<p class="MsoNormal">Punjab Kings on Monday started their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 campaign with a thumping four-run win over Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. KL Rahul and Deepak Hooda were the stars for PBKS as they smashed 91 off 50 and 62 off 28 respectively to help Punjab Kings reach a mammoth total of 221/6 in 20 overs.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Punjab Kings were invited to bat first and were off to a shaky start as they lost opener Mayank Agarwal early in the innings. While Chris Gayle and KL Rahul brought in the fireworks and stitched a crucial partnership, it was Deepak Hooda who stole the show with his blistering knock of 62 runs in just 28 deliveries laced with four boundaries and six 6s. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Courtesy of some brilliant hitting by Rahul and Hooda, PBKS posted 221/6 in 20 overs.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>TRENDING:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-riyan-parag-brings-out-right-arm-perpendicular-delivery-vs-punjab-kings-in-ipl-2021-377140" hreflang="en">Watch: Riyan Parag brings out 'right-arm perpendicular' delivery vs Punjab Kings in IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">With a pitch assisting batsmen, Rajasthan Royals started the 222-run chase on a torrid note as they lost opener Ben Stokes for a three-ball duck while Manan Vohra was dismissed for 12. Jos Buttler started promisingly as he smashed Riley Meredith for four consecutive boundaries but was soon sent packing by Jhye Richardson. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube stitched a mini-partnership but the latter perished after a 15-ball 23. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chris-gayle-becomes-first-player-to-smash-350-sixes-in-ipl-history-377119" hreflang="en">Chris Gayle becomes first player to smash 350 sixes in IPL history</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag put the pressure back on Punjab Kings bowlers with some expansive shots in the middle overs as the duo took the chase deep. While Parag played a blistering knock, he was sent back to the hut by Mohammed Shami after a 11-ball 25-run knock. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Samson played a blinder of a knock and became the first debutant captain to score a century in IPL. However, his was dismissed in the last ball of the match when RR required six runs to win. Samson ended up with 119 runs off just 63 deliveries but wasn’t enough to take his team over the winning line.<o:p></o:p></p>


Punjab Kings on Monday started their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 campaign with a thumping four-run win over Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Punjab Kings on Monday started their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 campaign with a thumping four-run win over Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. KL Rahul and Deepak Hooda were the stars for PBKS as they smashed 91 off 50 and 62 off 28 respectively to help Punjab Kings reach a mammoth total of 221/6 in 20 overs. Punjab Kings were invited to bat first and were off to a shaky start as they lost opener Mayank Agarwal early in the innings. While Chris Gayle and KL Rahul brought in the fireworks and stitched a crucial partnership, it was Deepak Hooda who stole the show with his blistering knock of 62 runs in just 28 deliveries laced with four boundaries and six 6s. Courtesy of some brilliant hitting by Rahul and Hooda, PBKS posted 221/6 in 20 overs. TRENDING: Watch: Riyan Parag brings out 'right-arm perpendicular' delivery vs Punjab Kings in IPL 2021 With a pitch assisting batsmen, Rajasthan Royals started the 222-run chase on a torrid note as they lost opener Ben Stokes for a three-ball duck while Manan Vohra was dismissed for 12. Jos Buttler started promisingly as he smashed Riley Meredith for four consecutive boundaries but was soon sent packing by Jhye Richardson. Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube stitched a mini-partnership but the latter perished after a 15-ball 23. ALSO READ: Chris Gayle becomes first player to smash 350 sixes in IPL history Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag put the pressure back on Punjab Kings bowlers with some expansive shots in the middle overs as the duo took the chase deep. While Parag played a blistering knock, he was sent back to the hut by Mohammed Shami after a 11-ball 25-run knock. Samson played a blinder of a knock and became the first debutant captain to score a century in IPL. However, his was dismissed in the last ball of the match when RR required six runs to win. Samson ended up with 119 runs off just 63 deliveries but wasn’t enough to take his team over the winning line.

Sanju Samson's century in vain as KL Rahul, Deepak Hooda steer Punjab Kings to thrilling win

<p class="MsoNormal">Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming on Saturday confirmed that pacers Lungi Ngidi and Jason Behrendorff are not available for the team’s next match in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 against Punjab Kings on April 16 (Friday). Fleming also heaped praise on Suresh Raina after the former Indian cricketer marked his IPL comeback with a terrific half-century. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Fleming acknowledged that CSK are short in the bowling area but said that he will look at the Indian bowlers and the likes of Sam Curran to do better in their next IPL 2021 match.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"Ngidi won't be available. He won't be arriving for the next game. So losing Josh Hazlewood, which was the plan to have him available for these games is a blow simply as an option up front. Ngidi will be arriving soon. Behrendorff would be following that. [Bowling] it's an area that we are probably short on. But we still look at the Indian bowlers and we have international bowler Sam Curran," Fleming said in a post-match press conference.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2021-dhawan-and-shaw-star-as-delhi-capitals-beat-chennai-super-kings-376734" hreflang="en">IPL 2021- Dhawan and Shaw star as Delhi Capitals beat Chennai Super Kings</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">CSK suffered a seven-wicket loss against Delhi Capitals in their first match of the campaign on Saturday. Delhi Capitals comfortably chased the target after openers Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan gave a cracking start before skipper Rishabh Pant finished the chase to register DC’s first win of the tournament.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Courtesy tremendous knocks by Raina, Moeen Ali and Sam Curran, CSK posted 188/7 in 20 overs. "It wasn't bad when you lose wickets a little bit early and still manages to get to 188, that's pretty good going. So, the intent with the bat was pretty good. The conditions changed, dew and a little bit of rain made things difficult in the second innings. They played really well but 190 on this ground is still reasonably competitive we just needed to bowl better," he said.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-fined-after-csks-ipl-2021-opener-versus-delhi-capitals-376768" hreflang="en">MS Dhoni fined after CSK's IPL 2021 opener versus Delhi Capitals</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">CSK coach heaped praises on Raina and said his form is a positive side for the side. "It's really good, considering the cricket and where he has come from. It was an outstanding innings. We put Moeen Ali up as an aggressor and also used Suresh's aggressive role to get to play some cricket and find some form. But after playing 2-3 shots, he really got going. It's a really positive sign for us. I liked the way we turned it on after losing wickets when the wicket was tacky. We just weren't able to create chances with the ball, which is really disappointing," Fleming said.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>


Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming on Saturday confirmed that pacers Lungi Ngidi and Jason Behrendorff are not available for the team’s next match in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 against Punjab Kings on April 16 (Friday).

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming on Saturday confirmed that pacers Lungi Ngidi and Jason Behrendorff are not available for the team’s next match in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 against Punjab Kings on April 16 (Friday). Fleming also heaped praise on Suresh Raina after the former Indian cricketer marked his IPL comeback with a terrific half-century. Fleming acknowledged that CSK are short in the bowling area but said that he will look at the Indian bowlers and the likes of Sam Curran to do better in their next IPL 2021 match. "Ngidi won't be available. He won't be arriving for the next game. So losing Josh Hazlewood, which was the plan to have him available for these games is a blow simply as an option up front. Ngidi will be arriving soon. Behrendorff would be following that. [Bowling] it's an area that we are probably short on. But we still look at the Indian bowlers and we have international bowler Sam Curran," Fleming said in a post-match press conference. IN PICS | IPL 2021- Dhawan and Shaw star as Delhi Capitals beat Chennai Super Kings CSK suffered a seven-wicket loss against Delhi Capitals in their first match of the campaign on Saturday. Delhi Capitals comfortably chased the target after openers Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan gave a cracking start before skipper Rishabh Pant finished the chase to register DC’s first win of the tournament. Courtesy tremendous knocks by Raina, Moeen Ali and Sam Curran, CSK posted 188/7 in 20 overs. "It wasn't bad when you lose wickets a little bit early and still manages to get to 188, that's pretty good going. So, the intent with the bat was pretty good. The conditions changed, dew and a little bit of rain made things difficult in the second innings. They played really well but 190 on this ground is still reasonably competitive we just needed to bowl better," he said. ALSO READ: MS Dhoni fined after CSK's IPL 2021 opener versus Delhi Capitals CSK coach heaped praises on Raina and said his form is a positive side for the side. "It's really good, considering the cricket and where he has come from. It was an outstanding innings. We put Moeen Ali up as an aggressor and also used Suresh's aggressive role to get to play some cricket and find some form. But after playing 2-3 shots, he really got going. It's a really positive sign for us. I liked the way we turned it on after losing wickets when the wicket was tacky. We just weren't able to create chances with the ball, which is really disappointing," Fleming said.

IPL 2021: Two key overseas bowlers to miss CSK's next match, confirms Stephen Fleming

<p class="MsoNormal">Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has been fined INR 12 lakh after his team maintained a slow over-rate during their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match against Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">As it was CSK’s first offence in IPL 2021 under IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to&nbsp;minimum over-rate offences, Dhoni was fined INR 12 lakh.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni has been fined after his team maintained a slow over-rate during their VIVO Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match against Delhi Capitals at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on April 10,” IPL said in a statement.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2021-dhawan-and-shaw-star-as-delhi-capitals-beat-chennai-super-kings-376734" hreflang="en">IPL 2021- Dhawan and Shaw star as Delhi Capitals beat Chennai Super Kings</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“As it was his team’s first offence of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offences, Mr Dhoni was fined Rs 12 lakh,” it added.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Earlier, Suresh Raina scored a brilliant half-century in his comeback game in IPL before Sam Curran’s blistering knock helped CSK reach 188/7 in 20 overs. However, Delhi Capitals openers Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan took the game away from the Dhoni-led outfit before Rishabh Pant finished it off to start their IPL 2021 campaign with a win.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">After the game, Dhoni said that "a lot depended on dew" before praising his side's batsmen for taking the team's score to 188.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/here-are-some-major-records-csk-skipper-ms-dhoni-can-shatter-in-ipl-2021-376648" hreflang="en">Here are some major records CSK skipper MS Dhoni can shatter in IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"A lot depended on dew, and that factor played on our mind from the start and that's why we wanted to get as many runs as possible. The batters did a good job to reach 188 because it was tacky until dew settled in 50 minutes later. We could have bowled slightly better, and if batters are hitting you over the fields, that's fair enough," Dhoni told hosts broadcasters Star Sports after the match. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"The execution of the bowlers was poor and there were boundary balls that they bowled, but the bowlers will have learned and they will apply that in the future games. The opposition has half an hour in a 7:30 start when the pitch is really tacky and the ball stops a bit, so we need to get 15-20 runs extra to be safe. If we get dew consistently, then 200 will be a must on a pitch like this. Their (Delhi) bowlers bowled a great line when it was stopping and seaming a bit, and the openers got really good balls in which they got out and that can happen in a game like this," he added.<o:p></o:p></p>


Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has been fined INR 12 lakh after his team maintained a slow over-rate during their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match against Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has been fined INR 12 lakh after his team maintained a slow over-rate during their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match against Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday. As it was CSK’s first offence in IPL 2021 under IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offences, Dhoni was fined INR 12 lakh. “Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni has been fined after his team maintained a slow over-rate during their VIVO Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match against Delhi Capitals at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on April 10,” IPL said in a statement. IN PICS | IPL 2021- Dhawan and Shaw star as Delhi Capitals beat Chennai Super Kings “As it was his team’s first offence of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offences, Mr Dhoni was fined Rs 12 lakh,” it added. Earlier, Suresh Raina scored a brilliant half-century in his comeback game in IPL before Sam Curran’s blistering knock helped CSK reach 188/7 in 20 overs. However, Delhi Capitals openers Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan took the game away from the Dhoni-led outfit before Rishabh Pant finished it off to start their IPL 2021 campaign with a win. After the game, Dhoni said that "a lot depended on dew" before praising his side's batsmen for taking the team's score to 188. IN PICS | Here are some major records CSK skipper MS Dhoni can shatter in IPL 2021 "A lot depended on dew, and that factor played on our mind from the start and that's why we wanted to get as many runs as possible. The batters did a good job to reach 188 because it was tacky until dew settled in 50 minutes later. We could have bowled slightly better, and if batters are hitting you over the fields, that's fair enough," Dhoni told hosts broadcasters Star Sports after the match. "The execution of the bowlers was poor and there were boundary balls that they bowled, but the bowlers will have learned and they will apply that in the future games. The opposition has half an hour in a 7:30 start when the pitch is really tacky and the ball stops a bit, so we need to get 15-20 runs extra to be safe. If we get dew consistently, then 200 will be a must on a pitch like this. Their (Delhi) bowlers bowled a great line when it was stopping and seaming a bit, and the openers got really good balls in which they got out and that can happen in a game like this," he added.

