<p>Stand-in captain Kieron Pollard's sensational 83-run knock put KL Rahul's maiden IPL hundred in the shade as Mumbai pulled off a thrilling last-ball three-wicket win over Punjab, here Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul and Chris Gayle, who struck a 36-ball 63 powered Punjab to an imposing 197 for four after being asked to bat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pollard single-handedly brought his side back in the game with his 31-ball knock punishing the Punjab bowlers with 10 sixes and three fours.</p>

<p>The burly West Indian was dismissed in the second ball of the last over with four needed for victory from final five balls.</p>

<p>Alzarri Joseph (15 not out), who added a crucial 54 runs in 23 balls with Pollard for the seventh wicket, and Rahul Chahar (1) managed to hold their nerves to take side past the finish line.</p>

<p>The victory was the third in a row for Mumbai and took their tally to eight from six games while Punjab suffered their third defeat in seven games.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pollard's pyrotechnics stole the thunder from Punjab openers K L Rahul who had carried his bat through with an unbeaten 100 in 64 balls with the help of six fours and as many sixes and his opening partner Chris Gayle who smashed 63 in 36 balls with seven sixes and three fours.</p>

<p>Pollard, standing in for Rohit Sharma, who missed out on the game due to leg spasm injury, promoted himself in the order.</p>

<p>After 10 overs, Mumbai needed 133 in 60 balls, still fancying their chances with the big-hitting Pollard at the crease and another fine finisher Hardik Pandya to follow.</p>

<p>Shami got rid of the other Hardhik and Krunal Pandya in spac of four balls.</p>

<p>The equation whittled down to 63 from 30 balls and then 15 off the last six balls after Pollard smacked Curran for two sixes and a four in the penultimate over before he was caught off Rajput in the last over.</p>

<p>Earlier, Gayle, who smashed seven towering sixes and also hit three fours, laid the platform for the big total with his opening partner Rahul.</p>

<p>The duo's 116-run stand in 77 balls took Mumbai by storm. Gayle's dismissal in the 13th over slowed down the innings but Rahul punished Hardik Pandya by hitting three sixes and a four in the 19th, which yielded them 25 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thirteen came off the final over to boost the total.</p>

<p>The flamboyant Gayle, who was circumspect initially, struck Australian pacer Jason Behrendorff for three huge sixes and one four to cream off 23 runs to begin the punishing act.</p>

<p>In the ninth over, Gayle struck two fours and another massive leg-side six as 17 came off Hardik Pandya's over to take Punjab to 86 without loss.</p>

<p>The left-hander also hit leggie Rahul Chahar, and the Pandya brothers Krunal and Hardik for a six each. He reached his 50 in 31 balls and the team's 100 was raised in 10.2 overs.</p>

<p>Gayle's mayhem ended when he was caught at deep mid-wicket off Behrendorff to nip his opening partnership with Rahul.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The left-handed Gayle's departure slowed down the run-rate with Hardik sending back David Miller and Karun Nair cheaply and Bumrah accounting for Sam Curran between the 15th and 18th overs.</p>

<p>Rahul went on the offensive in the last two and in the process completed his century.</p>

<p>Mumbai were without captain Rohit Sharma, who was rested as a precautionary measure due to muscle spasm in his right leg.</p>


Stand-in captain Kieron Pollard's sensational 83-run knock put KL Rahul's maiden IPL hundred in the shade as Mumbai pulled off a thrilling last-ball three-wicket win over Punjab, here Wednesday.

Stand-in captain Kieron Pollard's sensational 83-run knock put KL Rahul's maiden IPL hundred in the shade as Mumbai pulled off a thrilling last-ball three-wicket win over Punjab, here Wednesday. Rahul and Chris Gayle, who struck a 36-ball 63 powered Punjab to an imposing 197 for four after being asked to bat. Pollard single-handedly brought his side back in the game with his 31-ball knock punishing the Punjab bowlers with 10 sixes and three fours. The burly West Indian was dismissed in the second ball of the last over with four needed for victory from final five balls. Alzarri Joseph (15 not out), who added a crucial 54 runs in 23 balls with Pollard for the seventh wicket, and Rahul Chahar (1) managed to hold their nerves to take side past the finish line. The victory was the third in a row for Mumbai and took their tally to eight from six games while Punjab suffered their third defeat in seven games. Pollard's pyrotechnics stole the thunder from Punjab openers K L Rahul who had carried his bat through with an unbeaten 100 in 64 balls with the help of six fours and as many sixes and his opening partner Chris Gayle who smashed 63 in 36 balls with seven sixes and three fours. Pollard, standing in for Rohit Sharma, who missed out on the game due to leg spasm injury, promoted himself in the order. After 10 overs, Mumbai needed 133 in 60 balls, still fancying their chances with the big-hitting Pollard at the crease and another fine finisher Hardik Pandya to follow. Shami got rid of the other Hardhik and Krunal Pandya in spac of four balls. The equation whittled down to 63 from 30 balls and then 15 off the last six balls after Pollard smacked Curran for two sixes and a four in the penultimate over before he was caught off Rajput in the last over. Earlier, Gayle, who smashed seven towering sixes and also hit three fours, laid the platform for the big total with his opening partner Rahul. The duo's 116-run stand in 77 balls took Mumbai by storm. Gayle's dismissal in the 13th over slowed down the innings but Rahul punished Hardik Pandya by hitting three sixes and a four in the 19th, which yielded them 25 runs. Thirteen came off the final over to boost the total. The flamboyant Gayle, who was circumspect initially, struck Australian pacer Jason Behrendorff for three huge sixes and one four to cream off 23 runs to begin the punishing act. In the ninth over, Gayle struck two fours and another massive leg-side six as 17 came off Hardik Pandya's over to take Punjab to 86 without loss. The left-hander also hit leggie Rahul Chahar, and the Pandya brothers Krunal and Hardik for a six each. He reached his 50 in 31 balls and the team's 100 was raised in 10.2 overs. Gayle's mayhem ended when he was caught at deep mid-wicket off Behrendorff to nip his opening partnership with Rahul. The left-handed Gayle's departure slowed down the run-rate with Hardik sending back David Miller and Karun Nair cheaply and Bumrah accounting for Sam Curran between the 15th and 18th overs. Rahul went on the offensive in the last two and in the process completed his century. Mumbai were without captain Rohit Sharma, who was rested as a precautionary measure due to muscle spasm in his right leg.

IPL 2019: Kieron Pollard fashions sensational win for Mumbai against Punjab

<p>Kolkata's skipper Dinesh Karthik so far has been one of the successful captains in the ongoing edition of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a>. Apart from match strategies and training sessions, Karthik is giving importance to many things, including Andre Russell's style statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During a promotional event, Karthik said, "Among the foreigners, Russell.. He kills it, so he`s got a good fashion sense as well."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russell has been a picture of consistency for Kolkata, plundering 257 runs from just 121 balls with a stunning ball striking rate of 212.39 in this season of the IPL.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With his match-winning and entertaining knocks, Russell has become a cricket sensation among Indian fans and now he is standing out for his dressing sense too.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from Russell, Karthik was also asked about the Indian players with the best dressing sense in the team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He replied, "Kuldeep (Yadav) dresses really hard, Shubman (Gill) is somebody who is very stylish, Nitish Rana comes to my mind... These are all very fashionable guys."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karthik took over from Gautam Gambhir last year and had said that he has it in him to steer the side to at least the playoffs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asked about which team is the favourite this time, Karthik said: "It`s difficult to say which team is the favourite since all 8 teams are on the same level. Hard to say which team is the big rival.. All teams are equally balanced and whoever plays better on the given day will be the winner."&nbsp;</p>


Kolkata's skipper Dinesh Karthik so far has been one of the successful captains in the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League. Apart from match strategies and training sessions, Karthik is giving importance to many things, including Andre Russell's style statement.

Kolkata's skipper Dinesh Karthik so far has been one of the successful captains in the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League. Apart from match strategies and training sessions, Karthik is giving importance to many things, including Andre Russell's style statement. During a promotional event, Karthik said, "Among the foreigners, Russell.. He kills it, so he`s got a good fashion sense as well." Russell has been a picture of consistency for Kolkata, plundering 257 runs from just 121 balls with a stunning ball striking rate of 212.39 in this season of the IPL. With his match-winning and entertaining knocks, Russell has become a cricket sensation among Indian fans and now he is standing out for his dressing sense too. Apart from Russell, Karthik was also asked about the Indian players with the best dressing sense in the team. He replied, "Kuldeep (Yadav) dresses really hard, Shubman (Gill) is somebody who is very stylish, Nitish Rana comes to my mind... These are all very fashionable guys." Karthik took over from Gautam Gambhir last year and had said that he has it in him to steer the side to at least the playoffs. Asked about which team is the favourite this time, Karthik said: "It`s difficult to say which team is the favourite since all 8 teams are on the same level. Hard to say which team is the big rival.. All teams are equally balanced and whoever plays better on the given day will be the winner."

Russell, Kuldeep, Shubman or Nitish? Dinesh Karthik picks most stylish player in Kolkata team

Andre Russell's big-hitting prowess will be pitted against Kagiso Rabada's inch-perfect yorkers for the second time when Kolkata face Delhi in a return-leg fixture of the IPL on Friday.

IPL 2019: Who will win Russell-Rabada battle as Delhi take on Kolkata in match 26

<p>Dwayne Bravo and Ben Stokes are enjoying the cricket carnival of India in a little unusual way as besides cricket, both of them are trying their hands on hair cutting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chennai's star player Bravo became a barber for Monu Singh in a viral video shared by the official Twitter handle of Chennai franchise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from him, Rajasthan's cricketer Ben Stokes was seen giving a haircut to Ish Sodhi ahead of the crucial tie against Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the videos:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The television thing to do on a match day! Catch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheSuperKingsShow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheSuperKingsShow</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StarSportsIndia</a> from 11 AM today! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yellove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yellove</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RRvCSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RRvCSK</a> 🦁💛 <a href="https://t.co/mSUJdCg5JA">pic.twitter.com/mSUJdCg5JA</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1116212445695987712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A special haircut courtesy <a href="https://twitter.com/benstokes38?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@benstokes38</a>! 😂😜<br />
<br />
What do you think did <a href="https://twitter.com/ish_sodhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ish_sodhi</a> do to let Stokesy give him a haircut? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HallaBol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HallaBol</a> <a href="https://t.co/far2v2f89C">pic.twitter.com/far2v2f89C</a></p>
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals/status/1116302497877037056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The twelfth edition of Indian Premier League is in its full swing and the second-leg fixture of the league has started.&nbsp;</p>


Dwayne Bravo and Ben Stokes are enjoying the cricket carnival of India in a little unusual way as besides cricket, both of them are trying their hands on hair cutting.

