRONG12?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YUVSTRONG12</a> reveals having consulted former teammate and <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mipaltan</a> mentor <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sachin_rt</a> on playing as long as the spirit &amp; desire remains! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y7KtUZnA1c">pic.twitter.com/Y7KtUZnA1c</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1110067288496066561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The main thing for me was why I played the game when I started off. I played the game because I enjoyed playing cricket. When I enjoyed playing cricket, I was not playing for India. I was playing for U-14s and U-16s. So till the time, I enjoy playing cricket, I am going to play."</p>

<p>"I have been speaking to Sachin (Tendulkar) as well and he has gone through that time when he was 37-38-39 (and how he felt). Talking to him makes things easier for me. And I am just playing because I enjoy playing cricket pretty much," he signed off.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yuvraj said that when he did a self-introspection, he found that he is still enjoying the game just as he did as a U-16 cricketer not thinking about national team selection.&nbsp;</p>


India's legendary cricketer Yuvraj Singh said that he has not yet decided and he would be the first one to bid adieu when he feels that his time is up. Yuvraj Singh was India's 2007 World T20 and 2011 World Cup hero but remained out of national team's scheme of things for good.

India's legendary cricketer Yuvraj Singh said that he has not yet decided and he would be the first one to bid adieu when he feels that his time is up. Yuvraj Singh was India's 2007 World T20 and 2011 World Cup hero but remained out of national team's scheme of things for good. He also had a poor track record in Indian Premier League but started the twelfth edition on a bright note with a half-century for his latest franchise Mumbai. The 37-year-old admitted that at times he felt indecisive about carrying on. "When the time comes, I will be the first one to hang my boots," Yuvraj told the media persons after Mumbai's 37-run defeat against Delhi on Sunday. "The last two years, have been up and down (for me). And I could not decide on what to do," said the 37-year-old. "I'll play till the time I enjoy playing cricket." - @YUVSTRONG12 reveals having consulted former teammate and @mipaltan mentor @sachin_rt on playing as long as the spirit & desire remains! #VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/Y7KtUZnA1c — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 25, 2019 × "The main thing for me was why I played the game when I started off. I played the game because I enjoyed playing cricket. When I enjoyed playing cricket, I was not playing for India. I was playing for U-14s and U-16s. So till the time, I enjoy playing cricket, I am going to play." "I have been speaking to Sachin (Tendulkar) as well and he has gone through that time when he was 37-38-39 (and how he felt). Talking to him makes things easier for me. And I am just playing because I enjoy playing cricket pretty much," he signed off. Yuvraj said that when he did a self-introspection, he found that he is still enjoying the game just as he did as a U-16 cricketer not thinking about national team selection.

At times I felt indecisive about carrying on: Yuvraj Singh on retirement

<p>Australian batsman Steve Smith will embark on a redemption journey when Rajasthan open their campaign against Punjab in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), here Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Smith was handed a one-year ban along with his then-deputy David Warner exactly a year ago for their roles in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Smith was last seen in action in a couple of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) matches late last year before an elbow injury ruled him out of the tournament. The ban was limited to state and international fixtures only and not domestic or club cricket. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The IPL will be the actual start of his long road to redemption and Smith would be looking to make the most of it ahead of the World Cup, starting May 30 in England. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Smith, though, is yet to recover fully from his elbow injury and may take a little time to get into the groove.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With Smith in their ranks, the Rajasthan have one of the best teams this season led by Ajinkya Rahane and they would be eager to capitalise on the home advantage tomorrow. &nbsp;</p>

<p>British all-rounder Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are assets to the team but they will not be available after April 25 as per England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) diktat because of the World Cup, and Rajasthan would be keen to win enough matches by then.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stokes will once again be the key in both batting and bowling departments, while Punjab team would be expecting their all-rounder Sam Curran to be on the top of his game tomorrow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their bowling too have reasonable depth with speedster Jaidev Unadkat eying a slot in Indian team for the World Cup. Varun Aaron, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jofra Archer, Ish Sodhi and few others give variety and options to Rajasthan for different conditions. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Ravichandran Ashwin-led Punjab side would rely heavily on their openers Chris Gayle and KL Rahul to provide them a fiery start and if swashbuckling West Indian opener happens to be in his elements, Punjab may be able to draw the first blood.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Skipper Ashwin would be desperate to prove that he can still make a difference in this format. With Mohammed Shami, Andrew Tye and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Punjab's bowling looks pretty strong. &nbsp;</p>


Australian batsman Steve Smith will embark on a redemption journey when Rajasthan open their campaign against Punjab in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), here Monday.

Australian batsman Steve Smith will embark on a redemption journey when Rajasthan open their campaign against Punjab in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), here Monday. Smith was handed a one-year ban along with his then-deputy David Warner exactly a year ago for their roles in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. Smith was last seen in action in a couple of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) matches late last year before an elbow injury ruled him out of the tournament. The ban was limited to state and international fixtures only and not domestic or club cricket. The IPL will be the actual start of his long road to redemption and Smith would be looking to make the most of it ahead of the World Cup, starting May 30 in England. Smith, though, is yet to recover fully from his elbow injury and may take a little time to get into the groove. With Smith in their ranks, the Rajasthan have one of the best teams this season led by Ajinkya Rahane and they would be eager to capitalise on the home advantage tomorrow. British all-rounder Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are assets to the team but they will not be available after April 25 as per England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) diktat because of the World Cup, and Rajasthan would be keen to win enough matches by then. Stokes will once again be the key in both batting and bowling departments, while Punjab team would be expecting their all-rounder Sam Curran to be on the top of his game tomorrow. Their bowling too have reasonable depth with speedster Jaidev Unadkat eying a slot in Indian team for the World Cup. Varun Aaron, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jofra Archer, Ish Sodhi and few others give variety and options to Rajasthan for different conditions. Ravichandran Ashwin-led Punjab side would rely heavily on their openers Chris Gayle and KL Rahul to provide them a fiery start and if swashbuckling West Indian opener happens to be in his elements, Punjab may be able to draw the first blood. Skipper Ashwin would be desperate to prove that he can still make a difference in this format. With Mohammed Shami, Andrew Tye and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Punjab's bowling looks pretty strong.

IPL 2019: Focus on Steve Smith as Rajasthan start campaign against Punjab