MS Dhoni fined after CSK's IPL 2021 opener versus Delhi Capitals

<p>Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli was full of praises for his team-mates, especially Harshal Patel and Glenn Maxwell, as the Bengaluru outfit got off to a rollicking start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 by defeating defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) by two wickets in Chennai on Friday.</p>

<p>RCB roped in Maxwell at the auction for a whopping INR 14.25 crore despite the Aussie having a torrid IPL 2020 with Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). However, Maxwell answered his critics in style while showing why the RCB management was spot on to spend heavily for his acquisition.</p>

<p>After the IPL 2021 season opener against MI, RCB captain Kohli said that Maxwell’s knock of 39 runs off 28 deliveries was the game-changer as he put the pressure back on the bowlers. Kohli revealed that RCB wanted to allow Maxwell to play a few deliveries before bringing his array of shots into the game rather than slogging from the word go while adding it was important to play the strongest side in the tournament (MI) and test themselves against the best.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/first-game-could-be-my-last-chris-lynn-on-running-out-captain-rohit-sharma-in-ipl-2021-opener-376596" hreflang="en">First game could be my last: Chris Lynn on running out captain Rohit Sharma in IPL 2021 opener</a></strong></p>

<p>“We won the first match last year as well that we played. It was important to play against the strongest side in the competition and test our side. Everyone was involved in this game, and when you win by two wickets, it means that everyone has gone in and played. A lot of options for me as well that helped bringing the game back. The pitch was looking decent in the first half, but to be honest, with the old ball the length ball was difficult to get away. That is why those partnerships between Maxi and me and then between AB and Maxi was really important. It's not a pitch where you can just hit through the line. You have to be smart with picking the gaps and running hard. Playing in Chennai you have to be respectful of that. The shot that Pollard got out to, in Wankhde it would've sailed into the crowds,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation on Friday.</p>

<p>“We came back well and used the conditions well. They came back well too after losing Rohit early and those last six overs for us were probably the best six we've ever had. We brought Harshal in a trade from Delhi. He is relishing the responsibility and is clear with his plans. He was the difference today. He is going to be our death bowler. As a captain you want players with clarity, and he has that. Jamieson started off well, Yuzi was good, Siraj was good too. In T20 cricket, clarity at the top of your mark is all you as for as a captain. Harshal was very clear with that and it was his day today.</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2021-harshal-patel-and-abd-shine-as-rcb-beat-mumbai-indians-in-season-opener-376541" hreflang="en">IPL 2021- Harshal Patel and ABD shine as RCB beat Mumbai Indians in season opener</a></strong></p>

<p>“We wanted Maxi to bat at four. Rajat is a very solid player. He is an exciting player, plays spin well too. The thinking was that we wanted to give Maxi some balls at the start and not get him slogging right away. You saw the result today of him playing 10-15 balls. His innings was the game-changer. Had he stayed in we would've finished a couple of overs earlier. The opposition then gets nervous about AB. We have depth in the batting which we want to utilize. AB is probably the only one in the team who is so versatile. And he does it on slow wickets what not many can do. In a tricky chase you need experience at the back, and the opposition knows that if he doesn't get out, the bowlers get in a different headspace,” the RCB skipper added.</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Harshal Patel Press Conference | MI v RCB<br />
<br />
Man of the Match for RCB, <a href="https://twitter.com/HarshalPatel23?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HarshalPatel23</a> gives us insights into his bowling after a brilliant performance against MI in the first match of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> in Chennai.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreChallengers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreChallengers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIvRCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIvRCB</a> <a href="https://t.co/VaRWykTbRe">pic.twitter.com/VaRWykTbRe</a></p>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1380709619429998592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>While AB de Villiers stole the thunders with his terrific knock of 48 off 27 balls, it was Maxwell and Kohli who set the stage for the middle-order batters to finish the game for RCB. While Kohli scored 33 off 29, Maxwell posted 39 off 28.</p>

<p>Earlier, Harshal Patel picked up five wickets and became the first bowler to scalp a five-fer against Mumbai Indians.</p>

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<p>RCB will next be in action against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on April 14.</p>


Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli was full of praises for his team-mates, especially Harshal Patel and Glenn Maxwell, as the Bengaluru outfit got off to a rollicking start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 by defeating defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) by two wickets in Chennai on Friday.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli was full of praises for his team-mates, especially Harshal Patel and Glenn Maxwell, as the Bengaluru outfit got off to a rollicking start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 by defeating defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) by two wickets in Chennai on Friday. RCB roped in Maxwell at the auction for a whopping INR 14.25 crore despite the Aussie having a torrid IPL 2020 with Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). However, Maxwell answered his critics in style while showing why the RCB management was spot on to spend heavily for his acquisition. After the IPL 2021 season opener against MI, RCB captain Kohli said that Maxwell’s knock of 39 runs off 28 deliveries was the game-changer as he put the pressure back on the bowlers. Kohli revealed that RCB wanted to allow Maxwell to play a few deliveries before bringing his array of shots into the game rather than slogging from the word go while adding it was important to play the strongest side in the tournament (MI) and test themselves against the best. ALSO READ: First game could be my last: Chris Lynn on running out captain Rohit Sharma in IPL 2021 opener “We won the first match last year as well that we played. It was important to play against the strongest side in the competition and test our side. Everyone was involved in this game, and when you win by two wickets, it means that everyone has gone in and played. A lot of options for me as well that helped bringing the game back. The pitch was looking decent in the first half, but to be honest, with the old ball the length ball was difficult to get away. That is why those partnerships between Maxi and me and then between AB and Maxi was really important. It's not a pitch where you can just hit through the line. You have to be smart with picking the gaps and running hard. Playing in Chennai you have to be respectful of that. The shot that Pollard got out to, in Wankhde it would've sailed into the crowds,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation on Friday. “We came back well and used the conditions well. They came back well too after losing Rohit early and those last six overs for us were probably the best six we've ever had. We brought Harshal in a trade from Delhi. He is relishing the responsibility and is clear with his plans. He was the difference today. He is going to be our death bowler. As a captain you want players with clarity, and he has that. Jamieson started off well, Yuzi was good, Siraj was good too. In T20 cricket, clarity at the top of your mark is all you as for as a captain. Harshal was very clear with that and it was his day today. IN PICS | IPL 2021- Harshal Patel and ABD shine as RCB beat Mumbai Indians in season opener “We wanted Maxi to bat at four. Rajat is a very solid player. He is an exciting player, plays spin well too. The thinking was that we wanted to give Maxi some balls at the start and not get him slogging right away. You saw the result today of him playing 10-15 balls. His innings was the game-changer. Had he stayed in we would've finished a couple of overs earlier. The opposition then gets nervous about AB. We have depth in the batting which we want to utilize. AB is probably the only one in the team who is so versatile. And he does it on slow wickets what not many can do. In a tricky chase you need experience at the back, and the opposition knows that if he doesn't get out, the bowlers get in a different headspace,” the RCB skipper added. Harshal Patel Press Conference | MI v RCB Man of the Match for RCB, @HarshalPatel23 gives us insights into his bowling after a brilliant performance against MI in the first match of #IPL2021 in Chennai.#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #MIvRCB pic.twitter.com/VaRWykTbRe — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 10, 2021 × While AB de Villiers stole the thunders with his terrific knock of 48 off 27 balls, it was Maxwell and Kohli who set the stage for the middle-order batters to finish the game for RCB. While Kohli scored 33 off 29, Maxwell posted 39 off 28. Earlier, Harshal Patel picked up five wickets and became the first bowler to scalp a five-fer against Mumbai Indians. × RCB will next be in action against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai on April 14.

His innings was game-changer: Virat Kohli praises Glenn Maxwell after winning start in IPL 2021

<p>Mumbai Indians (MI) on Friday started their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 with a two-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Chris Lynn, who made his Mumbai Indians debut in the tournament opener on Friday, was involved in a mix-up with skipper Rohit Sharma which resulted in the latter getting run-out early in the first innings.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p>After the match, Lynn jokingly said that it is not an ideal scenario running out your captain in the first game while adding that his first game for Mumbai Indians could be his last. Lynn admitted that he was a bit nervous going into the match but cleared out that there were plenty of other factors that led to MI losing the match and not just the run-out. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p>Lynn further said that he would have sacrificed his wicket instead of running out Rohit if he was able to cross the pitch. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p>The hard-hitting Australian slashed the ball towards the covers and called for a run before immediately pulling out. However, Rohit was halfway down the track by then and Virat Kohli was quick to get the throw to the non-striker’s end to dismiss the MI captain. While Rohit departed early, Lynn ended up with a 35-ball 49.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p>"Look, obviously I was a bit nervous, no doubt about it. (It was my) first game for Mumbai and it was the first time I was batting with Rohit as well. It happens in the game of cricket as well. I thought there was a run, and then obviously there wasn't a run. But yeah, if I had been able to run past him and sacrifice my wicket, I definitely would have done that, but it wasn't the case.</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2021-harshal-patel-and-abd-shine-as-rcb-beat-mumbai-indians-in-season-opener-376541" hreflang="en">IPL 2021- Harshal Patel and ABD shine as RCB beat Mumbai Indians in season opener</a></strong></p>

<p>"As I said, it happens, but yeah, I put just a little bit more pressure on myself. It's not ideal, running out your captain in the first game. The first game could be my last, who knows? (laughs). But anyhow, it was a spur-of-the-moment thing, happens in the game. It would have been nice (if the runout didn't happen); he was striking the ball nicely, and we were 10 or 15 runs short in the end. He would have definitely made a difference, but there were plenty of factors in this game tonight, not just the run-out," Chris Lynn answered to WION's query in the post-match press conference.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-australia-pacer-behrendorff-absolutely-pumped-to-join-csk-376511" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Australia pacer Behrendorff 'absolutely pumped' to join CSK</a></strong></p>

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<p>Lynn started the match in place of South African Quinton de Kock, who is undergoing the mandatory seven-day quarantine period. He is expected to be back in the MI playing XI in their next match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Tuesday in Chennai.</p>

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Mumbai Indians (MI) on Friday started their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 with a two-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Mumbai Indians (MI) on Friday started their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 with a two-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Chris Lynn, who made his Mumbai Indians debut in the tournament opener on Friday, was involved in a mix-up with skipper Rohit Sharma which resulted in the latter getting run-out early in the first innings. After the match, Lynn jokingly said that it is not an ideal scenario running out your captain in the first game while adding that his first game for Mumbai Indians could be his last. Lynn admitted that he was a bit nervous going into the match but cleared out that there were plenty of other factors that led to MI losing the match and not just the run-out. Lynn further said that he would have sacrificed his wicket instead of running out Rohit if he was able to cross the pitch. The hard-hitting Australian slashed the ball towards the covers and called for a run before immediately pulling out. However, Rohit was halfway down the track by then and Virat Kohli was quick to get the throw to the non-striker’s end to dismiss the MI captain. While Rohit departed early, Lynn ended up with a 35-ball 49. "Look, obviously I was a bit nervous, no doubt about it. (It was my) first game for Mumbai and it was the first time I was batting with Rohit as well. It happens in the game of cricket as well. I thought there was a run, and then obviously there wasn't a run. But yeah, if I had been able to run past him and sacrifice my wicket, I definitely would have done that, but it wasn't the case. IN PICS | IPL 2021- Harshal Patel and ABD shine as RCB beat Mumbai Indians in season opener "As I said, it happens, but yeah, I put just a little bit more pressure on myself. It's not ideal, running out your captain in the first game. The first game could be my last, who knows? (laughs). But anyhow, it was a spur-of-the-moment thing, happens in the game. It would have been nice (if the runout didn't happen); he was striking the ball nicely, and we were 10 or 15 runs short in the end. He would have definitely made a difference, but there were plenty of factors in this game tonight, not just the run-out," Chris Lynn answered to WION's query in the post-match press conference. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: Australia pacer Behrendorff 'absolutely pumped' to join CSK × Lynn started the match in place of South African Quinton de Kock, who is undergoing the mandatory seven-day quarantine period. He is expected to be back in the MI playing XI in their next match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Tuesday in Chennai.