Dwayne Bravo and Ben Stokes are enjoying the cricket carnival of India in a little unusual way as besides cricket, both of them are trying their hands on hair cutting. Chennai's star player Bravo became a barber for Monu Singh in a viral video shared by the official Twitter handle of Chennai franchise. Apart from him, Rajasthan's cricketer Ben Stokes was seen giving a haircut to Ish Sodhi ahead of the crucial tie against Chennai. Watch the videos: The television thing to do on a match day! Catch #TheSuperKingsShow on @StarSportsIndia from 11 AM today! #WhistlePodu #Yellove #RRvCSK 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/mSUJdCg5JA — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 11, 2019 × A special haircut courtesy @benstokes38! 😂😜 What do you think did @ish_sodhi do to let Stokesy give him a haircut? #HallaBol pic.twitter.com/far2v2f89C — Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 11, 2019 × The twelfth edition of Indian Premier League is in its full swing and the second-leg fixture of the league has started.

Watch: Dwayne Bravo, Ben Stokes trying their hands on barbering

<p>Andre Russell has shown signs of weakness against the turning ball, feels Kuldeep Yadav, insisting he has enough tricks up his sleeves to outwit the big-hitting West Indian in the World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russell has been a picture of consistency for Kolkata, amassing 257 runs from just 121 balls with a stunning ball striking rate of 212.39 in this <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, his Kolkata teammate Kuldeep said he has found a chink in Russell's armour which he will look to exploit during the May 30-July 14 showpiece event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He has some problems facing a turning ball. If the ball is turning, then he has a weakness," the 24-year-old told PTI in an interview.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's not just this, I've different plans to unleash against him in the World Cup. I know how to stop him and I'm very clear in my mind," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He has been sharing the dressing room with Russell but Kuldeep conceded that he has never bowled to him at the nets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He does not take chance against spinners. He's a terror for pacers. And I've never bowled him at the nets. You are always under pressure when you're hit for two sixes in a row," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's important how you come back. All it takes is one ball to get the batsman out. You can assess a player's character by that."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kuldeep has so far taken just three wickets from six matches but the India wrist spinner said he is happy with his performance and he has matured as a cricketer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If I'm not getting wickets it does not mean I'm not bowling well. Now I play as a matured cricketer and think more about the team. Even as I'm not taking wickets, my economy rate is tight," he pointed out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I feel in this IPL batsmen are not attacking me so much. The batsmen are no more hitting big shots against me. I'm conceding three-four boundaries in every match which means batsmen are trying to play safe barring one match against Delhi."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's such a format, you may have a bad day where you're hit for runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>I'm not a magician who will do well in every match. You cannot say I will take so many wickets," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 24-year-old from Kanpur went on to cite the example of his fellow India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who has taken nine wickets from six matches but his team Bangalore are yet to win a match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Chahal performing well but team is not doing well. You have to play according to your plan. It does not matter if you take nine wickets when your team is at the bottom. I don't think I'm not bowling well," he reiterated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kuldeep will have a role to play when KKR takes on Delhi Capitals at the Eden Gardens Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He, however, blamed the Eden wicket for not aiding spinners anymore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The wicket does not help spinners anymore as it used to three-four years ago. It has become batting-friendly wicket. Good for T20 cricket," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The World Cup is immediately after the IPL and late night matches and a hectic schedule is taking a toll on players but Kuldeep said they're smart enough to handle themselves.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"IPL is very different than World Cup. There's no pressure in franchise cricket. You are under a lot of pressure when you play for India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Someone doing well in IPL also struggles for India. But of course you carry that confidence," Kuldeep signed off.&nbsp;</p>


Andre Russell has shown signs of weakness against the turning ball, feels Kuldeep Yadav, insisting he has enough tricks up his sleeves to outwit the big-hitting West Indian in the World Cup.

Andre Russell has shown signs of weakness against the turning ball, feels Kuldeep Yadav, insisting he has enough tricks up his sleeves to outwit the big-hitting West Indian in the World Cup. Russell has been a picture of consistency for Kolkata, amassing 257 runs from just 121 balls with a stunning ball striking rate of 212.39 in this Indian Premier League. However, his Kolkata teammate Kuldeep said he has found a chink in Russell's armour which he will look to exploit during the May 30-July 14 showpiece event. "He has some problems facing a turning ball. If the ball is turning, then he has a weakness," the 24-year-old told PTI in an interview. "It's not just this, I've different plans to unleash against him in the World Cup. I know how to stop him and I'm very clear in my mind," he added. He has been sharing the dressing room with Russell but Kuldeep conceded that he has never bowled to him at the nets. "He does not take chance against spinners. He's a terror for pacers. And I've never bowled him at the nets. You are always under pressure when you're hit for two sixes in a row," he said. "It's important how you come back. All it takes is one ball to get the batsman out. You can assess a player's character by that." Kuldeep has so far taken just three wickets from six matches but the India wrist spinner said he is happy with his performance and he has matured as a cricketer. "If I'm not getting wickets it does not mean I'm not bowling well. Now I play as a matured cricketer and think more about the team. Even as I'm not taking wickets, my economy rate is tight," he pointed out. "I feel in this IPL batsmen are not attacking me so much. The batsmen are no more hitting big shots against me. I'm conceding three-four boundaries in every match which means batsmen are trying to play safe barring one match against Delhi." "It's such a format, you may have a bad day where you're hit for runs. I'm not a magician who will do well in every match. You cannot say I will take so many wickets," he said. The 24-year-old from Kanpur went on to cite the example of his fellow India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who has taken nine wickets from six matches but his team Bangalore are yet to win a match. "Chahal performing well but team is not doing well. You have to play according to your plan. It does not matter if you take nine wickets when your team is at the bottom. I don't think I'm not bowling well," he reiterated. Kuldeep will have a role to play when KKR takes on Delhi Capitals at the Eden Gardens Friday. He, however, blamed the Eden wicket for not aiding spinners anymore. "The wicket does not help spinners anymore as it used to three-four years ago. It has become batting-friendly wicket. Good for T20 cricket," he said. The World Cup is immediately after the IPL and late night matches and a hectic schedule is taking a toll on players but Kuldeep said they're smart enough to handle themselves. "IPL is very different than World Cup. There's no pressure in franchise cricket. You are under a lot of pressure when you play for India. Someone doing well in IPL also struggles for India. But of course you carry that confidence," Kuldeep signed off.

Kolkata teammate Kuldeep Yadav reveals Andre Russell's weakness ahead of cricket World Cup

IPL 2019, match 24: Punjab's Chris Gayle to face Mumbai's Kieron Pollard

<p>Punjab's KL Rahul Wednesday hit his maiden IPL century and 3rd successive fifty-plus score win a game against Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul now has 1 hundred and 3 fifties in 7 matches for Punjab in the 12th edition of the league.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul was playing a patient inning for the most part of the game but took the driver's seat and exploded in the penultimate over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He had hit Hardik Pandya for 3 sixes and a 4 to move into the 90s.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Take a bow, <a href="https://twitter.com/klrahul11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@klrahul11</a> 👏👏<br />
<br />
What an innings by the <a href="https://twitter.com/lionsdenkxip?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lionsdenkxip</a> opener as he brings up his maiden <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a> 💯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KXIP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KXIP</a> 197/4 after 20 overs <a href="https://t.co/czmaVNnXTv">pic.twitter.com/czmaVNnXTv</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1116013552303652864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>He then hit Jasprit Bumrah for a six to move to 98 and on the fourth ball of the final over, ran two to bring up his first ever IPL hundred off 63 balls.</p>

<p>Last year, Rahul made 95 not out which was his career-best score in the IPL before tonight.</p>

<p>Rahul had a poor start to the IPL this year. He scored 4 against Rajasthan and got out for 1 against Kolkata.</p>


Punjab's KL Rahul Wednesday hit his maiden IPL century and 3rd successive fifty-plus score win a game against Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium. Rahul now has 1 hundred and 3 fifties in 7 matches for Punjab in the 12th edition of the league.

Punjab's KL Rahul Wednesday hit his maiden IPL century and 3rd successive fifty-plus score win a game against Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium. Rahul now has 1 hundred and 3 fifties in 7 matches for Punjab in the 12th edition of the league. Rahul was playing a patient inning for the most part of the game but took the driver's seat and exploded in the penultimate over. He had hit Hardik Pandya for 3 sixes and a 4 to move into the 90s. Take a bow, @klrahul11 👏👏 What an innings by the @lionsdenkxip opener as he brings up his maiden #VIVOIPL 💯#KXIP 197/4 after 20 overs pic.twitter.com/czmaVNnXTv — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 10, 2019 × He then hit Jasprit Bumrah for a six to move to 98 and on the fourth ball of the final over, ran two to bring up his first ever IPL hundred off 63 balls. Last year, Rahul made 95 not out which was his career-best score in the IPL before tonight. Rahul had a poor start to the IPL this year. He scored 4 against Rajasthan and got out for 1 against Kolkata.

KL Rahul hits maiden Indian Premier League hundred

<p>Former South African captain Graeme Smith has some advice for Australia coach Justin Langer -- make sure <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=david+warner">David Warner</a>'s ego is managed if he starts to "get bigger than everybody else".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The polarising opener, on the comeback trail after a one-year ban for ball-tampering, has been in red-hot form in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> ahead of his expected recall to the national side for the World Cup in England and Wales.</p>

<p>But some commentators believe Warner's return could be disruptive to the team, which is now resurgent after a run of poor results, and that he needs to manage carefully.</p>

<p>Smith, who skippered his country for more than a decade, said that while he admired Warner's batting, he had "pissed a lot of people off" throughout his career.</p>

<p>"I don't know," he told Fox Sports on Tuesday evening when asked if he would have any issue in welcoming Warner back to the Australian team.</p>

<p>"It's difficult to know what it's like behind the scenes, but he's always been an incredible cricketer," added Smith, who played 117 Tests before retiring in 2014.</p>

<p>"Especially when he bats, he bats with that driven nature, that intensity, ego to perform. And he's an excellent cricketer.</p>

<p>"I think where David has been throughout his career is that he's pissed a lot of people off. He's just that type of guy. I think at the moment he needs Australian cricket more than they need him."</p>

<p>Warner is suspected of instigating a plot to use sandpaper to alter the ball in the now infamous Cape Town Test last year. He has long been a divisive figure.</p>

<p>And Smith believes his behaviour needs to be monitored closely.</p>

<p>"I think he's very driven, I think he wants to do well, he wants to prove his worth again. And I think David Warner in that position is probably a good guy to have in your environment," he said.</p>

<p>"It's when he starts to get bigger than everybody else then probably management needs to be ready for that.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Guys like Langer and whoever is captaining the side going forward need to ensure they stay on top of that and manage that space and that ego well going forward."</p>

<p>The reintegration of Warner and co-conspirator Steve Smith has already begun with the pair meeting the one-day team after their bans expired late last month.</p>

<p>Australian cricket chief Kevin Roberts recently said team-mates don't always need to be "best mates".</p>

<p>"In any workplace, you don't need to be best mates with everyone, but there needs to be a foundation of respect and I think there is growing respect there," he said.</p>


Former South African captain Graeme Smith has some advice for Australia coach Justin Langer -- make sure David Warner's ego is managed if he starts to "get bigger than everybody else".

