<p>South African fast bowler Dale Steyn has joined Virat Kohli-led Bangalore team in the ongoing edition of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> to replace an injured Australian bowler, Nathan Coulter-Nile,&nbsp;who&nbsp;is recovering from a back injury.&nbsp;"Nathan Coulter-Nile is still recovering from a sustained injury and has been prescribed ample rest," a Bangalore spokesperson told IANS. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The spokesperson added, "He is a player of tremendous talent and owing to his personal time-out, however, he won't be able to play during IPL season 12."</p>

<p>"His absence has been felt greatly both in the team and on ground. Team RCB wishes Nathan a heartfelt speedy recovery and an early comeback. Replacing him in the squad is the explosive fast bowler Dale Steyn. We all welcome him to the RCB squad!" he further added. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Virat's team has so far lost six matches on the trot in the ongoing season of Indian Premier League.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Steyn went sold in the previous two IPL auctions and last played in the competition in 2016 when he represented Gujarat Lions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also played for RCB between 2008 and 2010, taking 27 wickets. Now, with the availability of Steyn, Bangalore would be hoping to get a boost.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Virat Kohli-led side takes on Ashwin-led Punjab in Mohali on Saturday.</p>


South African fast bowler Dale Steyn has joined Virat Kohli-led Bangalore team in the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League to replace an injured Australian bowler, Nathan Coulter-Nile, who is recovering from a back injury.

South African fast bowler Dale Steyn has joined Virat Kohli-led Bangalore team in the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League to replace an injured Australian bowler, Nathan Coulter-Nile, who is recovering from a back injury. "Nathan Coulter-Nile is still recovering from a sustained injury and has been prescribed ample rest," a Bangalore spokesperson told IANS. The spokesperson added, "He is a player of tremendous talent and owing to his personal time-out, however, he won't be able to play during IPL season 12." "His absence has been felt greatly both in the team and on ground. Team RCB wishes Nathan a heartfelt speedy recovery and an early comeback. Replacing him in the squad is the explosive fast bowler Dale Steyn. We all welcome him to the RCB squad!" he further added. Virat's team has so far lost six matches on the trot in the ongoing season of Indian Premier League. Steyn went sold in the previous two IPL auctions and last played in the competition in 2016 when he represented Gujarat Lions. He also played for RCB between 2008 and 2010, taking 27 wickets. Now, with the availability of Steyn, Bangalore would be hoping to get a boost. The Virat Kohli-led side takes on Ashwin-led Punjab in Mohali on Saturday.

IPL 2019: South African pacer Dale Steyn to replace injured Nathan Coulter-Nile in Bangalore squad

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


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

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

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

<p>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>

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<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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<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

<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>
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<p>Chennai next take on Rajasthan on April 11 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.&nbsp;</p>


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

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

Deepak Chahar creates record for most dot balls in IPL

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


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

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

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

<p>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>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>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 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: 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>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

<p>MS Dhoni is known for his brilliant accuracy while stumping and he is often termed as one of the best wicketkeepers in the world. It is believed that he will keep the stumps in the upcoming cricket World Cup in England and Wales for India as he remains the trusted and efficient wicketkeeper for the team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, maybe for the first time, Dhoni committed an unexpected error on the field in an Indian Premier League match in which Chennai registered <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-spinners-help-chennai-defend-160-against-punjab-reclaim-top-spot-208398">a 22-run win over Punjab</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-chennai-skipper-ms-dhonis-sprint-competition-with-shane-watson-and-imran-tahirs-sons-208503">Chennai skipper MS Dhoni's sprint competition with Shane Watson and Imran Tahir's sons</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The incident happened when Punjab's batsman KL Rahul made the luckiest escape when MS Dhoni failed to run him out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the 13th over, Rahul's missed sweep saw Dhoni flick the ball on to the stumps but the bails didn't come off though the LED lights lit up, ensuring the batsman survived despite being short of his crease. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">KXIP's KL Rahul survived a close run out after MS Dhoni's direct hit fails to dislodge the bails from their groo . <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dhoni</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/lionsdenkxip?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lionsdenkxip</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiIPL</a> <a href="https://t.co/pUj4ZMnkXs">pic.twitter.com/pUj4ZMnkXs</a></p>
— Rakesh sharma (@rk11official) <a href="https://twitter.com/rk11official/status/1114802470742421504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">MS Dhoni Gets Unlucky With No-Look Throw, KL Rahul Survives –&nbsp;Watch <a href="https://t.co/EFRPYTZZQc">https://t.co/EFRPYTZZQc</a> <a href="https://t.co/1xBeUnfb9u">pic.twitter.com/1xBeUnfb9u</a></p>
— Top Trending (@TopTrending18) <a href="https://twitter.com/TopTrending18/status/1114803959204597760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the match, however, led by seasoned Harbhajan Singh, Chennai spinners put on a dominating show to help the side reclaim the top position with a 22-run win over Punjab.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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>


MS Dhoni is known for his brilliant accuracy while stumping and he is often termed as one of the best wicketkeepers in the world. It is believed that he will keep the stumps in the upcoming cricket World Cup in England and Wales for India as he remains the trusted and efficient wicketkeeper for the team.