First game could be my last: Chris Lynn on running out captain Rohit Sharma in IPL 2021 opener

<p>Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) officials have been asked to submit a negative COVID-19 report in a bid to attend the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 matches at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Taking strict measures, MCA has asked all MCA apex council members and staff members, even those who have been vaccinated, to produce a negative report to get inside the Wankhede Stadium.</p>

<p>According to a report in ANI, MCA secretary Sanjay Naik has written to all MCA apex council member to submit a negative COVID-19 report to get an entry inside the iconic Wankhede Stadium for IPL 2021 matches.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"As per BCCI's protocol, all the officials who would be attending the IPL 2021 matches at Wankhede Stadium are required to produce a negative report of RT-PCR test conducted within 48 hours of the match day," Naik wrote in his letter.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watching-cricket-from-home-twitter-brings-an-extravagant-experience-with-new-features-376633" hreflang="en">Watching cricket from home? Twitter brings an extravagant experience with new features</a></strong></p>

<p>"The tests are mandatory even for those who have been vaccinated. The report will have to be produced at the time of entry to the stadium on each match day. Hence you are requested to get yourself tested at your end and carry the negative report to the stadium on match day," he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/guru-vs-chela-ravi-shastri-expresses-his-excitement-for-dhoni-vs-pant-clash-in-ipl-2021-376637" hreflang="en">'Guru vs Chela': Ravi Shastri expresses his excitement for Dhoni vs Pant clash in IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p>Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is set to host 10 IPL 2021 matches from April 10-25. The first match at the stadium is set to be played between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings.</p>

<p>On Friday, the state of Maharashtra recorded 58,993 new COVID-19 cases, 45,391 recoveries, and 301 deaths. Meanwhile, India's COVID-19 tally hit a record daily high since the outbreak of the pandemic with over 1.45 lakh new infections being reported in a span of 24 hours, taking the cumulative count to 1,32,05,926, according to the Union Health Ministry.</p>

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<p>Last week, several members of the Wankhede groundstaff returned with positive Covid-19 reports. On Sunday, the Maharashtra government announced a weekend lockdown from Friday 8 pm to Monday 7 am to curb the spread of Covid-19.</p>

<p>(With ANI inputs)</p>

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Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) officials have been asked to submit a negative COVID-19 report in a bid to attend the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 matches at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) officials have been asked to submit a negative COVID-19 report in a bid to attend the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 matches at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Taking strict measures, MCA has asked all MCA apex council members and staff members, even those who have been vaccinated, to produce a negative report to get inside the Wankhede Stadium. According to a report in ANI, MCA secretary Sanjay Naik has written to all MCA apex council member to submit a negative COVID-19 report to get an entry inside the iconic Wankhede Stadium for IPL 2021 matches. "As per BCCI's protocol, all the officials who would be attending the IPL 2021 matches at Wankhede Stadium are required to produce a negative report of RT-PCR test conducted within 48 hours of the match day," Naik wrote in his letter. ALSO READ: Watching cricket from home? Twitter brings an extravagant experience with new features "The tests are mandatory even for those who have been vaccinated. The report will have to be produced at the time of entry to the stadium on each match day. Hence you are requested to get yourself tested at your end and carry the negative report to the stadium on match day," he added. ALSO READ: 'Guru vs Chela': Ravi Shastri expresses his excitement for Dhoni vs Pant clash in IPL 2021 Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is set to host 10 IPL 2021 matches from April 10-25. The first match at the stadium is set to be played between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings. On Friday, the state of Maharashtra recorded 58,993 new COVID-19 cases, 45,391 recoveries, and 301 deaths. Meanwhile, India's COVID-19 tally hit a record daily high since the outbreak of the pandemic with over 1.45 lakh new infections being reported in a span of 24 hours, taking the cumulative count to 1,32,05,926, according to the Union Health Ministry. × Last week, several members of the Wankhede groundstaff returned with positive Covid-19 reports. On Sunday, the Maharashtra government announced a weekend lockdown from Friday 8 pm to Monday 7 am to curb the spread of Covid-19. (With ANI inputs)

IPL 2021: Vaccinated officials, staff asked to carry COVID-19 negative reports for matches in Wankhede Stadium

<p>Twitter is what’s happening in the world, and this cricket season, it will enable fans to have a larger-than-life experience from the comforts of their couch through a range of features that will allow them to follow and participate in conversations a lot more intimately.</p>

<p>In 2020, the absence of on-ground cricket action prompted more fans to turn to Twitter, converting the service into a virtual stadium. Fans came to the service to discuss match moments, cheer their favourite teams and interact with their cricket idols. As a result, the conversations during the cricket season in 2020 increased by 23% in comparison to the 2019 season. This year, as cricket fans gear up for another exciting year, Twitter has curated a host of innovative, interactive experiences for fans to celebrate and participate in conversations as they happen in real-time on the service.&nbsp;</p>

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<h2>Here’s how fans can follow the upcoming tournament on social media platform&nbsp;Twitter:</h2>

<p>1. Spaces: Spaces, Twitter’s newest offering, allows people to come together to have live audio conversations. Spaces is a great feature for people to have conversations about things that they’re passionate about, or just gather in an intimate environment to chat using their voice. With cricket being such a huge passion point on Twitter, teams have already started making the most of Spaces to connect with and engage fans on the service. Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) recently hosted a Twitter Space with Zaheer Khan (@ImZaheer) - #TwitterSpaceWithZak - becoming the first sports club in the country to do so. The Space had Zaheer interacting with fans and sharing plans for the upcoming season.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How to join <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TwitterSpaceWithZak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TwitterSpaceWithZak</a> 👇<br />
<br />
🔹 Open the Twitter app on your smartphone 🤳<br />
🔹 Check the fleets section at 12 PM ⏰<br />
🔹 Click the purple button that has the MI Logo 🟣<br />
🔹 Za-hear, enjoy, interact 😁<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneFamily?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneFamily</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiIndians?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiIndians</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ImZaheer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImZaheer</a> <a href="https://t.co/vxlhp7pLcM">pic.twitter.com/vxlhp7pLcM</a></p>
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/1376376064138752000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indiranagarkagunda-rahul-dravids-angry-avatar-takes-twitter-by-storm-check-best-reactions-376624" hreflang="en">#IndiraNagarKaGunda: Rahul Dravid's 'angry' avatar takes Twitter by storm - Check best reactions</a></strong></p>

<p>2. Emojis: Twitter has launched eight new jersey emojis for all the teams in English and six Indic languages. Fans can simply Tweet with the team hashtags to unlock these emojis and participate in live conversations. Here are some of the hashtags that will unlock the team emojis: #IPL2021, #MumbaiIndians, #OneFamily, #WhistlePodu, #WeAreChallengers, #HallaBol, #RoyalsFamily, #PunjabKings, #SaddaPunjab, #KKRHaiTaiyaar, #KorboLorboJeetbo, #YehHaiNayiDilli, #OrangeArmy, and more.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It's almost that time of year - so what are you waiting for? Get your jersey on! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/T86X8rYzkR">pic.twitter.com/T86X8rYzkR</a></p>
— Twitter India (@TwitterIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TwitterIndia/status/1378378919858950146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>3. Topics: Twitter Topics allow people to follow conversations on specific subjects. Using machine learning, Topics pull out related Tweets on a subject, letting people follow numerous interest categories. When you follow a Topic, you will see Tweets from a number of accounts - whether you follow them or not - on the shared interest. Last year, Twitter introduced several Topics for the cricket - one for the series and several others for all of the teams &nbsp;- so people can stay up-to-date with all conversations around cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>4. Twitter Lists: Twitter Lists - a compilation of Twitter accounts - let people put together their favourite accounts to follow for Tweets on a specific subject and populate a separate timeline for the List. When you view this List timeline, you will see Tweets from all of the accounts in that List. To let people keep a close eye on what their favourites from the cricket season are saying and doing, Twitter has created Lists of accounts to follow for each team - including the squads as well as their coaches.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/first-game-could-be-my-last-chris-lynn-on-running-out-captain-rohit-sharma-in-ipl-2021-opener-376596" hreflang="en">First game could be my last: Chris Lynn on running out captain Rohit Sharma in IPL 2021 opener</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ahead of the opening game of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> between <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mipaltan</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCBTweets</a> in Chennai on Friday, keep up with the action right here with the help of these lists:</p>
— Twitter Moments India (@MomentsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MomentsIndia/status/1380180659797422084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>5. Live shows: Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals will be hosting live shows to bring fans closer together. The shows will involve commentary and watching the game virtually along with a select group of fans every match day.</p>

<p>6. Events Page and Scorecard: Fans can simply go to an events page to follow all the live updates and real-time conversations on Twitter. Additionally, fans can also check out the live scores on the Scorecard which will be featured on the top of the Events page and follow the match on the go. For all the real time conversations around the opening match #MIvRCB, just follow the below events page:</p>

<p>Through these innovations, audiences on the social media platform will get more opportunities than before to get closer to their favourite teams and players and show their instant support.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Check WION's full coverage on IPL 2021 here!</a></p>


Twitter is what’s happening in the world, and this cricket season, it will enable fans to have a larger-than-life experience from the comforts of their couch through a range of features that will allow them to follow and participate in conversations a lot more intimately.