Former South African captain Graeme Smith has some advice for Australia coach Justin Langer -- make sure David Warner's ego is managed if he starts to "get bigger than everybody else". The polarising opener, on the comeback trail after a one-year ban for ball-tampering, has been in red-hot form in the Indian Premier League ahead of his expected recall to the national side for the World Cup in England and Wales. But some commentators believe Warner's return could be disruptive to the team, which is now resurgent after a run of poor results, and that he needs to manage carefully. Smith, who skippered his country for more than a decade, said that while he admired Warner's batting, he had "pissed a lot of people off" throughout his career. "I don't know," he told Fox Sports on Tuesday evening when asked if he would have any issue in welcoming Warner back to the Australian team. "It's difficult to know what it's like behind the scenes, but he's always been an incredible cricketer," added Smith, who played 117 Tests before retiring in 2014. "Especially when he bats, he bats with that driven nature, that intensity, ego to perform. And he's an excellent cricketer. "I think where David has been throughout his career is that he's pissed a lot of people off. He's just that type of guy. I think at the moment he needs Australian cricket more than they need him." Warner is suspected of instigating a plot to use sandpaper to alter the ball in the now infamous Cape Town Test last year. He has long been a divisive figure. And Smith believes his behaviour needs to be monitored closely. "I think he's very driven, I think he wants to do well, he wants to prove his worth again. And I think David Warner in that position is probably a good guy to have in your environment," he said. "It's when he starts to get bigger than everybody else then probably management needs to be ready for that. "Guys like Langer and whoever is captaining the side going forward need to ensure they stay on top of that and manage that space and that ego well going forward." The reintegration of Warner and co-conspirator Steve Smith has already begun with the pair meeting the one-day team after their bans expired late last month. Australian cricket chief Kevin Roberts recently said team-mates don't always need to be "best mates". "In any workplace, you don't need to be best mates with everyone, but there needs to be a foundation of respect and I think there is growing respect there," he said.

David Warner's ego must be managed: Smith

This is the second encounter between these two teams this season. When they met in Chennai, the Yellow Brigade won the match by eight runs.

IPL 2019: Rajasthan to host table-toppers Chennai

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

Deepak Chahar creates record for most dot balls in IPL

<p>Amid Indian Premier League's tight schedule, Chennai's skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his wife Sakhi Dhoni were found sleeping on the floor&nbsp;of an airport.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian wicket-keeper batsman shared the picture with a witty caption on his official Instagram account and the image immediately went viral on social platforms.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni wrote, "After getting used to IPL timing this is what happens if u have a morning flight."&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Chennai maintained their unbeaten run at home with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-chennai-maintain-unbeaten-run-at-home-with-emphatic-win-over-kolkata-209152">seven-wicket thrashing of Kolkata</a> at the Chidambaram Stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the win, Chennai are back at the top of the table with five victories from six games.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwD9VVXFdJt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">After getting used to IPL timing this is what happens if u have a morning flight</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mahi7781/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> M S Dhoni</a> (@mahi7781) on <time datetime="2019-04-10T04:36:49+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Apr 9, 2019 at 9:36pm PDT</time></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Some sleepy eyes behind the shades! Early morning flights be like!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yellove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yellove</a> 🦁💛 <a href="https://t.co/mLHxuiUxh1">pic.twitter.com/mLHxuiUxh1</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1115822390678888449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Off to the Pink City! Spread <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yellove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yellove</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a>🦁💛 <a href="https://t.co/33UcL2Fw9c">pic.twitter.com/33UcL2Fw9c</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1115850728684314626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The matches being played in this year's edition of IPL are getting prolonged and the tournament is under heavy criticism for the duration of the matches. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Several cricketers have voiced their concern regarding the issue.</p>

<p>Slow over-rates has also hampered the tournament, as Ajinkya Rahane (skipper of Rajasthan) and Rohit Sharma (skipper of Mumbai) were fined for slow-over rates earlier in the league.&nbsp;</p>


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

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

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

<p>Kolkata's Russell has been in a sensational form in the ongoing edition of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> with his incredible power-hitting ability that helped his side win matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russell so far has scored 257 runs in 121 balls he faced and his average his 128.50 also, he is the only batsman with a 200+ strike rate in IPL 2019. &nbsp;</p>

<p>With 25 sixes so far, Russell is also leading the chart of most sixes in the ongoing season of India's cash-rich league.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Tuesday's match, Russell took it upon himself to post a decent target when other batsman gave away their wickets cheaply against MS Dhoni-led Chennai that Kolkata lost eventually.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Jamaican refused to take singles to keep the tail-enders at the non-strikers' end. He finished the innings unbeaten on 50 with five fours and three sixes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He earned praises from his skipper Dinesh Karthik, who said, "Credit to Russell, he showed a lot of maturity and I am pleased with the way he's shaping up. I like the way we tried defending a small total, especially the spinners with the wet ball."</p>

<p>With his match-winning and entertaining knocks, Russell has become a cricket sensation&nbsp;among Indian fans and Twitter users have compared him with several Bollywood's reel icons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russell was even compared to Thanos, who is the villain in Marvel's Avengers series.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here are a few reactions:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Only these two can do thing like today😎<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvsKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvsKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndreRussell?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndreRussell</a> <a href="https://t.co/odTc00EGfp">pic.twitter.com/odTc00EGfp</a></p>
— FunChaayat (@funchaayat) <a href="https://twitter.com/funchaayat/status/1114234381659451393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvKKR</a><br />
ANDRE RUSSELL IS NEW<br />
THAN-BALI <a href="https://t.co/DgDkKz5JhC">pic.twitter.com/DgDkKz5JhC</a></p>
— Aditya saraogi (@saraogi_aditya1) <a href="https://twitter.com/saraogi_aditya1/status/1114235850001403905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bowlers when Andre Russell is batting:<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvKKR</a> <a href="https://t.co/qQjXGCPLbJ">pic.twitter.com/qQjXGCPLbJ</a></p>
— Samar (@samaranandd) <a href="https://twitter.com/samaranandd/status/1114234657120432129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Andre Russell right now<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvKKR</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/bHy5WSy1WO">pic.twitter.com/bHy5WSy1WO</a></p>
— Sarcasm God (@its_GauravChand) <a href="https://twitter.com/its_GauravChand/status/1114230994326904833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Virat Kohli After buying Siraj In Auction : <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndreRussell?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndreRussell</a> <a href="https://t.co/UffW2G5570">pic.twitter.com/UffW2G5570</a></p>
— Pruthvi (@PruthviAhir9) <a href="https://twitter.com/PruthviAhir9/status/1114234307701161984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">KKR fans looking at Andre Russell.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvKKR</a> <a href="https://t.co/RopvA0jlpK">pic.twitter.com/RopvA0jlpK</a></p>
— BW Pandey (@bw_pandey) <a href="https://twitter.com/bw_pandey/status/1114236651914649600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nehra as bowling coach after watching Andre Russell !! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvKKR</a> <a href="https://t.co/I2mHKHLwFn">pic.twitter.com/I2mHKHLwFn</a></p>
— Boring... (@graphicalcomic) <a href="https://twitter.com/graphicalcomic/status/1114230534761254912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Andre Russell Russell's Viper <a href="https://t.co/M67MBIkZ45">pic.twitter.com/M67MBIkZ45</a></p>
— ✿VARUN KUMAR✿🇮🇳 (@Varun4Talk) <a href="https://twitter.com/Varun4Talk/status/1114235615430598657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Andre Russell’s mathematics teacher’s big complaint was that he only learnt the 6 multiplication table.<br />
<br />
d only way teams cn stop Andre Russell is ensuring they don’t dismiss the 5 batsmen before him. Once it’s 3-down,let the catches fall short and pray you keep missing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DreRuss?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DreRuss</a> <a href="https://t.co/UVLBQXig25">pic.twitter.com/UVLBQXig25</a></p>
— goldie (@GOPAL_BALAR) <a href="https://twitter.com/GOPAL_BALAR/status/1114338604036259840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 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> To HiS teaM <a href="https://t.co/0myaOBtz5q">pic.twitter.com/0myaOBtz5q</a></p>
— Adarsh Rajput (@AdarshR86352067) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdarshR86352067/status/1114391737957408768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Only these two can do thing like today😎<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvsKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvsKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndreRussell?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndreRussell</a> <a href="https://t.co/odTc00EGfp">pic.twitter.com/odTc00EGfp</a></p>
— FunChaayat (@funchaayat) <a href="https://twitter.com/funchaayat/status/1114234381659451393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Andre Russell literally in every IPL match:-<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvKKR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russell?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russell</a> <a href="https://t.co/QaUAK0ha4s">pic.twitter.com/QaUAK0ha4s</a></p>
— SwAYam SiNha (@_herayam_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_herayam_/status/1114232530218049537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kolkata will next play Delhi on Friday.&nbsp;</p>


Kolkata's Russell has been in a sensational form in the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League with his incredible power-hitting ability that helped his side win matches.