MS Dhoni is known for his brilliant accuracy while stumping and he is often termed as one of the best wicketkeepers in the world. It is believed that he will keep the stumps in the upcoming cricket World Cup in England and Wales for India as he remains the trusted and efficient wicketkeeper for the team. However, maybe for the first time, Dhoni committed an unexpected error on the field in an Indian Premier League match in which Chennai registered a 22-run win over Punjab. Also Watch: Chennai skipper MS Dhoni's sprint competition with Shane Watson and Imran Tahir's sons The incident happened when Punjab's batsman KL Rahul made the luckiest escape when MS Dhoni failed to run him out. In the 13th over, Rahul's missed sweep saw Dhoni flick the ball on to the stumps but the bails didn't come off though the LED lights lit up, ensuring the batsman survived despite being short of his crease. Watch the video: KXIP's KL Rahul survived a close run out after MS Dhoni's direct hit fails to dislodge the bails from their groo . #dhoni #IPL2019 #VIVOIPL #VIVOIPL2019 @lionsdenkxip @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/pUj4ZMnkXs — Rakesh sharma (@rk11official) April 7, 2019 × MS Dhoni Gets Unlucky With No-Look Throw, KL Rahul Survives – Watch https://t.co/EFRPYTZZQc pic.twitter.com/1xBeUnfb9u — Top Trending (@TopTrending18) April 7, 2019 × In the match, however, led by seasoned Harbhajan Singh, Chennai spinners put on a dominating show to help the side reclaim the top position with a 22-run win over Punjab. 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: How MS Dhoni missed KL Rahul's stumping in IPL match

<p>Kolkata defeated Bangalore by five wickets in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday, owing to Andre Russell's crucial knock.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With this loss, Bangalore have now suffered defeats in their first five matches of this year's edition of the IPL.</p>

<p>Chasing a mammoth score of 206, Kolkata got off to a flying start as openers Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine scored 17 runs off the first over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Bangalore staged a comeback as they dismissed Narine (10) in the second over of the innings.</p>

<p>Robin Uthappa joined Lynn in scoring continuous boundaries in the powerplay overs.&nbsp;Kolkata managed to score 59 runs in the first six overs.</p>

<p>The duo kept the pressure going on Bangalore's bowlers and they did not let any bowler settle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both these batsmen stitched together a partnership of 65 runs. Pawan Negi provided Bangalore with the key breakthrough as he dismissed Uthappa (33) in the 10th over of the innings.</p>

<p>Lynn (43) was also sent back to the pavilion by Negi in the 12th over of the innings with Kolkata still requiring 98 more runs for the win.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Lynn's wicket, Bangalore bowlers were able to maintain a tight grip on the match which enabled the asking rate to go higher for the Kolkata batsmen.</p>

<p>Nitish Rana (37) was dismissed by Yuzvendra Chahal. The batsman was looking to go big but he just managed to hand a simple catch to the substitute fielder Heinrich Klaasen.</p>

<p>Kolkata lost wickets at regular wickets and they suffered a big blow as they lost their skipper Dinesh Karthik (19) in the 17th over, as he was dismissed by Navdeep Saini.</p>

<p>53 runs were required off the final three overs by Kolkata and their hopes were stacked with the all-rounder Russell.</p>

<p>Russell, however, did not disappoint. His match-winning knock of 43 runs off just 18 balls helped Kolkata gain a thrilling victory by five wickets with five balls to spare.</p>

<p>Earlier, Virat Kohli's and Ab de Villiers' knocks of 84 and 63, respectively, enabled Bangalore post 205 runs for the loss of three wickets in the allotted twenty overs.</p>

<p><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">Bangalore</span>&nbsp;got off to a good start in the first six overs as the openers Kohli and Parthiv Patel hammered the visitors with regular boundaries. The team was able to score 53 runs in the powerplay overs.</p>

<p>The duo stitched together a 64-run partnership before Parthiv (25) was dismissed by Rana.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Parthiv failed to read the ball out of Rana's hands and he was adjudged LBW.</p>

<p>De Villiers, who came out to bat at number three, looked to play with an aggressive mindset from the start. Kohli brought up his fifty in the 11th over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both de Villiers and Kohli kept the pressure going on Kolkata's bowlers, hammering them all around the park. The duo added 108 runs which saw ABD bringing up his half-century in the 16th over of the innings.</p>

<p>Kohli was finally dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav in the 17th over while he was searching for quick runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With this knock of 84, Kohli surpassed Chennai's batsman Suresh Raina to become the highest run-getter in IPL.</p>

<p>De Villiers (63) also perished in the 19th over of the innings as he was dismissed by Narine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Marcus Stonis (28*) provided Bangalore with some big blows in the final over, allowing the team to post 205 runs for the loss of three wickets in the allotted twenty overs.&nbsp;</p>


Kolkata defeated Bangalore by five wickets in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday, owing to Andre Russell's crucial knock.

Kolkata defeated Bangalore by five wickets in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday, owing to Andre Russell's crucial knock. With this loss, Bangalore have now suffered defeats in their first five matches of this year's edition of the IPL. Chasing a mammoth score of 206, Kolkata got off to a flying start as openers Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine scored 17 runs off the first over. But Bangalore staged a comeback as they dismissed Narine (10) in the second over of the innings. Robin Uthappa joined Lynn in scoring continuous boundaries in the powerplay overs. Kolkata managed to score 59 runs in the first six overs. The duo kept the pressure going on Bangalore's bowlers and they did not let any bowler settle. Both these batsmen stitched together a partnership of 65 runs. Pawan Negi provided Bangalore with the key breakthrough as he dismissed Uthappa (33) in the 10th over of the innings. Lynn (43) was also sent back to the pavilion by Negi in the 12th over of the innings with Kolkata still requiring 98 more runs for the win. After Lynn's wicket, Bangalore bowlers were able to maintain a tight grip on the match which enabled the asking rate to go higher for the Kolkata batsmen. Nitish Rana (37) was dismissed by Yuzvendra Chahal. The batsman was looking to go big but he just managed to hand a simple catch to the substitute fielder Heinrich Klaasen. Kolkata lost wickets at regular wickets and they suffered a big blow as they lost their skipper Dinesh Karthik (19) in the 17th over, as he was dismissed by Navdeep Saini. 53 runs were required off the final three overs by Kolkata and their hopes were stacked with the all-rounder Russell. Russell, however, did not disappoint. His match-winning knock of 43 runs off just 18 balls helped Kolkata gain a thrilling victory by five wickets with five balls to spare. Earlier, Virat Kohli's and Ab de Villiers' knocks of 84 and 63, respectively, enabled Bangalore post 205 runs for the loss of three wickets in the allotted twenty overs. Bangalore got off to a good start in the first six overs as the openers Kohli and Parthiv Patel hammered the visitors with regular boundaries. The team was able to score 53 runs in the powerplay overs. The duo stitched together a 64-run partnership before Parthiv (25) was dismissed by Rana. Parthiv failed to read the ball out of Rana's hands and he was adjudged LBW. De Villiers, who came out to bat at number three, looked to play with an aggressive mindset from the start. Kohli brought up his fifty in the 11th over. Both de Villiers and Kohli kept the pressure going on Kolkata's bowlers, hammering them all around the park. The duo added 108 runs which saw ABD bringing up his half-century in the 16th over of the innings. Kohli was finally dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav in the 17th over while he was searching for quick runs. With this knock of 84, Kohli surpassed Chennai's batsman Suresh Raina to become the highest run-getter in IPL. De Villiers (63) also perished in the 19th over of the innings as he was dismissed by Narine. Marcus Stonis (28*) provided Bangalore with some big blows in the final over, allowing the team to post 205 runs for the loss of three wickets in the allotted twenty overs.