Twitter is what’s happening in the world, and this cricket season, it will enable fans to have a larger-than-life experience from the comforts of their couch through a range of features that will allow them to follow and participate in conversations a lot more intimately. In 2020, the absence of on-ground cricket action prompted more fans to turn to Twitter, converting the service into a virtual stadium. Fans came to the service to discuss match moments, cheer their favourite teams and interact with their cricket idols. As a result, the conversations during the cricket season in 2020 increased by 23% in comparison to the 2019 season. This year, as cricket fans gear up for another exciting year, Twitter has curated a host of innovative, interactive experiences for fans to celebrate and participate in conversations as they happen in real-time on the service. × Here’s how fans can follow the upcoming tournament on social media platform Twitter: 1. Spaces: Spaces, Twitter’s newest offering, allows people to come together to have live audio conversations. Spaces is a great feature for people to have conversations about things that they’re passionate about, or just gather in an intimate environment to chat using their voice. With cricket being such a huge passion point on Twitter, teams have already started making the most of Spaces to connect with and engage fans on the service. Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) recently hosted a Twitter Space with Zaheer Khan (@ImZaheer) - #TwitterSpaceWithZak - becoming the first sports club in the country to do so. The Space had Zaheer interacting with fans and sharing plans for the upcoming season. How to join #TwitterSpaceWithZak 👇 🔹 Open the Twitter app on your smartphone 🤳 🔹 Check the fleets section at 12 PM ⏰ 🔹 Click the purple button that has the MI Logo 🟣 🔹 Za-hear, enjoy, interact 😁#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians #IPL2021 @ImZaheer pic.twitter.com/vxlhp7pLcM — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 29, 2021 × ALSO READ: #IndiraNagarKaGunda: Rahul Dravid's 'angry' avatar takes Twitter by storm - Check best reactions 2. Emojis: Twitter has launched eight new jersey emojis for all the teams in English and six Indic languages. Fans can simply Tweet with the team hashtags to unlock these emojis and participate in live conversations. Here are some of the hashtags that will unlock the team emojis: #IPL2021, #MumbaiIndians, #OneFamily, #WhistlePodu, #WeAreChallengers, #HallaBol, #RoyalsFamily, #PunjabKings, #SaddaPunjab, #KKRHaiTaiyaar, #KorboLorboJeetbo, #YehHaiNayiDilli, #OrangeArmy, and more. It's almost that time of year - so what are you waiting for? Get your jersey on! #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/T86X8rYzkR — Twitter India (@TwitterIndia) April 3, 2021 × 3. Topics: Twitter Topics allow people to follow conversations on specific subjects. Using machine learning, Topics pull out related Tweets on a subject, letting people follow numerous interest categories. When you follow a Topic, you will see Tweets from a number of accounts - whether you follow them or not - on the shared interest. Last year, Twitter introduced several Topics for the cricket - one for the series and several others for all of the teams - so people can stay up-to-date with all conversations around cricket. 4. Twitter Lists: Twitter Lists - a compilation of Twitter accounts - let people put together their favourite accounts to follow for Tweets on a specific subject and populate a separate timeline for the List. When you view this List timeline, you will see Tweets from all of the accounts in that List. To let people keep a close eye on what their favourites from the cricket season are saying and doing, Twitter has created Lists of accounts to follow for each team - including the squads as well as their coaches. ALSO READ: First game could be my last: Chris Lynn on running out captain Rohit Sharma in IPL 2021 opener Ahead of the opening game of #IPL2021 between @mipaltan and @RCBTweets in Chennai on Friday, keep up with the action right here with the help of these lists: — Twitter Moments India (@MomentsIndia) April 8, 2021 × 5. Live shows: Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals will be hosting live shows to bring fans closer together. The shows will involve commentary and watching the game virtually along with a select group of fans every match day. 6. Events Page and Scorecard: Fans can simply go to an events page to follow all the live updates and real-time conversations on Twitter. Additionally, fans can also check out the live scores on the Scorecard which will be featured on the top of the Events page and follow the match on the go. For all the real time conversations around the opening match #MIvRCB, just follow the below events page: Through these innovations, audiences on the social media platform will get more opportunities than before to get closer to their favourite teams and players and show their instant support. Check WION's full coverage on IPL 2021 here!

Watching cricket from home? Twitter brings an extravagant experience with new features

<p>The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is all set to commence on Friday but franchises might have to go ahead with their respective season openers without their full-strength squads. With COVID-19 protocols and mandatory quarantine in place, some of the key players from each franchise will be missing the first match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Let us take a look at the list of names who will be missing the first match of their respective franchise.</p>

<h2>Mumbai Indians</h2>

<p>The defending champions are set to miss key opener Quinton de Kock and pacer Adam Milne. The two overseas players landed in India early this week and are yet to complete their seven-day quarantine. The duo won’t be available for IPL 2021 opener on Friday.</p>

<h2>Delhi Capitals</h2>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vvs-laxman-to-wion-delhi-capitals-captaincy-will-help-rishabh-pant-reach-his-potential-376136" hreflang="en">VVS Laxman to WION: DC captaincy will help Rishabh Pant</a></strong></p>

<p>Fast bowling duo of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje will be missing Delhi Capitals’ opening match against Chennai Super Kings on April 10. The South Africa pacers are undergoing quarantine for a week and are likely to be a part of the playing XI in DC’s match on April 15 versus Rajasthan Royals. Axar Patel, who had tested positive for COVID-19, is also expected to miss DC’s first match.</p>

<h2>Royal Challengers Bangalore</h2>

<p>Australian spinner Adam Zampa will be an absentee from RCB’s season opener due to his marriage. Whereas New Zealand opener Finn Allen will also miss the match due to the mandatory seven-day quarantine period.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Chennai Super Kings</h2>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-mi-vs-rcb-virats-royal-challengers-to-lock-horns-with-rohits-mumbai-indians-376154" hreflang="en">IPL 2021, MI vs RCB: Preview, probable XI and stats</a></strong></p>

<p>South African pacer Lungi Ngidi will miss CSK’s season opener similar to Delhi Capitals’ Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada. The Proteas pacer is undergoing a mandatory seven-day quarantine after arriving in India early this week.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Rajasthan Royals</h2>

<p>England pacer Jofra Archer will miss a few matches due to his finger injury. However, there aren’t any more absentees from the RR squad and the Sanju Samson-led outfit will have their full-strength squad sans Archer available.</p>


The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is all set to commence on Friday but franchises might have to go ahead with their respective season openers without their full-strength squads.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is all set to commence on Friday but franchises might have to go ahead with their respective season openers without their full-strength squads. With COVID-19 protocols and mandatory quarantine in place, some of the key players from each franchise will be missing the first match. Let us take a look at the list of names who will be missing the first match of their respective franchise. Mumbai Indians The defending champions are set to miss key opener Quinton de Kock and pacer Adam Milne. The two overseas players landed in India early this week and are yet to complete their seven-day quarantine. The duo won’t be available for IPL 2021 opener on Friday. Delhi Capitals ALSO READ: VVS Laxman to WION: DC captaincy will help Rishabh Pant Fast bowling duo of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje will be missing Delhi Capitals’ opening match against Chennai Super Kings on April 10. The South Africa pacers are undergoing quarantine for a week and are likely to be a part of the playing XI in DC’s match on April 15 versus Rajasthan Royals. Axar Patel, who had tested positive for COVID-19, is also expected to miss DC’s first match. Royal Challengers Bangalore Australian spinner Adam Zampa will be an absentee from RCB’s season opener due to his marriage. Whereas New Zealand opener Finn Allen will also miss the match due to the mandatory seven-day quarantine period. Chennai Super Kings ALSO READ: IPL 2021, MI vs RCB: Preview, probable XI and stats South African pacer Lungi Ngidi will miss CSK’s season opener similar to Delhi Capitals’ Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada. The Proteas pacer is undergoing a mandatory seven-day quarantine after arriving in India early this week. Rajasthan Royals England pacer Jofra Archer will miss a few matches due to his finger injury. However, there aren’t any more absentees from the RR squad and the Sanju Samson-led outfit will have their full-strength squad sans Archer available.

From Rabada to Archer - Key players set to miss first IPL 2021 match of their teams

<p>Rishabh Pant arguably has been the biggest gainer in Indian cricket over the last six months. After having gone through a rough patch, getting dropped by the Indian team across formats, the young southpaw made a roaring comeback in the national team by winning matches against Australia and England.</p>

<p>Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor and former Indian batsman VVS Laxman, in an exclusive interview with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, talked about Rishabh Pant, his traits, how the youngster has evolved with experience in the world of cricket and more.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>After not being named in the playing XI for Adelaide Test, Rishabh Pant found his place back in the team in Melbourne as Team India began a turnaround for ages in the series.</p>

<p>In three matches, Pant ended up as the highest run-scorer for India with 274 runs as the Ajinkya Rahane-led side scripted history and won the Border-Gavaskar series for the second time on the trot. Pant was the hero among many heroes for Team India and continued his rich run of form against England in the home series. Now, the southpaw will be seen leading Delhi Capitals in the absence of regular skipper Rishabh Pant.</p>

<p>Delighted with Pant’s career graph in the last six months, VVS Laxman said that the biggest difference in his game has the maturity and ability to access the situation without throwing his wicket away. Laxman lavished rich praise on Pant’s wicket-keeping as he said his work behind the stump comes as the most positive thing out of many.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anil-kumble-to-wion-selection-headache-a-good-thing-for-punjab-kings-375722" hreflang="en">Anil Kumble to WION: Selection headache a good thing for Punjab Kings</a></strong></p>

<p>“I always felt that Viru (Virender Sehwag) was a dangerous batsman who always posed threat to the opposition bowlers because he had the ability to not only hit loose deliveries for boundaries for success, but also good deliveries will be dispersed outside the boundary. I think it's more to do with his mindset. And for me, the biggest difference is how mature Rishabh Pant has become since the Sydney second innings not because he always had the shot, he always had that mindset, but now is much better prepared as far as understanding the situation and assessing the situation without compromising on his strength. And that's a very lethal combination, you know, because that will lead you to win a lot more matches and to become more consistent. And the more consistent a player of calibre of Rishabh Pant is, the more matches, he will win for his team, whichever team and whichever format is playing in,” Laxman told WION in an exclusive interview.</p>

<p><img alt="Laxman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59faae3a-e3bc-48ab-9a16-a125586742ec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_94C2FX.jpg" /></p>

<p>Laxman feels the opportunity to captain Delhi Capitals in IPL 2021 and extra responsibility will help Pant enhance his potential while taking his performance a notch above.</p>

<p>“I just believe that the maturity and the understanding of the situation as drastically improved in Rishabh Pant's game. The other huge difference is the way he has kept. And that for me has been the biggest positive this home season because the way he kept on challenging wickets in Test matches in Chennai and Ahmedabad shows that not only as you become more confident about his batting and winning matches, while batting, but also is become very confident behind the stumps, you know that really augurs well for Indian cricket. And I think sky is&nbsp;the limit for Rishabh Pant and I'm sure that he will go out and you know, sort of embrace this opportunity of leading the Delhi capitals team because when you have that extra responsibility on your shoulder, I'm sure that that will enhance his potential and performance. And that's something which I'm sure every fan of his is looking forward to,” the former Indian batsman said.</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/riley-meredith-shahrukh-khan-surprise-packages-who-can-take-ipl-2021-by-storm-375897" hreflang="en">Meredith, Shahrukh: Surprise packages who can take IPL 2021 by storm</a></strong></p>

<p>Despite losing a crucial player in Shreyas Iyer, Delhi Capitals, the runners-up of IPL 2020, head into a fresh season with a bundle of domestic talents. Be it experience or youth, DC are packed with a plethora of domestic players starting from Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin to Prithvi Shaw, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Amit Mishra, Axar Patel among others. Not to forget Rishabh Pant. The overseas players just bolster the DC squad and make them one of the strong contenders for the IPL trophy.</p>

<p>A strong domestic core is&nbsp;key in a tournament like IPL and Laxman feels every franchise have understood the importance of investing in quality Indian players.</p>

<p>“It's not only Delhi, I think it's all the franchise, which invests in a lot of Indian players. Some players blossom and become more experienced and the more international cricket you play for the country. I think the more experience you get, the more confidence you get because of that exposure. So I think a lot of franchises understand the fact that it's important to invest in quality Indian players, and they become your market players, while the overseas players come in, to just fill in the gaps, you know, whichever skillset is lacking from the Indian talent pool, that's when you get in your overseas players to fill in the gaps,” Laxman explained.</p>

<p><img alt="Laxman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fca7b5d4-883c-477c-b892-d1bed4c47928" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_XZ9VE.jpg" /></p>

<p>“I think it's a good mix of the Indian talent and overseas experienced staff, and whichever team gels well, it's not only about the skill set, it's not only about the talent, but it's also about understanding each other's role understanding that you know, as a team, you have to go out and play together, not as individuals, and whichever team does that will have more results going in their favour. So I think the franchise understand and that's why auction becomes a big, big element in winning the tournament, you know because whatever you do on the auction table, will decide your future when the tournament comes,” he concluded.</p>

<p>Delhi Capitals start their IPL 2021 campaign against Chennai Super Kings on April 10 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai where Pant will be seen locking horns with his mentor and former Indian captain MS Dhoni.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">With you and us together,<br />
It's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%F0%9D%99%8A%F0%9D%99%A7%F0%9D%99%96%F0%9D%99%A3%F0%9D%99%9C%F0%9D%99%9A%F0%9D%99%8A%F0%9D%99%A7%F0%9D%99%89%F0%9D%99%A4%F0%9D%99%A9%F0%9D%99%9D%F0%9D%99%9E%F0%9D%99%A3%F0%9D%99%9C?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#𝙊𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙊𝙧𝙉𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜</a> 🧡<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OrangeArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OrangeArmy</a>, we are ready for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a>! Are you? <a href="https://t.co/SOoU21yykp">pic.twitter.com/SOoU21yykp</a></p>
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) <a href="https://twitter.com/SunRisers/status/1375780231403859970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Whereas Laxman’s Sunrisers Hyderabad will be in action on April 11 against Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai.</p>


Rishabh Pant arguably has been the biggest gainer in Indian cricket over the last six months. After having gone through a rough patch, getting dropped by the Indian team across formats, the young southpaw made a roaring comeback in the national team by winning matches against Australia and England.