Kolkata's Russell has been in a sensational form in the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League with his incredible power-hitting ability that helped his side win matches. Russell so far has scored 257 runs in 121 balls he faced and his average his 128.50 also, he is the only batsman with a 200+ strike rate in IPL 2019. With 25 sixes so far, Russell is also leading the chart of most sixes in the ongoing season of India's cash-rich league. In Tuesday's match, Russell took it upon himself to post a decent target when other batsman gave away their wickets cheaply against MS Dhoni-led Chennai that Kolkata lost eventually. The Jamaican refused to take singles to keep the tail-enders at the non-strikers' end. He finished the innings unbeaten on 50 with five fours and three sixes. He earned praises from his skipper Dinesh Karthik, who said, "Credit to Russell, he showed a lot of maturity and I am pleased with the way he's shaping up. I like the way we tried defending a small total, especially the spinners with the wet ball." With his match-winning and entertaining knocks, Russell has become a cricket sensation among Indian fans and Twitter users have compared him with several Bollywood's reel icons. Russell was even compared to Thanos, who is the villain in Marvel's Avengers series. Here are a few reactions: Only these two can do thing like today😎#RCBvsKKR #AndreRussell pic.twitter.com/odTc00EGfp — FunChaayat (@funchaayat) April 5, 2019 × #RCBvKKR ANDRE RUSSELL IS NEW THAN-BALI pic.twitter.com/DgDkKz5JhC — Aditya saraogi (@saraogi_aditya1) April 5, 2019 × Bowlers when Andre Russell is batting:#RCBvKKR pic.twitter.com/qQjXGCPLbJ — Samar (@samaranandd) April 5, 2019 × Andre Russell right now#RCBvKKR#IPL2019 pic.twitter.com/bHy5WSy1WO — Sarcasm God (@its_GauravChand) April 5, 2019 × Virat Kohli After buying Siraj In Auction : #RCBvKKR #AndreRussell pic.twitter.com/UffW2G5570 — Pruthvi (@PruthviAhir9) April 5, 2019 × KKR fans looking at Andre Russell.#RCBvKKR pic.twitter.com/RopvA0jlpK — BW Pandey (@bw_pandey) April 5, 2019 × Nehra as bowling coach after watching Andre Russell !! #RCBvKKR pic.twitter.com/I2mHKHLwFn — Boring... (@graphicalcomic) April 5, 2019 × Andre Russell Russell's Viper pic.twitter.com/M67MBIkZ45 — ✿VARUN KUMAR✿🇮🇳 (@Varun4Talk) April 5, 2019 × Andre Russell’s mathematics teacher’s big complaint was that he only learnt the 6 multiplication table. d only way teams cn stop Andre Russell is ensuring they don’t dismiss the 5 batsmen before him. Once it’s 3-down,let the catches fall short and pray you keep missing #DreRuss pic.twitter.com/UVLBQXig25 — goldie (@GOPAL_BALAR) April 6, 2019 × #AndreRussell To HiS teaM pic.twitter.com/0myaOBtz5q — Adarsh Rajput (@AdarshR86352067) April 6, 2019 × Only these two can do thing like today😎#RCBvsKKR #AndreRussell pic.twitter.com/odTc00EGfp — FunChaayat (@funchaayat) April 5, 2019 × Andre Russell literally in every IPL match:-#RCBvKKR #Russell pic.twitter.com/QaUAK0ha4s — SwAYam SiNha (@_herayam_) April 5, 2019 × Kolkata will next play Delhi on Friday.

Twitterati compares Andre Russell to Baahubali, Thanos and more, see pics

<p>Tom Moody, the former Australian cricketer and current Sunrisers Hyderabad coach,&nbsp;confirmed that both Kane Williamson (New Zealand cricket captain) and Khaleel Ahmed (Indian fast-bowler) will be fit for their next match against Delhi.</p>

<p>Moody&nbsp;took to his Twitter handle to update about the players, "Yes, Kane will be fit for our next match!, as will Khaleel".</p>

<p>Williamson's return can prove to a blessing in disguise for the team, as Hydebarad&nbsp;have been struggling with middle-order batting issues in this year's edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).</p>

<p>The team lost back to back matches against Mumbai and Punjab, and the loss was a result of poor batting performance.</p>

<p>While the openers, David Warner and Jonny Bairstow have been in tremendous form in the tournament, the middle-order batsmen have failed to rise to the occasion.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the addition of Khaleel will give bowling depth to SRH, as they have been struggling with poor bowling in the death overs.</p>

<p>Hyderabad&nbsp;have played six matches so far in this year's edition of the IPL and they have recorded 3 wins and 3 losses.</p>

<p>The team is currently placed on the fourth position in the league standings. Hyderabad will next host Delhi on April 14 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.</p>


Tom Moody, the former Australian cricketer and current Sunrisers Hyderabad coach, confirmed that both Kane Williamson (New Zealand cricket captain) and Khaleel Ahmed (Indian fast-bowler) will be fit for their next match against Delhi.

Tom Moody, the former Australian cricketer and current Sunrisers Hyderabad coach, confirmed that both Kane Williamson (New Zealand cricket captain) and Khaleel Ahmed (Indian fast-bowler) will be fit for their next match against Delhi. Moody took to his Twitter handle to update about the players, "Yes, Kane will be fit for our next match!, as will Khaleel". Williamson's return can prove to a blessing in disguise for the team, as Hydebarad have been struggling with middle-order batting issues in this year's edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The team lost back to back matches against Mumbai and Punjab, and the loss was a result of poor batting performance. While the openers, David Warner and Jonny Bairstow have been in tremendous form in the tournament, the middle-order batsmen have failed to rise to the occasion. Meanwhile, the addition of Khaleel will give bowling depth to SRH, as they have been struggling with poor bowling in the death overs. Hyderabad have played six matches so far in this year's edition of the IPL and they have recorded 3 wins and 3 losses. The team is currently placed on the fourth position in the league standings. Hyderabad will next host Delhi on April 14 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

IPL 2019: Hyderabad's Williamson, Khaleel to be fit for clash against Delhi

<p>Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai team will take on Ravichandran Ashwin-led in the first return fixture of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> 2019. The two teams met in Mohali earlier, when Punjab defeated Mumbai as they chased down 177 quite convincingly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both the teams are high on confidence as coming off wins against Hyderabad in their respective previous matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When we see their head-to-head clashes in IPL, they have played 23 matches and Mumbai have won 12 and Punjab won 11.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the Wankhede Stadium, they have played eight matches and both the teams have won equal wins.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mumbai team is blessed with splendid batting firepower in the end overs from West Indian Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya and Punjab but have a problem at the top. The top order, comprising Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, is capable of hitting runs but they failed to leave an impact so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mumbai don't even have anyone in the top-20 run-scorers' list this season, an indication of the depth in their batting, and have a superior fast bowling attack bolstered by the inclusion of West Indian pacer, Alzarri Joseph, who blew away Hyderabad with his record-breaking haul of 6/12 in their previous game. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The hosts have a formidable pace attack with Jasprit Bumrah and left-arm Jason Behrendorff also there, along with Joseph and Hardik, to utilise the bounce and carry on the Wankhede track.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Punjab, third on the table with eight points, have been top heavy in batting with KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal leading the way with 200-plus aggregates and the indomitable Gayle too not far behind.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In bowling, skipper Ravichandran Ashwin (7 wickets) has done well in five out of six games that the team has played and has got good support from the likes of Sam Curran, Mohammed Shami and Murugan Ashwin.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the preview:</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Teams:</strong></p>

<p><strong>Mumbai:</strong> Rohit Sharma(c), Quinton de Kock(wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Yuvraj Singh, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Mitchell McClenaghan, Jason Behrendorff, Mayank Markande, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Alzarri Joseph, Anmolpreet Singh, Siddhesh Lad, Ankul Roy, Evin Lewis, Pankaj Jaiswal, Ben Cutting, Ishan Kishan (wk), Aditya Tare, Rasikh Salam, Barinder Sran, Jayant Yadav.</p>

<p><strong>Punjab:</strong> Lokesh Rahul (wk), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Sarfaraz Khan, David Miller, Mandeep Singh, Sam Curran, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Andrew Tye, Murugan Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Karun Nair, Moises Henriques, Varun Chakravarthi, Harpreet Brar, Simran Singh, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Hardus Viljoen, Ankit Rajpoot, Arshdeep Singh, Darshan Nalkande, Agnivesh Ayachi.</p>


Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai team will take on Ravichandran Ashwin-led in the first return fixture of Indian Premier League 2019. The two teams met in Mohali earlier, when Punjab defeated Mumbai as they chased down 177 quite convincingly.

Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai team will take on Ravichandran Ashwin-led in the first return fixture of Indian Premier League 2019. The two teams met in Mohali earlier, when Punjab defeated Mumbai as they chased down 177 quite convincingly. Both the teams are high on confidence as coming off wins against Hyderabad in their respective previous matches. When we see their head-to-head clashes in IPL, they have played 23 matches and Mumbai have won 12 and Punjab won 11. At the Wankhede Stadium, they have played eight matches and both the teams have won equal wins. Mumbai team is blessed with splendid batting firepower in the end overs from West Indian Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya and Punjab but have a problem at the top. The top order, comprising Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, is capable of hitting runs but they failed to leave an impact so far. Mumbai don't even have anyone in the top-20 run-scorers' list this season, an indication of the depth in their batting, and have a superior fast bowling attack bolstered by the inclusion of West Indian pacer, Alzarri Joseph, who blew away Hyderabad with his record-breaking haul of 6/12 in their previous game. The hosts have a formidable pace attack with Jasprit Bumrah and left-arm Jason Behrendorff also there, along with Joseph and Hardik, to utilise the bounce and carry on the Wankhede track. Punjab, third on the table with eight points, have been top heavy in batting with KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal leading the way with 200-plus aggregates and the indomitable Gayle too not far behind. In bowling, skipper Ravichandran Ashwin (7 wickets) has done well in five out of six games that the team has played and has got good support from the likes of Sam Curran, Mohammed Shami and Murugan Ashwin. Watch the preview: × Teams: Mumbai: Rohit Sharma(c), Quinton de Kock(wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Yuvraj Singh, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Mitchell McClenaghan, Jason Behrendorff, Mayank Markande, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Alzarri Joseph, Anmolpreet Singh, Siddhesh Lad, Ankul Roy, Evin Lewis, Pankaj Jaiswal, Ben Cutting, Ishan Kishan (wk), Aditya Tare, Rasikh Salam, Barinder Sran, Jayant Yadav. Punjab: Lokesh Rahul (wk), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Sarfaraz Khan, David Miller, Mandeep Singh, Sam Curran, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Andrew Tye, Murugan Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Karun Nair, Moises Henriques, Varun Chakravarthi, Harpreet Brar, Simran Singh, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Hardus Viljoen, Ankit Rajpoot, Arshdeep Singh, Darshan Nalkande, Agnivesh Ayachi.