IPL 2019: Andre Russell steers Kolkata to 5-wicket victory over Bangalore

<p>Led by seasoned Harbhajan Singh, Chennai spinners put on a dominating show to help the side reclaim the top position with a 22-run win over Punjab in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> match on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Defending 160 for three, Chennai restricted Punjab to 138 for 5 despite half-centuries from K L 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>

<p>Harbhajan was the best bowler for the hosts with the figures of 4-1-17-2. In a brilliant spell, he bowled a maiden and grabbed two wickets, including that of the 'universal boss' Chris Gayle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ravindra Jadeja (4-0-24-0) and Imran Tahir (4-0-20-0) also helped team put the brakes on the rival batsmen. They, along with Harbhajan, conceded only 61 runs in 12 overs even as the required run-rate kept mounting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kuggeleijn did not start very well, being hit for a six off his very first ball, but did well to finish with 2 for 37 in his 4 overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Harbhajan struck a huge blow to rivals by dismissing the Gayle, having him caught behind by MS Dhoni for 5 in the second over. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Two balls later, he had the stylish Mayank Agarwal, caught by Faf du Plessis near the boundary with the batsman going for a big hit. Harbhajan started off with a double wicket maiden to put Punjab on the back foot early. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In the 13th over, Rahul's missed sweep saw Dhoni flick the ball on to the stumps but the bails didn't come off though the LED lights lit up, ensuring the batsman survived despite being short of his crease.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The century partnership for the third wicket between Rahul and Sarfaraz was a productive one but they consumed a lot of balls and stymied the Punjab chase as the Chennai bowlers kept things tight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, du Plessis hit a fine half-century up the order while skipper Dhoni and Ambati Rayudu provided the late flourish to help Chennai post a competitive 160 for three.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Du Plessis made 54 off 38 balls with the help of two fours and four hits over the fence and together with Shane Watson (26) added 56 runs for the first wicket after opting to bat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But it was some late hitting by Dhoni (37 not out) and Rayudu (21 not out) and their unbeaten 60-run fourth wicket partnership in 30 balls helped the defending champions reach a respectable total.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thanks to Dhoni and Rayudu, Chennai scored 52 runs in the last five overs after a rather quiet middle period.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin was the best bowler for the visitors, picking up three wickets for 23 runs from his four overs. He was on a hat-trick in the 14th over after getting half-centurion Du Plessis and Suresh Raina off successive deliveries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Watson fell against the run of play, attempting a big shot off Punjab captain Ashwin to be well caught by Sam Curran in the deep.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Raina (17), who came in at No.3, strung together an useful 44-run partnership with Du Plessis, who kept the scoreboard ticking with a mix of attacking shots and judicious running between the wickets. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The partnership was broken when Du Plessis perished while going for a big hit off Ashwin, caught at long-on by David Miller and then a ball later the off-spinner cleaned up Raina as the batsman went for a sweep.</p>


Led by seasoned Harbhajan Singh, Chennai spinners put on a dominating show to help the side reclaim the top position with a 22-run win over Punjab in an Indian Premier League match on Saturday.

Led by seasoned Harbhajan Singh, Chennai spinners put on a dominating show to help the side reclaim the top position with a 22-run win over Punjab in an Indian Premier League match on Saturday. Defending 160 for three, Chennai restricted Punjab to 138 for 5 despite half-centuries from K L 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. Harbhajan was the best bowler for the hosts with the figures of 4-1-17-2. In a brilliant spell, he bowled a maiden and grabbed two wickets, including that of the 'universal boss' Chris Gayle. Ravindra Jadeja (4-0-24-0) and Imran Tahir (4-0-20-0) also helped team put the brakes on the rival batsmen. They, along with Harbhajan, conceded only 61 runs in 12 overs even as the required run-rate kept mounting. Kuggeleijn did not start very well, being hit for a six off his very first ball, but did well to finish with 2 for 37 in his 4 overs. Harbhajan struck a huge blow to rivals by dismissing the Gayle, having him caught behind by MS Dhoni for 5 in the second over. Two balls later, he had the stylish Mayank Agarwal, caught by Faf du Plessis near the boundary with the batsman going for a big hit. Harbhajan started off with a double wicket maiden to put Punjab on the back foot early. In the 13th over, Rahul's missed sweep saw Dhoni flick the ball on to the stumps but the bails didn't come off though the LED lights lit up, ensuring the batsman survived despite being short of his crease. The century partnership for the third wicket between Rahul and Sarfaraz was a productive one but they consumed a lot of balls and stymied the Punjab chase as the Chennai bowlers kept things tight. Earlier, du Plessis hit a fine half-century up the order while skipper Dhoni and Ambati Rayudu provided the late flourish to help Chennai post a competitive 160 for three. Du Plessis made 54 off 38 balls with the help of two fours and four hits over the fence and together with Shane Watson (26) added 56 runs for the first wicket after opting to bat. But it was some late hitting by Dhoni (37 not out) and Rayudu (21 not out) and their unbeaten 60-run fourth wicket partnership in 30 balls helped the defending champions reach a respectable total. Thanks to Dhoni and Rayudu, Chennai scored 52 runs in the last five overs after a rather quiet middle period. Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin was the best bowler for the visitors, picking up three wickets for 23 runs from his four overs. He was on a hat-trick in the 14th over after getting half-centurion Du Plessis and Suresh Raina off successive deliveries. Watson fell against the run of play, attempting a big shot off Punjab captain Ashwin to be well caught by Sam Curran in the deep. Raina (17), who came in at No.3, strung together an useful 44-run partnership with Du Plessis, who kept the scoreboard ticking with a mix of attacking shots and judicious running between the wickets. The partnership was broken when Du Plessis perished while going for a big hit off Ashwin, caught at long-on by David Miller and then a ball later the off-spinner cleaned up Raina as the batsman went for a sweep.