Rishabh Pant arguably has been the biggest gainer in Indian cricket over the last six months. After having gone through a rough patch, getting dropped by the Indian team across formats, the young southpaw made a roaring comeback in the national team by winning matches against Australia and England. Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor and former Indian batsman VVS Laxman, in an exclusive interview with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, talked about Rishabh Pant, his traits, how the youngster has evolved with experience in the world of cricket and more. × After not being named in the playing XI for Adelaide Test, Rishabh Pant found his place back in the team in Melbourne as Team India began a turnaround for ages in the series. In three matches, Pant ended up as the highest run-scorer for India with 274 runs as the Ajinkya Rahane-led side scripted history and won the Border-Gavaskar series for the second time on the trot. Pant was the hero among many heroes for Team India and continued his rich run of form against England in the home series. Now, the southpaw will be seen leading Delhi Capitals in the absence of regular skipper Rishabh Pant. Delighted with Pant’s career graph in the last six months, VVS Laxman said that the biggest difference in his game has the maturity and ability to access the situation without throwing his wicket away. Laxman lavished rich praise on Pant’s wicket-keeping as he said his work behind the stump comes as the most positive thing out of many. ALSO READ: Anil Kumble to WION: Selection headache a good thing for Punjab Kings “I always felt that Viru (Virender Sehwag) was a dangerous batsman who always posed threat to the opposition bowlers because he had the ability to not only hit loose deliveries for boundaries for success, but also good deliveries will be dispersed outside the boundary. I think it's more to do with his mindset. And for me, the biggest difference is how mature Rishabh Pant has become since the Sydney second innings not because he always had the shot, he always had that mindset, but now is much better prepared as far as understanding the situation and assessing the situation without compromising on his strength. And that's a very lethal combination, you know, because that will lead you to win a lot more matches and to become more consistent. And the more consistent a player of calibre of Rishabh Pant is, the more matches, he will win for his team, whichever team and whichever format is playing in,” Laxman told WION in an exclusive interview. Laxman feels the opportunity to captain Delhi Capitals in IPL 2021 and extra responsibility will help Pant enhance his potential while taking his performance a notch above. “I just believe that the maturity and the understanding of the situation as drastically improved in Rishabh Pant's game. The other huge difference is the way he has kept. And that for me has been the biggest positive this home season because the way he kept on challenging wickets in Test matches in Chennai and Ahmedabad shows that not only as you become more confident about his batting and winning matches, while batting, but also is become very confident behind the stumps, you know that really augurs well for Indian cricket. And I think sky is the limit for Rishabh Pant and I'm sure that he will go out and you know, sort of embrace this opportunity of leading the Delhi capitals team because when you have that extra responsibility on your shoulder, I'm sure that that will enhance his potential and performance. And that's something which I'm sure every fan of his is looking forward to,” the former Indian batsman said. IN PICS | Meredith, Shahrukh: Surprise packages who can take IPL 2021 by storm Despite losing a crucial player in Shreyas Iyer, Delhi Capitals, the runners-up of IPL 2020, head into a fresh season with a bundle of domestic talents. Be it experience or youth, DC are packed with a plethora of domestic players starting from Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin to Prithvi Shaw, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Amit Mishra, Axar Patel among others. Not to forget Rishabh Pant. The overseas players just bolster the DC squad and make them one of the strong contenders for the IPL trophy. A strong domestic core is key in a tournament like IPL and Laxman feels every franchise have understood the importance of investing in quality Indian players. “It's not only Delhi, I think it's all the franchise, which invests in a lot of Indian players. Some players blossom and become more experienced and the more international cricket you play for the country. I think the more experience you get, the more confidence you get because of that exposure. So I think a lot of franchises understand the fact that it's important to invest in quality Indian players, and they become your market players, while the overseas players come in, to just fill in the gaps, you know, whichever skillset is lacking from the Indian talent pool, that's when you get in your overseas players to fill in the gaps,” Laxman explained. “I think it's a good mix of the Indian talent and overseas experienced staff, and whichever team gels well, it's not only about the skill set, it's not only about the talent, but it's also about understanding each other's role understanding that you know, as a team, you have to go out and play together, not as individuals, and whichever team does that will have more results going in their favour. So I think the franchise understand and that's why auction becomes a big, big element in winning the tournament, you know because whatever you do on the auction table, will decide your future when the tournament comes,” he concluded. Delhi Capitals start their IPL 2021 campaign against Chennai Super Kings on April 10 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai where Pant will be seen locking horns with his mentor and former Indian captain MS Dhoni. With you and us together, It's #𝙊𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙊𝙧𝙉𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 🧡#OrangeArmy, we are ready for #IPL2021! Are you? pic.twitter.com/SOoU21yykp — SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) March 27, 2021 × Whereas Laxman’s Sunrisers Hyderabad will be in action on April 11 against Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai.

VVS Laxman to WION: Delhi Capitals captaincy will help Rishabh Pant reach his potential

<p>After finishing as the runner-up of the previous edition of the Indian Premier League, the Delhi Capitals will start their 14th&nbsp;edition of the IPL in Mumbai on Saturday,&nbsp;against Chennai Super Kings at the&nbsp;Wankhede Stadium.&nbsp;Delhi Capitals will look to go one up and lift the trophy for the first time. DC's new skipper Rishabh Pant is looking forward to defeating his mentor and former Indian captain MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings in what will be his captaincy debut in the cash-rich T20 tournament.</p>

<p>Speaking ahead of their opening match, Head Coach Ricky Ponting and Captain&nbsp;Rishabh Pant expect to achieve a better result this season.</p>

<p>"The CSK have got a good squad of players and they've got lots of flexibility and a lot of options. But we've got a great squad as well and we want to build on last season. I have said to the boys that it's not about last season, but there are a lot of positives that we can take from the way we have played in the last couple of seasons. Although we've got a slightly different squad, we expect to play better as a group and achieve some better results. So, for us, Chennai Super Kings is just game one. We need to approach it with the right attitude and play well. Hopefully, win that game and move onto the second game. But we know that we'll have to play well to win," said Ponting.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-cricketers-hit-sixes-at-taking-jibes-at-dhoni-and-dhawans-gully-cricket-376296" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Cricketers hit sixes at taking jibes at Dhoni and Dhawan's gully cricket</a></strong></p>

<p>The Australian added that Suresh Raina, who missed the last season, will make a big difference to the CSK outfit this year, "The Chennai Super Kings have been one of the most successful teams in the history of the IPL. They have got a great leader and a great squad of players. They have always managed to play consistent cricket. Last year, they were probably disappointed with the way their season worked out, but I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that Suresh Raina wasn't there for the entire tournament. He comes back to the squad this year, which is almost like a new recruit for them."</p>

<p>The Delhi Capitals&nbsp;Captain Rishabh Pant expressed that it will be very special for him to lead an IPL team for the first time in a match against MS Dhoni's side, "It will be extra special to walk out for the toss with MS Dhoni tomorrow. This will be the first time that I will be leading an IPL team and the first match is against Mahi bhai. I have learned a lot from him, and I have gained a lot of experience from him. Hopefully, I can use this experience against him, and we can win this match. That's what I am looking forward to."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-what-is-new-what-has-changed-who-is-in-who-is-out-ten-things-different-this-time-376268" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: What is new, what has changed, who is in, who is out? Ten things different this time</a></strong></p>

<p>Pant added that the Delhi Capitals squad, for the IPL 2021, has a great mix of experience and youth, "I have been talking to the senior players like Shikhar Dhawan, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane about the fields we can set and other strategic decisions for the team. I have been talking to Ricky and our Bowling Coach James Hopes as well. There's a good mix of seniors and juniors in our squad and I think with the help of Ricky, we can do something different this year."</p>

<p>The DC head coach said that all players are hungry to perform and are ready for another challenge in the IPL, "I am really happy about how our last 10-11 days have gone. There will be certainly no excuses from us about how we perform in Game 1. We've got a great group of players, who are hungry and excited for another challenge for us as a franchise and a team. So, I am excited to see how the boys play tomorrow."</p>

<p>Pant expressed that he is just looking to keep things simple in his first match as Skipper in the IPL.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-rabada-to-archer-key-players-set-to-miss-first-ipl-2021-match-of-their-teams-376238" hreflang="en">From Rabada to Archer - Key players set to miss first IPL 2021 match of their teams</a></strong></p>

<p>"I haven't thought about the fact that it's my first match as Captain in the IPL. I am just going to keep things simple and give my 100 percent. You get a good idea about setting fields as a wicketkeeper and now as Captain I will be making the changes in the field directly. So, there's not going to be much of a difference for me," said Pant.</p>


After finishing as the runner-up of the previous edition of the Indian Premier League, the Delhi Capitals will start their 14th edition of the IPL in Mumbai on Saturday, against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium.

After finishing as the runner-up of the previous edition of the Indian Premier League, the Delhi Capitals will start their 14th edition of the IPL in Mumbai on Saturday, against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium. Delhi Capitals will look to go one up and lift the trophy for the first time. DC's new skipper Rishabh Pant is looking forward to defeating his mentor and former Indian captain MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings in what will be his captaincy debut in the cash-rich T20 tournament. Speaking ahead of their opening match, Head Coach Ricky Ponting and Captain Rishabh Pant expect to achieve a better result this season. "The CSK have got a good squad of players and they've got lots of flexibility and a lot of options. But we've got a great squad as well and we want to build on last season. I have said to the boys that it's not about last season, but there are a lot of positives that we can take from the way we have played in the last couple of seasons. Although we've got a slightly different squad, we expect to play better as a group and achieve some better results. So, for us, Chennai Super Kings is just game one. We need to approach it with the right attitude and play well. Hopefully, win that game and move onto the second game. But we know that we'll have to play well to win," said Ponting. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: Cricketers hit sixes at taking jibes at Dhoni and Dhawan's gully cricket The Australian added that Suresh Raina, who missed the last season, will make a big difference to the CSK outfit this year, "The Chennai Super Kings have been one of the most successful teams in the history of the IPL. They have got a great leader and a great squad of players. They have always managed to play consistent cricket. Last year, they were probably disappointed with the way their season worked out, but I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that Suresh Raina wasn't there for the entire tournament. He comes back to the squad this year, which is almost like a new recruit for them." The Delhi Capitals Captain Rishabh Pant expressed that it will be very special for him to lead an IPL team for the first time in a match against MS Dhoni's side, "It will be extra special to walk out for the toss with MS Dhoni tomorrow. This will be the first time that I will be leading an IPL team and the first match is against Mahi bhai. I have learned a lot from him, and I have gained a lot of experience from him. Hopefully, I can use this experience against him, and we can win this match. That's what I am looking forward to." ALSO READ: IPL 2021: What is new, what has changed, who is in, who is out? Ten things different this time Pant added that the Delhi Capitals squad, for the IPL 2021, has a great mix of experience and youth, "I have been talking to the senior players like Shikhar Dhawan, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane about the fields we can set and other strategic decisions for the team. I have been talking to Ricky and our Bowling Coach James Hopes as well. There's a good mix of seniors and juniors in our squad and I think with the help of Ricky, we can do something different this year." The DC head coach said that all players are hungry to perform and are ready for another challenge in the IPL, "I am really happy about how our last 10-11 days have gone. There will be certainly no excuses from us about how we perform in Game 1. We've got a great group of players, who are hungry and excited for another challenge for us as a franchise and a team. So, I am excited to see how the boys play tomorrow." Pant expressed that he is just looking to keep things simple in his first match as Skipper in the IPL. ALSO READ: From Rabada to Archer - Key players set to miss first IPL 2021 match of their teams "I haven't thought about the fact that it's my first match as Captain in the IPL. I am just going to keep things simple and give my 100 percent. You get a good idea about setting fields as a wicketkeeper and now as Captain I will be making the changes in the field directly. So, there's not going to be much of a difference for me," said Pant.