Preview and head-to-head: Mumbai take on Punjab in first return fixture of IPL 2019

<p>KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal struck fluent half-centuries to guide Punjab to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-ipl-2019-kings-xi-punjab-vs-sunrisers-hyderabad-208823">six-wicket win over Hyderabad</a> in a nail-biting Indian Premier League match on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Opting to bat, Punjab first restricted Hyderabad to 150 for four and then rode on Rahul and Agarwal's knocks to chased down the target in 19.5 overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul (71 not out) and Agarwal (55) stitched 114 runs off 84 balls for the second wicket to take Punjab close to the target.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chasing 151 for a win, Punjab lost dangerous Chris Gayle (16) in the fourth over with their scoreboard reading 18.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gayle struck a four and a six each before Deepak Hooda took a brilliant catch at long-on boundary off Rashid Khan's (1/20) bowling to sent packing the West Indian.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul and Agarwal then complemented each other brilliantly as the duo mixed caution with aggression to literally take the game away from Hyderabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Rahul was the enforcer, Agarwal matched his Karnataka teammate with his timing and on the rise shots that included a delectable boundary through covers and a lofted six over the long-off boundary.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul reached his half-century off 34 balls with a boundary off Mohammad Nabi through the wide long-on region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Desperate to break the partnership, skipper Bhuvneshwar Kumar brought him back into the attack in the 16th over and nearly achieved his goal, only for Yusuf Pathan to drop a sitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A short delivery outside the off stump enticed Agarwal to go for an uppercut, which didn't yield the desired connection and elevation but Pathan dropped a sitter at sweeper cover.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Sandeep Sharma (2/21) picked up two wickets -- Agarwal and David Miller -- in the 18th over to change the complexion of the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Agarwal departed soon after reaching his fifty while going for a big shot, caught by Vijay Shankar at deep midwicket off Sandeep Sharma and four balls later Miller to was dismissed by the pacer as the left-hander went for an expansive shot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was stroll in the park for Punjab when Rahul and Agarwal were going great guns but the scenario changed completely, courtesy the two quick wickets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Punjab needed 16 runs off the last two overs and the pressure got the better of new man Mandeep Singh, caught by Hooda off Siddharth Kaul's brilliant penultimate over that yielded just five runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pressure shifted to Punjab in no time as they needed 11 runs off the last over off Nabi but Sam Curran (5 not out) and Rahul played sensibly without committing any harakiri to reach home with a ball to spare.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, David Warner struck his fourth fifty of the season before Hooda played a cameo in the final over to lift Hyderabad to a challenging 150 for four.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Opening the batting, Warner carried on his bat for an uncharacteristic 70 not out off 62 balls to anchor Hyderabad's innings but it was Hooda's unbeaten 14 off three deliveries that provided the late thrust to the visitors' innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Warner struck six boundaries and one six during his knock, but it was Hooda who stole the limelight, smashing Mohammed Shami for two fours and one hit over the fence to pick up vital 15 runs off the last over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hyderabad suffered an early blow in the form of Jonny Bairstow (1) after being sent into bat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bairstow failed to control a flick off Mujeeb Ur Rahman's (1/34) bowling as Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin took a smart catch at short midwicket in the second over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The early dismissal, together with some disciplined bowling from Punjab, made life difficult for Hyderabad batsmen as Warner and new man in Shankar (26) found the going tough.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The duo failed to strike big and stitched 49 runs for the second wicket off 57 balls to stabilise the Hyderabad's innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But just when it was time to cut loose after a slow start, Shankar edged a Ashwin (1/30) delivery to Rahul behind the stumps as Hyderabad slumped to 56 for two after 10.4 overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Promoted up the order, Nabi (12) fell victim to an unfortunate run out after adding just 24 runs with Warner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Warner was not his elements Monday as he struggled to his fifty off 49 balls with the help of four boundaries and one six.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Warner and Manish Pandey (19) then added 55 runs for the fourth wicket to take Hyderabad forward before Hooda finished off the innings in style to give Hyderabad's bowlers a total to defend.&nbsp;</p>


KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal struck fluent half-centuries to guide Punjab to a six-wicket win over Hyderabad in a nail-biting Indian Premier League match on Monday.

KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal struck fluent half-centuries to guide Punjab to a six-wicket win over Hyderabad in a nail-biting Indian Premier League match on Monday. Opting to bat, Punjab first restricted Hyderabad to 150 for four and then rode on Rahul and Agarwal's knocks to chased down the target in 19.5 overs. Rahul (71 not out) and Agarwal (55) stitched 114 runs off 84 balls for the second wicket to take Punjab close to the target. Chasing 151 for a win, Punjab lost dangerous Chris Gayle (16) in the fourth over with their scoreboard reading 18. Gayle struck a four and a six each before Deepak Hooda took a brilliant catch at long-on boundary off Rashid Khan's (1/20) bowling to sent packing the West Indian. Rahul and Agarwal then complemented each other brilliantly as the duo mixed caution with aggression to literally take the game away from Hyderabad. While Rahul was the enforcer, Agarwal matched his Karnataka teammate with his timing and on the rise shots that included a delectable boundary through covers and a lofted six over the long-off boundary. Rahul reached his half-century off 34 balls with a boundary off Mohammad Nabi through the wide long-on region. Desperate to break the partnership, skipper Bhuvneshwar Kumar brought him back into the attack in the 16th over and nearly achieved his goal, only for Yusuf Pathan to drop a sitter. A short delivery outside the off stump enticed Agarwal to go for an uppercut, which didn't yield the desired connection and elevation but Pathan dropped a sitter at sweeper cover. But Sandeep Sharma (2/21) picked up two wickets -- Agarwal and David Miller -- in the 18th over to change the complexion of the match. Agarwal departed soon after reaching his fifty while going for a big shot, caught by Vijay Shankar at deep midwicket off Sandeep Sharma and four balls later Miller to was dismissed by the pacer as the left-hander went for an expansive shot. It was stroll in the park for Punjab when Rahul and Agarwal were going great guns but the scenario changed completely, courtesy the two quick wickets. Punjab needed 16 runs off the last two overs and the pressure got the better of new man Mandeep Singh, caught by Hooda off Siddharth Kaul's brilliant penultimate over that yielded just five runs. The pressure shifted to Punjab in no time as they needed 11 runs off the last over off Nabi but Sam Curran (5 not out) and Rahul played sensibly without committing any harakiri to reach home with a ball to spare. Earlier, David Warner struck his fourth fifty of the season before Hooda played a cameo in the final over to lift Hyderabad to a challenging 150 for four. Opening the batting, Warner carried on his bat for an uncharacteristic 70 not out off 62 balls to anchor Hyderabad's innings but it was Hooda's unbeaten 14 off three deliveries that provided the late thrust to the visitors' innings. Warner struck six boundaries and one six during his knock, but it was Hooda who stole the limelight, smashing Mohammed Shami for two fours and one hit over the fence to pick up vital 15 runs off the last over. Hyderabad suffered an early blow in the form of Jonny Bairstow (1) after being sent into bat. Bairstow failed to control a flick off Mujeeb Ur Rahman's (1/34) bowling as Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin took a smart catch at short midwicket in the second over. The early dismissal, together with some disciplined bowling from Punjab, made life difficult for Hyderabad batsmen as Warner and new man in Shankar (26) found the going tough. The duo failed to strike big and stitched 49 runs for the second wicket off 57 balls to stabilise the Hyderabad's innings. But just when it was time to cut loose after a slow start, Shankar edged a Ashwin (1/30) delivery to Rahul behind the stumps as Hyderabad slumped to 56 for two after 10.4 overs. Promoted up the order, Nabi (12) fell victim to an unfortunate run out after adding just 24 runs with Warner. Warner was not his elements Monday as he struggled to his fifty off 49 balls with the help of four boundaries and one six. Warner and Manish Pandey (19) then added 55 runs for the fourth wicket to take Hyderabad forward before Hooda finished off the innings in style to give Hyderabad's bowlers a total to defend.

IPL 2019: KL Rahul's match-winning knock gives Punjab win against Hyderabad

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


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

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

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

#IPL2019 #IPL #RCBvsDC #KKRvsRR #Virat Kohli # MS Dhoni The previous encounter between the two teams in Mohali had ended in a comprehensive eight-wicket win for Punjab.

<p>Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin was at the receiving end after he 'Mankaded' Rajasthan's Jos Buttler in their campaign opener in Jaipur.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The debate on 'Mankad' raged on social media leaving the cricket world divided.&nbsp;While many questioned Ashwin's sportsmanship, Hyderabad's David Warner on Monday found a unique way to counter the 'Mankad' threat&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the Punjab vs Hyderabad game at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, the Australian cricketer deliberately took a start but extended himself to make sure that his bat was grounded and well inside the crease.</p>

<p>A video of the same also went viral with users showing it a way to tackle the 'Mankad' threat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Warner smashed his fourth half-century of IPL 2019, but it was by far his slowest IPL fifty. His half-century came off 49 balls, the most he has taken to reach the 50-run mark in IPL cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">No, Warner doesn't want to get 'Mankaded' <a href="https://t.co/DUSt66yf3I">https://t.co/DUSt66yf3I</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ipl</a></p>
— Utkarsh Bhatla (@UtkarshBhatla) <a href="https://twitter.com/UtkarshBhatla/status/1115273653535608837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>His previous slowest also came against Punjab in Hyderabad in IPL 2017 (45 balls). Warner carried on his bat for an uncharacteristic 70 not out off 62 balls to anchor Hyderabad's innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, it was Punjab who celebrated the night as opener KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal struck fluent half-centuries to guide their side to a six-wicket win.</p>

<p>The win helped Punjab go third in the IPL Points Table.&nbsp;</p>


Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin was at the receiving end after he 'Mankaded' Rajasthan's Jos Buttler in their campaign opener in Jaipur. The debate on 'Mankad' raged on social media leaving the cricket world divided.

Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin was at the receiving end after he 'Mankaded' Rajasthan's Jos Buttler in their campaign opener in Jaipur. The debate on 'Mankad' raged on social media leaving the cricket world divided. While many questioned Ashwin's sportsmanship, Hyderabad's David Warner on Monday found a unique way to counter the 'Mankad' threat During the Punjab vs Hyderabad game at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, the Australian cricketer deliberately took a start but extended himself to make sure that his bat was grounded and well inside the crease. A video of the same also went viral with users showing it a way to tackle the 'Mankad' threat. Warner smashed his fourth half-century of IPL 2019, but it was by far his slowest IPL fifty. His half-century came off 49 balls, the most he has taken to reach the 50-run mark in IPL cricket. No, Warner doesn't want to get 'Mankaded' https://t.co/DUSt66yf3I via @ipl — Utkarsh Bhatla (@UtkarshBhatla) April 8, 2019 × His previous slowest also came against Punjab in Hyderabad in IPL 2017 (45 balls). Warner carried on his bat for an uncharacteristic 70 not out off 62 balls to anchor Hyderabad's innings. However, it was Punjab who celebrated the night as opener KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal struck fluent half-centuries to guide their side to a six-wicket win. The win helped Punjab go third in the IPL Points Table.