IPL 2019: Spinners help Chennai defend 160 against Punjab; reclaim top spot

<p>Kolkata's Andre Russell smashed an unbeaten 13-ball 48 as Kolkata defeated Bangalore by five wickets in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> match on Friday at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russell came out to bat with Kolkata needing 67 off 26 balls. Skipper Dinesh Karthik (19) got out in the next over and in the last three overs, the away side needed 53 runs off 18 balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli even slammed the "unacceptable" effort of his pacers after the hosts suffered their fifth straight loss in the ongoing edition of IPL.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chasing 206, Kolkata team was able to score 66 runs off the last 24 balls to snatch a sensational win from Bangalore, who are yet to win this season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the match, Twitterati came up with several hilarious memes that can be related to Bangalore's current situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here are some Twitter reactions:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Virat Kohli is waiting for Marcus Stoinis and Tim Southee. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvKKR</a> <a href="https://t.co/QUlA0vuc22">pic.twitter.com/QUlA0vuc22</a></p>
— Kamal Sharma (@kamal25_sharma) <a href="https://twitter.com/kamal25_sharma/status/1114232885928693760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After losing continuously ........<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Virat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Virat</a> Kohli be like - <a href="https://t.co/9bd1dCR1xU">pic.twitter.com/9bd1dCR1xU</a></p>
— Ronit Rao (@clownprince1777) <a href="https://twitter.com/clownprince1777/status/1114236104310513664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Virat <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kohli</a> after losing 5 consecutive matches 😂😂<a href="https://twitter.com/EliteEvilQueen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EliteEvilQueen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvKKR</a> <a href="https://t.co/yQgxhRQlxQ">pic.twitter.com/yQgxhRQlxQ</a></p>
— SIDDHANT (SÎD) (@shivamsngh20) <a href="https://twitter.com/shivamsngh20/status/1114232856086110208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Post match Virat kohli chasing siraj be like this 😡😡<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvsKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvsKKR</a> <a href="https://t.co/uIQECIWiSd">pic.twitter.com/uIQECIWiSd</a></p>
— Karan.Gill (@KaranGill66) <a href="https://twitter.com/KaranGill66/status/1114231303296233474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> Reaction on <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCBTweets</a> Bowlers 😆😆😆 <a href="https://t.co/UDzeCuSWcB">pic.twitter.com/UDzeCuSWcB</a></p>
— F A N (@RAM_Sayss) <a href="https://twitter.com/RAM_Sayss/status/1114232276848484352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier,&nbsp;Virat had said that the team will discuss to get the right balance of the team as there is still time left and now he will experiment with team combinations. &nbsp;</p>


Kolkata's Andre Russell smashed an unbeaten 13-ball 48 as Kolkata defeated Bangalore by five wickets in an Indian Premier League match on Friday at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Kolkata's Andre Russell smashed an unbeaten 13-ball 48 as Kolkata defeated Bangalore by five wickets in an Indian Premier League match on Friday at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Russell came out to bat with Kolkata needing 67 off 26 balls. Skipper Dinesh Karthik (19) got out in the next over and in the last three overs, the away side needed 53 runs off 18 balls. Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli even slammed the "unacceptable" effort of his pacers after the hosts suffered their fifth straight loss in the ongoing edition of IPL. Chasing 206, Kolkata team was able to score 66 runs off the last 24 balls to snatch a sensational win from Bangalore, who are yet to win this season. After the match, Twitterati came up with several hilarious memes that can be related to Bangalore's current situation. Here are some Twitter reactions: Virat Kohli is waiting for Marcus Stoinis and Tim Southee. #RCBvKKR pic.twitter.com/QUlA0vuc22 — Kamal Sharma (@kamal25_sharma) April 5, 2019 × After losing continuously ........#Virat Kohli be like - pic.twitter.com/9bd1dCR1xU — Ronit Rao (@clownprince1777) April 5, 2019 × Virat #kohli after losing 5 consecutive matches 😂😂@EliteEvilQueen #RCBvKKR pic.twitter.com/yQgxhRQlxQ — SIDDHANT (SÎD) (@shivamsngh20) April 5, 2019 × Post match Virat kohli chasing siraj be like this 😡😡#IPL2019 #RCBvsKKR pic.twitter.com/uIQECIWiSd — Karan.Gill (@KaranGill66) April 5, 2019 × @imVkohli Reaction on @RCBTweets Bowlers 😆😆😆 pic.twitter.com/UDzeCuSWcB — F A N (@RAM_Sayss) April 5, 2019 × Earlier, Virat had said that the team will discuss to get the right balance of the team as there is still time left and now he will experiment with team combinations.