It will be extra special: Rishabh Pant looking to defeat MS Dhoni-led CSK on IPL captaincy debut

<p class="MsoNormal">Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 opener between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indian in Chennai on Friday, Virat Kohli has opened up about his bonding with the Bengaluru-based franchise. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Kohli has revealed that despite not winning a single trophy, the thought of leaving RCB has never crossed his mind while adding that it was impossible to “recreate” the feelings and bonding at RCB with any other franchise. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"There are a couple of other teams who have great fan bases but I think we are a team who get a lot of support and adulation wherever we play because we play a certain brand of cricket. We will play our heart out, we might not be composed enough in many difficult situations in the past but there has never been a shortage of passion, commitment, intensity.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Trending:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-rahul-dravids-angry-side-leaves-virat-kohli-in-surprise-376306" hreflang="en">Watch: Rahul Dravid's 'angry' side leaves Virat Kohli in surprise</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"A lot of fun on the field and me as an individual have never felt that I wanna move away from the system just because I haven't won a title. That happens because things have been so organic, this cannot be created anywhere. This cannot be manufactured in a way that people are forcing me to play, and I am forcing the management to keep me, there has never been a conversation like that. So, things have been very organic. The respect, the care and the enjoyment I feel here, I don't think I can recreate anywhere else. The experience has been magical," Virat Kohli said in a video posted by RCB.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">After ending their IPL 2020 season in playoffs, RCB snapped the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Kyle Jamieson, Dan Christian among others as they look to end their trophy drought in the cash-rich T20 tournament.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"It feels surreal. Honestly, it doesn't feel like we went away for too long as there was a lot of cricket in between as well but yeah, very excited that we are playing in India again.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-mi-vs-rcb-chepauks-pitch-report-chennais-weather-prediction-and-venue-stats-all-you-need-to-know-376301" hreflang="en">IPL 2021, MI vs RCB: Chepauk's pitch report, Chennai's weather prediction and venue stats - All you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"Although in a different way, in a different setting. I am very optimistic and yes I have a good feeling this time around," Virat Kohli said in a video posted by RCB," Virat Kohli had said while joining the RCB bio-bubble in Chennai.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">RCB take on MI in the first match of IPL 2021 in Chennai on Friday.<o:p></o:p></p>


Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 opener between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indian in Chennai on Friday, Virat Kohli has opened up about his bonding with the Bengaluru-based franchise.

Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 opener between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indian in Chennai on Friday, Virat Kohli has opened up about his bonding with the Bengaluru-based franchise. Kohli has revealed that despite not winning a single trophy, the thought of leaving RCB has never crossed his mind while adding that it was impossible to “recreate” the feelings and bonding at RCB with any other franchise. "There are a couple of other teams who have great fan bases but I think we are a team who get a lot of support and adulation wherever we play because we play a certain brand of cricket. We will play our heart out, we might not be composed enough in many difficult situations in the past but there has never been a shortage of passion, commitment, intensity. Trending: Watch: Rahul Dravid's 'angry' side leaves Virat Kohli in surprise "A lot of fun on the field and me as an individual have never felt that I wanna move away from the system just because I haven't won a title. That happens because things have been so organic, this cannot be created anywhere. This cannot be manufactured in a way that people are forcing me to play, and I am forcing the management to keep me, there has never been a conversation like that. So, things have been very organic. The respect, the care and the enjoyment I feel here, I don't think I can recreate anywhere else. The experience has been magical," Virat Kohli said in a video posted by RCB. After ending their IPL 2020 season in playoffs, RCB snapped the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Kyle Jamieson, Dan Christian among others as they look to end their trophy drought in the cash-rich T20 tournament. "It feels surreal. Honestly, it doesn't feel like we went away for too long as there was a lot of cricket in between as well but yeah, very excited that we are playing in India again. ALSO READ: IPL 2021, MI vs RCB: Chepauk's pitch report, Chennai's weather prediction and venue stats - All you need to know "Although in a different way, in a different setting. I am very optimistic and yes I have a good feeling this time around," Virat Kohli said in a video posted by RCB," Virat Kohli had said while joining the RCB bio-bubble in Chennai. RCB take on MI in the first match of IPL 2021 in Chennai on Friday.

Experience has been magical: Virat Kohli talks about his bonding with RCB ahead of IPL 2021

<p>Social media campaigns have&nbsp;already taken the internet by storm ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021&nbsp;and the cricketers are not untouched by the virality. All in good humour but especially players from overseas have not shied away from taunting legendary MS Dhoni and eccentric Shikhar Dhawan on social media. It just goes on to show that the coming two months of IPL 2021 will be filled with unlimited entertainment.</p>

<p>After Dream11 shared a video of the #TeamHaiTohMazaaHai campaign starring MS Dhoni who is seen bowling at a street cricket match and managing to dismiss his opponent, Ab de Villiers requested MSD to bowl and not keep. ‘Definitely prefer you bowling than keeping. New role?’ – a suggestion from a competitive standpoint from two&nbsp;wicketkeepers.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> Definitely prefer you bowling than keeping, new role? 😉 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamHaiTohMazaaHai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamHaiTohMazaaHai</a> <a href="https://t.co/QfblmD0YuQ">https://t.co/QfblmD0YuQ</a></p>
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17/status/1380049369567698944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Faf du Plessis, Dhoni’s CSK teammate reminds him of plans to go for bike rides on Mahi’s bike, We all know that MSD is a fan of bikes and has an awesome collection, Faf just wants to benefit as a teammate. &nbsp;- @msdhoni When are we taking your bikes out for a ride? You Promised We're a TEAM after all :P #TeamHaiTohMazaaHai #Whistlepodu</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-will-there-be-opening-ceremony-ahead-of-tournament-opener-all-you-need-to-know-376291" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Will there be opening ceremony ahead of tournament opener? - All you need to know</a></strong></p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> When are we taking your bikes out for a ride? You Promised😀<br />
We're a TEAM afterall :P <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamHaiTohMazaaHai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamHaiTohMazaaHai</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Whistlepodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Whistlepodu</a> <a href="https://t.co/DFdHep5S3n">https://t.co/DFdHep5S3n</a></p>
— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) <a href="https://twitter.com/faf1307/status/1380061438958444546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>In another video Shikhar Dhawan was seen making space to cricket on the terrace, he tagged his teammates Rishabh Pant, R Ashwin, Shreyas Iyer and Kagiso Rabada showcasing the importance of comradery as Delhi Capitals challenges for their first IPL trophy, he said Team hai toh zindagi hai. Aur jab saare dost ek saath ho, toh zindagi kamaal hai.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Team hai toh zindagi hai. Aur jab saare dost ek saath ho, toh zindagi kamaal hai. <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiCapitals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DelhiCapitals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KagisoRabada25?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KagisoRabada25</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ShreyasIyer15?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShreyasIyer15</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamHaiTohMazaaHai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamHaiTohMazaaHai</a> <a href="https://t.co/vnWwZzbVbO">https://t.co/vnWwZzbVbO</a></p>
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) <a href="https://twitter.com/SDhawan25/status/1380037693170708480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the tweet where Shikhar Dhawan tagged his teammates, Ben Stokes tweets ‘Great warm-up’. As Ben Stoke’s Rajasthan Royals looks eager to match up against Shikhar Dhawan's Delhi Capitals again, &nbsp;it is sure that Ben is genuinely challenging Shikhar for a matchup in the days to follow.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Great warm up <a href="https://twitter.com/SDhawan25?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SDhawan25</a>! Let’s do this <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajasthanroyals</a> 🙌🙌 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamHaiTohMazaaHai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamHaiTohMazaaHai</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Dream11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dream11</a> <a href="https://t.co/BsmDLSSmGh">https://t.co/BsmDLSSmGh</a></p>
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) <a href="https://twitter.com/benstokes38/status/1380068040562335747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Jos Butler surely had a trick up his sleeve, he taunted Shikhar Dhawan when he was seen clearing his terrace of clothes, kept out to dry in order to play cricket with his friends to which the English gloveman poked - &nbsp;Didn't know you had such a massive wardrobe.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-what-is-new-what-has-changed-who-is-in-who-is-out-ten-things-different-this-time-376268" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: What is new, what has changed, who is in, who is out? Ten things different this time</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Didn't know you had such a massive wardrobe!!😂<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamHaiTohMazaaHai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamHaiTohMazaaHai</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Dream11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dream11</a> <a href="https://t.co/o15SmhiwXC">https://t.co/o15SmhiwXC</a></p>
— Jos Buttler (@josbuttler) <a href="https://twitter.com/josbuttler/status/1380073817926737920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>As if the Englishmen were not enough, even compatriot Ashwin jibed at the southpaw to clear his terrace too - My terrace is great for building cricket too @SDhawan25, please help clear it!!&nbsp;. @DelhiCapitals @RishabhPant17 @ShreyasIyer15 &nbsp;#TeamHaiTohMazaaHai @dream11</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My terrace is great for building cricket too <a href="https://twitter.com/SDhawan25?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SDhawan25</a> , please help clear it!!😁😁 . <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiCapitals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DelhiCapitals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ShreyasIyer15?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShreyasIyer15</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamHaiTohMazaaHai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamHaiTohMazaaHai</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Dream11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dream11</a> <a href="https://t.co/R64zDdU8pM">https://t.co/R64zDdU8pM</a></p>
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1380080717116375042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Social media campaigns have already taken the internet by storm ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 and the cricketers are not untouched by the virality.