Watch: David Warner teaches how to counter 'Mankad' threat

<p>Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata defeated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-ipl-2019-rajasthan-royals-vs-kolkata-knight-riders-208582">Rajasthan by eight wickets</a> at Jaipur's Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Openers Sunil Narine and Chris Lynn tore the Rajasthan bowling attack to shreds to help Kolkata notch up an easy eight-wicket win.</p>

<p>Chasing 140 for a win, Narine (47) and Lynn (50) shared 91 runs for the opening stand in 8.3 overs to take the game away from Rajasthan as Kolkata reached the target with 6.1 overs to spare.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The win, which took Kolkata&nbsp;to the top of the table with eight points from five matches (4 wins and 1 loss), was the best of this season in terms of number of balls to spare.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Narine contributed 47, his best of this IPL season, from 25 balls from which he hit six fours and three sixes while Lynn made an exact 50 from 32 deliveries, with the help of six boundaries and three sixes.</p>

<p>Earlier,&nbsp;Australian batsman Steve&nbsp;Smith struck his first half-century of this IPL season as he remained not out on 73 off 59 deliveries after the home side were invited to bat on a tricky track.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former Australia captain hit seven fours and one six in his unbeaten knock.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He shared 72 runs in 10.4 overs with opener Jos Buttler (37 off 34 balls) for the second wicket after captain Ajinkya Rahane was out cheaply for 5 in the second over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On a slow track at the Sawai Man Singh stadium, the runs were a premium as the ball did not come on to the bat easily.</p>

<p>The stadium was also engulfed by a sandstorm before the tie but the match started on time.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The <a href="https://twitter.com/KKRiders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KKRiders</a> are placed atop the Points Table after Match 21 of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a> <a href="https://t.co/0hyI8PGOFZ">pic.twitter.com/0hyI8PGOFZ</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1114944653969596417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The home side were 56 for 1 at halfway stage but increased the scoring rate at the back end of the innings to add 83 runs from the next 10 overs with Smith scoring the bulk of the runs.</p>


Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata defeated Rajasthan by eight wickets at Jaipur's Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Sunday. Openers Sunil Narine and Chris Lynn tore the Rajasthan bowling attack to shreds to help Kolkata notch up an easy eight-wicket win.

Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata defeated Rajasthan by eight wickets at Jaipur's Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Sunday. Openers Sunil Narine and Chris Lynn tore the Rajasthan bowling attack to shreds to help Kolkata notch up an easy eight-wicket win. Chasing 140 for a win, Narine (47) and Lynn (50) shared 91 runs for the opening stand in 8.3 overs to take the game away from Rajasthan as Kolkata reached the target with 6.1 overs to spare. The win, which took Kolkata to the top of the table with eight points from five matches (4 wins and 1 loss), was the best of this season in terms of number of balls to spare. Narine contributed 47, his best of this IPL season, from 25 balls from which he hit six fours and three sixes while Lynn made an exact 50 from 32 deliveries, with the help of six boundaries and three sixes. Earlier, Australian batsman Steve Smith struck his first half-century of this IPL season as he remained not out on 73 off 59 deliveries after the home side were invited to bat on a tricky track. The former Australia captain hit seven fours and one six in his unbeaten knock. He shared 72 runs in 10.4 overs with opener Jos Buttler (37 off 34 balls) for the second wicket after captain Ajinkya Rahane was out cheaply for 5 in the second over. On a slow track at the Sawai Man Singh stadium, the runs were a premium as the ball did not come on to the bat easily. The stadium was also engulfed by a sandstorm before the tie but the match started on time. The @KKRiders are placed atop the Points Table after Match 21 of #VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/0hyI8PGOFZ — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 7, 2019 × The home side were 56 for 1 at halfway stage but increased the scoring rate at the back end of the innings to add 83 runs from the next 10 overs with Smith scoring the bulk of the runs.

IPL 2019: Karthik's Kolkata beat Rahane-led Rajasthan by 8 wickets

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


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

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

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

<p>The story of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-we-cant-give-excuses-everyday-virat-kohli-after-bangalores-6th-defeat-in-a-row-208599">Virat Kohli</a>-led Bangalore team has been quite disappointing so far in the twelfth edition of Indian Premier League as team's woeful run continues when they suffered <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-virat-kohlis-bangalore-lose-sixth-match-in-a-row-delhi-win-by-4-wickets-208594">sixth straight defeat against Shreyas Iyer-led Delhi</a> at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Poor fielding and conceding too many runs in the death overs are highlighted reasons for the team's consecutive losses. And talking analytically, Virat-led team has dropped 15 catches so far in the ongoing season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about poor fielding and missed chances, Kohli hinted pressure is playing in players' mind.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When the mind is cluttered, you wouldn't be able to focus on the chances that come your way. When you have clarity, you can take your chances better. Shreyas made 65, he was dropped on eight. You never know, could've come into the game that time."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bangalore also matched Delhi's 2013 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-led-bangalore-set-record-one-they-never-wanted-to-208612">record for maximum consecutive losses</a> at the beginning of an IPL season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Like Delhi in 2013, Bangalore also faced sixth consecutive defeats in the start of a season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Looking forward, Kohli said his side needs to needs relax and accept whatever comes "in front of us".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There's nothing more you can tell the team. We've asked the boys to take responsibility. It hasn't happened so far, and that's the reality. Need to play expressive cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Personally, not trying to control anything. After a while, it's about the skill. We want to enjoy as a team, otherwise we won't be able to play any good cricket," he said.&nbsp;</p>


The story of Virat Kohli-led Bangalore team has been quite disappointing so far in the twelfth edition of Indian Premier League as team's woeful run continues when they suffered sixth straight defeat against Shreyas Iyer-led Delhi at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday.

The story of Virat Kohli-led Bangalore team has been quite disappointing so far in the twelfth edition of Indian Premier League as team's woeful run continues when they suffered sixth straight defeat against Shreyas Iyer-led Delhi at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday. Poor fielding and conceding too many runs in the death overs are highlighted reasons for the team's consecutive losses. And talking analytically, Virat-led team has dropped 15 catches so far in the ongoing season. Talking about poor fielding and missed chances, Kohli hinted pressure is playing in players' mind. "When the mind is cluttered, you wouldn't be able to focus on the chances that come your way. When you have clarity, you can take your chances better. Shreyas made 65, he was dropped on eight. You never know, could've come into the game that time." Bangalore also matched Delhi's 2013 record for maximum consecutive losses at the beginning of an IPL season. Like Delhi in 2013, Bangalore also faced sixth consecutive defeats in the start of a season. Looking forward, Kohli said his side needs to needs relax and accept whatever comes "in front of us". "There's nothing more you can tell the team. We've asked the boys to take responsibility. It hasn't happened so far, and that's the reality. Need to play expressive cricket. Personally, not trying to control anything. After a while, it's about the skill. We want to enjoy as a team, otherwise we won't be able to play any good cricket," he said.

IPL 2019: Guess how many catches Virat Kohli-led Bangalore team dropped so far this season

<p>Kolkata's&nbsp;Chris Lynn was&nbsp;tempted to visit a casino to cash in on his luck after a miraculous reprieve while batting during Kolkata's Indian Premier League (IPL) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-karthiks-kolkata-beat-ajinkya-led-rajasthan-by-8-wickets-208643">victory over Rajasthan</a> on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 28-year-old was on 13 when he inside-edged a delivery from paceman Dhawan Kulkarni onto his stumps and started walking off without bothering to look behind.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kulkarni was celebrating too but it was soon cut short when the bowler realised that the ball had lit up the zing bail but failed to dislodge it, ricocheting off the leg stump to the fine-leg boundary for a four instead.</p>

<p>Lynn went on to score 50 off 32 deliveries in Kolkata's successful eight-wicket win chasing Rajasthan's 139-3 that put them at the top of the IPL table with four wins from five matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvsRR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvsRR</a> Chris Lynn may have been lucky during that match, but clearly, whether or not the bails fell off, the ball did hit the stumps and thus it should've been an out. <a href="https://t.co/q89PVeiZ0q">pic.twitter.com/q89PVeiZ0q</a></p>
— SR_Guy (@SR_Guy_1164) <a href="https://twitter.com/SR_Guy_1164/status/1115143554102251521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chris Lynn Bowled? Well, not really! <a href="https://t.co/dIoHGafnTm">https://t.co/dIoHGafnTm</a></p>
— चौकीदार..Vijay Shahapure (VP) (@VijayShahapure3) <a href="https://twitter.com/VijayShahapure3/status/1114945346973708288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I always like to ride my luck," Lynn told teammate Harry Gurney in a video posted on the IPL website.</p>

<p>"I inside-edged it, and then I heard a second noise. I thought (the wicket-keeper) might catch it or the bails might come off, but I got lucky.</p>

<p>"I might actually go the casino tonight!"</p>

<p>It was the third time in this year's IPL that a batsman had benefited from the bails refusing to be dislodged.</p>

<p>Rajasthan were also on the receiving end in an earlier match when Jofra Archer's delivery rolled onto the stumps but Chennai's captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, yet to open his account, survived as bails could not be dislodged.</p>

<p>Dhoni, who went on to make a match-winning 75 off 46 deliveries, suffered the heartbreak himself on Saturday when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-how-ms-dhoni-missed-kl-rahuls-stumping-in-ipl-match-208507">bails did not fall despite his direct hit with Punjab opener Lokesh Rahul </a>short of his ground.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rajasthan captain Ajinkya Rahane appeared as bewildered as the bowler and was involved in a long conversation with the on-field umpire after Sunday's incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The rules are what they are, but I told the umpire, at least don't declare it a boundary," Rahane said.</p>

<p>"It's already so tough for the bowlers in T20, and in such a situation, a ball can, maybe, declared a dead ball. That was my conversation with the umpires."</p>


Kolkata's Chris Lynn was tempted to visit a casino to cash in on his luck after a miraculous reprieve while batting during Kolkata's Indian Premier League (IPL) victory over Rajasthan on Sunday.