IPL 2019: Funny Twitter reactions after Virat Kohli-led Bangalore's defeat to Kolkata

<p>Virat Kohli slammed Bangalore's bowling department for conceding too many runs in the last four overs after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-andre-russell-steers-kolkata-to-5-wicket-victory-over-bangalore-208257">his side's defeat to Kolkata</a> on Friday at Chinnaswamy Stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chasing 206, Kolkata team was able to score 66 runs off the last 24 balls to snatch a sensational win from Virat's side, who are yet to win this season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the post-match presentation, Virat said, "There is no guessing there (about where we lost the game), the last 4 four overs that we bowled was just unacceptable. We needed to be more clever, nothing came off and we just cracked under pressure. That's been our story this season so far."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If you bowl with not enough bravery in the crucial overs, it's always going to be difficult against power-hitters like Russell," Kohli said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-funny-twitter-reactions-after-virat-kohli-led-bangalores-defeat-to-kolkata-208255">Funny Twitter reactions after Virat Kohli-led Bangalore's defeat to Kolkata</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Talking about his own innings of 84, Kohli said, "I wasn't really happy getting out at that moment, could've got 20-25 more. AB didn't get much strike in the end. I thought the runs were enough on the board, we didn't have enough composure."</p>

<p>He further added, "If you can't defend 75 in the last four overs, then I don't know if you can defend 100. We can have a bit of chat about what went wrong, apart from that nothing much you can say. I don't think talking enough helps all the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You need to give the guys some space and come back stronger in the next game. It's been a disappointing season so far, but we are still optimistic about our chances," added Kohli.&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli slammed Bangalore's bowling department for conceding too many runs in the last four overs after his side's defeat to Kolkata on Friday at Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Virat Kohli slammed Bangalore's bowling department for conceding too many runs in the last four overs after his side's defeat to Kolkata on Friday at Chinnaswamy Stadium. Chasing 206, Kolkata team was able to score 66 runs off the last 24 balls to snatch a sensational win from Virat's side, who are yet to win this season. In the post-match presentation, Virat said, "There is no guessing there (about where we lost the game), the last 4 four overs that we bowled was just unacceptable. We needed to be more clever, nothing came off and we just cracked under pressure. That's been our story this season so far." "If you bowl with not enough bravery in the crucial overs, it's always going to be difficult against power-hitters like Russell," Kohli said. Also Read: Funny Twitter reactions after Virat Kohli-led Bangalore's defeat to Kolkata Talking about his own innings of 84, Kohli said, "I wasn't really happy getting out at that moment, could've got 20-25 more. AB didn't get much strike in the end. I thought the runs were enough on the board, we didn't have enough composure." He further added, "If you can't defend 75 in the last four overs, then I don't know if you can defend 100. We can have a bit of chat about what went wrong, apart from that nothing much you can say. I don't think talking enough helps all the time. "You need to give the guys some space and come back stronger in the next game. It's been a disappointing season so far, but we are still optimistic about our chances," added Kohli.

IPL 2019: Here's what Virat Kohli has to say after losing to Kolkata

<p>Delhi coach Ricky Ponting was furious with the Feroz Shah Kotla ground staff, who provided the home team with a pitch that proved to be more helpful for the Hyderabad during the IPL encounter between two teams.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hyderabad comfortably <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-hyderabad-beat-delhi-by-five-wickets-to-top-points-table-208025">beat Delhi by five wickets</a> on a track where run-scoring was difficult and suited the visiting team bowlers even more.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In fact, the former Australian captain made it a point to mention that inputs provided by the groundsmen was completely opposite to how the pitch played out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think it is fair to say that the wicket surprised us a lot. Talking to the groundsmen before the match, we thought this would be the best pitch that we had by far but it was the worse. You saw how little it bounced and how slow it was," Ponting told reporters after the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hyderabad's Afghan spin duo of Mohammed Nabi and Rashid Khan took three wickets amongst them, giving away only 39 runs in their combined eight overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Look, at the end of the day, it is the same pitch for both teams but if you would have asked me, would I have wanted to play Sunrisers on that type of pitch? I mean, there couldn't have been a different wicket where you would have wanted to play Sunrisers on," Ponting smiled as he answered but his anger was palpable.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He then explained that how the slowness of nature took his team's pacers like Ishant Sharma and Kagiso Rabada out of the equation and in turn helped their seamers, Sandeep Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It (Pitch) absolutely suited their game. They have great spinners and all their seamers just bowled slower balls. And on that wicket, when you bowl slower balls it is near impossible to hit," he reasoned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The coach then said that if the nature of the Kotla track remains same during the remaining four home games, he will have to seriously think about his team combination.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But if the wicket is going to remain like this, then we have to think about our selection in our team as well. Maybe our bowlers were not suited to that wicket today but it was not what we expected so we are as surprised as anybody else."&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Ponting put up a brave face after the team's third defeat and expected the talented bunch of players to bounce back.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is not the end of the world by any stretch of imagination. We have a good mix of experience with Shikhar and Morris. Even Rishabh (Pant) and Shreyas (Iyer) have played 4-6 editions of IPL, so they are not inexperienced," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even though he was livid with the track on offer, Ponting admitted that his team has not "played the conditions better" with visiting teams dominating them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is our home ground and we need to play these conditions better than the opposition and two of three games our opposition has played better than us, so we definitely have to improve there. We will leave no stones unturned to make sure we are well prepared for the next game."&nbsp;</p>


Delhi coach Ricky Ponting was furious with the Feroz Shah Kotla ground staff, who provided the home team with a pitch that proved to be more helpful for the Hyderabad during the IPL encounter between two teams.