Social media campaigns have already taken the internet by storm ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 and the cricketers are not untouched by the virality. All in good humour but especially players from overseas have not shied away from taunting legendary MS Dhoni and eccentric Shikhar Dhawan on social media. It just goes on to show that the coming two months of IPL 2021 will be filled with unlimited entertainment. After Dream11 shared a video of the #TeamHaiTohMazaaHai campaign starring MS Dhoni who is seen bowling at a street cricket match and managing to dismiss his opponent, Ab de Villiers requested MSD to bowl and not keep. ‘Definitely prefer you bowling than keeping. New role?’ – a suggestion from a competitive standpoint from two wicketkeepers. @msdhoni Definitely prefer you bowling than keeping, new role? 😉 #TeamHaiTohMazaaHai https://t.co/QfblmD0YuQ — AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) April 8, 2021 × Faf du Plessis, Dhoni’s CSK teammate reminds him of plans to go for bike rides on Mahi’s bike, We all know that MSD is a fan of bikes and has an awesome collection, Faf just wants to benefit as a teammate. - @msdhoni When are we taking your bikes out for a ride? You Promised We're a TEAM after all :P #TeamHaiTohMazaaHai #Whistlepodu ALSO READ: IPL 2021: Will there be opening ceremony ahead of tournament opener? - All you need to know @msdhoni When are we taking your bikes out for a ride? You Promised😀 We're a TEAM afterall :P #TeamHaiTohMazaaHai #Whistlepodu https://t.co/DFdHep5S3n — Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) April 8, 2021 × In another video Shikhar Dhawan was seen making space to cricket on the terrace, he tagged his teammates Rishabh Pant, R Ashwin, Shreyas Iyer and Kagiso Rabada showcasing the importance of comradery as Delhi Capitals challenges for their first IPL trophy, he said Team hai toh zindagi hai. Aur jab saare dost ek saath ho, toh zindagi kamaal hai. Team hai toh zindagi hai. Aur jab saare dost ek saath ho, toh zindagi kamaal hai. @DelhiCapitals @RishabhPant17 @KagisoRabada25 @ashwinravi99 @ShreyasIyer15 #TeamHaiTohMazaaHai https://t.co/vnWwZzbVbO — Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) April 8, 2021 × In the tweet where Shikhar Dhawan tagged his teammates, Ben Stokes tweets ‘Great warm-up’. As Ben Stoke’s Rajasthan Royals looks eager to match up against Shikhar Dhawan's Delhi Capitals again, it is sure that Ben is genuinely challenging Shikhar for a matchup in the days to follow. Great warm up @SDhawan25! Let’s do this @rajasthanroyals 🙌🙌 #TeamHaiTohMazaaHai @Dream11 https://t.co/BsmDLSSmGh — Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) April 8, 2021 × Jos Butler surely had a trick up his sleeve, he taunted Shikhar Dhawan when he was seen clearing his terrace of clothes, kept out to dry in order to play cricket with his friends to which the English gloveman poked - Didn't know you had such a massive wardrobe. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: What is new, what has changed, who is in, who is out? Ten things different this time Didn't know you had such a massive wardrobe!!😂#TeamHaiTohMazaaHai @Dream11 https://t.co/o15SmhiwXC — Jos Buttler (@josbuttler) April 8, 2021 × As if the Englishmen were not enough, even compatriot Ashwin jibed at the southpaw to clear his terrace too - My terrace is great for building cricket too @SDhawan25, please help clear it!! . @DelhiCapitals @RishabhPant17 @ShreyasIyer15 #TeamHaiTohMazaaHai @dream11 My terrace is great for building cricket too @SDhawan25 , please help clear it!!😁😁 . @DelhiCapitals @RishabhPant17 @ShreyasIyer15 #TeamHaiTohMazaaHai @dream11 https://t.co/R64zDdU8pM — Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) April 8, 2021 ×

IPL 2021: Cricketers hit sixes at taking jibes at Dhoni and Dhawan's gully cricket

<p class="MsoNormal">Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Team India pacer T Natarajan has recalled MS Dhoni’s advice to him about managing his fitness and bowling variations and revealed how the tips from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain helped him grow in his career.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Dhoni was one of Natarjan’s 16 wickets in IPL 2020 in what was a breakthrough season for the left-arm pacer. Natarajan further talked about why he didn’t celebrate after dismissing India’s most iconic captain in IPL 2020.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“I pitched one in the slot and he hit me for a big six — 102 metres or something,” Natarajan told ESPNCricinfo, referring to the match between SRH and CSK on October 13.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“The next ball I got his wicket (and didn’t celebrate) — I was just thinking about that previous ball. After coming back to the dressing room, though, I was happy,” he further said.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-has-back-up-plans-for-t20-world-cup-in-india-interim-ceo-geoff-allardice-375878" hreflang="en">ICC has back-up plans for T20 World Cup in India: Interim CEO Geoff Allardice</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DidYouKnow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DidYouKnow</a>: It was <a href="https://twitter.com/Natarajan_91?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Natarajan_91</a>'s<br />
dream to get Dhoni's wicket!<br />
<br />
And he fulfilled it yesterday! Way to go, Nattu! 👏🏻👏🏻<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OrangeArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OrangeArmy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeepRising?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeepRising</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/4piXkdIuuG">pic.twitter.com/4piXkdIuuG</a></p>
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) <a href="https://twitter.com/SunRisers/status/1316401103961907202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The left-arm pacer, who went on to make his India debut across formats after IPL 2020, revealed what Dhoni told him after the match.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“After finishing the match, I also had a chat with him. Speaking to somebody like Dhoni itself is a big thing. He spoke to me about fitness and encouraged me, saying that I will keep getting better with experience. He said, use slow bouncers, cutters, and variations like that. It has been useful for me,” he said.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government on Monday paved the way for IPL 2021 in the COVID-19-ravaged Mumbai as they gave green signals to the franchises to practice post 8pm and travel back to their respective hotels amid night curfew.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/overseas-players-give-up-on-mental-health-sourav-ganguly-says-indians-more-tolerant-in-bubble-life-375857" hreflang="en">Overseas players 'give up on mental health,' Sourav Ganguly says Indians more tolerant in bubble life</a></strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Due to the massive surge of COVID-19 cases in Mumbai and Maharashtra, the state government on Sunday announced “Break the Chain”, under which section 144 and night-curfew from 8pm to 7am on weekdays has been imposed on entire Maharashtra, including Mumbai.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">IPL 2021 is set to kick-start from April 9.<br />
<o:p></o:p></p>


Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Team India pacer T Natarajan has recalled MS Dhoni’s advice to him about managing his fitness and bowling variations and revealed how the tips from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain helped him grow in his career.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Team India pacer T Natarajan has recalled MS Dhoni’s advice to him about managing his fitness and bowling variations and revealed how the tips from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain helped him grow in his career. Dhoni was one of Natarjan’s 16 wickets in IPL 2020 in what was a breakthrough season for the left-arm pacer. Natarajan further talked about why he didn’t celebrate after dismissing India’s most iconic captain in IPL 2020. “I pitched one in the slot and he hit me for a big six — 102 metres or something,” Natarajan told ESPNCricinfo, referring to the match between SRH and CSK on October 13. “The next ball I got his wicket (and didn’t celebrate) — I was just thinking about that previous ball. After coming back to the dressing room, though, I was happy,” he further said. ALSO READ: ICC has back-up plans for T20 World Cup in India: Interim CEO Geoff Allardice #DidYouKnow: It was @Natarajan_91's dream to get Dhoni's wicket! And he fulfilled it yesterday! Way to go, Nattu! 👏🏻👏🏻#OrangeArmy #KeepRising #IPL2020 pic.twitter.com/4piXkdIuuG — SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) October 14, 2020 × The left-arm pacer, who went on to make his India debut across formats after IPL 2020, revealed what Dhoni told him after the match. “After finishing the match, I also had a chat with him. Speaking to somebody like Dhoni itself is a big thing. He spoke to me about fitness and encouraged me, saying that I will keep getting better with experience. He said, use slow bouncers, cutters, and variations like that. It has been useful for me,” he said. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government on Monday paved the way for IPL 2021 in the COVID-19-ravaged Mumbai as they gave green signals to the franchises to practice post 8pm and travel back to their respective hotels amid night curfew. ALSO READ: Overseas players 'give up on mental health,' Sourav Ganguly says Indians more tolerant in bubble life × Due to the massive surge of COVID-19 cases in Mumbai and Maharashtra, the state government on Sunday announced “Break the Chain”, under which section 144 and night-curfew from 8pm to 7am on weekdays has been imposed on entire Maharashtra, including Mumbai. IPL 2021 is set to kick-start from April 9.

IPL 2021: SRH pacer T Natarajan reveals precious MS Dhoni advice from last season

<p>Punjab Kings have been eyeing the coveted Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy for long&nbsp;and with an eye to end the title jinx, the rebranded outfit would be heading into the 14th edition of the tournament after strengthening the squad at the auction table. With new additions in the team with the likes of Dawid Malan, Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith, Shahrukh Khan among others, Punjab Kings are looking at a selection headache for the upcoming edition of the lucrative T20 tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Anil Kumble, the Director of Cricket Operations at Punjab Kings, in an exclusive interview with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, talked about the selection headache for the KL Rahul-led outfit while also sharing the plans for the auction.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Punjab Kings signed a few big-name players in the world of T20 cricket during the 2021 auction. While they got the world’s number one T20I batsman Dawid Malan, surprisingly, for his base price, they broke the bank for the Australian troika of Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith and Moises Henriques. Additionally, they capped an impressive auction by signing some eye-catching domestic talents in the likes of Jalaj Saxena, Shahrukh Khan, Utkarsh Singh and Saurabh Kumar.</p>

<p>“I think people sort of tend to discuss the actual money spent on a particular player, whether that particular player is actually that valuable. I think in the overall scheme of things like I mentioned, it was a small auction, where the interest on one particular player or two particular players would be, you know, more than two or three franchises wanting that particular player. So, as I mentioned, we wanted to create some sort of options for us to have the firepower and some pace,” Kumble told WION in an exclusive interview.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“And that's why we looked at Riley Meredith. And we believe that somebody of his pace, raw pace, as somebody who can ball that consistently more than 145 kilometres per hour, we felt that that's something that we wanted as an option.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Kumble" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f0b413d7-0572-4b8c-8d18-a69e6666b9d7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kumble-2_2.JPG" /></p>

<p>“Yes, you know, when you look at the money spent, you sort of think, ‘Oh, no, he hasn't played for Australia’ (at that point in time). Why are they spending so much as I mentioned in a small auction, it's very difficult to gauge the actual value that goes into picking a player, Jhye Richardson, we felt that, he could obviously support Mohammed Shami, our lead bowler, and if you can get someone bowling in difficult periods, like the powerplay, middle overs, and he's useful with the bat as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“See, sometimes you sort of pick players from the auction looking at this year. But you may also want to keep your mind for the following year, as well. We don't know what the rules are going to be. I think it's important to keep that kind of a vision for the future as well. So we felt Jhye, with his ability to swing the ball at pace, will be able to pick up wickets in the powerplay and of course at the dead, so those two will certainly add a lot of value to the already, you know, good base attack that we have and the experience of Shami and Chris Jordan, along with all the Indian youngsters who have done exceptionally well in domestic cricket,” he added.</p>

<p>“Last year, Arshdeep was really good for us. Ishan Porel and Darshan Nalkande have been really good at the domestic level. So we believe that we have a good bowling unit that we can sort of rotate and make sure that there are no skills we lack you know.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Jitthe machaaenge sadde Kings dhoom, ae hain unha da 😍 team room 💥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaddaPunjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaddaPunjab</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PunjabKings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PunjabKings</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/FPYn9U2Pcu">pic.twitter.com/FPYn9U2Pcu</a></p>
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL/status/1378304846487490562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The new additions to the squad bring a fresh selection headache for Kumble and Co. in the IPL 2021 auction. With different venues to play the tournament in India, Punjab Kings would be looking to utilize their bench strength and maximize the skills of the players.</p>

<p>“Yeah, it is. It's a good thing to have (selection headache), as I said, Digvijay, it's all about having your options, not necessary that all of them will play all the matches. You know, it's very difficult to have that.</p>

<p>“What we needed was some experience in the all-round department, somebody who's played here before somebody who's been a part of winning teams. I mean, Moises brings that experience to the squad. Fabian, again is an exciting young all-rounder from West Indies, we all know, the power-hitting that they bring to the table and in this format, he's done exceptionally well is he's a young all-rounder. So it's nice to have him based on conditions obviously, you know, he's a very good left-hand spinner and then really hits the ball hard. And Dawid Malan brings experience and somebody who can sort of give support to the Indian batters that we have,” Kumble said.</p>

<p>“So we wanted a steady, someone who you can depend on. And then the firepower of Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran and Fabian Allen as a foreigner. Plus Moises and Dawid Malan sort of give you the comfort of you know them really free KL Rahul more so I think that's the kind of options that we wanted we're really glad that we got those. We also wanted a young Indian power-hitting batsman like a Shahrukh Khan. I'm really excited as he really hits the ball hard and it's good to have him as well in the squad. Like I mentioned it's all about having all bases covered and I think we have a pretty strong you know squat to choose from,” the former India captain and also the head of ICC’s Cricket Committee concluded.</p>

<p>Punjab Kings start their IPL 2021 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on April 12 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.</p>


Punjab Kings have been eyeing the coveted Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy for long and with an eye to end the title jinx, the rebranded outfit would be heading into the 14th edition of the tournament after strengthening the squad at the auction table.