Kolkata's Chris Lynn was tempted to visit a casino to cash in on his luck after a miraculous reprieve while batting during Kolkata's Indian Premier League (IPL) victory over Rajasthan on Sunday. The 28-year-old was on 13 when he inside-edged a delivery from paceman Dhawan Kulkarni onto his stumps and started walking off without bothering to look behind. Kulkarni was celebrating too but it was soon cut short when the bowler realised that the ball had lit up the zing bail but failed to dislodge it, ricocheting off the leg stump to the fine-leg boundary for a four instead. Lynn went on to score 50 off 32 deliveries in Kolkata's successful eight-wicket win chasing Rajasthan's 139-3 that put them at the top of the IPL table with four wins from five matches. Watch the video: #KKRvsRR Chris Lynn may have been lucky during that match, but clearly, whether or not the bails fell off, the ball did hit the stumps and thus it should've been an out. pic.twitter.com/q89PVeiZ0q — SR_Guy (@SR_Guy_1164) April 8, 2019 × Chris Lynn Bowled? Well, not really! https://t.co/dIoHGafnTm — चौकीदार..Vijay Shahapure (VP) (@VijayShahapure3) April 7, 2019 × "I always like to ride my luck," Lynn told teammate Harry Gurney in a video posted on the IPL website. "I inside-edged it, and then I heard a second noise. I thought (the wicket-keeper) might catch it or the bails might come off, but I got lucky. "I might actually go the casino tonight!" It was the third time in this year's IPL that a batsman had benefited from the bails refusing to be dislodged. Rajasthan were also on the receiving end in an earlier match when Jofra Archer's delivery rolled onto the stumps but Chennai's captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, yet to open his account, survived as bails could not be dislodged. Dhoni, who went on to make a match-winning 75 off 46 deliveries, suffered the heartbreak himself on Saturday when bails did not fall despite his direct hit with Punjab opener Lokesh Rahul short of his ground. Rajasthan captain Ajinkya Rahane appeared as bewildered as the bowler and was involved in a long conversation with the on-field umpire after Sunday's incident. "The rules are what they are, but I told the umpire, at least don't declare it a boundary," Rahane said. "It's already so tough for the bowlers in T20, and in such a situation, a ball can, maybe, declared a dead ball. That was my conversation with the umpires."

'Visit the casino': Watch how Kolkata's Chris Lynn gets lucky after bail fail against Rajasthan

<p>Rajasthan might have lost four out of five matches in the ongoing Indian Premier League but captain Ajinkya Rahane feels there is no need to hit the panic button just yet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After restricting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-karthiks-kolkata-beat-ajinkya-led-rajasthan-by-8-wickets-208643">Rajasthan to 139 for 3 in 20 overs</a>, Kolkata's Sunil Narine (47) and Chris Lynn (50) tore their bowling attack to shreds, sharing 91 runs for the opening stand in 8.3 overs to reach the target with 6.1 overs to spare.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think there's no need for us to panic yet. Out of the five matches that we played, we lost badly in just one game. We played well in our last four matches, out of which we could have won three," Rahane said at the post-match press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When you're losing, you can risk overthinking. But when you're winning, you don't dwell on things that much.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's not too late for us. If we can improve and apply ourselves, the desired results will surely follow," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahane said that the batsmen need to stay longer at the crease and take calculated risks, while bowlers are expected to quickly get the hang of the wicket and execute the plans accordingly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Execution is the key for us as a batting and bowling unit. Risk is an integral part of the T20 format and players need to often back themselves. It's not the responsibility of an individual, but rather the whole team. We win as a team, we lose as a team. We need to improve as a team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The set batsmen need to stay on the crease longer and take the game deeper, while also taking calculated risks. Similarly, the bowlers need to execute their plans based on the understanding of the wicket, and by observing the difficulties that the batsmen are facing with regards to playing any shots," he explained.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahane said 150-160 would have been a fighting total against Kolkata here on Sunday night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It was important for us to post 150-160 on board, which we felt would be a challenging total on that wicket. We struggled to get to 140, which is possibly a learning for the bowling unit. While playing at home, we need to adjust to the wicket as soon as possible, while also being aware of the correct line and length that is to be bowled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A ball from Dhawal Kulkarni got an inside edge off Lynn to hit the stumps but did not dislodge the bails. In fact, the ball travelled past the boundary ropes and was awarded a boundary in favour of the batsman.</p>

<p>Rahane said he had approached the umpire and asked him to declare it a dead ball but to no avail. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"The rules are rules. Having said that, maybe the boundary could have not been counted or it could have been called a dead ball. The game is already heavily tilted in the favour of batsmen. That was my conversation with the umpire. Though, there is no point of discussing aspects that we cannot control," he said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahane backed all-rounder Ben Stokes, who during his 22-minute uncomfortable stay at the crease scored just 7 off 14 balls, to come good in the upcoming games.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Ben has been a vital cog for us and he has an impact on match but unfortunately it did not happen this time. The way he bowled in the last match and has been batting I don't feel his selection for this match was wrong. I am sure he would be performing in the coming matches too. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"As a team we have to back our players. It is not that any particular player is to perform in every match," he insisted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Kolkata debutant Harry Gurney was happy to be declared the man of the match.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asked whether he had expected it to be so easy, Gurney said, "When I was told that I would be playing I was a bit nervous because it was my debut but I am happy to give a decent performance and look forward to rest of the competition."&nbsp;</p>


Rajasthan might have lost four out of five matches in the ongoing Indian Premier League but captain Ajinkya Rahane feels there is no need to hit the panic button just yet.

Rajasthan might have lost four out of five matches in the ongoing Indian Premier League but captain Ajinkya Rahane feels there is no need to hit the panic button just yet. After restricting Rajasthan to 139 for 3 in 20 overs, Kolkata's Sunil Narine (47) and Chris Lynn (50) tore their bowling attack to shreds, sharing 91 runs for the opening stand in 8.3 overs to reach the target with 6.1 overs to spare. "I think there's no need for us to panic yet. Out of the five matches that we played, we lost badly in just one game. We played well in our last four matches, out of which we could have won three," Rahane said at the post-match press conference. "When you're losing, you can risk overthinking. But when you're winning, you don't dwell on things that much. "It's not too late for us. If we can improve and apply ourselves, the desired results will surely follow," he added. Rahane said that the batsmen need to stay longer at the crease and take calculated risks, while bowlers are expected to quickly get the hang of the wicket and execute the plans accordingly. "Execution is the key for us as a batting and bowling unit. Risk is an integral part of the T20 format and players need to often back themselves. It's not the responsibility of an individual, but rather the whole team. We win as a team, we lose as a team. We need to improve as a team. "The set batsmen need to stay on the crease longer and take the game deeper, while also taking calculated risks. Similarly, the bowlers need to execute their plans based on the understanding of the wicket, and by observing the difficulties that the batsmen are facing with regards to playing any shots," he explained. Rahane said 150-160 would have been a fighting total against Kolkata here on Sunday night. "It was important for us to post 150-160 on board, which we felt would be a challenging total on that wicket. We struggled to get to 140, which is possibly a learning for the bowling unit. While playing at home, we need to adjust to the wicket as soon as possible, while also being aware of the correct line and length that is to be bowled. A ball from Dhawal Kulkarni got an inside edge off Lynn to hit the stumps but did not dislodge the bails. In fact, the ball travelled past the boundary ropes and was awarded a boundary in favour of the batsman. Rahane said he had approached the umpire and asked him to declare it a dead ball but to no avail. "The rules are rules. Having said that, maybe the boundary could have not been counted or it could have been called a dead ball. The game is already heavily tilted in the favour of batsmen. That was my conversation with the umpire. Though, there is no point of discussing aspects that we cannot control," he said. Rahane backed all-rounder Ben Stokes, who during his 22-minute uncomfortable stay at the crease scored just 7 off 14 balls, to come good in the upcoming games. "Ben has been a vital cog for us and he has an impact on match but unfortunately it did not happen this time. The way he bowled in the last match and has been batting I don't feel his selection for this match was wrong. I am sure he would be performing in the coming matches too. "As a team we have to back our players. It is not that any particular player is to perform in every match," he insisted. Meanwhile, Kolkata debutant Harry Gurney was happy to be declared the man of the match. Asked whether he had expected it to be so easy, Gurney said, "When I was told that I would be playing I was a bit nervous because it was my debut but I am happy to give a decent performance and look forward to rest of the competition."

No need to panic yet: Rajasthan skipper Ajinkya Rahane

IPL 2019: Match preview of Bangalore vs Delhi and Rajasthan vs Kolkata

IPL 2019: Hyderabad to deal with middle-order woes ahead of Punjab clash

12 years, 12 controversies: IPL has seen it all

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-we-cant-give-excuses-everyday-virat-kohli-after-bangalores-6th-defeat-in-a-row-208599">Virat Kohli-led Bangalore</a> team has created an unwanted record of most consecutive defeats in Indian Premier League. Now, the Bangalore team have suffered seven consecutive defeats from May 19, 2018, to April 7, 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is not something new for Virat-led team as in 2008, Bangalore registered six back-to-back defeats and in 2017, they faced five consecutive losses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the ongoing season, Bangalore's woeful run continues when they suffered sixth straight defeat against Shreyas Iyer-led Delhi at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bangalore also matched Delhi's 2013 record for maximum consecutive losses at the beginning of an IPL season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Like Delhi in 2013, Bangalore also faced <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-virat-kohlis-bangalore-lose-sixth-match-in-a-row-delhi-win-by-4-wickets-208594">sixth consecutive defeats</a> in the start of a season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bangalore batsmen struggled on a tough wicket after being invited to bat first and could only manage 149 for 8 in the stipulated 20 overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While, Iyer played a captain's knock, making a 50-ball 67 to guide Delhi to a comfortable win, bringing their IPL campaign back on track.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Iyer anchored the chase with some crucial partnerships as Delhi overhauled the target with 10 balls to spare.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A story of frustration and cluelessness from the Green outfit but satisfaction and hope from the Blue 🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvDC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvDC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a> <a href="https://t.co/tBsYuyysud">pic.twitter.com/tBsYuyysud</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1114891819966275584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Iyer smashed eight fours and two sixes in his 50-ball innings which helped Delhi grab the fifth place in the points table, snapping a two-match losing streak where they lost to Punjab and Hyderabad in the last two games.</p>


Virat Kohli-led Bangalore team has created an unwanted record of most consecutive defeats in Indian Premier League. Now, the Bangalore team have suffered seven consecutive defeats from May 19, 2018, to April 7, 2019.

Virat Kohli-led Bangalore team has created an unwanted record of most consecutive defeats in Indian Premier League. Now, the Bangalore team have suffered seven consecutive defeats from May 19, 2018, to April 7, 2019. This is not something new for Virat-led team as in 2008, Bangalore registered six back-to-back defeats and in 2017, they faced five consecutive losses. In the ongoing season, Bangalore's woeful run continues when they suffered sixth straight defeat against Shreyas Iyer-led Delhi at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday. Bangalore also matched Delhi's 2013 record for maximum consecutive losses at the beginning of an IPL season. Like Delhi in 2013, Bangalore also faced sixth consecutive defeats in the start of a season. Bangalore batsmen struggled on a tough wicket after being invited to bat first and could only manage 149 for 8 in the stipulated 20 overs. While, Iyer played a captain's knock, making a 50-ball 67 to guide Delhi to a comfortable win, bringing their IPL campaign back on track. Iyer anchored the chase with some crucial partnerships as Delhi overhauled the target with 10 balls to spare. A story of frustration and cluelessness from the Green outfit but satisfaction and hope from the Blue 🙌#RCBvDC #VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/tBsYuyysud — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 7, 2019 × Iyer smashed eight fours and two sixes in his 50-ball innings which helped Delhi grab the fifth place in the points table, snapping a two-match losing streak where they lost to Punjab and Hyderabad in the last two games.