Delhi coach Ricky Ponting was furious with the Feroz Shah Kotla ground staff, who provided the home team with a pitch that proved to be more helpful for the Hyderabad during the IPL encounter between two teams. Hyderabad comfortably beat Delhi by five wickets on a track where run-scoring was difficult and suited the visiting team bowlers even more. In fact, the former Australian captain made it a point to mention that inputs provided by the groundsmen was completely opposite to how the pitch played out. "I think it is fair to say that the wicket surprised us a lot. Talking to the groundsmen before the match, we thought this would be the best pitch that we had by far but it was the worse. You saw how little it bounced and how slow it was," Ponting told reporters after the match. Hyderabad's Afghan spin duo of Mohammed Nabi and Rashid Khan took three wickets amongst them, giving away only 39 runs in their combined eight overs. "Look, at the end of the day, it is the same pitch for both teams but if you would have asked me, would I have wanted to play Sunrisers on that type of pitch? I mean, there couldn't have been a different wicket where you would have wanted to play Sunrisers on," Ponting smiled as he answered but his anger was palpable. He then explained that how the slowness of nature took his team's pacers like Ishant Sharma and Kagiso Rabada out of the equation and in turn helped their seamers, Sandeep Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. "It (Pitch) absolutely suited their game. They have great spinners and all their seamers just bowled slower balls. And on that wicket, when you bowl slower balls it is near impossible to hit," he reasoned. The coach then said that if the nature of the Kotla track remains same during the remaining four home games, he will have to seriously think about his team combination. "But if the wicket is going to remain like this, then we have to think about our selection in our team as well. Maybe our bowlers were not suited to that wicket today but it was not what we expected so we are as surprised as anybody else." However, Ponting put up a brave face after the team's third defeat and expected the talented bunch of players to bounce back. "It is not the end of the world by any stretch of imagination. We have a good mix of experience with Shikhar and Morris. Even Rishabh (Pant) and Shreyas (Iyer) have played 4-6 editions of IPL, so they are not inexperienced," he said. Even though he was livid with the track on offer, Ponting admitted that his team has not "played the conditions better" with visiting teams dominating them. "This is our home ground and we need to play these conditions better than the opposition and two of three games our opposition has played better than us, so we definitely have to improve there. We will leave no stones unturned to make sure we are well prepared for the next game."

Delhi coach Ricky Ponting blasts Feroz Shah Kotla track

<p>Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli overtook Chennai's Suresh Raina to become the leading run-getter in the Indian Premier League.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli also became the second Indian to score 8000 runs in T20 cricket after Raina.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Raina, who has scored 5086 runs, could overtake Kohli on Saturday when Chennai host Punjab at Chidambaram Stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At number three, Mumbai's captain Rohit Sharma is placed with 4600 IPL runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli achieved the feat during a match against Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata at Chinnaswamy Stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the first innings, Kohli scored a delightful 84 off 49 balls, taking his IPL runs tally to 5110.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> has overtaken Suresh Raina to become the highest run-getter in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VIVOIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VIVOIPL</a> 😎<br />
<br />
He's in ominous form 🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvKKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvKKR</a> <a href="https://t.co/sC6t1NnedU">pic.twitter.com/sC6t1NnedU</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1114189433895395328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli overtook Chennai's Suresh Raina to become the leading run-getter in the Indian Premier League. Kohli also became the second Indian to score 8000 runs in T20 cricket after Raina.

Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli overtook Chennai's Suresh Raina to become the leading run-getter in the Indian Premier League. Kohli also became the second Indian to score 8000 runs in T20 cricket after Raina. Raina, who has scored 5086 runs, could overtake Kohli on Saturday when Chennai host Punjab at Chidambaram Stadium. At number three, Mumbai's captain Rohit Sharma is placed with 4600 IPL runs. Kohli achieved the feat during a match against Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata at Chinnaswamy Stadium. In the first innings, Kohli scored a delightful 84 off 49 balls, taking his IPL runs tally to 5110. .@imVkohli has overtaken Suresh Raina to become the highest run-getter in #VIVOIPL 😎 He's in ominous form 🔥 #RCBvKKR pic.twitter.com/sC6t1NnedU — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 5, 2019 ×

Virat Kohli becomes leading run-getter in Indian Premier League

IPL 2019: Match preview Chennai vs Punjab and Hyderabad vs Mumbai

<p>India captain Virat Kohli does not want performance at the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> to determine team composition for this year's World Cup but selectors have little choice after a series of candidates failed to nail down the number four slot.</p>

<p>Twice 50-over champions India have an otherwise settled batting line-up with a formidable top order consisting of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Kohli himself.</p>

<p>The selectors, however, continue to fret over who should walk out to bat after the fall of the second wicket during the May 30-July 14 showpiece tournament in England and Wales.</p>

<p>Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey, Lokesh Rahul, Dinesh Karthik and Ambati Rayudu have all been trialled for the number four spot and found wanting.</p>

<p>With the ongoing IPL the only form of cricket left before Kohli's team embarks on their World Cup campaign, the selectors maybe forced to consider the form of the players in the T20 tournament before picking the squad ahead of the April 23 deadline.</p>

<p>"They have maintained that they won't look at IPL but it's going to be very hard," former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar told Reuters in a recent interview.</p>

<p>"There are some borderline cases, like if they are looking at Dinesh Karthik, Ambati Rayudu and Vijay Shankar or a Manish Pandey or an Ajinkya Rahane. So all these people are there and thereabout."</p>

<p>"And if somebody has a great IPL season, it will be hard to ignore him, but they (selectors) should not actually get too carried away with what happens in the IPL."</p>

<p>Rayudu, 33, emerged as the most likely choice to fill the void but scores of 13, 18 and two in the first three matches of the recent home series against world champions Australia hurt his cause.</p>

<p>Pressure is only mounting on the selectors with Rayudu, who plays for IPL champions Chennai, scoring 28, five, one and zero in the first four matches of the tournament.</p>