Punjab Kings have been eyeing the coveted Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy for long and with an eye to end the title jinx, the rebranded outfit would be heading into the 14th edition of the tournament after strengthening the squad at the auction table. With new additions in the team with the likes of Dawid Malan, Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith, Shahrukh Khan among others, Punjab Kings are looking at a selection headache for the upcoming edition of the lucrative T20 tournament. Anil Kumble, the Director of Cricket Operations at Punjab Kings, in an exclusive interview with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, talked about the selection headache for the KL Rahul-led outfit while also sharing the plans for the auction. × Punjab Kings signed a few big-name players in the world of T20 cricket during the 2021 auction. While they got the world’s number one T20I batsman Dawid Malan, surprisingly, for his base price, they broke the bank for the Australian troika of Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith and Moises Henriques. Additionally, they capped an impressive auction by signing some eye-catching domestic talents in the likes of Jalaj Saxena, Shahrukh Khan, Utkarsh Singh and Saurabh Kumar. “I think people sort of tend to discuss the actual money spent on a particular player, whether that particular player is actually that valuable. I think in the overall scheme of things like I mentioned, it was a small auction, where the interest on one particular player or two particular players would be, you know, more than two or three franchises wanting that particular player. So, as I mentioned, we wanted to create some sort of options for us to have the firepower and some pace,” Kumble told WION in an exclusive interview. “And that's why we looked at Riley Meredith. And we believe that somebody of his pace, raw pace, as somebody who can ball that consistently more than 145 kilometres per hour, we felt that that's something that we wanted as an option. “Yes, you know, when you look at the money spent, you sort of think, ‘Oh, no, he hasn't played for Australia’ (at that point in time). Why are they spending so much as I mentioned in a small auction, it's very difficult to gauge the actual value that goes into picking a player, Jhye Richardson, we felt that, he could obviously support Mohammed Shami, our lead bowler, and if you can get someone bowling in difficult periods, like the powerplay, middle overs, and he's useful with the bat as well. “See, sometimes you sort of pick players from the auction looking at this year. But you may also want to keep your mind for the following year, as well. We don't know what the rules are going to be. I think it's important to keep that kind of a vision for the future as well. So we felt Jhye, with his ability to swing the ball at pace, will be able to pick up wickets in the powerplay and of course at the dead, so those two will certainly add a lot of value to the already, you know, good base attack that we have and the experience of Shami and Chris Jordan, along with all the Indian youngsters who have done exceptionally well in domestic cricket,” he added. “Last year, Arshdeep was really good for us. Ishan Porel and Darshan Nalkande have been really good at the domestic level. So we believe that we have a good bowling unit that we can sort of rotate and make sure that there are no skills we lack you know.” Jitthe machaaenge sadde Kings dhoom, ae hain unha da 😍 team room 💥#SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings #IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/FPYn9U2Pcu — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 3, 2021 × The new additions to the squad bring a fresh selection headache for Kumble and Co. in the IPL 2021 auction. With different venues to play the tournament in India, Punjab Kings would be looking to utilize their bench strength and maximize the skills of the players. “Yeah, it is. It's a good thing to have (selection headache), as I said, Digvijay, it's all about having your options, not necessary that all of them will play all the matches. You know, it's very difficult to have that. “What we needed was some experience in the all-round department, somebody who's played here before somebody who's been a part of winning teams. I mean, Moises brings that experience to the squad. Fabian, again is an exciting young all-rounder from West Indies, we all know, the power-hitting that they bring to the table and in this format, he's done exceptionally well is he's a young all-rounder. So it's nice to have him based on conditions obviously, you know, he's a very good left-hand spinner and then really hits the ball hard. And Dawid Malan brings experience and somebody who can sort of give support to the Indian batters that we have,” Kumble said. “So we wanted a steady, someone who you can depend on. And then the firepower of Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran and Fabian Allen as a foreigner. Plus Moises and Dawid Malan sort of give you the comfort of you know them really free KL Rahul more so I think that's the kind of options that we wanted we're really glad that we got those. We also wanted a young Indian power-hitting batsman like a Shahrukh Khan. I'm really excited as he really hits the ball hard and it's good to have him as well in the squad. Like I mentioned it's all about having all bases covered and I think we have a pretty strong you know squat to choose from,” the former India captain and also the head of ICC’s Cricket Committee concluded. Punjab Kings start their IPL 2021 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on April 12 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Anil Kumble to WION: Selection headache a good thing for Punjab Kings

<p>Cricket multi-millionaire Chris Morris has said that&nbsp;he wants to follow in his father's footsteps by playing for the South African province that dad Willie represented for 12 seasons.</p>

<p>Morris, 33, will play for the Rajasthan Royals in the 2021 Indian Premier League after the franchise bought him for US$2.2-million, an IPL auction record.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His projected fee will take him past $8-million in earnings from the IPL alone.</p>

<p>It is a different cricketing world from that in which Willie Morris played for what was then known as Northern Transvaal between 1979/80 and 1991/92.</p>

<p>Willie played in an era when cricket in South Africa was taking its first tentative steps towards professionalism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Cricketers still needed to have full-time jobs and would go to net practice after a long day in the office," said Chris.</p>

<p>Northern Transvaal had an unusual payment scheme, according to Lee Barnard, who captained Willie Morris for part of his career.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Batsmen only got paid if they scored at least 25 runs. More guys got out between 21 and 24 than in the whole history of cricket. Bowlers had to meet targets. One player had such a poor season that he couldn’t even pay his laundry bills."</p>

<p>Chris Morris said that cricket had been his life because of his father.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I always say I was born with a bat in my hand. He would come back from a long day at work and still have the energy to throw balls at me."</p>

<p>South Africa will be scrapping its current franchise system next season and will return to an interprovincial set-up similar to that in which Willie Morris played.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>- IPL 'big surprise' -</h2>

<p>The only big difference is that the province is now known as Northerns, with the name Transvaal having been dropped after the end of apartheid in South Africa.</p>

<p>"I’m quite excited for the new 15-province thing," said Chris.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If I get the opportunity to play at Centurion for Northerns and follow in Willie’s footsteps that will be quite cool."</p>

<p>Morris said his IPL record signing "came as a very big surprise".&nbsp;</p>

<p>After being released by Royal Challengers Bangalore last year, he wasn't even sure that another franchise would want his brand of aggressive batting, fast bowling and agile fielding.</p>

<p>"I don't think anyone in the cricket fraternity thought cricket would ever pay this well. In the past cricket couldn't set you up for the rest of your life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's the way business is going, the way sport is going, especially in the pandemic.</p>

<p>"I think a lot of people are looking for sport as a way to escape. Sportsmen have a responsibility to provide as much entertainment as we can."</p>

<p>Morris said he looked forward to returning to the Royals, a team he played for 2015. He said earning a big fee would not change his approach to playing.</p>

<p>"The auction is out of our control," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's an absolute lottery. At the end of the day I've got to do what I have been doing over the last couple of years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There will be a little bit of added pressure, that's natural. But I'm fortunate enough to have been part of this franchise before and I know what I'm getting into.”</p>

<p>The tall all-rounder has also played T20 cricket in Australia’s Big Bash League, South Africa’s Mzansi Super League and for two English counties. Surprisingly, though, his appearances for South Africa in international cricket have been sporadic.</p>

<p>He said during a press conference in Durban, where he is playing in a domestic T20 tournament, that there had been no contact with his home country’s selectors since he was picked as a late replacement for the 2019 Cricket World Cup.</p>

<p>And he remains reticent about whether he would be available to play for South Africa in the T20 World Cup in India later this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That's a difficult question," he said. "If that conversation comes, it comes."</p>


Cricket multi-millionaire Chris Morris has said that he wants to follow in his father's footsteps by playing for the South African province that dad Willie represented for 12 seasons.

Cricket multi-millionaire Chris Morris has said that he wants to follow in his father's footsteps by playing for the South African province that dad Willie represented for 12 seasons. Morris, 33, will play for the Rajasthan Royals in the 2021 Indian Premier League after the franchise bought him for US$2.2-million, an IPL auction record. His projected fee will take him past $8-million in earnings from the IPL alone. It is a different cricketing world from that in which Willie Morris played for what was then known as Northern Transvaal between 1979/80 and 1991/92. Willie played in an era when cricket in South Africa was taking its first tentative steps towards professionalism. "Cricketers still needed to have full-time jobs and would go to net practice after a long day in the office," said Chris. Northern Transvaal had an unusual payment scheme, according to Lee Barnard, who captained Willie Morris for part of his career. "Batsmen only got paid if they scored at least 25 runs. More guys got out between 21 and 24 than in the whole history of cricket. Bowlers had to meet targets. One player had such a poor season that he couldn’t even pay his laundry bills." Chris Morris said that cricket had been his life because of his father. "I always say I was born with a bat in my hand. He would come back from a long day at work and still have the energy to throw balls at me." South Africa will be scrapping its current franchise system next season and will return to an interprovincial set-up similar to that in which Willie Morris played. - IPL 'big surprise' - The only big difference is that the province is now known as Northerns, with the name Transvaal having been dropped after the end of apartheid in South Africa. "I’m quite excited for the new 15-province thing," said Chris. "If I get the opportunity to play at Centurion for Northerns and follow in Willie’s footsteps that will be quite cool." Morris said his IPL record signing "came as a very big surprise". After being released by Royal Challengers Bangalore last year, he wasn't even sure that another franchise would want his brand of aggressive batting, fast bowling and agile fielding. "I don't think anyone in the cricket fraternity thought cricket would ever pay this well. In the past cricket couldn't set you up for the rest of your life. "It's the way business is going, the way sport is going, especially in the pandemic. "I think a lot of people are looking for sport as a way to escape. Sportsmen have a responsibility to provide as much entertainment as we can." Morris said he looked forward to returning to the Royals, a team he played for 2015. He said earning a big fee would not change his approach to playing. "The auction is out of our control," he said. "It's an absolute lottery. At the end of the day I've got to do what I have been doing over the last couple of years. "There will be a little bit of added pressure, that's natural. But I'm fortunate enough to have been part of this franchise before and I know what I'm getting into.” The tall all-rounder has also played T20 cricket in Australia’s Big Bash League, South Africa’s Mzansi Super League and for two English counties. Surprisingly, though, his appearances for South Africa in international cricket have been sporadic. He said during a press conference in Durban, where he is playing in a domestic T20 tournament, that there had been no contact with his home country’s selectors since he was picked as a late replacement for the 2019 Cricket World Cup. And he remains reticent about whether he would be available to play for South Africa in the T20 World Cup in India later this year. "That's a difficult question," he said. "If that conversation comes, it comes."

Multi-millionaire Morris wants to follow in dad’s footsteps

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