Virat Kohli-led Bangalore set record (not one they wanted to)

<p>Skipper Shreyas Iyer Sunday struck a blistering half-century as Delhi defeated Bangalore by four wickets to hand the Virat Kohli-led side their sixth defeat on the trot of the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.</p>

<p>Iyer smashed 67 runs off 50 balls, including eight boundaries and two sixes, as Delhi crossed the mark with seven balls to spare despite losing three quick wickets by the end.</p>

<p>Put in to bat, the Delhi bowlers restricted Bangalore to a score of 149/8 in 20 overs.&nbsp;The batsmen found the going tough on a tough wicket with Kohli being the highest scorer with 41 runs off 33 balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moeen Ali, who performed well with ball also, contributed with 32 runs. Apart from these two, no other batsman has reached the 20 digit mark.</p>

<p>South Africa paceman Kagiso Rabada ended with figures 4 for 21 runs and accounted for four Bangalore batsmen to lead Delhi's bowling attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The attack also comprised with Chris Morris (2/28), Axar Patel (1/22) and Sandeep Lamichhane (1/46).&nbsp;</p>

<p>For Bangalore, only Navdeep Saini and Moeen Ali performed well with the ball and took two and one wickets respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chahal went wicketless in his four overs while the other bowlers managed to take one wicket when the damage was already done by Delhi team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>By virtue of this win, Delhi grab the fifth place in the points table, snapping a two-match losing streak where they lost to Punjab and Hyderabad in the last two games.</p>

<p>Kohli's Bangalore are sitting at the last on the points table and are on the verge of being knocked out of the tournament.</p>


Skipper Shreyas Iyer Sunday struck a blistering half-century as Delhi defeated Bangalore by four wickets to hand the Virat Kohli-led side their sixth defeat on the trot of the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) at M.

Skipper Shreyas Iyer Sunday struck a blistering half-century as Delhi defeated Bangalore by four wickets to hand the Virat Kohli-led side their sixth defeat on the trot of the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Iyer smashed 67 runs off 50 balls, including eight boundaries and two sixes, as Delhi crossed the mark with seven balls to spare despite losing three quick wickets by the end. Put in to bat, the Delhi bowlers restricted Bangalore to a score of 149/8 in 20 overs. The batsmen found the going tough on a tough wicket with Kohli being the highest scorer with 41 runs off 33 balls. Moeen Ali, who performed well with ball also, contributed with 32 runs. Apart from these two, no other batsman has reached the 20 digit mark. South Africa paceman Kagiso Rabada ended with figures 4 for 21 runs and accounted for four Bangalore batsmen to lead Delhi's bowling attack. The attack also comprised with Chris Morris (2/28), Axar Patel (1/22) and Sandeep Lamichhane (1/46). For Bangalore, only Navdeep Saini and Moeen Ali performed well with the ball and took two and one wickets respectively. Chahal went wicketless in his four overs while the other bowlers managed to take one wicket when the damage was already done by Delhi team. By virtue of this win, Delhi grab the fifth place in the points table, snapping a two-match losing streak where they lost to Punjab and Hyderabad in the last two games. Kohli's Bangalore are sitting at the last on the points table and are on the verge of being knocked out of the tournament.

IPL 2019: Virat Kohli's Bangalore lose sixth match in a row; Delhi win by 4 wickets

<p>Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai have won three out five matches in the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a>, but the way he managed to defend a modest total of 135 against Hyderabad, Twitterati were all praise for the batsman.</p>

<p>They also insisted that he should lead India in the upcoming ICC Men's cricket World Cup. Meanwhile, India skipper Virat Kohli is on a losing streak with Bangalore facing back-to-back five defeats to be placed at the bottom of the points table.</p>

<p>Even after setting a target of 206, Bangalore failed to defend as Kolkata chased down the target and won the match by five wickets. All these incidents have led Twitter users asking Rohit Sharma to lead the 'Men In Blue' in the World Cup, starting May 30.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>In Pics: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/12-years-12-controversies-ipl-has-seen-it-all-208463">12 years, 12 controversies: IPL has seen it all</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>One user tweeted, "Rohit Sharma knows how to win matches. He should replace Kohli as captain for the #CWC2019 #IPL #mi."</p>

<p>Another user tweeted, "He (Kohli) is a phenomenal batsman no doubt. But cannot balance captaining a team. He needs to get street smart. Rohit Sharma instead is a better captain."</p>

<p>A user questioned, "Is it just me that thinks @ImRo45 should captain team India too !!! #MumbaiIndians #TeamIndia."</p>

<p>One Twitter user requested BCCI and wrote, "@BCCI time to appoint @ImRo45 as a captain for #ICC2019 World Cup."Even former England player also praised the Hitman Rohit Sharma and tweeted "Rohit Sharma is a very very good captain .... #IPL2019."</p>

<p>Mumbai will next host R Ashwin's Punjab on April 10.&nbsp;</p>


Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai have won three out five matches in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), but the way he managed to defend a modest total of 135 against Hyderabad, Twitterati were all praise for the batsman.

Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai have won three out five matches in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), but the way he managed to defend a modest total of 135 against Hyderabad, Twitterati were all praise for the batsman. They also insisted that he should lead India in the upcoming ICC Men's cricket World Cup. Meanwhile, India skipper Virat Kohli is on a losing streak with Bangalore facing back-to-back five defeats to be placed at the bottom of the points table. Even after setting a target of 206, Bangalore failed to defend as Kolkata chased down the target and won the match by five wickets. All these incidents have led Twitter users asking Rohit Sharma to lead the 'Men In Blue' in the World Cup, starting May 30. In Pics: 12 years, 12 controversies: IPL has seen it all One user tweeted, "Rohit Sharma knows how to win matches. He should replace Kohli as captain for the #CWC2019 #IPL #mi." Another user tweeted, "He (Kohli) is a phenomenal batsman no doubt. But cannot balance captaining a team. He needs to get street smart. Rohit Sharma instead is a better captain." A user questioned, "Is it just me that thinks @ImRo45 should captain team India too !!! #MumbaiIndians #TeamIndia." One Twitter user requested BCCI and wrote, "@BCCI time to appoint @ImRo45 as a captain for #ICC2019 World Cup."Even former England player also praised the Hitman Rohit Sharma and tweeted "Rohit Sharma is a very very good captain .... #IPL2019." Mumbai will next host R Ashwin's Punjab on April 10.

Twitterati say Rohit Sharma better captain than Virat Kohli, want him to lead India at ICC World Cup

<p>It's not wrong to call Mahendra Singh Dhoni a 7-year-old kid as he joined Imran Tahir and Shane Watson's sons for a playful sprint at the Chepauk stadium after Chennai's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-spinners-help-chennai-defend-160-against-punjab-reclaim-top-spot-208398">22-run win over Punjab</a> in an Indian Premier League match on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the match, a video went viral in which Jr Tahir and Jr Watson were getting ready for a sprint challenge assisted by their fathers and from nowhere,&nbsp;the 37-year-old entered the frame and started running with the kids.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He later lifted Tahir's son and run back to the finishing line.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video was posted by the franchise's official account with the caption, "Jr. #ParasakthiExpress and Jr. Watto having a sprint face-off and a lightning joins them! Priceless!"&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jr. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ParasakthiExpress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ParasakthiExpress</a> and Jr. Watto having a sprint face-off and a lightning joins them! Priceless! <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JustThalaThings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JustThalaThings</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yellove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yellove</a> 🦁💛 <a href="https://t.co/bIGEgedZYW">pic.twitter.com/bIGEgedZYW</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1114542024256962560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ParasakthiExpress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ParasakthiExpress</a> picks wickets and runs! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thala</a> picks Jr. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ParasakthiExpress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ParasakthiExpress</a> and runs! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OdinenOdinenCuteAagaOdinen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OdinenOdinenCuteAagaOdinen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yellove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yellove</a> 🦁💛 <a href="https://t.co/3LWXza38ie">pic.twitter.com/3LWXza38ie</a></p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1114561373336301569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>It is well-known that India's two-time World Cup-winning skipper is comfortable around kids and his videos with daughter Ziva Dhoni often go viral.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently he was&nbsp;talking with daughter Ziva in six different languages, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-ms-dhoni-interacting-with-ziva-in-six-different-languages-is-cutest-thing-on-internet-today-205407">watch</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the match, defending 160 for three, Chennai restricted Punjab to 138 for 5 despite half-centuries from KL Rahul (55) and Sarfaraz Khan (67).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The visitors scored at a low pace and required to score 26 off the last over, bowled by IPL debutant Scott Kuggeleijn. The Kiwi paceman had no trouble defending those runs and also dismissed Sarfaraz.&nbsp;</p>


It's not wrong to call Mahendra Singh Dhoni a 7-year-old kid as he joined Imran Tahir and Shane Watson's sons for a playful sprint at the Chepauk stadium after Chennai's 22-run win over Punjab in an Indian Premier League match on Saturday.

It's not wrong to call Mahendra Singh Dhoni a 7-year-old kid as he joined Imran Tahir and Shane Watson's sons for a playful sprint at the Chepauk stadium after Chennai's 22-run win over Punjab in an Indian Premier League match on Saturday. After the match, a video went viral in which Jr Tahir and Jr Watson were getting ready for a sprint challenge assisted by their fathers and from nowhere, the 37-year-old entered the frame and started running with the kids. He later lifted Tahir's son and run back to the finishing line. The video was posted by the franchise's official account with the caption, "Jr. #ParasakthiExpress and Jr. Watto having a sprint face-off and a lightning joins them! Priceless!" Watch the video here: Jr. #ParasakthiExpress and Jr. Watto having a sprint face-off and a lightning joins them! Priceless! @msdhoni #JustThalaThings #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/bIGEgedZYW — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 6, 2019 × #ParasakthiExpress picks wickets and runs! #Thala picks Jr. #ParasakthiExpress and runs! #OdinenOdinenCuteAagaOdinen #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/3LWXza38ie — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 6, 2019 × It is well-known that India's two-time World Cup-winning skipper is comfortable around kids and his videos with daughter Ziva Dhoni often go viral. Recently he was talking with daughter Ziva in six different languages, watch. In the match, defending 160 for three, Chennai restricted Punjab to 138 for 5 despite half-centuries from KL Rahul (55) and Sarfaraz Khan (67). The visitors scored at a low pace and required to score 26 off the last over, bowled by IPL debutant Scott Kuggeleijn. The Kiwi paceman had no trouble defending those runs and also dismissed Sarfaraz.

Watch: Chennai skipper MS Dhoni's sprint competition with Shane Watson and Imran Tahir's sons