<p>Manjrekar felt India were back to square one with no more ODIs scheduled before the World Cup in England and Wales, where the team will be looking to add to their 1983 and 2011 triumphs.</p>

<p>India's limited-overs vice-captain, Rohit, believes inputs from Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri should determine the selection of the final 15.</p>

<p>"With their inputs, the selectors will keep an eye on what is happening with those guys during the IPL," Rohit, who leads the Mumbai&nbsp;side in the IPL, told reporters at the launch of cricket.com website on Thursday.</p>

<p>"Although I feel IPL shouldn't be the criterion for team selection. We have played enough international matches to see where each individual stands.</p>

<p>"You can't select a 50-overs format team based on a 20-overs franchise competition. IPL is a different ball game, it's franchise cricket.</p>

<p>"Yes form matters a lot. But in this last four years we have played enough ODI matches, we have played enough T20 Internationals. So that should be enough to understand that these are the players we want."</p>


India captain Virat Kohli does not want performance at the ongoing Indian Premier League to determine team composition for this year's World Cup but selectors have little choice after a series of candidates failed to nail down the number four slot.

India captain Virat Kohli does not want performance at the ongoing Indian Premier League to determine team composition for this year's World Cup but selectors have little choice after a series of candidates failed to nail down the number four slot. Twice 50-over champions India have an otherwise settled batting line-up with a formidable top order consisting of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Kohli himself. The selectors, however, continue to fret over who should walk out to bat after the fall of the second wicket during the May 30-July 14 showpiece tournament in England and Wales. Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey, Lokesh Rahul, Dinesh Karthik and Ambati Rayudu have all been trialled for the number four spot and found wanting. With the ongoing IPL the only form of cricket left before Kohli's team embarks on their World Cup campaign, the selectors maybe forced to consider the form of the players in the T20 tournament before picking the squad ahead of the April 23 deadline. "They have maintained that they won't look at IPL but it's going to be very hard," former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar told Reuters in a recent interview. "There are some borderline cases, like if they are looking at Dinesh Karthik, Ambati Rayudu and Vijay Shankar or a Manish Pandey or an Ajinkya Rahane. So all these people are there and thereabout." "And if somebody has a great IPL season, it will be hard to ignore him, but they (selectors) should not actually get too carried away with what happens in the IPL." Rayudu, 33, emerged as the most likely choice to fill the void but scores of 13, 18 and two in the first three matches of the recent home series against world champions Australia hurt his cause. Pressure is only mounting on the selectors with Rayudu, who plays for IPL champions Chennai, scoring 28, five, one and zero in the first four matches of the tournament. Manjrekar felt India were back to square one with no more ODIs scheduled before the World Cup in England and Wales, where the team will be looking to add to their 1983 and 2011 triumphs. India's limited-overs vice-captain, Rohit, believes inputs from Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri should determine the selection of the final 15. "With their inputs, the selectors will keep an eye on what is happening with those guys during the IPL," Rohit, who leads the Mumbai side in the IPL, told reporters at the launch of cricket.com website on Thursday. "Although I feel IPL shouldn't be the criterion for team selection. We have played enough international matches to see where each individual stands. "You can't select a 50-overs format team based on a 20-overs franchise competition. IPL is a different ball game, it's franchise cricket. "Yes form matters a lot. But in this last four years we have played enough ODI matches, we have played enough T20 Internationals. So that should be enough to understand that these are the players we want."

IPL not ideal yardstick, but little choice for India selectors

IPL 2019: In pursuit of first win, Virat Kohli-led Bangalore set to take on Kolkata

<p>Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi played a pivotal role as Hyderabad dished out an all-round effort to record a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-ipl-2019-delhi-capitals-vs-sunrisers-hyderabad-207947">five-wicket win over hosts Delhi</a> and register their third consecutive victory in the Indian Premier League on Thursday.</p>

<p>Nabi (2/21) took two wickets with the ball and also played a crucial 9-ball 17-run unbeaten knock towards the end to help Hyderabad keep their winning run intact.</p>

<p>By virtue of this win, Hyderabad have moved to the top of the eight-team standings with six points from four games.</p>

<p>Chasing a modest 130, opener Jonny Bairstow smashed a 28-ball 48 to set the foundation but Hyderabad lost five wickets for 48 runs to slip to 111 for five by the end of the 16th over.</p>

<p>Nabi and Yusuf Pathan (9 not out) then held their nerves to take Hyderabad home, scoring 131 for five in 18.3 overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The win took Hyderabad's overall head-to-head record against Delhi at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium to 4-1.</p>

<p>Earlier electing to field, Hyderabad dished out a superb bowling effort on a slow and dry wicket to restrict Delhi to a lowly 129 for eight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was skipper Shreyas Iyer, who emerged as the highest-scorer for Delhi with a steady 41-ball 43.</p>

<p>Chasing a lowly target, Bairstow got a reprieve early on when Axar Patel dropped a caught and bowl chance in the second over.</p>

<p>The Englishman made Delhi pay for the mistake, blasting a six and a four off Sandeep Lamichhane in the next over. He next took Chris Morris to the cleaners, smashing three boundaries and another hit to the fence in the next over.</p>

<p>Kagiso Rabada was introduced but he too was treated with equal disdain by Bairstow, sending him across the fences thrice as Hyderabad once again didn't lose any wicket in the powerplay, scoring 62 for no loss.</p>

<p>Bairstow was finally dismissed in the seventh over with Rahul Tewatia trapping him in front of the wicket. The opener asked for a review but the decision was not overturned.</p>

<p>Rabada then ended Warner's rampaging run in the tournament by having him caught at mid-off.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The hosts then removed Manish Pandey (10), Vijay Shankar (16) and Deepak Hooda (10) quickly to give themselves a chance of a comeback.</p>

<p>Earlier, Hyderabad bowlers exploited the conditions well, making life difficult for the hosts, who simply failed to get going right from the start on a slow wicket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Skipper Iyer tried to anchor the innings but he didn't get support from the other end. It would have been more embarrassing for Delhi, if not for the cameos from Morris (17 off 15) and Axar Patel (23 not out off 13).</p>

<p>The pace-spin combination of Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/27) and Nabi gave Hyderabad a good start, restricting Delhi to 19 for one in first four overs.</p>

<p>After conceding a first ball boundary, Bhuvneshwar came back to clean up Prithvi Shaw in the third over. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Iyer then deposited one at the stands after Siddarth Kaul (2/35) was introduced into the attack, while Shikhar Dhawan hit a four with a sweep shot off Nabi.</p>

<p>But another sweep shot proved costly as Nabi had Dhawan caught at short fine leg by Sandeep Sharma. Delhi thus slumped to 36 for two after the end of the powerplay.</p>

<p>A lot was expected from Rishabh Pant but he too departed just after a time-out in the 10th over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sandeep Sharma (1/25) then bamboozled Rahul Tewatia with a knuckleball as Delhi slipped to 61 for four in 11 overs.</p>

<p>In the 14th over, Manish Pandey took a superb catch at point to remove Colin Ingram off Kaul's ball as Delhi lost half their side for 75.</p>

<p>Morris blasted two fours to give some momentum to Delhi's innings but Rashid Khan got rid off Iyer, who tried to sweep across the line and ended up being bowled as Delhi were reduced to 93 for six.</p>

<p>With three overs to go, Morris sent Sandeep Sharma over the mid-wicket area to take Delhi across the 100-run mark.</p>

<p>Once Morris was dismissed by Bhuvneshwar in the 19th over, it was upto Axar Patel to take the score to some respectability and he tried his best, smashing a four and two sixes in the last over to take Delhi close to 130-run mark.&nbsp;</p>


Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi played a pivotal role as Hyderabad dished out an all-round effort to record a five-wicket win over hosts Delhi and register their third consecutive victory in the Indian Premier League on Thursday.

Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi played a pivotal role as Hyderabad dished out an all-round effort to record a five-wicket win over hosts Delhi and register their third consecutive victory in the Indian Premier League on Thursday. Nabi (2/21) took two wickets with the ball and also played a crucial 9-ball 17-run unbeaten knock towards the end to help Hyderabad keep their winning run intact. By virtue of this win, Hyderabad have moved to the top of the eight-team standings with six points from four games. Chasing a modest 130, opener Jonny Bairstow smashed a 28-ball 48 to set the foundation but Hyderabad lost five wickets for 48 runs to slip to 111 for five by the end of the 16th over. Nabi and Yusuf Pathan (9 not out) then held their nerves to take Hyderabad home, scoring 131 for five in 18.3 overs. The win took Hyderabad's overall head-to-head record against Delhi at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium to 4-1. Earlier electing to field, Hyderabad dished out a superb bowling effort on a slow and dry wicket to restrict Delhi to a lowly 129 for eight. It was skipper Shreyas Iyer, who emerged as the highest-scorer for Delhi with a steady 41-ball 43. Chasing a lowly target, Bairstow got a reprieve early on when Axar Patel dropped a caught and bowl chance in the second over. The Englishman made Delhi pay for the mistake, blasting a six and a four off Sandeep Lamichhane in the next over. He next took Chris Morris to the cleaners, smashing three boundaries and another hit to the fence in the next over. Kagiso Rabada was introduced but he too was treated with equal disdain by Bairstow, sending him across the fences thrice as Hyderabad once again didn't lose any wicket in the powerplay, scoring 62 for no loss. Bairstow was finally dismissed in the seventh over with Rahul Tewatia trapping him in front of the wicket. The opener asked for a review but the decision was not overturned. Rabada then ended Warner's rampaging run in the tournament by having him caught at mid-off. The hosts then removed Manish Pandey (10), Vijay Shankar (16) and Deepak Hooda (10) quickly to give themselves a chance of a comeback. Earlier, Hyderabad bowlers exploited the conditions well, making life difficult for the hosts, who simply failed to get going right from the start on a slow wicket. Skipper Iyer tried to anchor the innings but he didn't get support from the other end. It would have been more embarrassing for Delhi, if not for the cameos from Morris (17 off 15) and Axar Patel (23 not out off 13). The pace-spin combination of Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/27) and Nabi gave Hyderabad a good start, restricting Delhi to 19 for one in first four overs. After conceding a first ball boundary, Bhuvneshwar came back to clean up Prithvi Shaw in the third over. Iyer then deposited one at the stands after Siddarth Kaul (2/35) was introduced into the attack, while Shikhar Dhawan hit a four with a sweep shot off Nabi. But another sweep shot proved costly as Nabi had Dhawan caught at short fine leg by Sandeep Sharma. Delhi thus slumped to 36 for two after the end of the powerplay. A lot was expected from Rishabh Pant but he too departed just after a time-out in the 10th over. Sandeep Sharma (1/25) then bamboozled Rahul Tewatia with a knuckleball as Delhi slipped to 61 for four in 11 overs. In the 14th over, Manish Pandey took a superb catch at point to remove Colin Ingram off Kaul's ball as Delhi lost half their side for 75. Morris blasted two fours to give some momentum to Delhi's innings but Rashid Khan got rid off Iyer, who tried to sweep across the line and ended up being bowled as Delhi were reduced to 93 for six. With three overs to go, Morris sent Sandeep Sharma over the mid-wicket area to take Delhi across the 100-run mark. Once Morris was dismissed by Bhuvneshwar in the 19th over, it was upto Axar Patel to take the score to some respectability and he tried his best, smashing a four and two sixes in the last over to take Delhi close to 130-run mark.

IPL 2019: Hyderabad beat Delhi by five wickets to top points table

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